Essential oil composition of Laurus nobilis L.

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) belongs to the family Lauraceae, which comprises numerous aromatic and medicinal plants. Laurus nobilis L. native to Mediterranean regions is also known as sweet bay, bay laurel, Grecian laurel, true bay and bay. Bay laurel has been used as a spice since antiquity, primarily because of its oil content. In Turkey, Laurus nobilis L. grows in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions. In this study, essential oil content of trees in Urla - İzmir which is west part of Turkey was determined. Two years old leaf was taken in June, July, August and September from 50 different genotypes. After collection samples were dried at room temperature and each sample was subjected to hydro distillation by Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography. Seventy-six compounds were found in the leaf and 33 compounds of them were found all genotypes. There were no significant differences among genotypes observed. The major component was found to be 1,8-Cineole. The highest amount of this component was found in September.