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Ethnopharmacological relevance: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is widely used in folk and traditional medicine for inflammation-related diseases due to its anti-oxidant and wound healing properties. Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. is a widely distributed perennial herb belonging to the Poaceae family and has been extensively consumed for its traditional and ethnomedicinal, cosmetic, and nutritional effects for centuries. Aim of the study: Budding yeast is a valuable system to study cell-cycle regulation, which is the underlying defect in cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to characterize the antiproliferative effect of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (lemon grass) and their effect on cell cycle of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Materials and methods: Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. essential oil was extracted from leaves and characterized by GC–MS, TLC and FTIR. The antiproliferative activity of essential oils and their major compounds, delta-carene and α-pinene was studied by liquid growth assay. Microscopic examination of yeast cells was done to determine the budding index. Flowcytometry analysis of DNA content was analyzed to confirm the G2/M arrest of cell cycle of budding yeast. Results: Both the essential oils mediated a dose-dependent inhibition of yeast growth in liquid assays. Analysis of budding index and DNA content by flowcytometry revealed that R. officinalis L. and C. citratus (DC.) Stapf. essential oils mediate the arrest of yeast cells at G2/M phase of cell cycle. GC/MS analysis of R. officinalis oil revealed the presence of two major compounds, delta-carene (7.75%), and α-pinene (15.1%). Both delta-carene and α-pinene showed antiproliferative activity (92% and 95% of growth inhibition, respectively) and caused the arrest of yeast cell cycle at G2/M phase. Conclusions: The essential oils of R. officinalis and C. citratus, delta-carene and α-pinene can be validated in animal model for cell cycle inhibition and cancer therapeutics.

The chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the essential oil from the leaf of Cyathocalyx pruniferus growing in Pahang, Malaysia was investigated for the first time. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and fully characterized by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of thirty chemical components (95.53%) were successfully identified in the essential oil which was characterized by high proportions of α-pinene (25.40%), germacrene D (20.20%), β-caryophyllene (10.78%), and δ-cadinene (6.44%). Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was evaluated against the Ellman method, and the essential oil showed good inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (I: 75.5%) assay. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the composition of the essential oil report concerning the genus Cyathocalyx.

Leysera gnaphalodes (L.) L. (viz., Leyssera gnaphalioides L.) is an aromatic, medicinal Cape herbal tea endemic to southern Africa. The plant is known by many different vernacular names, most relating to its use as tea: geelblommetjiestee, duinetee(bossie), skilpadtee(bossie), teringtee(bossie), hongertee and geeltee. According to historical literature and recent ethnobotanical surveys in the Little Karoo, this aromatic shrublet is a treatment for numerous respiratory ailments, especially ‘tering’ (tuberculosis). Previous studies have reported the presence of several diterpenes and triterpenes, but the main essential oil compounds have remained unknown. These were identified as α-pinene, β-pinene, p-cymene, carvacrol and bicyclogermacrene. Multicellular glandular trichomes are present on the leaf surface, which may be the site of oil production and/or accumulation. Leysera gnaphalodes has been reported to exhibit significant anti-mycobacterial activity against three Mycobacterium micro-organisms. The traditional claim of its efficacy as a treatment against tuberculosis, as reflected by the common name teringtee (‘tuberculosis tea’) therefore appears plausible. This activity seems to be primarily associated with the presence of the well-known pentacyclic triterpenoids, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid.

The essential oil of the aerial parts of Thymus ciliatus (Desf.) belonging to the Lamiaceae family, was obtained by steam distillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. 75 components were identified corresponding to 95.57% of the total oil. The major constituents of the oil were: elemol (6.80%), carvacrol (5.86%), γ-muurolene (5.18%), β-sesquiphellandrene (5.09%), bicyclogermacrene (5.04%), β-pinene (4.49%) and curcumene (4.20%), together with other compounds at relatively low levels: 1,8-cineol (3.66%), β-eudesmol (2.92%), β-bisabolene (2.81%), β-silinene (2.75%), camphor (2.64%), germacrone (2.34%), α-zingiberene (2.12%), δ-cadinene (2.08%), caryophyllene oxide (1.90%), spathulenol (1.88%), □-caryophyllene (1.88%), ar-turmerone (1.79%), α-pinene (1.52%), limonene (1.52%), selina-4,11-diene (1.46%), curzerenone (1.41%), germacrone B (1.37%), bornyl acetate (1.31%), β-farnesene (1.28%), borneol (1.23%), myrtenal (1.16%), zingiberenol (1.15%) and sabinene (1.13%). These results differ from those of previous studies reported on this species collected from other regions of Algeria and Morocco.

Ferulago angulata (Apiaceae), an important medicinal plant of Iran, has been considered to have different therapeutical effects and are widely used in the perfume and pharmacological industries. Considering capability of F. angulata essential oils, the present study was conducted to optimized microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) method for F. angulata fruit in order to improve the yield and biological activities of essential oils. Optimization of the yield was done through central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) using three variable factors (hydrodistillation time, irradiation power and plant/liquid ratio). Based on the RSM results, the maximum essential oil yield was obtained with the microwave power of 980 W and plant/liquid ratio of 2 (g/100 mL) at 72 min. The results revealed that MAHD of F. angulata produced the highest essential oil yield (6.50%) as compared with essential oil prepared with hydrodistillation (HD) (2.65%). The essential oils extracted by MAHD and HD were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and indicated the main constituents of them were limonene, α-Pinene, s-Phellandrene, α-Phellandrene, and Terpinolene. The antioxidant study revealed that MAHD essential oil had higher antioxidant activity than the HD essential oil. Furthermore, the essential oil obtained by MAHD demonstrated potent anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 with IC50 8.51 μg/mL. This research revealed that MAHD could be an effective method for hydrodistillation of essential oil in F. angulata in terms of shortening hydrodistillation time, reduction of energy consumption and increasing biological activities compared with the HD method.

Members of the genus Hypericum L. are traditionally used for various illnesses including depression. In this study, the effects of essential oil obtained from Hypericum scabrum L. on anxiety and de...

