Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric characteristics of essential oils of plants of the genus Pycnanthemum (Lamiaceae) and peculiarities of their application in practice

Background. Not all plants are capable of producing essential oil (EO). There 3.000 different plant EOs described in the world, but only 10 % them widely used by humans. In particular, perfumery and food industry use largest amount natural – 30 40 world production, respectively. A thorough study EOs, knowledge their components both chemical pharmacological sense will facilitate improvement quality human life. The purpose our experimental was to determine EO potential four species genus Pycnanthemum Michx. (Lamiaceae): P. montanum Michx., muticum (Michx.) Pers., tenuifolium Schrad., verticillatum var. pilosum (Nutt.) Cooperr. introduced forest-steppe zone Ukraine. above representatives flora North America. Methods. were obtained laboratory conditions hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. raw material blended mass leaves, inflorescences herbaceous part stem an air-dry state. Harvesting materials carried out during flowering phase plants. content is given terms absolute dry weight. identification compounds each determined method gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results. Ukraine, show high level biosynthesis 0.53–3.34 %. dominant common oils Pulegone, Isomenthone, Isopinocamphone. indicators pulegone exceed those other reach 48.14–73.93 Pulegone controversial organic compound, since it exhibits biological activity possesses properties suitable for medical practice, when cleaved, forms toxic metabolites, particular mentofuran. Conclusions. results indicate that Pycnanthemum, which little known have under proposed growth conditions. Due this, they objects domestic cultural phytocenoses. Considering component composition with consumption requires correct dosage.