Variation of Eryngo (Eryngium caeruleum M.Bieb.) Essential Oil Content and Biological Activity in Wild and Cultivated Conditions

In this investigation essential oils of the wild and cultivated Eryngium caeruleum M.Bieb. were analysed by GC and GC/MS, and screened for their antimicrobial activities. At least seventy-three ingredients were identified in both specimens that limonene (16.4-32.3%), β-bisabolol (10.3-17.3%), δ-3-carene (6.6-9.4%), cis-limonene oxide (3.1-7.8%), (E)-β-farnesene (4.4-4.8%) and β-sesquiphellandrene (2.4-2.9%) were the major components. Also, the antibacterial and the antimycotic activities of these oils were reported against six bacterial and fungal strains. The antibacterial analysis displayed that both oils presented high activity versus all the tested Gram-negative strains in a range of MIC values from 4 to 8 mg/ml. The antifungal test results proved moderate activity against Candida krusei and Candida albicans (MIC values 1 to 4 mg/ml). Our results, have been proved that cultivation and domestication of this plant seems improved the microbial test results for the cultivated sample. These are aspects that turn this plant into useful crops for domestication and commercialization. Results of this investigation propose that it is noteworthy to grow this herb by the farmers in Babol, Mazandaran, Iran for pharmaceutical, therapeutic and food targets and natural bactericide agent.