Isolation of volatile constituents and biological studies of aerial parts of Gaultheria procumbens L.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical composition and biological activity of Gaultheria procumbens L. essential oil (EO). The components of EO were identified by GC–MS. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of isolated volatile oil and antimicrobial activity, antiarthritic, and antioxidant activity were determined by disc diffusion method, protein denaturation, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively. Results: GC-MS analysis showed that methyl salicylate (61.14%) was the main volatile constituents of the isolated volatile oil. EO and dried alcoholic extracts of wintergreen plant inhibited the growth of all microorganisms tested, at the concentration of 1% mg/ml v/v. Significant anti-arthritic activity was observed compared to standard diclofenac sodium, and a dose-dependent DPPH-radical-scavenging activity with an EC50 value of 94.67% was also observed with the volatile oil. Conclusion: Overall, oil of wintergreen showed marked bioactivities and hence can be used in anti-arthritic formulations used for local applications.