Abstract
Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils of 18 plant species from Tajikistan (Central Asia) were investigated. The essential oil of Origanum tyttanthum showed a strong antibacterial activity with both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 312.5 µg/mL for E. coli, 625 µg/mL (MIC) and 1250 µg/mL (MBC) for MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), respectively. The essential oil of Galagania fragrantissima was highly active against MRSA at concentrations as low as 39.1 µg/mL and 78.2 µg/mL for MIC and MBC, respectively. Origanum tyttanthum essential oil showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 0.12 mg/mL for ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and 0.28 mg/mL for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Galagania fragrantissima and Origanum tyttanthum essential oils showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity; IC50 values of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition were 7.34 and 14.78 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, essential oils of Origanum tyttanthum and Galagania fragrantissima exhibit substantial antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. They are interesting candidates in phytotherapy.
Highlights
Essential oils consist of mostly volatile and small lipophilic secondary metabolites comprising hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds
Since the lipophilic compounds can disturb membrane permeability, a loss of ions, a reduction of the membrane potential, a collapse of the proton pumps, and depletion of the ATP pool can result when essential oils are applied in high concentrations [2]
Most essential oils contain compounds possessing antimicrobial properties, which are active against viruses, bacteria, and fungi [5,6]
Summary
Essential oils consist of mostly volatile and small lipophilic secondary metabolites comprising hydrocarbons (terpenes and sesquiterpenes) and oxygenated compounds (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, ethers, esters, lactones, and phenol ethers). These compounds can pass biomembranes by free diffusion and exhibit a good bioavailability, when applied via skin, mucosal surfaces, inhalation, and ingestion [1]. Essential oils have gained special attention as raw materials for the production of perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. In addition they are exploited in aromatherapy and in phytotherapy, and as spices and for nutrition [3]. Of interest for food and pharmaceutical research, are their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [3]
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