Infraspecific chemical variability in the essential oils of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) L.R. Landrum (Myrtaceae)

Publication date: August–December 2011 Source:Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Volume 39, Issues 4–6 Author(s): Joelma A.M. Paula , Pedro H. Ferri , Maria Teresa F. Bara , Leonice M.F. Tresvenzol , Fabyola A.S. Sá , José R. Paula Leaf essential oils of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus from the central Brazilian Cerrado were obtained by hydrodistillation and investigated by GC and GC–MS. A total of 57 constituents were identified, accounting for 96–100% of the volatile constituents. Principal component and cluster analysis identified three chemotypes: cluster I, characterized by high percentages of geranial (41.2 +/− 3.9%), neral (26.8 +/− 1.3%), caryophyllene oxide (3.8 +/− 2.5%), and spathulenol (3.7 +/− 1.8%); cluster II, with high contents of (E)-asarone (21.8 +/− 30.9%), (E)-caryophyllene (16.2 +/− 7.7%), and elemicin (8.8 +/− 2.4%); and cluster III, with high amounts of (E)-methyl isoeugenol (93.2 +/− 1%). The occurrence of these chemotypes at the same site indicates that chemovariation is genetically determined. Highlights ► Infraspecific chemical variability of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus from Brazil was investigated. ► GC and GC–MS analysis of leaf essential oils identified mainly phenols and monoterpenes. ► Multivariate analysis identified three chemotypes: citral, (E)-caryophyllene, and (E)-methyl isoeugenol. ► The chemovariation observed can be genetically determined. ► Chemical and biological future stu...
Source: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research