Abstract Amylases, crucial in various industries such as food, textile, and biofuels, require optimized production and biochemical characterization. Thus, this study aimed to produce amylases from Rhizopus sp. I 1.2.1, characterize the cultivation conditions and the synthesized enzyme. The fungus was molecularly identified with 99.06% homology in the LSU gene, 98.08% identity in the ITS region, and placed phylogenetically closer to Rhizopus arrhizus CBS 112,07. The LSU gene and ITS region sequences were deposited in GenBank. The CP medium was optimal for amylase production by Rhizopus arrhizus, with peak activity on the 6th day. Supplementation with urea significantly increased amylolytic activity by 110-fold. CP salts outperformed other salts in enzyme production, achieving a maximum amylase activity of 15.5 U/ml. The pH 6.0 was optimal for amylase production, with higher specific activity at pH 5.0. Pumpkin peel and pineapple peel were the best carbon sources for amylase production with an amylolytic activity of 18 and 16 U/mL, respectively. The amylase production showed a significant increase when pineapple peel was used in the presence of glucose 0.5% showing an activity of 22.4 U/mL, representing a 1.5- and 1.6-fold increase over the control. The optimal reaction of the amylase was observed at pH 6.0 and 60 °C. The enzyme remained stable for 240 minutes at 50-55 °C and at pH 4.0-7.0. Amylase was inhibited by glucose concentration and certain salts, but EDTA and K2SO4 increased activity by 25%. These results suggest industrial potential based on residual carbon source use, cultivation conditions, and crude enzyme stability. Amylases food textile biofuels characterization Thus sp 121 1 2 1.2.1 9906 99 06 99.06 9808 98 08 98.08 11207 112 07 112,07 GenBank th day 110fold. 110fold fold 110 fold. 110-fold 155 15 5 15. Uml U ml U/ml 6 0 6. 50 5.0 UmL mL U/mL respectively 05 0.5 224 22 4 22. 1.5 1.6fold 16fold 1.6 control C 24 5055 55 50-5 4.07.0. 4070 4.0 7.0. 7 4.0-7.0 KSO K SO K2SO 25 25% use stability 12 1.2. 990 9 99.0 980 98.0 1120 11 112,0 5. 0. 1. 6fold 505 50- 4.07.0 407 40 4. 70 7.0 4.0-7. 1.2 99. 98. 112, 4.07. 7. 4.0-7 4.07 4.0-

RESUMO A produção de cachaça no Brasil é uma prática histórica e cultural que vem ganhando espaço no setor comercial com a comercialização de seu produto com novos rótulos, derivados e diferentes tipos de embalagens para a bebida. As embalagens de Polietileno Tereftalato (PET) têm sido utilizadas por alguns produtores devido ao seu menor custo e maior durabilidade para o transporte. A influência do armazenamento em 15 amostras de cachaça comercial acondicionada em embalagens poliméricas foi investigada. A qualidade físico-química e a presença de Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos (HPA’s) nas bebidas foram avaliadas. Destas amostras, 60% continham concentrações de componentes que estavam fora dos limites dos Padrões de Qualidade estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), e a maioria das amostras continha baixas concentrações de álcool. As amostras apresentaram concentrações de carbamato de etila abaixo do limite estabelecido pelo MAPA (210 µg L-1). Todas as amostras estudadas continham concentrações de HPA’s superiores às encontradas na literatura para cachaça armazenada em outros tipos de embalagens. A contaminação por HPA’s pode estar associada aos processos térmicos envolvidos na produção das embalagens. A amostra R12 continha a maior concentração total de HPA’s (20,90 µg L-1), seguida pelas amostras R7 (17,23 µg L-1) and R8 (17,61 µg L-1). A concentração média foi de 10,91 µg L-1. O fluoreno foi o HPA encontrado em maior quantidade com concentração de 18,61 µg L-1 na amostra R12. Portanto, as cachaças armazenadas em embalagens PET são impróprias para consumo e comercialização, pois apresentam altas concentrações de contaminantes. rótulos bebida (PET transporte 1 investigada físicoquímica físico química HPAs s (HPA’s avaliadas 60 Agricultura MAPA, , (MAPA) álcool 210 (21 L1. L1 L . R R1 20,90 2090 20 90 (20,9 L1, 17,23 1723 17 23 (17,2 17,61 1761 61 (17,6 1091 10 91 10,9 1. 1861 18 18,6 L- Portanto contaminantes 6 (MAPA 21 (2 20,9 209 2 9 (20, 17,2 172 (17, 17,6 176 109 10, 186 18, ( 20, (20 17, (17 (1

