Chemical diversity of the essential oil of Croton blanchetianus Baill.: an endemic plant from the Caatinga with bioactive potential

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical diversity of the essential oil of Croton blanchetianus collected from six natural populations in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Essential oils from 70 genotypes were extracted by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major compounds identified were α-pinene (1.60–13.37%), limonene (0.00–17.54%), β-phellandrene (0.00–16.04%), 1,8-cineole (0.00–13.56%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.31–13.14%), germacrene D (0.00–10.60%), bicyclogermacrene (5.06–27.47%) and spathulenol (4.34–29.83%). Cluster analysis showed the formation of two distinct chemical clusters, with the presence or absence of limonene and β-phellandrene determining this difference. These results suggest chemotypes within the species. The clusters were not influenced by the geographic origin of the genotypes, indicating strong influence of genetic factors. Results indicate chemical variability in the essential oil of C. blanchetianus genotypes and confirm its biotechnological potential, given its importance as a source of bioactive compounds.