Common Name:

Citronella (Java Type)

Botanical Name:

Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.

Source:

Cultivated

Introduction / Varity of plant / Method of extraction / Distilled organ:

Citronella oil is obtained by steam distillation of partially wilted leaves of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.

1. Organoleptic Properties

Appearance

Fluid liquid

Color

Light yellow

Aroma

Fresh & Sweet

2. Physico-chemical Properties

Specific gravity

0.8820 to 0.8875 at 23º C

Optical rotation

[-] 2º to [-] 4º at 23º C

Refractive index

1.4750 to 1.4885 at 23º C

Acid number

0.5 to 3.5

Ester number

20 to 40

Ester number after acetylation

250 to 280

Solubility

Soluble in 0.8 to 1.5 vol. of 80% alcohol

Total alcohol

80 to 90% (calculated as geraniol)

Aldehyde content

21.5 to 35% (Hydroxylamine hydrochoride method)

3. Uses

(a) In perfumery for the scenting of soaps and in the production of technical preparations

(b) Medicinal & Aromatherapy use: Anti-infectious, antiseptic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, deodorant, diaphoretic fungicidal, insect repellent (mosquito), stomachic, excessive perspiration, oily skin and hair, room deodorizer, rheumatism and arthritic pain