ABSTRACT The production of cachaça in Brazil is a historical and cultural practice that has been gaining ground in the commercial sector with the marketing of its product with new labels, derivatives and different types of packaging for the beverage. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) packaging has been used by some producers because of its lower cost and greater durability for transport. The influence of storage on 15 samples of commercial cachaça packed in polymeric packaging was investigated. The physical-chemical quality and the presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) in the beverages were evaluated. Of these samples, 60% contained concentrations of components that were outside the limits of the Quality Standards established by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), and most of the samples contained low alcohol concentrations. The samples showed concentrations of ethyl carbamate below the limit established by MAPA (210 µg L-1). All samples studied contained concentrations of PAHs higher than those found in the literature for cachaça stored in other types of packages. Contamination by PAHs can be associated with the thermal processes involved in the production of packages. Sample R12 contained the highest total concentration of the PAHs (20.90 µg L-1), followed by samples R7 (17.23 µg L-1) and R8 (17.61 µg L-1). The mean concentration was 10.91 µg L-1. Fluorene was the PAH found in the largest quantity with a concentration of 18.61 µg L-1 in the R12 sample. Therefore, cachaças stored in PET packaging are unsuitable for consumption and commercialization, as they present high concentrations of contaminants. labels beverage (PET transport 1 investigated physicalchemical physical chemical s (PAH’s evaluated 60 Agriculture MAPA, , (MAPA) 210 (21 L1. L1 L . packages R R1 20.90 2090 20 90 (20.9 L1, 17.23 1723 17 23 (17.2 17.61 1761 61 (17.6 1091 10 91 10.9 1. 1861 18 18.6 L- sample Therefore commercialization contaminants 6 (MAPA 21 (2 20.9 209 2 9 (20. 17.2 172 (17. 17.6 176 109 10. 186 18. ( 20. (20 17. (17 (1

Resumo O atual cenário ambiental e econômico global tem uma relação intrínseca com o aumento do consumo de combustíveis fósseis causados pelo desenvolvimento de tecnologias e pelo crescimento da população mundial. Assim, é necessário procurar fontes renováveis de biocombustíveis na tentativa de mitigar os efeitos dos combustíveis fósseis no meio ambiente e a falta desses combustíveis não renováveis. O uso de biomassa lignocelulósica, um recurso abundante e renovável nas regiões brasileiras, contribuiu com sucesso para novas pesquisas e tecnologias para a produção de etanol de segunda geração. A conversão da biomassa lignocelulósica em açúcares fermentáveis requer o uso de enzimas celulolíticas produzidas por micro-organismos encontrados na microbiota. Este trabalho avaliou a produção de endoglucanase e β-glicosidase em meio líquido contendo carboximetilcelulose por cinco micro-organismos bactérias e leveduras) do banco de 348 isolados de solos de eucalipto no Cerrado Mineiro. Foram selecionados micro-organismos com os seguintes índices de atividade enzimática: IM1-74 (22), IM25-9 (5.33), IM32-90 (7.33), IM1-5 (10.33) e IM32-91 (5.44). Os micro-organismos com maior atividade enzimática em meio líquido foram IM32-90 (endoglucanase = 0,214 U mL-1) e IM32-91 (β-glicosidase = 0,067 U mL-1).

