Effect of Distillation Methods on Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus) Content

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a permanently growing grass belonging to Poaceae grass family. Which plant is native to the tropical region, especially the south-eastern Asia regions. The Citronella oil is used wildly in industrial product as insect repellent, perfumery, cosmetic, diffusion aromatherapy and health benefit. The aim of this study was investigated the efficiency of distillation methods on citronella oil content by laboratory scale, modified alcohol boiler and extractor machine. In addition, possibility of Citronella oil was reviewed to further product development. The three distillations processing were compared on essential oil content that found the distillation method significantly influenced essential oil content (p<0.05). The extractor machine showed highest yield 6.85 +/- 0.07 ml/Kg followed by laboratory scale 4.55 +/- 0.31 ml/Kg and modified alcohol boiler 2.35 +/- 0.16 ml/Kg. The possibility of product development was found citronella oil using on mosquito repellent is recommended at a concentrations of 5-10% and massage oil should not higher than 1.0%. The strong concentration can cause skin sensitivity. Therefore, the optimized concentration should be observed in product development, and value investing.