The composition of volatile extractives from the wood of Juniperus excelsa, Juniperus foetidissima and Juniperus oxycedrus

Abstract

Over 140 compounds were determined occurring in water-distillates obtained from the wood chips of three important juniper species of Turkey, J. excelsa, J. foetidissima and J. oxycedrus. Among the compounds the monoterpenes exist in minor amounts while the sesquiterpenes including their oxygenated members as well as sesquiterpene alcohols consist of the majority of the whole substances. The existence of some compounds of the oils might be attributes of the species and their sap- and heartwood. On the other side though notable differences, the essential oils of Turkish juniper woods resemble the commercial cedar wood oils.