The Extraction of Mint Oil from Mint Leaves: A Study

Abstract

Essential oils are a diverse group of natural products. Oils are the important source of aromatic and flavoring chemicals in food, industrial, and pharmaceutical products. Essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds derived from the different parts of the plants. Various extraction methods are used in the manufacture and extraction of essential oils from the plant materials. Essential oils are produced using several techniques like water distillation, steam distillation, hydro diffusion, maceration, solvent-free microwave extraction, solar distillation and CO2 supercritical fluid extraction, etc. These extraction and expression methods are used to remove the oils from the dried/fresh plants (or) machines to squeeze the oil out of the plants. Out of all the extraction methods, supercritical carbon dioxide method is more efficient. The present report is an attempt to list out the various methods of extraction of essential oil from the different parts of the mint leaves and their merits and demerits. The world production and consumption of essential oils and perfumes are increasing very fast. Production technology is an essential element to improve the overall yield and quality of essential oil. The traditional technologies pertaining to essential oil processing are of great significance and are still being used in many parts of the globe. Water distillation, water and steam distillation, steam distillation, are the most traditional and commonly used methods.