Phytochemical characterization and evaluation of the antibacterial potential of <i>Solenostemma oleifolium</i> (Nectoux) Bullock & E.A. Bruce ex Maire essential oil

Abstract

Solenostemma oleifolium is a tropical plant growing in the Algerian desert that is traditionally used to treat several illnesses, including infection. We investigate essential oil components from leaves of Solenostemma oleifolium (EOSO) and its antibacterial activity. Using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), twenty compounds were identified in EOSO, including linalool (57.10%), terpineol (12.95%), trans-geraniol (12.65%), and nerol (4.67%). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis allowed us to confirm linalool as the main component of EOSO. Antibacterial activity was tested by agar diffusion and microdilution methods for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). For EOSO, the inhibition diameters ranged from 16.79 to 39.84 mm, the MIC ranged from 1.066 to 8.54 mg mL-1 and the MBC ranged from 20 to 100 mg mL-1. For linanool, the inhibition diameters ranged from 11.1 to 31.87 mm, the MIC ranged from 2.68 to 14.3 mg mL-1 and, the MBC ranged from 40 to 100 mg mL-1.EOSO and linalool exhibited significant antibacterial activity against all the tested bacteria. This study confirmed the antibacterial activity of the S. oleifolium essential oil and that linalool is the principal constituent of the EOSO.