Evaluation of harvesting time and standardization of distillation duration for higher essential oil content and quality in German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.)

Essential oil yield and composition in aromatic crops might be affected by genetic, agronomical environmental factors but till date there is no clear information about the harvesting time distillation for higher essential content without affecting quality. The current study was carried out to evaluate of chamomile flowers herb with part at three different times (6 A.M., 12 P.M. 6 P.M.) four treatments (3 h, 4 5 h & h) dried flowers. Results indicated that more (0.15-0.18%) as compared (0.06-0.09%). found statistically par harvest (0.18%) significantly than A.M. (0.15%). contained maximum α-bisabolol oxide-B, (Z)-spiroether, chamazulene while, α-bisabolone oxide-A were (E)-β-farnesene Similarly, experiment, observed which hydro-distilled (1.20%) other hydro-distillation durations. Marker compounds i.e. oxide-A, duration while (Z)-spiroether 3 duration. present showed order obtain oil, harvested P.M or should subjected 5-6 hydro-distillation.