Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Calamusenone, a Major Component of Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit Essential Oil

Background: Hyptis pectinata (Lamiaceae) is commonly known as ‘sambacaita’ and ‘canudinho’ in Brazil. In folk medicine, this plant is used to treat rhinopharyngitis, nasal congestion, certain skin diseases, gastric disorders, fever and bacterial infections. The present study aimed to study the phytoconstituents from the H. pectinata essential oil. Methods: The chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of H. pectinata was determined by GC-MS, the major component which was isolated and characterized by spectroscopic methods (NMR 1D/2D and IR). Thermoanalytical techniques (TG/DTG and DSC) were used to verify the thermal properties of calamusenone. Results: In GC-MS results, 25 compounds were identified. The essential oil contained mainly sesquiterpenes (92.09%), with calamusenone (62.61%). The potential of calamusenone for scavenging peroxyl radicals, quench hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anions and reducing the formation of nitric oxide radicles indicates that this compound shows antioxidant capacity according to assay and the tested concentration. Conclusion: Together, the results conclude that the identified compounds could contribute to treat various ailments and diseases induced by oxidative stress.