Antimicrobial activity of constituents identified in essential oils from Mentha and Cinnamomum through GC-MS

Abstract

GS/MS of essential oils from Cinnamomum camphorum and Mentha piperita revealed the main chemical components, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, 1,8 cineole, camphor, eugenol, limonene, ά-pinene, β pinene, geraniol, cinnamaldehyde, linalool, borneol and menthol.GC-MS studies of the essential oils of Mentha piperita and Cinnamomum camphorum have revealed the major constituents as menthol and camphor respectively as per the retention time (area 30.07%,mol.wt. 156.26 for menthol and 67.66% area, mol.wt.142 for camphor). Two terpenoids were subjected for the study of their antimicrobial activity against E.coli and S.aureus. Menthol showed greater zone of inhibition in 24 hrs. at maximum 2% concentration, while less zone of inhibition in 24 hrs. was observed at 2% concentration with camphor.Structure - activity relationship has been observed in the following trend. Methoxy terpene > Alcoholic Terpene > Ketonic terpene On the basis of the above observation these terpenes can be used as natural medicines in the treatment of several diseases like cold & Flu, infectious diseases, bronchitis and also as flavouring liquors, cosmetics, fragrances etc.