ABA Myrrhis odorata Vol. 17, May/June 2005 Journal of Essential Oil Research/1 Received: November 2003 Revised: April 2004 Accepted: May 2004 Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oils of Myrrhis odorata (L.) Scop, Hypericum perforatum L and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench Ana Ranc ˇi´ c and Marina Sokovi ´ c * Institute for Biological Research “Sinis ˘ a Stankovi ´ c,” 29 November 142, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro Jelena Vukojevi´ c, Ana Simi´ c, Petar Marin and Sonja Duleti ´ c-Laus ˇevi´ c Institute Of Botany, Faculty Of Biology, University Of Belgrade, Takovska 43, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia And Montenegro Dejan Djokovi´ c Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, Serbia and Montenegro Abstract The chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of essential oils isolated from Myrrhis odorata, Hypericum perforatum and Helichrysum arenarium were investigated against seven bacterial and six fungal species. Activity against the bacteria and C. albicans were investigated by a bioautographic test on TLC plates, while all the other fungi were tested by a microdilution test. The oil of H. arenarium showed the best antibacterial activity, while M. odorata oil showed the lowest effect, to compare with commercial products. In contrast, the best antifungal activity was observed for M. odorata oil, while H. arenarium showed the lowest antifungal potential. Minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations for fungi were 0.5-120 μg/mL. The oil of M. odorata showed better activity then commercial product and it can be seen that this oil is very effective against all fungi tested. Key Word Index Myrrhis odorata, Apiaceae, Hypericum perforatum, Hyperaceae, Helichrysum arenarium, Asteraceae, essential oil composition, antimicrobial activity, p-cymene, limonene, α-ylangene, cyclosativene, di-epi-α-cedrene, nonane. 1041-2905/05/0003-00XX$6.00/0—© 2005 Allured Publishing Corp. J. Essent. Oil Res., 17, XXX-XXX (May/June 2005) *Address for correspondence Introduction Plant essential oils are a potentially useful source of anti- microbial compounds. The increasing antibiotic resistance of some pathogens that are associated with diseases is another concern. Therefore there has been increasing interest in the development of new types of effective and nontoxic antimi- crobial compounds. Several authors have proposed the use of essential oils as natural conservation agents, alone or in combination with other preservatives (1). Several factors may contribute to disparate observations on the antimicrobial po- tential of essential oils. Variability in qualitative and quantita- tive estimates of activity have been ascribed to differences in analytical techniques (2,3). Myrrhis odorata (sweet Cicely) is of Western European origin. It is used to flavor liqueurs and in the manufacture of an aromatic funiture polish. Green seeds are eaten raw and sprinkled on fruit salads. The fresh leaves are chopped into omlettes, soups, and are cooked with acid fruits to reduce their tartness. A root infusion in brandy is a general tonic, a mild antiseptic and a digestive. Leaf infusions are prescribed for anemia in the elderly (4). Hypericum per- foratum (St. John’s Wort) has long been used in folk medicine and contains several compounds with noteworthy activity (5). It produces several types of biological active compounds with antimicrobial activity (6). Hypericum perforatum is antiviral astringent and sedative, it is used to treat inflammation, diar- rhea, and wounds, and it reported to improve blood flow. It is under research for AIDS treatment (4). H. perforatum is also antidepressant medication therapeutically equivalent to imipramine in treating mild to moderate depression both in adults (7) and children (8). Helichrysum arenarium is a native perennial herb in Europe, from Netherlands southwards to Germany and Bulgaria. Its inflorescence has been used in folk medicine mainly as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive and choleretic agents (9) and in cosmetics for their fragrance (10). Helichrysum arenarium has long been known as a plant JEOR0505 Sokovic 03-21.1st.indd 1 JEOR0505 Sokovic 03-21.1st.indd 1 3/21/05 12:55:12 PM 3/21/05 12:55:12 PM