Extraction of Essential Oil from Laurel Leaves by Using Microwaves

The effects of microwave power and time in solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) on the yield and composition of the essential oil obtained from laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves were studied. The extraction was also performed by hydrodistillation as a control. Specific gravities and refractive indices of the essential oils obtained by different methods and at various conditions were also examined. The main constituent of laurel essential oil was 1,8-cineole (630-730mg/mL). Essential oils obtained by SFME and hydrodistillation were comparable with respect to both yield and composition while the process time was reduced by 55-60% when SFME was used.