Evaluation of Tetraclinis articulata essential oil from Algeria flora as a potential source of antifungal activity and study of its chemical composition

Plants present a promising pool in the search for new antimicrobial lead structures due to the variety and chemical complexity of their constituents. The ability of essential oil to volatilize, to penetrate plasma membrane, hyphal wall and to disturb the functions of microorganisms, makes this group active group members. In this context, the essential oil of Tetraclinis articulata, a traditional endemic plant of Algeria was extracted by Hydrodistillation and its chemical composition has been determined by CG-SM. Twenty-seven compounds had been identified. The most abundant components included bornyl acetate (52.1 %), caryophyllene (7.51 %), germacrene D (5.6 %), and oxide caryophyllene (5.01 %). The antifungal activity has been investigated towards Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium spp. by using the contact method. The strongest activity was observed against Fusarium spp., which was inhibited at 100 % by the concentration of 20 μl/ml, followed by A. flavus and A. niger inhibited at 64.44 and 61.63 % by 15 μl/ml of the oil. © 2013 Indian Academy of Wood Science.