Quality assessment of essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus and Boswellia rivae

Abstract

In the course of this study, essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus and three Boswellia rivae species were analyzed using GC-MS. Comparison of the chemical compositions of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene in the assessment of these oils’ quality will help in the production of high value essential oils that will enhance the economic condition of the nation. The Eucalyptus oil samples were collected from commercial distillers in Shashemene, Addis Ababa and Bonga. The Boswellia species studied were B. rivae from Ethiopia, B. sacra (Beeyo) and B. frereana (Meydi) from Somalia. The analysis of oil samples of E. globulus showed that the oil samples obtained from Shashemene and Addis Ababa had high content of 1,8-cineole (70%) and 17% and 12% α-pinene content , respectively. But when compared to the standard South African oil sample, they showed lower concentration of 1,8-cineole (ca 86% vs. 70%). However, the oil from Bonga exhibited relatively higher α-pinene content (20%). Two species of B. sacra (synonym B. carteri) and B. frereana, occurring in Somalia are well known worldwide as the source of high quality frankincense. In this study, Ogaden etan-2 and Ogaden etan-3 showed a close resemblance to some extent with better quality essential oils of B. sacra and B. frereana species of Somalia.

Key words: Quality Assessment, GC-MS, Eucalyptus globulus, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, Boswellia rivae