Suraiya Kamaruzzaman, Mukramah Yusuf, Nanda Suriaini, Aula Chairunnisak, Dhaifina Amalia, Siti Indah Maharani
Patchouli oil, rich in bioactive compounds such as saponins, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aceh, Indonesia, is one of the largest producers of patchouli oil, contributing significantly to the global supply. However, to meet the Indonesian National Standard (INS 06-2385-2006), the purity of patchouli oil, particularly its patchouli alcohol content, must be improved for specialized applications such as vegan eczema balms. This study aims to purify patchouli oil from three regions in Aceh—Aceh Jaya, South Aceh, and Aceh Besar—using adsorption techniques with activated carbon, zeolite, and a 50:50 combination of both adsorbents. The adsorption process was conducted at a stirring speed of 100 rpm for one hour, followed by an evaluation of the oil's acid number, refractive index, and density. The results showed that activated carbon was the most effective, reducing the acid number from 5.52 mg KOH/g to 4.54 mg KOH/g. The density increased to 0.968 g/mL, meeting the INS standard for patchouli oil. Although patchouli alcohol content remained below the required 30% in some samples, all purified oils met the color and acid number standards. These findings support the application of purified patchouli oil in vegan eczema balm formulations as a plant-based alternative to conventional products. © 2026 Author(s)
Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Atsiri Research Centre, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Aceh, Indonesia; Center for Climate Change Research, Aceh Climate Change Initiative, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Aceh, Indonesia
Research at a Glance
Register to unlock
Topics & SDG Alignment
Register to unlock
Collaboration
Register to unlock
Author Profile (Selected)
Register to unlock
References Overview
Register to unlock
Journal & Source
Register to unlock
Metadata & Integrity
Register to unlock