Investigation of the Essential Oils from Aristolochia triangularis

ABSTRACT The volatile oils from roots, stems and leaves of Aristolochia triangularis Chamisso were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty components were identified including the previously reported (−)-α-copaene and β-elemene. The oils consist mainly of sesquiterpenes and a small amount of monoterpenes. Caryophyllene and other sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons predominate in the oil from leaves, whereas the stems and roots contain β-bisabolene, trans-nerolidol and unidentified sesquiterpene alcohols as major components. The characteristic pungent earthy aroma of these oils could make them of potential interest to the fragrance industry.