Piper Marginatum Research Articles

Actividad repelente e insecticida de cuatro aceites esenciales de plantas recolectadas en Chocó-Colombia contra Tribolium castaneum

This study aimed to determine the repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils (EOs) from plants collected in the Chocó rain forest, Colombia, against T. castaneum. Conventional hydrodistillation was used to obtain the EOs. The repellent and insecticidal activities were evaluated by the preference area and gas dispersion methods, respectively. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were determined by applying a student’s t-test. EOs of Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum, and Nectandra acutifoliashowed excellent repellent properties as the main findings, highlighting S. conicaEO with 84% repellency (1μL/cm2), while P. marginatumshowed to be bioactive to the dose of 500 μL/mL (72 h), inducing mortality of 100% of the exposed population. In conclusion, the results evidenced the repellent properties of the EOs evaluated against T. castaneum, which allows us to conclude that these plant species are potential natural sources producing bio-repellents that contribute to the integrated control of T. castaneum.

Evaluation of Ilex guayusa and Piper marginatum Extract Cytotoxicity on Human Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a hereditary disorder affecting dental enamel. Among its phenotypes, hypocalcified AI is characterized by mineral deficiency, leading to tissue wear and, consequently, dental sensitivity. Excessive fluoride intake (through drinking water, fluoride supplements, toothpaste, or by ingesting products such as pesticides or insecticides) can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis, which manifests as stains and teeth discoloration affecting their structure. Our recent studies have shown that extracts from Colombian native plants, Ilex guayusa and Piper marginatum, deposit mineral ions such as phosphate and orthophosphate into the dental enamel structure; however, it is unknown whether these extracts produce toxic effects on the dental pulp. To assess cytotoxicity effects on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) exposed to extracts isolated from I. guayusa and P. marginatum and, hence, their safety for clinical use. Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry techniques were employed. For Raman spectroscopy, hDPSCs were seeded onto nanobiochips designed to provide surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS effect), which enhances their Raman signal by several orders of magnitude. After eight days in culture, I. guayusa and P. marginatum extracts at different concentrations (10, 50, and 100 ppm) were added. Raman measurements were performed at 0, 12, and 24 h following extract application. Fluorescence microscopy was conducted using an OLIMPUS fv1000 microscope, a live-dead assay was performed using a kit employing a BD FACS Canto TM II flow cytometer, and data analysis was determined using a FlowJo program. The Raman spectroscopy results showed spectra consistent with viable cells. These findings were corroborated using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry techniques, confirming high cellular viability. The analyzed extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity, suggesting that they could be safely applied on enamel for remineralization purposes. The use of nanobiochips for SERS effect improved the cell viability assessment.

Essential Oil of Piper marginatum (Piperaceae) Against Monogeneans, and Its Hematological and Histopathological Effects on Colossoma macropomum.

This study investigated the anthelmintic efficacy of therapeutic baths with the essential oil of Piper marginatum Jacq against the monogeneans Anacanthorus spathulatus Kritsky, Thatcher & Kayton, 1979, Notozothecium janauachensis Belmont-Jégu, Domingues & Laterça 2004, Mymarothecium boegeri Cohen & Kohn, 2005 and Linguadactyloides brinkmanni Thatcher & Krytsky, 1983 in Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818, and its hematological and histopathological effects on this fish. Short six therapeutic baths with 100mg/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum and two control groups (water from the cultivation tank and water from the cultivation tank + 70% alcohol) were used for 20min every two days. The therapeutic baths with 100mg/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum had efficacy of 42.8% against monogeneans of C. macropomum gills. Toxicity was low for C. macropomum, because there were few physiological and histopathological changes that did not compromise the functioning of the gills of this fish. Short therapeutic baths with 100mg/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum had low efficacy for controlling monogeneans in C. macropomum and thus cannot be recommended.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential from Piper marginatum roots

This is the first report of the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of extract from Piper marginatum roots. The extract showed highest antioxidant activity with an EC50 of 47.3 ± 0.80 µg/mL and a total phenolic content of 42.7 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g. The extract exhibited strong antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 250, 250 and 125 µg/mL for the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and fungus Mycobacterium smegmatis. Antimicrobial activity was attributed to (E,E)-N-Isobutyl -2,4-octadienamide and (E,E)-N-Isobutyl-2,4-decadienamide amides isolated as major compounds of the roots. Structural elucidation of the two amides was determined based on the interpretation of their IR, UV, MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The results contribute significantly to the development of a herbal remedies based on P. marginatum roots.

