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Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is of great importance due to its medicinal properties and industrial uses. However, as in most plants, physiological and biochemical changes occur in turmeric plants subjected to saline conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and antioxidant response of turmeric plants, and the yield and composition of turmeric essential oil under saline stress. The study was greenhouse-based, and 180 days old turmeric plants were treated with 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl solutions for 130 days. Plants grown under high NaCl concentrations showed significantly reduced shoot length and shoot and rhizome biomass accumulation. Large amounts of proline accumulated in the leaves at 150 mM NaCl. Lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde content increased with salinity in both leaves and rhizomes. Antioxidant enzymes showed greater activity in the leaves of plants exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Salinity altered the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil in the rhizomes. A total of 114 compounds were identified in the essential oil, with the main compounds from the sesquiterpenes class. Sesquiterpenes can constitute a secondary antioxidant system which can assist the primary antioxidant defense system to maintain the levels of hydrogen peroxide in cells at concentrations sub-lethal to turmeric plants. In addition, the presence of rhizomes has a mitigating effect on salt stress in this species due to the antioxidant activity of the essential oil present in the rhizomes.

The present study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil from Garcinia gardneriana (Planchon & Triana) Zappi leaves and fruits, and to determine its acaricidal activity on Rhipicephalus microplus by larval packet test and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti by larval immersion test. The chemical analysis of the essential oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes in bacupari leaves and fruits, and α-cedrene, α-chamigrene, α-trans-bergamotene, and β-curcumene as major compounds. Essential oil from leaves of G. gardneriana presented acaricidal activity on R. microplus (LC50 = 4.8 mg/mL; LC99 = 10.8 mg/mL) and larvicidal effect on A. aegypti (LC50 = 5.4 mg/mL; LC99 = 11.6 mg/mL), whereas essential oil from the fruits of G. gardneriana showed LC50 = 4.6 mg/mL and LC99 = 8.9 mg/mL against R. microplus and LC50 = 6.4 mg/mL and LC99 = 13.9 mg/mL against A. aegypti. These results thus demonstrate the potential acaricidal and larvicidal activity of essential oil of G. gardneriana, offering new perspectives for the realization of bioassays from this essential oil.

Turmeric or curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) is a Zingiberaceae whose essential oil and coloring pigments obtained from the rhizome have been widely used in the food industry and medicine. This study aimed to extract and identify the chemical compounds found in C. longa essential oil from rhizomes collected in six different locations of Brazil. The oil extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation technique, using a Clevenger- type apparatus. The chemical constituents were identified by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical cluster analysis (cluster)were done for the obtained data; and the composition of the studied accesses was verified. Three groups of chemotypes were obtained: group I was formed by the accesses of Campo Grande / Indígena-MS, Mara Rosa-GO, Campo Grande-MS and Perobal-PR, and had Ar-turmerone as its main compound; group II, formed by the access of Santa Tereza do Oeste-PR, presented α-costol and α-Phellandrene as the predominant compounds; and group III, the access of Holambra-SP, differed from the others regarding its essential oil chemical composition whose main agents were Curlone, Zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, Humulene epoxide II, cis-α-trans-Bergamotol. The predominant chemical class in all accesses was hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (Santa Tereza do Oeste-PR and Holambra-SP) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (the others). This study evidenced the formation of three chemotypes

The chemical composition of Gallesia integrifolia fruits essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger apparatus was investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, the cytotoxicity activity against human tumor cell lines MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (large cell lung carcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), and non-tumor PLP2 (porcine liver primary cells) as well as the anti-inflammatory action was proposal. The compounds were predominantly organosulfates (2,8-dithianonane, dimethyl trisulfide, and lenthionine). Anti-inflammatory activity that provides 50% inhibition of nitric oxide production (55 µg/mL) of essential oil of the fruits. It also presents cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (GI50 = 66 µg/mL), NCI-H-460 (GI50 = 147 µg/mL), HeLa (GI50 = 182 µg/mL) and HepG2 (GI50 = 240 µg/mL). The essential oil is more active in tumor cells than in non-tumor cells and the GI50 values for essential oil reported in our work support future studies. The authors thank Universidade Paranaense, UniCesumar, Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019) and to national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for R.C. Calhelhas contract, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil (CAPES) -finance code 001-, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), and Fundação Araucária for the financial support and the fellowship. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Myrcianthes pungens (Myrtaceae) is a native tree to Brazil known as guabijú. In our study, we described the chemical composition of the essential oil from M. pungens dried leaves, the antioxidant activity by different methods and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chemical identification was done by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer and antibacterial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method. The leaf essential oil presented hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (42.6%) as its main chemical class whose major compounds were β-caryophyllene (11.7%) and 1,8-cineole (10.1%). The best antioxidant protection was from 57.5 to 63.3% of β-carotene. The highest antibacterial activity was against S. aureus (MIC of 78.12 µg/mL). This value was 2.56-fold lower than the positive streptomycin control. M. pungens is a promising source of natural molecules with potential study for the development of pharmacological, cosmetic and food products.

