Chemical Diversity in Himalayan Elsholtzia Species

The terpenoid composition of essential oils from the leaves of five Elsholtzia species, viz., E. eriostachya Benth., E. cristata Willd., E. polystachya Benth., E. flava Benth., and E. pilosa Benth., collected from the Himalayan region (India), was examined by GC, GC/MS, and NMR analyses. Comparison of the results with previous reports revealed new chemotypes. Cluster analysis was carried out in order to discern the similarities and differences within the essential-oil compositions at their subspecies/chemotype level. Based on the major constituents of the essential oils, six chemical groups were obtained.