Chemical characterisation and antimicrobial property of essential oils of Juniperus macrocarpa Sibth. ET. SM. leaves and cones

Abstract

All over the world plants from the Juniperus genus have been regarded as a well-known traditional remedy and spice. However, there are only few literature data about their chemical composition and pharmaceutical activity. In this study chemical characterization and antimicrobial property of essential oil of leaves and cones of poorly investigated species Juniperus macrocarpa Sibth. et Sm. were studied. GC-MS analysis showed a simple and similar terpene composition between plant organs, with monoterpenes dominant and α-pinene as the most abundant compound, 49.4% in leaves and 47.8% in cones. Interestingly, sesquiterpenes were presented in great amounts, especially Germacren D. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils was determined using agar dilution method, and they exhibited the highest activity against Gram positive bacteria - C. perfingens and S. aureus. Essential oil from leaves was more active (MICs 2 and 4µl/ml, respectively) than cones (MICs 4 and 16µl/ml, respectively). To sum up, examined J. macrocarpa could be regarded as a promising source of bioactive natural compounds, which can be used as a food supplement, remedy and preserving agent.