GC-MS analysis of terpenes from Sicilian Pistacia vera L. oleoresin. A source of biologically active compounds

The genus Pistacia includes different species diffused worldwide able to produce oleoresins used in several folk medicines. Oleoresins are phytocomplexes exudate from the trunk of plants and possess several biological properties thanks to the simultaneous presence of essential oils, di- and triterpenes and phenols. Pistacia vera L. oleoresin chemical composition is not well known owing a lack of studies compared with other Pistacia species. The aim of this work was to report the terpenes profile of this phytocomplex collected in Sicily (Italy) by means of GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of its essential oil and less volatile fractions. Results show that this profile is peculiar and different from the other Pistacia species mainly in terms of relative percentages of its components. -Pinene is the main compound of the essential oil, while dammarane and tirucallene derivatives are the main triterpenes identified in the less volatile fractions. This work represents the first complete terpenoidic chemical profile of the oleoresin of P. vera L. and should be considered as a first step for a deeper evaluation of biological properties and future application of this phytocomplex.