Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oils from Ocimum gratissimum L. Grown in Togo

Abstract

The aerial parts of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) harvested in Togo was steam-distilled and investigated for essential oil composition (GC and GC/MS) and in vitro antifungal activities. Thymol (31.79 %), p-cymene (15.57 %) and γ-terpinene (12.34 %) and were the major components of the oil. Other notable components identified in this oil were myrcene (6.94 %) and α-thujene (6.11 %).The in vitro antifungal activity was recorded with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 80 to 150 µl.l-1, 150 to 500 µl.l-1  and from 100 to 150 µl.l-1 respectively on dermatophytes, imperfect filamentous fungi and pathogenic yeasts. Likewise, on tested fungi the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) varied from 300 µl.l-1 to 500 µl.l-1, 500 to 700 µl.l-1 and from 250 to 300 µl.l-1, respectively on dermatophytes, imperfect filamentous fungi and pathogenic yeasts. Keywords: O.gratissimum, Antifungal, Essential oil; Thymol. © 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i1.1131Â