Assessing the volatile composition by GC/MS-MS and biological efficacy of <i>Rosa damascena</i> essential oil: Examining its antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities

Abstract

Rosa damascena essential oil (EO) of Kelaat M’gouna region was investigated for volatile composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity in this study. The EO yield was 0.05%, and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS-MS) identified 57 compounds that represented over 99.95% of the total EO composition. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, showing good free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by an IC50 value of 454.68±10 μg/mL. Antibacterial activity was assessed through agar diffusion test, measurement of inhibition zone, and testing of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Gram-negative bacteria were less sensitive, with an inhibition zone of 9.83 to 11.67 mm, while Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive, with an inhibition zone of 15.67 to 15.83 mm. The oil was found to possess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Micrococcus luteus , and Bacillus subtilis with MBC values of 400, 600, and 1000 μg/mL, and MIC values of 65, 62.5, and 125 μg/mL, respectively. These findings indicate the potential of Rosa damascena EO as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agent for application in the cosmetic and food industries. The results further suggest that incorporation of this oil with antibiotics could reduce the amount needed to treat nosocomial infections, perhaps limiting toxicity and treatment cost. Further studies are needed to comprehensively determine its therapeutic application.