Maryam Akhbari, Mohammad-Reza Delnavazi, Maryam Karimi, Rafi Almasi, Saeed Tavakoli*
Abstract
Background: Varthemia persica DC.
(Asteraceae) is an aromatic plant which is used as anti-spasmodic, anti-emetic
and for some kidney conditions. In the present study the plant aerial parts
from Ghamsar (GS) and Ghohrud (GR) regions (Kashan, Iran) were investigated for
SDE (Simultaneous distillation and solvent extraction) prepared oil
composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Methods: The
oils were analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The plant oils and total methanol
extracts were subjected to antioxidant evaluation in DPPH and
β-carotene/linoleic acid assays and antibacterial screening using disk
diffusion and micro-well dilution methods. Results: A total of 46
compounds were identified, of which α-pinene was characterized as the main
compound in both GS (37.6%) and GR (53.8%) oil samples. Total extracts
demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH (RC50; 79.2
± 2.9 μg/ml for GS and 73.9 ± 3.4 μg/ml for GR samples)
and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays (Inhibition percentage; 69.6 ± 2.4 % for GS
and 70.2 ± 3.6 % for GR samples). Extracts and volatile oils exhibited
considerable antibacterial activity especially against Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusion: The results of study report SDE-prepared oil of V. persica as a source of α-pinene. Favorable antioxidant and antibcterial activity of
this plant also highlight it as an apropriate candidate to determination of its
bioactive compounds.