Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Lippia lasiocalycina Cham. (Verbenaceae)

The use of plant species of the genus Lippia in the treatment of diseases is an old practice, however, some species still needs studies. Thus, the present work aimed to characterize chemically and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Lippia lasiocalycina. The oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and the analysis of the chemical constituents done using gas chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometer. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia con and Candida albicans strains. The constituents present were identified (90.09%) and piperitenone oxide was defined as the major compound (57.55%) followed by limonene (20.69%). The essential oil of Lippia lasiocalycina presented activity against C. albicans strain, signaling for a potential application in the treatment of infections caused by this yeast.