STEAM DISTILLATION OPTIMIZING FOR LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION PROCESS

Abstract

In this study, we optimized conditions of extraction of essential oil from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) stalks and leaves, using steam distillation device having an extent of 25 ÷ 30 kilograms of material per batch and approaching industrial scale. Using response surface methodology (RSM) with three factors that affect to the volume of essential oil obtained (mL/kg): material size (mm), water/material ratio (L/kg) and distillation time (minute). In the optimal condition of lemon grass essential oil distillation using steam distillation at 5.66 L water to 1 kg sample, 10.00 mm material thickness size in 180 minutes, the maximum essential oil volume obtained was 2.98±0.02 mL/kg.