Variability of Volatiles in Tunisian Mentha pulegium L. (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

Fourteen Tunisian Mentha pulegium L. populations were assessed for their extract composition by GC and GC/MS. They were collected in different geographical areas corresponding with their bioclimates.

Thirty-four components representing 78.4% of the total extract were identified. Pulegone (41.8%), followed by isomenthone (11.3%) and carvone (6.2%) were the main compounds. The amounts of menthofuran and menthol did not exceed 3.7% and 2.8%, respectively.

Differences in the extract compositions were recorded among populations, and three bioclimate related chemotypes were identified.

Key Word Index:

• Mentha pulegium
• Lamiaceae
• extract composition
• pulegone
• isomenthone