to supercritical CO2 extraction. Notwithstanding that hydrodistilled
and CO2 extracts have shown differences in chemical
composition, the most extracted compounds were similar in
composition in both extracts. Another finding of this study was
the characterization of the aroma profile of these Thymus
species. This was achieved by using sensorial evaluations and
the DHS technique coupled with odor intensity models,
showing that the latter can be a rapid tool for collection of
volatiles and evaluation of the odor fingerprint of (near) living
plants.
Conversely, using three different extraction techniques in this
study allows us to demonstrate the relevance that relies on the
choice of the selected extraction technique in order to obtain
the desired volatile chemicals and organoleptic qualities.
Likewise, the combination of these techniques is a valuable
tool for research on new chemical materials derived from plants
which are of major relevance in present and future efforts
toward continuous conservation of biodiversity.