The Lamiaceae family has been described to be rich in essential oil. The aim of the present work was to identify the native species of Rio Grande do Sul with potential use as the aromatic plants. Seven species of the family were collected in the different localities of the state. The essential oils were obtained by 1h hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The constituents were identified by comparing their GC Kovats retention indices (RI), determined with reference to a homologous series of n-alkanes and by comparing their mass spectral fragmentation patterns with literature data. Cunila incisa and Mentha aquatica resulted in the higher esssential oil yields (1.94% v/w and 0.93% v/w, respectively. The composition of M. aquatica was 80% methone, with almost 14% pulegone. C. microcephala had 53% menthofuran and C. incisa nearly 45% of 1.8-cineol and 18% α-terpineol.
Lamiaceae species; essential oil composition; Southern Brazil; hydrodistillation
