Evolution of camphor and others components in the essential oils of two labiate species during the biological cycle.

Abstract

Essential oils are used in perfumes, cooking and in pharmacy. A special study had been done on essential oils issued from two plants of Lavendin and Rosemary, during the annual biological cycle. The GC/MS technique was used and identifica- tion of separated components was achieved by retention times in comparison with respective standards and by mass spectra com- parison. Quantitative determinations of camphor, cineol, linalool, linalyl acetate in Lavendin, and camphor, α-pinene, cineol in Rosemary, were done by GC/FID. n-Dodecane was used as internal standard. The aim of this study was to choose the optimum period of plant gathering, with respect to the level of camphor and other major components. An increasing of the camphor is observed in the leaves. Camphor, present in essential oils of Lavendin and Rosemary, has new pharmaceutical applications, mainl y as stimulant, cardiac and respiratory analeptic.