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The current research was conducted to explore, for the first time, Tagetes erecta L. (family Asteraceae) fruits from northwest Iran in terms of the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils, their cytotoxic activities, and the inhibitory effect of essential oil on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The volatile oil was obtained through hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus). According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, the essential oil was rich in cyclic monoterpenoids, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-one (19.99%), d-limonene (12.75%), terpinolene (11.64%) and also the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (19.09%). Furthermore, the seeds of T. erecta were extracted using hexane by the maceration method. The analysis of fatty acid profile of the fixed oil by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) demonstrated that the most predominant fatty acids in fixed oil were linoleic acid (59.53%), palmitic acid (13.70%), stearic acid (10.20%), and oleic acid (9.20%). The cytotoxic activity of essential oil, crude oil, and fraction A (obtained from fixed oil) were evaluated by using the MTT assay on MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line), PC3 (human prostate cancer cell line), and U87MG (human glioblastoma cell line). Finally, the effect of essential oil on inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated using real-time PCR. The essential oil exhibited vigorous cytotoxic activity on the U87MG cell line, with an IC50 value of 32.65 μg/mL. Interestingly, the essential oil significantly inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade compared to the non-treated group. Our results suggest that the essential oil holds promise as an anticancer agent for glioblastoma cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the profile of the essential oil of T. erecta fruits and its implications for targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most widely used medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, Rosa × damascena Herrm. (mohammadi flower) that the people of Kashan use as a sedative and to treat nervous diseases and constipation. In this research, the yield, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of this plant were evaluated for the first time from Azaran region, Kashan. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation (Clevenger), and its chemical compounds were identified and determined by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was determined by the diffusion method in agar, the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum concentration capable of killing bacterial/fungal microorganisms (MBC/MFC). Results: The results showed that the yield of essential oil was 0.1586 ± 0.0331% (w/w). Based on the results of the chemical composition analysis of R. x damascena essential oil, 19 different compounds (98.96%) were identified. The dominant and main components of the essential oil were oleic acid (48.08%), palmitic acid (15.44%), stearic acid (10.17%), citronellol (7.37%) and nonadecane (3.70%). Based on the results of diffusion in agar, the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) was ~ 9.5 mm. The strongest inhibitory activity of R. x damascena essential oil against Gram-negative Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 43071) was with the diameter of the inhibition zone (~ 9 mm), which was equal to the strength of rifampin (~ 9 mm). Conclusion: Therefore, this essential oil is a promising natural option rich in fatty acids, which can be a potential for the production of natural antimicrobials against infectious diseases, especially urinary tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medicinal plants are precious resources in Iran's broad landscape of natural resources, which can play an essential role in health, employment, and non-petroleum export if recognized, cultivated, developed, and exploited scientifically and correctly. Given the limitation of water resources in Iran, the agricultural sector's use of unconventional water resources has been proposed as a solution. One of these methods is to pass water through a magnetic field before irrigation to improve water productivity. The soil health management is crucial for ensuring ecological and agricultural productions and maintaining plant diversity. The negative impacts of chemical fertilizers forced the agrochemical companies to replace them with Nano-fertilizers in sustainable agricultural systems in order to achieve desirable crop productivity. Materials and methods: With the aim of investigating the effect of foliar application of different nano fertilizers on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of peppermint under different irrigation conditions, an experimental experiment was carried out in an agricultural field in Miandoab city in West Azarbaijan province. The experiment was in the form of split plots based on randomized complete block design in three replications. The main plot was assigned to the irrigation cycle (every 5, 7 and 10 days) and the secondary plot was assigned to foliar spraying treatments (control (no foliar spraying) nano NPK, nano Fe, nano Zn and nano Mn). chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf weight, fresh yield, dry yield, proline content, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield was measured. Results and discussion: Based on the results of data variance analysis, all investigated traits were affected by irrigation, foliar application and the interaction of two treatments at the 1% probability level. The interaction of year with foliar application on dry and wet yield of fodder was significant at the probability level of 1%. The triple interaction of year x irrigationx foliar application and was significant only on proline content at the 1% probability level. The results of the mean comparison of irrigation with foliar application interaction treatments showed the Foliar application of nano Fe under irrigation conditions once every 5 days had the highest content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids (respectively with an average of 13.43, 3.61 and 4.12 mg g fresh weight-1), plant height (33.92 cm), leaf fresh weight (6.71 g), aerial fresh yield (13121 kg ha-1), aerial dry yield (4600.1 kg ha-1) and the lowest proline content (6.32 mmol g weight-1). Also, the highest percentage of essential oil (0.67%) was attributed to nano Fe foliar spraying under irrigation conditions of 7 days once. In this study, although the highest essential oil yield (24.74 kg ha-1) was assigned to the application of nano Zn under the irrigation once every 5 days' condition but there was no significant difference between the mentioned treatment and Foliar application nano NPK and nano-Fe in the irrigation treatment of 7 days' treatments. Conclusion: It can be stated that the use of NPK and Fe in the form of nanoparticles under mild water stress conditions can improve the economic performance of the product and save water consumption. Also, foliar spraying of this fertilizer it was able to significantly increase the essential oil yield of in this plant under severe water stress conditions. Therefore, foliar spraying of nutritional elements in nano form can be a solution to improve the essential oil yield in peppermint plants under water stress conditions with different intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantity and quality of essential oil extracted from the plant is strongly influenced by the extraction conditions, so optimizing the extraction conditions can help us to achieve the most essential oil content with the best quality. Satureja sahendica Bornm. is an endemic medicinal plant of Iran, which is of great importance due to its high essential oil and thymol content. In this research, the effect of plant particle size (mesh sizes of 12, 18 and 35) and the ratio of plant material to water (1:5, 1:10 and 1:15 w/v) on essential oil content and compositions of this plant were evaluated. The essential oils were extracted based on hydro-distillation method by Clevenger’s apparatus and then analyzed using GC/MS and GC/FID. The results indicated that the extracted essential oil decreased with the decrease in the plant particle size. The optimal ratio of plant material to water in order to obtain more essential oil was different depending on the plant particle size. The highest of essential oil