Evaluation of phytochemical changes in the vegetative and flowering stages of dragonhead (Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss) under drought stress conditions

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agriculture, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

3 Professor, Dept. of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

4 Associate Professor, Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

5 Associate Professor, Dept. of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Bagh-e-Abrisham Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Dragonhead (Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.) is an important medicinal plant native to Iran, which essential oil contains high levels of terpenoid compounds. The biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants is strongly influenced by environmental conditions and abiotic stresses. Among these, drought stress is a key factor that induces biochemical responses and enhances the concentration of various secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, terpenes, and nitrogen-containing substances, thereby improving the quality of medicinal plants. This study aimed to evaluate the active components of the essential oil of D. kotschyi essential oil and to investigate changes in its phytochemical properties under drought stress during two growth stages: vegetative and flowering stages. The experiment was conducted using four irrigation levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of field capacity) in a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Analysis of the essential oil revealed three major compounds R-α-pinene, limonene, and myrcene present in significant amounts at both growth stages. Additionally, four key oxygenated monoterpenes, namely geranyl acetate, geranial, methyl geranate, and neral, were identified in notable quantities. Limonene, one of the major compounds, showed an increase under drought stress during the vegetative stage and a decrease during flowering. Phytochemical analyses indicated that D. kotschyi produces higher amounts of hydrocarbon monoterpenes during the vegetative stage and oxygenated monoterpenes during the flowering stage. Drought stress resulted in a reduction of hydrocarbon monoterpenes and an increase in oxygenated monoterpenes.

Keywords

References

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Advanced Research in Medicinal Plants
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 4
November 2025
Pages 45-56

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 07 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 November 2025

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