Abstract

In this study, the essential oil compositions and antimicrobial and anticholinesterase activities of three Turkish endemic Salvia species were investigated. The gas chromatography(GC) and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the essential oils obtained from Salvia dicroantha, Salvia verticillata subsp. amasiaca, and Salvia wiedemanniishowed that the major constituents were caryophyllene oxide (22.4%), Germacrene D (36.6%), and α-pinene (36.2%), respectively. All essential oils exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and test yeast strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oils ranged from 12.5 to 50.0 µl/ml. Additionally, essential oils were more active than standard antifungals, inhibiting test strains of yeasts such as Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At 400 µM concentration, the essential oil of S. wiedemannii had moderate acetylcholinesterase (55.95±2.01%), and butyrylcholinesterase (50.97±3.12%) inhibitory activity, while other two species no activity against both enzymes.

Key words: Salvia dicroantha, Salvia verticillata subsp. amasiaca, Salvia wiedemannii, essential oil, antimicrobial activity, anticholinesterase activity, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).