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The effect of intercropping of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) from Lamiaceae with a medicinal legume, that is, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on the hyssop essential oil was investigated. The highest herbage and essential oil yields of hyssop were produced from sole cropping and also intercropped hyssop with fenugreek (3:1 ratio); however, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained from the intercropped hyssop with fenugreek (1:3 ratio). The highest contents of the major constituents in the hyssop essential oil such as cis- and trans-pinocamphone and β-pinene were obtained from sole cropped of hyssop and the intercropping of hyssop with fenugreek (3:1 ratio). In conclusion, the intercropping of hyssop with fenugreek can increase biodiversity and efficiency of using resources. Therefore, this strategy could be considered in order to recommend in simultaneous production of secondary metabolites in the herbs like hyssop in an agricultural land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influences of different fertilizers and weather conditions during three experimental years (2016–2018) on the morpho-physiological and phytochemical characteristics and some nutrients in the flowers of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) were investigated at the field. The fertilizers had significant effects on the studied traits and concentrations of nutrients in the flowers. The highest values of dry and wet weights of the flowers were obtained from the application of N-P-K, horse manure, and vermicompost at the third experimental year. The maximum amounts of photosynthesis pigments were obtained from vermicompost and chemical fertilizers at the first year; however, the total anthocyanin amount in N-P-K fertilizer at the third year was higher than other treatments. Vermicompost treatment had the highest contents of total phenolic and carotenoids. The maximum total flavonoids were obtained from horse manure, N-P-K, and vermicompost at the third year. The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in the flowers were achieved from the plants treated by N-P-K and vermicompost during three years. In conclusion, for increasing yield in damask rose and achieve to sustainable production system of this aromatic plant, the use of organic fertilizers especially horse manure and vermicompost is recommended at the semiarid climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, variation in the essential oil (EO) compositions of the aerial parts of Prangos platychlaena collected from 13 different natural habitats of five provinces in southwestern Iran, was investigated for the first time. Significant variability in the EO yield was observed among the investigated populations (ranging from 0.04 to 2.85% v/w). GC-FID and GC/MS analysis of the EOs identified 35 chemical components. The EOs were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons (69.06–90.14%). The main constituents of the EOs were delta (Δ)-3-carene (or 3-carene, (+)-3-carene, δ-3-carene) (9.25–43.17%), α-pinene (4.58–27.41%), β-pinene (3.72–25.55%) and β-phellandrene (4.02–17.88%). Briefly, the highest amounts of the mentioned components were observed in the EOs of R5, R4, R9, R10, R5, R4, R9 and R7 populations. According to the cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) of all the major components, the populations could be grouped into four main chemotypes: chemotype I (β-pinene/β-phellandrene/α-pinene/Δ-3-carene/α-phellandrene/α-thujone/α-terpinolene), chemotype II (Δ-3-carene/β-phellandrene/β-pinene/α-pinene), chemotype III (Δ-3-carene/β-phellandrene/α-pinene/β-pinene/β-caryophyllene/myrcene) and chemotype IV (α-pinene/Δ-3-carene/β-phellandrene/β-pinene/α-phellandrene). These chemotypes are discussed as being possibly the result of environmental and ecological factors, differences in plant genetics and their interactive effects. Finally, the difference between the EOs of P. platychlaena, collected from different habitats, is consistent with the fact that variation in chemical compositions could be related to the specific populations of P. platychlaena, which were collected from various environmental and ecological conditions and different geographical areas and origins. Moreover, the results of the present investigation can help to improve the conservation and breeding programs of this new crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, variation on the chemical compositions of the essential oil from eight populations of Ziziphora tenuior L. cultivated in semiarid climate, southwestern of Iran was performed. The essential oil analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Significant variability in the main constituents of the essential oils was observed among the investigated populations of Z. tenuior. The major compounds were pulegone (18.46–46.28%), piperitenone (0–30.61%), p-mentha-3-en-8-ol (0.46–28.49%), caryophyllene oxide (0.13%–14.78%), and germacrene-D (0.11–14.23%). According to the multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), three chemotypes were identified including