Extraction of Essential oils and volatile compounds of Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C) by hydrodistillation method

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C.), a member of the Citrus family, is a lemon tree naturally grown in tropical regions of Asia. Kaffir lime contains a specific aroma currently used worldwide as spices and cosmetics. Kaffir lime leaves are a famous spice for many dishes of Thai cuisine. The peel of Kaffir lime collected in the southwest of Vietnam was used for essential oil extraction using the process of hydro-distillation. During extraction, 100 g Kaffir lime peel was input at 1:3 ratio, at 120 degrees C for 90 min. The phytochemical profile of Kaffir Lime essential oil was analyzed by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) assay. The optimal essential oil yield reached 4.6%. A total of twenty-six components have been identified to account for 99.998% of essential oils. B-pinene (47.926%) was characterized as the main ingredient of peel oil. Other major components of Kaffir lime essential oil included D-limonene (24.121%), citronelal (11.84%), and alpha-pinene (2.834%). The present study evaluated the chemical compositions of Kaffir lime essential oil and compared with other previous studies. Future research on Kaffir lime EO can be expanded by using different extraction methods to improve its bioactive and applicability in many regions.