Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Quality and Quantity of the Essential Oil of Feverfew (Tanacetum Parthenium L.)

Plant essential oils are used in a wide range of pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and hygienic products. To investigate the effects of different drying methods on drying time, essential oil content and composition of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete design with three replications. Three microwave powers (360, 540 and 720 w), three oven temperature levels (40, 50 and 60 °C), and two natural drying methods (sun and shade drying) were assessed and compared. Results showed the significant effects of drying methods on essential oils content and percent of samples. The highest essence percent was obtained in shade drying and at 40 oC as 76 and 74 %, respectively whereas the lowest one was found to be 32 % corresponding to 720 w microwave method. Among 27 components identified in the essential oils of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.), camphene, camphor, Bornyl acetate, Germacrene and Cyclopentadiene were the major components, respectively. The highest comphene amount was obtained at oven 50 oC while utilizing various microwave power values reduced this compound markedly.