Antibacterial and anti-edematogenic activity of Tithionia diversifolia essential oil

Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil investigated the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of the essential oils derived from the leaves and inflorescences of Tithonia diversifolia. Their findings were published in the Journal of Essential Oil Research.

• T. diversifolia, commonly known as Mexican sunflower, is an invasive shrub found in tropical regions.
• To determine its chemical components, the researchers analyzed the essential oils of T. diversifolia using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.
• They found that the essential oils from T. diversifolia leaves (EOL) and inflorescences (EOI) are mainly composed of a-pinene and B-pinene.
• While EOL displayed potent anti-edematogenic properties at a concentration of 0.5 percent (volume per volume solution, v/v), EOI displayed the same at a concentration of 2.5 percent (v/v).
• The researchers also reported that, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both essential oils inhibited edema but did not inhibit cellular recruitment.
• On the other hand, EOI displayed a more potent anti-microbial activity against cariogenic microorganisms than EOL.
• Nevertheless, both essential oils significantly inhibited the production of acids by Streptococcus mutans at concentrations that were non-toxic to human gingival fibroblasts.

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the essential oils of T. diversifolia are potent and non-toxic anti-edematogenic and antibacterial agents.

Journal Reference:

Sousa IP, Chagas-Paula DA, Tiossi RFJ, Silva EDO, Miranda MA, Oliveira RBD, Spadaro ACC, Bastos JK, Furtado NAJC, Costa FBD. ESSENTIAL OILS FROM TITHONIA DIVERSIFOLIA DISPLAY POTENT ANTI-OEDEMATOGENIC EFFECTS AND INHIBIT ACID PRODUCTION BY CARIOGENIC BACTERIA. Journal of Essential Oil Research. 26 July 2018;31(1):43–52. DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2018.1500315