The essential oil from the fruits of the Brazilian spice Xylopia sericea A. St.-Hil. presents expressive in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to investigate the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Xylopia sericea fruits (OXS). The fruits of this species are popularly used for medicinal purposes, and as a condiment in food preparation.

METHODS

The chemical composition of OXS was analysed by GC/MS. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and phosphomolybdenum and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activity was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against bacterial strains of interest to human health and food spoilage.

RESULTS

Eighty-four compounds were identified. The sesquiterpenes spathulenol (16.42%), guaiol (13.93%) and germacrene D (8.11%) were the most abundant constituents. OXS presented a significant antioxidant activity and also a high bacteriostatic effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

CONCLUSIONS

Those results evidenced the potential of OXS to treat human bacterial infections and as an antimicrobial ingredient for food preservation.