The chemical composition of the volatile oil from the leaves of three specimens of D. frutescens, collected over a period of one year, was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). These essential oils were characterized by the presence of norisoprenoids (β-damascenone, β-ionone, and α-ionone), as well as sesquiterpenes. Multivariate analysis showed that the compounds β-damascenone and β-ionone exerted the greatest influence on spatial and temporal differences in the composition of the oils. Samples obtained from specimens located in the same city showed similar chemical compositions.
damascenone; norisoprenoids; seasonality
