Headspacing GC-MS analysis of the components of Achillea (Achillea millefolium L.) under Isfahan condition

Achillea is a common name (Achillea millefolium L.) which belongs to Asteracea family. Use of the essential oils of Achillea genus in medical, culinary, food and cosmopolitic products and their biological activities depends on the chemical constitutes. The aerial parts of plant were analyzed by using GC/MS. The 31 compounds were identified in dried aerial parts. The major components were: Camphor (17.75%), Thujone (13.25%), α-pinene (6%), β-Thujone (5.85%)and α-Humulene (5.48%). In conclusion, breeding programmes could be achieved by using selection procedures that recognize the best genotypes among populations such as Isfahan province ecotype.