Can Essential Oils Be a Natural Alternative for the Control of Spodoptera frugiperda? A Review of Toxicity Methods and Their Modes of Action

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major pest of maize crops. The application of synthetic insecticides and the use of Bt maize varieties are the principal strategies used for its control. However, due to the development of pesticide resistance and the negative impact of insecticides on the environment, natural alternatives are constantly being searched for. Accordingly, the objective of this review was to evaluate the use of essential oils (EOs) as natural alternatives for controlling S. frugiperda. This review article covers the composition of EOs, methods used for the evaluation of EO toxicity, EO effects, and their mode of action. Although the EOs of Ocimum basilicum, Piper marginatum, and Lippia alba are the most frequently used, Ageratum conyzoides, P. septuplinervium. O. gratissimum and Siparuna guianensis were shown to be the most effective. As the principal components of these EOs vary, then their mode of action on the pest could be different. The results of our analysis allowed us to evaluate and compare the potential of certain EOs for the control of this insect. In order to obtain comparable results when evaluating the toxicity of EOs on S. frugiperda, it is important that methodological issues are taken into account.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Piper marginatum leaves obtained by hydrodistillation in pH4, pH7 and pH10

The present study aimed to evaluate possible variations in the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted from Piper marginatum leaves obtained by hydrodistillation at pH4, pH7, and pH10. When compared, the chemical profiles of the three oils were different. A reduction of major phenylpropanoids Z-asarone, dillapiole, and E-asarone was observed for samples pH4-EO and pH10-EO as compared to sample pH7- EO. Sesquiterpenes macrocarpene (10.8%), viridiflorene (9.1%), caryophyllene (7.7%), and E-nerolidol (6.5%) were the major compounds identified in the pH10-EO sample. Compound α-santonin (36.1%) was identified as a major constituent of the essential oil obtained at pH4. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils also showed variations in their minimum inhibitory concentration values (MIC). The oil obtained at pH4 exhibited strong activity with an MIC of 78.1 µg/ml for both Escherichia coli and Candida utilis microorganisms. We evidenced the influence of water pH on the chemical composition of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, as well as its importance as a parameter in studies using the hydrodistillation method.

Building a value chain with a wild plant: Lessons to be learned from an experiment in French Guiana

In the context of implementing the Nagoya Protocol regarding access to genetic resources, diffusing updated BioTrade Principles by UNCTAD, and largely spreading reflections on global value chains (GVC), cosmetic companies involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies are eager to build sustainable and responsible supply chains for their raw materials. In southern countries, the “green gold” assertion brings hope to bioresource valorizations as development opportunities, but also suspicion regarding foreign interest. Building a value chain there requires a clear understanding of local situations. This paper contributes to the field of value-chain analyses through a feedback study of the failed implementation of a plant supply chain in an overseas French territory. Located in South America, French Guiana is a European Union outermost enclave in Amazonia. It has rich biodiversity associated with a wide range of traditional knowledge. Ten years ago, a project to build a sustainable supply chain with Piper marginatum was implemented there. Based on recent interviews with the actors involved in the project, this paper retraces the project chronology, describes the obstacles it met, and analyses its limitations and its perception by those participating in it. This value-chain project was built under the principles of BioTrade, but it still failed. Lack of proper monitoring, quality control, local support and long-term commitment of all partners resulted in its rapid abandonment. This paper outlines recommendations for future value chains in general and more specifically on French Guiana biodiversity.

