Chemical content and biological activities of essential oils obtained from plant parts in juniperus excelsa M. Bieb. of Gumushane region

This study was carried out to determine the chemical content and antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial properties of essential oil obtained from Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb. plant parts. In the study, the essential oils were obtained of the cone, leaf and branch wood of Juniperus excelsa plant, which grows naturally in Gümüşhane province. The percentages and chemical components of essential oils were determined. Antioxidant activity analyzes of the obtained essential oils were made according to DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Iron (III) ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) determination and ABTS ●+ radical cation scavenging activity method. In addition, analysis of total antioxidant substance content, total flavonoid substance determination and total phenolic substance analysis were performed. Antimicrobial activity tests were determined against different microorganisms by the disc diffusion method of essential oils. As a result of the essential oil analysis of J. excelsa, the percentage of essential oil yields in cones, leaves and twigs, respectively; 5.88 %; 2.00 % and 0.62 %. The main compound in cone leaf and twig essential oil was determined as α-pinene and the chemical class with the highest % amount was monoterpenes. When the results of the antioxidant activity determination of Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb. essential oils in general were evaluated, it was determined that the antioxidant properties were quite high. In the antimicrobial activity test performed on the essential oils of cones, leaves and twigs of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb, it was determined that cones, leaves and twigs showed significant antimicrobial effects against bacteria, yeast and molds.