Essential Oil from Piper aduncum: Chemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Assessment, and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: The challenge in antimicrobial chemotherapy is to find safe and selective agents with potency that will not be compromised by previously developed resistance. Terrestrial plants could provide new leads to antibacterial, antifungal, or antiprotozoal activity. Methods: The essential oil (EO) of Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) from Cuba was analyzed by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A cluster analysis of P. aduncum EO compositions reported in the literature was carried out. The EO was screened against a panel of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasitic protozoa) as well as for cytotoxicity against human cells. In addition, a review of scientific literature and a bibliometric study was also conducted. Results: A total of 90 compounds were identified in the EO, of which camphor (17.1%), viridiflorol (14.5%), and piperitone (23.7%) were the main components. The cluster analysis revealed at least nine different chemotypes. The EO did not show notable activity against bacteria or fungi, but was active against parasitic protozoa. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate P. aduncum from Cuba is a unique chemotype, support the importance of P. aduncum EOs as medicines, and demonstrate the promise of Cuban P. aduncum EO as a chemotherapeutic agent against parasitic protozoal infections.

INCORPORATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM Piper aduncum INTO FILMS MADE FROM ARROWROOT STARCH: EFFECTS ON THEIR PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

“…It has been known that Piper aduncum is an important Piperaceae, since several studies found in the literature have shown its potential as a great producer of EOs with therapeutic properties. 16 Therefore, this study aimed at developing biodegradable films made arrowroot starch into which EOs from Piper aduncum leaves and inflorescences were incorporated, at determining some of their physicochemical properties and at investigating their antifungal activity against Rhizopus microsporus and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.…”

Mathematical Modeling of Thin-Layer Drying Kinetics of Piper aduncum L. Leaves

“…The species Piper aduncum L., popularly known as spiked pepper, has organic compounds with antifungal action which act on the elimination of skin and hair diseases (Monzote, Scull, Cos, & Setzer, 2017). It has a stimulating action for digestion, liver and healing (Maia et al, 1998).…”

Essential oils from Piper aduncum inflorescences and leaves: chemical composition and antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

“…It may be evidence of the existence of a new chemotype of the species P. aduncum in the southeast of Goiás state, Brazil. In addition, a recently published study describes nine different chemotypes of the species P. aduncum and a new one that was found in Cuba (Monzote et al 2017). In the essential oil of aerial parts of P. aduncum in Cuba, the following major constituents were identified: piperitone (23.7%), camphor (17.1%) and viridiflorol (14.5%) (Monzote et al 2017).…”