Curcuma longa L., popularly known as turmeric, is one of the most studied Curcuma species due to its rhizome, wide used as a dye, and its multipurpose uses in medicine, cosmetics, food flavoring and textile industries. However, the knowledge of essential oils (EO) from C. longa leaves is still limited. In turmeric production, the stems and leaves above the ground are considered waste products after harvesting. The present study was designed to assess the chemical composition of C. longa leaves EO (CLLEO) and investigate the bioactivities of its major constituent, α-phellandrene against third instar larvae (L3) of Cochliomyia macellaria (secondary screwworm). In addition, we intended to demonstrate through ultrastructural and histological assessment the morphological damages in L3. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter papers impregnated with increasing concentrations (0.31 to 2.86 μL/cm2) of CLLEO, determining mortality after 6, 24 and 48 h of contact. The compound α-phellandrene represented 41.99% of the EO. Other compounds were: α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, ρ-cymene, limonene and 1,8-cineole. The major compound of CLLEO, α-phellandrene was also tested (0.29 to 1.47 μL/cm2). C. macellaria mortality 48 h after contact with 1.27 μL/cm2 of CLLEO was 96.66 and 58.33% when using ethanol and acetone as solvents, respectively. The highest α-phellandrene dose assessed in this work (1.47 μL/cm2) presented a high mortality rate (96.66%). Structural analysis revealed marked lesions (cuticle surface dryness and severe degeneration on the spiracular plate) for both extracts. Histological sections of L3 showed necrosis of the intestinal tract and in the Malpighian tubules, and trophocytes with vacuolization. The brain had pyknotic profiles and vacuolar degeneration for both EO derivations. We suggest that CLLEO represents a sustainable bio-product for C. macellaria control that cause secondary myiasis to humans and animals.

This study was initiated to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oils from four Cameroonian spices and to determine the therapeutic effect of a cream based on essential oil from Aframomum citratum. Essential oils were extracted from seeds by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The broth microdilution method was used for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) determinations. The therapeutic effect of a cosmetic cream based on essential oil from A. citratum seed (1.25, 2.5 and 5% w/w) was evaluated against dermatosis induced with a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in rats. The main identified compounds in the essential oils are geraniol for A. citratum; eucalyptol, α-terpineol and geraniol for Aframomum daniellii; β-pinene, germacrene D, trans-β-caryophyllene, α-pinene, naphthalene and sabinene for Piper capense; α-phellandrene, germacradienol and δ-cadinene for Monodora myristica. Essential oil of A. citratum (MIC = 8-4096 µg/ml) was the most active against bacteria and fungi, following in decreasing order by those of A. daniellii, P. capense and M. myristica. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil of A. citratum against MRSA and Escherichia coli S2(1) (MIC = 8 µg/ml) was higher than that of amoxicillin used as reference drug (MIC = 128- 256 µg/ml). The combination of essential oils of A. citratum and A. daniellii (1:1) displayed a synergistic effect. The cream based on essential oil of A. citratum (5%) and Baneocin (reference drug) eradicated the dermatosis induced with MRSA in rat after two weeks of treatment. These results indicate that the tested essential oils possess antimicrobial activities which could be a function of either the individual or the additive effects of the identified phytoconstituents. Key words: Spices, hydrodistillation, essential oils, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), antibacterial, antifungal, synergistic effect.

The adverse effects of synthetic acaricides on humans, animals, non-target organisms and the ecosystem are serious problems. Thus, there is a new trend to use nanotechnology for developing new, natural, bio and safe acaricides for mite control in green-pest management. This is the first work for preparing a nanoformulation of rosemary essential oil (EO) and evaluating its effect against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. GC/MS analysis of rosemary EO showed that 1,8 cineole (31.45%), borneol (11.07%), α-pinene (10.91%), D-limonene (9.19%), L-linalool (8.86%), D-camphor (7.32%), γ-terpinene (3.92%), linalyl acetate (3.37%), α-terpineol (3.32%), and p-cymene (1.82%) were the major components. After 6 min of sonication, a nanoemulsion of rosemary EO was formulated with a droplet size of 139.9 nm. The balance between oil (lyophilic) and surfactant (hydrophilic) was correlated with the droplet size and the stability of the nanoemulsion. Spray application of rosemary nanoemulsion showed high acaricidal activity against immature and adult two-spotted spider mites T. urticae with LC50 723.71 and 865.68 μg · ml−1 and the toxicity increased by 54.15 and 52.69% for immature and adult mites, respectively. There were no toxic effects or mortality of rats treated with rosemary nanoemulsion. High acaricidal activity, stability, and safety of rosemary nanoemulsion make this nanoformulation a possible green and nano-acaricidal product. Further studies under field conditions are necessary to study the acaricidal efficiency of rosemary nanoemulsion against two-spotted spider mites and the toxic effect on predacious mites.

Essential oils were extracted from leaves of Eucalyptus melliodora and Eucalyptus anceps by steam distillation and chemically analysed using GC/MS.The main components obtained in both Eucalyptus sp ...

Carpesium cernuum L., one of the two Carpesium species occurring in Europe, in the Far East and India, found use as a vegetable and a traditional medicinal remedy for several ailments. In the present study, compositions of essential oils distilled from roots and shoots of C. cernuum plants, cultivated in the open field, have been studied by GC-MS-FID supported by NMR spectroscopy. The analyses led to the identification of 120 compounds in total, of which 115 were found in aerial parts and 37 in roots of the plants. The major constituents found in the oil from shoots were: α-pinene (35%) and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, 12%), whereas 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (55%), thymyl isobutyrate (9%) and thymol methyl ether (8%) predominated in the essential oil obtained from the roots. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oils distilled from C. cernuum were also tested. The essential oil from aerial parts of the plant demonstrated good inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MIC: 15.6 μL/mL).

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae Bartlett) sensu lato is a species of high phenotypic and phytochemical variability. There is interest in the development of this species into cultivated crop because wild collection of galbuli or leaves result in significant variation in the essential oil (EO) profile and bioactivity. The objectives of this study were tо assess the variability of EO content and composition of J. oxycedrus collected at 20 populations (interpopulation) across Bulgaria and also intrapopulation variability using advanced statistical methods, and to identify promising clones that can be propagated and further investigated under cultivation. Overall, the EO yield of leaves varied from 0.03 % to 0.20 % (interpopulation), from 0.04 % to 0.18 % (intrapopulation), whille the galbuli EO varied from 0.83 % to 2.6 % (interpopulation) and from 1.2 % tо 1.9 % (intrapopulation), respectively. Monoterpenes was the predominant chemical class of galbuli ЕO, ranging from 53.4%to–69.5% (intrapopulation), while in leaf EO, the predominant class was sesquiterpenes (46.2 %–67.4 %) (intrapopulation). The major constituents (α-pinene, limonene, α-curcumene, γ-cadinene, δ-cadinene, manoyl oxide, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, α-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide) of leaf EO were considered for grouping the populations in eight chemotypes, whereas twenty-seven chemical groups were established for the interpopulation study. The EO of galbuli in the interpopulation study formed five chemical groups. The present study is the first report to demonstrate such variability of EO between and within the populations of J. oxycedrus, and the first report to identify so many chemical groups based on the leaf and galbuli EO. Galbuli ЕO showed different аntimicrobial activity towards Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida kruseii, and C. tropicalis. This study identified promising genetic material (clones) that could be further propagated and developed into cultivars for commercial production of J. oxycedrus oil with desirable profile, aroma, and bioactivity to meet specific market demands.

