Short communication, Note

https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2014-0024

Potential of the essential oil from Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus as antimicrobial agent

ÉRIKA YOKO SUZUKI ; NUPICS, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
EDILENE BOLUTARI BAPTISTA ; NUPICS, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
ANTÔNIO MÁRCIO RESENDE DO CARMO ; NUPITE, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
MARIA DAS GRAÇAS AFONSO MIRANDA CHAVES ; NUPITE, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
ELIZABETH LEMOS CHICOUREL ; NUPICS, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil
NÁDIA REZENDE BARBOSA RAPOSO ; NUPICS, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the essential oil of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus in inhibiting the growth of the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus hauseri, Micrococcus yunnanensis and Corynebacterium xerosis). The chemical profile of the essential oil was evaluated by high-resolution gas chromatography (HR-GC) and four constituents were identified, eugenol being the major component (88.6 %). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the turbidimetric method, using the microdilution assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the essential oil ranged from 500 to 1.000 μg mL–1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations confirmed the physical damage and morphological alteration of the test bacteria treated with the essential oil, reference drugs and eugenol. The findings of the study demonstrated that this essential oil can be used in the formulation of personal care products.

Keywords

Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Myrtaceae); essential oil; eugenol; antimicrobial action; scanning electron microscopy

Hrčak ID:

121068

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/121068

Publication date:

30.9.2014.

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