Influence of drying, storage and distillation times on essential oil yield and composition of anise hyssop [Agastache foeniculum (Pursh.) Kuntze]
Published Apr 25, 2014 · M. Mahmoodi Sourestani, M. Malekzadeh, A. Tava
Journal of Essential Oil Research
41
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Abstract
In the present study, the effects of two different drying methods, with different storage and distillation periods, on the essential oil content and composition of Agastache foeniculum (Pursh.) Kuntze were studied. The results showed a reduction of the oil content due to the drying treatments and the storage period. The plant material dried at room temperature (25°C) showed the highest essential oil content (2.2%), whereas these dried by oven (40°C) were lower (1.6%). The oil content of anise hyssop was also affected by storage time. The distillation time did not have a significant effect on the essential oil content of anise hyssop. The oil composition was then determined by gas chromatographic (GC) methods. Accurate quantitative analysis has been carried out through the measurement of correction factor of the most abundant oil constituent, methyl chavicol, and for this compound analytical data have been expressed as g/100 g of the oil. Methyl chavicol was quantified as 97.2–98.1 g/100 g, while the second most abundant compound, limonene, was determined as 0.8–1.4% of the total oil. The yield of those two compounds seemed to be roughly unaffected either by the two drying methods or by storage and distillation times.