Background/Aim. Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of essential oils isolated from plant species of the
genus Seseli have been intensified recently. These plant species
have long-term use in nutrition and traditional medicine in the
treatment of various disorders. Volatile secondary metabolites
of Seseli gracile Waldst. & Kit (Apiaceae) have not been pharmacologically examined so far. The aim of the conducted research
was to assess the antiradical, antimicrobial and spasmolytic activities of S. gracile essential oil isolated from the aerial parts of
the plant. Methods. The antiradical activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test, antimicrobial activity using broth microdilution method with standard strains of Gram (+), Gram (-) bacteria and
yeast, while spasmolytic activity was evaluated on isolated rat ileum, pre-contracted with a high concentration of potassium.
Results. The results showed moderate antiradical (SC50 =
78.60 µg/mL) and good spasmolytic activity (IC50 = 271.4
nL/mL) of S. gracile essential oil. In the range of tested concentrations, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined only for the strain of Escherichia coli (500 μg/mL). Conclusion. Results obtained in this study justify the need for further studies to elucidate exact molecular mechanism underlay
this spasmolytic effect of S. gracile herb essential oil.
