Chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils from two Guadua species (Poaceae, Bambusoideae)

The chemical composition of the essential oil from Guadua angustifolia and G. chacoensis, two morphologically closely related species was evaluated by GC-MS. The objective was to compare the essential oil compositions of these species to facilitate their botanical differentiation. In addition, we aimed to uncover novel applications for these valuable bamboo species by evaluating their antimicrobial properties. The comparative analysis of the essential oils presented different major components in the species: hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and (E)-phytol for G. angustifolia, and (E)-β-ionone, hexadecanoic acid and (E)-α-ionone for G. chacoensis. These results show the potential of chemotaxonomic analyses as a cost-effective method for species differentiation within the Guadua angustifolia complex. The antimicrobial activity was assayed against Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but none of the oils presented a considerable activity with MIC values being above 500 µg/mL. However, some sensitivity was observed, particularly for E. coli and C. albicans. This research provides the first insights into the volatiles of American bamboo and their bioactive characteristics.