Essential oil composition of Achyrocline flaccida (Weinm.) DC. (Asteraceae) from different locations of Argentina

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the essential oils obtained from the inflorescences of Achyrocline flaccida (Asteraceae) has been investigated for the first time. Plant material was collected from eleven locations in Argentina. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation (0.1-0.8% v/w, dried material) and analyzed by GC-FID-MS. Eighty-three compounds were identified representing more than the 90% of the oils. The major components were alpha-pinene and beta-caryophyllene. Statistical analysis was performed in order to evaluate the variability of the essential oils analyzed. Two groups were formed reflecting only quantitative differences in the content of major compounds. The chemical pattern of essential oils observed for A. flaccida is similar to other Achyrocline species studied, except Achyrocline hyperchlora. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.