Vol. 13, Issue 4 (2025)
Stability of key volatile compounds in Dracocephalum moldavica L. leaves after different storage durations: A comparison between plants grown under chemical and organic fertilization
Author(s): Aidar Nurtayev and Malika Rakhimova
Abstract: Volatile compounds represent the most valuable constituents of Dracocephalum moldavica L., a medicinal and aromatic plant widely utilized for its essential oils and bioactive phenolics. These compounds, however, are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, postharvest handling, and storage duration, making their stability a major concern for producers and processors. Fertilization practices are known to influence secondary metabolite pathways, yet comparative information on how chemical versus organic nutrient inputs affect the long-term retention of volatiles during storage remains limited. This research investigates the stability of key volatile constituents in the leaves of D. moldavica grown under chemical and organic fertilization regimes and stored for graded intervals. Fresh leaves were subjected to controlled storage durations, and volatile profiles were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The findings demonstrate that both fertilization type and storage duration significantly influence the degradation patterns of essential monoterpenes and oxygenated compounds. Plants receiving organic fertilization retained higher concentrations of citral, geraniol, and related oxygenated terpenoids over extended storage, whereas chemically fertilized plants showed a steeper decline in these volatiles. The degradation kinetics suggest that organic nutrient inputs may enhance metabolic resilience and reduce oxidative losses during storage. The outcomes align with earlier reports indicating beneficial effects of organic amendments on essential oil quality and stability in aromatic crops [7]. Furthermore, our results indicate that improper or prolonged storage significantly accelerates the deterioration of volatile fractions, emphasizing the need for optimized postharvest handling protocols. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultivation practices intersect with storage-related biochemical changes in D. moldavica, offering practical implications for growers, processors, and the nutraceutical industry. By identifying the fertilization system that best sustains volatile stability over time, this research supports evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the commercial value and therapeutic potential of D. moldavica leaf products.
DOI: 10.22271/chemi.2025.v13.i4b.12627
Pages: 147-151 | 85 Views 46 Downloads
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How to cite this article:
Aidar Nurtayev, Malika Rakhimova. Stability of key volatile compounds in Dracocephalum moldavica L. leaves after different storage durations: A comparison between plants grown under chemical and organic fertilization. Int J Chem Stud 2025;13(4):147-151. DOI: 10.22271/chemi.2025.v13.i4b.12627
