Comparative Analysis of Volatile Constituents in Native Salvia Species (Lamiaceae) of Isparta, Türkiye Using HS-SPME/GC-MS

Abstract

Aims: To comprehensively characterize the volatile metabolite profiles of thirteen Salvia taxa naturally distributed in Isparta Province (south-western Türkiye) and to evaluate their chemotaxonomic relationships based on volatile composition. Study Design: Experimental laboratory-based phytochemical and multivariate chemotaxonomic study. Place and Duration of Study: Plant materials were collected from naturally occurring populations in Isparta Province, south-western Türkiye, during systematic floristic surveys. Chemical analyses were conducted in the laboratory following sample collection. Methodology: Thirteen taxa (Salvia viridis, S. bracteata, S. sclarea, S. absconditiflora, S. cadmica, S. tomentosa, S. aethiopis, S. frigida, S. argentea, S. palaestina, S. virgata, S. verticillata, and S. syriaca) were identified during field surveys. Volatile metabolites were extracted using headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Identified compounds were classified into major chemical groups and quantified based on relative abundance percentages. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate interspecific variation and chemotaxonomic differentiation among taxa. Results: Between 40 and 49 volatile constituents were identified per taxon. Monoterpene hydrocarbons and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons represented the dominant chemical classes across species; however, their relative abundances varied markedly among taxa. Multivariate analyses demonstrated clear chemotaxonomic separation of species based on volatile profiles. Trans-caryophyllene, α-pinene, p-cymene, linalool and germacrene D were identified as major discriminatory metabolites contributing strongly to interspecific differentiation. Conclusion: The studied Salvia taxa exhibit substantial interspecific variation in volatile composition. The results provide a comprehensive assessment of chemical diversity within the Isparta flora and establish a robust chemotaxonomic framework that may support future phytochemical, pharmacological and industrial applications.