In this research, we used Pistacia atlantica gum during cooling phase of oil-heat treatment of poplar wood (Populus deltoids) to improve its resistance to the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and growth of the mold fungus Penicillium expansum. Thermal modification was carried out using rapeseed oil at 180 °C, 200 °C and 220 °C for 2 hours and 4 hours. The modified wood specimens were then directly cooled in the oil containing 0 %, 5 % and 10 % (w/w) of the gum at 25 °C for 30 minutes. The chemical constituents of the essential oil extracted with a Clevenger type apparatus were determined by chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The amounts of α-pinene, β-pinene and α-terpinolene of the essential oil were 60,2 %, 8,7 % and 3,9 %, respectively. The mold resistance was greatly improved, while the improvement against the decay fungus was only observed for the specimens modified at 180 °C. Our results confirmed that the enhanced fungal resistance was not only due to the presence of monoterpenes in the essential oil, but also to a further reduction in the hygroscopicity of the treated wood.

There are numerous and different uses of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil (e.o.) and experimental results indicating which of the e.o. components is responsible for a specific biological activity. Consequently, it is worth to consider not only the seasonal variation of the the e.o. content but also the proportion of e.o. components that might vary according to season as well. Our aim was to determine the monthly variation in the e.o. composition, plant growth and e.o. yield of an almost continuously flowering rosemary natural population in a coastal Mediterranean environment, in order to understand the best utilization of e.o. according to the oil components detected by means of GC/MS along the different seasons. Alpha pinene ranging from 75.4 to 18.2% and eucalyptol from 15.6 to 3.5%, were the most represented components in all periods of samplings. Camphor and borneol increased in the samplings done after summer. Flowering occurred almost continuously except in the period from mid May to mid August. Production of e.o. was slightly affected by sampling period. The high concentration in alpha pinene, up to a level not recorded before according to the available literature, could be exploited for new pharmaceutical uses. The observation of leaves, stems and flowers by means of scanning electron microscopy, showed in all the examined plant parts the presence of glandular trichomes particularly numerous on leaves in the basal part of the adaxial lamina indicating the importance of leaves for e.o. production.

Essential oils have received considerable attention because they are important sources for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. The use of essential oils for food preservation has emerged as a promising approach to reduce the microbial growth of food. Taxodium plants are fast-growing and long-lived trees that are widely cultivated in many countries for landscape and ecological purposes. The trees are famous for their extremely rot and termite resistant wood. The essential oil of Taxodium was used in folk medicine to treat infections, gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments. This study aimed to determine the composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of T. distichum var distichum (L.) Rich. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 37 compounds for the first time, representing 99.5% of the oil content. α-Pinene was the major component, accounting for 83.1% of the oil content, followed by cis-thujopsene (1.9%), camphene (1.8%), β-pinene (1.6%), β-myrcene (1.4%), and D-limonene (1.1%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the predominant components (90.4%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (4%), oxygenated monoterpenes (2.9%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (1.5%), and oxygenated diterpenes (0.5%). The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the essential oil was tested using agar diffusion method. The inhibition zones and MIC were determined. It was clear that T. distichum essential oil showed growth inhibition of most tested strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Most notably, Bacillus subtilis andmethicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were more susceptible to the oil with MIC values of 9.8 and 39 μg/mL, respectively. The oil produced the largest inhibition zones for these two Gram-positive microorganisms (32.9 and 21.9 mm, respectively). T. distichum oil exhibited a potent activity against Klebsiella pneumonia (MIC of 4.9 μg/mL, zone of inhibition of 33.9 mm), which is very comparable to gentamycin (MIC of 1 μg/mL, zone of inhibition of 21.2 mm). Salmonella typhimurium was also susceptible to the oil (MIC of 78.1 μg/mL, inhibition zone of 17 mm). T. distichum essential oil showed a very potent antifungal effect against Asperigullus fumigatus (MIC of 9.8 μg/mL, zone of inhibition of 25.9 mm) when compared with ketoconazole (MIC of 50 μg/mL, zone of inhibition of 21.0 mm). T. distichum essential oil exhibited a potent anti-mycobacterial effect in Alamar Blue assay (63% inhibition, MIC of 1.95 μg/mL) when compared with isoniazid (100% inhibition, MIC of 0.12 μg/mL). It can be concluded that T. distichum essential oil is a promising antimicrobial agent against different pathogens. The oil components could enhance the activity of other antimicrobial agents through synergism. This could be of great interest in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Cupressus atlantica Gaussen is an endemic and threatened forest tree mainly located at the western High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This study is a pleading for protection and restoration of this particular Mediterranean cypress species, through the characterization of chemical variability of its essential oils (EOs) and their recovery in different fields, especially as protective treatment against wood decaying fungi. Composite samples of leaves, twigs, and cones were collected within five populations. Sapwood and heartwood sawdust oils were also analyzed. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. C. atlantica oils are characterized by high chemical variability between types of biomass and populations. Thus, leaves and twigs oils are dominated by hydrocarbon monoterpenes; those of wood by oxygenated monoterpenes and oxygenated sesqueterpenes, and those of cones by hydrocarbon monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Three chemical profiles have been identified in leaves oils within s...

An efficient regeneration protocol through axillary and inter nodal explants was developed from Wedelia biflora. Explants were placed on MS medium supplemented with different treatments of cytokini...

The essential oils (EOs) of Ammodaucus leucotrichus fruits collected from four regions in Algerian Sahara were investigated for their chemical components, oil yield diversity and antibacterial property. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity and the acute toxicity of these oils are herein reported for the first time. The hydrodistillated oils yielded (2.82-3.87 %) (w/w). GC and GC-MS analyses allowed us to identify twenty components representing (95.6-99.4 %). The main components were perillaldehyde (63.6-87.7 %), limonene (7.3-19.4 %) and α-pinene (1.2-7.9 %). The determination of the acute toxicity effect in mice showed the slight toxic nature of the EOs (LD50: 520-570 mg/kg). The oils exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect; the inhibitions at a dose of 100 mg/kg were (18.7-24.5 %). Based on the determination of inhibition diameters, a high antibacterial activity against yeasts and gram-positive bacteria strains and a moderate activity against gram-negative bacteria strains were obs...