This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of Gallesia integrifoliaessential oil from fruits, leaves, and flowers against Aedes aegyptilarvae and pupae. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sulfur compounds represented 95 to 99% of the essential oil from fruits, leaves, and flowers. Essential oil major compounds were 2,8-dithianonane (52.6%) in fruits, 3,5-dithiahexanol-5,5-dioxide (38.9%) in leaves, and methionine ethyl ester (45.3%) in flowers. The essential oils showed high activity against larvae, and low for pupae withLC99.9of 5.87 and 1476.67μg/mL from fruits; 0.0096 and 348.33 μg/mL from leaves and 0.021and 342.84 μg/mL from flowers, respectively. The main compound with insecticide activity is probably n-ethyl-1,3-dithioisoindole, from isoindole organothiophosphate class, found in greater amount in flower and leaf essential oil. The great insecticide activity of G. integrifoliaessential oil suggests that this product is a natural insecticide.

The search for natural sources to control microorganisms is of interest in food production. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Psidium cattleianum leaves. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and identified by GC-MS. The predominant class of compounds was sesquiterpenes (47.6%) and the major compounds were trans-β-caryophyllene (14.7%), 1,8-cineole (11.7%) and ɣ-muurolene (5.6%). The antimicrobial activity was carried out by microdillution technique against eight fungi and eight bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.17 to 11.25 mg mL-1 for fungi, and from 1.40 to 16.87 mg mL-1 for bacteria. The highest activities were against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), and Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) with potential to prevent foodborne diseases.

Brazil has one of the largest commercial cattle herds in the world, which naturally coexist with an enormous number of parasitic species. Southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, is among these species, interfering with animal productivity and causing losses to the beef and dairy cattle sector. The use of chemical acaricides in the control of this mite has resulted in the emergence of resistant populations. In this sense, alternative control measures using plants as sources of botanical acaricides have shown to be effective. Eugenia pyriformis Cambess is a Brazilian plant with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity; however, there are no reports on its acaricidal activity in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal and larvicidal potential of E. pyriformis leaf essential oil (EO) on southern cattle tick at different stages of the reproductive cycle. E. pyriformis leaves were collected and dried, and had their EO extracted by hydrodistillation (3h) using a modified Clevenger apparatus. Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 32 compounds belonging to the sesquiterpene class were identified: hydrocarbons (17.98%) and oxygenated forms (81.96%), with spathulenol (43.65%) and caryophyllene oxide (12.17%) as the most common. The EO was evaluated by the Adult Immersion Test at the concentrations (500.00 to 3.12mg/mL) in which the following parameters were measured: mortality of females (%), hatchability of eggs (%), and product efficiency (%). Larvae were assessed by the Larval Packet Test at concentrations ranging from 25.00 to 0.00004mg/mL. Lethal concentrations (LC) required for killing 50 and 99.9% of adult females and larvae were determined using Probit analysis. LC50 and LC99.9 of EO were 0.06 and 24.60mg/mL and 1,208.80 and 2,538mg/mL for larvae and adult females, respectively. Action of the EO in the free-living cycle of R. (B.) microplus larvae was another parameter assessed. To this end, the larvae were deposited in pots containing Brachiaria decumbens and, after migration to the leaf apex, a solution containing LC99.9 (24.60mg/mL) of the EO was sprayed. After 24h, 72.25% of the larvae had died, indicating stability of the EO when subjected to uncontrolled temperature and humidity conditions. The mechanism of action through which the EO killed the larvae and adult females was investigated by the Bioautographic Method, which showed inhibition of 3.15mg/mL of the EO on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. The results found in the present experiment indicate that E. pyriformis essential oil is an alternative in the control of southern cattle tick in the larval (parasitic) and free-living cycle (non-parasitic) stages under field conditions. RESUMO: O Brasil dispõe de um dos maiores rebanhos bovinos comerciais do mundo, sendo natural que junto a esse rebanho, coexista uma enorme quantidade de espécies parasitárias; dentre estes o carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus que interfere na produtividade animal, causando prejuízos à pecuária de corte e leite. A utilização de acaricidas químicos no controle deste ácaro tem causado o surgimento de populações resistentes e neste sentido, controles alternativos utilizando plantas como fontes de acaricidas botânicos têm se mostrado eficazes. Eugenia pyriformis Cambess é uma planta brasileira com atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana, entretanto não há relatos da atividade acaricida. O objetivo do presente estudo consistiu na avaliação do potencial acaricida e larvicida do óleo essencial das folhas de E. pyriformis sobre o carrapato bovino nos diferentes estágios do ciclo reprodutivo. As folhas foram coletadas, secas e o OE extraído por hidrodestilação (3 horas) em aparelho Clevenger modificado. A análise química foi realizada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM) sendo identificados 32 compostos, pertencentes à classe sesquiterpenos: hidrocarbonetos (17.98%) e oxigenados (81.96%); tendo como majoritários o spathulenol (43,65%) e caryophylene oxide (12,17%). O OE foi avaliado pelo teste de imersão de adultos nas concentrações (500,00 a 3,12mg/mL) onde foram mensurados os parâmetros: mortalidade das fêmeas (%), eclodibilidade dos ovos (%) e eficiência do produto (%). As larvas foram avaliadas pelo teste de imersão larval (Larval Packet Test) nas concentrações que variaram de 25,00 a 0,00004mg/mL. Foram determinadas as concentrações letais (CLs) necessárias para matar 50 e 99,9% das fêmeas adultas e das larvas utilizando a análise de Probitos. As CL50 e CL99,9 do OE foram (0,06 e 24,60mg/mL) para as larvas e (1.208,80 e 2.538mg/mL) para as fêmeas adultas, respectivamente. Outro parâmetro avaliado em nossa pesquisa foi mensurar a ação do OE no ciclo de vida livre das larvas de R.(B.) microplus; onde as larvas foram depositadas em vasos com Brachiaria decumbens e após migração destas para o ápice das folhas, foi aspergido solução contendo a CL99,9 (24,60mg/mL) do OE. Após 24 horas, 72,25% das larvas morreram indicando que houve estabilidade do OE quando submetido a condições de temperatura e umidade não controladas. O mecanismo de ação pelo qual o OE matou as larvas e fêmeas adultas foi investigado pelo método bioautográfico, indicando uma inibição de 3,15mg/mL do óleo essencial sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). Os resultados encontrados no presente experimento indicaram que o óleo essencial de E. pyriformis é uma alternativa no controle do carrapato bovino no estágio larval (parasitário) e no ciclo de vida livre (estágio não parasitário) em condições de campo.

