Chemical composition of essential oils of Lantana camara leaves and flowers from Cameroon and Madagascar

The essential oils of leaves and flowers of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) from Cameroon and Madagascar were analysed by GC–FID and GC–MS. The oils are characterized by a high percentage of sesquiterpenes. The major components in the oils from Cameroon are ar‐curcumene (25%), β‐caryophyllene (13%) and caryophyllene epoxide (7%), while the main components of the oil from Madagascar are davanone (15%) and β‐caryophyllene (12%). The monoterpenes percentages are lower in the two essential oils and are represented by sabinene (1–9%), α‐pinene (2–4%), 1,8‐cineole (1–3%) and linalool (1–3%). A comparison with the composition of various essential oils of L. camara with different origin will also be given. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.