INTRODUCTION
Essential oils obtained from the most widespread representatives of the genus Pinus in the Republic of Bulgaria—P. sylvestris L., P. nigra Arn., and P. pinaster Sol.—are characterized by a similar aromatic profile; however, their chemical composition and physiological effects may differ significantly.
Their composition comprises more than 50 identified volatile compounds, varying both qualitatively and quantitatively. The observed therapeutic effects are determined not only by the diversity of their terpene composition but also by the extraction method employed. Understanding these relationships enables a more precise and scientifically grounded application of pine essential oils.
AIM
The aim of the present study is to present a laboratory method for the isolation of essential oils from needles and young shoots of P. sylvestris L., P. nigra Arn., and P. pinaster Sol., and to determine their composition using GC–MS analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
For the purposes of this study, a steam distillation setup was employed, designed to simulate a real steam distillation system, along with needles and thin branches of P. sylvestris, P. nigra, and P. pinaster, and GC–MS instrumentation.
RESULTS
The proposed extraction method yielded essential oils with reproducible chromatographic profiles. GC–MS analysis revealed both common and species-specific constituents across the three Pinus samples.
CONCLUSION
The successful integration of extraction methodologies with comprehensive GC–MS analysis provides a robust foundation for future research on the sustainable utilization of pine-derived essential oils.
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