Essential oil analysis of Pistacia vera L. hull samples from Iran

Pistachio hull (Pistacia vera from the Anacardiaceae family) is a by-product obtained after peeling pistachio fruits. Dried hull having numerous medical applications is sold in the herbal market of Iran. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytoprotective, and antitumor activities of the hull have been proven. In the current study, two samples of pistachio hull were purchased from Shiraz, Iran. Hydrodistillation of samples and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of essential oils were carried out. Limonene and terpinolene were two major compounds of both essential oils although in previous studies, α-pinene has been reported as the major compound. The amount of limonene in samples 1 and 2 was 25.9% and 47.69% of total oils, respectively. The amount of terpinolene exceeded 24% of oils in both samples. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were predominant in both essential oils (57.65% and 94.86%). Because these compounds have numerous therapeutical effects, pistachio hull can be introduced as a valuable source for medicinal products.