On the Bulgarian Valerian Essential Oil

Abstract

The essential oil from roots and rhizomes of Valeriana officinalis L., ‘Shipka’ grown in Bulgaria was investigated by GC/MS. The essential oil yield from the roots and rhizomes was 0.42 % and 0.18%, respectively. The basic components, among the identified 22 were β-guaiene (4,6–11,2%), valeranone (6.8–11.5%) and bornyl acetate (7.3–9.8%). Spathulenol was also identified (2.0–4.5%). There were no substantial qualitative differences between oils obtained either by water or steam distillation.