Expression: A number of volatile oils mostly undergo decomposition on being subjected

to distillation. Likewise, volatile oils found in the rind of the fruit, such as orange,
lemon and bergamot peel, are best obtained by extrusion by the application of pressure.
Even on a commercial scale these oils are produced by extrusion so as to preserve the natural
fragrance that otherwise get deteriorated by distillation process.

Expression (Cold-Press Extraction):

Expression, or cold-press extraction, is typically used for isolating oils from citrus peels. This
ancient essential oil extraction process originally involved soaking citrus peels in warm
water and then hand-squeezing them with a sponge until the oil glands burst. Once the oil
was released, it was collected in the sponge and squeezed into a collection container where
the juice and oils would separate overtime. Today, the process of expression is a bit more
technical and involves the use of machinery.

The modern expression process involves the use of a device that punctures the citrus peels
so the oil sacs on the underside of the rind rupture. Once this happens, the oil runs down into
the device’s collection area. Then, the peels are mechanically pressed to squeeze out all of the
oils and juices. At this point, resulting oils and juices will still contain the peel and other solid
elements of the fruit which must be centrifuged to separate the liquids from the solids. The oil
will then separate from the juice layer to create the final essential oil product.

In actual practice, however, the expression may be accomplished by any one of

the four following processes, namely:

(a) Sponge Method: The citrus fruit (orange, lemon, grape fruit, bergamot) is first
washed to remove the dirt, and then cut into halves to remove the juice completely. The rind
is turned inside out by hand and squeezed when the secretary glands rupture. The oozed
volatile oil is collected by means of the sponge and subsequently squeezed in a vessel. The
oil floating on the surface is separated.

(b) Scarification Process (Ecuelle a Piquer): Ecuelle a piquer is a specially designed

apparatus first introduced on the Revieras in France, which is nothing but a large bowl meant
for pricking the outer surface of citrous fruits. It is more or less a large funnel made of copper
having its inner layer tinned properly. The inner layer has numerous pointed metal needles
just long enough to penetrate the epidermis. The lower stem of the apparatus serves two
purposes;
  First, as a receiver for the oil.
 Secondly, as a handle.

Now, the freshly washed lemons are placed in the bowl and rotated repeatedly when the oil
glands are punctured (scarified) thereby discharging the oil right into the handle. The liquid,
thus collected, is transferred to another vessel, where on keeping the clear oil may be
decanted and filtered.

(c) Raspings Process: In this process the outer surface of the peel of citrous fruits containing
the oil gland is skillfully removed by a grater. The ‘raspings’ are now placed in horsehair
bags and pressed strongly so as to ooze out the oil stored in the oil glands. Initially, the liquid
has a turbid appearance but on allowing it to stand the oil separates out which may be
decanted and filtered subsequently.

(d) Mechanical Process: A substantial quantum of volatile oil across the globe is now
prepared by various mechanical means solely based on the above principles. However, the
use of heavy-duty centrifugal devices may also be incorporated so as to ease the separation of
oil water emulsions invariably formed. It is pertinent to mention here that with the advent of
modern mechanical devices the oil output has increased appreciably and the older methods
have only remained for the sake of history.

Ecuelle a Piquer

Figure.1 Ecuelle a Piquer

Solvent Extraction:

Another popular essential oil extraction method is solvent extraction. This modern method
implements food-grade solvents such as ethanol, benzene, dimethyl, or hexane to isolate
the oils. It’s often used for extracting essential oils from delicate aromatics, such as jasmine
or rose, which are generally unable to withstand the pressure of steam distillation. Plus,
solvent extraction typically produces a finer fragrance than most other extraction methods
which further adds to its appeal for certain applications.

During essential oil extraction, the plant materials are covered by a solvent and dissolved into
it. Once the solvent absorbs the essential oil, the resulting extract is evaporated so only the
plant oil is left behind. Technically, the remaining oil is known as an absolute, not an
essential oil. An absolute is a highly concentrated aromatic substance which closely
resembles the plant’s natural aroma. Additionally, it has a more vivid color than an essential
oil. As such, solvent extraction is often used to create extracts for perfume or cosmetic
applications. The main downside to this type of extraction method is a risk that trace amounts
of the solvent may not get fully evaporated. As such, small quantities of harsh chemicals may
remain in the final absolute which could cause irritation when used.

Choice of solvent: It is considered the most important factor for the extraction of
elements in designing a particular extraction procedure. A solvent for extraction should have
the following properties;

The solvent must have the following properties

 High capacity of extraction: such that have high solubility of solute of entrust
 Sufficient density difference with the aqueous phase
 highly immiscible in the aqueous phase
 low viscosity
 Non-toxic
 Inexpensive
 Easy to recover

Some commonly used solvents are Trichloromethane, Methly benzene, and Diethly ether

Mechanism of extraction by solvent:

The extraction of natural products progresses through the following stages:

1. The solvent penetrates into the solid matrix.

2. The solute dissolves in the solvents.

3. The solute is diffused out of the solid matrix.

4. The extracted solutes are collected.

The organic solvent selected should be such that:

 The given solid must be much more soluble in the organic solvent than in water.
 The extracting solvent must be immiscible with the solution to be extracted.

Water or a water-based solution is usually one of the pair. The other solvent is an organic
solvent. The extracting solvent should be sufficiently volatile so that it can be removed easily
from the extracted material.

Advantages of solvent extraction: It is a simple and easily performable classical technique.

It is nondestructive and best for volatile and unstable substances.

Figure.2 Solvent Extraction

CO2 Extraction:

CO2 extraction is a type of essential oil extraction that uses carbon dioxide as the solvent.
Unlike traditional solvent extraction, however, no residue is left behind which generally
makes the resulting oils purer and safer for use.

The process of CO2 extraction starts by pressurizing the CO2 until it liquifies. The liquid
CO2 is used as the solvent to extract the oils from the plant material. Once the CO2 has
absorbed the essential oil, the extract is returned to regular pressure which causes the CO2 to
revert back into a gas. As a result, there isn’t any residual solvent that gets left behind in the
extracted oil. Plus, CO2 is colorless, odorless, flavorless, and non-toxic; it won’t impact the
resulting oil. However, because CO2 extraction takes place in a completely sealed chamber, it
recovers the whole oil from the plant material—including any pesticide residue. Thus, the
resulting oil may have a greater number of pesticides in it than other conventional extraction
methods.

REFRENCES:

 https://www.pharmacy180.com/article/extraction-of-volatile-oils-214/
 http://www.epharmacognosy.com/2012/05/expression-preparation-of-volatile-
oils.html
 https://www.usalab.com/blog/methods-of-extracting-volatile-oils/
 https://www.foodscience-avenue.com/2022/06/solvent-extraction-method.html
 https://www.researchgate.net/Cold-Pressed-Method-Expression-Method-of-
Essential-Oil-Extraction.