GC-MS Quantification of Bioactive Isothiocyanates in Sinapis alba Essential Oil and
Validation of Rapid Bactericidal Kinetics Against Clinically Relevant Pathogens
White mustard (Sinapis alba L.), a member of the Brassicaceae family, is globally
recognized for its culinary, agricultural, and medicinal applications. This study
comprehensively investigates the chemical profile of S. alba essential oil (EO) using
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluates its antimicrobial and antioxidant
properties. Hydro distilled EO yielded 0.8% (w/w), with GC-MS analysis identifying
32 volatile constituents, predominantly allyl isothiocyanate (72.4%), 4-pentenyl isothiocyanate
(12.3%), and β-pinene (4.1%). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated potent activity against
Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 0.25 mg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC: 0.5 mg/mL), while
antifungal effects against Candida albicans were moderate (MIC: 2 mg/mL). Antioxidant
capacity, assessed via DPPH (IC₅₀: 45.2 µg/mL) and FRAP (0.8 mM Fe²⁺/g), indicated
moderate free radical scavenging. These findings underscore the potential of S. alba
EO as a natural antimicrobial agent and adjuvant in cancer therapy.