Abstract
The effect of six different drying methods on the content and chemical composition of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis L. leaves was studied. The essential oils from fresh and dried samples were isolated by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results showed that air drying at ambient temperature and infrared drying at 45°C increased significantly the essential oil content. Forty-seven components were determined in essential oils, which were mostly oxygenated monoterpenes. This class of compounds is not significantly affected by the method of drying except for air drying at ambient temperature. The main components 1,8-cineole, methyl eugenol, terpinen-4-ol, linalool and eugenol showed significant variations with drying methods. The concentrations of these compounds increased significantly in the case of air drying at ambient temperature. These results allowed considering this method of drying as the method that produced the best results in terms of essential oil and bioactive compounds contents.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
