Chemical composition of the essential oil from rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea L. grown in Finland

Abstract The essential oil of Rhodiola rosea L., from rhizomes cultivated in Finland was analyzed by GC and GC/MS methods in Hungary. The air-dried rhizomes contained 0.04% essential oil. Thirteen components which were characterized in the oil were mainly monoterpenoid (84.3%). Myrtenol (36.9%), trans-pinocarveol (16.1%), geraniol (12.7%) and dihydrocumin alcohol (12.1%) were the most abundant volatiles detected in the oil. Myrtenol, geraniol and linalool were identified as the most important rose-like odor compounds which is important to give a pleasant rose-like scent to these Nordic rhizomes.