chemotype-I: pulegone/germacrene-D/caryophyllene oxide; chemotype-II consisted of two subgroups (first subgroup: pulegone/p-mentha-3-en-8-ol, and the second subgroup: pulegone); and chemotype-III: piperitenone/pulegone. These chemotypes are the result of genetic differences and diversity between populations. The results of this investigation can help to improve the chemotaxonomic and phytochemical studies and the conservation and breeding programs of this herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyrrhiza echinata L. is a perennial plant of considerable commercial importance in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tobacco industries and the production of food additives as flavoring and sweetening agent. This study, variation on composition and yield of essential oil from the underground parts of five accessions of G. echinata growing wild in northern Iran was investigated. Results showed high variability for the main constituents of essential oil among accessions of G. echinata. The presence of α-pinene and myrcene in two accessions suggests that these volatiles could serve as chemotaxonomic markers and also might be considered as potentially relevant for taste. The presence of β-caryophyllene and α- caryophyllene in three accessions could be strong potential for being used in medical applications (anticancer and analgesic properties). Generally, the essential oils from G. echinata and other species could be very competitive targets for phytochemical and food studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of eight populations of B. persicum were collected from different regions in northeast of Iran. Essential oil of B. persicum was extracted by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-FID and GC/MS. The oils yields of dried fruits were found to be between 3.1 and 7.9% (v/w). In total, 19 compounds were identified that representing about 95.4-98.9% of the oil compositions. The major compounds (>5%) were γ-terpinene (29.2-40.1%), cuminic alcohol (16.4-28.4%), cumin aldehyde (9.1-18.9%), p-cymene (9.4-15.6%), safranal (3.4-7.9%) and limonene (3.7-6.4%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the main constituents in all populations. A hierarchical cluster analysis was done to put the chemical compositions of the essential oils from B. persicum fruit into perspective. The cluster analysis revealed at least five different groups and between these populations. The results of this experiment showed differences among the amount of oil yield, main and minor compounds in studied B. persicum populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of hydro-distilled essential oils from fresh leaves of wild growing Juniperus polycarpos var. turcomanica, collected from northeaste of Iran, were investigated by GC and GC-MS analysis during growing season 2012-2013. The oil yields depend on the month of collecting and ranged between 1.5 and 2.1% (v/w). Analysis of the essential oil identified 49 components that representing 89.7-94.6% of the total oil. Results indicated that the predominant presence of monoterpene constituents, representing 56.9-85.6% of the essential oil. The main constituent was α-pinene (41.8-75.4%), followed by germacrene B (1-5.8%), camphor (0.7-4.5%) and α-cadinol (0.4-4.8%). Regarding essential oil composition, quantitative and qualitative variations were recorded for 12 different collection periods. The best time for harvesting juniper leaves seems to be from mid-autumn to mid-winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of microwave power on dehydration kinetics as well as quantity, chemical composition and antioxidant potential of peppermint essential oil was evaluated. The leaves were dried using microwave powers of 200, 400 and 800 W, and the essential oils extracted by hydro-distillation. The antioxidant potential of the essential oils was quantified by DPPH radical-scavenging activity method. The obtained results showed that increasing microwave power caused significant decrement (p ≤ 0.01) in drying duration. Drying over the considered microwave powers reduced essential oil yield significantly (p ≤ 0.01). In total, 36 compounds were identified in the essential oils belonging mainly to oxygenated monoterpenes. The main constituents namely menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate showed significant variation (p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) with the drying process. Antioxidant assaying indicated significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on radical scavenging activity of the essential oil by drying and essential oil concentration. Compared to the fresh samples (with an IC50 of 103 μg/ml), the leaves dried at microwave power levels of 200, 400 and 800 W resulted in significant lower antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 201, 291 and 615 μg/ml, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess environmental factors effects on quality and quantity of Iranian rosemary oil. Chemical components were identified by GC-FID and GC/MS. Results indicated that essential oil yields exhibited significant variation among accessions. The highest contents were recorded