Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Bixa orellana L. Leaf Essential Oil

Abstract

The leaves of Thai Annatto Tree (Bixa orellana L.) were subjected to water distillation followed by analysis of the essential oil constituents using GC-MS technique as well as antibacterial activity test. The percent of extraction of the essential oil was found to be 1.04. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of phytochemicals such as terpenoids, sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds. The antibacterial test of the essential oil showed the activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The average diameter of inhibition zone of E. coli, S. aureus and S. epidermidis were 12.0±0.2, 11.0±0.1 and 12.5±0.3 respectively. In conclusion, the essential oil of Annatto leaf showed biological activity against E. coli, S. aureus and S. epidermidis with the presence of some biological active compounds such as 1H-Cycloprop[e]azulene or (-)-alpha-Gurjunene, camphor, D-germacrene and guaiacol.