Comparison of the composition and cost estimation of steam distillation and supercritical fluid extraction from leaves of Lippia graveolens

Abstract

Lippia graveolens, mostly known as Mexican oregano, is an aromatic plant with great economic im-portance. However, very little is known about the reasons that could explain the variation observed with respect to the yield and composition of the essential oil obtained. The effect of steam distillation and supercritical fluid extraction processes on composition, yield and economic viability were evaluated. The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation, with a laboratory scale equipment and supercritical extraction equipment with a 1L capacity cell. The extracts were analyzed by GC–MS. where Carvacrol was the majority compound in both processes.  The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation, with laboratory scale equipment and supercritical extraction equipment with a 1L capacity cell. In the case of steam distillation, a maximum yield of 4.1% on a dry weight basis was obtained, while the supercritical fluid extraction obtained provided a maximum yield of 2.8% on a dry weight basis at the same bed porosity (0.91). The costs that were obtained in a period of one year through. The process of extraction by steam distillation showed good results to obtained essential oil from L. graveolens. where it is observed that steam distillation is still the best option.