Yield and Chemical Composition of Essential oil of Piperaceae in one Segment of the Semideciduous Forest of Paraná State, Brazil, in Seasonal Samplings

Essential oils are composed of a complex mixture of various classes of substances; among them are phenylpropanoid, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, belonging to the secondary metabolism of plants. However, these compounds can be influenced by seasonal factors, among others. The objective of this study is to realize the prospect of obtaining Piperaceae with aromatic potential from a segment of the semideciduous forest of the Atlantic Forest Biome in the northwester region of Paraná State. The aim is to assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of its essential oil in the collection during the winter and summer seasons of year 2016. The statistical design was internally randomized in a factorial of 4 (species) x 3 (replicates). The species studied were Piper mosenii C. DC., Piper xylopioides Kunth, Piper diospyrifolium (Kunth) Kunth ex C. DC., and Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth. A total of 78 compounds were identified, 68 in winter and 71 in summer. The species presented a variation in the yield and composition of essential oils, both in winter and summer. The predominant chemical composition was sesquiterpenes followed by monoterpenes, with prominence of (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, α-pinene and β-pinene.