Potential of the Essential Oil from Pimenta Pseudocaryophyllus as an Antimicrobial Agent

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.

Biological Activities of Essential Oils: From Plant Chemoecology to Traditional Healing Systems

“…In this study, the release of potassium ions and 260 nm-absorbing cell material was also increased in the presence of the essential oils. Similar structural alterations were evidenced using the essential oil of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) Landrum against the main bacteria responsible for bad perspiration odor ( Staphylococcus epidermidis or Proteus hauseri ) and Cinnamomum longepaniculatum (Gamble) N. Chao ex H. W. Li leaf essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus , E. coli and Salmonella enteritidis [ 49 , 50 ]. The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia L. (tea tree) disrupted the permeability barrier of E. coli and S. aureus membranes leading to the loss of chemiosmotic control [ 51 ].…”

Food Grade Pimenta Leaf Essential Oil Reduces the Attachment of Salmonella enterica Heidelberg (2011 Ground Turkey Outbreak Isolate) on to Turkey Skin

“…However, PEO contains eugenol as a major active component having strong inhibitory activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria ( Hyldgaard et al, 2012 ). The presence of eugenol might have resulted in morphological alterations of the microbial cell, including the disruption of the cell membrane, and formation cleft, and pore leading to the leakage of contents and subsequent death of microorganisms ( Suzuki et al, 2014 ). Moreover, eugenol can down-regulate several critical genes in S .…”

“…182.20) compound by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA, 2016 ). The major component of PEO is eugenol (>80%) ( Suzuki et al, 2014 ). The PEO possesses antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus hauseri, Micrococcus yunnanensis , and Corynebacterium xerosis ( Suzuki et al, 2014 ).…”

“…The major component of PEO is eugenol (>80%) ( Suzuki et al, 2014 ). The PEO possesses antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus hauseri, Micrococcus yunnanensis , and Corynebacterium xerosis ( Suzuki et al, 2014 ). PEO also possesses in vitro antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes ( Aureli et al, 1992 ).…”

Developmental toxicity evaluation of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) Landrum, (E)‐methyl isoeugenol chemotype, in Wistar rats

“…Studies using crude extracts or essential oils obtained from P. pseudocaryophyllus leaves showed a wide potential of pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial (Lima et al, ; Paula et al, ; Custódio et al, ; Fernandes et al, ; El Assal et al, ; Suzuki et al, ; Yokomizo and Nakaoka‐Sakita, ), anxiolytic, antidepressant (Fajemiroye et al, , ), antinociceptive, anti‐inflammatory (Paula et al, ), and antioxidant (Campanini et al, , ). Additionally, Ferrari et al () have recently shown the anti‐hyperuricemic effects of P. pseudocaryophyllus extracts from leaves and branches in hyperuricemic rats.…”