Methods/ Procedure

60 grams of the weighed sample was placed into a round bottom flask and water
was then added to it. The materials were completely immersed in the water,
which was then boiled by application of heat on the flask. This ensured direct
contact between boiling water and plant materials.
Distillation was carried out until a constant volume of the volatile oil was
obtained in the distillation trap. Once the optimum oil was collected, the amount
of oil recovered in the trap was measured.
The calculation of the percentage was done on the basis of the volume of the
sample. The obtained volatile oil was then refrigerated.

Results
1mL of volatile oil was obtained from the extraction. However, 1mL=1gram,
therefore the amount of volatile oil obtained is 1gram.

Percentage yield = Actual yield x 100

Theoretical yield
Beaker+ test tube= 70.306 grams
Beaker + test tube + volatile oil collected= 71.249 grams
Mass of oil collected= 0.943g
Mass of leaves used=60g
Hence;
= (0.943/60)*100
= 1.57%
DISCUSSION

1mL of volatile oil was obtained from the extraction. However, 1mL=1gram, therefore the
amount of volatile oil obtained is 1gram. This gave a percentage yield of 1.57%. The yield
wasn’t 100% because some of the oil may not have been extracted, while removing oil, it
might have evaporated. Between layers some of the oil might not have been removed. This is
also because the leaves contain very little eucalyptus oil. The size of the leaves also
influenced the yield as the larger leaves contained little yield. Stirring at speed of 900rpm and
temperature of a maximum of 100°C maximizing the yield. The actual theoretical yield for
eucalyptus alba 1.2% to 2.0%. Therefore the yield we got was in the range and minimal
errors occurred during the extraction process.
The eucalyptus oil colour was light yellow and the odour was comphoraceous The
components of eucalyptus oil include 1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol), a(alpha) – pinene, d(delta) –
limonene, a(alpha) – terpineol, p(para) – cymene, Terpinen-4-ol, Cuminal Aldehyde,
Globulol.The main constituent of the oil is cineole, ranging from 66.28% - 75.36%. The
eucalyptus leaves were chopped into small pieces to increase the bulk density and to break
the walls of the leaves to increase the exposed surface area of the plant material. The higher
oil yield in chopped leaves with soaking in water may be attributed to the loosening the cell
walls of the plant material owing to water soaking. These results show that chopping is an
effective way to get the faster and higher oil yield. Eucalyptus oil molecular formula is
C10H18O,
Hydrodistillation offers better conditions for the osmosis of oil seeing as the vapor pressure
of the whole system increases, leading to evaporation of the essential oil at temperature
below its boiling point. The movement of water, caused by temperature and pressure
fluctuations within the hydrodistillation setup, accelerates the forces of diffusion to such a
point that all the volatile oil contained within the plant tissue can be collected.
Medicinal uses of eucalyptus oil are:
 Asthma. Early research shows that eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil,
might be able to break up mucous in people with asthma. Some people with severe
asthma have been able to lower their dosage of steroid medications if they take
eucalyptol. But don't try this without your healthcare provider's advice and
monitoring.
 Bronchitis. Some research shows that taking a specific combination product
containing eucalyptol, a chemical found in eucalyptus oil, and extracts of pine and
lime by mouth for at least 2 weeks improves symptoms and reduces flare-ups in
people with bronchitis.
 Dental plaque. Early research shows that chewing gum containing 0.3% to 0.6%
eucalyptus extract can reduce dental plaque in some people.
 Gingivitis. Early research shows that chewing gum containing 0.4% to 0.6%
eucalyptus extract can improve gingivitis in some people.
 Bad breath. Early research shows that chewing gum containing 0.4% to 0.6%
eucalyptus extract can improve bad breath in some people.
 Head lice. Early research shows that applying eucalyptus oil and lemon tea tree oil
does not get rid of head lice as effectively as applying tea tree oil and lavender oil or
benzyl alcohol, mineral oil, and triethanolamine.
 Headache. Early research shows that applying a combination product containing
eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and ethanol to the head does not reduce pain in people
with headaches. However, the product might help people with headaches relax and
think better.
 Stuffy nose.
 Wounds.
 Burns.
 Ulcers.
 Acne.
 Bleeding gums.
 Bladder diseases.
 Diabetes.
 Fever.
 Flu.
 Liver and gallbladder problems.
 Loss of appetite.