Distinct Chemotypes of Putative Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C.Chr. Resins from Israel, Oman and Somalia

Abstract

Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C.Chr. has long been regarded as the most likely botanical source of the historical apharsemon (Balm of Gilead). Despite considerable historical interest, little is known about the chemical variability of geographically separated populations currently assigned to this taxon. In the present study, resin samples obtained from putative C. gileadensis accessions originating from Ein Gedi (Israel), Oman, and a Somalia-derived accession cultivated in Yotvata, Israel, were analyzed by GC–MS. In addition, freshly collected resin from the Somalia-derived accession was compared with the same resin sample stored under laboratory conditions for ten years. The Ein Gedi accession exhibited a monoterpene-rich profile dominated by sabinene (48.26%) and α-pinene (13.96%). In contrast, the Oman accession was characterized by copaene (17.94%), limonene (10.51%), β-elemene (8.06%), and isocembrol (6.31%). The Somalia-derived accession displayed a markedly different profile dominated by linalyl acetate (59.59%), accompanied by α-pinene (9.95%) and γ-terpinene (5.83%). After ten years of storage, linalyl acetate remained the dominant constituent (40.51%), and the characteristic pleasant aroma of the resin was largely preserved. The results demonstrate substantial phytochemical divergence among geographically separated accessions currently assigned to C. gileadensis. The Somalia-derived accession represents a distinct fragrance-rich chemotype whose unusual aroma profile and long-term stability may be of particular interest in future studies of balsam-producing Commiphora populations.