Comparative Study of Isolation Methods of Solvent Extraction and Steam Distillation of Basil Essential Oil on the Composition of Active Compounds

Abstract

Basil plants has potential as one source of essential oil applied in the flavor and fragrance industries. The isolation can be carried out by two methods, steam distillation and solvent extraction. This study analyzes the comparison of steam distillation and solvent extraction methods on the result of compound composition. The steam distillation process was performed for 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours. Distillate was separated between the crude essential oil and water layer. The extraction process was performed for 6 cycles using n-hexane and ethanol as the solvent. The extract was separated between the basil essential oil and the solvent by rotary evaporator. Basil essential oil composition was analyzed using GC-MS. The result of the study shows that the basil essential oil composition obtained from solvent extraction is different with the results obtained from the steam distillation process. Isolation of carvacrol, hexadecanol, hydroxydihydromaltol, glycidyl methacrylate, 3-pyrroline, beta bisabolene, isopropyl butyrate, safrole, geraniol, carbamic acid, butyl alcohol 2-D1 (top note) are more effective by solvent extraction process with ethanol as the solvent. Isolation of geranial, neral, fanesol, alpha bergamotene, alpha bisabolene, and linalool is more effective by steam distillation process in 4 hours.