Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Six Aromatic Medicinal Plants with Cosmetic Properties

Abstract

In this work, the chemical composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils (EOs) of six species—Laurus nobilis, Chamaemelum nobile, Citrus aurantium, Pistacia lentiscus, Cedrus atlantica, and Rosa damascena—have been studied. Phytochemical screening of these plants revealed the presence of primary metabolites, namely, lipids, proteins, reducing sugars, and polysaccharides, and also secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, and mucilages. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The yields are between 0.06 and 4.78% (mL/100 g). The analysis of the chemical composition carried out by GC-MS showed the presence of 30 to 35 compounds and represent between 99.97% and 100% of the total composition of EOs, with a variation in the chemical composition detected at the level of the majority compounds between these species. Indeed, in the EO of Laurus nobilis, 1,8-cineole (36.58%) is the major component. In Chamaemelum nobile EO, the most abundant compound is angelylangelate (41.79%). The EO of Citrus aurantium is rich in linalool (29.01%). The EO of Pistacia lentiscus is dominated by 3-methylpentylangelate (27.83%). The main compound of Cedrus atlantica is β-himachalene (40.19%), while the EO of Rosa damascenaa flowers is rich in n-nonadecane (44.89%). The analysis of the similarity between the EOs of the plants studied by ACH and ACP showed that the chemical composition of the EOs makes it possible to separate these plants into three groups: the first represented by Chamaemelum nobile, because it is rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, the second defined Cedrus atlantica and Rosa damascena, which are rich in sesquiterpenes, and the third gathers Pistacia lentiscus, Laurus nobilis and Citrus aurantium, which are composed of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes (these three species are very close). The study of the antioxidant activity showed that all the EOs tested have a high capacity for scavenging free radicals from DPPH. The EOs of Laurus nobilis and Pistacia lentiscus showed the highest activity, 76.84% and 71.53%, respectively, followed by Cedrus atlantica EO (62.38%) and Chamaemelum nobile (47.98%) then Citrus aurantium EO (14.70%). Antimicrobial activity EO was tested against eight bacterial strains and eight fungal strains; the results showed that EOs exhibit significant bactericidal and fungicidal activities against all the microorganisms tested, of which the MICs of the bacterial strains start with 5 mg/mL, while the MICs of the fungal strains are between 0.60 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL. Thus, these EOs rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant components can serve as a natural alternative; this confirms their use as additives in cosmetics.

Comparative study of the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils extracted from Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas: in vitro and in silico analysis

“…These specific microbes are pathogenic, renowned for their robust antibiotic resistance, as well as their ability to invade and produce toxins in humans. These strains were taken from a 20% glycerol stock at −80°C, rejuvenated on Mueller Hinton and Sabouraud broths, and subcultured before use ( Ailli et al, 2023 ).…”

In vitro biological control of Cedrus atlantica ‘s lignivorous fungi by the extracted essential oils from the infected wood

“…These compositions differ from those of the essential oils of Ungulina Officinalis infested wood, characterised by low levels of himachalenes and higher levels of other constituents. The study of Ailli et al (2023) investigated the antifungal properties of Atlas cedar essential oil (EO) against eight fungal strains, including yeasts and moulds. The findings suggest that all the strains exhibited comparable levels of sensitivity to the EO.…”

“…The findings suggest that all the strains exhibited comparable levels of sensitivity to the EO. The MICs of the EOs ranged from 5 mg/mL for most strains, with the exception of Candida parapsilosis, which displayed inhibition at an exceptionally low concentration of Cedrus atlantica EO (MIC = 0.6 mg/mL and BMC = 1.2 mg/mL) (Ailli et al 2023). The presence of phenolic and alcoholic molecules in a solution directly influences the bactericidal and bacteriostatic.…”

Chios Mastic Gum: Chemical Profile and Pharmacological Properties in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From the Past to the Future

“…The extract composition has been investigated by using GC/MS, and a large number of aroma compounds have been identified, with monoterpene and sesquiterpene oxygenated hydrocarbons as the most abundant ones [33,34]. Moreover, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of P. lentiscus EOs have been recently demonstrated with promising results [35]. Finally, P. lentiscus EOs incorporated in liposomes accumulate in the derma and are able to counteract damages induced by oxidative processes and promote beneficial effects on lesion regeneration and healing [36].…”