Chemical Composition and Bioactive Potential of Essential Oils from Banisteriopsis campestris

Background: Banisteriopsis campestris is a Malpighiaceae, also known as “cipó-prata” or “murici”. There are some reports about the use of this plant in folk medicine. Objectives: The aim of this study is to test the Essential Oils (EOs) from leaves, stems, and roots of B. campestris for antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antiprotozoal activities and the inhibition of glycation and cytotoxicity on Vero cells. Methods: The plant was collected and the essential oil was obtained and tested for antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antiprotozoal activities and the inhibition of glycation and cytotoxicity on Vero cells, using the more adequate methods to achieve the objectives. Results: The EOs inhibited the growth of aerobic and anaerobic oral bacteria. The root oil presented the highest antibacterial activity with MIC levels ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg mL-1. The three EOs showed antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania amazonensis. The stem and root EOs presented low cytotoxicity to Vero cells. The roots and stem oils showed inhibition of glycation above 50%, with stem oil with of 79.11%. The compounds identified in the leaf EOs were palmitic acid (22.98%), phytol (22.98%), and triacontane (14.88%); in the stem–palmitic (49.79%), linoleic (11.63%), oleic (4.83%), and palmitoleic (4.15%) fatty acids; in the root–palmitic acid (57.39%), linoleic (10.38%), and oleic acids (5.47%). Conclusions: The results presented indicate that the EOs have remarkable antioxidant properties and potential antimicrobial activity and confirm the essential oils of B. campestris as an alternative source of medicinal substances.