Procedure for the extraction of essential oil from Eucalyptus globulus leaves and the evaluation of antioxidant capacity

Abstract

The essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus, recognized for its antioxidant properties, was extracted through steam distillation from fresh and dry leaves collected in Crucita, Portoviejo, Ecuador. The samples were processed at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C to evaluate their yield and antioxidant capacity. The essential oil yield ranged from 0.47% to 1.16%, being higher in fresh leaves. Antioxidant capacity was determined using two methods based on free radical scavenging, obtaining values between 92.8 and 112 micrograms per milliliter in the first method, and between 75.1 and 408 micrograms per milliliter in the second, expressed as trolox equivalents. The results showed significant antioxidant activity, although lower than that reported in previous studies. It is concluded that fresh leaves produce higher yields, and optimizing the extraction conditions is recommended to enhance their antioxidant potential.