Antimicrobial Activity of Copaifera langsdorffii Oleoresin on Streptococcal Species

Copaiba oils, also described as copaiba balsams or oleoresins, are produced by extraction of the trunk of trees belonging to the genus Copaifera. These trees are largely distributed in northern South America, mainly in the Amazon Rainforest. The copaiba oil obtained from Copaifera langsdorffii, one of the most popular phytomedicines used in Brazil, has been used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Copaifera langsdorffii oleoresin (OR) against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Methods: Measurement of antimicrobial activity of OR against planktonic cells of S. mutans (ATCC 25175) and S. pyogenes (ATCC 19615) was made by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in a 96-well microplate, using microdilution technique and subculture. Serial dilutions ranging from 1.56 mg/mL to 1.0 mg/mL were made in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth supplemented with 0.2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Nitrotetrazolium blue chloride was used as an indicator of bacterial growth. The experiments were performed in triplicate. All tests were compared to controls.

Results: C.langsdorffii oleoresin was active against S. mutans and S. pyogenes with MIC values of 25 mg/mL and 400 mg/mL, respectively. A bactericidal effect was observed only for S. pyogenes with a MBC of 400 mg/mL.

Conclusions: These results indicate that Copaifera langsdorffii oleoresin has antibacterial activity against streptococcal species.