The effect of pressure and reflux ratio on the spinning band distillation process on the purity of myristicin isolate from the terpenless fraction of nutmeg oil

Abstract

Nutmeg oil contains myristicin, which functions as an antioxidant and antiaging in cosmetic products by inhibiting the activity of the collagenase enzyme. Isolation of myristicin compounds from the terpeneless fraction is a strategy to increase the purity of myristicin isolates effectively and efficiently. This research aims to identify the purity of the myristicin compound from the terpenless fraction of nutmeg oil and the yield based on different pressure and reflux ratio variables. Fractionation was carried out using the spinning band distillation method at pressures of 10 and 15 mmHg, with reflux ratios of 3:1 and 5:1. The fraction cutting temperature is regulated based on the boiling point of the compound starting from an open cut temperature of 172 °C to a close cut temperature of 300 °C. Parameters analyzed: The physicochemical properties of the material are specific gravity, refractive index, solubility in 96% ethanol, myristicin content, and yield. Research shows that the pressure and reflux ratio are not significant to the purity of myristicin, caused by the range of pressure and reflux ratio values being too close, but can increase the purity of myristicin compounds from initial levels of 51.25% to 83.23%. Thus, spinning band fractional distillation is able to be used as a tool for purifying the myristicin compound in the terpenless fraction of nutmeg oil.