Chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil of Laggera aurita Linn (DC.) grown in Pakistan

Abstract

Aim: Laggera aurita Linn (DC.) (Asteraceae), an aromatic weed, has significant ethno medicinal use in China. This study was designed to determine xanthine oxidase, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of the steam distilled volatile oil of Laggera aurita grown in Pakistan. Materials and methods: The volatile oil of the aerial parts of L. aurita was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The biological activities investigated include xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activities using UV spectrophotometry and antibacterial activity through agar well diffusion method. Results: GC-MS analysis of the steam distilled volatile oil of L. aurita showed highest concentration of fatty acids (47.5%), followed by sesquiterpenes (30.8%) and hydrocarbons (8.6%). Monoterpenes and phenolic derivatives were observed as the minor components. The volatile oil exhibited significant xanthine oxidase inhibition potential with IC 50 =0.45 ± 0.009 mg/ml. A dose-dependent increase in the antioxidant potential was observed in DPPH