Spearmint (Mentha spicata L) essential oil cultivated in Algerian Sahara (Ouargla): Chemical composition and comparison with other regions of Algeria and Mediterranean area

Abstract

The aim of this work is to study the chemical composition of Algerian Mentha spicata essential oils cultivated in the Algerian Sahara (region of Ouargla). On the other hand, a comparison of Mentha spicata essential oils studied with others growing in different regions in Algeria as well as in the Mediterranean area (Percentage of major components ≥ 5%) and in the world (Percentage of major components ≥ 1%). The essential oil of Spearmint (Mentha spicata) cultivated in the Algerian Sahara in the region of Ouargla was extracted by hydrodistillation. Seventy-three compounds were identified in the aerial parts of Mentha spicata. The principal components are : D-carvone (28.24%), eucalyptol (19.63%), D-limonene (09.20%), beta.-Myrcene (07.36%), and Cyclohexanone, 2-methyl-5-(1-methyl ethenyl) (05.33%).