Changes on essential oil composition of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) fruits during three stages of maturity

The essential oils composition of coriander (Coriandrurn sativum L.) fruits obtained by hydrodistillation was studied at three stages of maturity by GC-FID and GC-MS. Essential oil yields showed marked increase during maturation process and forty one compounds were identified. Geranyl acetate (46.27%), linalool (10.96%), nerol (1.53%) and neral (1.42%) were the main compounds at the first stage of maturity (immature fruits). At the middle stage, linalool (76.33%), cis-dihydrocarvone (3.21%) and geranyl acetate (2.85%) were reported as the main constituents. Essential oils at the final stage of maturity (mature fruits) consist mainly on linalool (87.54%) and cis-dihydrocarvone (2.36%). Additionally, accumulation of monoterpene alcohols and ketones was observed during maturation process of coriander fruit. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.