Content Of Α-pinene Research Articles

Optimization of liquid-phase α-pinene oxidation with oxygen in presence of cobalt (II) stearate

Optimization of the liquid-phase oxidation of α-pinene was carried out using the Box plan. It was found that an increase in the temperature of the oxidation process in the interval 55–85 °C leads to an increase in the amount of polymers from 45 to 55 %, and a decrease in the air flow rate from 1000 to 600 ml/min – to a 10 % decrease in terpenic oxygencontaining compounds (verbenol, verbenon, epoxy α-pinene). Increasing the duration of oxidation from 5 to 15 h leads to a reduction in the content of α-pinene from 70 to 48 %, which indicates its high conversion. The results of the experimental plan have been processed, the optimum process conditions found, which ensure the maximum yield terpenic oxygencontaining compounds and a high conversion α-pinene with the minimum content of polymers in the oxidation products, have been calculated and confirmed in practice. It was established that at a temperature of 70–75 °C, an air flow rate of 1000 ml/min and an oxidation time of 5 h, the quantitative content of the main products was: terpenic oxygen-containing compounds – 27.04 %, monomers – 69.70 %, polymers – 30.30 %.

Temporal and Spatial Variation in Scots Pine Resin Pressure and Composition

Resin is a first-line defense in pine trees, but important questions regarding its temporal and spatial variation remain unsolved. Resin pressure varies according to water potential in dry conditions, but in moist conditions, it follows temperature dynamics for a yet unknown reason. Relations between resin composition, resin pressure, and shoot monoterpene emissions are also unquantified. To gain mechanistic understanding on the resin dynamics in a boreal forest, we measured temperature and water potential dependency of Scots pine resin pressure. We attempted to quantify the temperature dependency of resin pressure in terms of three contributions: 1) saturation vapor pressure, 2) thermal expansion, and 3) N2, O2, and CO2 solubility. We also analyzed monoterpene composition in the resin and the shoot emissions of 16 pines with gas chromatography mass spectrometry to study their interrelations. We show that in moist conditions, resin pressure is driven by temperature at a diurnal scale, but also affected by soil water potential at a day-to-day scale. Diurnal temperature dependency was explained by thermal expansion of resin and changes in bubble volume due to changes in gas solubility in resin with temperature. Resin pressures correlated also with total monoterpene and α-pinene content in resin and with total monoterpene and ∆3-carene and terpinolene emissions from shoots.

Effect of Thiobacillus and Superabsorbent on Essential Oil Components in Thyme Species

Plants of the Lamiacea family have a long tradition in folk medicine and are used as aroma herbs due to their high content of essential oils. The objective of this research was to examine the possibility of improving the quantity and quality of essential oil in thyme through nutrition of the seedlings using Thiobacillus bio-fertilizer and treatment by superabsorbent. For this purpose, seedlings of two thyme species (Thymus vulgaris and Thymus daenensis) were sown in pots and exposed to different levels of Thiobacillus and superabsorbent. Results of Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revealed that the main compounds detected for T. vulgaris were thymol (31.5 %), p-cymene (23.4 %), γ-terpinene (13.9 %), linalool (38.3 %) and carvacrol (2.7 %) while the main compounds of T. daenensis were thymol (51.2 %), o-cymene (12.9 %), γ-terpinene (4.5 %), linalool (1.7 %) and borneol (3.1 %). Furthermore, the application of Thiobacillus had a significant effect on α-pinene content (p=0.05). Moreover, the interaction between superabsorbent and Thiobacillus significantly changed the percentage of thymol, borneol, and caryophyllene.

Composition and Chemical Variability of Myrtus communis Leaf Oil From Northwestern Algeria

Myrtus communis L. is a shrub growing wild in most countries all around the Mediterranean Sea and myrtle leaf oil is useful in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Nowadays, “chemotyped” essential oils are more and more appreciated. Myrtle oil from eastern and central-north Algeria belong to the “α-pinene-cineole” chemotype. In contrast, Moroccan myrtle oil displayed appreciable content of myrtenyl acetate. Therefore, it appeared crucial to investigate the composition of myrtle leaf oil from northwestern Algeria in order to ensure the homogeneity of the composition of Algerian myrtle leaf oil. The chemical composition of 42 oil samples of M. communis isolated from leaves collected in five locations from Tlemcen Province was investigated by gas chromatography (GC) in combination with retention indices, GC-mass spectroscopy, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Yields ranged between 0.13% and 1.04% (w/w). The chemical composition of the oils was largely dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, with α-pinene (24.3-59.0%) and 1,8-cineole (13.2-49.5%) being the major compounds followed by limonene (3.2-19.8%). The 42 compositions were submitted to statistical analyses. The combination of hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis allowed the distinction of two groups, the second group being subdivided into two subgroups. Groups and subgroups were differentiated with respect to their contents of α-pinene and 1,8-cineole and, to a lesser extent, of limonene. This study ensures that Algerian myrtle leaf oil belongs to the “α-pinene-cineole” chemotype which displays various biological activities. The observed homogeneity could be a positive point to join the international market of essential oils.

