Cachrys sicula L. collected in Algeria: the chemical composition of the essential oils by GCMS analysis

Abstract

The essential oil (EO) composition of Cachrys sicula from Algeria was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize its chemical profile. The plant material was collected from the M’Sila in northeast. The results revealed that Cachrys sicula EO contains four main chemical groups: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and other compounds. Among these, sesquiterpenes represent the most abundant group, accounting for 46.13%, followed by monoterpenes, which account for 40.27%. The smallest proportion was found in diterpenes (0.22%), while other components contributed 3.94%. The major monoterpenes identified include Sabinene (7.85%), α-Pinene (1.73%), and D-Limonene (1.57%). Sesquiterpenes included trans-Cadina-1(6),4-diene (8.58%), Caryophyllene oxide (6.36%), and Caryophyllene (4.49%). Other significant compounds included Bornyl acetate (3.59%) and Germacra-4(15),5.10(14)-trien-1-α-ol (3.83%). Among the diterpenes, only trace amounts (0.22%) were identified. Other trace compounds include Eugenol (2.24%), Carvacrol ethyl ether (0.12%), Hexyl tiglate (0.36%), and Undecan-2-one (0.54%). The presence of key compounds such as Sabinene, trans-Cadina-1(6),4-diene, Caryophyllene oxide, and Caryophyllene highlights the diverse and unique chemical properties of Cachrys sicula EO. This study provides a detailed insight into the composition of its EO, contributing to a better understanding of the chemical diversity within the Cachrys genus and its potential applications in medicinal and industrial fields.