Composition of the volatile oil from the leaves of Ximenia americana L

The volatile oil of leaves of Ximenia americana was analysed by GC–MS, which resulted in the identification of 33 components representing 98% of the total oil. The major constituents identified were benzaldehyde (63.5%), hydroxybenzyl cyanide (13%) and isophorone (3.5%). Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is known as a primary breakdown product of glucosinolates that occur mainly in members of Brassicaceae family. The HPLC analysis carried out failed to confirm the possible synthesis or accumulation of glucosinolates in X. americana. Hence, the occurrence of hydroxybenzyl cyanide as well as that of benzaldehyde is discussed in this paper.