Full Length Research Paper

Abstract

The essential oil and various extracts obtained from Salvia cedronella Boiss have been evaluated for their possible in vitro antimicrobial and antiviral capacities. The GC-EIMS analysis of the essential oil was resulted in detection of 92 components representing 96.1% of the oil. Major components were 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, caryophyllene oxide and sabinene. In the case of antimicrobial activity, hexane and dichloromethane extracts did not show any effects. Methanolic extract and essential oil exhibited various degrees of activity against the tested microorganisms. The antiviral potential of the plant samples was screened in 2 model systems namely; reproduction of 2 influenza viruses in MDCK cells and of 2 herpes simplex viruses in MDBK cells. The methanol extract showed a good anti-influenza virus effect, the growth of both A/Weybridge and A/Aichi was reduced significantly. This extract also exhibited anti-herpetic activity. Amount of the total phenolics was very high in methanol extract. It was followed by dichloromethane. This extract has also been found to be rich in flavonoids. A positive correlation was observed between biological activity potential and amount of phenolic compounds of the extracts.

Key words: Salvia cedronella, antimicrobial, antiviral, essential oil, extract.