Abstract The current global environmental and economic scenario is intrinsically related to the increase in fossil fuel consumption caused by technological development and world population growth. Thus, it is necessary to search for renewable sources of biofuel in an attempt to mitigate the effects of fossil fuels on the environment and the lack of these non-renewable fuels. The use of lignocellulosic biomass, an abundant and renewable resource in Brazilian regions, has contributed successfully to new research and technologies for second-generation ethanol production. The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars requires the use of cellulolytic enzymes produced by microorganisms found in the microbiota. This work evaluated the production of endoglucanase and β-glucosidase in a liquid medium containing carboxymethylcellulose by five microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) from the bank of 348 isolates from eucalyptus soils in the Cerrado Mineiro. Microorganisms with the following enzymatic activity indexes were selected: IM1-74 (22), IM25-9 (5.33), IM32-90 (7.33), IM1-5 (10.33) and IM32-91 (5.44). The microorganisms with the highest enzymatic activity in the liquid medium were IM32-90 (endoglucanase = 0.214 U mL-1) and IM32-91 (β-glucosidase = 0.067 U mL-1).

The amorphous, mesoporous SiO2-SO3H catalyst with a surface area of 115 m2 g-1 and 1.32 mmol H+ per g was very efficient for the protonation of ketones on a 10% (m/m) basis, and the catalyst-bound intermediates can be trapped by polyalcohols to produce ketals in high yields or suffer aldol condensations within minutes under low-power microwave irradiation. The same catalyst can easily reverse the ketalization reaction.

RESUMO Ultimamente, no mercado de alimentos vem crescendo a demanda por produtos provenientes da agricultura orgânica. O Brasil lidera a produção de cachaça e produz cerca de 1,6 bilhões de litros/ano. Para a melhoria do produto, tem-se buscado novas tecnologias em toda a cadeia produtiva e utilizado matéria-prima orgânica na produção de cana-de-açúcar para a obtenção da bebida. O presente trabalho teve por objetivos traçar o perfil físico-químico e cromatográfico de onze amostras de cachaça orgânica provenientes de alguns estados brasileiros. Foram identificados e quantificados os componentes secundários e contaminantes por meio das análises físico-químicas, cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) e análises cromatográficas em fase gasosa (CG). Pelos resultados encontrados observou-se um percentual significativo das cachaças orgânicas pesquisadas, onde estas apresentaram parâmetros fora dos limites exigidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), sendo encontrado valores inadequados de 18,20% para ésteres, 9,10% para cobre e extrato seco. Esta contaminação é acarretada pela má condução durante o processo pelos produtores, onde não estão observando as boas práticas de fabricação determinadas e/ou normatizadas pela legislação brasileira.

ABSTRACT There has been a growing demand for products from organic agriculture for the food market. Brazil leads the production of sugarcane spirits and produces about 1.6 billion liters/year. New technologies have been sought throughout the supply chain to improve production, and organic raw material has been used in the production of sugar cane for the production of beverages. This study aimed to define the physicochemical and chromatographic profiles of eleven organic sugarcane spirits samples from various Brazilian states. The secondary components and contaminants were identified and quantified through physicochemical analyses, HPLC and gas chromatography (GC). A significant percentage of the organic sugarcane spirits samples contained concentrations of components that were above the limits required by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Provisioning (MAPA), specifically the esters (18.20%), copper and dry extract (9.10%). This contamination is caused by bad conditions employed during the production process, which are not in compliance with the good manufacturing practices determined and legislated by Brazilian law.

Resumo A composição centesimal e a aceitabilidade de um tempero culinário em forma de tablete preparado da polpa de pequi desidratada foram avaliadas. A polpa de pequi integral e os tabletes formulados foram submetidos às determinações dos valores de compostos fenólicos totais, proteínas totais, lipídios, umidade, cinzas, fibra bruta, carboidratos totais e valor energético total. Depois da seleção das formulações para o preparo dos tabletes de pequi, estes foram submetidos à avaliação sensorial como condimento para o preparo de arroz. Na polpa do pequi, foram encontrados 44,4% de umidade, 37,7% de lipídeos, 2,1% de proteínas, 10,9% de carboidratos totais e 324 mg de compostos fenólicos totais por 100 g. A farinha da polpa de pequi apresentou 9,8% de umidade. Nos testes sensoriais, a formulação preferida foi aquela com maior quantidade de polpa do fruto na forma de farinha. Esta formulação apresentou 8,4% de umidade, 52,3% de gordura, 3,1% de proteínas, 19,4% de carboidratos totais, 321 mg de compostos fenólicos por 100 g e um valor energético total de 560,7 kcal por 100 g. Os tabletes de pequi produzidos mantiveram a cor, o sabor e o aroma característicos do fruto e apresentação similar aos caldos em cubo comerciais.

