In this study, the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Litsea cubeba essential oils extracted in different months were analysed. Results showed that the essential oil contents of fruits collected in June, July and August were 3.47%, 5.02% and 5.64%, respectively, and contained 13, 17 and 17 components, respectively. Neral and geranial were the main components and accounted for 54.76%. The essential oil extracted from fruits collected in July had the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium, and it was the most effective based on the OH· scavenging activity test. The essential oil extracted from fruits collected in August was the most effective based on the test for DPPH· scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Considering the contents, chemical compositions and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, the appropriate harvest time for L. cubeba essential oils is from July to August.
Keywords: Antimicrobial activity; GC-MS analysis; Litsea cubeba; antioxidant activity essential oil.