Chemical composition and acaricidal activity of the essential oils of Piper marginatum and Piper callosum collected in the Amazon region

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical profile and acaricidal activity against the mite Suidasia pontifica of the essential oils from leaves of Piper marginatum Jacq and aerial parts (branches, leaves, and inflorescences) of Piper callosum Ruiz & Pav. From the aerial parts (branches, leaves and inflorescences) of P. callosum, three different essential oils were extracted with variations in the contents of their chemical constituents. The major compounds in the essential oil of P. marginatum were δ-3-carene and (E)-β-ocimene, while safrole was the predominant compound in the essential oils of P. callosum. Concentrations of 4 μL/L of the essential oil of P. marginatum and 2 μL/L of the essential oil of P. callosum killed all the mites tested after 72 h of exposure. The 50% lethal concentration ranged from 1.19 to 2.16 µl/L air for P. marginatum and from 1.22 to 3.44 µl/L air for P. callosum.

Anticariogenic Activity of Three Essential Oils from Brazilian Piperaceae

The current trend toward using natural food additives, cosmetics, and medicines has motivated industries to substitute synthetic compounds for natural products. Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal plants are a well-known source of chemical compounds that display several interesting biological activities, including antimicrobial action. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of EOs extracted from three Piperaceae species collected in the Brazilian Amazon region against a representative panel of cariogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oils extracted from Peperomia pellucida (PP-EO), Piper marginatum (PM-EO), and Piper callosum (PC-EO) was determined against Streptococcus mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, S. salivarius, S. sobrinus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Lactobacillus casei by using the microplate microdilution method. PM-EO, PC-EO, and PP-EO displayed antibacterial activity against all the tested cariogenic bacteria. PM-EO displayed the best inhibitory activity, with MIC values ranging from 50 to 500 µg/mL. The lowest MIC values were obtained for PM-EO against S. mitis (MIC = 75 μg/mL), Lactobacillus casei (MIC = 50 μg/mL), and S. mutans (MIC = 50 μg/mL). Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allowed the chemical composition of all the EOs to be identified. The main constituents of PM-EO, PC-EO, and PP-EO were 3,4-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone, α-pinene, and dillapiole, respectively. Finally, the compounds that were exclusively detected in PM-EO are highlighted. Our results suggest that PM-EO may be used in products for treating dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Isomerization of (Z)-asarone to (E)-asarone from Piper marginatum leaves by the Quadrus u-lucida larvae

• Isomerization of ( Z )-asarone to ( E )-asarone by the Quadrus u-lucida larvae. • Presence of ( E )-asarone in the regurgitated fluid of Q. u-lucida larvae. • Q. u-lucida larvae feed on phenylpropanoid rich leaves. Despite being rich in phenylpropanoids with insecticidal activity, Piper marginatum leaves are frequently attacked by the larvae of the Quadrus u-lucida moth. GC/MS analysis indicated isomerization of phenylpropanoid ( Z )-asarone to ( E )-asarone from the leaves by larvae. The phenylpropanoids ( Z )-asarone, dillapiole and ( E )-asarone were identified in concentrations of 48.01, 24.02 and 36.07 μg/mg, respectively. Only the phenylpropanoid ( E )-asarone was found in the larval tissues and regurgitant material in a concentration of 15.52 and 2.53 μg/mg, respectively. Since (Z )-asarone has been reported to be more toxic than ( E )-asarone, the isomerization of ( Z )-asarone may be associated with the detoxification mechanism of larvae.

New challenges demand new solutions: Selected essential oils as an alternative to control Bemisia tabaci MED in Brazil

The introduction of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) (Biotype Q) into Brazil has attracted the attention of farmers and the scientific community as this species has a high capacity for infestation and high tolerance to conventional insecticides. As an alternative to chemical control, botanical derivatives stand out as a valuable tool for integrated pest management (IPM). In this context, this work evaluated for the first time the bioactivity of essential oils of Piper marginatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) (PM-EO) and Mansoa alliaceae (Lam.) A.ww H. Gentry (Bignoniaceae) (MA-EO) against B. tabaci MED. First, concentration-mortality bioassays were performed to estimate the lethal concentrations (LCs) on nymphs of B. tabaci MED. The LC50s and LC90s were tested in multi-choice assays (repellency and oviposition deterrence) and no-choice assays (ovicidal effects and infestation ability). Finally, assays were carried out in a greenhouse to check the efficiency of the essential oils under semifield conditions. The major compounds identified in PM-EO were (E)-methyl eugenol (34.7%) and (Z)-methyl eugenol (27.5%), while diallyl trisulfide (52.8%) and diallyl disulfide (33.9%) were the major compounds in MA-EO. The EOs were toxic against nymphs in the laboratory and greenhouse and showed ovicidal effect and repellent action. The EOs also reduced oviposition and inhibited the colonization by B. tabaci MED. Our results reveal two promising sources of botanical pesticides to control B. tabaci MED. These compounds can cause lethal and sublethal effects in all insect life stages, increasing the control efficiency.