Summary The proximate composition and acceptability of bouillon cubes prepared from souari nut pulp flour were evaluated. The whole fruit pulp and formulated bouillon cubes were subjected to an analysis of the total phenolic compounds, protein, lipid, moisture, ash, fibre, total carbohydrate and total energy values. The selected formulations of souari nut bouillon cubes were subjected to a sensory analysis as seasoning for rice preparations, and the physicochemical analysis of the most widely preferred formulation was carried out. The whole souari nut pulp was found to contain 44.4% moisture, 37.7% lipids, 2.1% protein and 10.9% total carbohydrates, as well as 324 mg of total phenolic compounds per 100 g of pulp. The souari flour contained 9.8% moisture. In the sensory tests, the preferred formulation was that containing the highest souari nut flour concentration. This formulation contained 8.4% moisture, 52.3% lipids, 3.1% protein, 19.4% total carbohydrate, 321 mg of phenolic compounds per 100 g and a total energy value of 560.7 kcal per 100 g. The souari nut bouillon cubes presented the characteristic colour, taste and aroma of the fruit and an appearance similar to that of commercial bouillon cubes.

A mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) destaca-se pelo ótimo potencial de exploração econômica e pesquisas têm sugerido resultados relevantes em relação ao valor nutricional e funcional deste alimento. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar química e físico-quimicamente os frutos de mangaba colhidos na região do Médio Araguaia. Foi avaliada a composição química, atividade antioxidante, compostos voláteis, estudo fitoquímico preliminar de compostos fenólicos e o potencial citotóxico de extratos etanólicos do frutos contra Artemia salina. O pH, a acidez total titulável e o valor de açúcares redutores concluem que a mangaba possui características apropriadas tanto para consumo in natura quanto para processamento. Entre os valores médios obtidos, os frutos apresentaram alto teor de fibra e um baixo valor calórico. A análise de potencial antioxidante revelou uma atividade significativa e, na análise de compostos voláteis, ésteres representaram a classe predominante. O resultado do ensaio fitoquímico revelou que fenois, flavonoides e taninos estavam presentes no extrato etanólico de mangaba e uma atividade significativa no ensaio citotóxico foi observada.

The mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) stands out and has a great potential for economic exploitation and researches have suggested relevant results regarding the nutritional and functional value of this food. Therefore, the objective of this study was to chemically and physicochemically characterize the mangaba fruit harvested in the Middle Araguaia region. It was evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, preliminary photochemical studies of phenolic components and the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic extract fruits against Artemia salina. The mean pH, the total titratable acidity and the value for reducing sugars conclude that the mangaba possesses the characteristics appropriate for both fresh consumption and for processing. Between the mean values measured, the fruits presented high fiber content and a low caloric value. The analysis of the antioxidant potential revealed a significant activity and in the volatile compounds analysis, esters were the major class presents. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed that phenols, flavonoids and tannins were present in the ethanolic extract of mangaba and a significant activity in the cytotoxicity assay was observed.

As setenta e uma amostras de aguardentes de cana coletadas em alambiques de pequeno e médio porte, provenientes das regiões norte e sul de Minas Gerais, foram avaliadas por CLAE (Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência) quanto ao teor de acroleína. Avaliaram-se também as concentrações de etanol, acidez volátil e cobre, utilizando-se as metodologias estabelecidas pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Do total de amostras, 9,85% apresentaram níveis de acroleína acima do limite legal, 21,00% apresentaram teores de cobre e 8,85% de acidez volátil acima dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Os teores de acroleína variaram de 0 a 21,97 mg.100 mL-1 de etanol. Entretanto, não ocorreu diferença significativa no nível de 5% de significância entre as amostras do norte e as do sul de Minas Gerais. O método aplicado para a determinação de acroleína em aguardente de cana foi a derivação com 2,4-dinitrofenilidrazina (DNPH) e a posterior análise por CLAE.

