Ontogenetical changes in monoterpenoids of Melaleuca alternifolia leaf

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Individual leaves on Melaleuca alternifolia branches were examined for variation in volatile oil composition. Gas chromatography of solvent extracts revealed flush growth rich in sabinene, trans-sabinene hydrate and cis-sabinene hydrate. Sequential examination of apical to basal single leaf extracts showed a dramatic decrease in thujane precursors and concomitant increase in the concentration of p-menthanes γ-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol. Steam distillation of flush growth gave an oil rich only in the p-menthanes typical commercial oil of Melaleuca. The significance of these in vivo and in vitro transformations is discussed.