| A B S T R A C T
Background: Z. absinthifolia, with local name of “Zarak-e-Kuhi” has been
consumed as a spice in some regions of Iran.
Methods: In this study, the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of
Zosimia absinthifolia (Apiaceae) (ZaeM) was analyzed by GC-MS. Also, the
chemical profile of the oil was compared with the same species collected from
different localities. Moreover, the essential oil was investigated for its
antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method.
Results: Analysis of ZaeM by GC-MS resulted nineteen components consisting
98.22% of the total oil. The essential oil was predominantly made up of esters
(68.48%) and alcohols (26.04%). The most abundant components of the oil
were octyl acetate (47.29%), n-octanol (25.79%), octyl butyrate (10.15%) and
octanoic acid octyl ester (7.9%). The relative amounts of the main compounds
of Z. absinthifolia essential oils growing in different places were comparable
with each other. Both qualitative and quantitative variability of chemical
composition of Z. absinthifolia essential oils were possibly related to the
individual genotypes or geographical origin. Disc diffusion method was
employed for the determination of antimicrobial activity of ZaeM. The results
showed that the essential oil just had inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, a
gram positive strain. The inhibitory activity could be attributed to the long chain
alcohol, octanol (25.79%), which had previously shown antimicrobial activity.
Conclusion: As a conclusion, ZaeM could have antimicrobial potentials on B.
subtilis. Further investigations are needed to isolate and identify antimicrobial
compounds from this volatile oil. |