EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM JASMINE FLOWER USING

SOLVENT EXTRACTION METHOD: A STUDY OF FEED RATIO EFFECTS

THAVASELVAN A/L SUPERAMANIAM

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

“Saya akui bahawa saya telah membaca karya ini dan pada pandangan
saya karya ini adalah memadai dari segi skop dan kualiti untuk tujuan
penganugerahan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Kejuruteraan Kimia”

Tandatangan : ....................................................
Nama Penyelia : En. Syaiful Nizam bin Hassan
Tarikh : 1 Mei 2008
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EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM JASMINE FLOWER USING

SOLVENT EXTRACTION METHOD: A STUDY OF FEED RATIO EFFECTS

THAVASELVAN A/L SUPERAMANIAM

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree
of Bachelor of Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering

University Malaysia Pahang

MAY 2008
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I declare that this thesis entitled “Extraction of Essential Oils from Jasmine
Flower Using Solvent Extraction Method: A Study of Feed Ratio Effects” is the result
of my own research except as cited in the references. The thesis has not been
accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in candidature of any other
degree.

Signature : ....................................................

Name of Candidate : Thavaselvan A/L Superamaniam

Date : 1 MAY 2008

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Special dedication to my beloved father and mother, [Link] and [Link],

all my family members that always inspire, love and stand besides me, my
supervisors, my beloved friends, my fellow colleagues, and all faculty members.

For all your love, care, support, and believe in me. Thank you so much.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Praise be to God for His help and guidance that finally I am able to complete
this final year project as one of my requirement to complete my study.

First and foremost I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the
parties involved in this research. First of all, a special thank to my supervisor Mr.
Syaiful Nizam bin Hassan and Mr. Cheng Chin Kui for their willingness in
overseeing the progress of my research work from its initial phases till the
completion of it. I do believe that all their advice and comments are for the benefit of
producing the best research work.

I am grateful to the staff of Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources

Engineering of University Malaysia Pahang for their cheerfulness and
professionalism in handling their work. In preparing this thesis, I was in contact with
many people, researches, academicians and practitioners. They have contributed
towards my understanding and thoughts.

In particular, my sincere thankful is also extends to all my colleagues and

others who have provided assistance at various occasions. Their views and tips are
useful indeed. Unfortunately, it is not possible to list all of them in this limited space.
And last, but not least I thank my parents and other family members for their
continuous support while completing this thesis.
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ABSTRACT

Jasmine essential oils are primarily used in the perfumery industry and have a
very high commercial value due to its therapeutic properties. As Jasmine essential
oils are composed of heat-sensitive chemical compounds, the use of conventional
steam distillation technique would inevitably inflict thermal degradation to the
natural fragrance. In this experimental work, solvent extraction method was employed
due to its mild extracting condition and lower operating cost. Ethanol was used as the
solvent due to its high availability in market. The extract compositions were
compared using gas chromatography analysis. Preliminary results showed that
volatile oil compounds were successfully isolated from Jasmine flowers using these
solvents. It was found that the main constituents of the essential oils were benzyl
acetate and benzyldehyde. Further studies also revealed that the composition and
yield of essential oils influenced by the ratio of ethanol solvent to the jasmine flower.
The most optimum feed ratio of jasmine flower to ethanol solvent is 1: 2 (50mg:
100mL) where it’s yield is 14.65% and having process efficiency of 19%. Low yield
of the jasmine essential oils can be improved by varying this ratio and carrying out
the research in larger scale.
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ABSTRAK

