Biochemical and biological studies on cat thyme (teucrium polium L.) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The present work assessed the potential of cat thyme (Teucrium polium L.) chloroform extract as a source of natural antimicroblai compounds. Lipid constituents of this extract were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The fatty acid analysis indicated paimitic (20.35%), stearic (19.15%), pentadecanoic (15.16%) and oleic (7.78%), linoleic (9.55%), linolenic (3.61%) acids were the most prevalent saturated and unsaturated acids, respectively. The unsaponifiable matter consisted of C22 (21.27%) and C₂₇ (17.25%) as major hydrocarbons and ~-sitosterol (9.75%) as the major sterol. The phenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLC and the results showed that the predominant constituent was hydroquinone (26.47%) and the identified second main constituent was catechin (8.17%). Furthermore, apigenin was present as a trace constituent (0.92%). Preliminary screenin9 of the antimicrobial activity of cat thyme (T. pollum) chloroform extract a9ainst some pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms representing some Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, one yeast strain and eight fungal species were performed using disc-diffusion method. The extract was effective in inhibiting the growth of the organisms except for Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenase, Bacillus mega/erium and Aspergillus niger. Antimicrobial activity of the extract increased with increasing concentration. Additionaliy, antifungal activity of the extract was less potent than the antimicrobial activity.

Summary in Arabic.

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