Study on chemical composition of the oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare spp.) from Tacna

Abstract

The oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare spp.) cultivated in the city of Tacna, Peru, has been chemically analyzed. The physicochemical analysis determined the following characteristics: color (L * 60,51, a * –2,83, b * 14,31), refractive index: 1,475; specific density: 0,9132 and solubility in alcohol: 75 ml. Also, the chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The chromatogram showed the following percentages: l-4 terpineol with 26,56; thymol with 18,80; g-terpinene, 11,77; 2-carene, 6,53; Terpineol, 4,08; M-cymene, 3,27 and carvacrol 2,24, among others present in smaller proportion.