To respond to the market demand for consistency of supply and quality, there are current efforts to develop junipers as agricultural crop for the production of juniper galbuli (berries). However, comparative data on the galbuli essential oil (EO) composition and bioactivity of different juniper species is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the EO composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the galbuli of the six juniper species naturally distributed in Bulgaria: Juniperus communis L. (common juniper), J. oxycedrus L. (red juniper), J. sibirica Burgsd. (Siberian juniper), J. sabina L. (Cossack juniper), J. pygmaea C. Koch. (Alpine juniper), and J. excelsa M. Bieb. (Gracian juniper). The EO content of the galbuli of the six juniper species varied from 0.47% (in J. sibirica) up to 1.6% (in J. sabina). The oil profile of the galbuli was also different among species. Differences and similarities in the groups of terpenes were established between the six juniper species. The three oil constituents with the highest concentration (in descending order) in the galbuli of each of the species were as follows: for J. oxycedrus: β-Myrcene, α-Pinene, and Germacrene D; for J. communis: α-Pinene, Germacrene D, β-Myrcene; for J. excelsa: α-Pinene, α-Cedrol, Germacrene D; for J. sibirica: α-Pinene, β-Myrcene, Germacrene D; for J. pygmaea: α-Pinene, Sabinene, β-Myrcene; and for J. sabina: Sabinene, α-Pinene, Terpinene-4-ol. Overall, the antioxidant capacity of the six oils was as follows: J. sibirica > J. communis = J. excelsa. Out of the six EO, J. oxycedrus galbuli EO was the most effective against Clostridium perfringens, J. communis against Candida clabrata and J. oxycedrus against Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant capacity of the juniper galbuli oils were positively affected by the concentrations of β-Elemene, γ-Elemene, and τ-Muurolol. Positive relationships were found between the concentrations of some constituents with the antimicrobial activity of juniper EO against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Clostridium perfringens, and Candida glabrata. The results contribute to further understanding of juniper galbuli EO, can be used by industry utilizing juniper EOs, and may help with policy making processes with respect to conservation and agriculture.

Medicinal plants generally produce many secondary metabolites which constitute an important source of many bioactive molecules. Among them Cupressus sempervirens is recognized by its richness in essential oil with antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study is to use C. sempervirens essential oil or its bioactive components as an alternative to synthetic fungicides currently used to control Botrytis cinerea. Essential oils of C. sempervirens were extracted at vegetative, flowering and fructification stages and a total of 54 compounds were identified by chromatography-mass spectrometry. Essential oils composition varied with the phenological stage and the main chemical classes were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (59.59%–64.5%) with the most representative compounds being germacrene D (18.38%–24.82%) and those of the monoterpene hydrocarbons class (16.63%–26.5%) with α-pinene as the most representative compound (14.75%–22.92%). The in vitro antifungal tests against B. cinerea showed that the three studied essential oils inhibit mycelia growth with the highest activity observed at flowering stage. The antifungal activity of some pure compounds (α-pinene, α-cedrol and β-caryophyllene) alone or combined according to their proportions in the natural essential oil showed that α-pinene combined with β-caryophyllene provided the highest antifungal activity at a concentration as low as 0.12 mg/mL as compared to that of the chemical fungicide used as a positive control. Microscopic observation showed that essential oil at flowering stage induced swelling and crumbling of B. cinerea conidia. The pulverization of C. sempervirens essential oils on tomato fruits at 1 mg/mL inhibited 54% of B. cinerea infection which constitute a promising safe product for the biocontrol of the post-harvest disease Botrytis cinerea during storage and transport of tomato.

Aim of study: The objectives in this study were to determine the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).Material and Methods: The essential oil was obtained from nutmeg and cardamom seeds through hydrodistillation method. The chemical composition of nutmeg and cardamom essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity of essential oil was investigated against Bacillus subtilis DSMZ 1971, Candida albicans DSMZ 1386, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSMZ 50071, Pseudomonas fluorescence P1, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Salmonella infantis, Salmonella kentucky, Salmonella typhimurium SL 1344, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus epidermidis DSMZ 20044 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method.Main results: GC-MS analyzes shows that γ-terpinene (19.16%), (-)-terpinen-4-ol (14.08%), α-pinene (6.75%), myristicin (6.18%), β-pinene (4.85%), sylvestrene (4.72%), elemicin (4.68%) and safrole (4.17%) identified in nutmeg essential oil. Also, α-terpinyl acetate (34.55%), eucalyptol (24.91%), (-)-terpinen-4-ol (10.63%), linalool (7.69%) and neryl butyrate (6.58%) compounds identified in cardamom essential oil as major compounds. Nutmeg and cardamom essential oil showed an antimicrobial activity against almost all test microorganisms.Research highlights: This study suggests that nutmeg and cardamom essential oil may be useful in the medicinal application and food industry as a preservative., Çalışmanın amacı: Bu çalışmanın amacı, muskat (Myristica fragrans) ve kakule (Elettaria cardamomum) ‘den elde edilen uçucu yağlarının kimyasal içeriğinin ve antimikrobiyal aktivite özelliklerinin tespit edilmesidir.Materyal ve Yöntem: Muskat ve kakule tohumlarından uçucu yağ eldesi hidro distilasyon yöntemi ile yapılmıştır. Söz konusu bu uçucu yağların kimyasal içeriği GC-MS cihazı ile analiz edilmiştir. Anti mikrobiyal aktivite deneyi Bacillus subtilis DSMZ 1971, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSMZ 50071, Pseudomonas fluorescence P1, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Salmonella infantis, Salmonella kentucky, Salmonella typhimurium SL 1344, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 ve Staphylococcus epidermidis DSMZ 20044 mikroorganizmalarına karşı minimum inhibisyon konsantrasyonu (MIC) yöntemi ile belirlenmiştir.Sonuçlar: GC-MS analizi sonucunda muskat uçucu yağında γ-terpinene (19.16%), (-)-terpinen-4-ol (14.08%), α-pinene (6.75%), myristicin (6.18%), β-pinene (4.85%), sylvestrene (4.72%), elemicin (4.68%) and safrole (4.17%) ana bileşenler olarak tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, α-terpinyl acetate (34.55%), eucalyptol (24.91%), (-)-terpinen-4-ol (10.63%), linalool (7.69%) ve neryl butyrate (6.58%) bileşikleri de kakule uçucu yağının ana bileşenleri olarak tespit edilmiştir. Muskat ve kakule uçucu yağlarının deney mikroorganizmalar karşı antimikrobiyal aktiviteleri tespit edilmiştir.Araştırma vurguları: Uçucu yağın tıp ve gıda endüstrisinde koruyucu olarak kullanılması önerilmiştir.