for the Bo2 and Bo3 accessions (2.6 and 2.3 ml/100 g, respectively). The major constituents were 1,8-cineole (5.32–28.29%), camphor (1.58–25.32%) and α-pinene (14.19–21.43%). The Iranian accessions also exhibited chemical variability for other major compounds such as borneol, piperitone, camphene, bornyl acetate, verbenone, and trans-pinocamphone. According to multivariate analysis, including CA, HCA, DCA, and PCA the rosemary accessions belonged to two main chemotypes (I camphor type and II α-pinene/1,8-cineole/camphor type). Results of CA and DCA analyzes were similar and both of them were in agreement with the results of PCA analyzes. Furthermore, there were positive and negative correlations between the major constituents and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This work was aimed at quantitative and qualitative analyses of the essential oil of peppermint leaves under different drying methods. Thin layer drying experiments of the leaves were performed in shade, hot air dryer (at temperatures of 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C), and microwave oven (at power levels of 200, 400, and 800 W). Essential oils of the fresh and dried samples were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The highest (22.24 g/kg dry matter) and the lowest (1.33 g/kg dry matter) oil yields were obtained from the hot air-dried leaves at temperature of 50°C and microwave-dried leaves at power of 800 W, respectively. In general, increasing drying temperature decreased the essential oil content. The GC/MS analysis of essential oils showed that the chemical compounds belonged mostly to oxygenated monoterpenes class (72.34-86.41%). The chemical compounds group was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased by microwave drying at power levels of 200 and 400 W. The assessed drying methods caused significant (p < 0.05 and/or p < 0.01) variations in the main constituents of the peppermint leaves essential oil including menthol, menthone, menthofuran, 1,8-cineole, and menthyl acetate. The minimum (35.01%) and maximum (47.50%) concentrations of menthol, as the major compound of the oil, were found in hot air-dried leaves at temperature of 50°C and microwave-dried leaves at power of 400 W, respectively. The percentage of menthone, as the second constituent in the essential oil, was significantly lost (p < 0.01) under microwave drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the in vitro antimicrobial effects of seed essential oil of Ferulago angulata. The oil analyses by GC and GC/MS resulted in the identification of 39 compounds representing 91.07% of the oil. The major constituents were (Z)-β-ocimene (19.93%), α-pinene (15.50%), p-cymene (7.67%), sabinene (7.49%), β-phellandrene (5.5%), and α-phellandrene (4.95%). The oil was also screened for its antimicrobial properties against six bacteria (Erwinia amylovora, Xanthomonas oryzae, Pseudomonas syringae, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Ralstonia solanacearum, Bacillus thuringiensis) and six fungi (Alternaria alternata, Culvularia fallax, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum, Cytospora sacchari, Colletotrichum tricbellum). According to the results of antibacterial activity, B. thuringiensis (with 8 µL mL−1 minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 15 µL mL−1 minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)) was the most sensitive bacterium; P. carotovorum and R. solanacearum (with 20 µL mL−1 MIC and 30< MBC) were the most resistant bacteria. Additionally, a broad differentiation against all of the tested fungi showed that the most susceptible and resistant fungi after 6 days at the highest concentration (800 µL L−1) were F. oxysporum (100.0 ± 0.00%) and C. tricbellum (52.50 ± 1.67%) of growth inhibition, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satureja bachtiaricabelonging to the family Lamiaceae is an endemic plant that widely distributed in southwestern of Iran. In this study, antibacterial activity and chemical composition of the essential oils from wild populations ofS. bachtiaricacollected from the alpine regions of southwestern of Iran were evaluated. The essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of ten populations ofS. bachtiaricawere analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Essential oil yields were from 1.5 to 1.9 mL/100 g dried material. The major constituents of the essential oils were carvacrol (1.26–62.3 %), thymol (3.2–40.6 %), γ-terpinene (1.94–28.3 %), and p-cymene (6.6–18.4 %). The essential oils fromS. bachtiaricawere rich in monoterpenoids, especially oxygenated monoterpenes. Among ten populations, the essential oils from the Mehriz and Yazd populations had the highest carvacrol amount (62 %). Results indicated that the essential oils had moderate-to-good inhibitory activities against six bacteria. In total, two chemotypes, including carvacrol and thymol were determined forS. bachtiarica. