Patents
The invention provides an efficient process for the isolation of natural crystallized thymol product derived from crude natural Monarda Citriodora (Jammu Monarda) oil useful for incorporation into foods and beverages in amounts due to strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant properties as well as for use as a preservative. The recovery of crystallized thymol product obtained is more than 72% from Hexane-Jammu Monarda oil in a ratio 1:1 under specific conditions. A method for preparing natural thymol in crystal form involves providing crude Jammu Monarda oil in a Flask and gradually reducing the temperature of the flask containing Monarda oil:Hexane in a step-wise manner, thereby producing highly pure crystals (?95.5%) within 48 h. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for pharmaceutical GMP.