Analysis of leaf volatiles of Zanthoxylum gillettii used in folk medicine of Cameroon.

The essential oil and the corresponding headspace sample of the leaves of ZONTHIOXYLUM GILLETTII (Rutaceae) were analyzed by gas chromatographic-spectroscopic and olfactoric methods. Mainly monoterpenes such as myrcene, TRANS-beta-ocimene, limonene, camphene, alpha- and beta-pinene which are impact compounds were found in the essential oil and headspace sample. Sesquiterpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, alpha- and beta-farnesene, beta-bisabolol, gamma-cadinene and nerolidol and alphatic components such as 2-undecanone and dodecanal were also identified and contribute to the typical odor impression as well as to the reported therapeutic properties of this ZONTHOXYLUM species.