Environmental and ontogenic variation of terpene biosyntesis
Ennaifer, M. S.
With 900 species throughout the world, Sage (Salvia species) is one of the oldest and the widest spread members of Labiatae family. It has been used since ancient times in domestic application as well as in the perfumery and food industries. Essential oils of Salvia fruticosa, Salvia officinalis and Salvia pomifera, three Salvia species typical of the East Mediterranean area, have been extracted and subsequently analysed. The study of the seasonal variation of their yield and composition revealed considerable changes between different plant parts and species during the year. It is noticeable that the seasonal variation pattern of the essential oil yield follows the pattern of temperature variations since the essential oil content is highest in all the species during the summer (maximum in July) and lowest during October - April. The upper parts of Salvia species always produce the highest amount of essential oil. The qualitative composition of the essential oils of the three Salvia species is the same and shows the presence of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. However, there are remarkable differences in the quantitative composition of the three species. Salvia fruticosa produces mainly 1.8-cineole, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and myrcene. Salvia pomifera is characterised by the dominance of alpha- and beta- thujone which contribute to up to 75% of the essential oil. Salvia officinalis has the highest amounts of alpha-thujone and camphor. All these monoterpenes are produced in relatively high amounts during the summer. The only sesquiterpene to be produced in high amounts is the caryophyllene.
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