Pengekstrakan minyak bunga melur terutamanya digunakan dalam

pembuatan minyak wangi dan mempunyai nilai komersil yang tinggi disebabkan
oleh ciri-ciri terapinya. Minyak ini adalah terdiri daripada komponen yang sensitif
pada haba, oleh itu penggunaan pengekstrakan stim sebagai salah satu cara untuk
mengekstrakkan minyak ini secara tidak langsung membawa kepada kesan degradasi
haba terhadap bau semulajadi minyak bunga melur. Di dalam kajian ini,
pengekstrakan minyak ini dilakukan menggunakan kaedah ekstraksi pelarut kerana ia
didapati sesuai untuk tujuan pengekstrakan minyak ini dan kos menggunakan cara ini
lebih rendah. Jenis bahan pelarut yang digunakan ialah etanol. Sampel minyak yang
didapati daripada kajian ini akan dibandingkan menggunakan analisis gas
kromatografi. Keputusan kajian pada peringkat permulaan menunjukan beberapa
komponen di dalam minyak ini dapat dikesan menggunakan pelarut-pelarut ini.
Komponen utama di dalam minyak bunga melur yang telah dikenalpasti ialah benzil
asetat dan benzaldehid. Kajian selanjutnya membuktikan pengesanan komponen dan
kuantiti minyak ini adalah dipengaruhi oleh nisbah kuantiti bunga melur kepada
pelarut etanol. Hasil paling optimum bagi minyak bunga melur ialah apabila nisbah
kuantiti bunga melur kepada pelarut etanol ialah 1: 2(50mg: 100mL) di mana ianya
memberikan hasil sebanyak 14.65% dan kecekapan proses sebanyak 19%. Hasil
minyak bunga melur yang rendah ini dapat dipertingkatkan dengan mevariasikan
nisbah tersebut dan melakukan kajian dengan menggunakan skala yang lebih besar.
 vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
ABSTRAK vi
LIST OF TABLES x
LIST OF FIGURES xi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xii
LIST OF APPENDICES xiii

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Problem Statement 3
1.3 Objective 5
1.4 Scope Of Research Work 5

2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction 6
2.1.1 Harvesting 8
2.1.2 Examples of Essential Oils Material 9
[Link] Citronella and Lemongrass 9
[Link] Cinnamon Leaves 9
[Link] Spices 9
2.1.3 Grading/Quality 10
2.2 Properties And Uses Of The Essential Oils 11
2.3 Hazardous Essential Oils 13
2.3.1 Toxicity 14
2.3.2 Photo Toxicity 14
2.3.3 Pregnancy 14
2.3.4 High Blood Pressure 15
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2.3.5 Dermal/skin irritation 15

2.4 Examples Of Important Essential Oils 15
2.5 Extraction Of Essential Oils 17
2.5.1 Introduction 17
2.5.2 Methods Available for Extraction 17
[Link] Steam Distillation 18
[Link] Enfleurage 18
[Link] Supercritical Fluid Extraction using CO2 19
[Link] Solvent Extraction 20
2.6 Introduction Of Jasmine Flower 22
2.7 Jasmine Plant 23
2.7.1 Description 23
2.7.2 Distribution 23
2.8 Jasmine Essential Oils 23

3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction 25
3.2 Overall Methodology 25
3.3 Extraction Experimenal Work 26
3.3.1 Sample Preparation 26
3.3.2 Apparatus and Procedure 27
[Link] Rotary Evaporator 27
[Link] Procedure: Experimental Work 28
3.3.3 Analysis
[Link] Analysis using Gas Chromatography 31
[Link] Identification of Essential Oils Constituents 31
[Link] Calculation of yield of the essential oils. 32
[Link] Calculation of effeciency of the process. 32

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Qualitative Analysis 33
4.1.1 GC Analysis of Standard Benzyl Benzoate 33
4.1.2 GC Analysis of Standard Benzaldehyde 36
4.1.3 GC Analysis for 1: 2 (Flower: Solvent) Feed Ratio 39
4.1.4 GC Analysis for 1: 5 (Flower: Solvent) Feed Ratio 40
4.1.5 GC Analysis for 1: 10 (Flower: Solvent) Feed Ratio 41
4.1.6 Concentrations of Benzaldehyde and Benzyl Benzoate in
Jasmine Essential Oil Extract using different feed ratios 42
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4.2 Quantitative Analysis 44

