Chemical variability of Artemisia herba-alba Asso essential oils from East Morocco

Chemical compositions of 16 Artemisia herba-alba oil samples harvested in eight East Moroccan locations were investigated by GC and GC/MS. Chemical variability of the A. herba-alba oils is also discussed using statistical analysis. Detailed analysis of the essential oils led to the identification of 52 components amounting to 80.5–98.6 % of the total oil. The investigated chemical compositions showed significant qualitative and quantitative differences. According to their major components (camphor, chrysanthenone, and α- and β-thujone), three main groups of essential oils were found. This study also found regional specificity of the major components.