Effect of Storage Period and Conditions on Essential Oil Yield and Properties of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Authors: Mu’azu K, Abubakar G, Alkali AS, Ahmed AU, Adamu IU

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

In this study, fresh lemon grass was harvested and stored in the sun and shade for a period of four weeks followed by extraction of essential oil using steam distillation technology on weekly basis. The effect of storage period and conditions on the oil yield, properties and extraction pattern was investigated. The results show that there was significant decrease in the oil yield from 0.21% in the 1st week to 0.16% in the 4th week for sun storage. However, a slight decrease was observed from 0.38% in the 1st week to 0.21% in the 4th week for shade storage. Two mathematical model equations were developed for the prediction of oil yield as a function of storage time for both conditions. The model equations predicted that for lemon grass stored for 5 weeks under shade and sun, the expected oil yield would be 0.16% and 0.14% respectively. The results further revealed that properties and extraction pattern of the oil were not significantly affected by both period and storage condition. Based on these findings, lemon grass should best be stored in the shade before utilization.

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