Hexane extracts obtained by percolation from the leaves of nine Mediterrane
an plants (Daphne oleoides, Myrtus communis, Pelargonium zonale, Phillyrea
latifolia, Pistacia terebinthus, Quercus pubescens, Rhamnus lucioides, Side
ritis syriaca, Smilax aspera) and from five leaf spices (Rosmarinum officin
alis, Coridothymus capitatus, Laurus nobilis, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia pomi
fera) were examined for the presence of tocopherols by thin layer chromatog
raphy, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and combi
ned gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. With the exception of Sideritis s
yriaca, in all the plants and spices examined alpha-tocopherol was found to
be present. The beta- and gamma-homologues were detected only in the extra
cts of Pelargonium zonale and Smilax aspera. Quantitative analysis by HPLC
gave values ranging from 250 to 1325 ppm total tocopherols (on a dry leaf b
asis). These values are higher than those reported for oil seeds (sunflower
seed, cottonseed, rapeseed, sesame seed) or other oil sources (peanut, soy
bean, maize). (C) 1999 Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology. P
ublished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.