Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Ageratum fastigiatum (Asteraceae).

Abstract

Essential oils from different organs of Ageratum fastigiatum (Gardn.) R. M. King et H. Rob., obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed through Gas Chromatography and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. The essential oils were tested for antimicrobial activity by the agar-diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The main compounds found were β-caryophyllene, germacrene D and 1,10-di-epi-cubenol. The samples were active against Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus mutans , Streptococcus faecalis , Salmonella typhosa , Escherichia coli , but not Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi. The MIC ranged from 5.0 to 18.0 mg/mL.