Composition and biological activity of essential oils from Lippia origanoides HBK

Analyses of the leaf oils from three colletions of Lippia origanoides H.B.K. by GC/MS and H-1- and C-13-NMR showed a similar chemical composition. Carvacrol (33.5-42.9%) was identified as the major component together with gamma-terpinene (8.0-10.5%), thymol (5.1-8.4%), methyl thymol (6.1-8.7%) and p-cymene (11.9-15.8%). In vitro evaluation of the oils showed significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, Staphylococus aureus MRSA, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.