Comparative Study on Extraction and Formulation of Perfume Oil from Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) by Solvent Extraction and Steam Distilation

With increasing uses, rising world population and improved standard of living, the demand for essential oils increases. Essential oil can be extracted from Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus), using different extraction methods. In this work solvent extraction and steam distillation methods were used to extract essential oil from lemongrass. Solvent extraction method yielded 5.00%, and steam distillation methods yielded 2.21% essential oil respectively. From the experiment solvent extraction gave the highest yield because of the less exposure air and heat. Physical and chemical properties were assessed to evaluate quality characteristics of the oils. Results are shown in this wok, saponification value of 140mgKOH/g and 154.28mgKOH/g (steam distillation and solvent extraction), FFA of 1.4 and 2.4, Acid value of 2.8ml/g and 4.8ml/g, Peroxide value of 3.5meq/kg and 4.5meq/kg. The result from these analysis of these essential oils have shown that they can be applied in vast industrial processes such as soap making due to their high saponification values. Formulation of perfume oil from lemongrass was carried out. From the t-test and regression statistical analysis done t-stat gives 1.8439 and p-value two-tail is 0.1624.