Identification of Key Genes in the Synthesis Pathway of Volatile Terpenoids in Fruit of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum), a plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family, is widely planted in China. Its outstanding feature is its rich aroma. The main component that creates this aroma is the volatile terpenoids. In this study, we aimed to understand the molecular mechanism related to aroma synthesis in Z. bungeanum and provide new ideas for breeding. Headspace solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), RT-qPCR and bioinformatics were used to study the changes in volatile terpenoids and identify key genes in the pathway of terpenoids in fruits of Z. bungeanum. The results show that the trend of volatile terpenoids is consistent among the two varieties. As the fruit matures, the terpenoids gradually accumulate and peak in the third period (mid-development) before gradually decreasing. Among these terpenoids, there is the highest content of α-pinene. In Z. bungeanum cv. ‘Hanchengdahongpao’ (Hanchengdahongpao) and Z. bungeanum cv. ‘Fuguhuajiao’ (Fuguhuajiao), this reached 24.74% and 20.78% respectively. In general, for the content of volatile terpenoids, Hanchengdahongpao is 62% and Fuguhuajiao is 41%. The results of RT-qPCR showed that most gene expression in this study was upregulated. Among them, ZbDXS has the highest relative level of expression in itself, which is the key rate-limiting enzymein the MEP pathway. These results explore the synthetic route of terpenoids during the ripening process of Z. bungeanum, which provides a reference for cultivar and improving good traits.

Kriteriji kvalitete biljnog materijala i eteričnog ulja primorskog smilja (Helichrysum italicum (Roth.) G. Don)

Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) is a xerophytic plant species naturally present in the wild population of Mediterranean on karst and dry terrains. Since ancient times, the immortelle has been known as a “non-vein plant” and is highly valued due to its wide application in folk medicine. Antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, regenerative, insecticidal and repellent properties of essential oil and hydrolates are a frequent subject of recent research. The chemical composition of the essential oil and characteristics of plant material have a direct effect on market price. This research was conducted by a survey of producers and buyers of immortelle plant material and essential oil with the aim to gather information on the quality criteria of plant material and essential oil. The collected data showed that the basic criteria for quality determination of plant material are controlled growing conditions and the main parameters affecting the price of the essential oil are chemical composition, i.e. the content and ratio of α-pinene and neryl acetate.

De novo assembly and comparative transcriptome analysis: novel insights into terpenoid biosynthesis in Chamaemelum nobile L.

Analysis of terpenoids content, transcriptome from Chamaemelum nobile showed that the content of the terpenoids in the roots was the highest and key genes involved in the terpenoids synthesis pathway were identified. Chamaemelum nobile is a widely used herbaceous medicinal plant rich in volatile oils, mainly composed of terpenoids. It is widely used in food, cosmetics, medicine, and other fields. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome and the content and chemical composition of the terpenoids in different organs of C. nobile. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the total content of the terpenoids among C. nobile organs was highest in the roots, followed by the flowers. Illumina HiSeq 2500 high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the transcripts of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of C. nobile. We obtained 139,757 unigenes using the Trinity software assembly. A total of 887 unigenes were annotated to secondary metabolism. In total, 55,711 differentially expressed genes were screened among different organs of C. nobile. We identified 16 candidate genes that may be involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis from C. nobile and analyzed their expression patterns using real-time PCR. Results showed that the expression pattern of these genes was tissue-specific and had significant differential expression levels in different organs of C. nobile. Among these genes, 13 were expressed in roots with the highest levels. Furthermore, the transcript levels of these 13 genes were positively correlated with the content of α-pinene, β-phellandrene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-terpineol, carvacrol, (E,E)-farnesol and chamazulene, suggesting that these 13 genes may be involved in the regulation of the synthesis of the volatile terpenoids. These results laid the foundation for the subsequent improvement of C. nobile quality through genetic engineering.

