Novel Study on Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Activity of Essential Oil from Ecuadorian Bryophyte <i>Syzygiella rubricaulis</i> (Nees) Stephani

Abstract

Our research focuses on exploring the chemical composition and some biological properties of the essential oil derived from Syzygiella rubricaulis (Nees) Stephani, a bryophyte species. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, we utilized a DB5MS capillary column along with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization (GC-FID). The qualitative and quantitative examination revealed the presence of 50 compounds, with hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (48.35%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (46.89%) being the predominant constituents. Noteworthy compounds identified include bicyclogermacrene (12.004%), cedranone (9.034%), spathulenol (6.835%), viridiflorol (6.334%), silphiperfol-5,7(14)-diene (6.216%), biotol (6.075%), guaiol (4.607%), viridiflorene (4.65%), and α-guaienol (3.883%). Furthermore, we assessed the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil, revealing a compelling inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 value of 26.75 ± 1.03 µg/mL and a moderate antimicrobial (MIC 500 µg/mL, Enterococcus faecium, Lysteria monocytogenes) and antioxidant effect (ABTS: SC50 343.38 and DPPH 2650.23 µg/mL). These findings suggest the potential therapeutic application of the bryophyte essential oil in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease due to its potent anticholinesterase properties.

Keywords

• <i>S. rubricaulis</i>
• essential oil
• acetylcholinesterase
• MIC
• scavenging capacity
• bicyclogermacrene