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*Corresponding author: Lamido Sani Inuwa
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
Essential oil extraction from lemongrass using steam and hydro distillation from a
locally fabricated extractor
Sani Inuwa Lamido *, Bashir Aliyu Abba and Muazu Ibrahim
Department of Petrochemical and Gas Processing Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
Publication history: Received on 17 September 2024; revised on 25 October 2024; accepted on 28 October 2024
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gjeta.2024.21.1.0198
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.
Keywords: Essential oil; Lemongrass; Steam distillation; Hydro distillation; GCMS; Extractor
1. Introduction
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds derived from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, and roots
[2]. One such plant is Cymbopogon, commonly known lemongrass, which belongs to the grass family and is native to
Africa, Asia, and tropical islands [1]. Some species, particularly Cymbopogon citratus, are widely cultivated for their
medicinal and culinary uses due to their distinct lemon-like fragrance [3], similar to that of citrus fruits such as Citrus
limon [4]. The method of extraction plays a crucial role in determining the quality and yield of essential oils. Among the
various extraction techniques, steam distillation and hydro distillation are the most widely used. Both methods rely on
heat to release volatile compounds from plant materials, but they differ in operational procedures and energy
consumption. Steam distillation, a widely employed technique, leverages the volatility of the oil compounds and the
steam’s ability to vaporize and condense them. This method is favored for producing high-quality essential oils with
minimal thermal degradation, as the plant material does not come into direct contact with boiling water [5]. In contrast,
hydro distillation involves submerging the plant material directly in water and heating it to release the essential oil.
While steam distillation is commonly preferred for its efficiency and the production of higher-quality oils, hydro
distillation offers simplicity and cost efficiency [6]. The choice between these two methods may depend on factors such
as plant material, desired oil composition, and the intended applications of the extracted oil [7].
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
191
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is a widely used analytical technique for the characterization and
identification of essential oil components. GC-MS combines the separation capabilities of gas chromatography (GC) with
the detection and identification power of mass spectrometry (MS), making it ideal for analyzing the complex mixtures
present in essential oils. During analysis, volatile compounds are separated based on their retention times as they pass
through the GC column, and each compound is then ionized and identified by its unique mass spectrum in the MS
detector. This technique provides detailed information about the composition, concentration, and purity of essential
oils, allowing for the identification of major and minor constituents, including terpenes, aldehydes, and alcohols [8], [9].
GC-MS is crucial for quality control, authentication, and assessing the therapeutic or aromatic properties of essential
oils [10]. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of steam distillation and hydrodistillation for
essential oil extraction from lemongrass using a locally fabricated extractor. The use of locally made equipment offers a
sustainable and economically viable solution for communities in developing regions, promoting the local production of
essential oils without the need for expensive imported machinery.
2. Methodology
2.1. Plant Material
Fresh lemongrass leaves (Cymbopogon citratus) were harvested from Kaduna Polytechnic Tudun Wada Main Campus.
The leaves were air-dried in a shaded area for 5 days to reduce moisture content without losing essential oil quality.
The dried plant material was cut into small pieces to facilitate efficient extraction.
2.2. Locally Fabricated Extractor
A locally fabricated distillation unit was designed and constructed for the extraction process. The extractor as depicted
in Figure 1 consists of a boiler that generates steam for the process, distillation chamber which holds the lemongrass
plant material, a condenser for cooling the steam and condenses the oil and a receiver for the collection of the essential
oil and water mixture for subsequent separation.
2.3. Extraction Methods
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation was conducted by generating steam at the bottom part of the extractor which is passed through the
chamber containing the lemongrass leaves at the upper part of the extractor. The heat from the steam vaporized the
volatile oils, which were carried along with the steam through a condenser. The condensed liquid (a mixture of oil and
water) was collected, and the oil was separated by decantation. The process was carried out for three (3) hours per
batch, ensuring consistent temperature and steam flow.
Hydro Distillation
Figure 1 Essential oil extractor
In hydro distillation, the lemongrass plant material was submerged in water within the boiler. The water was heated to
produce steam, which carried the essential oils through the condenser. As with steam distillation, the oil-water mixture
was collected and separated by decantation. The hydro distillation process was also conducted for three (3) hours per
batch.
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
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Oil Separation and Yield Calculation
After condensation, the essential oil was separated from the water using a separatory funnel. The yield of essential oil
was calculated using the Equation (1):
…………….(1)
Quality Analysis: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
The composition of the extracted oils was analyzed using GC-MS. This analysis provided detailed information on the
chemical constituents of the oil, with a focus on citral content, which is the primary compound in lemongrass essential
oil. The results from both extraction methods were compared to evaluate the quality of the oil produced.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Essential Oil Yield
The results showed that steam distillation yielded a higher amount of essential oil compared to hydro distillation. On
average, the steam distillation process resulted in an oil yield of 0.76 %, while hydro distillation yielded 0.44 %. The
higher yield in steam distillation can be attributed to the more efficient volatilization of oils at higher temperatures with
less risk of oil degradation.
