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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical composition and biological activity of Gaultheria procumbens L. essential oil (EO). The components of EO were identified by GC-MS. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of isolated volatile oil and antimicrobial activity, antiarthritic, and antioxidant activity were determined by disc diffusion method, protein denaturation, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively. Results: GC-MS analysis showed that methyl salicylate (61.14%) was the main volatile constituents of the isolated volatile oil. EO and dried alcoholic extracts of wintergreen plant inhibited the growth of all microorganisms tested, at the concentration of 1% mg/ml v/v. Significant anti-arthritic activity was observed compared to standard diclofenac sodium, and a dose-dependent DPPH-radical-scavenging activity with an EC50 value of 94.67% was also observed with the volatile oil. Conclusion: Overall, oil of wintergreen showed marked bioactivities and hence can be used in antiarthritic formulations used for local applications.

Phytochemistry and Biological Profile of Gaultheria procumbens L. and Wintergreen Essential Oil: From Traditional Application to Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

“…Other reports documented significantly weaker effects of the oil compared to reference substances. For instance, Singh and co-workers [ 49 ] showed relatively weak antioxidant activity in the DPPH test for essential oil obtained from fresh aerial parts of eastern teaberry (EC50 94.67 μg/mL) compared to the positive standard of vitamin C (EC50 14.9 μg/mL). Similarly, Jintanasirinurak and others [ 47 ] described weak antioxidant activity of wintergreen oil obtained from leaves of G. procumbens in the DPPH scavenging test (IC50 > 2 × 104 ppm) and metal chelating assay (IC50 > 5 × 104 ppm), compared to the standard antioxidant vitamin C (IC50 3.16 ppm), BHT (25.23 ppm), and EDTA (18.32 ppm).…”

“…The antimicrobial activity, i.e., antibacterial and antifungal, was mainly studied for the essential oil [ 9 , 10 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 55 , 144 , 145 , 146 , 147 ], and extracts prepared from leaves and aerial parts of G. procumbens [ 49 , 148 , 149 ]. The literature data also indicated the larvicidal and insecticidal activity of the essential oil [ 39 , 45 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 , 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 , 159 , 160 , 161 ] and plant extracts [ 162 ].…”

“… The content of methyl salicylate in essential oils distilled from leaves (L1–L10), fruits (F1), and herbs (aerial parts, H1) of G. procumbens and in commercially available G. procumbens essential oils (C1–C9). References: L1 [ 10 ], L2 [ 39 ], L3 [ 40 ], L4 [ 41 ], L5 [ 42 ], L6 [ 43 ], L7 [ 44 ], L8 [ 45 , 46 ], L9 [ 47 ], L10 [ 48 ], F1 [ 10 ], H1 [ 49 ], C1 [ 9 ], C2 [ 50 ], C3 [ 51 ], C4 [ 52 ], C5 [ 53 ], C6 [ 54 ], C7 [ 55 ], C8[ 56 ], C9 [ 57 , 58 ]. …”

Determining the authenticity of methyl salicylate in Gaultheria procumbens L. and Betula lenta L. essential oils using isotope ratio mass spectrometry

“…Since the main component of both wintergreen and birch essential oils is methyl salicylate, the physicochemical properties of both oils are very similar. It is well known that methyl salicylate has been widely used as an analgesic (4) to relieve pain associated with arthritis and sore muscles (5). Wintergreen essential oil has traditionally been used to alleviate spasms (6), as an astringent, diuretic, stimulant, or relaxant (7), an anti-inflammatory (8), alleviate lower back pain (9), for digestive problems and as an antiseptic (10).…”