Estudo do potencial antimicrobiano do óleo essencial de Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott

Abstract

Biodiversity has always been exploited by humanity, and by combining this exploration with sustainable use, it is possible to obtain valuable compounds that can be applied in the production of medicines, cosmetics, and other products. Due to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and the misuse or often excessive use of antibiotics, it is necessary to study the development of possible solutions. In this context, a species of the genus Philodendron is studied to examine its chemical composition and potential antimicrobial properties. Material from Philodendron bipinnatifidum was collected, herbarium specimens were prepared, and it was incorporated into the collection of the herbarium at UTFPR's Medianeira Campus. Additional material was collected, dried, and ground for ethanolic extraction to obtain the essential oil of Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott. The chemical composition revealed a wide variety of compounds, with emphasis on Octacosane, Hentriacontane, Nonacosane, and Sitosterol. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test for the tested suspension was established at 1/1000 dilution of the initial culture, and the final concentration of the antimicrobial agent responsible for eradicating microorganisms in the essential oil was 32 μl/mL, highlighting citronellol as a phytoconstituent with proven bactericidal activity against the ATCC 43888 strain of Escherichia coli, reinforcing the biological activity identified in the tests.