GC-MS analysis and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the stem of the Jordanian toothbrush tree Salvadora persica

Chemical composition of the essential oil of the stem of the toothbrush tree Salvadora persica L. grown in Jordan was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The oil obtained by hydrodistillation (yield: 0.6% w/w) was determined as a mixture of monoterpene hydrocarbons (11%), oxygenated monoterpenes (54%), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (21%). The major components identified were 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (46%), alpha-caryophellene (13.4%), beta-pinene (6.3%), and 9-epi-(E)caryophellene. The antimicrobial activity of the volatile oils and aqueous and alcohol extracts of the plant has been also evaluated. Among all tested fractions, the volatile oils exhibited potent activity against both sensitive and resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schroeter and Migula) and Staphylococcos aureus (Rosenbach). Moreover, the oil revealed significant inhibition against Candida albicans (C. P. Robin) and Trichosporon cutaneum (Beurm, Govgerot and Vaucher).