GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil of PinusroxburghiiSarg

The essential oil from Pinus roxburghii Sarg. leaves was extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty three compounds were identified and quantified in the essential oil, the major ones being α-pinene, 3-carene, p-cymene, caryophyllene and caryphyllene oxide. The plant was also evaluated for antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis); two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two yeast, (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). P. roxburghii was found to be best in inhibiting the growth of Bacillus subtilis (22.6 mm) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (21.6 mm), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (19.3 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherchia coli (15 mm). S. aureus and B. subtilis were found to be most sensitive pathogen having an MIC of 31.25 mg/ml. P. roxburghii was unable to inhibit the growth of C. albicans.