Abstract
Pentane extracts from figs of Ficus carica, the common fig tree, were analysed by GC-mass spectroscopy. Four series of extracts were prepared from receptive male figs, non-receptive male figs, receptive female figs and non-receptive female figs. Extracts from non-receptive figs are characterised by furanocoumarins (tentatively identified as angelicin and bergapten), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (i.e. trans-caryophyllene, and a compound tentatively identified as germacrene D), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (i.e. hydroxycaryophyllene) benzyl alcohol and benzylaldehyde. Extracts from receptive figs of both sexes are characterised by benzyl alcohol, linalool and linalool oxides (furanoid), cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol and indole. Extract from female receptive figs has in addition large amounts of pyranoid (linalool oxides), whereas an extract from male receptive figs contains eugenol and an unidentified sesquiterpene hydrocarbon. Differences between extracts from male and female figs appear to be mainly qualitative due to pyranoid compounds, sesquiterpene:~ 1, 2 and 3 for female figs and eugenol and sesquiterpene 5 for male figs.