Seventy-one samples of sugarcane spirits from small and average size stills produced in the northern and southern Minas Gerais (Brazil) were analyzed for acrolein using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Ethanol and copper concentrations and volatile acidity were also determined according to methods established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). A total of 9.85% of the samples tested showed levels of acrolein above the legal limits, while the copper concentrations of 21.00% of the samples and the volatile acidity of 8.85% of the samples were higher than the limits established by the Brazilian legislation. The concentration of acrolein varied from 0 to 21.97 mg.100 mL-1 of ethanol. However, no significant difference at 5% of significance was observed between the samples produced in the northern and southern Minas Gerais. The method used for determination of acrolein in sugarcane spirits involved the formation of a derivative with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) and subsequent analysis by HPLC.

The stability of N-propylbutanimine (1) was investigated under different experimental conditions. The acid-catalyzed self-condensation that produced the E-enimine (4) and Z-inimine (5) was studied by experimental analyses and theoretical calculations. Since the calculations for the energy of 5 indicated that it had a lower energy than 4, yet 4 was the principal product, the self-condensation of 1 must be kinetically controlled.

A cachaça, tradicional e popular bebida brasileira, é obtida por meio da destilação do mosto fermentado de cana de açúcar. Dentre as etapas do processo de produção da bebida, o envelhecimento natural consiste em armazená-la em recipientes de madeira apropriados por um tempo determinado, onde ocorrem alterações na composição química, aroma, sabor e cor da bebida. Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um acompanhamento da composição fenólica em diferentes períodos de envelhecimento da cachaça em tonel de carvalho (Quercus sp.). Foram realizadas coletas periódicas durante o período de envelhecimento da cachaça em tonel de carvalho e realizaram-se análise de treze compostos fenólicos utilizando a técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detector de arranjo de diodos (HPLC-DAD). Foi constatado um aumento progressivo na concentração dos compostos analisados ao longo do período analisado, sendo que os compostos encontrados em maior concentração foram siringaldeído e ácido gálico.

Cachaça is a traditional and popular Brazilian drink obtained by distilling fermented sugar cane juice. Among the steps involved in its production, natural aging in wood containers for a certain period of time can lead to alterations in the chemical composition, aroma, flavor and color of the beverage. The present work sought to determine the concentration of phenolic compounds after different periods of aging of the cachaça in an oak (Quercus sp.) barrel. Periodic collections during the aging period were performed, and thirteen selected phenolic compounds were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD). A progressive increase in the concentration of the compounds analyzed was observed, with syringaldehyde and gallic acid as the compounds encountered in the highest concentration.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição dos açúcares, ácidos orgânicos e minerais do fruto inteiro e frações (casca, polpa e semente) dos genótipos de jabuticabeira Paulista (Plinia cauliflora) e Sabará (P. jaboticaba), assim como a composição do óleo das cascas e sementes. As frutas apresentaram elevados teores de açúcares totais, destacando-se a frutose, seguida de glicose e sacarose. No genótipo Paulista, foram encontrados teores mais elevados de açúcares totais e redutores na polpa e na casca, o que não foi observado ao comparar os frutos inteiros dos dois genótipos. Foram encontrados cinco ácidos orgânicos na seguinte ordem quantitativa: ácido cítrico > ácido succínico > ácido málico > ácido oxálico > ácido acético. Potássio foi o mineral mais abundante encontrado. A fruta mostrou também ser rica em magnésio, fósforo, cálcio e cobre. O óleo das sementes mostrou ter praticamente a mesma constituição do óleo extraído das cascas, e os compostos majoritários foram um fitosterol não identificado, os ácidos palmítico, linoleico e oleico e o esqualeno.

