The composition of the essential oil from Acantholippia deserticola (Phil. ex F. Phil.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts was examined by GC, GC/MS and NMR. Twenty-two compounds were identifed representing 98.9% of the total oil. α- and β-Thujone were characterized as the main constituents, 10.5% and 77.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the oil was tested for its antimicrobial activity using a micro-dilution assay exhibiting no inhibition on human pathogenic bacteria and yeast. © 2006, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.