Page 5 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS
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"VOLATILE OILS"
"Essential Oils"
"Ethereal Oils"
Definition:
The volatile oil is obtained by the steam distillation of plants or by other
means then by direct steam distillation.
All volatile oils are obtained from plant source except oil of Musk, from
Male deer and Amber, from whale.
Fixed oils Volatile oils
Can not be distilled from their Can be distilled from their natural
natural sources. sources.
(Capable of volatilization)
Leave a permanent Do not leave
grease spot on paper. a permanent grease spot.
Consist of glyceryl esters of Do not consist of glyceryl esters of
fatty acids. fatty acids.
Can be saponified with Cannot be saponified with alkalis.
alkalis.
Become rancid Do not become rancid upon long
(be rotten) upon long storage. storage.
Instead on exposure to light and air,
they become oxidized and resinified.
Occurrence of V.O. in plant tissues:
1- In all tissues of the plant (Pinaceae) ()اﻟﺻﻧوﺑر
Localized in one or more organ of
the plant, e.g.
� - Petals of flowers (Rose)
� - Barks and leaves (Cinnamon)
� - Pericarp of fruits (Umbelliferous fruits)
� - Stems and leaves glandular hair (Mentha)
� - Petals and rind of fruits and leaves (Orange)
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