Rapid, cost-effective and organic solvent-free production of biologically active essential oil from Mediterranean wild .

BACKGROUND

() is a very popular edible and medicinal plant in the East Mediterranean countries. The aims of the current study were to use microwave-ultrasonic assisted hydrodistillation (MUAHD) method to produce essential oils (EOs) from wild samples collected from four different geographical areas in The West Bank using water as a solvent, determine the phytochemical profile using GC-MS analysis and assess their antioxidant and antibacterial potential.

METHODS

Essential oils were produced using MUAHD method. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS) was employed for phytochemical analysis. antibacterial and antioxidant potentials were carried out.

RESULTS

Differences in the EOs yield among the four samples were observed. GC-MS analysis of EOs revealed terpenes as the major constituents; monoterpenes (22-56%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (28-57%). Thymol, α-terpinene and carvacrol represent the bulk of all phytochemicals detected by GC-MS analysis. γ-Terpinene-rich EOs, exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Thymol-rich EOs were found to be most effective against and Methicillin-Resistant (MRSA) (MIC 390 µg/mL). Alpha-terpinene-rich chemotype EOs exhibited the highest inhibitory effect of (MIC of 1560 µg/mL). Interestingly, γ-terpinene-rich EO showed promising antibacterial properties against (MIC 97 µg/mL) and a powerful anti-oxidant effect (91.45% ±2.30).

CONCLUSION

The current study supports the use of MUAHD as a time-saving, cost-effective, environment-friendly method for production of high quality EO for potential use as a natural complementary treatment and in the prevention of bacterial infections as well as oxidation by free radicals without compromising the quantity.