content (2.15% v/w) was obtained from plant material with mesh size of 12 in the ratio of 1:15 plant material to water. The number, type and amount of essential oil compounds were strongly affected by different treatments. The highest amount of thymol (81.79%) as the most important component of the Satureja sahendica essential oil was obtained from samples with mesh size of 35 and in the ratio of 1:10 plant material to water. Determining the most appropriate extraction conditions can be different depending on the purpose and desired chemical composition of the essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the morphological and chemical characteristics of 200 Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. genotypes found in natural habitats of eight regions in west of Iran. The primary objective of the study was to assess the morphological and phytochemical variability within populations grown in their natural habitats, with the aim of identifying their potential for domestication and utilization in pre-breeding programs. The plant height (PH) ranged from 50.32 to 69.65 cm, with the highest observed in population P8. The internode distances ranged from 4.7 to 6.47 cm, with the maximum distance found in P4. Flower lengths varied from 1.95 to 2.45 cm, with the minimum and maximum values observed in P4 and P3, respectively. The highest leaf length (5.20 cm) and width (3.87 cm) were recorded in P2. The aerial parts of the plant were utilized to extraction and determine the essential oil (EO) content and composition, which ranged from 0.40 to 0.78% (v/w). The analysis of EO by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) identified 26 compounds, constituting 99–99.5% of the EOs. The main compounds in the EO and their percentage range (v/w DW) were tau-cadinol (0.62–55.56), mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (8.10–94.70), elemol (0.21–19.11), β-spathulenol (0.08–14.39), 4-terpineol (0.23–10.19), and β-eudesmol (0.21–9.94). The main chemical groups found in EOs included oxygenated sesquiterpenes (1.12–68.43), and phthalates (9.73–94.72). Cluster analysis revealed three distinct chemotypes: chemotype I (populations 1 and 2) with major components of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, tau-cadinol, and α-elemol; chemotype II (population 5) rich in mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; and chemotype III (populations 3, 4, 6–8) containing tau-cadinol, β-eudesmol, and 4-terpineol. The study also evaluated total phenolic, total flavonoid, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) in leaf and flower samples of the genotypes, along with estimating total anthocyanin content in the flower samples. The total phenolic content (TPC) in leaf and flower samples ranged from 7.89 to 107.18 mg GAE/g DW and 39.98 to 86.62 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. Total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 81.04 to 143.46 mg QUE/g DW in leaf samples and from 94.82 to 133.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g DW in flower samples. DPPHsc IC50 (µg/mL) ranged from 0.65 to 78.74 in leaf samples and from 4.38 to 7.71 in flower samples. Anthocyanin content ranged from 1.89 to 3.75 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (C3GE)/g DW among populations. Canonical correspondence analysis and simple correlation demonstrated a strong association and correlations among the studied attributes. The negative correlations between leaf DPPH (DPPH L) IC50 and TFC (− 0.73), TPC (− 0.63), Elemol (− 0.90), and EO (− 0.85) indicate that these compounds have a significant impact on the antioxidant activity of the leaves. Furthermore, Fruit DPPH (DPPH F) IC50 showed a negative correlation with TPC (− 0.79) and TFC (− 0.78), but a positive correlation with flower anthocyanins (0.51), (Z)-β-Farnesene (0.66), and 4-Terpineol (0.57). Circular cluster analysis categorized the genotypes of all individuals in the eight studied populations into three main categories based on all the studied traits, indicating significant variation in phytochemical and morphological traits among populations, surpassing the within-populations variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is one of the medicinal plants of Anacardiaceae family and widely used as a spice in Iran and Arab countries. Rhus coriaria var. zebaria is a small tree or large shrub, wildly growing in Iraq and described as a new variety with special characteristics. These increase the importance of studying sumac in these areas. Here, the phytochemical variations and the antibacterial activity of 50 accessions of this variety from five different climatic conditions was evaluated in order to identify the best accession to use and the best area for its cultivation. This is the most comprehensive study on this plant. Essential oil compounds were identified using GC–MS method and according to the results, Z, E-2,13-octadecadien, caryophyllene oxide, 2,4-decadienal, E-caryophyllene and nonanoic acid were among the main compounds. Also, the variety is a rich source of minerals including K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, and N. Sumac fruit extract from Akre Xerds had the highest anthocyanin and the lowest amount was from Kavilca region. The radical scavenging effect of extract from Dostic area in the concentration of 400 µg/mL is closer to the effect of ascorbic acid. The largest inhibition was found in the sumac extracted oil of Xasto Zhere area against S. aureus in compared with penicillin and amoxicillin and enrofloxacin antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melissa officinalis L. is a cosmopolitan aromatic and medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family, which is necessary for pharmaceutical and cosmetic production. To evaluate the impact of different harvesting times and plant materials on the essential oil content and composition of M. officinalis 4-year-old plants, the present study was conducted in Fars province, Iran, under industrial field conditions. A randomized factorial experiment with three replications was used. Each replication contained six treatments [3 harvesting of M. officinalis × 2 treatments (shade drying + fresh state)]. Hydrodistillation was used to obtain the essential oils from each treatment, which were subsequently analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. The results demonstrated a significant influence of harvesting times and plant materials on the essential oil content and composition of M. officinalis. The average essential oil content was 0.028% to 0.095% (w/w). At different harvest times, the fresh plant yielded a higher content of essential oil compared to the dry plant. The number of chemical constituents in the essential oils was influenced by different harvesting times and plant materials. The predominant and common constituents in all harvested plant materials were the oxygenated monoterpenes geranial (28.7-43.2%) and neral (12.9-30.9%). Based on the major compounds, the essential oils from different harvesting times and plant materials were categorized into two chemotypes: chemotype I (geranial/thymol) and chemotype II (geranial/neral). It is recommended that drying operations not be used as a post-harvest processing method to achieve the highest essential oil yield from M. officinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymus persicus is a valuable natural source of anticancer triterpenic acids (TAs) such as betulinic acid (BA), oleanolic acid (OA), and ursolic acid (UA), which is growing wild in the northwest of Iran. In the present study, variability in morphological characteristics, phytochemical composition, and biological activity among T. persicus populations (TPPs) were investigated. The plants were phenotypically different with the highest variations in some morphological traits. In total, sixty-seven compounds representing 97.2‒99.9% of the essential oils were identified. Thymol (8.1‒43.9%), α-terpineol (1.8‒34.2%), and p-cymene (0.4‒13.4%) were the major components of the studied oils. The content of BA, OA, and UA was ranged as 530.55 ± 13.04‒856.89 ± 6.76, 419.35 ± 11.44‒584.43 ± 12.67, and 941.66 ± 11.49‒1070.82 ± 10.14 mg 100 g‒1 DW in the studied TPPs, respectively. The highest total phenol content (87.26 ± 4.35 mg GAE g–1 DW), total flavonoid content (72.34 ± 2.63 mg QE g–1 DW), and antioxidant property (IC50 = 64.28 ± 4.57 μg ml–1 and 61.68 ± 1.10 μmol Fe+2 g–1 DW) were recorded in TPP1 (Baderlu). The essential oil of the TPP3 (Angooran) showed