VOLATILE COMPOUNDS FROM EXTRACTS OF FIGS OF FICUS-CARICA

Pentane extracts from figs of Ficus carica, the common fig tree, were analysed by GC-mass spectroscopy. Four series of extracts were prepare d from receptive male figs, non-receptive male figs, receptive female figs and non-receptive female figs. Extracts from non-receptive figs a re characterised by furanocoumarins (tentatively identified as angelic in and bergapten), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (i.e. trans-caryophyllen e and a compound tentatively identified as germacrene D), oxygenated s esquiterpenes (i.e. hydroxycaryophyllene) benzyl alcohol and benzylald ehyde. Extracts from receptive figs of both sexes are characterised by benzyl alcohol, linalool and linalool oxides (furanoid), cinnamic ald ehyde, cinnamic alcohol and indole. Extract from female receptive figs has in addition large amounts of pyranoid (linalool oxides), whereas an extract from male receptive figs contains eugenol and an unidentifi ed sesquiterpene hydrocarbon. Differences between extracts from male a nd female figs appear to be mainly qualitative due to pyranoid compoun ds, sesquiterpenes 1, 2 and 3 for female figs and eugenol and sesquite rpene 5 for male figs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.