Optimization of Chimonanthus salicifolius Essential Oil Extraction

Objective Extraction of essential oil from Chimonanthus salicifolius was optimized in preparation for mass production to promote the medicinal utilization of the plant material.

Method Effects of varied processing conditions on the extraction of essential oil from dried C. salicifolius leaves were determined. Optimal extraction conditions to maximize yield of a steam distillation process, including distillation time, solid-liquid ratio, and NaCl concentration, were analyzed by using a single-factor test followed by an orthogonal experimentation.

Result The optimized extraction was conducted with a solid-liquid ratio of 1∶2 (g·mL⁻¹) at the NaCl concentration of 2% and steam-distilled at 380°C for 150 min to arrive at a 2.122% essential oil extraction rate. The main factors affecting the extraction efficiency ranked as solid-liquid ratio > distillation time > NaCl concentration.

Conclusion The C. salicifolius essential oil extraction from dried leaves of the plants was successfully optimized for the processing technology development.