ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF SCHINUS MOLLE L. FRUITS: AN ORNAMENTAL SPECIES USED AS CONDIMENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT The essential oil of Schinus molle L. fruits, collected from four locations in Tunisia was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The highest yield (4.13%) was obtained in plants from El Kef (northwestern Tunisia), while the lowest yield was observed in INRAT (northeastern Tunisia). Both qualitative and quantitative differences were observed between different oils. All oil samples were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons and limonene and β-phellandrene (30.8–61.8%), α-phellandrene (21–41.1%), myrcene (8.4–12.8%) and α-pinene (1.9–6.5%) were the main constituents. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The essential oils and extracts obtained from many plants have recently gained popularity and scientific interest because of their use in the food, drug and perfumery industries. In this study, Schinus molle L. fruits have been found to be a potential source of volatile components and some of there are of great economical importance. From a practical standpoint, the essential oils of S. molle fruits could have numerous applications in the food industry, cosmetics and aromatherapy because of their richness in limonene, which is characterized by its nice perfume and biological properties.