Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Phlomis leucophracta, an endemic species from Turkey.

The chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of the endemic Phlomis leucophracta P. H. Davis et Hub.-Mor. was investigated. The major compounds of the essential oil were linalool (36.4%), spathulenol (8.4%) and caryophyllene oxide (8.4%). The composition of the oil differs with published data, suggesting other chemotype. Moreover, the oil of this species was analysed for its antioxidant activity for the first time and results indicate it possess strong antioxidant activity comparable with already known antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, BHT, or Trolox. Presented results suggest that this endemic species has strong potential to be used in food and pharmacological industries, and therefore they need to be further investigated.