Evaluation of volatile components of Achillea millefolium L. essential oil

Abstract

The genus Achillea (Asteraceae) is distributed in Europe and the Middle East and has approximately 140 endemic species. There are 40 Achillea sp. in the Turkish flora and 20 of them are endemic. This genus has a widespread area all over the world. Also, it has many different uses in traditionally, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids and wound healing. Achillea sp. is also widely used as food. Achillea millefolium L. is known as “Yarrow” and has been used as a wound healer, diuretic, appetite stimulant and menstrual bleeding in Türkiye. The aerial parts of the plant are used in a variety of forms, including infusion, tincture, liquid extract, total extract, bath. It has also been stated that the essential oil of the plant is used in mouth sores and dental health due to its antimicrobial effect. It is also preferred in the treatment of aphtha and wounds in the mouth. Within the scope of this project, essential oil of A. millefolium was obtained from European Pharmacopoeia (9th Edition) quality, supplied from German commercial source, with the Clevenger apparatus for 3 h. The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained was elucidated. A total of 67 components were identified. Chamazulene (6.8%), caryophyllene oxide (5.8%), torilenol (5.6%), (E)-nerolidol (4.3%), borneol (4.0%) were found as major constituents of A. millefolium essential oil. The original value of this study, aim of this study is to conduct a pharmacognosic examination of the European Pharmacopoeia quality A. millefolium, one of the Achillea sp. that is of great importance worldwide due to medicinal proporties, especially herbal tea. With this study, the chemical composition of the volatile components of the A. millefolium was elucidated.