Physico-chemical properties of Ocimum americanum L. essential oil from Burkina Faso

Abstract

The present study aims to determine physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of Ocimum americanum L. Essential oil (EO) extracted in Burkina Faso. The protocol described in ISO international standards and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were used respectively to determine physico-chemical properties and chemical analysis of the EO. The physico-chemical parameters measured were the acid index, the miscibility with ethanol, the pH, the relative density, the refractive index and the rotatory power. The organoleptic properties studied on the essential oil were the odour, the colour and the appearance. The EO showed a relative density value less than 1, a low light refraction and found to be dextro-rotatory. The pH value obtained was tended towards acidity, the EO was soluble in 5 volumes of ethanol (70%) with a low content of free acids. O. americanum EO was fluid, colourless with a specific odour. The chemical analysis of the EO showed that the 1.8-cineole (51.8%) and the camphor (17.4%) were found to be the major constituents of the EO. These results could lead for the establishment of essential oil standards in Burkina Faso.