Alpha-Bisabolol is an optically active sesquiterpene applied in various commercial products and obtained at high concentration in essential oil extracted from candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) Macleish) wood. In this study, the non-conventional pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods were employed to evaluate candeia oil quality in terms of yield and α-bisabolol content in comparison with Soxhlet and hydrodistillation techniques. The extractions with n-hexane, ethanol, and ethyl acetate (Soxhlet and PLE) showed the affinity of the compounds for polar solvents and the positive effect of temperature on the yield. However, the highest purity in terms of α-bisabolol was obtained with the apolar solvent n-hexane (up to 64.23%). Besides the α-bisabolol, α-bisabolol B, and isovaleric acid were found in the composition of the essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation, while the oil extracted with n-hexane also presented the sesquiterpenes eremanthin and costunolide. The UAE was performed using a Box-Behnken experimental design to evaluate the effect of the variables temperature, volume of n-hexane to wood mass ratio, and amplitude percentage on the yield of oil. In 7 min of extraction, up to 83% of the yield obtained in the conventional technique in Soxhlet (360 min) were obtained, with a solvent volume 2.5 times smaller, as well as a high yield of α-bisabolol (up to 8.90 gα-bisabolol kgwood−1).

Microorganism control in food has been a challenge due to the legislation restrictions of each country and the increase in the demand for food without chemical preservatives. Plant essential oils have antimicrobial action and are promising for the use in the food industry. Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the antimicrobial effect of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruit essential oil on minas frescal cheese. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The major identified compounds were hydrocarbon monoterpenes (57.0%), mainly: α-pinene (22.2%), limonene (17.0%), carvone (10.2%) and β-phellandrene (7.9%). The cheese was produced, the main microorganisms were isolated, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined through broth microdilution test. The cheese samples were soaked. The pink pepper fruit essential oil was added to the cheese samples at the concentration of 20000 μL/mL superficially or to the micelle. S. terebinthifolius fruit essential oil was efficient to control minas frescal cheese microorganisms mainly when applied by superficial addition. The essential oil is a potential source of studies to develop applications for the control of microorganisms in cheese such as minas frescal. Further studies may exploit the impact of the essential oil in minas frescal cheese acceptability. El control de microorganismos en los alimentos ha sido un desafío dadas las restricciones de la legislación de cada país y la mayor demanda de alimentos sin la adición de conservantes químicos. Los aceites esenciales de plantas tienen acción antimicrobiana y son prometedores para su uso en la industria alimentaria. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la composición química y efecto antimicrobiano del aceite esencial del fruto de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi en queso de minas frescal. El aceite esencial se extrajo mediante hidrodestilación y los compuestos químicos se identificaron mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Los principales compuestos identificados fueron los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (57,0%), siendo los principales: α-pineno (22,2%), limoneno (17,0%), carvona (10,2%) y β-felandreno (7,9%). Se elaboró el queso y se aislaron los principales microorganismos y se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria mediante la prueba de microdilución en caldo. Las muestras de queso se impregnaron con el aceite esencial del fruto de pimienta rosa a una concentración de 20000 μL/mL por adición superficial o agregado a la micela. El aceite esencial de los frutos de S. terebinthifolius resultó eficaz para el control de microorganismos del queso minas frescal, principalmente cuando se aplicó por adición superficial. El aceite esencial es una fuente potencial de estudios para el desarrollo de aplicaciones para el control de microorganismos en el queso fresco de minas. Los estudios futuros pueden explorar el impacto del aceite esencial en la aceptabilidad del queso minas frescal. O controle de microrganismos em alimentos tem sido um desafio face às restrições da legislação de cada país e pelo aumento da demanda de alimentos sem adição de conservantes químicos. Os óleos essenciais de plantas possuem ação antimicrobiana e são promissores para o uso na indústria de alimentos. O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar a composição química e o efeito antimicrobiano do óleo essencial do fruto de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi em queijos minas frescal. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação, e os compostos químicos identificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas. Os principais compostos identificados foram os hidrocarbonetos monoterpênicos (57,0%), sendo os principais: α-pineno (22,2%), limoneno (17,0%), carvona (10,2%) e β-felandreno (7,9%). O queijo foi produzido e os principais microrganismos foram isolados e determinada a concentração inibitória mínima através do teste de microdiluição em caldo. As amostras de queijo foram impregnadas com o óleo essencial do fruto da pimenta rosa na concentração de 20000 μL/mL por adição superficial ou adicionado à micela. O óleo essencial dos frutos de S. terebinthifolius foi eficiente para controle de microrganismos do queijo minas frescal principalmente quando aplicado por adição superficial. O óleo essencial é uma potencial fonte de estudos para o desenvolvimento de aplicações para o controle de microrganismos em queijos tipo minas frescal. Futuros estudos podem explorar o impacto do óleo essencial na aceitabilidade do queijo minas frescal.

