Abstract Eryngium foetidum is a perennial herb native to tropical America whose leaves are used as food seasoning. The aerial parts of this plant were hydrodistilled and the essential oil was collected in a Clevenger-type trap. The oil was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The main constituents were 2,4,5-trimethyl-benzaldehyde (27.7%), (E)-2-dodecenal (27.5%), carotol (8.8%), 3-dodecenal (5.2%) and Î³-terpinene (3.8%).