Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils ofCladanthus arabicusCass. (Asteraceae)

Abstract The chemical composition of the essential oils of the aerial parts (stems and leaves: sample A) and flowers (sample B) of Cladanthus arabicus Cass., were analysed by GC-MS. Monoterpenes hydrocarbons constituted the main chemical group in both essential oils, with Sabinene, β-pinene, α-pinene, myrcene, α-phellandrene and p-cymene as the main compounds. Sample A was tested for its antimicrobial activity against six Gram positive and negative bacteria. Results showed that the oil exhibited a significant antibacterial activity.