MDGC-MS analysis of essential oils from Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl.) and their antifungal activity against Candida specie

Abstract

Protium heptaphyllum is found in the Amazon region, and in various Brazilian states and South American countries. Also Known as almecega, it produces an oil resin used in traditional medicine as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant and expectorant, it is rich in pentacyclic triterpenes and essential oil. The main objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of P. heptaphyllumresin (OEPh) over different extraction times and to evaluate their antifungal activity against Candida species, obtained from gardeners with onychomycosis, using the disk diffusion method. The OEPh was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Multidimensional Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MDGC / MS). Candida species were obtained from lesions on the nails of horticulturist from a community garden in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The antifungal activity in concentrations of 1000 µg/L, 500 µg/L and 250 µg/L, PROTOCOL M44-A2 (CLSI 2009) OEPh was tested. The main constituents identified were: l-limonene, α-terpineol, p-cineol, o-cymene and α-phellandrene, however, its composition varies significantly with extraction time. All species, except C. rugosa, were inhibited with halo (≥ 14 mm) at 1000 μg / L. C. krusei is naturally resistant to the drug fluconazole, but when tested with OEPh the clinical species (case 9) demonstrated sensitivity in three dilutions (halo ≤ 10 ≥ 14) and the standard strain was inhibited at concentration of 1000 μg/Lg / L (halo 14mm). A similar situation also occurred with the standard strain of C. parapsilosis (halo ≥ 11mm). OEPh has considerable antifungal activity, which merits further investigation for alternative clinical applications, since this species is widely distributed in our community, and it presents good yields, and also has important therapeutic applications.

Gas Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Vasorelaxant Effect of Essential Oil fromProtium heptaphyllum(Aubl.) March.

“…Recently, Mobin et al [ 13 ] evaluated the chemical composition of P. heptaphyllum resins (EOPh) over different extraction times and their antifungal activity against Candida species, obtained from gardeners with onychomycosis. Literature review by these authors also showed that the main constituents, mainly monoterpenes, vary significantly according to the extraction period and region where the material was collected.…”

“…In this work, we decided to evaluate the vasorelaxant effect of EOPh for the following reasons: its chemical composition did not change significantly in relation to previous works [ 13 ], there is a wide distribution of this species in our region, and it is easy to access the botanical material (resin) throughout the year in the central market of the municipality of Teresina, Piauí state.…”

“…Almécega presents several therapeutic indications such as anti-inflammatory, contraceptive, antineoplastic, cicatrizing, expectorant, antimicrobial, and antifungal indications [ 13 ]. It is also used by the indigenous Brazilians as a nasal decongestant [ 10 , 14–17] for being present in various parts of the plants produced through its secondary metabolism; its pharmacological potential has been reported in some scientific studies; because they are easy to extract and are economically viable, essential oils have assumed a prominent role in research on natural products; however, still few studies investigate their cardiovascular effects, being the first time reported in the species under study.…”

Use of Essential Oils in Onychomycosis: An Integrative Review

“…Important result being one of the main species causing onychomycosis. Demonstrating inhibition, even, with C. krusei, naturally resistant to the drug fluconazole, a similar situation occurred with the strain of C. parapsilosis 26 .…”

Pain Management of Amazon Indigenous Peoples: A Community-Based Study

“…The breu-branco resin oil is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic activity. 44 , 45 Powder extracted from annatto seed is known for its scar healing effects whereas its leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. 46 , 47 Toad vaccine, although widely used for pain relief, is highly toxic.…”