Study the Quantity and Quality of Cumin Seed Essential Oil Extraction with a Modified Steam Extraction System

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Department of Biosystems Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Horticulture Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Essential oils are widely used across multiple industries, including cosmetics, personal care, and aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals, and food flavorings. Since extraction methods critically influence essential oil quality, steam distillation remains the most common approach. In this study, an innovative steam distillation aparatus and conventional hydro-distillation device (Clevenger) were compared to investigate their effects on the yield and quality of cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil. Extraction duration (60, 90, and 120 min) and steam temperature (100, 110, and 120℃) were selected as independent variables and analyzed via Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that increasing the extraction time significantly enhanced the essential oil yield, reaching a maximum of 1.8% at 120 min—an 11.6% improvement over the best yield obtained using the Clevenger apparatus. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified 22 compounds, with β-pinene, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, cumin aldehyde, α-terpineol-7-al, and γ-terpinene-7-al collectively accounting for over 94% of the total essential oil. In essential oil extraction using a modified steam distillation system, increased extraction temperatures elevated β-pinene and p-cymene percentages, while lower temperatures favored higher cumin aldehyde and γ-terpinene-7-al percentages. The optimal temperature for obtaining more cumin aldehyde was found to be at 100℃.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 March 2025

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