Comparison of Essential oil Composition in Wild and Cultivated Populations of Mentha aquatica L. from Iran

The genus Mentha (Lamiaceae) is one of the most significant sources of essential oil manufacture. Some members of this genus are also utilized as herbal teas and spices both in fresh and dried form due to their distinct scent [1]. Menthaaquatica L. is a perennial herb of the Lamiaceae family, common in Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, and was recently introduced to America, Australia and Madeira. It grows on the lagoons and lakes, but prefers calcareous soils. It is known for its analgesic, antipyretic, antiseptic, carminative, decongestant, antispasmodic, deodorant, diaphoretic,allergenic, digestive, diuretic, antiemetic, insecticides, sedative and vermifuge actions [2].In this investigation the essential oils of the wild and cultivated of Menthaaquatica L. were isolated and compared. The characterization of essential oils was performed by means of gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. 43 components were characterized for cultivated plant with linalool (29.34%), linalool acetate (14.20%),α-terpineol (9.34%), E-caryophyllene (9.06%) and 1,8-cineole (6.87%) dominating constituents.46 constituents were identified for wild plant with linalool (48.00%), linalool acetate (20.47%),α-terpineol (7.45%) and 1,8- cineole (6.02%) as the major constituents.26 compounds were similarly identified in thesetwo EOs from each cultivated and wild M aquatica L.plant material which represented 97.84% and 98.96% of the total detectedconstituents in EOs of cultivated and wild plants, respectively.