VARIATION OF SALVIA-FRUTICOSA ESSENTIAL OILS ON THE ISLAND OF CRETE (GREECE)

The essential oil content and composition of Salvia fruticosa (Greek s age) plants growing wild in 20 localities scattered on the island of C rete are studied. The results of our analyses have shown a noticeable variation in the essential oil content (ranging from 1.1 up to 5.1 %) and the amount of the four main oil components: 1,8-cineole (22.7-64.2 % of total oil), alpha-thujone (1.0-19.2%) beta-thujone (0.9-25.6%) an d camphor (0.8-30.3%). Discriminant analysis revealed that the variati on pattern of the essential oil content and the amount of the four mai n oil components is geographically related, following a W --> E direct ion. Plants grown in Western Crete show a lower essential oil content and their oils are characterised by the predominance of 1,8-cineole. O n the other hand, those collected from Eastern Crete exhibit higher va lues in essential oil content and their oils, besides 1,8-cineole, are rich in alpha- and beta-thujone or camphor. Our findings are further discussed in relation to literature data.