ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL FROM TWO SPECIMENS OF Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (GOMES) L. R. LANDRUM (MYRTACEAE) NATIVE FROM SÃO PAULO STATE - BRAZIL

Abstract

Summary The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of two specimens of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus, collected at two locations in Sao Paulo state-Brazil (Cardoso Island and Paranapiacaba), was determined. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the microdilution method against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The best results against E.coli (CIM = 48mL/L; CBM = 390µL/L) were obtained with the specimen collected in the Cardoso Island while against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus both specimens showed similar results. However, against C. albicans, the best results were found with the specimen collected in Paranapicaba (MIC=24µL/L and MBC=97µL/L). The difference in the sensitivity observed might be due to the different chemical composition, in the Cardoso Island specimen the major component was eugenol while in the other one of 4-methyl-eugenol.