3.2. Essential Oil Composition
The GC-MS of the lemon grass oil extracted through the steam distillation method and detailed composition of the oil
components is given in Table 1.
Table 1 GCMS Analysis of Lemongrass Oil Extracted through Steam Distillation
S/N
RT
(min)
Compound Name
Area%
Description
1
9.413
Tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptane, 1,3,3-trimethyl-
3.65
Found in essential oils, used as a
fragrance and flavor agent.
2
14.740
Isoneral
2.16
Citrus-like scent, used in
perfumery and flavor
applications.
3
15.230
3,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl- (Isogeranial)
2.78
Known for lemon-like scent,
commonly used in fragrances.
4
16.927
trans-Carveol
35.22
Contributes a minty, herbal
aroma; used in flavorings and
perfumes.
5
17.341
2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl- (Geranial Citral)
20.24
Lemon-scented, common in
essential oils, widely used in
perfumery.
6
17.731
1-Cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, 2,6,6-trimethyl-
3.32
Often found in plant oils, used in
fragrance and flavor industries.
7
20.275
Ethanol, 2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-, (Z)-
1.59
Used as an intermediate in
chemical synthesis.
8
44.931
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.35
Found in fats and oils, used in
cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
193
9
45.046
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.80
Similar to the above; used as a
lipid or surfactant in
formulations.
10
45.074
Furan, 2-(diphenylamino)-4-(morpholinocarbonyl)-
5-(p-nitrophenyl)-
0.20
Synthetic organic compound,
used in research or material
science.
11
45.398
Hexadecanoic acid, 2-[(1-oxotetradecyl)oxy]-1,3-
propanediyl ester
2.56
Found in fats, used in emulsifiers
and cosmetics.
12
45.467
10-Nitro-3,8,13,18-tetraethyl-2,7,12,17-tetramethyl-
21H,23H-porphine
0.32
Possibly a synthetic compound,
could be used in dyes or
research.
13
45.619
2-naphthalenecarboxamide, N,N-didecyl-1-hydroxy-
0.97
Used in industrial applications,
possibly in dyes or coatings.
14
45.729
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.63
Common in skincare and
cosmetic formulations as an
emollient.
15
45.765
benzamide, N-[4-[[[4-(diethylamino)-2-
methylphenyl]imino]methyl]-4,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1-
phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-
0.15
Synthetic organic compound,
could be used in research.
16
45.865
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.66
Used in formulations for its
emollient properties.
17
46.033
2-naphthalenecarboxamide, N,N-didecyl-1-hydroxy-
1.33
Industrial chemical, potential
applications in materials.
18
46.077
10-Nitro-3,8,13,18-tetraethyl-2,7,12,17-tetramethyl-
21H,23H-porphine
0.40
Synthetic compound, likely used
in dye or material science
research.
19
46.205
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.79
Similar to others; common in
cosmetic and pharmaceutical
formulations.
20
46.272
Furan, 2-(diphenylamino)-4-(morpholinocarbonyl)-
5-(p-nitrophenyl)-
0.55
Synthetic compound, used in
material research.
21
46.358
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.72
Another fatty acid ester, used in
emollients and cosmetics.
Table 1 summarizes the major peaks and their corresponding compounds, along with potential applications based on
the identified chemicals. The description provides context on their possible roles in industrial or commercial
applications.
Table 2 GCMS Analysis of Lemongrass Oil Extracted through Hydro Distillation
S/No.
RT
(min)
Compound Name
Area
%
Description
1
9.412
Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane, 2-methylene-, cis-
2.82
Organic compound contributing to complex
hydrocarbon mixtures; likely a structural
component in the oil.
2
14.738
Isoneral
1.82
Similar to Citral; contributes a citrus scent,
potentially used for flavoring and fragrance.
3
15.233
3,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-
2.59
Likely an isomer of citral, providing lemony
fragrance.
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
194
4
16.934
trans-Verbenol
37.53
Oxygenated monoterpene with pine-like and
floral fragrance, used in essential oils for
therapeutic properties.
5
17.349
2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-(Z)
(Geranial Citral)
43.50
Major component in lemongrass oil,
contributing a strong lemony fragrance; used
extensively in flavoring, perfumes, and
cosmetics.
6
17.739
1-Cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, 2,6,6-
trimethyl-
0.21
Organic aldehyde contributing to complex
scent profiles in essential oils.
7
20.271
Hydrazine, 1-ethyl-1-phenyl-
1.27
Nitrogen-containing compound, primarily
used in industrial applications.
8
44.020
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-
oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.17
Likely a fatty acid ester, contributing to
emollient properties in cosmetics and skincare
formulations.
9
45.046
2-naphthalenecarboxamide, N,N-didecyl-
1-hydroxy-
2.30
Aromatic amide, likely contributing to oil
stability and potential as an additive.
