Variation in the essential oil of Origanum vulgare (L) growing at different geographical locales of Kashmir Himalayas, India

Abstract

The agro climatic conditions of Kashmir valley provide an ideal habitat for the growth of variety of aromatic and medicinal plant species. The present study was conducted to analyse the essential oils obtained from Origanum vulgare (L.) family Lamiaceae and the variability in oil composition of the same species growing at different geographical locales viz. Srinagar, Pulwama and Tangmarg regions of Kashmir. The essential oil was obtained by hydro distillation of the aerial parts and analysed by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for their chemical composition. Overall (34) thirty four different constituents were isolated and identified in its oil and the major compounds found are Gamma terpinene, Paracymene, Carvacrol, Cymene, Sabinene and Cis- sabinene hydrate acetate. Moreover, the percentage composition of the main components of its essential oil showed marked differences as a result of changing geographical regions.