Research regarding the volatile oils composition for Ocimum basilicum L. and their possible phytotherapeutic effects

This paper presents the volatile oil composition for two Ocimum basilicum L. populations (common basil or sweet basil), as well as preliminary results regarding their tested antimicrobial effects. The analyzed material (stems and leaves) was harvested in the blossoming stage, when the secreted compounds have obvious phytotherapeutic and aromatic effects. The number of identified compounds among the two populations (generically noted sample I and II) is greater for sample I (28 compounds) compared to sample II (25 compounds). The volatile oil analysis not evidenced the presence of methyl cinnamate and linalool, compounds specific – in certain proportions - to the chemotypes presented in literature. This fact is probably related to the analysis moment, which possibly not strictly corresponds to the biosynthesis stage of these compounds, as well as to the oil producing organ. The investigated oil groups have a variable inhibitory effect, depending on concentration, on Staphylococcus aureus strain (Gram positive bacteria) and a mild influence on the growth and development of Escherichia coli strain (Gram negative bacteria). The response of tested fungi varies by the specific growth speed, which was evaluated at analysis intervals.