Yield, Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Artemisia dracunculus L. Essential Oils Obtained by two Different Methods

Two types of essential oils were extracted from aerial parts of Artemisia dracunculus by hydro-distillation and an empirical modified steam distillation method to determine essential oils composition and antibacterial activity. Preliminary antibacterial activity of the essential oils was evaluated by disc diffusion method with determination of inhibition zones. Minimum inhibitory concentration was measured by microdilution broth susceptibility assay recommended by NCCLS. The yield of essential oil was consistently higher from hydro-distillation (HD) than empirical modified steam distillation (EMSD). Though the relative concentration of the major constituents was similar by both methods, various compounds with different quantities in EMSD and HD essential oils were detected. There was no significant difference between MIC values of HD essential oil and EMSD essential oil on gram positive bacteria. MIC values of HD essential oil on gram negative bacteria were significantly lesser than EMSD essential oil. Isolation of essential oils of aerial parts of Artemisia dracunculus L. by the evaluated empirical modified steam-distillation method has some advantages and should be checked more in future studies.