نوع مقاله : مقالات پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه باغبانی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران
2 گروه علوم باغبانی و مهندسی فضای سبز، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه فردوسی، مشهد، ایران
3 گروه زراعت، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه تربیت مدرس، تهران، ایران
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Eucalyptus essential oils are among the most commercially important plant-derived oils due to their high content of bioactive terpenoid compounds, particularly 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, which are widely used in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and hygienic products. In recent years, the increasing global demand for natural and plant-based ingredients has further enhanced the industrial significance of eucalyptus essential oils. Although various Eucalyptus species have been introduced and cultivated in different regions of Iran, comprehensive comparative information on the yield and chemical quality of locally produced oils, especially in relation to international standards, remains limited. Among the cultivated species, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis are of particular economic and industrial importance. Evaluating their essential oil characteristics under local climatic conditions is crucial for assessing their suitability for industrial applications and their potential competitiveness in global markets. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze and compare the essential oil yield and chemical composition of E. globulus and E. camaldulensis cultivated in Northern Iran, with special emphasis on their conformity with ISO 770:2002 and ISO 3065:2011 standards and their potential industrial value.
Materials and Methods
Fresh leaves of E. globulus and E. camaldulensis were collected from mature trees grown in the Behshahr region of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran, an area characterized by a humid temperate climate. To minimize the loss of volatile compounds, the leaves were shade-dried under controlled conditions at 24 °C and 40% relative humidity. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus for three hours, and oil yield was calculated on a dry weight basis. The chemical composition of the extracted essential oils was determined using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) equipped with a DB-5 capillary column. Compound identification was carried out by comparing mass spectra and retention indices with those reported in the Wiley7 and Adams spectral libraries. The resulting chemical profiles were evaluated and interpreted in accordance with the requirements of ISO 770:2002 and ISO 3065:2011 standards.
Results and Discussion
The results demonstrated a clear difference in essential oil yield between the two species. E. globulus exhibited a higher oil yield (2.6%) compared with E. camaldulensis (1.2%), indicating superior productivity under the studied environmental conditions. In both species, oxygenated monoterpenes constituted the dominant class of compounds; however, their relative proportions varied substantially. In the essential oil of E. globulus, 1,8-cineole was the predominant compound, accounting for 83.19% of the total oil composition. This value fully satisfied the minimum cineole requirements specified in both ISO 770:2002 and ISO 3065:2011 standards, confirming the high quality of this oil and its suitability for pharmaceutical, food-grade, and medicinal applications. Comparative evaluation with previously reported data from other regions indicated that the chemical profile and yield of E. globulus essential oil produced in Northern Iran are highly competitive at the international level. In contrast, the essential oil of E. camaldulensis contained a lower proportion of 1,8-cineole (39.46%), which did not meet the cineole thresholds defined by the ISO standards. Nevertheless, this oil exhibited a more chemically diverse composition, characterized by notable amounts of α-pinene (13.28%), p-cymene (11.83%), spathulenol (7.38%), and caryophyllene oxide (2.33%). The broader distribution of monoterpene and sesquiterpene compounds suggests that, despite its lower cineole content, E. camaldulensis essential oil may be advantageous for specialized industrial applications requiring a more complex terpene profile, such as fragrance formulation, antimicrobial products, and functional additives.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the high potential of Iranian Eucalyptus essential oils. E. globulus showed superior yield and composition in line with global quality standards, rendering it suitable for pharmaceutical and food industries. E. camaldulensis, with its chemically diverse profile, offers promising opportunities for broader industrial applications. Given Iran’s availability of suitable cultivation zones and the growing demand for sustainable plant-based raw materials, the expansion of Eucalyptus farming and essential oil production could strengthen Iran’s position in the international essential oil sector. Further research is encouraged to improve cultivation practices and support industrial-scale development.
Acknowledgements
This research was financially supported by Tarbiat Modares University, for which the authors are sincerely grateful.
کلیدواژهها English
|
Authors retain the copyright. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). |