Biological activities and composition of the essential oil from the fruits of Galium tricornutum subsp, tricornutum

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and biological activity of the oil from the fruits of Galium tricornutum subsp, tricornutum, traditionally used in northern areas of Pakistan for treating microbial infections of skin and throat problems and is locally know as Khoug Jeshay. By GC/ MS analysis, the main components of the hydrodistilled oil were found to be oleic acid, eicosyl ester (12.7%), 9-octadecanoic acid (Z)-, tetradecyl ester (12.3%), hexadecanoic acid (5.6%), 9-octadecanoic acid (Z), 2-hydroxy-I-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester (5.5%), hexadecanoic acid, I-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2ethanediyl ester (5.2%), 4H-I-benzopyran-4-one, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6, 8-di-a'-D-glucopyranosyl-5,7-dihydroxy-(3.6%)myrtenol (2.3%) and 9-octadecanoic acid (Z)-, tetradecyl ester(2%).The oil was tested against six stains of bacteria and showed activity against Escherichia coli.Among five fungal strains, Candida albicans was susceptible to the essential oil with 20% inhibition.The oil showed no cytotoxicity against Artemia salina and a non-significant phytotoxic activity against Lemna minor. Key words: oil composition, Galium tricornutum subsp, tricornutum, oleic acid, eicosyl ester, antifungal, antibacterial, phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity