Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Myrcianthes fragrans essential oil, a natural aromatizer of the traditional Ecuadorian beverage colada morada

ConclusionsThe oil is characterized by a high concentration of the monoterpene aldehydes geranial and neral (citral), that make the aroma of colada morada prepared in southern Ecuador quite different from the beverage made in other regions of the country, where other types of myrtles (Myrtaceae spp.) are used. Moreover, the oil may become a new rich source of the important industrial chemical citral. The pleasant aromatic properties and the good in vitro antimicrobial activity of arrayán oil suggest a plausible scientific explanation for the traditional uses of the plant not only as a natural aromatizer of a traditional beverage but also as a natural anti-infective and anti-yeast agent.Graphical Abstract
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research