4.2.1 Efficiency of Extraction Process 44
4.2.2 Yield of Jasmine Essential Oil 44

5 CONCLUSION
5.1 Conclusion 46
5.2 Recommendations 47

REFERENCES 49

APPENDIX A 52
APPENDIX B 65
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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO TITLE PAGE

2.1 Essential Oils from Some Natural Plants. 6
2.2 Properties and Uses of the Top Essential Oils. 11
2.3 Examples of Important Essential Oils 15
2.4 General Information of Jasmine Flower Essential Oils 24
3.1 Flower to Ethanol Solvent Ratio 25
3.2 Experiment Conditions 28
4.1 Concentration data of two component in Jasmine Oil 42
Sample’s feed ratio,oil dissolved in solvent, Oil recovery,
4.2 44
Efficiency
Sample’s feed ratio, Amount of Flower Used, Oil recovery,
4.3 45
Yield
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LIST OF FIGURES

NO. TITLE PAGE

2.1 The picture of bloomed jasmine flower 22

3.1 Outline of the overall methodology 26

3.2 Rotary Evaporator 28

3.3 Overall Methodology of Solvent Extraction 30

3.4 Computerized GC System 31

4.1 GC Analysis of Standard Benzyl Benzoate (1%) 34

4.2 GC Analysis of Standard Benzyl Benzoate (2%) 34

4.3 GC Analysis of Standard Benzyl Benzoate (3%) 35

4.4 GC Analysis of Standard Benzyl Benzoate (5%) 35

4.5 GC Analysis of Standard Benzyl Benzoate (10%) 36

4.6 GC Analysis of Standard Benzaldehyde (1%) 37

4.7 GC Analysis of Standard Benzaldehyde (2%) 37

4.8 GC Analysis of Standard Benzaldehyde (3%) 38

4.9 GC Analysis of Standard Benzaldehyde (5%) 38

4.10 GC Analysis of Standard Benzaldehyde (10%) 39

4.11 GC Analysis of 1: 2 Ratio Sample 40

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4.12 GC Analysis of 1: 5 Ratio Sample 41

4.13 GC Analysis of 1: 10 Ratio Sample 42

4.14 Area versus Percent Concentration for Benzaldehyde 43

4.15 Area versus Percent Concentration for Benzyl Benzoate 43

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CO2 = Carbon dioxide

FID = Flame Ionization Detector

GC = Gas Chromatography
Gas Chromatography - Mass
GC-MS =
Spectrometer
RI = Refrective Index

SFE = Supercritical Fluids Extraction

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LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX TITLE PAGE

A GC Analysis Result and Component of Jasmine Essential Oils 52

B Identification of the Compounds in Jasmine Concrete 65

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Essential oils are the fragrant oils that are present in many plants.
Hundreds of plants yield essential oils that are used as perfumes, food
flavorings, medicines, and as fragrant and antiseptic additives in many
common products.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. The ancient
civilizations of Mesopotamia, more than 5,000 years ago, had machines for
obtaining essential oils from plants. Essential oils were the primary source of
perfumes for the ancient civilizations of Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome.
Essential oils have been found in 3,000-year-old tombs in the Pyramids, and
early Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, mentioned aromatic plant
essences and oil massages for their healing and mood-enhancing qualities. The
Romans associated essential oils and their fine aromas with wealth and
success. Ayurvedic medicine, the world's oldest healing system, has long
recommended essential oil massage as a health treatment for many conditions.

Essential oils are produced using several techniques. Distillation uses

water and steam to remove the oils from dried or fresh plants, and the
expression method uses machines to squeeze the oil out of plants. Other
techniques may use alcohol or solvents to remove essential oils from plant
materials.
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Essential oils are extremely concentrated. It would take roughly thirty

cups of herbal tea to equal the concentration of plant essence in one drop of
essential oil. Some essential oils made from rose plants require 4,000 pounds
of rose petals to make one pound of essential oil, and are thus very expensive.
Lavender is one of the easiest essential oils to produce, because it only takes
one hundred pounds of plant material to produce one pound of essential oil.
Essential oils are generally very complex chemically, containing many
different substances and [Link] research has isolated hundreds
of chemicals in essential oils, and has shown many essential oils to have anti-
bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiparasitic properties. Some essential oils contain
more than 200 identified chemical substances.

