Biological Activity of Bunium persicum Essential Oil from Western Himalaya

Abstract

The essential oil of Bunium persicum collected from cultivated sources in the cold desert area of Lahaul-Spiti is described for its antimicrobial, larvicidal, and biting deterrent activities. Additionally, odor characterization is given. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by simultaneous GC-MS and GC-FID. γ-Terpinene and p-cymene were found to be the major compounds. Antibacterial testing by an agar dilution assay revealed low activity of the oil against all tested bacteria. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida albicans as well as three species of the strawberry anthracnose causing plant pathogen Colletotrichum. Bunium persicum essential oil demonstrated antifungal activity against all four pathogens. Biting deterrent activity against Aedes aegypti was greater than the solvent control, but significantly lower than DEET. The essential oil of B. persicum exhibited larvicidal activity with an LC50 value of 58.6 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae.

A Systematic Review on Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany and Biological Activities of the Genus Bunium L.

“…In another report, BPEO showed medium to low antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella abony (ATCC 6017) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) with MIC values ranging from 2000 to 8000 μg/mL. [65] Bousetla et al [18] tested the dichloromethane/methanol (1 : 1 v/v) crude extract of B. incrassatum against E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermis, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter spp. and Seratia spp.…”

“…As reported, at 160 μg, BPEO demonstrated better activity against all the three species with growth inhibition zones of 9.0 -10.0 mm. [65] The ethanolic extract of this species was seen to be quite active against Candida albicans with a medium value of inhibition zone equal to 15 mm. [160] Using agar disc diffusion assay, the methanol extract of B. bulbocastanum and its organ fractions showed no antifungal activity against six fungal strains involving Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium notatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma harzianum and Alternaria alternata.…”

“…In another report, BPEO showed medium to low antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella abony (ATCC 6017) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) with MIC values ranging from 2000 to 8000 μg/mL [65] …”

“…BPEO showed low antifungal activity against C. albicans (ATCC 10231) with an MIC value equal to 1000 μg/mL. [65] Moreover, it was tested at two concentrations (80 and 160 μg/mL) against Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides. As reported, at 160 μg, BPEO demonstrated better activity against all the three species with growth inhibition zones of 9.0 -10.0 mm.…”

“…The reported median lethal dose (LD 50 ) value of this work was found to be 58.6 ppm vs. 0.0034 ppm. [65]…”