Microbiological Tests of Natural Limonene and the Compounds Obtained after Isomerization of Limonene in the Presence of Ti-SBA-15 Catalyst-α-Terpinene, γ-Terpinene, Terpinolene, and p-Cymene

J Cosmet Sci. 2019 May/Jun;70(3):137-147.

Abstract

The antimicrobial properties of natural limonene and the compounds obtained after isomerization of limonene (α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, terpinolene, and p-cymene) were studied. The following microorganisms were selected for the tests: Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli K12 (ACCT 25922), Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis (ACCT 49461), yeast fungi Candida albicans, and fungi Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium commune, Trichoderma viride, and Cladosporium cladosporioides. During the studies, terpinolene showed the highest activity, and therefore, this compound was chosen for the preparation of therapeutic creams (content of terpinolene: 0.5 and 2 wt%). The obtained creams were active in the microbiological tests even at the lowest content of terpinolene. The mixture of products obtained after the isomerization of limonene also showed antimicrobial activity. Probably, in the future, this mixture of products can be used as a potential and relatively inexpensive ingredient in therapeutic and protective creams that can be applied for the relief of skin lesions and in the treatment of acne or atopic dermatitis.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
  • Cymenes
  • Isomerism
  • Limonene / chemistry*
  • Monoterpenes
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Terpenes

Substances

  • Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
  • Cymenes
  • Monoterpenes
  • SBA-15
  • Terpenes
  • 4-cymene
  • gamma-terpinene
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Limonene
  • terpinolene