A. Basta, O. Tzakou* and M. Couladis and M. Pavlovic´

Abstract: The chemical composition of the aerial parts oil of Pulicaria dysenterica (L.) Bernh. was examined by GC and GC/MS. Oils hydrodistilled from samples collected from two different locations in Greece were found to possess minor compositional differences but considerable variation in the levels of some components. Fifty-four components were identified representing 80.5% (sample A) and 72.6% (sample B) of the total oils. The main components in sample A were (Z)-nerolidol (11.2%), caryophyllene oxide (9.1%) and (E)-nerolidol (6.6%), while those of sample B were β-caryophyllene (12.8%), caryophyllene oxide (12.8%) and (E)-nerolidol (6.9%).

Plant name <i>Pulicaria dysenterica</i> (L.) Bernh. (Compositae). Source Aerial parts of ,<i>P. dysenterica</i> were collected during the flowering stage from two different locations in Greece in August 2002. Sample A: Katara (<i>Perfecture Trikala</i>). Sample B Arahova (<i>Perfecture Viotia</i>). Voucher specimens have been deposited in the Herbarium of the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, University of Athens. Plant part Air dried aerial parts were submitted to hydrodistillation for 3 h in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oils yields were 0.34% for sample A and 0.24% for sample B. Previous Work The genus <i>Pulicaria</i>, belonging to the family Compositae is represented by ca. 80 species from which five species occur in Europe. <i>Pulicaria dysenterica</i> (common fleabane) is a perennial plant, growing up in damp places in the South, West and Central Europe (1,2). It has been used against diarrhea, dysentery and as insecticide (3,4). The genus is characterized by the presence of flavonoids, acetylenes, sesquiterpene lactones, β-caryophyllene and thymol derivatives (1,3,4–6). A review of the literature reveals that the volatile compounds of this plant have not been studied earlier.