the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the bacteria (0.005‒0.080 mg ml–1) and fungi (0.077‒0.100 mg ml–1) among the studied TPPs. Multiple regression analysis showed an associated correlation among morphological, phytochemical characteristics, and biological activities. Canonical correspondence analysis also determined relationship between phytochemical traits and environmental factors. These findings contain valuable data for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of this valuable medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The plants from Salvia genus contain widely distributed species which have been used in folk medicine as well as pharmaceutical and food industries. Methods: The chemical composition of 12 native Iranian Salvia species (14 plants) was identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Also, the inhibitory activity of all essential oils (EOs) was evaluated toward α-glucosidase and two types of cholinesterase (ChE) using spectrophotometric methods. The in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assay was performed by the determination of p-nitrophenol (pNP) obtained from the enzymatic dissociation of p-nitrophenol-α-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as the substrate. In vitro ChE inhibitory assay was conducted based on the modified Ellman's procedure using the measurement of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid produced from the hydrolysis of thiocholine derivatives as the substrate, in the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Results: Totally, 139 compounds were detected and caryophyllene oxide and trans-β-caryophyllene were the most abundant compounds in all EOs. The yield of EOs extracted from the plants were also calculated in the range of 0.06 to 0.96% w/w. Herein, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of 8 EOs was reported for the first time and among all, S. spinosa L. was found to be the most potent inhibitor (90.5 inhibition at 500 μg/mL). Also, the ChE inhibitory activity of 8 species was reported for the first time and our results showed that the BChE inhibitory effect of all EOs was more potent than that of AChE. The ChE inhibition assay indicated that S. mirzayanii Rech.f. & Esfand. collected from Shiraz was the most potent inhibitor (72.68% and 40.6% at the concentration of 500 μg/mL, toward AChE and BChE, respectively). Conclusions: It seems that native Salvia species of Iran could be considered in the development of anti-diabetic and anti-Alzheimer's disease supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal and aromatic plants are rich in active substances that represent many medicines. Climatic factors and ontogenetic growth stages affect the quantity and quality of these costly materials. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the geographic origins and the different plant organs (leaves, flowers and stalks) of Salvia sharifii Rech. f. & Esfand., an endemic aromatic herb in the south of Iran, essential oil in three different natural habitats. The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation using Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The highest essential oil content was obtained in flower (1.2%) and stalk (0.7%) of S. sharifii in Sirmand population. Also, in the latter plant organ, the highest essential oil content was observed in Abmah population (1.1%). Essential oils were characterized by the domination of sesquiterpenes (37.92-84.40%), followed by monoterpenes (13.42-58.86%). Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the essential oil identified 58 constituents that varied with plant origin and organ. Results revealed that the main essential oil constituents in S. sharifii were linalool, hexyl-2-methyl butyrate, caryophyllene, sclareol oxide, agarospirol and hexyl caprylate in different plant organs and natural habitats. The variations among natural populations of S. sharifii showed that add to the impact of plant inheritance, it conjointly encompasses a high adaptation potential so that a variety of climatic conditions like temperature, altitude and rainfall are among different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis is a protist parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease. Metronidazole is the current treatment for trichomoniasis. However, this drug can provoke severe side effects, and some strains present resistance, making the development of alternative treatments for trichomoniasis urgent. Objectives: We investigate the use of essential oil obtained from Dracocephalum kotschyi on T. vaginalis. D. kotschyi has antispasmodic and analgesic properties and is well known in Iran. Methods: The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation from 1000 g of the powdered plant. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis was used for the chemical composition of the essential oil, and 11 substances were identified, corresponding to 91.5% of the oil. Copaene (22.15%), Methyl geranate (16.31%), Geranial (13.78%) and Carvone (11.34%) were the main substances. A cell viability test was used to determine the percentage of growth inhibition (GI%) and the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) on T. vaginalis after incubation with the prepared essential oil. Results: The oil induced an IC50 of 84.07 µg/ml after 24 h contact with trophozoites. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay on the J774.A1 haematopoietic cell line. In addition, the initial stage of apoptosis was assayed using the fluorescein isothiocyanate Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit. Evaluation of the in vitro anti‐trichomonal properties of D. kotschyi essential oils showed that it effectively induces apoptosis on T. vaginalis between 100 and 700 µg/ml after 48 h without toxicity on haematopoietic cells, suggesting that D. kotschyi essential oil can induce programmed death in T. vaginalis. Conclusions: The anti‐trichomonal properties of D. kotschyi essential oil indicate that they could be suitable for new pharmacologic studies after new tests with human vaginal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicory has a wide range of uses in the pharmaceutical and food industries owing to its valuable bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, terpenoids, vitamins, and inulin. The presence and content of these compounds are influenced by genetic and environmental factors, as well as the processing method. The present research aimed to evaluate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of wild chicory populations from the Markazi province, Iran. The essential oil was extracted through the distillation technique using Clevenger-type apparatus. GC and GC/MS were used to identify the compounds of the essential oil, and a spectrophotometer was used to determine the amount of inulin. The results showed high and significant diversity between populations for the measured traits. The maximum and minimum variations were observed for the plant height and branch weight, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between different traits. The yield and composition of essential oil in the studied populations showed considerable variation. The main components of the essential oil were chamazulene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, cuminic aldehyde, thymol, cinnamic aldehyde, camphor, borneol, linalool, and carvone. Cluster analysis separated the populations into two different groups based on morphological traits and chemical components of essential oils. In conclusion, the existence of considerable diversity in morphological traits and chemical compounds among the chicory populations can be useful in the breeding programs of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta binaludensis Jamzad is an endemic and rare perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which grows in a limited area in Binaloud Mountain in northeast of Iran. In this study to evaluate the diversity of 20 populations (localities) of N. binaludensis and the influence of environmental factors on essential oil (EO) content and composition, the plant aerial parts were collected at the full flowering stage. The plant materials dried in shade and subjected to hydro-distillation for obtaining their EOs. Analysis of the EO was carried out using GC and GC/MS. The oil yields were varied from 1.2 to 4.9%. Classification of populations was made based on EO compounds. The results of mean comparison between populations belong to different habitats showed that the populations of Darood and Friezy with average values of 4.91 and 1.2% had the highest and lowest EO yield, respectively. Twenty-two compounds were identified in the oils with 1,8-cineol (25.4–59.0%), 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone (13.8–55.1%), myrcene (2.3–5.5%) and p-cymene (1.1–5.7%) as the main components. Result of correlation analysis showed that the oil yield was positively correlated with precipitation and negatively with temperature. In addition, 1,8-cineole was positively and nepetalactone was negatively correlated with altitude. Cluster analysis by Ward method categorized the populations into two groups. The major compound of the oils in cluster 1 was nepetalactone (with an average of 37.9%), while the oils in cluster 2, contained higher percentage of 1,8-cineole (52–59%). Most of the populations in cluster 2, were originated from high, cold, rainy, and steep areas. Highlights: By increasing the altitude, changes in growth and essential oil composition of the plant are observed Result of correlation analysis showed that essential oil yield was positively correlated with precipitation, and negatively with temperature. In the present study the populations with high-amount of nepetalactone and 1,8 cineole were identified, The populations of cluster 2 with higher amount of 1,8-cineole, were growing in the high altitude, cold, rainy and sloping areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oliveria decumbens Vent. is an aromatic and medicinal plant traditionally used in Iran for the treatment of infections, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, and inflammation. This research was aimed at investigating the pharmacological potential of O. decumbens essential oil (OEO) and its main compounds, focusing on OEO's cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. OEO was obtained by hydro-distillation, and the chemical constituents were identified using GC-MS. Thymol, carvacrol, γ-terpinene, and p-cymene were the main OEO constituents. When MCF-7 cells were treated with OEO, the expressions of genes related to apoptosis (BIM and Bcl-2), tumor suppression (PTEN), and cell growth inhibition (AURKA), were evaluated using real-time PCR. Moreover, molecular docking was used for studying in silico the interaction of OEO principal compounds with PTEN and AURKA. The expression of AURKA was significantly reduced since the OEO treatment enhanced the expression of PTEN. Through in silico molecular docking, it was revealed that thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene can activate PTEN and thus inhibit AURKA. Additionally, the DNA fragmentation assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double-staining assay, and real-time PCR highlighted the fact that the OEO treatment could activate apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation. Therefore, OEO is a viable candidate to be employed in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically as a possible agent for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is the worst pest for strawberries among all arthropod pests in Iran. In this study, essential oils from the flowering branches and fruits of the chinaberry, Melia azedarach L. were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the acaricidal activity of the oil was evaluated in fumigation tests against T. urticae. Forty-three constituents were identified and Methanecarbothiolic acid (10.80%), Ethyl Acetate (9.24%), 2-Propanone, 1-fluor (9.01), Acetic acid, 1-methylethyl ester (8.33%) and n-Propyl acetate (8.02%) were the main constituents The mites were susceptible to the oil using the fumigation method. The results stated that M. azedarach oil had high toxicity on eggs and adults of two-spotted spider mite (LC50 was 18.27 and 13.63 µL L−1 for eggs and adults, respectively) with LT50 of 12.05 h. In addition, all tested concentrations had oviposition deterrent activity and repellency on adults of this mite. For the practical use of this oil as a novel acaricide, however, further investigations are needed to evaluate the effects on non-target organisms and the cost-benefit ratio for the formulation of a product to be used on protected crops such as strawberry in the greenhouse condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanacetum fisherae Aitch. & Hemsl. is an endemic plant growing wild in some brackish regions of Iran. Since there are not enough reports concerning the quantitative and qualitative analyses of its essential oil, it was decided to characterise the respective water-distilled oils obtained from the flowers and leaves of this medicinal plant. Characterisation of the corresponding essential oil profiles revealed that in both of the analysed oils, oxygenated monoterpenes constituted most of the chemical profiles. In this sense, the most prevailing natural compounds in the flower oils were cis-p-2-menthen-1-ol (11.2%), trans-p-2-menthen-1-ol (10.7%), trans-piperitol (7.8%), 1,8-cineole (6.1%), cis-piperitol (3.8%), α-terpineol (3.7%) and terpinene-4-ol (2.1%), whereas the main constituent components of the leaves oils were, respectively, 1,8-cineole (16.7%), cis-p-2-menthen-1-ol (14.6%), trans-p-2-menthen-1-ol (10.4%), trans-piperitol (12.8%), α-terpineol (5.4%), cis-piperitol (2.9%), borneol (2.7%), and terpinene-4-ol (2.1%). In addition, the second rank of natural compound constituting groups was due to oxygenated sesquiterpenes, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinophora cinerea Boiss. is an vulnerable plant species which is applied as gastrointestinal invigorator and stimulants in traditional medicine. A study was done to investigate the variation of essential oil (EO) composition of this species among seven wild populations distributed in various microclimates of Zagros Mountain, Iran. Based on the gas chromatography analyses, twenty-one constituents were monitored including 98.6–99.2% of the EO compositions. The major chemical components of essential oils were α-phellandrene (23.7–36.2%), α-pinene (9.5–24.8%), β-myrcene (3.3–17.5%), linalool (1.8–6.7%), β-phellandrene (3.4–5.5%), methyl eugenol (1.1–15.1%), citronellol (0.5–6.4%) and verbenone (1.9–4.9%). Classification of populations revealed four main chemotypes. There were a positive and significant correlation between soil organic carbon and α-terpineol and a negative correlation between α-phellandrene and β-phellandrene contents and the soil EC. The observed variability among the studied populations can provide the best source of materials with favorable components for industrial uses and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are among the safe sources to produce and survey new bioactive compounds. Leutea elbursensis Mozaff. (Apiaceae) is an endemic and wild plant in Iran which grows on the foothills of Alborz Mountains. In this study, the essential oils (EOs) of dried samples of aerial parts and rhizome of L. elbursensis were extracted using Clevenger apparatus. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of EOs was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus standard strains as the models of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The results of GC/MS spectrums indicated that β-pinene (24.7%), α-pinene (23.1%), and myrtenol (11.9%) were the most dominant products of aerial parts of the plant. Moreover, EO from the rhizome of L. elbursensis contained β-pinene (26.7%), α-pinene (19.3%), myrtenol (13.1%), and n-octanal (10.5%) as significant compounds. The findings showed that essential oils from aerial portions had more antibacterial action than rhizomes did against a number of different microbes. The MIC value of the EO from aerial parts was 8 mg/mL against E. coli, whereas this value was 16 mg/mL for the EO of the rhizome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world, with resistant cases spreading. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ferulago angulata extracts and essential oil on Trichomonas vaginalis protozoan. Materials and Methods: In this study, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts and essential oil of F. angulata aerial parts were prepared and tested to determine the minimum lethal concentration (MLC) and the percentage of growth inhibition (GI%). The tests were carried out on two clinical isolates of T. vaginalis under aerobic conditions and against metronidazole and control. The tests were surveyed after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Results: After 24 hours, the MLC of methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts and essential oil were 250, 500, 250 and 500 μg/ml, respectively. The MLC of ethyl acetate and hexane extracts were reduced to 250 and 125 μg/ml, after 48 hours. GI% at Sub-MLC for extracts and essential oils were 24.3% to 93.2%, after 24 hours, and from 51.6% to 95.1% after 48 hours. Also, the mean MLCs of metronidazole after 24 and 48 hours were 9.3 and 4.6 μg/ml. