Abstract:
This study aims to optimize the extraction parameters to maximize the essential
oil yield from Cinnamomum verum leaves using the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop
(DIC) pre-treatment technique followed by hydro-distillation. The study encompasses
various aspects, including drying characteristics, extraction efficiency, and quality of
the essential oil. Two drying methods, sun drying and heat pump drying, were
compared to optimize the drying process. The experimental design involved a Box-
Behnken design to evaluate the effects of three independent variables: pressure (0.5,
0.75, 1 kg/cm2 ), number of cycles (1,2,3), and solid-solvent ratio (7,10,13 mL/g) on the
yield and quality of essential oil. The results indicated slight effects of pressure and the
number of cycles on the extraction yield. Maximum yield obtained was approximately
3.3%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified the main
constituents of the essential oil as eugenol with 89 % of total constituents. Initial
moisture content of the cinnamon leaves was recorded at 53.82% (wb). Post-drying,
the final moisture content was found to be 0.92% (wb) for sun-dried samples and 2.72%
(wb) for heat pump-dried samples. The drying kinetics of the cinnamon leaves were
best described by the Page model, which showed a higher coefficient of determination
(R²) of 0.9992 for sun-dried samples and 0.9897 for heat pump-dried samples,
indicating excellent fit and minimal error. The findings indicate that further exploration
of other plant materials using the DIC pre-treatment method may enhance extraction
efficiency and improve product quality.
