Comparative Study on Seasonal Yield Dynamics of Leaves Essential Oil of Vitex negundo from sangam area of Prayagraj

Abstract

Vitex negundo (Nirgundi) is a significant medicinal shrub in Ayurveda, known for its diverse secondary metabolites. This study investigated the impact of seasonal changes on the essential oil yield of V. negundo leaves collected from Sangam Area (Swaraj Van Aral Ghat, Prayagraj). Over a two-year period (2023–2024), essential oil was extracted monthly using hydro-distillation via a Clevenger-type apparatus. The results indicate significant monthly fluctuations, with the highest oil yields recorded during the late autumn and early winter months (November and December). These findings suggest that harvesting time is a critical factor for maximizing the industrial and medicinal output of V. negundo essential oil.