About 15% of the known Baccharis species have been phytochemically studied, but few studies regarding their essential oils have been reported. The present work aims to identify native species of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and to evaluate their aromatic potential. Twelve samples were collected in different sites within the State. The essential oils were obtained by an one hour hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus, using plant materials dried for four days at 30°C. The GC analyses were carried out with a HP6890 Series apparatus, equiped with a HP-Chemstation data processor and an HP-Innowax column. The GC/MS analyses were carried out with an HP 6890/MSD5973, equiped with an HP Chemstation and a Wiley 275 spectra library, using the same column as above. The best yield was those of B. articulata (0.5% v/w). beta-Pinene was identified as the main component in the samples from B. articulata (41.4% to 52.8%) and from B. cogata (27.2%). Spathulenol was present in the samples from B. semiserrata (15.5% and 25.5%) and those from B. uncinella (47.7% and 23.1%). B. oxyodonta showed limonene (24.3%). Two samples of B. milleflora had spathulenol as main component, but a third one had beta-pinene as main constituent.
Baccharis; native plants; essential oils; hydrodistillation
