PALMAROSA OIL
| Botanical Name | Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) W. Watson |
| Synonyms | Andropogon martini Roxb. |
| Family | Gramineae |
| Local Name | Palmarosa |
| English Name | Palmarosa |
Plant Description
Palmarosa is a perennial grass native to Southeast Asia. It is cultivated for its essential oil. It is an exotic variety to Nepal and is found distributed within the altitude of 300m to 1500m. This plant has been widely cultivated due to its aromatic value.
The plant reaches up to 2m in height. Leaves are linear lanceolate and finely caudate. Leaves arise mostly from the base of the stem and are highly fragrant. Flowers appear in panicles and turn reddish brown when mature.
Extraction
Palmarosa oil is extracted from the steam distillation of fresh or semi-dried grass.
Uses
Cymbopogon martinii is cultivated for its essential oil which has wide applications in aromatherapy. The therapeutic properties include antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial. It benefits the digestive system and respiratory systems. It is also a useful moisturizer and is ideal for use as a massage oil and bath oil. Palmarosa essential oil is also reputed to be of benefit in assisting with stress relief, exhaustion, mind calming, and muscle soreness, and as a skin conditioner with value for rejuvenating and regenerating the skin.
Organoleptic Properties
| Appearance: | A fluid liquid |
| Colour: | Water white to pale yellow |
| Aroma: | Sweet, floral, rosy,geranium like scent |
Active Constituents
The essential oil of this plant, which contains the active compounds geraniol and geranyl acetate, is valued for its scent and many traditional medicinal and household uses. Other compounds are gerinal, myrcene, β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide, 1,8-cineol, γ -terpinene, linalool, menthyl heptenone, citronellol, citral, dipentene, limonene, and E-farnesol.
Physico-Chemical Properties
| Specific gravity | 0.8805 to 0.9007 at 25°C?> |
| Optical rotation | [-] 0.5°to [-] 0.75° at 25°C?> |
| Refractive index | 1.4750 to 1.4798 at 25°C?> |
| Acid number | 0.85 to 10.5 |
| Ester number | 15 to 48.5 |
| Ester number | 40 to 305 (after acetylation) (after acetylation) |
| Solubility | Soluble in 1.2 to 3.5 vol of 70%alcohol |