Plantas como Plinia cauliflora, uma árvore nativa do Brasil, podem ser uma fonte natural de antioxidantes mais seguros, porém não há estudos sobre os efeitos das fases de desenvolvimento da planta sobre os óleos essenciais (OE) ou a atividade antioxidante. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antioxidante, a composição química e a produção de óleo essencial das folhas de P. cauliflora nas fases fenológicas vegetativa, floração e frutificação. Metodologia: a composição química foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa e a atividade antioxidante por três métodos in vitro. Resultados: o rendimento de óleo essencial das folhas foi o mesmo para as fases vegetativa, floração e frutificação. Os compostos de óleo essencial apresentam maior diversidade química nas fases de floração e frutificação. A maior atividade antioxidante foi obtida pelo sistema de co-oxidação β-caroteno/ácido linoléico. O óleo da fase vegetativa protege 40,6% de β-caroteno, enquanto os óleos das fases de floração e frutificação protegem apenas 27,5% e 14,5% de β-caroteno, respectivamente. A análise dos principais compostos evidenciou que a classe predominante foram dos sesquiterpenos de hidrocarbonetos com 67,0% (vegetativo), 66,1% (floração) e 59,4% (frutificação). Os principais compostos do OE nas fases vegetativa, floração e frutificação foram biciclogermacreno (17,0, 14,5 e 11,0%), germacreno D (16,9, 15,9 e 12,4%) e trans-cariofileno (9,2, 7,8 e 9,2%), respectivamente. Na fase vegetativa, destacaram-se o trans-2-hexenal (8,8%) e o óxido de cariofileno (5,4%). Conclusão: as folhas de P. cauliflora são desperdiçadas após a poda e o conhecimento de seu óleo essencial pode agregar valor à produção de jabuticaba no Brasil.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to analyze antileishmanial activity of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf essential oil (EO) on promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, cytotoxicity in murine macrophages and sheep erythrocytes. The essential oil (EO) was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. The main and most abundant compounds were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (71.22%) such as trans-caryophyllene (7.87%), bicyclogermacrene (11.28%), and δ-cadinene (8.34%). The IC50 for promastigote and amastigote forms of L. amazonensis was 70 µg mL−1 and 6 µg mL−1, respectively. C. xanthocarpa EO was not cytotoxic for murine macrophages (CC50 1860 µg mL−1) and sheep erythrocytes (1.5%), presenting high selectivity index for protozoan (310). C. xanthocarpa EO induced effects on the morphology and ultrastructure of this parasite. The high activity for intracellular amastigote forms, low toxicity to murine macrophages, and erythrocytes, suggest that C. xanthocarpa EO is promising for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Tradescantia pallida is a herbaceous plant with promising compounds in its composition that can be applied in several areas such as agronomic, pharmaceutical and chemical. However, further studies on this plant are needed in order to characterise it phytochemically, pharmacologically and toxicologically. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify the unprecedented identification of its essential oil (EO) components. The EO extraction of T. pallida aerial parts was performed by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus (5 h), and the chemical analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The oxygenated sesquiterpene was the dominant class in EO composition and spathulenol (19.56%) was the principal identified compound, followed by caryophyllene oxide (18.84%), β-caryophyllene (13.65%) and α-copaene (6.08%). The chemical identification of sesquiterpene compounds (oxygenated and hydrocarbons) in EO contributes to the understanding of the biological activities evidenced by T. pallida reported by literature.

This experiment aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the acaricidal and larvicidal activities of essential oil (EO) and fractions from rose pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) lea...

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito and vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus making it a serious global health problem. We aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of La...