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aerial parts of wildAchillea wilhelmsiiC. Koch andA. kellalensisBoiss. & Hausskn. (Asteraceae family) were collected from Southwestern Iran provinces. The essential oils obtained by steam distillation from fine powder of the leaves and flowers of the twoAchilleaspecies have been analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The oil yield varied of 0.23 to 0.68% dry matter. The variations in chemical compositions from the flowers and leaves are important between plant populations. A total of 46 constituents were identified. The major constituents of the essential oils ofA. wilhelmsiicollected from the Ben and Natanz regions were lavandulyl acetate (t 26.2%), chrysanthenone (t 18.3%), 1,8-cineole (5.5 17.2%), linalool (0.8 16.1%), camphor (0.5 16.6%), borneol (t 6.5%), α-pinene (2.7 6.5%) and lavandulol (t 6.0%), while the essential oils ofA. kellalensisfrom the Kallar region were chamazulene (49.0 52.6%), α-bisabolol (20.5 -25.1%), β-myrcene (2.8 3.7%), and αpinene (1.6 4.5%). Although, the essential oils from the flowers and leaves ofA. kellalensiswere characterized by high level of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, those ofA. wilhelmsiiwere characterized by high level of oxygenated monoterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cumin (Cuminum cyminumL.) is one of the most important herbs known for stomach disorders. In this study, storage temperature effects on the quality of cumin essential oil were investigated. Changes in essential oils compositions were detected during storage for six months in a refrigerator (4°C), a freezer (−20°C), and at room temperature (25°C). The main constituents of the essential oil from the cumin fruits under different conditions of storage were cumin aldehyde belonging to oxygenated monoterpenes andp-cymene, and β-pinene belonging to monoterpene hydrocarbons. Results indicated that at room temperature, the proportions of compounds with lower boiling temperatures such as β-pinene (1.57–10.03%) andp-cymene (14.93–24.9%) were decreased; however, cumin aldehyde (45.45–64.31%) increased during cumin oil storage. Furthermore, the oil compositions showed the least alterations andC. cyminumkept its primary quality when stored at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils from the aerial parts of three populations ofNepeta crassifolia(Lamiaceae), which are Iranian endemic species and four populations ofN. nudagrown in northwestern Iran were obtained by hydro-distillation and examined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Overall, 37 compounds were identified in the essential oils from different populations ofN. crassifoliaandN. nuda. The essential oils consisted mainly of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpene aldehydes. The major components in the oils of three populations ofN. crassifoliawere 4aβ, 7α, 7aβ-nepetalactone (16.46–27.45%), 4aα, 7α, 7aβ-nepetalactone (13.45–17.54%), 1,8-cineole (8.15–9.70%) and elemol (14.38–22.14%), while 7aβ-nepetalactone (61–72.21%), 4aα, 7α, 7aβ-nepetalactone (8.72–12.63%), pulegone (7.36%) and piperitenone oxide (4.12%) were identified as the main constituents in the oils of four populations ofN. nuda. The essential oils from the aerial parts of two species ofNepetasourced in northwestern Iran were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes. In conclusion, the present study indicated the essential oil components of wild populations of bothNepetaspecies varied with chemotypes, environmental conditions, and geographic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinophora cinerea(Apiaceae) grows wild in the Zagros Mountains range, located in Iran. The herb has been used as a food additive in traditional preparations such as pickles. This study determined the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oils in the aerial parts ofE. cinereacollected from three natural habitats at two phenological stages. The essential oils constituents were determined by GC-FID and GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was evaluated againstBacillus cereus,Listeria monocytogenes,Proteus vulgaris, andSalmonella typhimuriumandCandida albicans. The highest oil yield obtained fromE. cinereawas 2.05%w/w dry matter harvested from plants at the full flowering stage. Major essential oil constituents were α-phellandrene (42.40 to 54.87%), α-pinene (12.28 to 25.54%), and β-phellandrene (10.29 to 11.08%).The essential oils ofE. cinereaharvested at the full flowering stage of growth had the highest antimicrobial activity. The antioxidant activity ofE. cinereaindicated the oil acted as an effective DPPH scavenger. The IC50values ranged from 1.97 mg/mL to 2.25 mg/mL for the essential oils as compared with the 0.412 mg/mL for BHT. The antimicrobial properties of the essential oils obtained from E. cinereamay be significant from a pharmaceutical standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Ferulago angulataBoiss. (Apiaceae), a perennial aromatic herb, grows wild in Iran. The aerial parts ofF. angulataare used as a flavouring in foods, especially dairy foods by indigenous people in western and southwestern Iran. Objective: This study investigates variation in chemical compositions, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils fromF. angulatacollected from natural habitats in the alpine regions of southwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) of the essential oils were evaluated against four bacteria (Bacillus cereus,Listeria monocytogenes,Staphylococcus aureusandSalmonella typhimurium). Antioxidant activity of the oils was determined by DPPH assay. Results: The essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS, which 49 volatile components were identified. There were significant differences between the various populations for oil yield and some main compounds. The major constituents of the essential oils fromF. angulatawereα-pinene, andcis-β-ocimene. The MICs of the essential oils were within concentration ranges from 62 to 250 μg/mL and the respective MBCs were 125 to > 500 μg/mL. Generally, the oils fromF. angulataindicated weak to moderate inhibitory activities against bacteria, especially againstListeria monocytogenes. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained from the oil of the Kallar population (IC50value = 488 μg/mL) and BHT as positive control (IC50 value = 321 μg/mL). Discussion and conclusion: The essential oil ofF. angulatacould be serving as a potential source ofα-pinene andcis-β-ocimene for use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its volatile methyl ester (MJ) are regarded as endogenous regulators that play important roles in regulating stress responses, plant growth and development. Salicylic acid (SA) has been identified as an important signaling element involved in establishing the local and systemic disease resistance response of plants after pathogen attack. Growth, oil yield and chemical components ofSatureja hortensisL. grown in greenhouse conditions were investigated. Experimental treatments, included (i) water foliar application, (ii) water + ethanol foliar application, (iii–v) 50, 100, and 200 ?L JA and (vi–ix) 50, 100, and 200 M SA. The hydro-distilled oil yields of studied treatments ranged between 0.74 and 0.91 mL/100 g dry matter. The major components of the oil were carvacrol, ?-terpinene, (Z)-?-ocimene, ?-pinene, and ?-terpinene. The result indicated that different levels of JA and SA had significant impacts on chemical components ofS. hortensisoils, whereas they had no significant effects on oil yield and dry herbage. Foliar application of 50 ?L SA increased monoterpene hydrocarbons inS. hortensisoil, whereas oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes decreased. Finally, some of secondary metabolites inS. hortensiscould be partially changed by supplementation of different elicitors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Satureja kallaricaJamzad belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is an endemic medicinal and aromatic plant in Iran. This is a herb growing wild in the alpine region (Kallar mountain) in southwest Iran. A GC and GC/MS analysis of essential oil isolated from the aerial parts ofS. kallaricaidentified 12 constituents accounting for 91.9% of the total oil. The essential oil yield was 0.15 ml/100 g based on the dry weight of plant material. The major oil constituents were piperitenone oxide (71.2%), piperitenone (6.7%), and pulegone (5.4%). The essential oil was rich in monoterpenoids, especially oxygenated monoterpenes (80.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: A number Hypericum species are well known for their therapeutic efficacy and use in traditional medicine. The various species of Hypericum have been traditionally used for the treatment of wounds, eczema, burns, trauma, rheumatism, neuralgia, gastroenteritis, ulcers, hysteria, bedwetting and depression. Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and phytochemical properties of essential oils of Hypericum helianthemoides (Spach) Boiss., Hypericum perforatum L. and Hypericum scabrum L. (Hypericaceae) collected from alpine region of Southwest Iran. Materials and methods: The essential oils obtained from dried flowering aerial parts of three Hypericum species were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine chemical compositions. The antibacterial activity of essential oils within concentration ranges from 16 to 500 µg/mL was individually evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes. Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella typhimurium. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of essential oils was determined using DPPH assay. Results: Essential oil yield of H. helianthemoides. H. scabrum and H. perforatum were 0.12, 0.20 and 0.21 mL/100 g dried material, respectively. The major constituents of the essential oils were α-pinene (12.52-49.96%), β-pinene (6.34-9.70%), ( E)-β-ocimene (4.44-12.54%), β-caryophyllene (1.19-5.67%), and germacrene-D (2.34-6.92%). The essential oils of three Hypericum species indicated moderate-to-good inhibitory activities against four bacteria, especially against L. monocytogenes. Discussion and conclusion: The essential oils of the three studied Hypericum species sourced in alpine region of West Iran were rich in monoterpene and sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons. Among the three tested species, the essential oil of H. scabrum showed the highest antibacterial and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]