Abstract The volatile constituents from roots and rhizomes of Valeriana alpestris Stev., obtained from Van, Turkey, were investigated by GC and GC/MS analysis. The oil yield of the plant material was 0.2% (v/w) on a dry weight basis. From the oil 82 components (34.1%) of the total oil could be identified. Hexadecanoic acid (12%), decadienal (3.3%), thymol (1.9%), Î³-terpinene (1.7%), and dimethoxybenzene (1.7%) were the main components.