Variation in Volatiles of Astragalus gombiformis Pomel

Abstract

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus) from aerial parts of Astragalus gombiformis were analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This study showed that the A. gombiformis essential oils are complex mixtures of important natural compounds, which varied qualitatively and quantitatively between cultivated and wild plants and between phenological stages of development. All analysed oils are characterized by the constant presence of phytol, 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone, 4-terpineol, and γ-terpinene. This study is the first report on the chemical composition of essential oils from A. gombiformis and indicates that these oils should be more studied. © 2011 Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung, Tübingen.