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Phytochemical composition and biological activities of essential oil of Rhynchosia minima (L) (DC) (Fabaceae)


N Gweru
M Gundidza
ML Magwa
NJ Ramalivhana
G Humphrey
A Samie
V Mmbengwa

Abstract

The major constituents, antimicrobial activities against 12 bacterial and 4 fungal species and the antioxidant activity of Rhynchosia minima essential oil were determined. The yield of the oil was 0.21%. The main components of the oil included isopropyl toluene, camphene and O-cymene. The essential oil exhibited marked activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, but was not active against Clostridium perfringens up to the concentration of 100 g/ml. The essential oil also exhibited anti-oxidant activity. The significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of R. minima oil suggests that it could serve as a source for compounds with therapeutic potential.

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eISSN: 1684-5315