Glomus intraradices (N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker & A. Schuessle enhances nutrients uptake, chlorophyll and essential oil contents and composition in Anethum graveolens L.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are plant-root symbionts whose application in agriculture has been proven its efficiency. However, their application in medicinal plants and their impact on accumulation of essential oils (EO) is still limited. In order to investigate the effect of AM fungi (Glomus intraradices N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker & A. Schuessle) on nutrients uptake, biomass production, yield components, chlorophyll content, and EO content and composition in dill (Anethum graveolens L.), a field experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications. This medicinal plant was grown under AM fungi colonization and non-colonization treatments. Plant inoculation by mycorrhiza increased aerial tissues P and Fe concentrations. However, K, Ca, and Zn concentrations were not affected by AM colonization. The plants inoculated with AM significantly increased plant biomass, chlorophyll content, and EO content by 363 g m−2, 11.83 SPAD and 0.683 % in comparison with non-inoculated plants, respectively. Changes in EO composition were found in AM-colonized dill plants. The contents of myristicin, dill-ether and N-dihydrocarvone increased in EO obtained from AM-colonized plants, while AM colonization resulted in a lesser content of α-pinene, α-phellandrene, limonene, and β-phellandrene.

Qualitative and quantitative variations of the essential oils of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. as affected by different drying methods

Using an appropriate drying method is the most important step in the postharvest processing of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. to preserve its qualitative and quantitative essential oils. In this study, the effects of different drying techniques (sun, shade, conventional oven, vacuum oven, microwave, and infrared drying) were investigated on the essential oil content and composition of plants. Vacuum oven-drying at 40°C was the best method for the retention of the essential oils of the samples. The essential oil was relatively sensitive to temperature, so its content was decreased with increase in the drying temperature. The results showed that oxygenated monoterpenes represented the main chemical class of essential oil components. Although the highest content of α-pinene and geranyl acetate (as major compounds) was obtained by conventional oven-drying at 40°C, the highest content of limonene and α-terpineol was observed in the plants dried under the sun and by infrared drying at 0.5w/cm, respectively. Practical applications The results suggest that vacuum oven-drying could be the best method for obtaining the highest content of essential oils from Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss along with its major bioactive components. In addition, the microwave drying method was known as the most desirable drying method with regard to the final color of the dried products.

Screening of Profiles of Essential Oils from the Aerial Parts of Sclerorhachis platy-rachis (Boiss.) Podlech ex Rech.f. Using Classical and Microwave-based Methods: Comparison with the Volatiles Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction

Chemical profiles of the essential oils and volatile compounds from the aerial parts of Sclerorhachis platyrachis (Boiss.) Podlech ex Rech.f. obtained through hydrodistillation (HD), solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME), microwave assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) methods were subsequently investigated by means of GC and GC-MS instruments. Totally, 22, 29, 23 and 17 components were identified in the chemical profiles, representing 98.9%, 96.5%, 97.6% and 97.0% of the total compositions when using the HD, HS-SPME, SFME and MAHD methods, respectively. In all of the samples, more than fifty seven percent of the total structure consisted of monoterpene hydrocarbons. In addition, the second rank of the natural compounds was due to the oxygenated monoterpenes using the aforementioned techniques. β-Pinene was the main constituent in all chemical profiles, while the second rank was related to camphor with the exception of the volatile profile using the HS-SPME approach having more contents of α-pinene (13.4%) and limonene (9.7%) than camphor (8.2%).

Chemical Variability of the Essential Oil of Pituranthos scoparius from Algeria.

The chemical composition of 93 oil samples from the aerial parts of Pituranthos scoparius, harvested in three regions of Algeria, was investigated by GC-FID, GC/MS and 13 C-NMR. Monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated in association with phenylpropanoids and a chemical variability was found highlighting three clusters. The composition of group I (36 samples) exhibited an atypical composition characterized by a very high contents of 6-methoxyelemicine (13.0-59.6%), followed by sabinene (1.1-43.0%) and limonene (6.6-39.0%), while the samples of group II (12 samples) contained a high content of limonene (9.2-44.0%), followed by myristicine (0.0-29.4%) and a lower amount of sabinene (0.8-2.3%). Group III (45 samples) could be divided in two subgroups. Subgroup SGIIIA was characterized by a very high content of sabinene (28.0-55.6%), followed by elemicine (0.0-29.1%), while the samples belonging to SGIIIB were characterized by the lower content of sabinene (6.2-35.5%) and a significant content of myristicine (1.5-32.4%), α-pinene (4.2-31.0%) and dill apiole (0.1-31.4%). Each harvested region was characterized by a different chemical composition.

IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF PINE NEEDLE ESSENTIAL OIL FROM DIFFERENT HABITATS AND SPECIES OF CHINA BY GC-MS AND GC METHOD

Background: Fresh pine needles, which evergreen, renewable and can be collected at any time, have abundant
 essential oil. The pine needle essential oil possess various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant,
 anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective properties etc., and can be widely used as medicine or medical raw materials,
 fragrances etc. So in order to make full use of pine needle plant resources, especially essential oil, the identification and
 quantification of essential oil were investigated.
 Materials and Methods: GC-MS was used to identified compounds in pine needle essential oil of Pinus massoniana
 Lamb. from Zhejiang, and GC method was developed for determining 5 compounds (namely α-pinene, β-pinene,
 limonene, bornyl acetate, β-caryophyllene) in pine needle essential oil from different habitats of Pinus massoniana
 Lamb. and different species (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc., Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv., Abies holophylla
 Maxim.). Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) was used to evaluate homogeneity of pine needles in China.
 Results: 42 compounds(monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) were identified by GC-MS, which accounted for 99.62% of
 total essential oil, particularly contained α-and β-pinene (45.23%). Quantification results showed content of bornyl
 acetate were the lowest, while content of α-pinene, β-pinene were all high except Sichuan, among them α-pinene were
 higher than β-pinene except for Shandong and Jiangsu, and total content of essential oil in Guangxi is the highest,
 Jiangsu was the lowest within Pinus massoniana from different habitats. Within pine needle from different species, the
 highest total content was Pinus koraiensis, the lowest was Pinus sylvestris, Interestingly, the highest content of bornyl
 acetate was Abies holophylla. By HCA, samples were sorted into two clusters, Abies holophylla and the other, that is
 Abies holophylla is different from Pinus massoniana, Pinus koraiensis and Pinus sylvestris. Pinus massoniana from
 Sichuan is different from other Pinus, in which limonene was the highest in all samples.
 Conclusions: Compounds of pine needle essential oil vary greatly between genus, while smaller between species, so
 composition differences among pine needle essential oil was related with genus and species. Abies holophylla is
 different from other pinus species, and Pinus massoniana from Sichuan is different from other habitats. Pine needle
 essential oil contains abundant α-and β-pinene, which can be used as an alternative raw materials source of pinene. And
 Abies holophylla and Pinus massoniana from Sichuan can become bornyl acetate and limonene alternative source of
 raw materials.

Expression analysis of thaumatin-like proteins from Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Pinus massoniana

The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has caused enormous economic losses in forests of many countries in the world. Many scientists have studied this disease, but the pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Our previous study showed that the thaumatin-like protein of B. xylophilus (Bx-TLP-1) was most similar to that of western white pine (TLP-S3: ADB97933.1) in structure and homology. To further explore the role of the thaumatin-like protein in the interaction of B. xylophilus with host pine, we cloned gene that encodes the thaumatin-like protein from Pinus massoniana, named Pm-tlp (gene accession number: KM063439). The deduced protein contains 180 amino acids, including 10 conserved cysteine residues. We also analyzed the expression of the two proteins from pine wood nematode and pine (roots, stems and needles) after inoculation with B. xylophilus. We found that over a month, the peaks of Bx-tlp-1 expression alternated with those of Pm-tlp. Furthermore, the first Bx-tlp-1 expression peak was earlier than Pm-tlp expression in stems and needles. In addition, we found that the α-pinene content corresponded with the expression of Bx-tlp-1 and Pm-tlp expression over the evaluated time course. The results showed that Bx-tlp-1 may interfere with the expression of Pm-tlp and the defense system to achieve its parasitism in the host, which may further influence the pinene content. These results provide information for further study of the function of thaumatin-like proteins in the interaction of B. xylophilus with P. massoniana.

