Effect of Drying Geranium Fresh Herb Before Distillation on Essential Oil Yield and Composition

THE herb of Pelargonium graveolens L. Herit. was harvested from the farm of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center. in April, 2010. Samples were taken at flowering stage for distillation, the essential oil percentage in the fresh and dry herb was determined. Seven periods before distillation were studied (zero time directly after harvesting, after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days from harvesting). These samples of geranium fresh herb were completely air dried. The volatile oil obtained from herb analyzed using Ds-Chrome 6200 Gas Chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector for separation of volatile oil constituents.
This research amid to study the drying geranium herb to allows the possibility of dry herb distillation without affecting the quality of the oil and its components as well as the ease of portability dry herb to places with distillation taking into account the reduced cost of transportation.
The results indicated that, the herb weight was reduced, oil percentage and oil yield was increased and the oil component was improved. The best drying period for distillation geranium herb was three days from harvesting. This treatment gave the best results of oil yield and quality.