Investigation of Himalayan Nepeta Species VII: Essential Oil of Nepeta spicata Benth

Abstract

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the

aerial parts of Nepeta spicata Benth was analysed by using GCIMS

and GC/FTIR. Out of at least 43 constituents, 33 have been identified.

β-caryophyllene (27.01%) was found to be the most abundant

constituent of the oil along with linalool (25.08%). germacrene-D

(20.10%) and β-caryophyllene oxide (10.60%) as the next major

compounds. Nepeta lactones (characteristic of Nepeta species),

iridodial derivatives and C₁₂ compounds were not found in the oil

of Nepeta spicata. The essential oil is dominated by sesquiterpenoids

(> 67%).