ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF TWO ENDEMIC PLANTS: Rhanterium adpressum and Pituranthos scoparius

Abstract

Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils extracted from aromatic plants. These oils can enhance health, and beauty, and can also influence the mind and emotions. Essential oils may be used against acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase1; as antibacterial2; as Antifungal3; as Antimicrobial4,5,6. They have been reported to have Antioxidative properties7, fungitoxic activity8, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects9…etc. Rhanterium adpressum and Pituranthos scoparius, two endemic plants (Algeria), were investigated for their oil content using the ordinary GC-MS Analysis. More than 50 compounds were identified in each plant. The main components in Rhanterium adpressum were .tau.cadinol (8.37%), 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-9-methylene-(7.86), α-Cadinol (6.55), -(-)Spathulenol (4.72). Pituranthos scoparius, famous for its therapeutic effects and pleasant odor, was reinvestigated. Analysis revealed that its oil content is time dependent. In fact, essential oil concentrations, yields, percentage of the principle components of the aerial parts were determined using two samples collected on February and April respectively. The results showed important fluctuations both quantitatively and qualitatively.