Abstract

The study examined the isolation and detailed chemical characterization of essential oils derived from both fresh and dried stems of Artemisia scoparia (Virgate wormwood). The stems were harvested at two different times (morning and afternoon) from a garden in Ilorin, Nigeria, and subsequently identified by a plant taxonomist to ensure accurate species verification. Essential oils were extracted using the hydrodistillation method with a Clevenger-type apparatus. The extracted oils were then subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results demonstrated a notable increase in oil yield when the stems were dried, with afternoon harvests producing a higher yield of oil compared to morning harvests. Comprehensive chemical analysis revealed significant variations in the composition of the essential oils depending on the drying process. Key compounds identified included 2-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene, thymol methyl ether, β-pinene, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and γ-humulene, among others. These findings underscore the impact of drying on the essential oil composition, highlighting that certain beneficial compounds are enhanced while others are diminished through the drying process. The study emphasized the critical importance of optimizing drying conditions to maximize the therapeutic and industrial potential of Artemisia scoparia essential oils. By identifying the optimal harvesting and drying conditions, this research contributes valuable insights for the commercial extraction and application of essential oils from this plant species