Although there are hundreds of essential oils that are used regularly in
healing treatments and perfumes, some of the more commonly used essential
oils are lavender, chamomile, peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, geranium,
jasmine, rose, lemon, orange, rosemary, frankincense, and sandalwood. Taking
into consideration the small scale industries using conventional method which
are involved in production of perfumeries literature survey was then taken up.
It reveals that extracts of flowers, especially jasmine, rose, Champak and
leaves of davana, have very good market.

Among flowers’ most attractive perfume is jasmine flowers. This

project was undertaken to explore the possibilities of having an absolute
essential oils. The essential oil are so called because they were believed to
represent the quintessence of odor and flavor from the flower kingdom – differ
in composition properties from fatty or fixed oils, which consist for the most
part of glycerides and from mineral or hydrocarbon oils. A scientific definition
of the term essential or volatile oils are not possible, although several practical
definitions exist. The most common one defines an essential oil as a more or
less volatile material isolated from an odorous plant of a single botanical
species by a physical process.
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1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

In modern times, essential oils are used in the manufacture of high

quality perfumes, as additives in many common products, and in the healing
practice of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy was begun in the 1920s by a French
chemist named Réné-Maurice Gattefosse, who became convinced of the
healing powers of essential oils when he used lavender oil to effectively heal a
severe burn on his body. Gattefosse also discovered that essential oils could be
absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, and had medicinal
effects inside the body. Another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valnet, used essential
oils during World War II to treat soldiers, and wrote a major book on the topic
in 1964 called Aromatherapie. European biochemist, Marguerite Maury,
performed thorough studies of how essential oils influence the body and
emotions, and popularized essential oil massages as therapy. In the 1990s,
aromatherapy was one of the fastest-growing alternative health treatments.

Essential oils are used in several healing systems, including

aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, and massage therapy. Essential oils are
used for skin and scalp conditions including acne, athlete's foot, burns, cuts,
dandruff, eczema, insect bites, parasites, sunburn, warts, and wrinkles. They
are recommended for muscle, joint, and circulation problems such as arthritis,
high blood pressure, cellulite, aches and pains, and varicose veins. For
respiratory problems and infections, various essential oils are prescribed for
allergies, asthma, earache, sinus infections, congestion, and colds and flu.
Essential oils are also used to improve digestion, promote hormonal balance,
and tone the nervous system in conditions including anxiety, depression,
sexual dysfunction, and exhaustion.

Essential oils can be used as quick and effective mood enhancers, for
increasing energy and alertness or reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Essential oils can be used as perfumes and lotions, and can be used as incense
to improve the atmosphere in houses and offices.
 4

In 2002, several reports were made on the benefits of tea tree oil in
fighting infections. Although still preliminary, these reports will help pave the
way to greater acceptance of essential oils in the mainstream medical
community. In the case of tea tree oil, one small study showed its effectiveness
in fighting orthopedic (bone, joint, and soft tissue) infections. Another recent
study showed promising results for tea tree oil gel in topical treatment of
recurrent herpes labialis.

In this project, the Jasmine flower is being used as the substrate.

Jasminum oficinalis, or also known as Melur in Malay Language, is
commonly extracted for it essential oils using hexane as solvent. Conventional
steam distillation method is not suitable to process such material since it
induces thermal degradation of many compounds contained in the flower. The
constituents of the Jasmine solvent-extracted oils contain all the fragrance
compounds (among others include benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, linalool,
phytol, fatty acid methyl ester and paraffin). The latter compounds do not
contribute to the scent of jasmine flowers. This extraction product undergoes
further processing to separate fragrance compounds from these undesired co-
extractives.

