Palmarosa Oil - Neelavro Pal
Palmarosa Oil - Neelavro Pal
Palmarosa Oil - Neelavro Pal
MAJOR CONSTITUENTS: -
According to the Gas chromatography report, Palmarosa oil constitutes of 23 chemical
components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality.
Of which, Geraniol contributes to the highest proportion of Palmarosa oil constituents with
about 80% of its total composition. Table 1.8 below gives the percentages of the chemical
compounds present in Palmarosa oil which may differ from plant to plant depending on
type, region of cultivation, soil and other extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
Composition of Palmarosa Oil
1%
2% 6%
3% Geraniol
8% Geranyl acetate
Linalool
Limonene
B-Caryophyllene
Others
80%
1) Geraniol
Geraniol is a monoterpenoid consisting of two prenyl units and functionalised with a
hydroxy group at its tail end. Geraniol is a sweet, citrus, and floral tasting compound that
can be found in a number of food items.
Molecular Formula: - C10H18O
Structure:-
Applications:-
It’s ability to fight free radicals, geraniol may have antioxidant, antitumor, and
anticancer properties. It also has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.
2) Geranyl Acetate
Geranyl acetate is a monoterpenoid that is the acetate ester derivative of geraniol. It has
a role as a plant metabolite.
Molecular Formula:-C12H20O2
Structure:-
Applications:-
Geranyl acetate is used primarily as a component of perfumes for creams and soaps. It is
used particularly in rose, lavender and geranium formulations where a sweet fruity or
citrus aroma is desired.
3) ß-Caryophyllene
β-caryophyllene, is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that is a constituent of many
essential oils, especially clove oil, the essential oil of Cannabis sativa, rosemary, and
hops. Caryophyllene is one of the chemical compounds that contributes to the aroma of
black pepper.
Molecular Formula: - C15H24
Structure:-
Applications
Beta-caryophyllene acts as a dietary cannabinoid because it binds to CB2 receptors to
help provide therapeutic benefits for conditions like inflammation, pain, and
osteoporosis.
It can be found in the following types of products:- Face creams, shampoos, hair
conditioners, cooking sauces
4) Linalool
Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in
many flowers and spice plants The majority of which are based on its pleasant scent
(floral, with a touch of spiciness). (S)-linalool is found as a major constituent of the
essential oils of palmarosa, coriander and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) flowers. (R)-
linalool is present in lavender, bay laurel, and sweet basil among others.
Molecular Formula:- C10H18O
Structures:-
Applications:-
Linalool is used as a scent in 60% to 80% of perfumed hygiene products and cleaning
agents including soaps, detergents, shampoos, and lotions.
It is used as a chemical intermediate. One common downstream product of linalool is
vitamin E.
EXTRACTION PROCESS: -
The oil is extracted from the dries grass by the process of steam distillation. The principle is
based on the variation in the boiling point of reducing the partial pressure of the more
volatile component. The extraction is carried out using a distillation element consisting of a
distillation tank, a boiler to generate steam, a condenser and one to three separators. The
steam distillate has 2 components namely essential oil and distillated water. The distillation
tank has a perforated bottom over which the plants rest and a steam inlet pipe is connected
to the bottom of the tank. Tubular condensers are used by means of which cold water is
made to flow to cool the pipes through which the distillate passes. The separator segment
consists of a burette in which oil and water gets separated due to their density differences.
Recovery of oil ranges from 0.3%-0.6% of the original mass of the grass and it takes about 4
hours for the process to get completed.
Cost of distillation unit and price of manufacturing:-
Steam distillation unit:- 8 lakh/piece.
Palmarosa Oil:- Rs 2000/kg of oil.
BENEFITS
Palmarosa oil is used to counter nervous exhaustion, stress-related problems, and
nervousness.
It is helpful during convalescence and cools the body of fever while aiding the digestive
system, helping to cleat intestinal disease and also helps in relieving sore muscles.
It moisturizes the skin and stimulates cell regeneration.
Palmarosa oil has properties of being antiseptic and anti-microbial.
It is also well known for it’s anti-inflammatory characteristics. It aids in healing cuts and
bruises and helps remedy acne breakouts.
It is used as an insect repellant. It is applied on grains which results in preservation of
crops for longer durations since it keeps pests and insects away.
REFERENCES
https://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/chemical-constituents-of-palmarosa-oil
https://www.agrifarming.in/palmarosa-oil-extraction-methods-process-
steps#:~:text=Palmarosa%20grass%20is%20extracted%20using,secondary%20essential
%20oil%20is%20extracted.
https://scihub.wikicn.top/10.1021/jf00073a015
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/116869/6/06_chapter%201.pdf
https://www.nhrorganicoils.com/uploads/20151020150009e_Palmarosa_SDS.pdf