Moroccan Lavandula dentata L. essential oil: γ-irradiation effect on the chemical composition and antibacterial activity

Abstract

This study delved into the impact of gamma irradiation on the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Moroccan Lavandula dentata L., essential oil, which was obtained through the hydrodistillation method from the dried aerial parts of the plant. The principal components identified in the oil were 1,8-cineole, camphor, and borneol. Our investigation centered on examining the consequences of subjecting the essential oil to gamma radiation at doses of 5 kGy and 10 kGy, with a particular focus on alterations in its chemical composition and antibacterial properties. Our primary objectives encompassed the assessment of how gamma irradiation influences the chemical composition of the essential oil and the evaluation of its antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli ATCC and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC. The essential oil underwent in-depth analysis through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results of two distinct gamma irradiation doses were comprehensively analyzed, and the antibacterial activity was rigorously tested against carefully selected bacterial strains. Subsequent to gamma irradiation, the essential oil exhibited an increased concentration of oxygenated monoterpenes and demonstrated heightened inhibitory effects against E. coli ATCC, a Gram-negative bacterium. The study's outcomes underscore the positive influence of gamma irradiation on the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Moroccan Lavandula dentata L., essential oil. This innovative technology not only augments the variety of chemical constituents within essential oils but also enhances their overall quality while concurrently mitigating the risk of contamination, whether physical, chemical, or microbiological in nature. Consequently, it elevates the potential and biological impact of plant-based products. These findings advocate for further research aimed at identifying the optimal irradiation dosages and their effects on various plant-based products, underscoring the considerable potential of gamma irradiation technology in producing premium, biologically active plant-based goods.