The chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils from the Sicilian (Italy) accession of Pimpinella peregrina L

The genus Pimpinella L. (Apiaceae) is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Pimpinella peregrina L., native to the Mediterranean region and extending to Central Asia, has been underexplored in terms of its chemical composition. In this study the essential oils from the flowers and stems of a Sicilian accession of P. peregrina were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil from the flowers (Ppf) was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (75.06%), with α-bergamotene as the main component (67.85%). In the essential oil from the stems (Pps), substantial amounts of α-bergamotene (41.90%) and α-bisabolol (15.08%) were detected. Both essential oils were tested to evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Ppf showed higher antimicrobial activity, in particular against Bacillus subtilis, with a MIC value of 0.25 mg/mL. These findings provide new insights into the chemical profile of Sicilian P. peregrina, highlighting potential applications of its essential oils.