Essential oil extraction from lemongrass using steam and hydro distillation from a locally fabricated extractor

Abstract

This study compares the chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil extracted through two distillation methods: steam distillation and hydrodistillation, using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results reveal significant differences in the relative abundance and types of compounds present in the oils obtained by each method. Hydrodistillation yielded a higher concentration of Geranial Citral (43.50%), the primary lemon-scented component, compared to steam distillation (20.24%), making it more suitable for applications in perfumery and aromatherapy where a natural lemon fragrance is desired. Conversely, steam-distilled oil contained higher levels of trans-Carveol (35.22%), contributing a minty and herbal aroma, and was characterized by the presence of cyclic hydrocarbons such as tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptane, which were absent in the hydrodistilled oil. Hydrodistillation also preserved more heat-sensitive compounds and avoided the formation of synthetic artifacts seen in steam-distilled oil, which exhibited trace amounts of synthetic by-products potentially caused by the higher extraction temperature. Hydrodistillation was found to produce a purer, more aromatic oil, while steam distillation provided a broader spectrum of compounds, including cyclic hydrocarbons and heavier components. This comparison highlights how distillation techniques can significantly influence the chemical profile and potential applications of essential oils in industries such as cosmetics, perfumery, and pharmaceuticals.