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that F. angulata has anti-trichomonial potential. Thus, more investigations it is necessary to purify the constituents of essential oil and extracts. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments will clarify the antimicrobial potential of the plant to make a more correct judgment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia majdae (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic herb of pharmaceutical interest in Iran due to its several biological properties. In the present study, we studied the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of S. majdae essential oil (EO) by comparing several extraction methods, including hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), ultrasound-assisted hydrodistillation (UAHD), microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and ohmic-assisted hydrodistillation (OAHD). The major EOs compounds obtained with all methods included linalool (39.4–45.7%) and camphor (30.9–34.3%). The highest EO yield was obtained using HD and MAHD, with 9 and 5% (w/w), respectively. The shortest extraction time (20 Min) was obtained using MAHD. The antibacterial activity of S. majdae EOs was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method on a panel of Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens) and Gram-negative (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Xanthomonas citri and Escherichia coli) bacteria. Notably, the EO obtained by HD demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosa damascena is an aromatic rose species, which is cultivated for its essential oil, and is widely used in perfume, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries in the world. This experiment was conducted to evaluate essential oil and morphological variations of 26 Damask rose genotypes. For this purpose, the effect of harvest time, i.e., early morning or evening, and sampling type, i.e., fresh or dried petals, on oil content was evaluated. In addition, the composition of essential oil of the genotypes was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: Results showed that early morning was the preferable time for flower collection based on oil content. Furthermore, the oil yield of fresh petals was higher than that of the dried petals. Twenty-five volatile compounds were found in the extracted oils. β-Damascenone, a key marker for the quality of rose oil, was found in 22 genotypes and was more than 1.5% concentration in G3, G6, and G11 genotypes. The highest components of the oil of Damask rose genotypes were nonadecane (42.51%), β-citronellol (40.82%), n-heneicosane (34.69%), geraniol (27.76%), and n-tricosane (14.2%). A wide variation in flower characteristics, such as petal color (from white to nearly red) and petal numbers from about 25 to 95, were also recorded. The G2, G5, and G15 genotypes, originated from Isfahan, Fars, and Kerman, respectively, were selected based on petal number, flower weight, and essential oil content in fresh and dried petals. Conclusions: Results suggest that morphological and biochemical diversity of Damask rose genotypes can be used effectively to characterize genetic diversity between different genotypes and to select special traits in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhabdosciadium aucheri has a limited distribution in west, center, and south of Iran. The aim of the present study was to assess essential oil content and variability in seven natural populations employing GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Aerial parts of the specimens were collected at the full flowering stage. Overall, 27 chemical components were determined in the populations. The essential oil yields varied from 0.05% to 0.12%. The most abundant compounds were germacrene D (10.7–51.7%), β-sesquiphellandrene (0.8–54.6%), β-elemene (0.3–39.5%), juniper camphor (3.5–20.8%), limonene (0.4–19.6%) and α-pinene (0.4–4.5%) among the populations. Due to some variations observed in the essential oil components between populations, four different chemotypes were recognized including Chemotype I (germacrene D/β-sesquiphellandrene/juniper camphor), Chemotype II (β-elemene/germacrene D), Chemotype III (germacrene D/β-sesquiphellandrene) and Chemotype IV (β-elemene/germacrene D). The variations that occurred in chemical compositions among populations could be valuable in the pharmaceutical industries and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Orthodontic removable appliances can facilitate the accumulation of certain microorganisms and microbial plaque on tooth surfaces and appliance components. Since long-term use of chemical agents is not recommended, an alternative option would be medicinal plants for disinfection of the oral cavity. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) essential oil to decrease the count of candida albicans (C. albicans) accumulated on removal orthodontic appliances Materials and Method: In this 2-arm parallel controlled clinical trial, forty-four patients whose removable orthodontic appliances were contaminated with C. albicans were randomly divided into two groups by electronic random sampling. In the first group, T. vulgaris essential oil spray and in the second group, 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) spray was applied to the appliances. Thereafter, the C. albicans colony count was measured at baseline (T0) and at 2 (T1) and 5 (T2) days after the intervention. Microbial samples were collected by a sterile swab from 3 spots on the internal surface of orthodontic appliances. The Friedman test was used for within-group comparisons and the Mann Whitney test was employed to compare the efficacy of T. vulgaris essential oil with CHX. Results: The results of this study revealed that continuous use of 2%T. vulgaris essential oil or 0.2% CHX significantly decreased the colony count of C. albicans on removable orthodontic appliances; Howevere, no significant difference was noted in the efficacy of 2% T. vulgaris essential oil and 0.2% CHX in decreasing the C. albicans colony count. Conclusion: T. vulgaris essential oil and CHX have favorable antimicrobial activity against C. albicans. Moreover, 2% T. vulgaris essential oil can be considered as an alternative to 0.2% CHX to eliminate fungal contamination of orthodontic appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological and essential oil diversity of Stachys lavandulifolia populations from the west and northwest of Iran were evaluated. The results showed a significant difference between the populations for nearly all the evaluated traits. The broadest variation ranges were recorded for the auxiliary shoot length, leaf length in the main branch, and the number of flowers in the inflorescences. Furthermore, cluster analysis divided 13 populations into four separate groups. GC/MS analysis verified the presence of 28 components comprising up to 94/4% of the oils. The dominant constituents were α-pinene (1.07–34.87%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.45–25.99%), germacrene D (3.36–20.61%), Δ-cadinene (2.82–19.90%), bicyclogermacrene (1.72–12.08%) α-terpineol (0–11.86%), α-muurolol (0.31–11.50%), p-cymene (0.67–9.67%), β-elemene (0.63–9.31%), and sabinene (0.32–6.29%). The results revealed that natural habitats and the related geo-climatological cues influenced morphological traits and oil composition. Considering the substantial environmental variations and the broad diversity, there would be a rich selection pool for the traits of interest. The populations are a step forward in the breeding programs for the highlighted essential oil constituents needed by the pharmaceutical and related industries. Furthermore, with the future comparative study of the populations from all Iranian territories and the neighboring countries, we will have a realistic idea of the coming conservational and exploitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Eucalyptus essential oils have shown promising insecticidal effects on several insect pests. The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), causes