Comparison study of moisture content, colour properties and essential oil compounds extracted by hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction between stem and leaves of lemongrass (Cymbopogun citratus)

摘要

The objectives of this study were to compare the properties of moisture content, colour and essential oil compounds between stem and leaves of lemongrass (Cymbopogun citratus). The essential oil was extracted using two different methods which are hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). There was no significant difference of moisture content between stem and leaves of lemongrass. The lightness (L) and yellowness (+b) values of the stems were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the leaves. The highest yield of essential oil was obtained by extraction using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in leaves (～0.7%) by treatment at 1700psi and 50°C. The main compound of extracted essential oil was citral (geranial and neral).