The major and minor components of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC) essential oil in the steam distillation process

Abstract

Essential oils are natural products used in many fields, including perfumes, cosmetics, aromas, spices and nutrition. Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC), which belongs to the Rutaceae family, is a prominent tree in the southwest region, particularly in An Giang province (Vietnam). Moreover, Kaffir Lime is known as a potential candidate for aromatherapy and cosmetics, a natural alternative for insect repellents, an antioxidant and spice for food. Therefore, the purpose of this study is analyze the phytochemical content of Kaffir Lime essential oil using the steam distillation method. The process of steam distillation was conducted by continuously applying heat onto 500 g of imported Kaffir Lime peels. After 15 min of condensation, the yield of essential oil extraction achieved 1.6%. The essential oil was primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbon, aldehyde and ester with sabinene (22.875%), (3-pinene (33.939%), D-limonene (15.847%) and P-citronellal (14.791%) being the main components. Other ingredients included a-pinene (3.099%), (3-myrcene (0.836%), eucalyptol (0.354%), y-terpinene (0.476%), 4-terpineol (2.246%), a-terpineol (1.426%and linalool (1.139%). The presented extraction process as well as phytochemical profiles of Kaffir Lime suggested further studies on potential bioactivities of these constituents.