Microbiological safety controls of selected hydrosols and their volatile compounds [Bazi{dotless} yag alti{dotless} sulari{dotless}ni{dotless}n uçucu bileşikleri ve mikrobiyal kontrolleri]

Abstract

There are only a few scientific studies on the analysis, quality control and standardization of hydrosols of commonly used aromatic plants in Turkey. In order to fill this gap, hydrosols of commercially important plants such as Rosa, Origanum, Vitex, Lavandula, Melissa, Eucalyptus, and Chamomilla sp. were investigated. Extraction of the volatile fraction was carried out by n-hexane liquid-liquid extraction. The isolated compounds were further analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, all hydrosol samples were assessed for their microbiological safety by using membrane filtration technique. According to GC/MS results; phenyl ethyl alcohol, geraniol, citronellol in rose hydrosol; carvacrol, in Vitex, Lavandula, Origanum and Chamomilla hydrosols; eugenol in Melissa hydrosol; 1,8-cineol and camphor in Eucalyptus hydrosol were determined as major constituents of the samples. Unexpectedly, carvacrol (32%) was determined as major compound of Chamomilla hydrosol. Microbiological safety controls of the rose and Melissa hydrosols have been showed high level of bacterial contamination. Especially fecal coliforms, coliforms and P. aeruginosa in Melissa hydrosol exceeded recommended limits. The production permissions and controls of herbal products used without consultation of physicians and pharmacists should be conducted by the Ministry of Health for the prevention of public health.