In vitro trypanocidal evaluation of pinane derivatives from essential oils of ripe fruits from Schinus terebinthifolius raddi (Anacardiaceae)

Abstract

Essential oils of ripe fruits from Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), obtained using a pilot extractor and a Clevenger apparatus were chemically characterized. Due the high amount of (-)-α-pinene in both oils, this monoterpene was tested against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, showing a moderate potential (IC 50 63.56 μg/mL) when compared to benznidazole (IC 50 43.14 μg/mL). Otherwise, (-)-α-pinene oxide did not showed anti-trypanosomal activity (IC 50 > 400 μg/mL) while (-)-pinane showed an IC 50 of 56.50 μg/mL. The obtained results indicated that the epoxydation of α-pinene results to the loss of the anti-parasitic activity while its hydrogenation product, contributed slightly to the increased activity.