Physicochemical Characterization of the Essential Oil of Guaviduca (Piper carpunya Ruiz & Pav)

Piper carpunya, commonly known as guaviduca, is a perennial aromatic shrub that forms part of the botanical and cultural heritage of tropical regions in South America, where it has been widely used in traditional medicine. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the essential oil extracted from this species. The research was carried out at the Chemistry and Bromatology Laboratories of the Amazonian State University, using fresh leaves collected from subtropical regions of Ecuador. The essential oil was obtained through steam distillation, and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography (GC), revealing a complex mixture of monoterpenes and oxygenated derivatives. Among these, 1,8-cineole (12.5 %) and cis-sabinene hydrate acetate (14.1 %) were the most prominent, both known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The oil’s balanced chemical profile and high oxidative stability make it suitable for therapeutic, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. The results confirm its potential as a functional ingredient in various industries.