Effects of different drying methods on volatile composition of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil

The quality of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil is affected by various drying methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of drying methods on the composition of the essential oil. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil samples subjected to different drying methods were extracted using the methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) method and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 26 volatile compounds, comprising 8 moneterpenes, 6 sesquiterpenes, 4 moneterpenes derivatives, 5 sesquiterpene derivatives, and 3 other derivatives, were identified. We found that the drying methods affected not only the composition of volatile compounds but also the content of different volatiles. The sun-dried essential oil showed the highest amount of volatile compounds, 1895.85 ng/g. Moneterpene derivatives were a major component in M. alternifolia essential oil, especially terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole.