GLC-mass spectrometry of Teucrium polium oil

The essential oil of Teucrium polium, growing in Saudi Arabia, was thoroughly investigated for its constituents by GLC-mass spectrometry, TLC, and spectrophotometric methods. This investigation revealed the presence of 10 terpenoidal compounds including the hydrocarbons beta-pinene, limonene, alpha-phellandrene, and gamma- and delta-cadinenes and the alcohols linalool, terpine-4-ol, cedrol, cedrenol, and guaiol. The oil was rich in alcohols and devoid of esters. Preliminary pharmacological screening showed that the oil possesses powerful antispasmodic activity.