Selection of essential oil extraction methods using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) approaches

Essential oils (EOs) play an important role in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. Selecting the appropriate extraction method is crucial for optimizing yield, quality, and environmental impact. This study uses a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) ranking method to evaluate and rank EO extraction techniques. AHP determines the weights of evaluation criteria, while PROMETHEE ranks methods based on these weights. All traditional and modern techniques are assessed. Results show that supercritical fluid extraction for modern techniques and steam distillation (SD) for traditional techniques are the most effective methods due to their superior performance across multiple criteria. This framework provides insights into selecting optimal extraction methods tailored to industrial needs. The study emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach in selecting extraction methods, highlighting the high yield and quality preservation of supercritical fluid extraction, as well as the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SD. It underscores the need for industries to consider various criteria, including environmental impact and safety, in their decision-making processes. Future research should refine these techniques and explore new methods to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of EO extraction.