The primary objective of the present inquiry was to assess the impact of gamma irradiation on the chemical composition and antibacterial potential of the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of Moroccan Tanacetum annuum L. to this end, two distinct irradiation doses of 5 kGy and 10 kGy were administered to the essential oil, and the resultant effects were evaluated via analysis of the oil's chemical composition and antibacterial activity. The study findings have revealed that irradiation technology possesses the remarkable ability to modulate the concentrations of specific chemical constituents in a manner that effectively amplifies the antibacterial activity of the essential oil. Moreover, the technology has evinced the generation of novel compounds while also demonstrating the eradication of certain pre-existing ones upon the oil's exposure to irradiation. These discoveries have emphasized the potential of irradiation technology for augmenting the chemical profile of essential oils, thereby mitigating the risk of contamination via microbiological, physical, or chemical means, ultimately enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the plant and its essential oil. Furthermore, the results of this study signify the possibility of harnessing irradiation technology in the production of various natural products and essential oils. The present research has thus broadened the horizons for the application of irradiation technology in advancing the potency and safety of essential oils, paving the way for a diverse range of applications in different fields, such as medicine.
Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Chemical composition; Essential oil; Gamma irradiation; Tanacetum annuum L..
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