Solvent extraction uses very little heat so it is able to produce essential

oils from whose fragrance would otherwise be destroyed or altered during
steam distillation. Solvent extraction is used on delicate plants to produce
higher amounts of essential oils at lower cost. Other than the study on this
method it is important to improve the existing products of fragrance and also try
to encourage the development of local technologies to take advantage of
market opportunities.

Each method of extraction actually has its own advantages and

disadvantages. This study is important in discovering solvent extraction
method as the most optimal methods for capturing the total spectrum of
volatile constituent in this jasmine plant. All in all, the study on this research is
important in order to improve the effective extraction time for each solvent to
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extract the oils and observing the preliminary study on these essential oils of
jasmine flower.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study on extraction of jasmine flowers is

actually to carry out the preliminary study of this essential oils and promoting
the solvent extraction as a promising method for the most quantitative and
qualitative of this essential oils.

1.4 SCOPE OF RESEARCH WORK

This research is based on experimental studies of solvent extraction

(using ethanol). In order to achieve the objectives mentioned above, three
scopes have been identified:

I. Jasmine flowers were acquired locally to prepare the blended sample to

be used in extraction process. A standard procedure would be
developed from this research work.
II. To determine optimum feed ratio of jasmine flower and ethanol
solvent producing highest quality and substantial yield of essential oil.
III. To analyze the product composition from the extraction
process.
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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Essential oils are the volatile oils distilled from aromatic plant
materials. The odor and flavor of the oils is usually dependent upon these
oxygenated compounds. Many oils are terpenoids; fews are benzene
derivatives. Table 2.1 shows the important constituents of the more common
essential oils (Naik S.N., Lentz.H., 1989).

Table 2.1: Essential oils from some natural plant

Name Part of plant Botanical Important Uses
used name constituent
Lemongrass Leaf Cymbopogon Citral Perfumery
and citronella spp Citronella Disinfectant
Terpenes
Eucalyptus Leaf Eucalyptus Cineale Not mention
globules Citronella
Eucalyptus Terpenes
citriodora
Eucalyptus
dives
Cinnamon Leaf Cinnamomum Eugenol Used to make
leaf zeylanicum artificial
vanilla
Clove Bud Eugenia Eugenol Dentistry
caryophyllus flavouring
Turpentine Not mention Pinus spp Terpenes Paints
Lavender Flower Lavendula Linalol Perfumery
Sandalwood Wood intermedia
Santaium Sanatols Perfumery
Nutmeg Nut album
Myristica Myristicin Not mentioned
Almond Nut fragrans
Prunis Benzaldehyde Not mentioned
communis
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Essential oils can be divided into two broad categories:

I. Large volume oils which are usually distilled from leafy material,
(e.g. lemon grass, citronella and cinnamon leaves).
II. Small volume oils which are usually distilled from fruits, seed, buds
and, to a lesser extent, flowers, (e.g. cloves, nutmeg and coriander).

Essential oils are the highly concentrated essences of aromatic plants.

Aromatherapy is the art of using these oils to promote healing of the body and
the mind. The oils are found in different parts of the plant such as the flowers,
twigs, leaves and bark, or in the rind of fruit. For example, in roses it is found
in the flowers, in basil it is in the leaves, in sandalwood in the wood, and so
on. The methods used to extract the oil are time consuming and expensive and
require a high degree of expertise. Given that it takes in excess of 220 pounds
of rose petals to produce only 4 or 5 teaspoonfuls of oil, it is a process
probably best left to professionals.

Due to the large quantity of plant material required, pure essential oils
are expensive, but they are also highly effective which is only a few drops at a
time are required to achieve the desired effect. Essential oils have an
immediate impact on our sense of smell, also known as "olfaction". When
essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and the
impulse is transmitted to the emotional center of the brain, or "limbic system".
The limbic system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory,
breathing, and blood circulation, as well as the endocrine glands which
regulate hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oils, the fragrance
and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems.

