Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils and organic extracts from <it>pelargonium graveolens</it> growing in Tunisia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Pelargonium graveolens</it> (<it>P. graveolens</it>) L. is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the <it>geraniacea</it> family.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The chemical compositions of the essential oil as well as the <it>in vitro</it> antimicrobial activities were investigated. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil revealed 42 compounds. Linallol L, Citronellol, Geraniol, 6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl, formate and Selinene were identified as the major components. The tested oil and organic extracts exhibited a promising antimicrobial effect against a panel of microorganisms with diameter inhibition zones ranging from 12 to 34 mm and MIC_s values from 0.039 to10 mg/ml. The investigation of the phenolic content showed that EtOAc, MeOH and water extracts had the highest phenolic contents.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall, results presented here suggest that the essential oil and organic extracts of <it>P. graveolens</it> possesses antimicrobial and properties, and is therefore a potential source of active ingredients for food and pharmaceutical industry.</p