Vitex doniana L. Growing in Southwestern Nigeria: Leaf Essential Oil Composition and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Introduction: Vitex doniana is used in traditional medicine for treatment of several ailments, including conjunctivitis, skin rashes due to measles or chickenpox, respiratory infections, and abdominal disorders and diarrhea. Methods: The leaf essential oil of V. doniana from southwestern Nigeria was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The essential oil was screened for antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Results: Major components in the essential oil were ( E)-β-caryophyllene (12.34%), phytone (9.73%), phytol (16.87%), and incensyl acetate (23.57%). Conclusion: The essential oil showed notable antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MIC 78.1 μg/mL) and should be considered as an alternative or complementary option for antifungal therapy.