DETERMINAÇÃO DO PERFIL QUÍMICO VOLÁTIL DO BOLDO CHILENO (Peumus boldus Molina) E DO BOLDO BRASILEIRO (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews) POR HS-SPME/GC-MS

Abstract

Commonly confused in both popular and scientific contexts due to similarities in their nomenclatures and traditional uses, the Brazilian and Chilean boldo species exhibit relevant chemical differences. These distinctions highlight the importance of investigating their chemical composition, particularly through systematic studies that allow for clear differentiation. In this context, the present study aimed to determine the volatile chemical profile of Peumus boldus Molina (Chilean boldo) and Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Brazilian boldo) using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber. GC-MS analyses enabled the identification of 60 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with 32 detected in P. boldus and 28 in P. barbatus, mainly comprising constituents from the monoterpene and sesquiterpene classes. The major compounds identified in P. boldus were 1,8- cineole (19.16%), trans-ascaridole (18.96%), and β-oplopenone (11.64%). Furthermore, this species exhibited 44.38% of oxygenated compounds and 19.57% of hydrocarbons. In contrast, P. barbatus was characterized by α-selinene (23.20%), (E)-caryophyllene (19.58%), and α- copaene (13.64%), with a predominance of hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (83.68%). In summary, the study individually characterized the volatile chemical profiles of P. boldus and P. barbatus, providing relevant data to support future comparative investigations, especially in light of the recurring conceptual confusion surrounding the use of these species.