Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of the Bark Oil of Croton stellulifer, an Endemic Species from S. Tomé e Príncipe

Abstract

The composition and the antimicrobial activity of the bark oil of Croton stellulifer, an endemic and rare species of these islands (S. Tomé and Príncipe) are reported. Analysis was carried out by GC, GC/MS and ¹³C-NMR. The major constituents were α-phellandrene (15.4 - 18.6 %), p-cymene (14.4 - 17.7 %), linalool (12.0 - 12.6 %) and α-pinene (8.1 - 9.1 %). Kessane, a sesquiterpenoid oxide, not yet reported in the genus Croton, was identified by NMR. The essential oil of C. stellulifer was active against both bacterial and fungal strains, except Aspergillus niger.

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