Chemical Constituents, Antifungal and Antioxidative Effects of Ajwain Essential Oil and Its Acetone Extract

Abstract

GC and GC-MS analysis of ajwain essential oil showed the presence of 26 identified components which account for 96.3% of the total amount. Thymol (39.1%) was found as a major component along with p-cymene (30.8%), gamma-terpinene (23.2%), beta-pinene (1.7%), terpinene-4-ol (0.8%) whereas acetone extract of ajwain showed the presence of 18 identified components which account for 68.8% of the total amount. The major component was thymol (39.1%) followed by oleic acid (10.4%), linoleic acid (9.6%), gamma-terpinene (2.6%), p-cymene (1.6%), palmitic acid (1.6%), and xylene (0.1%). Moreover, the oil exhibited a broad spectrum of fungitoxic behavior against all tested fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium monoliforme, Fusarium graminearum, Pencillium citrium, Penicillium viridicatum, Pencillium madriti, and Curvularia lunata as absolute mycelial zone inhibition was obtained at a 6-microL dose of the oil. However, the acetone extract showed better antioxidative activity for linseed oil as compared with synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyl toluene and butylated hydroxyl anisole.

The Inhibitory Effect of Ajowan Essential Oil on Bacterial Growth

“…Ajowan, one of the aromatic seed spices, is generally used for medicinal purposes in India, Iran, and Middle East countries (1,3). There are near 16 compounds in Ajowan, but Thymol, the most important and main phenolic compound in Ajowan, has been reported to be a germicide (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal) and an antispasmodic agent (6)(7)(8).…”

“…These seeds are used in Asian cooking, especially in India and for baking biscuits, breads and in bean dishes (1,2). Like caraway, Ajowan seeds are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants (1).…”

“…Ajowan essential oil (AEO) is also used in toothpaste and perfumery. The AEO is an almost colorless to brownish liquid with a characteristic odor and a sharp hot taste (1)(2)(3). Ajwain leaves can be crushed and used for skin infections.…”

Chemical Constituents From Algerian Foeniculum Vulgare Aerial Parts and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity

“…Herbs and spices are amongst the most important targets to search for natural antimicrobials and antioxidants from the point of view of safety 5,6 . So far, many investigations on antimicrobial [7][8][9][10][11][12] and antioxidant properties of spices volatile oils and extracts have been carried out.…”

Active antifungal substances from natural sources

“…Singh et al 84 investigated the chemical constituents and antifungal effects of ajwain essential oil, Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Apiaceae). The oil exhibited a broad spectrum of fungitoxic behaviour against all tested fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, Fusarium moniliforme and Curvularia lunata, as absolute mycelial zone inhibition was obtained at a 6 µl dose of the oil.…”