Volatile constituents of the cold desert plantDracocephalum heterophyllum Benth.

The essential oil of Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth. (Lamiaceae) from wild and cultivated plants was obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC–MS techniques. Twelve constituents, accounting for 96.8% of the total oil from wild plants, and nineteen constituents, accounting for 99.9% of the total oil from cultivated plants, were identified. Citronellol was identified as one of the major constituents, attaining 74.9% in the wild and 54.3% in the cultivated population, respectively. This plant was found to be a new source of citronellol and rose oxides, which are mostly used in the essential oil and perfumery industry.