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isolation of essential oils.docx
1. PHARMACEUTICS
ISOLATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS BY DISTILLATION AND THEIR
USE IN AROMATHERAPY
SUBMITTED BY:
SYED AMEER HAMZA (L1F21PHMD0158)
ASAD BILAL (L1F21PHMD0172)
SAIF-ULLAH (L1F21PHMD0176)
MUHAMMAD WALEED SARFRAZ (L1F21PHMD0177)
ALEEM ASHIQ (L1F21PHMD0180)
MUHAMMAD AHMAD (L1F21PHMD0182)
SUMITTED TO:
MA’AM SARAH AHMAD
2. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB
Isolation of essential oils by distillation and their use in aromatherapy:
Essential oils:
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile (easily evaporated at
normal temperatures) chemical compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile
oils, ethereal oils, aethereal, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted, such
as oil of clove. An essential oil is essential in the sense that it contains the essence of the plant's
fragrance—the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived. The term "essential"
used here does not mean indispensable or usable by the human body, as with the term’s essential
amino acid or essential fatty acid, which are so called because they are nutritionally required by a
living organism. (1)
Sources of natural essential oil
Essential oils are generally derived from one or more plant parts, such as flowers (e.g.
rose, jasmine, carnation, clove, mimosa, rosemary, lavander), leaves (e.g., mint, Ocimum spp.,
lemongrass, jamrosa), leaves and stems (e.g., geranium, patchouli, petitgrain, verbena,
cinnamon), bark (e.g., cinnamon, cassia, canella), wood (e.g., cedar, sandal, pine), roots (e.g.
angelica, sassafras, vetiver, saussurea, valerian), seeds (e.g fennel, coriander, caraway, dill,
nutmeg), fruits (bergamot, orange, lemon, juniper), rhizomes (e.g., ginger, calamus, curcuma,
orris) and gums or oleoresin exudations (e.g., balsam of Peru, Myroxylon balsamum, storax,
myrrh, benzoin). (2)
Methods of Producing Essential Oils
Regarding hydro distillation, the essential oils industry has developed terminology to
distinguish three types: water distillation; water and steam distillation; and direct steam
distillation.
Destructive distillation is also used for essential oil isolation. (3)
Distillation:
Distillation, or classical distillation, is the process of separating the components or substances from
a liquid mixture by using selective boiling and condensation. Dry distillation is the heating of solid
materials to produce gaseous products (which may condense into liquids or solids). Distillation
may result in essentially complete separation (nearly pure components), or it may be a partial
separation that increases the concentration of selected components in the mixture. In either case,
the process exploits differences in the relative volatility of the mixture's components. (4)
Hydro distillation
In order to isolate essential oils by hydro distillation, the aromatic plant material is packed
in a still and a sufficient quantity of water is added and brought to a boil; alternatively, live steam
is injected into the plant charge. Due to the influence of hot water and steam, the essential oil is
freed from the oil glands in the plant tissue. The vapor mixture of water and oil is condensed by
indirect cooling with water. From the condenser, distillate flows into a separator, where oil
separates automatically from the distillate water.
3. Mechanism of Distillation
Hydro distillation of plant material involves the following main physicochemical processes:
I) Hydro diffusion
II) Hydrolysis
III) Decomposition by heat
Types of Hydro distillation
Three are three types of hydro distillation for isolating essential oils from plant materials:
1. Water distillation
2. Water and steam distillation
3. Direct steam distillation
Water Distillation
In this method, the material is completely immersed in water, which is boiled by applying heat
by direct fire, steam jacket, closed steam jacket, closed steam coil or open steam coil. The main
characteristic of this process is that there is direct contact between boiling water and plant material.
During water distillation, all parts of the plant charge must be kept in motion by boiling water;
this is possible when the distillation material is charged loosely and remains loose in the boiling
water. For this reason, only, water distillation possesses one distinct advantage, i.e. that it permits
processing of finely powdered material or plant parts that, by contact with live steam, would
otherwise form lumps through which the steam cannot penetrate. Other practical advantages of
water distillation are that the stills are inexpensive, easy to construct and suitable for field
operation. These are still widely used with
portable equipment in many countries.
The main disadvantage of water
distillation is that complete extraction is
not possible. Besides, certain esters are
partly hydrolyzed and sensitive substances
like aldehydes tend to polymerize. Water
distillation requires a greater number of
stills, more space and more fuel. It
demands considerable experience and
familiarity with the method. The high-
boiling and somewhat water-soluble oil
constituents cannot be completely
vaporized or they require large quantities of steam. Thus, the process becomes uneconomical. For
these reasons, water distillation is used only in cases in which the plant material by its very nature
cannot be processed by water and steam distillation or by direct steam distillation.
Water and Steam Distillation
4. In water and steam distillation, the steam can be generated either in a satellite boiler or within the
still, although separated from the plant material. Like water distillation, water and steam
distillation is widely used in rural areas. Moreover, it does not require a great deal more capital
expenditure than water distillation. Also, the
equipment used is generally similar to that
used in water distillation, but the plant
material is supported above the boiling water
on a perforated grid. In fact, it is common
that persons performing water distillation
eventually progress to water and steam
distillation.
