Effect of environmental factors on the compounds of the essential oil of Lippia citriodora

Abstract

Lippia citriodora is a member of the genus Lippia. The species is endemic to South America, while it is cultivated in the world for the lemon-like aroma emitted by its leaves. In the present study the  effects of different NaCl as well as 24-epibrassinolide concentrations in the  essential oil composition were investigated. In total, eleven treatments were studied. The major essential oil components in control plants were: Geranial (22.52%), Citral (15.88%) Germacrene D (7.42%), Caryophyllene (7.11%), Benzenamine (6.30%), Spathulenol (6.00%) and Curcumene (5.44%). Significant positive/negative correlations occurred between some components with salt concentration. Paired sample tests showed significant differences between major components of an essential oil with salt as well as with 24-epibrassinolide concentrations.