Abstract Apium grveolens L. is an annual or perennial plant in the family Apiaceae. Phytochemical studies indicated the presence of many phytochemicals including alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids. The seeds, leaves and essential oils are all used in ethnomedicine. Apium grveolens can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and liver diseases. It can also treat jaundice and gout and can protect against urinary tract obstruction. In this study Apium grveolens oil was studied by GC-MS. A total of 45 constituents were identified. Major constituents are: 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester (56.04 %); 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (13.47%); hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (12.05%); methyl stearate (4.69%). The oil was assessed for antimicrobial activity. At a concentration of 100mg/ml the oil showed partial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and the fungal species Candida albicans.
Keywords Apium grveolens, Oil, GC-MS Analysis, Antimicrobial Activity.