CHARACTERSTICS AND NATURAL PRODUCT INVESTIGATIONS OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THE RHIZOMES OF ALPINIA CALCARATA ROSC.

Abstract

Essential oils or ethereal oil is defined as the volatile odoriferous oil obtained stem distillation of plants. Volatility and the plant origin are the characteristic properties of essential oils. These are found in special cells, glands or ducts located in different parts of a plant such as the leaves, barks, roots, flowers and fruits. Essential oil isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Rosc.  by hydrodistillation has a yield of 0.18  percent by weight. Light yellow oil has Characteristic sharp odour; specific gravity 0.8806; optical rotations -4^o51′. The acid and saponification values are also determined and reported.