Chemical characterization of essential oil from the leaves of Callistemon viminalis(D.R.) and Melaleuca leucadendron(Linn.)

Objective: To isolate and identify the compounds in the essential oils from the leaves of Callistemon viminalis(D.R.) and Melaleuca leucadendron(Linn.) collected in Dakar,Senegal.Methods: The essential oils from the leaves of these two myrtaceaes were extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatograph and gas chromatography–mass spectrometer.Results: A total of 34 constituents were identified in the oil of Callistemon viminalis and the major compounds were 1.8-cineole(58.12%), limonene(9.72%), a-terpineol(9.56%),geranial(6.02%), d-elemene(3.53%), myrcene(2.96%) and a-pinene(2.49%).For the essential oil of Melaleuca leucadendron, 43 constituents were identified, and 1.8-cineole(28.87%), epiglobulol(23.06%), a-pinene(12.22%), limonene(11.65%) and a-terpineol(7.06%) were major compounds.Conclusions: Considering properties of the identified major compounds, essential oils of both studied myrtaceae could be used in the medicine field including the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.