An Improved Microwave Extraction Method for Distillation of Essential Oil from Piper Betle L

Abstract

Botanically called as Piper Betel, Betel vine is a member of the pepper family “Piperaceae”. The heart shape green leaves of the betel vine are widely known as Paan in India. The leaves are credited with lot of medicinal values and used in therapies like treatment of bronchitis, prevention of oral diseases. Fresh betel leaves are hydro-distilled utilizing a modified microwave oven with Clevenger Apparatus for extraction of essential oil. The yield was improved by raising microwave power and elevating leaves to water ratio. The time required by MAHD method (90minutes) was less in comparison to HD method (210 minutes) for complete extraction as microwave heating involves flow of heat more efficiently. The chief components were investigated by Gas chromatography (GC) coupled with Mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis. The outcome indicated the presence of compounds which possess wide applications including as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal agents.