Oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by using gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry. 1, and a-terpinyl acetate (13.94% and 14.72%) were the main components from the essential oil of the stem and leaves of laurel, respectively. 1, and (E)-b-ocimene (24.88%) were the major compounds present in the essential oil of fruit. The main constituents of Salvia fruticosa oil were a-pinene (31.50%) and isoborneol (27.17%). b-pinene (20.53%), a-pinene (14.88%), cubebol (15.17%) and d-cadinene (12.99%) were detected as the major constituents of mountain tea (sample A). The principal components detected in the oil of sample B were b-pinene (20.29%), a-pinene (14.82%) and 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (13.99%). The major compounds of ajowan oil had p-cymene (33.06%), g-terpinene (28.66%), thymol (24.11%) and b-pinene (6.74%). The essential oil of Carum copticum was characterized by its high content of p-cymene (33.06%).
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONLaurel leaves are commonly used as a spicy, aromatic flavoring for soups, fish, meats, stews, puddings, vinegars and beverages, and form an essential ingredient of the herb mix. The essential oil is used by the cosmetic industry