Post harvest storage effect on essential oil content and composition of Cymbopogon distans (Nees ex Steud.) Wats.

摘要

The members of Cymbopogon genus are of commercial importance owing to have essential oils, which are highly prized in flavor and fragrance industries. Cymbopogon distans (Nees ex Steud.) Wats. is an under-explored aromatic member of this genus which is found abundantly wild in western and central Himalayan region. The lemon-scented chemotype of C. distans, domesticated in foothills was studied for post harvest storage under shade and open field conditions. The results revealed that there were no losses in essential oil content up to 15 days of storage (0.46%) under shade conditions. However, in field conditions a loss of 6.52% and 10.87% of essential oil was observed over a fresh herb after 7 days and 15 days of storage, respectively. Major constituents of the essential oil, viz.geranial (20.3-25.9%), neral (13.2-17.5%), geraniol(15.3-18.6%), and geranyl acetate (17.2-23.0%) showed change under post harvest storage. In conclusion, C. distans should preferably be distilled a fresh or it may be stored in shade conditions up to 15 days without any loss of essential oil.