Abstract
Eugenia dysenterica DC is a native species from the Cerrado biome and can be found in several states of Brazil. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities from the essential oils of a population collected in São Paulo state. Essential oils were obtained by conventional means, and their compositions were analyzed by GC-MS. Screening assays for antimicrobial activity were carried out by the microdilution method and the antioxidant potential was assessed by the DPPH scavenging method. The GC-MS analysis indicated that 52.63% of the essential oil is composed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes and the major compound is (-)-elema-1,3,11(13)-trien-12-ol (24.86%). The antimicrobial assay indicated MIC 42.1 µg/mL for S. aureus and MIC > 10000 µg/mL for the other tested microorganisms, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. The oil showed an IC50 of 5.4±0.632 mg/mL for in the DPPH assay. The essential oil had a different chemical composition from previous studies. The essential oil did not present a potent antioxidant activity. However, it can be considered a promising antimicrobial agent against S. aureus.
Highlights
Myrtaceae is an important plant family in Brazil, where approximately 1000 species are found [1], from these 211 are accounted for Cerrado biome [2]
Most research on the biological activities of E. dysenterica is related to the leaf extracts and little is found for essential oils. In this context and considering that this species can be found distributed in several states of Brazil (Bahia, Federal District, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Piauí, São Paulo and Tocantins) and considering that the populations differ chemically whenever geographical distance exceeds 120 km [13], the objective of this work is to evaluate the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil collected in the state of São Paulo
The yield obtained for the leaf essential oil from E. dysenterica collected in the São Paulo Cerrado (0.064%) was much lower than those previously found in other locations such as Piauí 1.48% [12], Minas Gerais, 0.34% [7], Brasília 0.25% [18] and Goiás 0.15% [6]
Summary
Myrtaceae is an important plant family in Brazil, where approximately 1000 species are found [1], from these 211 are accounted for Cerrado biome [2]. These species are well known for its edible fruits and are considered as a source for essential oils. Its leaves are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery [6]. This activity was evaluated in the essential oil and ethanolic extract from the leaves. It can be concluded that compounds present in the leaves can have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of diarrhea [8]
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