Production and composition of Lippia alba (Mill.) essential oil as affected by frost

Lippia alba (Mill.), popularly known bushy matgrass, is considered an aromatic and medicinal plant with physiotherapeutic characteristics, leading to its use in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and yield of the essential oil of Lippia alba (Mill.) after the occurrence of frost in southern Brazil. The study was carried out in an experimental area located at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen Campus, in July 2014. The essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation technique for three hours after the start of boiling. The chemical composition of Lippia alba (Mill.) essential oil was identified through chromatographic analysis. The chemical composition of Lippia alba (Mill.) essential oil was not altered by frost. As for the yield, it was 0.311% before the frost and 0.363% after the frost.