Volatile constituents of different parts (roots, stems and leaves) of Smyrnium olusatrum L

Smyrnium olusatrum L. is a biennal plant growing in Western and South Europe. Several phytochemical studies identified flavonoids, phenolic acids and sesquiterpene lactones as main constituents. In this work the root, stem, and leaf essential oils of Smyrnium olusatrum L. (Umbelliferae) collected in Urbino (Marche, Italy) were studied by GC and GC-MS. Myrcene (1%, 13%, 14%), β-phellandrene (34%, 17%, 9%), β-caryophyllene (1%, 3%, 12%), furanodiene (19%, 8%, 17%), curzerene (13%, 6%,12%), germacrene B (7%, 14%, 10%) and germacrone (8%, 7%, 8%) were identified as the major components in the root, stem, and leaf oils, respectively. SPME analysis of fresh material of the same different organs showed β-myrcene (3%, 21%, 36%), β-phellandrene (25%, 34%, 12%), β-caryophyllene (1%, 7%, 22%) and furanodiene (4%, 7%, 7%) as typical components in the headspace of fresh roots, stems and leaves, respectively