Abstract
In this investigation cold pressed clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil (CO) was studied for its lipid classes, fatty acid profiles and tocol contents. The radical scavenging potential and antimicrobial properties of CO were also evaluated. The levels of neutral lipids in CO was the highest (ca. 94.7% of total lipids), followed by glycolipids and phospholipids. The main fatty acids in CO were linoleic and oleic, which comprise together ca. 80% of total fatty acids. Stearic and palmitic acids were the main saturated fatty acids. alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and delta-tocotrienol were the main tocols. CO quenched 70% of DPPH center dot radicals after 1 h, while extra virgin olive oil was able to quench only 45%. ESR measurements also showed the same pattern, wherein CO quenched 57% of galvinoxyl radical and olive oil deactivated about 38%. The results of antimicrobial properties revealed that CO inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms. CO had a drastic effect on the biosynthesis of protein and lipids in the cells of B. subtilis. In consideration of is tpotential utilization, detailed knowledge on the composition and functional properties of CO is of major importance.