Germacrane-D from essential oil of Parthenium 

S. Chandra and co-workers, are working on the volatile components of common weeds including Parthenium hysterophorus. Their studies have revealed that the essential oil content of Parthenium ranged from 0.04% to 0.05% (w/w:fr. wt. basis). Germacrane-D(8.37%), and geraionl (7.84%) were quantified as the major chemical constituents.

Several compounds such as Oct-1-en-3-ol(2.30%), trans-ocimene(1.52%), b-myrcene(4.16%), geranyl acetate(1.45%), caryophyllene (2.27%), a-humulene(1.17%), a-farnesene (2.43%), caryophyllene oxides (2.27%) were detected in minor amount. 

Essential oil of Parthenium contains Germacrane-D, which is a key intermediate for biosynthesis of cadinene group compounds. 

Dr. S. Chandra and Co-Researchers, Botanical Science Division, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu-Tawi (India).

(Source: S.Chandra et al (1998). Essential oil composition of two common weeds viz.Parthenium hysterophorus and Ageratum conyzoides under Jammu condition. In: Extended Summaries, First International Agronomy Congress, ISA, and ICAR , New Delhi,Nov.23-27,1998.p.557)


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