Essential oil from Bay leaves in India and Nepal: an analysis for quality oriented value chain development

Cinnamomum tamala Nees & Eberm., commonly known as bay leaf is a high value medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) widely used in the traditional medicine and spice sector. A study was carried out with the objective to analyse essential oil content of bay leaf and their constituents using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectometry (GCMS) tests from one site each of Nepal and India based on their altitude and age. A total of 48 samples were prepared for the essential oil and GC and GCMS tests. Linalool and Cinnamaldehyde-linalool were found to be the main constituent of the essential oils from Nepal and India respectively. Essential oil content is highest for new leaves from low altitudes. Cinnamaldehyde and linalool seem to set the preference for use of the leaves in the Indian spice industry. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) standards lays down d-α phellandrene and eugenol as the main constituents of essential oil of bay Leaf. The findings suggest that the leaves from the research areas may not be suitable for Ayurvedic purposes. There is a need for developing chemical content based standards in the value chain and promotion of its cultivation for improving livelihoods and biotrade in mountains.