Page 39 - Mansoura National University

Phytochemistry I Course – Level 3

“Essential Oil Extraction & Quality Control Project”

Overview:

The activity centered on extracting volatile oils from aromatic plants—an economically and

scientifically significant practice in pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic fields.
• Students were divided into teams of ten, each assigned an aromatic plant to process into a market-

ready essential oil product.

• Each group selected approximately 0.5 kg of their chosen plant
material.
• Using a Clevenger apparatus or steam distillation, they
extracted the volatile oil.
• The oil was stored in a suitable amber glass container, sealed
tightly, and students calculated the yield percentage vs. plant
mass.
• Teams then created attractive packaging and an informational
leaflet, including the plant’s botanical name, image, extracted
oil, active components, usage instructions, indications,
precautions, and storage guidelines.

Each Group Submitted:

1. A packaged essential oil product, labeled with a trade name, suggested price, indications, and
storage instructions.
2. An accompanying informational leaflet detailing:
o Plant image and name;
o Name of the oil;
o Major active chemical components in the oil;
o Yield percentage of oil;
o Route of administration, medical uses, and benefits;
o Cautions and storage instructions.
3. A 5-minute video documenting the entire process—from initial plant selection through final
product presentation—highlighting its features and benefits.

This hands-on initiative enriched students' understanding of practical lab techniques and product
development. It strengthened their ability to manage scientific procedures, collaborate effectively,
and convey product information creatively—skills essential for future roles in pharmaceutical and
cosmetic industries.

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