Abstract

The chemical composition of Cotula coronopifolia L. essential oils obtained from the aerial parts (flowers, leaves, stems) and roots by hydro distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography/ mass spectrum (GC/MS). Fifty seven components were identified. The most important compound detected in leaves was Agarospirol (10.43%). Hexacosane was identified in flowers with an abundance percentage of (31.7%) and 1-Eicosanol (17.1%) in stem. The major constituents identified in the root oils were Heptacosane (28.4%), 1-Eicosanol (14.6%), Octacosane (5.4%), and γ Amorphen (5.2%). In vitro antioxidant activities of prepared essential oils were determined by using ABTS and DPPH methods and compared to those of the Trolox. Among the tested samples, flowers had the highest phenolic content with 22.02 mg equivalents Catechin/g of extract and roots presented the lowest phenolic content with 3.12 mg equivalents Catechin/g of extract. To evaluate in vitroantifungal activity, all volatile oils were tested against four fungi (two dermatophytes and two hyphamycets).

Keys words: Cotula coronopifolia L, essential oils, chemical composition, by gas chromatography/ mass spectrum (GC/MS), antioxidant activity, antifungal activity.