Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidative and anticholinesterase activity of Satureja Montana L. ssp montana essential oil

Abstract

The present study investigates the chemical compositions of three Satureja montana L. ssp montana essential oils and correlates chemical variability with biological activities. GC/MS analysis showed that with an increase in altitude (100-500-800 m), a higher content of linalool, terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate was found, while the percentage of phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacrol decreased. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was tested against 7 fungal and 23 bacterial strains. The essential oil characterized by the highest content of phenols and alcohols exhibited the highest antimicrobial potential. The correlation analysis showed that the major carriers of the obtained antioxidant activity are oxygenated monoterpenes. All essential oils inhibited human serum cholinesterase activity. High antimicrobial potential, together with moderate antioxidant capacity and strong inhibition of human serum cholinesterase, classifies S. montana essential oil as a natural source of compounds that can be used in the treatment of foodborne and neurological diseases, wound and other infections, as well as for general health improvement. © 2014 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.