Extraction of Essential Oil from Inula viscosa (L.) Leaves: Composition, Antifungal Activity and Kinetic Data

In this paper a kinetic study of steam distillation of Inula viscosa essential oil, analysis by GC-MS and antifungal activity were reported. The essential oil yields were very higher for both samples (3.321-6.540 % (w/w)). The main compounds of the two essential oils analyzed were: (1.82-22.13 %) of Eudesma-3,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid (ESA) and (73.13-88.58 %) of 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (BAE). The results demonstrated that the first fractions recovered (30-60 min; 60-90 min; 90-120 min and 120-150 min), ESA predominates the essential oil while for the last fractions (180-210 min; 210-240 min; 240-270 min and 270-300 min) the BAE predominates. I. viscosa essential oil showed remarkable antifungal activity, all fractions tested present inhibition percentages varying from 62.5 to 91.25 % for concentrations varying from 762 to 6092 mu g/ml. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report gives information on the kinetic of extraction of I. viscosa essential oil by steam distillation. The results showed that the I. viscosa essential oil can be used for green plant protection, pharmaceutical and food industries.