Antifungal Activity of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil and its Fractions Against Wood Decay Fungi

Abstract

In order to valorize Moroccan aromatic and medicinal plants, this study focused on both the chemical characterization and the study of the antifungal activity of Pelargonium graveolens essential oil and its fractions against four fungi that are responsible for wood decay (Coniophora puteana, Coriolus versicolor, Poria placenta and Gloeophyllum trabeum). The essential oils were analyzed by Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and evaluated for antifungal activity, using the macrodilution method for the determination of EC50. The GC/MS essential oil analysis has led to the identification of 54 components. Citronellol (25.24 %), geraniol (23.36 %), citronellyl formate (8.35 %), linalool (7.11 %), β-eudesmol (6.13 %), geranyl formate (4.26 %) and iso-menthone (3.37 %), were identified as the major components. Fractions 1, 2 and 3 essential oils have displayed qualitative similarities with the EO sample, and quantitative differences among the relative percentages of major compounds were observed. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) was shown in main compounds of fraction 3 obtained by fractional distillation. P. graveolens essential oil has inhibited all fungi with a value of EC50 between 0.255 to 1.022 mg/mL. The EC50 values of fractions 1 and 2 are ranging from 0.292 to 1.022 mg/mL. The fraction 3 exhibited a great antifungal activity against all tested fungi. These results support the potential use of P. graveolens essential oils and its fractions for wood protection against wood decay fungi.