Extraction of the Essential Oil of Minthostachys mollis: Effect of Storage on the Composition and Color

The objective of the study was to determine extraction variables in the volatile components, color, and use of the essential oil of Mintostachys mollis, an endemic plant species with a pleasant aroma. It was found between 2,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level in the province of Carchi - Ecuador. The essential oil was obtained by the vapor stripping technique and the composition of the oil in fresh and stored samples was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC/MS). The results in the extraction indicate that the humidity of the sample affects the yield of essential oil at medium levels. The analysis of the volatile fraction (fresh sample) contains 42 components that represent more than 95%, highlighting Carvacryl acetate, Trans-cariofillene and Germacrene D; while the results of the stored essential oil showed different composition and affected in color in 24 substances that represents more than 96%, highlighting the presence of trans-Caryophyllene and cabinene, where particular flavoring characteristics with antioxidant properties are important to be valued in the pharmacological, cosmetic and food industry for immediate application purposes.