It follows that once rural distillers have
produced a few batches of oil by water
distillation, they realize that the quality of oil
is not very good because of its still notes
(subdued aroma). As a result, some modifications are made. Using the same still, a perforated grid
or plate is fashioned so that the plant material is raised above the water. This reduces the capacity
of the still but affords a better quality of oil. If the amount of water is not sufficient to allow the
completion of distillation, a cohobation tube is attached and condensate water is added back to the
still manually, thereby ensuring that the water, which is being used as the steam source, will never
run out. It is also believed that this
will, to some extent, control the
loss of dissolved oxygenated
constituents in the condensate
water because the re-used
condensate water will allow it to
become saturated with dissolved
constituents, after which more oil
will dissolve in it.
Direct Steam Distillation
As the name suggests, direct steam
distillation is the process of
distilling plant material with steam
generated outside the still in a satellite steam generator generally referred to as a boiler. As in water
and steam distillation, the plant material is supported on a perforated grid above the steam inlet. A
real advantage of satellite steam generation is that the amount of steam can be readily controlled.
Because steam is generated in a satellite boiler, the plant material is heated no higher than 100° C
and, consequently, it should not undergo thermal degradation.
Steam distillation is the most widely accepted process for the production of essential oils on large
scale. Throughout the flavor and fragrance supply business, it is a standard practice. An obvious
drawback to steam distillation is the much higher capital expenditure needed to build such a
facility. In some situations, such as the large-scale production of low-cost oils (e.g., rosemary,
5. Chinese cedarwood, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, spike lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, corn mint),
the world market prices of the oils are barely high enough to justify their production by steam
distillation without amortizing the capital expenditure required to build the facility over a period
of 10 years or more. (5)
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or as a topical application.
Inhalation: the oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, or oil droplets, or
breathed in, for example, in a steam bath.
Apart from providing a pleasant smell, aromatherapy oils can provide respiratory disinfection,
decongestant, and psychological benefits.
Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell,
including the nose and the brain.
Molecules that enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body.
As the molecules reach the brain, they affect limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, the
heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. In this way, essential
oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.
Topical applications: massage oils, and bath and skin care products are absorbed through the skin.
Massaging the area where the oil is to be applied can boost circulation and increase absorption.
Some argue that areas that are richer in sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the head or the
palms of the hand, may absorb the oils more effectively.
Essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. They must always be diluted with a
carrier oil. Usually, a few drops of essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil is the concentration.
Most common carrier oils are sweet almond oil or olive oil.
To do an allergy test:
Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil at twice the concentration you plan to use
Rub the mixture into an area the size of a quarter on the inside of the forearm
If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.
Some people report developing allergies to essential oils after using them many times before. If a
new allergic response appears, the individual should stop using it immediately and avoid its smell.
To achieve a 0.5 to 1 percent dilution, use 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier. For a
5 percent dilution, add 30 drops to one ounce of carrier.
A maximum concentration of 5 percent is generally considered safe for adults.
Ingesting, or swallowing, essential oils is not recommended. Taken by mouth, the oils can
damage the liver or kidneys.
They can also lead to interactions with other drugs, and they can undergo unexpected changes
while in the gut.
BENEFITS
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes or
illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions.
A eucalyptus vapor bath may relieve symptoms of a cold or flu.
It has been shown to reduce:
Nausea
6. Pain and body aches
Anxiety, agitation, stress, and depression
Fatigue and insomnia
Muscular aches
Headaches
Circulatory problems
Menstrual problems
Menopausal problems
Alopecia, or hair loss
Some types of psoriasis may find relief with aromatherapy, but a healthcare professional should
advise about use and application.
Digestive problems may benefit from peppermint oil, but it should not be ingested.
Tooth ache and mouth sores can be relieved by clove oil, but this, too, should only be applied
topically and not swallowed.
Supporters claim that these and a wide range of other complaints respond well to aromatherapy,
but not all of the uses are supported by scientific evidence.
Classification of aromatherapy
Cosmetic aromatherapy
This therapy utilizes certain essential oils for skin, body, face and hair cosmetic products. These
products are used for their various effects as cleansing, moisturizing, drying and toning. A healthy
skin can be obtained by use of essential oils in facial products. On a personal level, cosmetic
aromatherapy of full-body or foot bath will be a simple and an effective way to have an experience.
Similarly, few drops of appropriate oil give a rejuvenating and revitalizing experience.
Massage aromatherapy
The use of grape seed, almond, or jojoba oil in pure vegetable oil during massage has been shown
to have wonderful effects. This is also known as healing touch of massage therapy.
Medical aromatherapy
The founder of modern aromatherapy Rene-Maurice Gatehouses has used essential oils to massage
patients during surgery, thus utilizing the medical aromatherapy knowledge of the effect of
essential oils on promoting and treating clinically diagnosed medical ailments.
Olfactory aromatherapy
Inhalation of essential oils has given rise to olfactory aromatherapy, where simple inhalation has
resulted in enhanced emotional wellness, calmness, relaxation or rejuvenation of the human body.
The release of stress is welded with pleasurable scents which unlock odour memories. Essential
oils are complemented to medical treatment and can never be taken as a replacement for it.
Psycho-aromatherapy
In psycho-aromatherapy, certain states of moods and emotions can be obtained by these oils giving
the pleasure of relaxation, invigoration or a pleasant memory. The inhalation of the oils in this
therapy is direct though the infusion in the room of a patient. Psycho-aromatherapy and aroma
ology, both deal with the study and effects of aroma be it natural or synthetic. Psycho-
aromatherapy has limited itself with study of natural essential oils.
REFRENCES
