GC/MS Analysis of Herbage Essential Oil from Lemon Balms (Melissa officinalis L.) Grown in Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the content and chemical composition of essential oil from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., Labiatae) grown in Turkey. The water-distilled essential oil from aerial parts of plants was analyzed by GC/MS. The essential oils of plant materials investigated ranged from 0.04 to 0.10%. Citronellal (36.62 to
43.78%), citral (10.10 to 17.43%), thymol (0.40 to 11.94%), and β-caryophyllene (5.91 to 7.27%) were recorded as major components.