In vitro mineral apposition analysis of two Colombian plant extracts on Amelogenesis imperfecta teeth.

ObjectiveTo determine if native Colombian Piper marginatum Jacq. and Ilex guayusa Loes plant extracts have a remineralizing effect on teeth with Amelogenesis imperfecta in comparison with the commercial products Clinpro‐3M and Recaldent™.Material and MethodsAn in vitro study was carried out with 128 human teeth slices (64 healthy and 64 with Amelogenesis imperfecta) on which an initial Raman spectroscopy was performed followed by Raman spectroscopies at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h to determine possible remineralization by observing mineral increase or decrease as a result of P. marginatum Jacq. and I. guayusa Loes extract application in comparison to control substance (Clinpro and Recaldent™) application. Obtained data were analyzed using a bivariate method with a t unidirectional test. Significant differences among groups were determined by an ANOVA with Dunnett post hoc tests.ResultsNative I. guayusa Loes and P. marginatum Jacq. Colombian plants extracts exhibited phosphate and orthophosphate mineral apposition, where P. marginatum Jacq. presented better results.ConclusionsNative Colombian I. guayusa Loes and P. marginatum Jacq plant extract might in the future be useful for dental tissue remineralization, as they induced phosphate and orthophosphate mineral apposition, main components of tooth enamel. These types of natural compounds can become an alternative to fluorine, whose ingestion is harmful to the human body.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of essential oils from Piper marginatum Jacq.

A low shrub growing in the Amazonian region, Piper marginatum Jacq. has been related to the treatment of a disease variety in folk medicine, however, still lacking scientific support. This study aimed to describe the composition of essential oils obtained from leaves (EOL) and branches (EOB) of P. marginatum and their antimicrobial effects on six relevant pathogenic bacteria. A combination of GC-FID and GC-MS was used to identify the phytochemical constituents. As antimicrobial assays, the oils were screened at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3 µg/ml for planktonic and biofilm inhibition. EOL revealed the presence of trans–nerolidol, o–cymene, spathulenol, elemicin, and α–copaene, while EOB composition was mainly of myristicin, trans-caryophyllene, trans-nerolidol, caryophyllene oxide, α–copaene, γ–muurolene and spathulenol. The strongest inhibition of planktonic growth was achieved against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (EOB) and Escherichia coli (EOB). Overall, Gram negative bacteria were more sensitive to both EOB/EOL showing less ability of growth and biofilm formation. The Gram-positive strains seemed to react to the essential oils by massive adhesion. Our results corroborate the relevance of Piperaceae and indicate the possible use of P. marginatum in future developments of antimicrobials.

Essential oil of Piper callosum , Piper hispidum and Piper marginatum (Piperaceae) possesses in vitro efficacy against monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum (tambaqui)

The in vitro efficacy of the essential oil of Piper callosum, Piper hispidum and Piper marginatum against monogeneans and the tolerance of Colossoma macropomum to these oils was assessed. Concentrations of these essential oils were tested, and two control groups were used: one with water from the cultivation tank only and the other with water from the cultivation tank + 70% alcohol, the solvent for these essential oils. For all the concentrations of P. callosum, 100% efficacy against Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis, Mymarothecium boegeri and Linguadactyloides brinkmanni occurred after 5 min of exposure. At concentrations of 600 and 800 mg/L of P. hispidum, 100% in vitro efficacy occurred after 20 min of exposure. At concentrations of 200, 300 and 400 mg/L of P. marginatum, 100% efficacy occurred after 1 h of exposure. In the control groups using water from the tank + alcohol, the total immobilization of the monogeneans varied, while in the control groups with water from the cultivation tank, the total immobilization of monogeneans only occurred after 9 h of exposure. Little structural damage to the tegument of the parasites exposed to P. callosum, P. hispidum and P. marginatum was observed on scanning electron microscopy. The tolerance of C. macropomum for P. callosum, P. hispidum and P. marginatum was assessed and discussed. The results suggest that the essential oils of P. callosum, P. hispidum and P. marginatum possess high in vitro efficacy against monogeneans of C. macropomum and thus require testing in therapeutant baths for use in aquaculture.

Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oils of Piper marginatum , Piper callosum and Vitex agnus-castus.

During grain storage, a considerable amount of product is lost because of insects, such as Zabrotes subfasciatus. Currently, to mitigate these risks, studies are searching for plants with potential for the control of agricultural pests, also known as botanical insecticides. In this study, the fumigant toxicity of the essential oils of Piper callosum (PC-EO), Piper marginatum (PM-EO) and Vitex agnus-castus (VA-EO) against Zabrotes subfasciatus was investigated. The essential oils of PC-EO, PM-EO and VA-EO were analysed by gas chromatography (GC-MS), and the major components were 3,4-methylenedioxypropiophenone (10.4%), bicyclogermacrene (10.1%) and germacrene D (9.9%) for PM-EO; safrol (29.3%) for PC-EO; and 1,8-cineol (23.8%) for VA-EO. In fumigation tests, VA-EO killed 100% Zabrotes subfasciatus at a concentration of 0.004 µL/L air after 24 h of treatment, whereas PC-EO and PM-EO at 0.01 µL/L air caused 100% Z. subfasciatus mortality after 48 h. The VA-EO sample provided the lowest LD50 after 24 h (0.17 µL/L air), followed by PC-EO (0.78 µL/L air) and PM-EO (1.17 µL/L air). These results demonstrate that the essential oils of these species can be an alternative to control pests in stored products. This is the first report of the fumigant potential of these species against Z. subfasciatus.

Toxicity of Essential Oils of Leaves of Plants from the Genus Piper with Influence on the Nutritional Parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The caterpillar Spodoptera frugiperda is a pest of great economic importance for cultivated maize (Zea mays) found in countries with higher yields and exports of this crop. Synthetic insecticides widely used in the control of this insect pest has been promoting its resistance and environmental contamination. Thus the essential oils become promising in the use for the management of this pest. Essential oils from fresh leaves of Piper corcovadensis, Piper marginatum and Piper arboreum were obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger type apparatus and 38, 36 and 49 compounds were respectively identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In the topical contact tests against Spodoptera frugiperda, LD50 levels ranging from 3.58 to 10.91 mg/g were found, showing that the essential oils of P. corcovadensis and P. marginatum obtained the lowest LD50. In addition to toxicity, the oils of these species of Piper have been shown to be relevant in the quantitative influence of essential proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and glycogen present in this pest. This research constitutes the first report of toxic activity associated with nutritional parameters to the essential oils of leaves of P. corcovadensis, P. marginatum and P. arboreum.

Leishmanicidal activity of Piper marginatum Jacq. from Santarém-PA against Leishmania amazonensis

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease that has high endemicity and is among the six parasitic diseases of higher occurrence in the world. The current treatments are limited due to their toxicity, treatment resistance and high cost which have increased the search for new substances of natural origin for its therapy. Based on this, an in vitro biological and chemical investigation was carried out to evaluate the potential of Piper marginatum against Leishmania amazonesis. P. marginatum leaves were collected to obtain the essential oil (EO) and the ethanolic extract (CE). The chemical profile of the CE and fractions was obtained by 1H NMR. The analysis of the EO chemical composition was performed by GC-MS. EO, CE and fractions were submitted to antileishmanial and cytotoxicity assays against macrophages. The chromatographic profiles of EO, CE and fractions showed the presence of phenolic compounds and terpenoids, having 3,4-Methylenedioxypropiophenone as a major compound. All P. marginatum samples showed low toxicity to macrophages. The CE and the methanolic, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions had low cytotoxicity when compared to Pentamidine. All tested samples inhibited growth of L. amazonensis promastigotes. The antileishmanial activity of EO, CE and fractions were evaluated in macrophages infected with L. (L.) amazonensis and treated with the concentrations 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL for 48 h. All samples were active, but EO and CE showed superior activity against amastigote forms when compared to the promastigote forms of L. amazonensis. This work describes for the first time the antileishmanial activity of the species P. marginatum and its cytotoxicity against macrophages, suggesting that it can be an alternative source of natural products in the phytotherapeutic treatment of leishmaniasis.

