Antifungal and repellent activities of the essential oils from three aromatic herbs from western Himalaya

In this investigation we examined the essential oils of three aromatic plants; Zanthoxylum armatum, Juniperus communis, and, Dysphania ambrosioides, which are used by the local population of the western Himalayan region for medicinal purposes. These plants were studied for their antifungal, larvicidal and biting deterrent activity. Additionally, the oils’ chemical compositions were determined by GC-MS and their odor evaluated. The main compounds were; 2-undecanone, 1,8-cineol from Z. armatum, a-pinene, and limonene from J. communis. p-Cymene and ascardiole were found as the main components of D. ambrosioides essential oil. Antifungal activity was evaluated against three Colletotrichum species. Dyspania ambrosioides oil showed the best activity against these strawberry anthracnose causing fungi. It also demonstrated biting deterrent activity against Aedes aegypti similar to DEET as positive control, whereas Z. armatum and J. communis were less effective against Colletotrichum and mosquitoes.