Chemical Composition of Extracts and Essential Oils Obtained From Common Juniper (Juniperus Communis L.) in Azerbaijan

Abstract

Juniperus communis L. (common juniper) is a widespread plant species in the Western region of Azerbaijan. The dependence of the composition and content of various biologically active substances in juniper on natural climatic conditions was studied. The results of the study of the substances obtained from the extraction of leaves and branches in ethanol were presented. The composition of volatile compounds was studied by the gas chromatography technique. In all samples, monoterpene hydrocarbons always predominated with percentages higher than 70% (from 71.12% for the plant material collected in August to 74.38% for those in September), followed in similar quantities by oxygenated monoterpenes or sesquiterpene hydrocarbons with values between 10.45% and 12.77% and between 10.50% and 12.72%, respectively. Ascorbic acid content varying from 33.1 to 123.2 mg/100 g was also determined. The investigation of the yield of essential oils in different months of the year showed that its amount varies depending on the season (3.5-4.4% of the mass of dry raw materials).