Otanthus maritimus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link as a source of a bioactive and fragrant oil

Abstract

The oils were investigated by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the antifungal activity (minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal lethal concentrations) was evaluated against yeasts, dermatophyte and Aspergillus strains. Assessment of cell viability was made by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of Otanthus maritimus oil was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophages as in vitro inflammatory model.The main compounds of the oils are chrysanthenone (40.4–57.2%), filifolone (12.2–15.5%), cis-chrysantenyl acetate (10.1–12.2%) and α-pinene (6.7–7.2%).The oil revealed significant antifungal activity against dermatophyte strains and significantly inhibited NO production stimulated by LPS in macrophages, without affecting cell viability, at concentrations ranging from 0.16μL/mL to 0.32μL/mL.These findings add significant information to the pharmacological activity of O. maritimus essential oils, specifically to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, thus justifying and reinforcing the use of this plant in traditional medicine. Therefore, their beneficial effects and use in disease prevention, especially those related to fungal infections and inflammation, combined with the pleasant odor, should be explored in more depth for further application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.