Comparison of chemical compositions of essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) with use of Deryng and Clevenger apparatus

Abstract

S u m m a r y The aim of the studies conducted in 2012-2013 was to compare the chemical composition of essential oils isolated from wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) by hydrodistillation in Deryng and Clevenger apparatus. GC-MS analysis of the isolated oils revealed that carvacrol (42.81-45.24%), γ-terpinene (7.68-9.04%), β-caryophyllene (5.28-9.10%), β-bisabolene (5.76-6.91%) and carvacrol methyl ether (4.92-6.09%) were the major components of all the samples. On the basis of the obtained data it was proved that the type of distillation apparatus had no significant effect on the content of the main essential oil constituents of wild thyme. However, based on the means for both years of the study it was proved that hydrodistillation in Deryng apparatus was more effective for carvacrol concentration, while in Clevenger apparatus -for γ-terpinene and carvacrol methyl ether concentration. The type of distillation apparatus had no significant effect on the content of the other essential oil constituents