Araucaria is a small genus of evergreen coniferous trees, widely used for ornamental and timber purposes. Araucaria species are rich in essential oils. In this study, the essential oils obtained from the foliage of Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) and Araucaria bidwillii Hook were analyzed using GC and GC/MS. Cytotoxicity of both essential oils was assessed on three human cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Twenty nine compounds were annotated in A. heterophylla essential oil, whereas forty three were identified in A. bidwillii accounting for 95.16% and 81.06% of the total volatile oil composition, respectively. α-Pinene (70.85%), d -limonene (4.26%) and germacrene D (2.99%) represented the major compounds in A. heterophylla. Beyerene (35.65%), trans-nerolidol (13.66%) and ɣ-elemene (6.09%) dominated in A. bidwillii. Both oils showed potent cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines (Hep-G2, MCF-7 and Caco-2) exhibiting IC50 values of 0.70, 3.20 and 1.10 μg/ml for A. heterophylla; and 1.67, 1.10 and 1.32 μg/ml for A. bidwillii, respectively. Caspase-3 activation indicated that the cytotoxicity of A. bidwillii essential oil is mediated via caspase-dependent apoptosis. These findings suggest that the essential oils of A. heterophylla and A. bidwilli offer promising anticancer drug candidates pertaining to the synergistic effects of their individual components.

Cupressus is a genus of considerable medicinal value worldwide. The present work aims at assessing essential oil compositional differences within Cupressus in the context of its different genotypes and organs. Volatiles profiling was determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled to chemometrics. A total of 75 volatile components were identified. Monoterpene hydrocarbons amounted for the major volatile class, with α-pinene and 3-carene most abundant in Cupressus sempervirens versus sabinene and terpinen-4-ol in Cupressus macrocarpa. Multivariate data analyses revealed that α-pinene, sabinene, terpinen-4-ol and 3-carene are the most significant for species classification. The five examined essential oils exhibited potential insecticidal and anticholinesterase effects, with C. sempervirens var. pyramidalis cone oil being the most potent for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect. The oil also exhibited potential fumigant toxicity toward Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum. The results of the orthogonal partial least-square discriminant analysis revealed that α-pinene is the key bioactive component in Cupressus oil.

The aim of present study was to investigate chemical compositions and in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil (EO) from Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt flower obtained in Huocheng County of China. ...

Gas chromatographic analysis of Citrus tachibana (Makino) Tanaka peel essential oil showed that the volatile composition contained 111 components including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and oxygenat...

Heracleum candicans Wall. (Apiaceae) is one of the important endangered aromatic species within the genus Heracleum. Owing to multiple uses, high market demand and endangered status of species, a w...

Chemical constituents of the essential oil isolated from Salvia sahendica at different growth stages (vegetative, flowering and seeding (S-S) were identified. Among 50 identified oil constituents, ...

Biberiye (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Lamiaceae familyasına ait olup, Akdeniz Bölgesi’nde yaygın olarak bulunan aromatik bir bitkidir. Biberiye, halk tıbbında, kozmetikte ve gıda endüstrisinde kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada biberiyenin topraküstü kısımları Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Kampüsü’nden yaz, sonbahar, kış ve ilkbahar mevsimlerinde toplanmıştır. Kurutulmuş bitki materyallerinin uçucu yağları distilasyon metodu ile elde edilmiştir. Uçucu yağlar GC-MS cihazı ile analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonuçlarına göre yirmi yedi bileşen tespit edilmiştir. Ana bileşenler 1.8 sineol (%41.25-%45.96), izoborneol (%11.96-%14.89), α-pinen (%9.28-%11.22), α-terpineol (%4.65-%8.41) olarak tespit edilmiştir. Kampen (%3.29-%3.51), limonen (%2.89-%3.61), p-simen (%3.64-%4.26) ve bornil asetat (%2.02-%3.13) yüksek oranlı bileşenler olarak bulunmuştur. Çalışmanın sonucunda, biberiyenin uçucu yağ bileşenleri miktarının mevsimlere göre önemli değişiklik gösterdiği ve kemotipinin 1.8 sineol olarak belirlendiği tespit edilmiştir.

Vitex pseudo-negundo (Hausskn.) is a perennial plant of Lamiaceae family which grows naturally in the vicinity of seasonal rivers of Iran. The present study was aimed to characterize the es...

Hedychium coronarium Koen. is a perennial herb of family Zingiberaceae that is valued for its high quality essential oil. In the present study, the variability in chemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial property of essential oils of Hedychium coronarium collected from different locations of Eastern India were evaluated. Essential oil hydrodistilled from rhizome parts of H. coronarium varied from 0.05 to 0.47% (v/w). A total of 44 components accounting for 86.18–99.94% of H. coronarium essential oil were identified by gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major components are β-pinene (11.07–42.74%), eucalyptol (11.48–40.59%), linalool (1.56–45.11%), coronarin-E (1.01–39.57%), α-pinene (3.80–16.60%), p-cymene (1.05–8.89%), γ-terpinene (1.73–5.82%) and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (1.11–4.86%). According to agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA), the essential oils of H. coronarium populations were grouped into four different chemotypes. They were (I) eucalyptol, (II) linalool, (III) coronarin-E, and (IV) β-pinene. Furthermore, essential oils exhibited considerable levels of reducing power activity (IC50, 0.39–1.66 mg/ml), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50, 0.57–2.19 mg/ml), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (IC50, 0.12–0.67 mg/ml) radical-scavenging activities. Results of antimicrobial activity concluded that essential oil has good inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum. The results showed that geographic origin greatly influenced the chemical composition of essential oil of H. coronarium and their associated bioactivities. Four chemotypes identified in the present study could be developed as promising bioresource in perfumery, food and pharmaceutical industry.

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica F., is one of the most serious stored-products insect pests throughout the world. Application of chemical pesticides for controlling such pests has caused many side-effects such as environmental pollution, toxicity to non-target organisms and human health threats. Accordingly, several studies have been conducted to utilize the lower risk substitutes in the recent years. In the present study, chemical components of the essential oil extracted from seeds of celery (Apium graveolens L.) and its toxic and repellant effects were investigated on R. dominica. Chemical analysis of the essential oil by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) resulted in the identification of 29 compounds, in which α- pinene (13.08%), β-pinene (10.37%), γ-3-carene (8.96%), myristicin (35.41%) and apiol (8.34%) had a high amount. Celery essential oil has a significant toxicity on the adults of R. dominica. The lethal concentration to kill 50% insect population (LC50) was esti...

