Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana et Planch essential oil from Manabí, Ecuador

ABSTRACTThe chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil from the stems of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana et Planch grown in Manabi (Ecuador) were studied. Ninety-nine compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes were the most represented classes of volatiles with 35.4% and 30.4%, respectively. The main constituents of the oil were limonene (34.9%) and α-terpineol (13.4%). Antioxidant activity were examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and it showed ferric reducing activity. These results validate the use of this plant in the traditional medicine.