Extraction and GC/MS Analysis of the Essential Oil of<i>Achillea millefolium</i>L. complex (Compositae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The essential oil, which was obtained by hydrodistillation from aerial parts of Achillea millefolium L. complex (Compositae), was analyzed using both GC/MS and Kovat's indices. The major components extracted from the stems, leaves and inflorescences were found to be β-thujone (8.3–21.7%), camphor (8.6–11.7%), 1, 8-cineole (7.7–15.2%), β-pinene (3.8–7.8%) and sabinene (5.7–8.9%). More than sixty components have been identified; forty of which, mainly oxygenated compounds, are reported for the first time. Variations in the essential oil composition and yield during hydrodistillation are also reported.