The evaluation of the inhibition effect achieved by essential oils of dill ( Anethum graveolens L . ), oregano ( Origanum vulgare L.), juniper (Juniperus communis L.), sage ( Salvia officinalis L.) and winter savory ( Satureja montana L.) on seed germination and shoot growth of Johnson grass ( Sorghum halepense L.) was tested in laboratory. The chemical composition of essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The major constituents were carvon (40.5%) and limonene (32.2%) for A. graveolens essential oil, carvacrol (73.7%) for O. vulgare essential oil, α-pinene (43.5%) for J. communis essential oil, b-thujone (32.7%) and camphor (17.2%) for S. officinalis essential oil, thymol (44.6%) and p- cimene (13.4%) for S. montana essential oil. The in vitro study on herbicidal activity was carried out on seed germination and shoots length of S. halepense ; A. graveolens , O. vulgare , S. montana essential oils significantly inhibited the germination and shoot length and their herbicidal activity could be attributed mainly to their high content of carvone, carvacrol and thymol. A. graveolens , O. vulgare and S. montana essential oils reduced seed germination by 61.5%, 52.7% and 47.3%, respectively, while J. communis and S. officinalis essential oils stimulated germination (7.7% and 2.2%, respectively). The shoot growth reduction for almost all essential oils, except J. communis essential oil , was more than 30%. The solution of A. graveolens , O. vulgare and S. montana essential oils exhibited more powerful bio-herbicidal effect compared to J. communis and S. officinalis essential oils on the germination and shoot growth of S. halepense .

Comparative analysis of the chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oils from the needles of four Pinus species (P. mugo subsp. mugo, P. nigra subsp. nigra, P. sylvestris and P. peuce) from the central Balkans was performed. Although different chemical profiles of the dominant terpenes for each species were determined, essential oils were, generally, dominated by monoterpenes with α-pinene as one of the first two major volatiles. Tested oils showed inhibitory action against respiratory pathogenic bacterial strains, isolated from human swabs, in the range of 1.25–20.00 mg/mL (MICs) and bactericidal effect (MBCs) at concentrations from 2.50 to 40.00 mg/mL. Considering cell wall composition, there were no significant differences in sensitivity between Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. In addition, the place of isolation did not provide evidences for higher susceptibility/resistance of the strains obtained from the particular infection site. On the other hand, toxicity of essential oils towards developing Drosophila melanogaster larvae was low, except P. mugo subsp. mugo oil, which did not show any signs of toxicity at concentrations up to 3%. Highest mortality of larvae and adults of D. melanogaster was noted for P. sylvestris essential oil with an estimated LC50 at the end of experiment (14 days) of 2.78% with a 95% confidence interval of 2.15–3.42%. Short-term 96 h LC50 values due to low mortality at larval stage could not be calculated for any oil and are expected to be much higher than 3%. According to the obtained antimicrobial activity and toxicity towards D. melanogaster, the oils can be arranged in the following order: P. sylvestris > P. peuce > P. nigra subsp. nigra > P. mugo subsp. mugo.

WOS: 000416971500009, Mosquitoes are vectors for many pathogens and parasites that cause human diseases including dengue, yellow fever, West Nile, chikungunya, filariasis and malaria which cause high rates of human morbidity and mortality under extreme conditions. Plants are an excellent source for mosquito control agents because they constitute rich sources of bioactive chemicals. They are also biodegradable and environment-friendly. The present study reports on the larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Seseli gummiferum. subsp. ilgazense (Apiaceae) against Aedes aegypti larvae. Essential oil showed 100 and 70% mortality at 125 and 62.6 ppm, respectively, with no mortality at 31.25 ppm. Aerial parts of S. gummiferum subsp. ilgazense were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield 0.6% oil. The essential oil was analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS techniques. The main constituents in the oil were sabinene (28.8%), germacrene D (9.5%) and alpha-pinene (7.2%)., Deployed War-Fighter Protection Research Program Grant - U.S. Department of Defense through the Armed Forces Pest Management Board, This study was partly supported by the Deployed War-Fighter Protection Research Program Grant funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. We thank Dr. James J. Becnel, Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, for supplying Ae. aegypti eggs. Part of this work was presented as a poster presentation during the Inaugural Symposium of the Phytochemical Society of Asia (ISPSA 2015), 30 August - 2 September 2015, Tokushima, Japan.

This study explores the relationship between environmental factors and the main essential oil components in the leaves of Crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb.), which is commonly distributed in rocky and stony land with shallow soil conditions in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. After the leaf samples collected from 20 plots were dried, essential oil components were detected by GC-MS method. alpha-Pinene (81.3%), myrcene (5.2%) and limonene (4.5%) were found to be the major components, respectively. Relations between these major components and environmental factors (physiographic, climatic and soil factors) were questioned by Pearson correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. According to statistical analysis results; alpha-pinene bio18, altitude and pH were found to have a negative relationship. The limonene component showed a negative relationship with latitude and clay, but showed a positive correlation with pH.

Gas chromatography and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector analysis of essential oil of Coriandrum sativum fruit showed a high percentage of linalool (79.22%) γ-terpinene (6.26%), camphor ...

The study identified insecticidal effects from the cinnamon and clove essential oils inTenebrio molitorL. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The lethal concentrations (LC50and LC90), lethal time, and repellent effect on larvae, pupae, and adults ofT. molitorafter exposure to six concentrations of each essential oil and toxic compounds were evaluated. The chemical composition of the cinnamon oil was also determined and primary compounds were eugenol (10.19%),trans-3-caren-2-ol (9.92%), benzyl benzoate (9.68%), caryophyllene (9.05%), eugenyl acetate (7.47%), α-phellandrene (7.18%), and α-pinene (6.92%). In clove essential oil, the primary compounds were eugenol (26.64%), caryophyllene (23.73%), caryophyllene oxide (17.74%), 2-propenoic acid (11.84%), α-humulene (10.48%), γ-cadinene (4.85%), and humulene oxide (4.69%). Cinnamon and clove essential oils were toxic toT. molitor. In toxic chemical compounds, eugenol have stronger contact toxicity in larvae, pupae, and adult than caryophyllene oxide, followed by α-pinene, α-phellandrene, and α-humulene. In general, the two essential oils were toxic and repellent to adultT. molitor. Cinnamon and clove essential oils and their compounds caused higher mortality and repellency onT. molitorand, therefore, have the potential for integrated management programs of this insect.