The aim of this work was to determine the sugar, organic acid and mineral compositions of the whole fruit and fractions (skin, pulp and seed) of the Paulista (Plinia cauliflora) and Sabará (Plinia jaboticaba) jabuticaba tree genotypes, as well as the oil compositions of their skin and seeds. High levels of sugar, especially fructose, followed by glucose and sucrose, were encountered in the fruit. In the Paulista genotype, higher levels of total and reducing sugars were found in the pulp and skin, which was not observed when comparing the whole fruit of both genotypes. Five organic acids were found in the whole fruit and in the fractions of the two jabuticaba genotypes in quantitative order: citric acid > succinic acid > malic acid > oxalic acid > acetic acid. Potassium was the most abundant mineral found. This fruit was also shown to be rich in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and copper. The seed oil had nearly the same constitution as the oil extracted from the skin in both genotypes and the major compounds were an unidentified phytosterol, palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids, and squalene.

The objective of the present study was the evaluation of the presence of organic and inorganic contaminants in samples of aged cachaça from the South of the state of Minas Gerais. Furfural, methanol and copper were determined by colorimetric reactions, while the analyses of ethyl carbamate and acrolein were performed by GC/MS and HPLC, respectively. High levels of furfural and copper were obtained. All samples showed concentrations below the established by legislation for the ethyl carbamate, and for acrolein, only one sample showed higher levels. Methanol was not detected in the samples.

Os óleos essenciais de folhas de goiabeira Psidium guajava L. de três diferentes cultivares (Paluma, Século XXI e Pedro Sato) e da planta silvestre foram analisados a fim de comparar os seus constituintes. O óleo essencial foi obtido por hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger modificado. Para a caracterização e quantificação dos compostos presentes por CG-EM e CG respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que os três óleos essenciais analisados apresentam inúmeras substâncias em comum com a predominância do 1,8-cineol. O óleo essencial da cultivar Paluma se difere dos demais devido a alta concentração de 1,8-cineol (42,68%) e do α-terpineol (38,68%). No óleo essencial da cultivar Século XXI observase a presença do 1,8 cineol (18,83%), trans-carifileno (12,08%) e o selin-11-en-4-α-ol (20,98%) como majoritários, enquanto que a cultivar Pedro Sato e a planta silvestre apresentaram com o 1,8 cineol com (17,68%) e (12,83%), oxido de cariofileno (9,34%) e (9,09%) e o selin-11-en-4-α-ol com (21,46%) e (22,19%), respectivamente.

The compositions of the essential oils from the leaves of three domestic varieties of the guava tree Psidium guajava L. (Paluma, Século XXI and Pedro Sato) and of one wild variety were compared. Essential oils were extracted by steam distillation, the components were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry GC-MS, and the apparent concentrations were determined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The results demonstrated that the three essential oils contained many common substances with a prevalence of 1,8-cineole, whereas the essential oil of the Paluma variety contained 1,8-cineole (42.68%) as the major constituent, as well as α-terpineol (38.68%). The principal components of the essential oil of the Século XXI variety were 1,8-cineole (18.83%), trans-caryophyllene (12.08%), and selin-11-en-4-αol (20.98%), while those of the Pedro Sato variety and of the wild plant were 1,8-cineole (17.68%) and (12.83%), caryophyllene oxide (9.34%) and (9.09%), and selin-11-en-4-α-ol (21.46%) and (22.19%), respectively.

High copper content is of great concern among producers of sugar-cane spirits who frequently use filters instead of cleaning the stills. This study compared the efficiency of activated carbon, ion-exchange-polymeric resin, and activated-carbon/iron-oxide magnetic composite for copper reduction without removing excessive organic compounds that are important for the beverage's quality. Resin was the most efficient copper adsorbent, removing fewer organic compounds. The composite also removed copper; however, it also removed large amounts of organic compounds. Activated carbon didn't remove sufficient copper to reduce its concentration to less than 5 g L-1, and it removed large amounts of higher alcohols and esters.

The yields and chemical compositions of the essential oils obtained by steam distillation of the fresh and dried (30 and 40 ºC) leaves, stems and roots of Tanaecium nocturnum are reported. The identification and quantification of the volatile constituents were accomplished by GC/MS and GC/FID, respectively. The essential oils obtained from the various parts of the plant were constituted mainly of benzaldehyde. Large losses and variations in the quantities of the components during the drying process were observed. The presence of mandelonitrile in higher concentration in the stem and roots indicates that this species produces cyanogenic glycosides.