When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed
through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the
bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body.
Essential oils work quickly on both the body and mind. Through our sense of
smell to the olfactory nerves and our brain starts to react to the vapor from an
essential oil in less than four seconds. The essential ingredients of oil when
 8

applied to the body are also absorbed quickly into the skin via the hair
follicles, some almost instantly, depending on the essential oil. Quality pure
essential oils can be up to 70 times more concentrated than the plant source
from which they derive. The advantage of the natural product over a
chemically create substitute is that the essential oil is more complex and
retains its additional anti-bacterial properties in a concentrated form.

Essential oils may be used singly or in combination to bring about

curative and restorative processes in the mind and body, offering a gentle
alternative to modern drugs. They can assist in the treatment of physical,
emotional and mental changes, skin care and therapeutic massage. Even when
used solely for sensual pleasure, they can positively enhance and enrich our
daily life.

2.1.1 Harvesting

Correct harvesting is very important. The essential oil content varies

considerably during the development of the plant. If the plant is harvested at
the wrong time, the oil yield can be severely reduced. The oil is usually
contained in oil glands, veins or hairs which are often very fragile. Handling
will break these structures and release the oils. This is the reason a strong
smell is given off when these plants are handled, so these plants have to be
handled very carefully to prevent valuable oils being lost.
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2.1.2 Examples of Essential Oils Material

[Link] Citronella and Lemongrass

The first harvest can take place 6 - 9 months after planting. Then the
grass can then be harvested up to four times a year. If harvested too often, the
productivity of the plant will be reduced and the plant may even die. If the
plant is allowed to grow too large, the oil yield is reduced. For lemongrass it
should be 1.2m high with 4 - 5 leaves. The grass should be harvested early in
the morning as long as it is not raining. Harvesting can be done with machetes
or simple knives.

[Link] Cinnamon Leaves

Cinnamon leaves are harvested during the wet season since the rains
facilitate the peeling of the bark. Harvesting involves the removal of the stems
measuring 1.2 - 5 cm in diameter. This takes place early in the morning.

[Link] Spices

It is essential that the spice is harvested correctly. The main obstacle to

correct harvesting is the crop being picked immature. This is usually due to
fear of theft or the farmer requiring money urgently. However, every effort
should be made to wait until the spice is fully mature.
 10

2.1.3 Grading/Quality

The criteria for essential oil quality are based on its color which is most
oils should be clear, colorless and clean. Murky oil is a sign of water being
present. Besides that the odor of the essential oils is also one of the criteria for
essential oil quality because the odors are specific to the areas in which the
plant is grown. This makes it very difficult for new producers to enter the
market. Relative density, refractive density, optical rotation, solubility in
ethanol and content of specific chemicals are also the other criteria for
essential oil quality.

It is important to acquire only the purest essential oils, oils which have
not been diluted or adulterated with any other oil or substance. As with most
crops, oil quality varies from season to season and from supplier to supplier.
Only the top quality first distillation oils should be used to maintain the
highest possible standard. Essential oils need never be tested on animals. One
of the most accurate methods of testing is liquid gas chromatograph, a proven
scientific technique which identifies the active ingredients of each extract. The
yield of oil is individual to each plant.
 11

2.2 PROPERTIES AND USES OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS

Each essential oil has its own properties and uses which can classified
and identified accordingly to the type of plant it was derived. Table 2.2 shows
the properties and uses of the top essential oil. (Lawless, Julia., 1995).

Table 2.2: Properties and Uses of the Top Essential Oils.

Essential Biological
Properties Uses
oil Name
Clory Sage Salvia Sclarea Warming, soothing, Menstrual problems, anxiety,
antiseptic, anticonvulsive, depression, high blood
astringent, antiphlogistic, pressure, acne boils, oily skin
digestive, deodorant, tonic, and hair, cramp, migraine, the
uterine, bactericidal, genitor-urinary system
antidepressant. disorders such as
amenorrhoea, wrinkles, ulcers.