economically significant damage to stored grains as an internal primary insect pest. In this study, the chemical compositions of essential oils isolated from four Eucalyptus species. E. microtheca, E. procera, E. spatulata, and E. torquata were detected and identified using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, and their lethal and sublethal insecticidal effects were evaluated against the adults of R. dominica. Although all essential oils have significant fumigant toxicity, due to the high relative potency, R. dominica was more susceptible to the E. procera essential oil than the others. The total protein, glycogen, and lipid contents and digestive amylase and protease enzyme activities of the treated insects were reduced. The nutritional indices consumption index, relative consumption rate, and relative growth rate were also reduced in the treated adults. The findings of this study reveal that E. microtheca, E. procera, E. spatulata, and E. torquata essential oils can be potentially used for the development of eco-friendly natural agents for the management of R. dominica. The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), causes damage to stored grains resulting in both quantitative and qualitative losses. The use of synthetic fumigants in the management of stored-product pests resulted in undesirable side effects such as environmental contamination and threat to human and animal health. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils from four Eucalyptus species, E. microtheca, E. procera, E. spatulata, and E. torquata were studied against R. dominica adults. Gas chromatographic–mass spectral analysis of the essential oils was carried out, in which terpenes such as 1,8-cineole and globulol were abundant in essential oils. The pest was susceptible to the fumigation of the essential oils and, considering concentrations and exposure times (24, 48, and 72 h), had significant effects on the pest mortality. The total protein, glycogen, and lipid contents and digestive amylolytic and proteolytic activities of the adults treated with tested essential oils were reduced. The consumption index, relative consumption rate, and relative growth rate were also reduced in the treated adults. According to the insecticidal effects on the adults of R. dominica, the essential oils of E. microtheca, E. procera, E. spatulata, and E. torquata can be candidates for further investigations as grain protectant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to evaluate the chemical compounds, the anti-bacterial/fungal activity, and the cytotoxicity of the essential oil of three species of lamiaceae in Iran. After the extraction of the essential oil implementing the hydrodistillation method, the analysis and identification of the compounds were carried out with a chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. For the evaluation of the anti-bacterial/fungal activity of the essential oils, the measurement of the diameter of inhibition halo, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) were utilized; and for the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of the essential oils, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was used. The results show that the dominant compounds in the Perovskia abrotanoides Kar essential oil were camphor (21.68%), 1,8-cineole (14.26%), and α-pinene (7.23%); moreover, the dominant compounds in the Salvia reuteriana Boiss. Essential oil were benzyl benzoate (27.10%), linalool (13.27%), and sclareol (7.75%); in addition, the dominant compounds in the Ziziphora clinopodioides subsp. rigida (Boiss.) Rech.f. were cyclofenchene (25.29%), pulegone (14.14%), and menthol (7.70%). The largest halo diameter of inhibition halo (~ 22 mm) was against Streptococcus pyogenes and the strongest inhibiting and killing activity was against Candida albicans (MIC and MFC = 125 μg/mL) shown by the S. reuteriana essential oil which, respectively, matched the control antibiotics rifampin and nystatin. The analysis of the MTT test results showed that the Z. clinopodioides subsp. rigida essential oil (with IC50 value of ~ 144.2500) had the strongest cytotoxic activity against human ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3). On the whole, the results show that the essential oil of the Lamiaceae family plants is a source for various compounds with potential biological activities which can serve as a possible alternative to produce herbal medicine which are effective on some microorganisms and cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia sieberi is widely distributed in the desert and semi-desert regions of Iran. We collected samples from different parts of Iran and proceeded to extract and analyse their essential oils using hydrodistillation and GC-MS, respectively. Among seventy-two compounds identified within the oils, the hydrocarbon and oxygenated monoterpenoids, trans -thujone (0.0–22.9%), cis -thujane (0.0–47.3%), 1, 8-cineole (0.7–37.1%), camphor (0.0–46.4%), santolinyl acetate (0–33.8%) and cis -chrysanthenyl acetate (0.0–16.4%) and the sesquiterpenoid, davanone (0.0–59.6%), were reported as the predominant components from the 17-accession. The above-mentioned GC-MS analytical results in conjunction with chemometric calculations, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA), suggested 6 chemical groups of A. sieberi collected from the Northern to the Southern parts of Iran. The chemical classification of EOs were based on the sum of concentration of terpenoids with distinct C-skeletons, but not individual constituents. These distinct groups include the species predominant in, I: thujane, II: davanone, III: davanone and bornane, IV: p -menthane, V: bornane and VI: irregular monoterpenoids. The trace or less distributed phytochemicals are also suggested to divide the A. sieberi into two main group of sesquiterpene and monoterpene producers. • Seventeen essential oil samples of Artemisia sieberi from Iran have been analysed by GC-MS. • Among seventy-two identified compounds mono- and sesquiterpenoids were the main components. • Using PCA and HCA six chemotypes suggested for A. sieberi in different area of Iran. • Trace and less distributed phytochemicals were used to classify plant's essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia sharifii Rech. & Esfand is a folkloric endemic medicinal plant which is found in south of Iran. Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities from the aerial parts of S. sharifii were investigated. The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation using Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed using GC-MS. The main constituents were, linalool (20.74%), spathulenol (7.98%), caryophyllene oxide (4.77%), isopentyl isovalerate (4.48%), hexyl isovalerate (4.22%), α -gurjunene (4.16%), α –cadinol (3.77%), γ-terpinene (3.52%), terpinen-4-ol (3.37%) and sabinene (3.13). Total phenolic content was 31.39 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, and IC50 values in the radical scavenging assay was 1423 mg/mL. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of S. sharifii were studied by disc diffusion method. The results showed that the oil exhibited good antimicrobial activity against all medically important pathogens compare to standard antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils of leaf, flower, immature and mature fruit from Ferula pseudalliacea (Apiaceae) which grow wildly in Iran as an endemic plant were obtained by hydro-distillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The oils obtained in yields 0.4-4.0% (w/w) and the analysis of GC-MS/FID chromatogram was resulted in the identification of 43-47 compounds, representing 90.9 − 96.7% of the total oils. α-Pinene was the main compound in all samples. The oils exhibited mild activity against Bacillus pumilus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus with or more than 15 mm zones of growth inhibition and MIC values of 9-15 mg/ml. Essential oil of immature and mature fruits showed potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 35.4 ± 0.4 and 39.1 ± 0.4 µg/mL, respectively. So, this plant as an antibacterial and antioxidant agent can be useful in food and medicine industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various environmental factors such as altitude significantly affect the pharmacological and chemical properties of the plant. Here, the effect of three different altitudes of 1800 m (Rineh region), 2300 m (Polur region) and 2800 m (Lar region) above sea