O. Tzakou* and A. Loukis and A. Said

Abstract: The chemical compositions of the flower and leaf essential oil of Cassia fistula L. were examined by GC and GC/MS. Forty-four compounds were identified representing 92.6% and 90.7% of the flower and leaf oil, respectively. The main components of the flower oil were (E)-nerolidol (38.0%), and 2-hexadecanone (17.0%), while the leaf oil consisted mainly of phytol (16.1%).

Plant name ,i>Cassia fistula</i> L. (Leguminosae). Source Fresh flowers and leaves of <i>C. fistula</i>, were collected from the trees growing in Orman garden in September 2003, and authenticated by Dr. Kamal El Batanony (Professor of Taxonomy and Botany, Faculty of Science, Cairo University). Plant part The freshly collected plant material (leaves and flowers) of <i>C. fistula</i> were cut into small pieces and subjected to hydrodistillation for 3 h in a modified Likens and Nikerson apparatus. Pentane (5 mL) was added to the graduated part of the apparatus to trap volatile compounds. After hydrodistillation, the n-pentane layer was separated and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate.