GC-MS Analysis of Volatile Constituents of Cornus mas Fruits and Pulp

Cornus mas is a tree bearing edible fruits, known for its traditional homemade beverages and preserves and for its usage as a traditional medicinal plant. There are no references cited in the literature for the volatile components of mature fruits and their pulp (product that is commercially available). The aim of the present study was the identification of the volatile constituents of Cornus mas pulp and mature fruits by GC-MS using capillary columns of different polarity and selectivity. The analysis showed that Cornus mas pulp is rich in fatty acid methyl/ethyl esters, while mature fruits have higher content of alcohols, aldehydes and terpenes. Additionally, the use of two or more capillary columns of different polarity and selectivity could be the key to a much more integrated analysis and a much more accurate identification of the components of natural complex mixtures such as volatile constituents of Cornus mas or other plants.