Chemical Analysis, Bacteriostatic and Fungistatic Properties of the Essential Oil of Elecampane (<i>Inula helenium</i>L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of the Elecampane (Inula helenium L.) oil was analyzed by means of GC/MS. Besides the already known alantolactones (alantolactone (52.4%) and isoalantolactone (33.0%)), additional fifteen minor constituents were also identified in the oil. The essential oil sample and a hexane extract were subjected to microbiological screening against five bacteria and seven fungi and these results were compared to natural compounds known for their antimicrobial activities.