Document Type : Research Article
Authors
- zakieh ziaei movahhed 1
- abbas yadollahi 2
- leila samiei 3
- Mohammad-Taghi ebadi 4
- ali Mokhtassi-Bidgoli 5
1 Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 . Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
4 4- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Various species of Eucalyptus are recognized as an important source of essential oils due to their bioactive constituents such as 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and a wide array of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. These compounds have demonstrated extensive applications in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and fragrance industries owing to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and organoleptic properties. The increasing global demand for plant-derived products, particularly those perceived as natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly, has further emphasized the industrial and economic significance of these essential oils. In recent decades, interest in plant-based bioactive compounds has grown substantially, driven by consumer preference for natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals and the rising awareness of their health-promoting benefits. Consequently, essential oils derived from Eucalyptus species have become highly sought-after both for domestic consumption and international trade.
Despite the growing cultivation of Eucalyptus in Iran, systematic investigations into the yield, chemical composition, and quality of locally produced essential oils remain limited. Understanding these parameters is crucial, not only for optimizing industrial applications but also for ensuring compliance with international standards. In particular, ISO 770:2002 and ISO 3065:2011 provide guidelines regarding the minimum and maximum permissible concentrations of key compounds such as 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, which are critical for pharmaceutical, food-grade, and other high-value applications. The assessment of essential oils against these standards allows for the evaluation of their industrial suitability and market competitiveness. Such research is essential for positioning Iran as a reliable supplier of high-quality essential oils in the global market.
The present study focused on two commonly cultivated species in northern Iran, namely Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Leaves were harvested from the Behshahr region, a site known for its favorable climatic and soil conditions for Eucalyptus growth. The collected leaves were shade-dried at a controlled temperature of 24 °C and relative humidity of 40% to preserve the integrity of volatile compounds. Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus over a period of three hours, and the yield was calculated on a weight-to-weight basis. Chemical characterization of the oils was performed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) with a DB-5 capillary column under a temperature gradient of 60–260 °C. Compounds were identified by comparing their mass spectra and retention indices with those in the Wiley7 and Adams libraries, and the results were evaluated in accordance with ISO standards.
The analysis revealed significant differences in essential oil yield and composition between the two species. E. globulus produced an oil yield of 2.6%, which was substantially higher than the 1.2% obtained from E. camaldulensis. This difference indicates that E. globulus is a more efficient source of essential oil and is potentially more suitable for large-scale industrial extraction. Regarding chemical composition, 1,8-cineole was the predominant constituent in both species. In E. globulus, 1,8-cineole accounted for 83.19% of the oil, fully meeting the requirements of ISO 770:2002 and ISO 3065:2011. This high concentration underscores the significant value of E. globulus oil for pharmaceutical and food applications, given the well-established antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and flavor-enhancing properties of 1,8-cineole. The proportion of α-pinene in this species was 7.24%, which fell within the acceptable standard range, although slightly below the minimum threshold specified by ISO 770:2002.
In contrast, E. camaldulensis contained a lower percentage of 1,8-cineole (39.46%), which did not meet ISO standards. However, its chemical profile was more diverse, with notable amounts of α-pinene (13.28%), p-cymene (11.83%), spathulenol (7.38%), and caryophyllene oxide (2.33%). This diversified composition suggests alternative industrial applications, particularly in areas where a broader range of bioactive compounds is desirable, such as in perfumery, cosmetics, and specialized therapeutic formulations. The high levels of α-pinene and other monoterpenes in E. camaldulensis can enhance its value for non-cineole-centered applications.
Comparative evaluation with reports from other regions of the world indicated that Iranian E. globulus essential oil, due to its high cineole content and favorable yield, is competitive with oils produced in leading Eucalyptus-producing countries such as Portugal, and China. Meanwhile, the chemically diverse profile of E. camaldulensis offers distinct advantages and can complement cineole-dominant oils in various industrial sectors.
Given the favorable climatic conditions in Iran, the availability of regions suitable for Eucalyptus cultivation, and the rising global demand for sustainable plant-based raw materials, the expansion of Eucalyptus cultivation and essential oil production presents a strategic opportunity for strengthening Iran’s position in the international essential oil market. Future studies should focus on optimizing cultivation techniques, enhancing extraction efficiency, and evaluating the biological activities of the diverse constituents to support industrial-scale development and maximize economic returns. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the potential of Iranian Eucalyptus species as a competitive and sustainable source of high-quality essential oils for a variety of industrial applications.
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