Photodegradation of essential oil from marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) studied by GC-MS and UV-VIS spectroscopy

Abstract

Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) is an aromatic plant originating from European and African continents whose essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory and inhibitory activity against bacteria, besides the large use as food additive. However, there is a lack of information regarding to the photochemical stability of the essential oil and its degradability. Thus, this study aimed to obtain information about the photodegradation profile of marjoram essential oil, since this is a very important factor for the storage and preservation of the product. As results, 2-undecanone and p-diisopropyl-benzene were identified as the main products of essential oil photodegradation. It may be an important information for future quality control protocols, since these substances are not found in fresh essential oil. www.rela