GC–MS Analysis of Pergularia tomentosa Essential Oil: Determination of Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities

Pergularia tomentosa plant is used in African and Asian medicine for treating infections and inflammation. Despite its ethno‐pharmacological relevance, no comprehensive study defines the chemical composition and the full spectrum of biological activities of this plant. To address these gaps, essential oil was extracted via hydro‐distillation and analyzed for its components using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 24 compounds were identified, predominantly terpenes (70.3%), with major constituents being 1‐hexanol (18.2%), cis ‐limonene oxide (15.6%), and β ‐myrcene (12.4%). The antimicrobial potential was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial and fungal strains using broth microdilution. Notably, the oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 8.05 μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 16.1 μg/mL). Antioxidant capacity measured via DPPH and ABTS assays showed moderate radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 0.829 and 0.712 mg/mL). The oil also demonstrated significant anti‐inflammatory activity (83.91% inhibition of protein denaturation at 0.5 mg/mL), comparable to the standard drug diclofenac. This research provides a detailed chemical profile alongside antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory evaluations of Pergularia tomentosa L. essential oil. These findings not only validate traditional uses but also suggest its potential as a natural therapeutic agent, offering a promising alternative to synthetic drugs.