Population variability of volatile secondary metabolites in Hypericum aviculariifolium subsp. depilatum var. depilatum

Abstract

Chemical analyses of flowering tops of eleven wild populations of Hypericum aviculariifolium subsp. depilatum var. depilatum (Hypericaceae), an endemic species of Turkish flora, identified 25 to 36 volatile secondary metabolites (VSM). Oxygenated monoterpenes such as linalool, camphor and verbenol and sesquiterpenic hydrocarbons such as β-selinene, γ-cadinene and β-caryophyllene were recognized as the main ingredients across populations. This is the first report documenting the variability of volatile secondary metabolites among wild populations of this endemic species. Data acquired were also discussed in terms of their possible chemotaxonomic significance.