Identification and comparison of the yield and composition of essential oil constituents of four Eucalyptus species adapted to the climatic conditions of khorramabad

Abstract

Introduction: Eucalyptus has more than 400 species, while only a few species of this genus have been imported in Iran. In this study we aimed to investigate chemical compounds of the essential oils of Eucalyptus species adapted in Lorestan climate. Methods: In this study, the fresh young leaves of four different Eucalyptus species including E. suggrandis, E. globulus subsp. bicostata, E. nitens and E. globulus subsp. maidenii were collected in spring (the middle of May) in khorramabad, Iran. The powder of air-dried leaves of different species of Eucalyptus was subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical compositions of different essential oils were detected using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and determination of their retention time (RT), retention index (RI) and Mass Spectra. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results of this study indicated that there was significant difference (P<0.01) among the yield and chemical compounds of the essential oils of studied species. The results showed that the yield of essential oil extracted from E. suggrandis, E. globulus bicostata, E. nitens and E. globulus maidenii were 1.12, 1.34, 2.57 and 5.38, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oil constituents of four Eucalyptus species plant were different in among of some compounds. E. globulus maidenii had most content of essential oil and 1.8-Cineole compound so it is necessary to identify quality and quantity characteristics of compounds available in this plant.