Chemical Insights into Zosima absinthifolia Essential Oil: Exploring A Natural Source of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

Abstract

Zosima Absinthifolia (Vent.) Link, a medicinally important yet underexplored plant collected from the Nushki distract of Balochistan, was investigated for its essential oil composition using hydro-distillation followed by GC-MS analysis. A total of 26 chemical constituents were identified, representing 99.99% of the total oil. The most abundant constituents included 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid (29.36%), n-hexadecanoic acid (14.80%), 2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde (8.48%), methyl α-D-glucopyranoside (5.97%), and phytol (5.03%). These compounds span diverse chemical classes such as fatty acids, aldehydes, sugar derivatives, and diterpenes, each known for distinct biological activities. Notably, palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid have established antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, while phytol and aromatic aldehydes contribute additional anti-inflammatory and therapeutic potential. Comparisons with related studies highlight the unique phytochemical profile of Z. absinthifolia, particularly its high α-linolenic acid content, which has implications for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development. The presence of multiple bioactive compounds suggests synergistic effects that could enhance the plant’s pharmacological efficacy. This study provides the first comprehensive chemical characterization of Z. absinthifolia essential oil from Nushki district and underscores its promise as a source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Further research on isolation, biological evaluation, and formulation could pave the way for its application in health care and herbal product industries.