The chemical, biological and thermal characteristics and gastronomical perspectives of Laurus nobilis essential oil from different geographical origin

Abstract

Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) form Serbia (SRBL) and Russia (RFBL) were analyzed in order to establish the chemical profile, thermal properties and biological activity. The GC/MS analysis showed that α-pinene (31.97%) is principal compound in the RFBL followed by eucalyptol (27.95%) and α-terpineol (10.28%). In the case of the SRBL, eucalyptol (40.51%) is the most abundant compound followed by α-terpineol (15.46%), while α-pinene was found in much lower amount (4.45%). Thermal analysis showed that the evaporation process of both oils was complex process and took place in two phases. Moreover, results indicated that the SRBL evaporated slower at the higher temperatures than the RFBL. In order to assess biological activity, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated. The SRBL was more potent antioxidant agent in the case of both assays (DPPH and total reduction capacity). In the case of the antimicrobial activity, the SRBL showed greater potential of antimicrobial activities toward all tested microorganisms, while RFBL was found to be effective against all the bacteria and yeast, but did not possess any inhibitory action against fungi. Results indicate that both oils may be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.