Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of resin of Protium heptaphyllum

Abstract

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the fresh resin of Protium heptaphyllum was analyzed by GC/MS. The main constituents were: α-pinene (10.5%), α-phellandrene (16.7%), limonene (16.9%), and terpinolene (28.5%). The essential oil was tested in vitro for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The results showed a moderate antimicrobial, but significant antioxidant activity. These results suggested that this essential oil is beneficial to human health, having the potential to be used for medical purposes and to be utilized as anti-bacterial additives to skin cosmetics.