Analysis of the Essential Oil of Wild Oregano from Martinique (Coleus aromaticusBenth.)—Evaluation of Its Bacteriostatic and Fungistatic Properties

Abstract

The secretory elements of the essential oil from Coleus aromaticus from Martinique were observed under the scanning electron microscope. The composition of the oil was analyzed and found to consist mainly of phenoh'c components, with carvacrol (72%) being the major compound. Five compounds were identified for the first time in the oil of C. aromaticus. They were (Z)-1,3-hexadiene (0.1%), (Z)-3-hexenol (0.6%), (E,Z)-α-farnesene (0.2%), (E.E)-α-farnesene (0.2%) and α-muurolene (0.2%). The biostatic activity of the leaf oil was tested on six bacterial and six fungal strains. It was found to have activity against Vibrio cholera with a MIC of 0.125 mg/mL.