GC-MS chemical composition of volatile oil and mineral element content of Allium ursinum and Nectaroscordum siculum

摘要

Since ancient times, essential oils are recognized for their medicinal value and are very interesting and powerful natural plant products. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the micro- and macro- element content and volatile oil constituents of Allium ursinum L. and Nectaroscordum siculum ssp. Bulgaricum (Janka) Stearn. These two plant species were traditionally used in folk medicine, and since N. siculum is barely investigated, it is interesting to compare to A. ursinum . The current research represents a first detailed investigation report on the mineral element content and chemical composition of N. siculum . The ramsons essential oil yield was established to be 0.37 %, while the N. siculum – 0.24 %. The main constituents of A. ursinum leaves essential oil as detected by GC-MS were disulphides (44 %), trisulphides (41 %), and tetrasulphides (5 %). In comparison the GC-MS analysis of the N. siculum leaves oil extract revealed mainly the presence of ethyl benzoate (1.3 %) and lipoic acid (1.1 %). Both examined plants were rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Based on the results A. ursinum and N. siculum leaves could be recommended as a daily source of biologically active substances of natural origin and could serve as health contributing agents.