level on growth traits, yield and compositions of essential oil of two medicinal plants (Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam and Sophora alopecuroides L.) during two successive years (2018 and 2019) was investigated. The results showed that increasing the altitude from 1800 to 2800 m above sea level increased the morphological traits such as height, side branch number, root length and root volume, however, decreased the dry and fresh weight of both Ziziphora and Sophora plants. In Sophora plant, increasing the altitude enhanced the yield of essential oil and the highest yield of essential oil was obtained in Lar region. However, in Ziziphora, elevating the altitude from 1800 to 2300 m decreased the yield of essential oil, but further increase to 2800 m significantly increased the yield of essential oil. In Ziziphora, the highest amount of sophoramine, sophoridane and sophocarpine compounds was obtained at 1800 m, while the highest rates of adenocarpine, vinylphenol and matridin was obtained at 2800 m. For Sophora, the highest amount of sophoramine and vinylphenol was obtained at 2300 m, while sophocarpine showed the highest rate at 2800 m. Therefore, altitude is one of the important parameters of natural ecosystems that effectively change the quantitative and qualitative parameters of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran has different environmental conditions due to its specific geographical location. Therefore, exploring essential oil and flavonoid components among medicinal plants in different areas may result in discoveries about valuable bioactive compounds. The present investigation aimed to study flavonoids profile and essential oils composition of four Lamiaceae species i.e., Stachys lavandulifolia, Teucrium polium, Thymus daenensis and Ziziphora clinopodioides from Oshtorankoh located on Zagros Mountains, Iran. A chemical study using two dimentional paper chromatography (2-DPC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) showed that the four studied species contained flavone C and C-/O glucosides and flavonoid sulphates. The present study revealed that T. polium had high levels of many flavonoids such as apigenin, genistein, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, and vitexin compared to the other studied plants. The results of GC/MS analysis showed that S. lavandulifolia was rich in a-pinene (21.16 %) and 1,8-cineol (16.95 %), T. polium in a-pinene (12.21 %) and sabinene (9.55 %), T. daenensis in α-Terpinene (36.98 %) and p-Cymene (26.87 %), and Z. clinopodioides in piperitone (16.84 %) and 1,8-cineol (16.11 %) components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effect of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on menopausal symptoms, serum cortisol level, and lipid profile in postmenopausal women., Methods: This was a triple-blind parallel-armed randomized trial. Seventy-two postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years referring to healthcare centers in Tabriz, Iran with a score of 15-42 on the Green scale were included from May 10, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio and using four and six blocks. One group received LEO soft gel 80 mg per day, and another group received a similar placebo for 60 days. A demographic questionnaire and a Greene menopause symptom scale were used for data collection. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL) and the serum levels of cortisol were measured using biochemical methods. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Independent samples t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Repeated measure ANOVA, and Paired sample t-test were utilized for analyses. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The demographic and personal characteristics of the participants were similar. After two months of intervention, all symptoms in psychological, physical, vasomotor, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction domains were significantly relieved (decreased) among both groups (p < 0.003), except for sexual dysfunction, the reduction of which was not significant in the placebo group (p = 0.317). The mean (SD) total score of menopausal symptoms reduced from 27.4 (6.3) at baseline to 17.7 (4.9) at the end of the study in the LEO group (p < 0.001). It also decreased from 27.4 (7.1) to 17.6 (5.1) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). However, between-group analyses revealed that this reduction was significantly greater in the LEO group compared to the placebo group only in the sexual dysfunction (Mean (SD): 1.3 (0.6) vs. 1.0 (0.5); adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval); p: - 0.35 (-0.67 to -0.02); 0.039). No significant within-group changes or between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05) in terms of studied serum markers., Conclusion: The oral LEO exhibited a significant enhancement in sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used alongside other therapies to improve sexual dysfunction during menopause. LEO did not affect lipid profile and serum cortisol level in this study., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There is no conflict of interest in this study., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The natural compounds such as essential oils are getting more attention due to their potential usage in pharmaceuticals and possibly as natural herbicides. This study was conducted to identify the chemical compositions of essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare Mill. populations collected from different regions of Iran, Turkey, and Germany, and their antioxidant (DPPH·, ABTS·+ and reducing power methods) and phytotoxic activity (against Convolvulus arvensis L.). The results exhibited a significant variation in essential oils content (1.74-2.97%). The main compounds in essential oils were trans-anethole (15.23%−90.11%), estragole (4.00-63.72%), fenchone (0.03-12.62%) and limonene (1.05-13.04%). The results revealed that the essential oils have considerable antioxidant (IC50 values in the range of 11.83-36.90 mg mL−1 in DPPH, 7.65-20.13 mg mL−1 in ABTS·+ and EC50 values in the range of 3.65-15.24 mg mL−1 in reducing power assay) and phytotoxic activity. The results of this study can help in the development of natural antioxidants and herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satureja bachtiarica Bunge. from the Lamiaceae family is an endemic plant that is widely distributed in southwestern Iran. In this study, The aerial parts of six wild populations of S. bachtiarica. were collected from various natural habitats, from Fars province and the plants obtained by dividing were planted in October. The experimental design was performed as a factorial in the form of randomized complete randomized blocks. Their essential oils (Eos) were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. EO yields were from 1.1 to 2.4 % (w/w) based on dried material. The major constituents of the EOs were thymol (10.9–49.8 %), carvacrol (1.1–49.7 %), p-cymene (18.0–32.8 %), in provenance and thymol (11.2–51.4 %), carvacrol (0.5–47.8 %), p-cymene (18.8–35.4 %), γ-terpinene (5.7–8.4 %), linalool (3.8-6.1 %) in field condition. The EOs from S. bachtiarica were rich in monoterpenoids, especially oxygenated phenolic monoterpenes. Among six populations, the EOs from the Kohanjan and Abadeh-Didegan populations had the highest thymol and carvacrol amount (49.8 and 49.7 %), respectively. In total, two chemotypes, including thymol and carvacrol were determined for S. bachtiarica. The ecotypes with high thymol such as kohenjan and Mok-firouzabad have low carvacrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus peels are a rich source of nutrients, essential oil, and phenolic acid compounds. As they are produced in large amounts during fruit processing, these residues can be used as a potential nutraceutical resource instead of disposal as the wastes in the environment. Regarding the beneficial uses of citrus peels, essential oil composition taken from peels of Citrus maxima and Citrus sinensis cultivated in Iran were identified. 