A Simple Method for Screening of Fresh Plant Material for Glycosidic Bound Volatile Compounds1

Abstract

A modified, simple method for screening of fresh plant material for glycosidic bound volatile compounds is described. The plant material is “stabilized” in boiling water, possible occurring volatile compounds removed by hydrodistillation, the remaining aqueous extract treated with β-glucosidase, and the volatile compounds, liberated by the enzymatic hydrolysis, isolated and analysed by gas chromatography. In Melissa officinalis and Mentha spicata relatively large amounts of glycosidic bound eugenol and some aliphatic alcohols were found, but only small amounts of such monoterpene alcohols occurring in the volatile oils.