Basil produces important compounds for the industrial manufacture of medicines, cosmetics, and food that are obtained by conventional production techniques. In vitro cultivation has contributed to the increasing reliability of the production, and efficient isolation, of target compounds independent of seasonal factors. We sought to assess the effects of copper sulfate on seedling growth and the elicitation of chemical constituents of the essential oil of basil leaves cultivated in vitro. Basil seedlings were grown in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with 25 and 75 μM CuSO4, as well as in control treatments. Essential oils obtained from the hydrodistillation of dried leaves were subjected to GC–MS analysis. The GC–MS and PCA analyses indicated the presence of two predominant volatile groups: Phenylpropanoids (77.81%) in the 25 μM CuSO4 treatment, with eugenol and methyl eugenol as major components, with industrial and pharmacological importance; and Monoterpenes (69.72%), in the 75 μMCuSO4 treatment and control, subdivided into monoterpene hydrocarbons (19.36%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (50.36%), with 1,8 cineole and linalool as major components.MS medium enriched with 25 μM CuSO4 resulted in seedlings with longer and more numerous leaves, which would be important for oil extraction. That Cu concentration probably affected the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, which is triggered mainly under plant stress situations.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on the chemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Green’) using static headspace extraction. The basil was cultivated in vitro and ex vitro. The sowing was completed in trays, and the seedlings were transplanted to pots and grown in a protected environment for 180 d. For in vitro cultivation, the seeds were placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with growth regulators, sucrose, agar, and CuSO4 (at 0 μM [control], 25 μM, or 75 μM). Volatile organic compounds emitted from the excised leaves were collected by the static headspace technique, and identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-six compounds were identified in the leaves harvested from the plants cultivated in vitro, while 11 compounds were identified in the leaves sampled from the ex vitro plants. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the main compounds found in plants cultivated ex vitro. Phenylpropanoids predominated in the control and the 25 μM CuSO4 treatments. The main compounds found were methyl eugenol (52.03%) and eugenol (20.66%). For the 75 μM CuSO4 treatment, the major compounds detected were linalool (28.14%) and 1.8-cineole (15.7%). Volatile secondary metabolites of basil cultivated in vitro with CuSO4 were easily isolated and rapidly obtained. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and potential of using copper treatments to reduce the impact of seasonality on essential oil production.

Several technologies have been developed to control Aedes aegypti, mainly studies on isolated plant molecules. The Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as pink pepper is a plant widely used in reforestation of degraded areas and its fruits are used as condiments. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential of essential oils (EOs) and fractions (FRs) obtained from fresh fruits and leaves of S. terebinthifolius. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation (2 hours), fractionated on a chromatographic column using as the stationary phase silica gel 60 (0.063-0.2mm), mobile phases: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol and chemically evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC/MS). EOs and FRs were tested against larvae of the third stage and pupae of Ae. aegypti by Immersion Test at concentrations ranging from 500.00 to 0.003 mg mL-1 (v/v). The hexane FRs obtained from fruits and leaves were the ones that showed the greatest activity on the larvae (LC99.9= 0.60 mg mL-1 and LC99.9 0.64 mg mL-1, respectively) and pupae (LC99,9 = 2.51 mg mL-1 and 2.61 mg mL-1, respectively). These results were confirmed by the anticholinesterase activity where the hexane (fruit and leaf) FRs presented the highest inhibitory potential on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (0.156 mg mL-1 and 0.312 mg mL-1, respectively), suggesting the likely mechanism of action. The larvicidal potential can be explained by the presence of the major compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D in the hexane FRs, indicating in this way that they may replace or even act in synergisms with conventional chemical larvicides. In this way the present study opens the field for new researches, aiming the development of products with the compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D, as an alternative in the control of this culicide. Diversas tecnologias têm sido desenvolvidas para o controle do Aedes aegypti, destacando pesquisas com moléculas isoladas de plantas. A Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), conhecida popularmente como pimenta rosa é uma planta muito utilizada no reflorestamento de áreas degradadas e seus frutos são utilizados como condimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o potencial dos óleos essenciais (OEs) e frações (FRs) obtidos dos frutos e folhas frescos de S. terebinthifolius. Os OEs foram obtidos por hidrodestilação (2 horas), fracionados em coluna cromatográfica utilizando como fase estacionária sílica gel 60 (0,063-0,2mm), fases móveis: n-hexano, diclorometano, acetato de etila e metanol e avaliados quimicamente por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM). Os OEs e FRs foram testados frente a larvas do terceiro estádio e pupas do Ae. aegypti pelo Teste de Imersão em concentrações que variaram de 500,00 à 0,003 mg/mL (v/v). As FRs hexano obtidas dos frutos e folhas, foram as que apresentaram maior atividade sobre as larvas (CL99,9= 0,60 mg mL-1 e CL99,9 0,64 mg mL-1, respectivamente) e pupas (CL99,9= 2,51mg mL-1 e 2,61 mg mL-1, respectivamente). Estes resultados foram confirmados pela atividade anticolinesterase onde as FRs hexano (fruto e folha), foram as que apresentaram maior potencial inibitório sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase (0,156 mg mL-1 e 0,312 mg mL-1, respectivamente), sugerindo desta forma o provável mecanismo de ação. O potencial larvicida encontrado pode ser explicado pela presença dos compostos majoritários biciclogermacreno e germacreno D nas FRs hexano, indicando desta forma, que estes possam vir a substituir, ou até mesmo agir em sinergismos com os larvicidas químicos convencionais. Desta forma o presente estudo abre campo para novas pesquisas, visando o desenvolvimento de produtos com os compostos bicyclogermacrene e germacrene D, como alternativa no controle deste culicídeo.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Zingiber officinale (ginger) is a perennial herbaceous plant native in tropical Asia and generally cultivated in most American tropical countries with widespread use in popular medicine. Ginger essential oil (GEO) has been reported to exhibit several biological activities, such as antimicrobial. Aims of the study The aim of this study was to determine the composition and the property of GEO and related fractions against Mtb and NTM, as well as their cytotoxicity. Methods and materials GEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and fractionation was performed. Chemical characterization of GEO and fractions were carried out by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antimycobacterial activity was evaluated by resazurin microtiter assay plate and broth microdilution method for Mtb and NTM, respectively. The cytotoxicity in Vero cells was assessed by MTT colorimetric assay. Results The analyses showed 63 compounds in the GEO sample, characterized by a high number of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. GEO fractionation rendered 11 fractions (FR1 to FR11). GEO and fractions minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 31.25 to >250 μg/mL against Mtb and from 15.6 to >250 μg/mL against NTM. GEO showed better activity against NTM, M. chelonae, and M. abscessus sub. massiliense, than the semi-pure fractions. One fraction (FR5), containing γ-eudesmol as the main compound, was the most active against Mtb and NTM. The GEO and semi-pure fractions cytotoxicity assay showed CC50 63.3 μg/mL, and 36.3–312.5 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions In general, GEO showed a mix of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and a better antimycobacterial activity than the semi-pure fractions. Cytotoxic effects of GEO and its fractions should be better investigated.

