RESUMO
The valorization of extracts from Brazilian vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash ex Small) roots was studied. This study took into account the extraction method, the chemical composition of the extracts, their sensorial characteristics, and the possibility of chemical transformations of the product. The performed extraction methods were hydrodistillation and extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide. Some pretreatment methods were tested on the vetiver roots and evaluated in terms of extraction yield, process time, chemical composition, and sensorial properties. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction resulted in high yield (3.2%) in significantly less time than the other methods. The chemical compositions of the extracts obtained by the different methods were also compared to those of commercial vetiver oils from other sources, showing that Brazilian samples had a greater acid amount. An extraction in basic medium from Brazilian vetiver oil was done to remove its main acid (zizanoic acid), which was chemically transformed into an alcohol (khusimol) of desirable sensorial properties. Sensory evaluation indicated that the Brazilian volatile oil without acid could be used in perfumery and the extract obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide could have application in food.