Variation in volatile constituents of Cinnamomum keralaense, endemic to the Western Ghats, India.

Leaf essential oils (EOs) of Cinnamomum keralaense, an endemic species to Southern Western Ghats, India, were investigated. Leaves were collected from three distinct populations and hydro-distilled to obtain EOs, which were analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 68 constituents was identified from three EOs. Wide variation was found in the composition of EOs. Ten major compounds were identified from three EOs, however, none of the compound was present in all three EOs as major constituent. High content of methyl eugenol (82.5%) in one of the EOs is significant as it could be evaluated for commercial utilization. This is the first report on the chemical compositions of leaf EOs of C. keralaense.