Abstract

Essential oil of Anisomeles indica (Labiatae) growing in India was hydrodistilled and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 26 compounds, representing 90.70% of the essential oil, were identified, and the major components were eugenol (17.63%), α-terpeneol (α–terpineol, 14.17%), β-pinene (8.11%), bornyl acetate (5.61%), etc. Essential oil was assayed for its antioxidant and antifungal activities. Antifungal activity of the essential oil was evaluated by poisoned food technique, that resulted in maximum activity against Pithium aphanidermatum (ED₅₀ 51.58 μg/ml) followed by Rhizoctonia bataticola (ED₅₀ 72.80 μg/ml). Antioxidant activity of the essential oil was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods together with three antioxidant standards, ascorbic acid, tert-butyl-4-hydroxy toluene (BHT) and gallic acid.

Key words: Anisomeles indica, essential oil, sesquiterpenes, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), antioxidant activity, antifungal activity.