10
45.407
Lauric acid, 2-(hexadecyloxy)-3-
(octadecyloxy)propyl ester
2.26
A fatty acid ester commonly used in skincare
and cosmetic formulations for its moisturizing
properties.
11
45.535
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-
oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.53
Another fatty acid ester with potential uses in
industrial applications and personal care
products.
12
45.562
Lauric acid, 2-(hexadecyloxy)-3-
(octadecyloxy)propyl ester
0.42
Similar to previous entries; adds moisturizing
and stabilizing properties in formulations.
13
45.615
Octadecanoic acid, 3-[(1-
oxohexadecyl)oxy]-2-[(1-
oxotetradecyl)oxy]propyl ester
0.59
Fatty acid ester with potential roles in
emulsification and skin-conditioning
products.
Similarly, Table 2 also depicts the summary of the major peaks and their corresponding compounds, along with
potential applications based on the identified chemicals. The description provides context on their possible roles in
industrial or commercial applications.
3.3. Comparison of GCMS Results Based on Extraction Methods
Both tables display the GCMS analysis of lemongrass oil, but extracted via different methods -steam distillation (Table
1) and hydrodistillation (Table 2). The comparison of the major compounds in the extracted oils is given in Table 3. The
composition and relative abundance of compounds vary between the two, highlighting how extraction methods
influence the oil's chemical profile.
Table 3 Comparison of Major Compounds in Extracted Oils through Steam Distillation and Hydrodistillation
S/no.
Major
Compound
Steam
Distillation
(Area %)
Hydro-
distillation
(Area %)
Differences
1
Geranial Citral (Lemon scent)
20.24%
43.50%
Geranial concentration is much higher
in hydrodistillation, contributing
significantly to the lemony scent of the
oil.
2
trans-Carveol / trans-
Verbenol
35.22%
(Carveol)
37.53%
(Verbenol)
Both compounds are oxygenated
monoterpenes, but trans-Verbenol
dominates in hydrodistillation,
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
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whereas trans-Carveol does in steam
distillation.
3
Isogeranial
2.78%
2.59%
Found in both oils in similar
proportions, contributing to the citrus
aroma.
4
Tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptane
3.65%
Absent
Present only in steam-distilled oil;
enhances aromatic complexity but
absent in hydrodistilled oil.
5
Octadecanoic acid derivatives
Multiple
derivatives,
totaling ~4.50%
~4.00%
Both oils contain fatty acid esters,
commonly used in skincare and
cosmetics, with similar concentrations.
6
Synthetic Compounds
Present in small
quantities
(varied types)
Absent
Synthetic compounds, possibly
artifacts from distillation or
contamination, are present in steam-
distilled oil but not in hydrodistilled
oil.
In both methods as presented in Table 3, Geranial Citral is the most dominant compound, but its concentration is
significantly higher in hydrodistillation (43.50%) compared to steam distillation (20.24%). This indicates that
hydrodistillation may be more effective in preserving or extracting citral, the primary component responsible for
lemongrass's lemony scent.
trans-Carveol (35.22%) is more abundant in steam distillation, contributing to the minty and herbal aromas. On the
other hand, trans-Verbenol (37.53%) dominates in hydrodistillation, bringing a pine-like, floral aroma.This difference
suggests that steam distillation may favor the extraction of minty/herbal components, whereas hydrodistillation
enhances floral/pine-like compounds like Verbenol.
Tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptane is only present in steam-distilled oil (3.65%). Its absence in the hydrodistilled oil could
indicate that this method breaks down or doesn't extract certain cyclic hydrocarbons as effectively, potentially due to
the gentler nature of hydrodistillation.
Both extraction methods yield fatty acid esters like octadecanoic acid derivatives (around 4-5%), which are useful in
cosmetics for their moisturizing properties. The concentrations are fairly consistent across both methods, implying that
these heavy compounds are extracted similarly regardless of distillation type.
Synthetic organic compounds such as Furan derivatives and porphyrin-related compounds were detected in steam-
distilled oil but are absent in hydrodistilled oil. This could be due to higher temperatures used in steam distillation,
which might promote side reactions, degradation, or contamination that introduce these compounds into the oil.
4. Conclusions
Hydrodistillation yields oil with higher concentrations of key aromatic compounds like Geranial Citral and trans-
Verbenol, making it more suitable for applications where natural, lemony, and pine-like scents are desired, such as in
fragrance and aromatherapy.
Steam distillation, while extracting more cyclic and heavier hydrocarbons, also introduces synthetic artifacts and
promotes the extraction of herbal and minty components like trans-Carveol, making it suitable for applications
requiring stronger herbal scents.
Hydrodistillation provides a more pure and natural composition, whereas steam distillation results in a broader range
of compounds.
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2024, 21(01), 190–196
196
Compliance with ethical standards
Disclosure of conflict of interest
No conflict of interest to be disclosed.
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