Effect of Drying on the Volatile Oil Yield of Patchouli

Abstract

Conventionally Patchouli Herbage (Pogostemon cablin) is shade dried for extraction of aromatic oil. However, improper drying results in poor yield and quality of the oil. A study was undertaken to find the effect of drying on the yield of volatile oil of Patchouli. Patchouli herbage was dried under forced flow system of drying in a mechanical drier at 40°C for 5 hours & 45°C for 4 hours and also shade dried for 45 hours. The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation from each treatment. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the essential oil content of leaves dried by different drying methods. The volatile oil content of sample dried at 40°C was found to be 2.46%. In the case of 45°C drying air temperature, the oil content was 2.60%. The volatile oil content of shade-dried sample was 2.40%.