Comparative Survey of Volatile Terpenoids Composition from 13 Aromatic Plants

Thirteen aromatic plants in 4 families of Labiatae, Asteraceae, Rutaceae, and Umbelliferae were studied by n−hexane extraction combined with gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS) assay. The diversity and differences of volatile terpenoids in different families were analyzed. The results showed that 56 volatile terpenoids were detected in 13 aromatic plants. Labiatae was the most abundant, comprising 40 volatile terpenoids, followed by Compositae, containing 35, and very few active compounds were detected in Rutaceae and Umbelliferae. The highest volatile terpenoids were identified in labiaceae material, while the sesquiterpene components were significantly lower than the monoterpene;And the sesquiterpene oxides were detected relatively high in Asteraceae material, 1−caryophyllene is common components of the Labiatae and Asteraceae. We further proved the Aromatic plants in Labiatae are more suitable for extracting volatile terpenoids. Aromatic plants in Compositae are mainly for the extraction of sesquiterpene oxides. Whereas, the number of identified compounds and associated volatile terpenoids vary on species. This study provides a reference basis for the efficient utilization of plant terpenes and rational development of different aromatic plants.