Methodological Advances in GC-MS for Complex Plant Matrices: Profiling Essential Oils From Apiaceae Flora.

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Mycology

Background:

• Phytochemical extraction using chromatography identifies and quantifies volatile bioactive compounds.
• Chemical profiling of plant extracts is crucial for evaluating pharmacological significance.
• Essential oils contain diverse volatile compounds with potential biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the chemical composition of essential oils from Bilacunaria microcarpa and Peucedanum ruthenicum.
• To investigate the antifungal activity of these plant species and their extracts.
• To provide a chemical profile for understanding their pharmacological potential.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to determine the component composition of essential oils.
• Phytochemical analysis was performed on Bilacunaria microcarpa and Peucedanum ruthenicum.
• Antifungal activity assays were conducted on plant extracts and essential oils.

Main Results:

• Seventy components were identified in B. microcarpa essential oil, with beta-phellandrene and beta-pinene as major constituents.
• Sixty components were identified in P. ruthenicum essential oil, with m-cymene and beta-myrcene as major constituents.
• Both species, their aqueous extracts, and essential oils demonstrated significant antifungal activity against tested fungi.

Conclusions:

• Bilacunaria microcarpa and Peucedanum ruthenicum, along with their extracts, exhibit fungistatic and fungicidal properties.
• Essential oils from both species showed absolute fungicidal action against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger.
• The study highlights the potential of these plants as sources of natural antifungal agents.