Essential Oil Composition of Pinus peuce Griseb. Needles and Twigs from Two National Parks of Kosovo.

Avni Hajdari,Behxhet Mustafa,Cassandra Leah Quave,Dashnor Nebija,Hyrmete Selimi,Pranvera Breznica,Johannes Novak,Zeqir Veselaj

doi:10.1155/2016/5393079

Abstract

The principal aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and qualitative and quantitative variability of essential oils obtained from seven naturally grown populations of the Pinus peuce Grisebach, Pinaceae in Kosovo. Plant materials were collected from three populations in the Sharri National Park and from four other populations in the Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, in Kosovo. Essential oils were obtained by steam distillation and analyzed by GC-FID (Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). The results showed that the yield of essential oils (v/w dry weight) varied depending on the origin of population and the plant organs and ranged from 0.7 to 3.3%. In total, 51 compounds were identified. The main compounds were α-pinene (needles: 21.6–34.9%; twigs: 11.0–24%), β-phellandrene (needles: 4.1–27.7; twigs: 29.0–49.8%), and β-pinene (needles: 10.0–16.1; twigs: 6.9–20.7%). HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) and PCA (Principal Component Analyses) were used to assess geographical variations in essential oil composition. Statistical analysis showed that the analyzed populations are grouped in three main clusters which seem to reflect microclimatic conditions on the chemical composition of the essential oils.

Highlights

Essential oils represent an important class of constituents among various plant families
Essential oils were obtained by steam distillation and analyzed by GC-flame ionization detector (FID) (Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
The chemical variability of essential oils obtained from needles and twigs of Pinus peuce Griseb. growing in seven locations in Kosovo has been elucidated

Summary

Introduction

Essential oils represent an important class of constituents among various plant families. Due to the high content and interesting composition of their essential oils, numerous species of the Pinaceae family have been traditionally used in medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. The essential oils of Pinus species demonstrate primarily antimicrobial, expectorant activities and promote blood circulation [1,2,3]. Herbal medicines containing essential oils from Pinus spp. are therapeutically used externally or by inhalation to treat different medical conditions, including respiratory disease, common colds, and rheumatic complaints such as muscle and joint pain [1,2,3]. In the European Pharmacopoeia, Ph.Eur.7.0 [14], monographs for the essential oils of the most prominent representatives of this

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