Study of the Chemical Composition and Amtimicrobial Action of Dillenica Indica Peel, Fruit and Leaves Extracts

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants has grown over the years, this is due to the popular culture that already exists and to the increase in people's knowledge about the benefits of these plants. Dillenia indica popularly known as elephant apple or april flower is considered a medicinal plant that, according to studies, has antidepressant, anti-leukemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anxiolytic properties. This factor aroused interest in obtaining extracts of this to evaluate the antimicrobial action of these extracts. To obtain the extracts, separate samples of the leaves, bark and seeds were kept in contact with ethyl acetate for 3 days with daily agitation. After this period, the extract was filtered and dried by rotary evaporation. The analysis of the chemical composition of the extracts was performed by a Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry. The antimicrobial effect of the extracts was verified by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The values of MBC and MIC of the extracts of leaves, bark and seeds against the microorganisms in question were 0.1% v/v. Employing chromatography it was possible to identify several organic acids in the three extracts of D. indica. These acids are probably the compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity shown by the studied extracts.