Quantitative and qualitative changes of essential oil of Artemisia haussckenechtii in different phenological stages

Artemisia species with common Persian name of Dermaneh are found all over Iran and are used for treatment in infectious diseases such as malaria, hepatitis and other diseases. Some Artemisia species are used in traditionally as tonic and anti-helmintic in north of Iran. Artemisia haussknechtii is used in dyspepsia and other gastrointestinal disorders by local people in the western part of Iran.

The plant materials were collected from Chamashk in South of Khoramabad in Lorestan province at three stages including before flowering, full flowering and post flowering stages and subjected to hydrodistillation using a Cleavenger type apparatus for 2 h.

The results showed that yields of essential oil were 1.2%, 2.5% and 1.6% w/w before flowering, full flowering and fruiting stages, respectively. Thirty three, sixteen and twenty nine compounds were identified in oils before flowering, full flowering and post flowering stages, respectively. Camphor, 1,8-cineol and cis-Davanone  and limonene were the main components of essential oil of different growth stages. Also camphor as the main constituent was obtained from flowering stage

Camphor as the main component of essential oil has shown health benefits as a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, anesthetic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and insecticide substance.