In vitro inhibitory activity of essential oil of Apium nodiflorum against Helicobacter pylori

Apium nodiflorum (L.) Lag. (syn. Helosciadium nodiflorum Koch.) (Fam. Umbelliferae), commonly known as „Fools watercress“ but also known under several locally common names such „sedanina d'acqua“, „cannole“ or „cannizzelle“ is a glabrous perennial herb which typically grows in shallow streams, lakes, ponds and marshes. It can be found throughout the Mediterranean region. A. nodiflorum is used in the ethnomedical traditions of people from the Abruzzo region (Central Italy) as culinary herb, mixed with fried garlic and capsicum. Extracts from hypogeous parts are used as diuretic and finally decoction of leaves is used against stomach ache [1]. In the present communication we wish to report results on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of essential oil from fresh leaves of A. nodiflorum and its activity against growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro. The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The major components found in the essential oil were limonene (27.72%), p-cymene (23.06%), myristicine (18.51%) and β-pinene (6.62%). The essential oil of A. nodiflorum exhibited an appreciable activity as inhibitor of growth of Helicobacter pylori (strain DSMZ 4867, originated from human gastric samples) in vitro (MIC=12.5µg/mL).

Acknowledgements: Regione Abruzzo (L.R. 35/97) Project 'Tutela della Biodiversita', University „G. d'Annunzio“, Ufficio Relazioni Internazionali“.

References: [1] Tammaro, F. (1985) Flora Officinale d'Abruzzo. Regione Abruzzo. Chieti.