COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GENUS ARTEMISIA L. IN TERMS OF YIELD AND ESSENTIAL OIL CONTENT IN THE SOUTHERN STEPPE

Essential oils obtained from aromatic and medicinal plants are of considerable interest to the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries due to their valuable pharmacological and economic properties, including, among other things, antiseptic and antioxidant effects. Among the huge number of medicines used in world medical practice for the prevention of diseases, more than 45% are herbal preparations [1].

Among the many species of plants that are used in medicine, various species of the genus Wormwood (Artemisia) are known. Members of the genus belonging to the Asteraceae family are the most common in the world's flora and are known as medicinal and aromatic plants. Species such as Artemisia balchanorum, Artemisia taurica, Artemisia austriaca and Artemisia maritima are used not only in medicine, but also in other sectors of the economy.

Lemon wormwood (Artemisia balсhanorum Krasch) is a perennial sub-bush 50-60 cm high with a pleasant lemon smell. The flowering period is the second decade of October - the first decade of November. Wormwood is native to Central Asia. It grows on clay and rocky slopes, bare limestone in the mountains of Bolshiye Balkhany (Turkmenistan). The plant has a pleasant citrus aroma and has multivitamin properties. The aerial part of it is used in the production of wines and liqueurs. Lemon wormwood essential oil is best known in many aromatic compositions used in the perfumery and confectionery industry. It has antimicrobial activity and can be used in medicine for the treatment of acute inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, hypertension and as an immunomodulator [2].