The geographical variation and antimicrobial activity of African wormwood (Artemisia afra Jacq.) essential oil
JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH, vol.18, pp.19-25, 2006 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 18
- Publication Date: 2006
- Doi Number: 10.1080/10412905.2006.12067114
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.19-25
- Keywords: Artemisia afra, Asteraceae, essential oil composition, 1,8-cineole, artemisia ketone, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, artemisia alcohol, camphor, antimicrobial activity, death kinetics
- Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The aerial parts of 16 individual Artemisia afra plants from four natural populations were hydrodistilled and the essential oil analyzed by GC/MS. The oil composition varied quantitatively and qualitatively within and between natural populations and showed no correlation to the geographical distribution. The antimicrobial activity was demonstrated by means of time-kill methodology using the respiratory pathogens C. neoformans and K pneumoniae. Antimicrobial activity was most prominent within 10 min at concentration 0.75% for K pneumoniae and within 60 min at concentration 1% for C. neoformans. Investigation of the four major compounds most abundant in the A. afra oil (artemisia ketone, 1,8-cineole, alpha- and beta-thujone) indicated minimal antimicrobial activity when investigated independently and in various combinations against K pneumoniae.