Efeito da temperatura do ar de secagem sobre o teor e a composição química do óleo essencial de Pectis brevipedunculata

Abstract

Pectis brevipedunculata. Leaves and flower heads of P. brevipedunculata were submitted to four drying-air temperatures (room temperature, 40, 50 and 60 °C). Room temperature (approximately 30 °C) and higher temperature drying (50 and 60 °C) had a deleterious effect on the essential oil content. The recommended drying-air temperature for the species is 40 °C for it results in the same amount of essential oil observed in fresh cut plants. Overall, 13 components accounting for more than 92% of the total composition were identified. Citral was the major component, followed by ?-pinene and limonene. The essential oil showed high toxicity against Artemia salina larvae.