Composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Salvia palaestina Bentham growing in Saudi Arabia

The aerial parts of Salvia palaestina Bentham [Lamiaceae] on steam distillation afforded an essential oil, which was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC/MS]. Out of thirty-eight peaks [representing 99.2% of the oil], thirty-four components representing 97.1% of the total oil composition were identified. The major components were sclareol [26.8%], sigma -caryophyllene [16.9%], linalool [7.8%], guaiol [5.4%], and 1,8 -cineole [5.2%]. The oil was tested against seven Gram positive and negative bacteria and two pathogenic fungi, to exhibit an interesting antimicrobial profile