Evaluation of Piper marginatum (Piperales: Piperaceae) Oil and Geraniol on the Embryonic Development of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Comparison to Formulated Products.

Essential oils and their isolated constituents are constantly being studied for the control of insect pests. In this context, the present research reports the chemical composition of Piper marginatum (Jacq.) oil aiming to: 1) establish lethal concentrations LC30 and LC50 for this oil and the compound geraniol, 2) histologically examine the embryonic development of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as 3) compare the efficacy of the P. marginatum oil with that of the botanical insecticide azadirachtin, the synthetic insecticide deltamethrin, and acetone as a negative control. Semithin sections of S. frugiperda eggs revealed that the oil, geraniol, azadirachtin, and deltamethrin affected embryonic development at both concentrations. However, geraniol and the oil were more efficient because they caused more significant damage, even at lower concentrations. SEM revealed that all products altered the morphology of the eggs, modifying the structure of the chorion and making the eggs nonviable. Thus, this work demonstrates that P. marginatum oil is effective in the control of S. frugiperda because it results in embryonic damage even at the lowest concentrations.

Essential Oils from Five Brazilian Piper Species as Antimicrobials Against Strains of Aeromonas hydrophila

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from five Brazilian Piper species (Piper aduncum, Piper callosum, Piper hispidinervum, Piper hispidum and Piper marginatum) against strains of Aeromonas hydrophila, isolated from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), as well as their chemical composition. The oils were characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and the major compounds identified were: dillapiole (80.7 %) for P. aduncum; safrole (67.0 %), methyl-eugenol (7.2 %) and β-pinene (6.6 %) for P. callosum; safrole (89.3 %) for P. hispidinervum; γ-terpinene (27.3 %), p-cymene (14.0 %) and α-terpinene (12.0 %) for P. hispidum; δ-3-carene (13.1 %), propiopiperone (8.0 %) and (E)-caryophyllene (6.8 %) for P. marginatum. The Brazilian Piper species evaluated in this study were able to inhibit the growth of the ten strains of A. hydrophila, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 234.37 to 30,000 μg mL-1. The antimicrobial activity of Piper essential oils was considered strong for P. callosum, P. hispidinervum, P. hispidum and P. marginatum, with the exception of P. aduncum that presented weak activity for all strains. This is the first record of antimicrobial activity of Piper essential oils against strains of A. hydrophila isolated from tambaqui, suggesting the potential for use in the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium.

Chemical Composition and Schistosomicidal Activity of Essential Oils of Two Piper Species from the Amazon Region

The essential oils of Piper marginatum Jacq and Piper callosum Ruiz & Pav were obtained by hydrodistillation and tested in vitro against the adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni species. The chemical constituents were evaluated by Gas chromatography / Mass spectrometry. The main constituents of the essential oil of the leaves of P. marginatum were 3,4- (methylenedioxy) propiophenone (10.41 %), bicyclogermacrene (10.16 %) and germacrene D (9.93 %). The extraction of the aerial parts (branches, leaves and inflorescences) from P. callosum provided two essential oils, one of them being transparent and of greater density than the water presenting safrole (29.32 %), α-pinene (19.23 %) and β-pinene (14.31 %) as major constituents and another yellow oil of smaller density than the water with 92 % safrole. The essential oils exhibited a dose-dependent effect on decreased motor activity and death of parasites. The essential oil of P. marginatum caused death of 100 % of the parasites in the concentration of 50 μg/mL, while the PC+ (denser than water) and PC- (less dense than water) samples obtained from P. callosum caused 100 % death in the concentration of 100 μg/mL.