Variation of Salvia fruticosa essential oils on the island of Crete (Greece)

The essential oil content and composition of Salvia fruticosa (Greek sage) plants growing wild in 20 localities scattered on the island of Crete 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%) and camphor (0.8-30.3%). Discriminant analysis revealed that the variation pattern of the essential oil content and the amount of the four main oil components is geographically related, following a W --> E direction. Plants grown in Western Crete show a lower essential oil content and their oils are characterised by the predominance of 1,8-cineole. On the other hand, those collected from Eastern Crete exhibit higher values 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.