CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THE KRUŠEVAC REGION (SERBIA)

4th International Symposium On Biotechnology (2026),  [pp. 799-809]
 
AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Darko Manjenčić , Marijana Vasić , Bojan Slavić , Lidija Radovanović , Dejan Todorović , Miodrag Pergal , Vesna Stankov Jovanović
 
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.799M

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

This study provides a detailed chemical characterization and safety evaluation of Achillea millefolium essential oil collected from the Kruševac region in central Serbia. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, yielding 0.1–0.2%. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that oxygenated monoterpenes dominated the volatile fraction (31.57%), with borneol (15.20%), eucalyptol (6.58%), and camphor (3.09%) identified as the principal constituents. The obtained profile corresponds to an oxygenated monoterpene-rich chemotype and aligns with previously reported compositions of A. millefolium, while also contributing new regional phytochemical data. Inductively coupled plasma analysis confirmed very low concentrations of toxic metals, including Cd, Pb, Hg, As, and Ni, all below internationally recommended limits. The combination of a characteristic terpene profile and minimal metal contamination indicates good quality and safety of the investigated oil. These findings expand the phytochemical knowledge of Serbian medicinal flora and support the potential application of this essential oil in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food-related products.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

Achillea millefolium; essential oil; chemotype; GC–MS; heavy metals; safety assessment; medicinal plants

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:

This study was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, and these results are parts of the Grant No. 451–03–137/2025–03/ 200124 for financial support.

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