Essential oil of Croton flavens L. (Welensali), a medicinal plant from Curacao

The volatile constituents from aerial and underground parts of Croton flavens L., a medicinal plant from Curacao, were investigated by GC and GC/MS (EI) analysis. The various plant parts yielded 0.27-0.50%, (v/w) essential oil on a dry weight basis. There were only small differences in the qualitative composition of the oils analyzed. A total of 70 components were identified. The main compounds in the oil were alpha -pinene (15-24%;,), isocaryophyllene (0.7-9%,), spathulenol (3-5%,), and an unknown oxygenated sesquiterpene (RI = 1556), amounting to 7%.