Chemical and phyto-therapeutically properties of essential oils from three Juniperus species

Juniper species typically grow in rocky, infertile soils, in fields, meadows, pastures, open woods and other settings, almost from sea level to alpine sites. Juniper species are shrubs found in different several forms, up to a height up to 2.0 m. Juniper berries contain essential oil and have been used in several medical ailments. In this study, essential oils from the mature fruit essential oils of three different juniper species: Juniperus communis L. (Common Juniper), Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Prickly Juniper) and Juniperus sabina L. (Savin Juniper) are presented. The GC-MS profiles of qualitative and quantitative composition of the essential oil showed mostly of monoterpenes including α-pinene, β-myrcene, and sabinene. The pharmaceutical properties of these active constituents are also discussed.