A Comparison of the Clevenger, Soxhlet, and Simple Distillation Techniques in Extracting Essential Oils

Abstract

Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds in essential oils which have been used for centuries for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Although various methods of essential oil extraction exist, there is a lack of research comparing each technique. We aim to test three of the most traditional methods: simple distillation, the Soxhlet apparatus, and the Clevenger trap. Using lavender (Lavandula dentata), peppermint (Mentha piperita), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), we tested the effectiveness of the Clevenger apparatus and measured the output. L. dentata yielded the most oil (2.3 ± 0.1% (v/w), n=7). We plan to continue this experiment with the Soxhlet apparatus and simple distillation to further examine the efficacy of traditional methods of essential oil extraction. Ultimately, we will determine the optimal extraction method in order to improve and maximize industrial production.