REINVESTIGATION OF ESSENTIAL OIL CONTENT OF THAPSIA GARGANICA GROWN IN THE AURES

Abstract

Thapsia garganica is a very famous medicinal plant known especially for its therapeutic effects such as: diuretic, emetic and purgative. A resin is extracted with alcohol from the bark of the root. The plant has been considered specific in treating pain, though caution is advised since it is poisonous to some mammals. The plant is also strongly rubefacient, producing blisters and intense itching. In the present study we have undertaken a Reinvestigation of essential oil content of the plant believed to have an important bioactive effect with the other constituents. Moreover, a comparative study is carried out denoting the seasonal and location effect on the above constituents both qualitatively and quantitatively.