Influence of Drying Temperature on the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Shoots as Well as Yield and Composition of Essential Oils

Abstract

Abstract The study concerns the effects of drying process conditions (40, 50, 60°C) on the contents of bioactive compounds in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) shoots as well as the yield and composition of essential oils. The obtained dry material was examined for the total contents of polyphenols and the antioxidant activity as well as the content of vitamin C. The material was examined by using the HS-SPME method, and the composition of the essential oils was determined using gas chromatography method (GC-MS). The highest contents of bioactive compounds were found in the material subjected to drying at 40°C. The highest yield of essential oils (0.63 ml 100 g−1 d.m. of the material) was obtained from the pine shoots dried at 40°C.