International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

The quality and therapeutic efficacy of homoeopathic mother tinctures derived from Dracocephalum moldavica L. depend strongly on the concentration of its active principles, particularly phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and essential oils. These metabolites are known to vary widely under different agronomic conditions and post-harvest handling practices. Organic and chemical fertilization strategies play a central role in modulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis, influencing both yield and phytochemical composition. After harvest, the duration and conditions of storage further determine the stability of these active constituents, which can undergo oxidative degradation, volatilization, or enzymatic changes. Although previous studies have examined the effect of nutrient management on essential oil crops, systematic evaluation integrating fertilization type with storage time for D. moldavica intended for homoeopathic tincture preparation remains limited. This research investigates how organic versus chemical fertilization affects the accumulation of key phytochemical markers, including rosmarinic acid, geraniol, citral, and other volatile fractions, and how these constituents respond to incremental storage durations. Controlled field experiments were conducted to compare organic manure-based systems with conventional NPK fertilization. Harvested material was then subjected to standardized storage intervals to quantify changes in phytochemical content using chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. Results demonstrated that organic fertilization enhanced the concentration of phenolics and flavonoids, whereas chemical fertilization promoted higher biomass but comparatively lower metabolite density. Storage duration significantly reduced active principal levels, with the steepest losses occurring after the second month of storage. The combined influence of fertilization and storage revealed distinct interaction effects, indicating that optimal homoeopathic tincture preparation requires not only appropriate nutrient regimes but also minimal storage time. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating agronomic and post-harvest management strategies to preserve the medicinal potential of D. moldavica and provide evidence-based recommendations for practitioners and producers.