The impact of foliar boron fertilization on the yield of flower heads as well as the chemical composition, content, and yield of essential oils (EO) of Arnica montana L. and A. chamissonis Less. were studied. The chemical composition of EO in the flower heads was examined with use of GC/MS. Fifty five compounds constitued ca. 94% of the total EO content in each of the species. The EO analysis of A. montana from Poland showed their chemical dissimilarity to other arnica populations in Europe. The foliar boron fertilization determined the yield of flower heads as well as the content and chemical composition of oils. The yield of flower heads was in the range from 1044.3 kg ha −1 to 1222.4 kg ha −1 in A. montana and from 903.6 kg ha −1 to 1081.5 kg ha −1 in A. chamissonis ; however, the content of EO was from 0.174% to 0.200% and from 0.158% to 0.188%, respectively. The highest EO content in the inflorescences of the two plants was noted at the B rate of 200 g ha −1 . Similarly, this dose caused a ca. 35% and 43% increase in the EO yield in A. montana and A. chamissonis , respectively. Boron rates higher than 100 g ha −1 had no effect on the crop yield, and dose higher than 200 g ha −1 had no effect on the EO content and yield of A. montana and A. chamissonis flower heads. Alpha-pinene, caryophyllene E, caryophyllene oxide, caryophyllene alcohol, dodecanal, and germacrene D mainly influenced the differences in EO. The highest yield of caryophyllene E and caryophyllene oxide were achieved in A. montana in comparison to A. chamissonis . On the other hand, the highest yield of alpha-pinene, germacrene D, cumene, caryophyllene alcohol, and decanal were found in A. chamissonis . The foliar boron fertilization of A. montana caused an increase in the yield of caryophyllene oxide and dodecane at the B dose of 100 g ha −1 , and an increased yield of caryophyllene E and germacrene D at the dose of 200 g ha −1 . However, in the case of A. chamissonis , the highest yield of germacrene D, cumene, and caryophyllene alcohol was noted after application of 200 g ha −1 of B, whereas the highest yield of alpha-pinene was observed after application of 300 g ha −1 . Boron is an important factor responsible for differences of the oil chemical composition in A. montana and A.chamissonis flower heads and intensification of production of the main EO ingredients.

Essential oils of Thymus kotschyanus, Pistacia atlantica and Bunium persicum were analyzed by GC–MS. Growth inhibitory and insecticidal effects of all oils were evaluated in the cabbage looper. Also, Bunium persicum essential oil and its major compounds were chosen for topical and fumigant applications. All essential oils were characterized by high levels of monoterpenoids with thymol and carvacrol as major constituents of T. kotschyanus, α-pinene as the main component of P. atlantica and ρ-cymene, limonene, γ-terpinene and cuminaldehyde as the main constituents of B. persicum essential oil. The oil of B. persicum and cuminaldehyle showed the most inhibition and toxicity on larval growth. In a contact toxicity assay, cuminaldehyde exhibited the highest activity (LD50 = 68.8 and LD95 = 196.2 μg larva− 1) and a notable additive interaction with other main compounds of the oil. ρ-Cymene was the most toxic component via fumigation (LD50 = 39.8 and LD95 = 96.2 μg/ml). Also, a binary solution of ρ-cymene and γ-terpinene was synergistic in terms of fumigation toxicity with a synergy ratio of 1.6. Our results indicate that B. persicum essential oil merits further consideration for use in pest management. Also, the additive and synergistic activity of major compounds provides an opportunity to formulate a promising green pesticide.

Junipers (Juniperus spp.) are some of the most widespread species in the world with a wide ecological adaptation. Juniper galbuli (cones or berries) and their extracts have extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, perfumery, aromatherapy, alcoholic beverages, and cooking. The objective of this study was to evaluate EO composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of EO fractions captured at different timeframes during the hydrodistillation of Juniperus communis and J. excelsa galbuli. The EO fractions were captured at eight sequential timeframes after the beginning of the hydrodistillation: (0–3, 3–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–80, 80–160, and 160–240 min). The results showed that essential oil fractions from 80 to 160 and 160 to 240 min had 2–5 times greater antioxidant capacity than fractions captured at the beginning of the distillation or from the whole oil. The strongest antimicrobial activity of J. communis EO against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica was observed in the EO obtained at the 0–3 min distillation timeframe (DT, in minutes). The EO of J. communis obtained at the 0 to 3, 3 to 5, and 80 to 160 min DTs showed greater antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia, compared with the EO obtained from the 160 to 240 DT. The strongest activity of J. communis EO against Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus and Candida glabrata was observed with EO from the 160 to 240 DT. J. excelsa EO from the 0 to 3 and 5 to 10 min DTs had greater activity against S. enterica and K. pneumonia compared with the EO from the 160 to 240 DT. Conversely, the J. excelsa EO from the 160 to 240 min DT had greater activity against Clostridium perfringens and Candida glabrata. This research revealed that EO with different profiles could be obtained from the same batch of galbuli, suggesting the possibility of generating natural unadulterated oils with specific targeted profiles. Essential oils with a high content of α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, or limonene was obtained from J. communis galbuli hydrodistilled for 3 min. Essential oil with a high content of α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, or γ-terpinene was obtained from J. excelsa galbuli when hydrodistilled for 3 min. The galbuli of J. communis and J. excelsa can yield essential oil fractions with novel chemical composition and bioactivity.

In the present study, essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from Syzygium grande (Wight) Walp. (syn. Eugenia grandis Wight) and Syzygium sterrophyllum Merrill & L. M. Perry were characterise...

The antimicrobial activity of spices of human daily diet has been widely demonstrated. Yet, their capacity of promoting antibiotic activity has not been explored adequately. In this work, the chemical composition of essential oils of Piper nigrum and Syzygium aromaticum from Chad were determined and their antimicrobial effect in combination with different antibiotics towards Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhi were assessed. Moreover, the in vivo toxicity of the essential oils alone and in combination with antibiotics was performed. Results indicate that the essential oil of P. nigrum was mostly composed of limonene (18.59%), beta-pinene (11.51%), linalool (10.17%), alpha-pinene (9.96%), while for S. aromaticum essential oil, only three compounds represented about 89% of the identified compounds. They were respectively beta caryophyllene (43.63%), eugenol (42.67%) and alpha-humulene (3.73%). Regarding the antimicrobial properties, Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (EO) used alone was more active than P. nigrum EO with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 625 ppm towards all the strains. In combination with selected antibiotics, S. aromaticum gave better results with less indifference association, the best being with gentamicin. This association of the different EOs with gentamicin proved not to be acutely toxic to rats after 14 days of observation at doses ten times the MIC. These results indicated that spices used in human diets can be used for the production of hybrid drugs containing antibiotic and natural substances. Key words: Piper nigrum, Syzygium aromaticum, antibiotic promotion, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, toxicity.

