Yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of essential oil obtained from Ferula persica oleo-gum-resin: Effect of the originated region, type of oleo-gum-resin, and extraction method

In the present study, we investigated the effect of extraction methods (hydro-distillation, microwave-assisted hydro-distillation, and solvent-free microwave extraction), oleo-gum-resin types (Kokh and Shir), and regions (Sepidan and Darb-e-Behesht) on yield, composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils obtained from oleo-gum-resin of Ferula persica. The results showed that oleo-gum-resins originating from Darb-e-Behesht produced more essential oil than oleo-gum-resins of Sepidan using each of the extraction methods. Each of the extraction methods isolated more essential oil from Kokh samples as compared with Shir. The highest essential oil was achieved by the solvent-free microwave extraction method from Kokh samples. A total of 51 compounds were identified in essential oil samples. Monoterpene hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds were dominant in all essential oils. The main compounds of essential oil in the samples were β-pinene, α-pinene, (E)− 1-Propenyl sec-butyl disulfide, and (Z)− 1-Propenyl sec-butyl disulfide. The antioxidant activity of the essential oils was affected by the region and type of oleo-gum-resin. The essential oils showed less antioxidant activity than butylated hydroxyanisole. The research suggests that the area of oleo-gum-resin collection, type of oleo-gum-resin collected, and essential oil extraction method should be selected and optimized based on the intended purpose and the desired active ingredients. Also, the results show that microwave-assisted hydro-distillation and solvent-free microwave extraction methods can be introduced as quick and suitable alternative methods for extracting essential oils from oleo-gum-resins of F.persica.