Analysis of changes in volatile constituents and expression of genes involved in terpenoid metabolism in oleocellosis peel

Oleocellosis is a serious physiological disorder in citrus fruit that mainly results in appearance and quality deterioration. It has been well established that the occurrence of oleocellosis is highly correlated with the release of peel oil from citrus fruit, while there is little information on the dynamic changes in the content of the volatile constituents and the expression of genes involved in terpenoid metabolism during oleocellosis development. In the present research, large changes in the volatile profiles and gene expression in terpenoid metabolism were observed in oleocellosis peels compared to healthy ones. Among volatiles, the decreased contents of α-pinene, d-limonene, β-myrcene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, α-terpineol, nonanal, neryl acetate and (−)-carvone played a major role in these changes. For gene expressions in terpenoid metabolism, the up-regulated genes aldehyde dehydrogenase (NAD+) (ALDH) and the down-regulated genes β-caryophyllene synthase 1 (BCS1), α-terpineol synthase 2 (TES2) and myrcene synthase (MS) were the main differences in oleocellosis peels.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Juniper galbuli essential oil constituents eluted at different times

Junipers (Juniperus spp.) are some of the most widespread species in the world with a wide ecological adaptation. Juniper galbuli (cones or berries) and their extracts have extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, perfumery, aromatherapy, alcoholic beverages, and cooking. The objective of this study was to evaluate EO composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of EO fractions captured at different timeframes during the hydrodistillation of Juniperus communis and J. excelsa galbuli. The EO fractions were captured at eight sequential timeframes after the beginning of the hydrodistillation: (0–3, 3–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–80, 80–160, and 160–240min). The results showed that essential oil fractions from 80 to 160 and 160 to 240min had 2–5 times greater antioxidant capacity than fractions captured at the beginning of the distillation or from the whole oil. The strongest antimicrobial activity of J. communis EO against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica was observed in the EO obtained at the 0–3min distillation timeframe (DT, in minutes). The EO of J. communis obtained at the 0 to 3, 3 to 5, and 80 to 160min DTs showed greater antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, compared with the EO obtained from the 160 to 240 DT. The strongest activity of J. communis EO against Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus and Candida glabrata was observed with EO from the 160 to 240 DT. J. excelsa EO from the 0 to 3 and 5 to 10min DTs had greater activity against S. enterica and K. pneumonia compared with the EO from the 160 to 240 DT. Conversely, the J. excelsa EO from the 160 to 240min DT had greater activity against Clostridium perfringens and Candida glabrata. This research revealed that EO with different profiles could be obtained from the same batch of galbuli, suggesting the possibility of generating natural unadulterated oils with specific targeted profiles. Essential oils with a high content of α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, or limonene was obtained from J. communis galbuli hydrodistilled for 3min. Essential oil with a high content of α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, or γ-terpinene was obtained from J. excelsa galbuli when hydrodistilled for 3min. The galbuli of J. communis and J. excelsa can yield essential oil fractions with novel chemical composition and bioactivity.

Variation in essential oil composition of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) varieties cultivated in two different ecologies

Coriander, Coriandrum sativum L, is an important medicinal plant belonging to Apiaceae family, which is grown in many parts of Turkey. In this study, essential oil and composition of 6 Turkish coriander cultivars (Gamze, Arslan, Erbaa, Pelmus, Kudret, Gürbüz) were examined in two different (Mardin and Tokat) ecologies. Essential oils were isolated with distillation method in maturated fruits and component composition was determined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Main component was linalool in all cultivar, and it was higher in the conditions of Mardin having a warmer climate in all the cultivars than that of Tokat with temperate climate. Contrary to linalool, α-pinene and neryl acetate contents of all cultivar were higher in Tokat.

Chemical Composition ofJuniperus PhoeniceaandJ. DrupaceaEssential Oils and their Biological Effects in the Choriallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay

The aim of the present study was the chemical analysis of the essential oils from Juniperus phoenicea and J. drupacea female cones and evaluation of their biological effects. Fresh samples, collected in Greece, were subjected separately to hydrodistillation and the oils obtained analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The oils Were assessed using the CAM (chorioallantoic membrane) assay to evaluate their anti-angiogenic potential and the lack of irritant effects in topical application. GC analysis showed that mainly quantitative differences among the samples were observed: limonene was the most abundant compound in J. drupacea (27.0%) compared with J. phoenicea oil (1.6%); the content of a-pinene was high in both essential oils (J. phoenicea 22.1%, J. drpacea 26.1%) followed by germacrene D (J. phoenicea 7.4%, J. drpacea 7.1%, respectively). Nevertheless, qualitative differences were also detected as the diterpene 4-epi-abietal was present in a considerable amount (13.2%) in J. phoenicea essential oil, but was not detected in J. drupacea oil. In the CAM assay, only J. phoenicea. essential oil evidenced a rather weak anti-angiogenic activity compared with the standard retinoic acid, but no irritant effect was observed for either essential oil suggesting their safety for topical application.

