World Journal of Applied Chemistry 2017; 2(4): 145-151 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/wjac doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20170204.16 Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Five Commercial Essential Oils Bachir Raho Ghalem * , Bellil Ali Process Engineering and Chemistry of Solutions Laboratory, University of Mascara, Mascara, Algeria Email address: bachir_raho@yahoo.fr (B. R. Ghalem) * Corresponding author To cite this article: Bachir Raho Ghalem, Bellil Ali. Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Five Commercial Essential Oils. World Journal of Applied Chemistry. Vol. 2, No. 4, 2017, pp. 145-151. doi: 10.11648/j.wjac.20170204.16 Received: August 4, 2017; Accepted: September 4, 2017; Published: December 6, 2017 Abstract: The discovery of natural resources from plants remains crucial for the development of new therapeutic remedies. The present study focused on the phytochemical study of commercial essential oils of certain medicinal plants: Thym (Thymus vulgaris), basil (Ocimum basilicum), sage (Salvia officinalis), Garden cress (Lepidium sativum ) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The qualitative dosage of twelve secondary metabolites showed the presence of terpenoids and saponins in all tested oils while steroids, alkaloids, anthraquinones and phlobatannins were absent. The results obtained are encouraging and the secondary metabolites present in these oils were responsible for certain activities, hence the interest of their uses in traditional phytotherapy as well as the pharmacological and cosmetic field. Keywords: Commercial Essential Oils, Phytochemical Study, Secondary Metabolites 1. Introduction Phytochemistry is in the strict sense of the word the study of phytochemical. These are chemicals derived from plants. In a narrower sense the terms are often used to describe the large number of secondary metabolic compounds found in plants [1]. The different Phyto constituents present in plants include anthraglycosides, arbutin, bitter drugs, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins, phenol, carboxylic acids terpenes and valepotriates [2]. These phytoconstituents confer specific characteristics and properties to plants [3]. Plant produces these chemicals to protect itself but recent research demonstrates that many phytochemicals can protect animals and humans against diseases [4]. Most of the present medicines owe their origin to plants. The knowledge of the phytochemicals present in each plant, their isolation, characterization and their efficacy in treating various diseases is being pursued widely across the globe [3]. There are many phytochemicals fruits and herbs and each works differently [4]. Therefore, the analysis of chemical constituents would help in determining various biological activities of plants [5]. Thymus vulgaris is a species of ever green plant in the Lamiaceae family originated from Mediterranean regions and has been adapted to many different climates around the world [6]. It is known for its medicinal and pharmacological properties [7]. Thymus vulgaris is the most important species and traditionally has been administered for whooping cough, bronchitis, laryngitis gastritis, upper respiratory congestion, and diarrhea [8]. Thymus vulgaris leaves oil or extract has also been used in the treatment of sore throat, tonsillitis, gum diseases, rheumatism, and arthritis [6]. This essential oil has been considered as an antiseptic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and antitussive agent [9]. Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) commonly known as sweet basil, is an annual herb which grows in several regions all over the world [10]. Traditionally, basil has been extensively utilized in food as a flavoring agent, and in perfumery and medical industries [11]. It has been used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions [12] (Joshi, 2014). The essential oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and insect-repelling, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, antitumor and antioxidant activities [13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]. Salvia officinalis L., a member of the Lamiaceae family popularly known as salvia or sage, is an aromatic plant widely distributed in the world. Common sage, since ancient times, has been an ingredient in perfumes, a flavoring in a variety of food preparations, and a medicinal plant used in the healthy Mediterranean diet [21]. Sage tea has been