O objetivo do presente trabalho consistiu na determinação do potencial antioxidante do óleo essencial das folhas de Campomanesia xanthocarpa. A técnica utilizada para a extração do óleo essencial foi a hidrodestilação utilizando o aparelho de Clevenger e a identificação da composição química do óleo essencial por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplado ao espectrômetro de massas. O potencial antioxidante foi mensurado pelos métodos de sequestro dos radicais livres do radical 2,2 difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH•), pelo sistema de co-oxidação β-caroteno/ácido linoleico e pelo método de redução do ferro (FRAP). Pela análise de cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas foram identificados 47 compostos, e a classe majoritária foram os sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonetos (46,80%) com os compostos majoritários biciclogermacreno (8,29%); globulol (5,67%); τ-murolol (5,59%); β-cariofileno (5,28%); germacreno D (5,03%); δ-cadineno (4,76%); τ-cadinol (4,51%) e linalol (4,17%). Os resultados encontrados para a atividade antioxidante pelo sistema de co-oxidação β-caroteno/ácido linoleico indicaram que o óleo essencial de C. xanthocarpa apresenta alto potencial antioxidante na concentração 1,00 mg/mL e potencial intermediário nas demais concentrações testadas. A atividade antioxidante do óleo essencial pelo método FRAP foi de 3,83 ± 1,99 µMol Fe+2/mg. Portanto, o óleo extraído das folhas de C. xanthocarpa apresentou potencial antioxidante pelo método de co-oxidação do beta-caroteno/ácido linoleico e FRAP, encorajando a inclusão desta espécie na lista dos antioxidantes naturais para aplicação na área de alimentos, cosmética e farmacêutica.

Objetivo: avaliar a atividade acaricida e larvicida do óleo essencial das folhas de Psidium rufum frente a fêmeas ingurgitadas e larvas de Rhipicephalus microplus. Metodologia: o óleo essencial das folhas frescas de P. rufum foi extraído por hidrodestilação (2h) e analisado por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). As atividades acaricida e larvicida foram realizadas pela técnica de imersão de adultos e imersão larval (Larval Paket Test) utilizando o óleo essencial nas concentrações de 300 a 0,001 mg/mL. Como controle positivo foi utilizado uma solução comercial (cipermetrina 15%; clorpirifós 25%; citronelal 1%) a 0,005%, e como controle negativo uma solução aquosa de polissorbato (80) a 2,0%. As concentrações letais (CL50 e CL99) foram determinadas pela análise de Probitos. Resultados: no óleo essencial, foram identificados 55 compostos, sendo a classe majoritária os sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonetos (70,07%), e como majoritários o 1,8-cineole (19,00%); seguido do α-longipinene (18,62%). Os resultados evidenciaram que o óleo essencial de P. rufum a 6.20 mg/mL foi efetivo para controlar 73% da eclodibilidade de ovos reduzindo a oviposição e o número de carrapatos adultos e larvas. A CL99 para as larvas foi 2,50 mg/mL, e para as fêmeas ingurgitadas CL99 de 513,57 mg/mL. Conclusão: o óleo essenciaL das folhas de P. rufum demonstrou potencial para controlar R. microplus no ciclo de vida que corresponde a fase larval, indicando tratar-se de uma planta promissora para o desenvolvimento e aplicação de produtos contra carrapatos bovinos.

