Optimization of essential oil yield in Lippia alba leaves using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

In Senegal, post-harvest losses of cereals and legumes remain high due to various factors, including insect infestations and mycotoxins. The excessive use of chemical pesticides to control pests in stored grains increases the risk of toxic residues in food and the environment. Consequently, the shift toward sustainable alternatives, such as active biomolecules particularly essential oils with larvicidal, insecticidal, and antifungal properties offer a promising solution to overcome these structural challenges and promote competitive, eco-friendly agriculture. The essential oil of Lippia alba holds significant potential for our research due to its insecticidal and fungicidal properties, as well as its adaptability to the agroecological conditions of Senegal.

This study focuses on optimizing Lippia alba essential oil yield and limonene content while ensuring a stable and reproducible composition. A full factorial design was used to assess the combined effects of three factors: phenological stage, drying time, and distillation duration, on both yield and limonene content in the leaves. The data were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). This provided a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the variables and the optimization of essential oil yield and enabled further optimization. The findings of this study could contribute to improving the efficiency and sustainability of essential oil production in Senegal, with potential applications in pest control in pest control in stored cereals.