Tordylium L. belonging to the Apiaceae family consists of annual Mediterranean plants which have been known to be used as spice in some countries. The essential oil compositions from the aerial parts of Tordylium L. species were analyzed by GC and GC/MS to identify the major components. In total, 16 components characterized, representing 83 % in T. trachycarpum, 28 components representing 53.4 % in T. lanatum, 24 components representing 51.6 % in T. aegyptiacum, 46 components representing 55.1 % in T. syriacum, 35 components representing 68.3 % in T. pustulosum. The main constituents were determined as β-caryophyllene, a-bisabolene, caryphyllene-oxyde and octyl 2-methyl butyrate in the profile of the oils analyzed in this study. In the present study, compositions of the essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Tordylium species were discussed and compared with the previous relevant works.

Keywords: Apiaceae, Essential oil, Tordylium L., GC/MS.