Baccharis dracunculifolia, native to Brazil and the main source of “green propolis”, has been reported with several biological activities, and may be a source of bovine tick control substituting synthetic acaricides. Objective: to evaluate the in vitro and ex situ acaricidal activity of B. dracunculifolia leaf and flower essential oils against Rhipicephalus microplus. Methodology: the essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; the acaricidal activity of the essential oil was evaluated in vitro against adult females and against the egg hatchability; moreover, the acaricidal activity against tick larvae was evaluated in vitro and ex situ. Results: the major class of the essential oils was oxygenated sesquiterpene (55.1% leaves 50.4% flowers) and the main compounds were (21.5% leaves; 20.6% flowers) and spathulenol (21.8% leaves; 20.3% flowers). The essential oil at 500 mg/mL was effective to control egg hatchability with a reduction of egg laying capacity and decrease of number of adult ticks and larvae. The larvicidal activity of the essential oil had LC99.9 from 35 to 37 mg/mL by probit analysis, and the essential oil from 11 to 14 mg/mL presented 85 to 95% of treatment efficiency in the ex situ test. Conclusion: B. dracunculifolia leaf and flower essential oils are stable and have application potential to control bovine ticks. Baccharis dracunculifolia, originaria de Brasil, principal fuente de “propóleo verde”, ha sido reportada con varias actividades biológicas y puede ser una fuente de control de garrapatas bovinas en sustitución de insecticidas sintéticos. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad acaricida in vitro y ex situ del aceite esencial de hojas y flores de B. dracunculifolia contra Rhipicephalus microplus. Metodología: los aceites esenciales fueron extraídos por hidrodestilación y analizados por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas; la actividad acaricida de los aceites essenciales se evaluó in vitro contra hembras adultas y en la incubabilidad de huevos; también se evaluó in vitro y ex situ la acción acaricida sobre larvas de garrapatas. Resultados: la clase principal de aceites esenciales fue el sesquiterpeno oxigenado (55,1% hoja y 50,4% flor) y los compuestos principales fueron nerolidol (21,5% hoja; 20,6% flor) y espatulenol (21,8% hoja; 20,3% flor). El aceite esencial hasta 500 mg/mL fue eficaz en el control de la incubabilidad de los huevos con capacidad de oviposición reducida y reducción en el número de garrapatas adultas y larvas. La actividad larvicida del aceite esencial tuvo LC99.9 de 35 a 37 mg/mL por análisis probit y en la prueba ex situ, el aceite esencial de 11 a 14 mg/mL tuvo una eficacia de tratamiento de 85 a 95%. Conclusión: el aceite esencial de hoja y flor de B. dracunculifolia tiene estabilidad y potencial aplicación para el control de garrapatas bovinas. Baccharis dracunculifolia nativa do Brasil, principal fonte da “própolis verde”, tem sido reportada com diversas atividades biológicas, podendo ser uma fonte de controle do carrapato bovino em substituição aos acaricidas sintéticos. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade acaricida in vitro e ex situ do óleo essencial das folhas e das flores de B. dracunculifolia contra Rhipicephalus microplus. Metodologia: os óleos essenciais foram extraídos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas; a atividade acaricida dos óleos essenciais foi avaliada in vitro contra fêmeas adultas e na eclodibilidade dos ovos; ainda a ação acaricida sobre larvas do carrapato foram avaliadas in vitro e ex situ. Resultados: a classe majoritária dos óleos essenciais foi o sesquiterpeno oxigenado (55.1% folha e 50.4% flor) e os compostos principais foram nerolidol (21.5% folha; 20.6% flor) e spathulenol (21.8% folha; 20.3% flor). O óleo essencial a 500 mg/mL foi efetivo para controlar a eclodibilidade de ovos com redução da capacidade de oviposição e redução do número de carrapatos adultos e larvas. A atividade larvicida do óleo essencial teve CL99,9 de 35 a 37 mg/mL pela análise de probitos e no teste ex situ o óleo essencial de 11 a 14 mg/mL teve 85 e 95% de eficácia de tratamento. Conclusão: o óleo essencial da folha e flor de B. dracunculifolia tem estabilidade e potencial de aplicação para o controle de carrapatos bovinos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of rhizomes and the biochemical activity of Curcuma longa L. acclimatized plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and different substrates. The seedlings were produced in the laboratory using the tissue culture technique, in Murashige and Skoog culture medium. After 120 days, the seedlings were transplanted to pots in a greenhouse. Two types of substrates were used vermiculite and soil and vermiculite, commercial substrate, and vermicompost, with or without the addition of Rhizophagus clarus, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, or a combination of the two fungi. At the end of 240 days, the chemical composition of the essential oil of the rhizomes was evaluated and biochemical activity analysis was performed on the leaves. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the most prevalent, with the principal compounds being ar-turmerone and β-turmerone. AMFs in the soil and vermiculite substrate resulted in an increased production of compounds with emphasis on caryophyllene, α-curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-curcumene, cyclohexene, cubenol, β-santalol, α-acorenol, 7-epi-cis-sesquisabinene hydrate, 2,5-Octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester, and cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid. The opposite was true for the chemical composition of plants grown in substrates with more organic matter (vermiculite, commercial substrate, and vermicompost). AMFs also modified the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of the leaves. The free radical scavenging enzymes showed higher activity in plants exposed to AMFs in the substrate with soil and vermiculite. This was mainly true for catalase, the activity of which indicated stress; in this case, C. longa plants were smaller, less vigorous, and produced fewer rhizomes.

