Extraction of Essential Oil from Leaves of Lemongrass Using Microwave Radiation: Optimization, Comparative, Kinetic, and Biological Studies

Use of microwave radiation in extraction of natural products is increasing in an exponential manner because of its inherent greener features. The extraction of essential oil from the leaves of lemongrass was carried out using microwave radiation and compared with hydrodistillation. The process was optimized using the Taguchi method, and the highest yield was obtained at a 200 mL volume of water, 30 min of rehydration time, and 45 min of extraction time. The extraction time was found to be the most influential parameter affecting the process. A data fit for kinetic desorption models was carried out. The biological activities of the lemongrass oil were also assessed. A microscopic study was performed to understand the extraction mechanism. A comparison showed that microwave-assisted extraction is a better alternative to hydrodistillation in terms of yield, extraction time, biological activity, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.