Ajowan ( Trachyspermum ammi L.) as family member of Apiaceae is an essential oil, annual and highly valued medicinally important seed spice which have many native ecotypes in different parts of Iran. This study was carried out to determine the appropriate ecotype for the efficiency of essential oil and the amount of thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene in it. Ajowan seeds of 23 ecotypes from the gene bank of the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR) of Iran was prepared and planted in a farm of the College of Abouraihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran. After the harvest, seed essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, and the essential chemical compounds were studied by the GC-GC/MS. Based on the results, the amount of essential oils was formed 2.5% in ‘Arak’ and 6.1% in ‘Sarbisheh’ ecotypes. In all the samples, 95% of essential oil compounds were identified, and the three compounds p-cymene, γ-terpinene and thymol were the main components. Thymol, as the main combination of ajowan essential oils, varied from 34 to 55%. The highest and lowest percentage of thymol also related to ‘Shahedieh’ and ‘Birjand’ ecotypes, respectively. The highest and lowest thymol yield related to ‘Ardabil’ and ‘Sarbisheh’ ecotypes, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between Sabinene and beta-pinene, sabinene and alpha-pinene, γ-terpinene and thymol. Factor analysis identified three factors. They accounted for a total of 73.43% of the total variance. Cluster analysis divided ecotypes into three categories. The Rafsanjan ecotype for its relatively good performance of thymol and low amount of alpha thujene is recommended for plant breeding projects of Iranian ajowan in the future.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the variability in the essential oil yield and chemical composition of Achillea millefolium L. (whole aerial-parts, leaves and inflorescence) grown in the subtropical region of north India during annual growth. The allelopathic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of the oil were also examined. The essential oil yield varied due to harvesting stages and plant-parts processed (0.10–0.70%). The oils obtained from different stages and plant-parts were analysed using GC-FID and GC–MS. Altogether thirty-nine constituents, forming 93.0–97.8% of the total oil composition were identified. Major constituents of the oils were germacrene D (1.1–46.6%), sabinene (4.0–38.9%), borneol (4.7–24.9%), camphor (0.6–17.6%), α-pinene (0.8–11.7%), artemisia ketone (3.1–12.9%), chamazulene (0.8–9.6%), γ -cadinene (0.3–8.2%), and camphene (0.2–5.7%). Cluster analysis grouped overall compositions into six main groups based on their dominant components. It was observed that season of harvesting and plant-parts affect the essential oil yield and chemical composition of A. millefolium . The chemical composition of the examined essential oil was different from those described from other geographical origins. Moreover, this oil displayed a significant allelopathic activity.

This study elucidates the fumigant toxicity and insecticidal mechanism of essential oil from orange peels against T. confusum, C. maculatus and S. oryzae. Essential oil from orange peels was obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical constituents of the essential oil were identified by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fumigant toxicity of the essential oil was evaluated against the adults of T. confusum, C. maculatus and S. oryzae. The effect of the essential oil on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na/K-ATPase activities in T. confusum, C. maculatus and S. oryzae homogenates were also determined. The major compounds that were identified in the essential oil include limonene (92.14%), β-myrcene (2.7%), 1,8-cineole (0.33%), α-pinene (0.7%) and γ-Terpinene (0.23%). In the fumigation assay, the essential oil displayed toxic effects against T. confusum, C. maculatus and S. oryzae. Percentage mortality of the insects increased with increase in concentration of the essential oil and exposure time while LC50 reduced with increase in period of exposure. Biochemical studies showed that the essential oil exhibited inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na+/K+-ATPase activities. This study indicates that essential oil from orange peels could be effective in the biocontrol of T. confusum, C. maculatus and S. oryzae and this may be associated to its inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase and Na+/K+-ATPase activity.

The effects of concentrations of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EO) and nisin (N) as well as temperature and storage time on growth of Streptococcus iniae and Lactococcus garvieae in Oncorhynchus mykiss were evaluated. According to analysis of the rosemary EO, the 1, 8-cineol and α-pinene were the predominant components. The growth of S. iniae was significantly decrease by EO concentrations at 4 oC. For L. garvieae, the viable count was significantly inhibited by EO and N singly and in combinations, incubated at bath storage of 0.25 and 0.5 µg/mL proved insufficient to act against S. iniae and L. garvieae. The combinations of the rosemary EO at 0.0015% with N at 0.5 µg/mL showed stronger antimicrobial effect against two bacterial than the rosemary EO at 0% but lower than the combination with N at 0.5 µg/mL and EO at 0.045% which in turn was lower than of the rosemary EO at 0.135%. In its turn, rosemary EO showed lower antimicrobial activity than its combinations with N, which showed a bacte...

Sitophilus oryzae (L) were subjected to essential oils extracted from Mentha piperita L, Rosmarinus officinalis L and Hyssopus officinalis L. Chemical structure, repellency, fumigant toxicity and f...

The antimicrobial effects of essential oil, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Teucrium polium L. were investigated against 13 microorganisms. Extracts and essential oil were obtained from maceration, decoction and hydrodistillation respectively. Samples were tested for their antimicrobial activity using the disk diffusion, the agar dilution and the agar incorporation method. Essential oil was analysed using GC/MS, results showed that β-pinene (35.97%) and α-pinene (13.32%) were the main components. Furthermore, essential oil exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, it was most effective against Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter freundei where inhibition zone ranged between 15 and 25 mm, and with the microbial inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.078–0.156 mg/ml. The oil and ethanol extract showed the best antifungal activity against Microsporum canis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Trichophyton rubrum with the inhibition percentage (I%) ranging from 18.94 to 100%. However, none of the samples exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. In this study, the obtained results showed significant effects of essential oils and ethanol extracts of T. polium which may used as a substitute to the synthetic drugs against certain microbial diseases.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of enzymatic pre-treatment on chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus leaves volatile oil. Enzymatic pre-treatment has been considered as a novel and an effective way to release bounded compounds and increase overall yield. Lemongrass leaves with enzymatic pre-treatment with enzymes viz. β-galactosidase and cellulase yielded 0.82 % and 0.91 % volatile oil respectively. While, with mixture of enzymes (β-glactosidase and cellulase), the yield of volatile oil was 0.97 %. GC-MS analysis of enzymatic per-treated oil showed thirty three chemical constituents (99.5 %) with significant variation in area percentage of major constituents. However, in conventional hydro-distillation method, twenty two chemical constituents (72.4 %) were present. On comparison of enzyme aided extraction using mixture of enzymes showed the presence of some new chemical constituent’s viz.1R α-pinene (0.43 %), α-phellendren (0.46 %), D-limonene (0.53 %), and citronellol (0...

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, Indian curry leaf plant is widely used in households for imparting a characteristic flavour to Indian dishes. The plant is reported to have significant medicinal value. The essential oil and dried leaves are exported to several countries due to its importance for culinary and medicinal value. Keeping in view, the chemical diversity of the plant, the essential oils from the fresh and shade dried leaves were analysed by GC and GC-MS. Twenty nine compounds were identified in the oil from the fresh material while forty two compounds were present in the dried sample accounting for 93.5 % and 95.7 % of the oil respectively. The main compounds from the fresh sample were trans-caryophyllene (26.7 %), α-pinene (10.7 %), terpinen-4-ol (8.5 %), sabinene (9.9 %), α-humulene (6.6 %) and β-elemene (5.6 %). The shade dried material showed the presence of α-pinene (34.4 %), trans-caryophyllene (11.4 %), sabinene (11.5 %) and terpinen-4-ol (5.3 %). The percentage of α-pinene in shade ...