The influence of genetic variation on essential oil composition in Rosmarinus officinalis L., the common rosemary

Genetic variation within a species can be reflected in a range of essential oil compositions and concentrations. Elite perennial horticultural crop genotypes are commonly identified using cultivar names. Nine such cultivars (genotypes) of Rosmarinus officinalis L. were grown under homogeneous environmental conditions in the glasshouse. They were treated with an inorganic fertilizer at monthly intervals to promote healthy growth. After eight months the essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation and the composition analysed using GC-MS and 1H NMR. The main chemical constituents of these essential oils were identified. Significant qualitative differences were found between the cultivars. The cultivar 'Haifa' showed significantly higher percentages of β-pinene (8.06%), camphor (33.26%) and eucalyptol (16.99%), whilst 'f.albflorus', 'Severn Sea' and 'Roseus' contained lowest percentages (0.6%), (7.58%) and (4.15%) for the same compounds respectively. 'Blue Rain' gave significantly the highest percentages of borneol (5.63%) and p-cymene (1.93%) compared with 'Roseus' and 'Primley Blue' which showed (0.2%) and (0.46%) respectively. On the other hand, 'f.albiflorus' outperformed significantly in linalool (2.59%) and myrcene (34.29%) compare with all other contents. The major content of camphene (9.36%) and α-pinene (44.02%) found in 'Fota Blue' and 'Severn Sea' consecutively. However, choice of cultivar should be a primary consideration when growing commercial crops of vegetatively propagated herbs for oil production.

Characteristics of Essential Oil from Young Shoots of Garden Angelica (Angelica archangelica L.)

The objective of the study was to determine the content and composition of essential oil in the fresh young shoots of garden angelica collected in the first year of plant vegetation and to evaluate the effect of preservation method (convective drying at 35°C and lyophilization) on these parameters. Essential oil content in the fresh, convectively dried, and lyophilized shoots amounted to 0.27, 0.21, and 0.11 mL/100 g dry matter, respectively. In the essential oils obtained from these raw materials 91, 89, and 62 compounds were identified, respectively. In all the investigated essential oils the dominant compounds were: α-pinene (20.4–29.1%) and myrcene (17.0–26.7%). Other constituents included limonene (7.6% in the essential oil from fresh shoots), 6-methylhept-5-enal (3.0%), humulene epoxide II (2.4%), β-pinene (2.1%), perylene (1.9%), and α-humulene (1.8%). Both methods of drying resulted in the decrease in α-pinene content, and the increase in myrcene content. (Z,Z)-undeca-1,3,5-triene and trans-myrtanol were completely lost during drying, irrespective of the method used.

Composition and Chemical Variability of the Cone Oil from Algerian Tetraclinis articulata

Very little is known about the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from cones of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (Cupressaceae). In continuation of our on-going work devoted to the valorisation of medicinal and aromatic plants from Tlemcen Province (North-Western Algeria), cones have. been harvested in eight locations (coastal township and highlands) and 40 oil samples have been isolated by hydrodistillation. Six oil samples were analyzed by a combination of chromatographic [GC(Retention indices)] and spectroscopic techniques (GC-MS, "C NMR). Then, the remaining 34 oil samples. were analyzed by [GC(RI)] and 13C NMR and the 40 compositions were submitted to statistical analysis. Essential oil yields varied substantially from sample to sample (0.17 to 1.13%, w/w). The cone oils consisted mainly of monoterpenes, with α-pinene (47.1-73.6%) and limonene (6.5-21.9%) being the main components. (E)--Caryophyllene and germacrene D were the major sesquiterpenes. Diterpenes, (Z) and (E)-biformene were identified for the first time-in T. articulata essential oil. PCA analysis of the data allowed the distinction of two groups, the second group being sub-divided into two sub-groups. Groups and sub-groups were differentiated with respect to their contents of a-pinene and limonene and, to a lesser extent, of sesquiterpenes.