Estudo e caracterização do óleo essencial da pimenta-do-reino (Piper nigrum) utilizando os métodos de destilação por arraste de vapor e ultrassom

Abstract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), originally from India, is a climbing plant of great economic value. There are several types of peppers, which have essential oils, oleoresin, resin, piperine and other compounds in their chemical composition. Essential oils, characterized by being complex volatile compounds that impart a distinct aroma and flavor, are extracted by a variety of methods, with steam distillation being the most common technique. In this context, the present work aims to analyze the Bragantina and Kottanadan cultivars, aiming to obtain their respective essential oils, using steam distillation and ultrasound as extraction methods, and identifying their chemical constituents. The moisture content of black peppers presented significantly higher values compared to white peppers, due to the presence of the skin (pericarp), with values of up to 74% for the Kottanadan cultivar. The highest extraction yields were obtained for the Kottanadan cultivar, reaching an average of 1.59% and 6.70% for the steam distillation and ultrasound distillation methods, respectively. Analysis of the chemical composition of the essential oils from the peppers under study revealed the main major components as βcaryophyllene (22.33%), τ-Muurolol (10.01%), β-Bisbolene (11.34%), Caryophyllene oxide (12.95%) and 4-Terpeneol (8.33%). Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for both the type of pepper and the extraction method, highlighting their influence on the essential oil extraction yield. It is concluded that the chemical compounds identified in black pepper essential oil have similar biological and pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These characteristics suggest a promising application of these properties in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the potential of black pepper as a source of valuable active ingredients for the development of new medicines and therapeutic products.