Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects these essential on germination, root shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, mitotic index lettuce onion determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic activity also investigated. results revealed that stem oil consisted 15 compounds, which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) E-caryophyllene (13.3%) major constituents. leaf contained (39.6%) α-humulene (13.2%) as inhibited germination growth seedlings reduced cell division. They caused oxidative stress, indicated increased evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to inhibition plant growth. most pronounced phytotoxic observed oil. cytotoxicity tests was more active than oil, presence biologically sesquiterpenes inhibit cancer cells.