Abstract

The essential oil was subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was used as positive control in both test systems. In the DPPH test system, the IC₅₀ value of essential oil and methanol extract were respectively 7.43 and 2.30 µg/ml. In the β-carotene-linoleic acid system, oxidation was effectively inhibited by Jasminum sambac, the RAA value of essential oil and methanol extract were respectively 96.6 and 93.9%. When compared to BHT, the oil and methanol extract were nearly the same value. Furthermore, the essential oil and methanol extract were evaluated for its antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The essential oil and methanol extract showed better activity against bacterial species than against yeast.

Key words: Jasminum sambac, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, essential oil, methanol extract.