Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the volatile oil of Artemisia khorassanica from Iran

Artemisia khorassanica Podl. (Asteraceae) is a common perennial herb growing wild in northeastern parts of Iran. The essential oil of A. khorasanica was isolated by hydrodistillation in 1.25 (v/w) yield. The chemical composition of the essential oil was examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Thirty-one compounds were identified, representing 79.6% of the total oil. The major constituents were 1,8-cineol (17.7%), camphor (13.9%), davanone (12.2%), and isogeraniol (5.7%). Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using agar dilution method against eight bacteria and two fungal strains. The essential oil indicated a moderate antimicrobial activity.