Phytochemical analysis of volatiles and biological activities of Chaerophyllum bulbosum L. essential oils

Abstract

The present study reports for the first time the chemical composition of the headspace volatiles (HS) and essential oils obtained from fresh Chaerophyllum bulbosum roots and aerial parts, as well as biological activities of the essential oils. Generally, monoterpene hydrocarbons were found to be the main class of all investigated samples, with (E)-β-ocimene being the most abundant component. The results of antibacterial assay showed that both investigated samples exhibit bactericidal activity against two tested Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis subs. spizizeni) while they were inactive against tested Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella abony). Regarding the antioxidant activity, it was found that the essential oils showed low antioxidant capacities in comparison with standard antioxidant compounds (such as butylated hydroxytoluene). The obtained results were expected given the fact that the main components in both samples were monoterpene hydrocarbons.