Lemon grass , Cymbopogon citratus Stapf, is an important aromatic plant used by industries that produce fragrances and aromas. This topic has been investigated very little in terms of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associations and the effects of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), in its metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the essential oil (EO) content and the chemical composition obtained from lemon grass cultivated with or without AMF Rhizophagus clarus inoculums under five levels of Pb in the soil. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for six months and consisted of a completely randomized design. A 5 × 2 factorial was used for five levels of Pb (0, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mg Pb kg −1 soil) and two levels of AMF inoculation (with or without R. clarus ) and five replicates, totaling 50 experimental units. The EO content was determined and the chemical composition analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The secondary metabolites were affected by the presence of Pb in the soil as well as by the AMF association, which altered the content and chemical composition of EO. The levels of 500 and 1000 mg Pb kg −1 soil together with AMF association increased EO content up to 0.69%. In total, 21 components of EO were identified, and along the increasing levels of Pb, the plant metabolism changed and altered the major components of EO. Without AMF inoculation, the major constituent of EO was citral, with concentrations ranging from 36.66 to 45.08% for the lowest levels of Pb. With AMF inoculation, EO was composed mainly of geranial, with concentrations ranging from 39.27 to 58.97% for all Pb levels. Without AMF inoculation, the concentrations of geranial ranged from 43.66 to 62.95% for the highest levels of Pb. High levels of citral and geranial are of great interest to the aroma and fragrance industry, and citral is a basic substance for the synthesis of vitamin A and ionone.

Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) is native to Brazil and has a strong alliaceous odor. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and evaluate fungicidal activity against the main food-borne diseases and food spoilage fungi. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and identified by GC–MS. From 35 identified compounds, 68% belonged to the organosulfur class. The major compounds were dimethyl trisulfide (15.49%), 2,8-dithianonane (52.63%) and lenthionine (14.69%). The utilized fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, and Trichoderma viride. Minimal fungicidal concentration for the essential oil varied from 0.02 to 0.18 mg/mL and bifonazole and ketoconazole controls ranged from 0.20 to 3.50 mg/mL. The lower concentration of the essential oil was able to control P. ochrochloron, A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. ochraceus and T. viride. This study shows a high fungicidal activity of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and can support future applications by reducing the use of synthetic fungicides.

Ocimum gratissimum L. or clove basil, belongs to the Lamiaceae family, has various desirable uses and applications. Beyond its aromatic, seasoning, and medicinal applications, this plant also has antimicrobial activity. This study was aimed at assessing the antifungal activity, yield, and composition of the essential oil (EO) of O. gratissimum. The species was cultivated in garden beds with dystrophic red latosol soil type containing high organic-matter content. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of dried leaves in a modified Clevenger apparatus, followed by determination of its content. Chemical characterization was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microbial activity was assessed using the broth microdilution method, by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), in order to compare the antimicrobial effect of EO in 10 isolates-Fusarium oxysporum f. sp tracheiphilum (CMM-0033), F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense (CMM-0813 and CMM-2819), F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici (CMM-1104), F. solani (CMM-3828), Rhizoctonia solani (CMM-3274), and Macrophomina phaseolina (CMM-2715, CMM-3875, CMM-3615, and CMM-3650). The EO was a highly effective inhibitor of the studied phytopathogenic fungi, with MICs varying from 31.25 to 125 µg/mL. F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici and R. solani were the most sensitive; both were inhibited at an MIC of 31.25 µg/mL. The EO content in the plant extract was 0.18%. Thirty chemical compounds were detected via GC-MS, with linalool (32.9%) being the major compound followed by 1,8-cineole (21.9%), both oxygenated monoterpenes. It can be concluded that clove basil EO is a highly effective antifungal agent, and therefore, a potential alternative for the control of plant pathogenic diseases.

Essential oils from fresh Piperaceae leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and a total of 68 components were identified. Principal components analysis results showed a chemical variability between species, with sesquiterpene compounds predominating in the majority of species analyzed. The composition of the essential oil of Piper mosenii was described for the first time. The cytotoxicity of the essential oils was evaluated in peritoneal macrophages and the oils of P. rivinoides, P. arboretum, and P. aduncum exhibited the highest values, with cytotoxic concentration at 50% (CC50) > 200 µg/mL. Both P. diospyrifolium and P. aduncum displayed activity against Leishmania amazonensis, and were more selective for the parasite than for the macrophages, with a selectivity index (SI) of 2.35 and >5.52, respectively. These SI values were greater than the 1 for the standard drug pentamidine. The antileishmanial activity of the essential oils of P. diospyrifolium and P. aduncum was described for the first time. P. rivinoides, P. cernuum, and P. diospyrifolium displayed moderate activity against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv bacillus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 µg/mL. These results are relevant and suggests their potential for therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explain the exact mechanism of action of these essential oils.