Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from four aromatic and medicinal plants from Niger

Abstract

In Niger, infectious diseases are à public health concern. Medecinal plants are used traditionally for the treatment of these diseases. Four plants were selected base on their traditionnal uses. These plants are Annona senegalensis Pers (Annonaceae); Cleome viscosa L (Capparaceae); Cymbopogon schoenanthus Spreng (poaceae) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh (myrtaceae). This study aims to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils of four plants and to evaluate their antibacterial activity. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity of the essential oils was screened against pathogenic bacteria using microdilution method. Annona senegalensis and Cleome viscosa are rich in sesquiterpene, while Cympobogon schoenanthus and Eucalyptus camaldulensis are rich in monoterpene. The results of the antibacterial activity in Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) are ranging from 125-2000 µg/mL. Annona senegalensis showed the best activity with MIC at 125 µg/mL against four bacteria. These results show that these plants are potential sources of natural antibacterial substances that can be used to treat bacterial infections.