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Antiseptic, analgesic, Muscular aches and pains,

Globulus antineuralgic, poor circulation, rheumatoid
antirheumatic, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis,
antispasmodic, diuretic, flu, cold, epidermics, chicken
expectorant, antiviral, pox, headaches, neuralgia,
hypoglycaemic, febrifuge, throat infections, skin
vulnerary, depurative, disorders such as burns, cuts,
stimulant. herpes, wounds, insect bites.

Geranium Pelargonium Soothing, refreshing, Anxiety, adrenocortical glands

Graveolens relaxing, antidepressant, and menopausal problems,
astringent, antiseptic, sore throat, tonsillitis,
antihaemarrhagic, cellulites, engorgement of
deodorant, diuretic, breast, broken capillaries,
fungicidal, anti- eczema, hemorrhoids, oily
inflammatory complexion, mature skin,
ulcers, wounds.

Jasmine Jasminum Analgesic (mild), Depression, nervous

Officinale antidepressant, anti- exhaustion and stress related
inflammatory, antiseptic, conditions, jasmine is said to
antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, produce the feeling of
carminative, cicatrisant, optimism, confidence,
expectorant, galactagogue, euphoria, and it is especially
sedative, tonic (uterine) good in cases of apathy,
indifference, or listlessness.
Jasmine is also used for
catarrh, coughs, laryngitis,
dysmenorrhoea, labor pains,
 12

uterine disorders, skin problem

such as dry, greasy, irritated,
sensitive skin, and for
muscular spasms and sprains.

Lavender Lavendula Analgesic, anticonclusive, Excellent first aid oil. It

Vera antidepressant, soothes cuts, bruises and insect
Officinalis antimicrobial, bites. One of the most versatile
antirheumatic, antiseptic, therapeutic essences. For
antispasmodic, antitoxic, nervous system disorders such
deodorant, sedative, as depression, headache,
diuretic, choleretic, hypertension, insomnia,
hypotensive, stimulant, migraine, sciatica, shock.
tonic, vulnery, Useful in treating skin
cytophylatic, insecticide conditions such as acne,
allergies, athlete’s foot, boils,
dandruff, dermatitis, sunburn,
eczema. Treatment of
disorders such as rheumatism,
throat infections, flu,
bronchitis, and asthma.
Lemon Citrus Refreshing, antiseptic, Warts, depression, acne and
Limonum stimulating, anti-anaemic, indigestion, arthritis, cellulites,
antirheumatic, antisclerotic, high blood pressure,
antitoxic, hypertensive, nosebleeds, obesity, poor
antiscorbutic, bactericidal, circulation, rheumatism,
insecticidal, astringent, asthma, throat infections,
tonic, bronchitis, cold, fever, flu.
Treatment of anemia, brittle
nails, corns, mouth ulcers,
greasy skin, cuts, spots, and
varicose veins.

Peppermint Menthe Digestive, cooling, Muscle fatigue, bad breath,

Piperita refreshing, mentally toothache, bronchitis,
stimulating, analgesic, anti- indigestion, and travel
inflammatory, sickness, neuralgia, muscular
antimicrobial, antiseptic, pains, asthma, sinusitis,
antiviral, astringent, spasmodic cough, cramp,
expectorant, stomachic, dyspepsia, skin problem such
hepatic, cordial, as acne, dermatitis, ringworm,
antispasmodic. scabies, and nausea.
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Ylang Cananga Antidepressant, anti- Depression, nervous tension,

Ylang Odorata ver infections, euphoric, high blood pressure,
genuina relaxant, antiseptic, hyperpnoea, (abnormally fast
hypotensive, aphrodisiac, breathing), tachycardia,
nervine, regulator, sedative digestive upsets. For skin care
(nervous), stimulant such as hair growth, acne, hair
(circulatory), tonic rinse, oily skin, irritated and
insect bites. For nervous
system disorders such as
frigidity, impotence, insomnia.

