Interpreting Gas Chromatographs
Chromatographs: A Basic Explanation (see Dr. Power's article below) Other Articles by Dr. Power: Aromatherapy: The Basics Essential Oil Quality - Is it Important? Aromatherapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Aromatherapy and Emotions Psychoneuroimmunology Aromatherapy and the SARS virus Healing with Essential Oils
Chromatographs (gas chromatography) show the relative amounts of the various organic components that make up essential oils. The primary types of components include: Component Therapeutic Action Toxicity / Skin Irritation Alcohols Antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal Low Aldehydes Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, sedative Moderate Esters Antifungal, antimicrobial, sedative, antispasmodic Low Ketones Anticatarrhal, cell proliferate, expectorant, vulnerary High Lactones Anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, expectorant, febrefuge Moderate to High Oxides Expectorant Moderate Phenols Antiseptic, bactericidal, disinfectant, stimulant Moderate to High Terpenes Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, (some are analgesic or stimulant) Generally Low In simple terms, when choosing an essential oil, one wants high therapeutic value and low toxicity. There are many different compounds within each of the major categories - altogether there are several hundred individual chemical substances that are found in essential oils. This makes it difficult to evaluate oils chemically. Even though a chromatograph may show only a few of the constituents of an oil, one still needs knowledge of many individual substances and their properties to read a chromatograph. However, an illustration will show some of the basics: Below are two chromatographs (with reports) - one is for Lavender Provence and one is for Lavender Dalmatian. I prefer the Lavender Provence (which is what we sell). Here is why: A "good" Lavender contains a high proportion of esters and alcohols and a low proportion of camphor. The esters are especially prized in Lavender. "The constituents of different species differ in their content of the ester, linalyl acetate due to altitude. If lavender is grown above 2,000 feet, the ester content is increased, producing a more valuable oil." - quoted from the textbook for Aromatherapy Certification of the Australasian College of Herbal Studies. Both the Provence and Dalmatian Lavenders are high in Linalool - a terpenoid alcohol that is low in toxicity and has good antiviral and antibacterial properties. Both are also low in camphor, which is a ketone and therefore a strong irritant. However even a quick glance at the charts shows that the Lavender from Provence is MUCH higher in Linalyl Acetate, an ester which is very low in toxicity and is highly valued for it's therapeutic effects. It is Linalyl Acetate which gives Lavender its' famous calming properties. Therefore, while either of these lavenders will have good antiviral and antibacterial properties, the Lavender Provence has outstanding calming and antispasmodic properties whereas the Lavender Dalmatian will have a less calming effect. The Lavender Provence used by SomaTherapy Essential Oils costs our company, Dreaming Earth Botanicals, considerably more than the Lavender Dalmatian but we feel that the very superior quality of the Lavender Provence is worth the extra cost even though our profits might well be higher if we sold the cheaper oil.
Lavender Provence (organic) GC-MS Analysis Report Peak Area Peak Time Peak Scan Marker Text 1.064 0:16:06 357 Pinene or Beta-Myrcene 7.432 0:17:04 414 Ecalyptol; 1:8 Cineole 31.909 0:18:07 475 Linalool 7.518 0:19:07 534 Camphor 3.282 0:19:35 561 Borneol 5.317 0:19:43 569 CAS 562-74-3 27.504 0:20:46 630 Linalyl Acetate 3.585 0:21:14 657 Geraniol Acetate 1.362 0:23:58 817 Farnesene 1.085 0:24:01 820 Caryophylene Instrument: VG70E Notes: MS/LB CB5 50m 1.2u 40(5)>250@10 10m/m spli 10psi inj 220 - 1.2x10-6 - 10mg in 1ml DCM 1ul inj
Lavender Dalmation GC-MS Analysis Report Peak Area Peak Time Peak Scan Marker Text 0.571 0:15:57 578 a-Pinene 3.404 0:17:40 678 Ocimene Isomer 0.732 0:17:50 688 d-Limonene 7.369 0:17:54 692 Eucalyptol 40.241 0:18:52 748 Linalool 1.952 0:20:03 817 Camphor 1.453 0:20:21 834 Hexyl Butanoate 7.234 0:20:32 845 endo-Borneol 7.084 0:20:38 850 Terpinen-4-ol 6.281 0:21:31 902 Linalyl Acetate 0.850 0:22:00 930 Lavandulyl Acetate 2.713 0:24:47 1091 b-Farnesene Instrument: VG70E Notes: MS/LB CB5 50m 1.2u 40(4)>250@10 30m/m spli 15psi inj 250 - 1.2x10-6 16.3mg
Joie Power, Ph.D. practices as a Wellness Consultant, Healer, Reiki Master, and Healing Arts Practitioner. Dr. Power is a neurobehavioral specialist with training in the neurological aspects of olfaction (smell) and emotional functioning, as well as psychoneuroimmunology, mind/body approaches, dreamwork, and aromatherapy; She offers workshops and consultation to individuals, physicians and holistic practitioners and is the founder of Dreaming Earth Botanicals, producers of SomaTherapy Essential Oils. To inquire concerning Dr. Power's availability for individual consultations, workshops and educational presentations, send e-mail to info@dreamingearth.com.Articles by Dr. Power: Aromatherapy: The Basics, Gas Chromatographs: A Basic Explanation, Essential Oil Quality - Is it Important?, Aromatherapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Aromatherapy and Emotions, Psychoneuroimmunology, Aromatherapy and the SARS Virus - Is There a Simple Preventative? Topics covered above include: Gas Chromatograph, gas chromatographs, gas chromatography, aromatherapy, essential oils, organic, lavender, organic lavender, lavender provence, bulgarian lavender, Dreaming Earth, SomaTherapy, aldehydes, esters, ketones, lactones, oxides, phenols, terpenes.
