Potential of Panamanian aromatic flora as a source of novel essential oils

Description: Flora of Panama is one of the richest in the world and occupies fourth place in vascular plant diversity in the American content. Many plants of the families interalia Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lauraceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Piperaceae, Rutaceae, Rosaceae and Sapindaceae have yielded essential oils (EOs). A summary of results on chemical composition and biological activities of 20 EOs from selected Panamanian plants is provided here, which shows the potential of aromatic flora of Panama. Six species of Piper had sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as major components, three were characterized by monoterpene hydrocarbons, and one by a phenylpropanoid, dillapiole. EOs of P. hispidum and P. longipsicum at a concentration of 250μg/ml showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, while P. multiplinervium against Helicobacter pylori (IC50 = 0.1μg/mL). The main components of EOs from 9 species belonging to 4 genera: Eugenia, Calyptranthes, Eugenia, Plinia, and Myrcia were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (E-caryophyllene) or oxygenated sesquiterpenes (α-bisabolol). EO of E. acapulensis showed strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=125μg/mL) and Mycobacteria smegmatis (MIC=250μg/mL).