Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 4528: Volatile Compounds and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil of Aloysia citrodora Pal & aacute;u: Comparison of Hydrodistillation and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation

Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 4528: Volatile Compounds and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil of Aloysia citrodora Paláu: Comparison of Hydrodistillation and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules28114528 Authors: Rafael M. Sprea Luís H. M. Fernandes Tânia C. S. P. Pires Ricardo C. Calhelha Pedro João Rodrigues Joana S. Amaral Aromatic plants are a remarkable source of natural products. Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Verbenaceae), commonly known as lemon verbena, is a relevant source of essential oils with potential applications due to its lemony scent and bioactive properties. Studies carried out on this species have focused on the volatile composition of the essential oil obtained by Clevenger hydrodistillation (CHD), with little information available on alternative extraction methodologies or the biological properties of the oil. Therefore, this work aimed to compare the volatile composition, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of the essential oil extracted by conventional hydrodistillation by Clevenger (CHD) and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for some compounds, including the two major ones, geranial (18.7–21.1%) and neral (15.3–16.2%). Better antioxidant activity was exhibited by the MAHD essential oil in DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power ass...
Source: Molecules - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research