Identification and semi-quantification of sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids from Chamomile, Hop, Lavender, Basil and Lemon balm

Sesquiterpenes are naturally occurring compounds with 15 carbon atoms and are formally composed of three isoprene units. Together with their derivatives, the sesquiterpenoids represent one of the major substance classes of essential oils. As essential oils are often attributed with positive effects on human health, these compounds are interesting targets for physiological and biochemical investigations. The here investigated chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), hop (Humulus lupulus), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), basil (Ocimum basilicum) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) are famous members of plants with highly acknowledged beneficial health effects. To study these effects, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids (SQTs) as major constituents need to be studied more intensely. The here described tentative identification and quantification complement the existing literature by adding a concrete quantitative dimension to these valuable substances in the five plants, and help to further elucidate the contribution of SQTs to the overall properties of essential oils.