From Table 2.2, it can be concluded that the significant use of the
essential oil is mainly in pharmaceuticals industry where most of it have the
anti-depressant properties. There are also some other ways to enjoy the
magnificent scent of these natural ingredients. A few drops of essential oil in
radiator fragrance or light bulb ring will fill the room with a wonderful
fragrance and ambience. You can choose the oils depending on the mood. You
can also add one drop of Geranium oil or Myrrh oil into your facial
moisturizer to bring out a radiant glow in your skin. One interesting use of this
oil is to freshen the shoes by only dropping a few drops of Geranium oil
directly into your shoes or place a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of
lemon oil and leave it in the shoes overnight. For student, they are
recommended to use rosemary oil while reading, studying or during exams.
This is because this oil is believed to promote alertness and stimulate memory.
There are many other ways to apply these oils. But in this study, we do not
focus on the use of it but we focus on the production of the oil.

2.3 HAZARDOUS ESSENTIAL OILS

One should bear in mind that not all essential oil are safe to be used in
aromatherapy even with or without the express administration by a qualified
aromatherapy practitioner. This is due to the high toxicity levels that the
essential oils might have. Some of the oil can be hazardous as they can cause
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severe dermal irritation and even damage the mucous membranes and delicate
stomach lining in undiluted form. Hence dermal application should be avoided
as a general practice; it is advisable to use essential oils only for external
remedies. Oils that fall under this category are bitter almond, calamus,
camphor (brown & yellow), cassia, cinnamon (bark), fennel (bitter), pine
(dwarf), rue, sage (common), thyme (red), wintergreen, garlic, onion, mustard
and wormwood.

2.3.1 Toxicity

Essential oil such as Ajowan, Basil (exotic), Camphor (white), Cassia,

Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), clove (bud), coriander, Eucalyptus,
fennel (sweet), hyssop, juniper, nutmeg, pepper (black), sage (Spanish),
tagetes, thyme (white), turmeric, should be used only on dilution (at least 1:3)
and for a maximum of two weeks due to toxicity levels.

2.3.2 Photo toxicity

Some oils can cause skin pigmentation if the applied area is exposed to
direct sunlight. Essential oils such as bergamot, cumin, ginger, lemon, lime,
orange; should not be used either neat or on dilution on the skin, if the area
will be exposed to direct sunlight.

2.3.3 Pregnancy

Essential oils should be used in half the usual stated amount during
pregnancy, because of the sensitivity of the growing child. Oils of adjoin,
angelica, anise star, aniseed, basil, Cedarwood (all types), celery seed,
cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage, clove, cumin, fennel (sweet), hyssop,
juniper, nutmeg, Spanish sage, and thyme (white); should be totally avoided
during pregnancy.
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2.3.4 High blood pressure

Oils of hyssop, rosemary, sage (Spanish and common) and Thyme are
to be avoided in case of high hypertension.

2.3.5 Dermal/skin irritation

Oils of basil (sweet), black pepper, borneol, cajeput, caraway,

Cedarwood (Virginian), cinnamon (leaf), clove (bud), eucalyptus, garlic,
ginger, lemon, peppermint, pine needle (scotch and longleaf), thyme (white)
and turmeric; especially if used in high concentration may cause irritation to
the skin.

2.4 EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT ESSENTIAL OILS

Table 2.3 below shows few examples of an important essential oils

which indicates their method of production, part of plant being used and also
the chief constituents inside the essential oils of each plant (Naik S.N.,
Lentz.H., 1989).

Table 2.3: Examples of important essential oils

Name of oil Method of Part of Plant Chief constituents

production used
Almond, bitter Steam Kernels Benzaldehyde 96%-98%
Bergamot Expression Peel Linalyl acetate
40%, linalool 6%
Cinnamon Steam Bark Cinnamic
Aldehyde, eugenol
Clove Steam Buds Eugenol 85%-95%