Analysis of leaf volatiles of Zanthoxylum gillettii used in folk medicine of Cameroon

The essential oil and the corresponding headspace sample of the leaves of Z anthoxylum gillettii (Rutaceae) were analyzed by gas chromatographic-spectr oscopic and olfactoric methods. Mainly monoterpenes such as myrcene, trons- beta-ocimene, limonene, camphene, alpha- and beta-pinene which are impact c ompounds were found in the essential oil and headspace sample. Sesquiterpen es such as beta-caryophyllene, alpha- and beta-farnesene, beta-bisabolol, g amma-cadinene and nerolidol and alphatic components such as 2-undecanone an d dodecanal were also identified and contribute to the typical odor impress ion as well as to the reported therapeutic properties of this Zanthoxylum s pecies.