Emulsion molecular role and advanced characterization of Ambrosia arborescens miller essential oil

Terrones Díaz H.E.; Cano de Terrrones T.; Sanchez Sarmiento D.C.; Miranda Ramos L.M.; Álvarez Tohalino V.L.; Delgado Sarmiento P.K.; Jiménez Pacheco H.G. · Biochemical Systematics and Ecology (2025) · DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2025.105011

Resumen

Throughout history, plants have been used for medicinal and pesticidal purposes due to their bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, oxygenated compounds, and terpene derivatives with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the chemical composition and biocidal potential of Ambrosia arborescens Miller essential oil, emulsified with dimethyl sulfoxide. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 39 components, with sesquiterpenes as the predominant class, including Germacrene D (16.54 %), Santolina triene (14.3 %), Sabinene (12.4 %), Eucarvone (6.7 %), Ar-curcumene (5.17 %), and δ-Cadinol (4.85 %). Infrared (IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of sesquiterpenoid rings, cyclopentenes, and cyclodenzynes, structures known for their potential biocidal activity. The findings suggest that A. arborescens essential oil could serve as a natural insecticide, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides while minimizing environmental impact.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa; Universidad Católica de Santa María