Composition of the essential oils from samples of Vitex agnus-castus L. growing in Turkey

Abstract

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of Vitex agnus-castus L. (Verbenaceae) fruits collected from five different localities in Turkey [Zonguldak (S1), Edirne (S2), Balıkesir (S3), Muğla (S4) and Antalya (S5)] were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). β-Caryophyllene (11%) and α-pinene (10%) were identified as major components in the oil of S1. The highest amount of bicyclogermacrene (22.1%) was detected in the essential oil of S2. The major components of the essential oil of S3 were 1,8-cineole (17.8%), sabinene (15.8%), (Z)-β-farnesene (13.5%) and bicyclogermacrene (12.1%). The essential oil compositions of S4 and S5 had similarities, both containing sabinene [12.1% (S4), 12.1% (S5)], 1,8-cineole [13.2% (S4), 11.8% (S5)], β-caryophyllene [12.7% (S4), 11.4% (S5)] and bicyclogermacrene [11% (S4), 12.1% (S5)] as major components.