29 and 23 compounds were detected in essential oils of C. maxima and C. sinensis, respectively. The most represented compound in both plants was limonene, with 95.43 % for C. maxima and 76.9 % for C. sinensis. Other predominant compounds detected in C. sinensis peel volatile oil were linalool (9.4 %), myrcene (3.5 %), α- pinene (1.2 %), n-octanal (1.1 %), and α-terpineol (1.2 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most important environmental constraints that negatively affect the growth and yield of plants worldwide. Application of plant growth regulators such as brassinosteroids is a practical and alternative approach to ameliorate the drought-induced damages in plants. In the present research, the effect of exogenously applied EBL and various drought stress intensities on lavender plants were studied in a factorial field experiment at two locations in northeast of Iran. The results revealed that drought stress had negative impacts on shoot dry matter, and pigments content of lavender plants in both regions, however, EBL application led to improve in plant characteristics under drought stress. The greatest essential oils content and free proline content were observed in plants sprayed with EBL under drought stress conditions. Drought stress resulted in a significant increase in H2O2 and MDA content in plants, but the content of these oxidative stress markers was lower in plants sprayed with EBL compared to the non-sprayed plants. Drought stress increased the total phenol in plants. The major compounds of lavender EOs were α-thujene, γ-terpinene, linalool oxide, α-terpinolene, α-thujone, camphor and α-humulene. The foliar EBL application partially ameliorated the negative impacts of drought stress and improved the growth and morpho-physiological attributes of lavender plants along with their essential oil content and major constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapefruit mint (Mentha suaveolens × piperita) is a hybrid, perennial, and aromatic plant widely cultivated all over the world and used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries mostly for its valuable essential oil. Herein, we evaluated the anticancer activity of the grapefruit mint essential oil, cultivated in Iran. For the chemical composition analysis of essential oil, GC–MS was used. MTT assay was utilized for assessing the cytotoxic activity of the essential oil. The type of cell death was determined by annexin V/PI staining. Essential oil effect on the expression of maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), a regulatory lncRNA involved in cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis, was studied using qRT-PCR. Linalool (43.9%) and linalool acetate (40.1%) were identified as the dominant compounds of essential oil. Compared with MCF-7, the MDA-MB-231 cells were more sensitive to essential oil (IC 50 = 7.6 μg/ml in MCF-7 and 5.9 μg/ml in MDA-MB-231 after 48 h). Essential oil induced cell death by apoptosis. Wound healing scratch assay confirmed the anti-invasive effect of essential oil. In addition, essential oil upregulated the tumor suppressor MEG3 in breast cancer cells. These results provide new insights into grapefruit mint essential oil potential application as an anticancer adjuvant in combination treatments for breast cancer patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic location, environmental conditions, and edaphic factors are interconnected, and collectively influence the total content of some plant-based compounds. Mountain tea (Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl) is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family, having prominent medicinal properties due to its unique chemical composition. The current research evaluated effective traits that shape the content of essential oil (EO) and phytochemical compounds in S. lavandulifolia populations (P). Samples were collected from 20 different habitats located in the west and northwest of Iran. The results indicated that the Heris (P3) and Sarab (P7) populations exhibited high levels of EOs and phytochemical properties. In the studied areas, principal component and cluster analyses considered environmental factors like climate and soil, thus revealing significant findings. Soil characteristics, including organic matter content, total nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and soil phosphorus (P) content, were identified as the most influential factors, with average annual rainfall following closely. The highest average annual temperatures largely contributed to distinguishing the areas, thus categorizing the habitats into three distinct groups. EO from 20 populations analyzed using GC/MS showed 41 compounds, the most important of which were α-pinene (1.21–33.29 %), α-bisabolol (0.71–53.05 %), and spathulenol (2.8–18.8 %), germacrene-D (1.13–12.18 %), β-phellandrene (0.09–16.72 %), myrcene (1.01–13.34 %), phytol (1.19–10.14 %), and viridiflorol (0.93–6.19 %). Grouping the S. lavandulifolia populations based on their main compounds in the EO divided them into two distinct habitats. The first habitat had eleven S. lavandulifolia populations, whereas the second had nine. Comparison of mean values among habitats showed that the first habitat was superior to the second, regarding sesquiterpene chemical compounds such as spathulenol, viridiflorol, α-muurolol, α-cadinol, and valeranone. The second habitat was more suitable than the first because of higher amounts of monoterpene chemical compounds, such as α-pinene, myrcene, and β-phellandrene. Overall, in this study, Heris (P3), Azarshahr (P4), and Sarab (P7) populations were favorable because of their EO yield and compounds. Our approach to identifying environmental and edaphic cues that shape the EO content, chemotype, or the presence of high amounts of specific compounds can help to select regions for sampling plant material while prioritizing desirable chemical profiles for direct use or in breeding programs. [Display omitted] • Evaluation of the chemical composition of 20 Stachys lavandulifolia populations. • This study underscores the substantial impact of environmental factors on EO components, total phenol and flavonoid content. • Altitudes had negative relation with essential oil content. • P3 and P7 habitats had populations with high levels of EOs and phytochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Essential oil of Rosa × damascena Herrm. is one of the most valuable and important raw materials for the flavor and fragrance industry. The cultivation of this plant has ancient origins, and Kashan was one of the first mountainous regions of Iran dealing with the cultivation of R. × damascena. In this study, both chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of different rose essential oils obtained from five mountainous areas of Kashan region (Maragh, Qamsar, Sadeh, Javinan, and Kamoo) has been investigated along with the influence of the environmental conditions on these properties. Results: Results showed that yield and chemical composition of essential oils obtained from Rosa × damascena were significantly affected by the collection area. In particular, the yield of oils varied from ~0.08 to ~0.132% and citronellol (36.70-9.18%), geraniol (12.82-0.47%), nonadecane (22.73-10.36%), heneicosane (31.7-11.43%), and 1-nonadecene (6.03-3.93%) have been detected as main compounds in all the plants collected, but at different concentrations depending on the collection area. The best fragrance and the highest yield were found in the oil from Kamoo area. Similarly to the chemical composition, the antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was affected by their origin, and essential oil obtained from plants collected from Kamoo area disclosed the highest antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. Its inhibition halos were 17.33±0.58 mm against Aspergillus brasiliensis, 15.67±0.58 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 12.33±0. 58 mm against Streptococcus pyogenes. Essential oils of R. damascena were also effective against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and they had a MIC value of 62.50 μg/mL irrespective of the collection area (except the oil from Javinan area). On the contrary, the highest antifungal power against Candida albicans yeast was reached using the essential oil obtained from plants collected in Javinan region (MIC and MBC ~62.50 μg/mL). Conclusions: Overall results underline the influence of environmental conditions of the different areas of Kashan region, on the chemical composition of and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Rosa × damascena. In addition, results disclosed that Kamoo seemed to be the most suitable area for the competitive cultivation of R. × damascena to the intensive production of aromatic flower oil and natural antimicrobial essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satureja macrantha C.A.Mey. is a medicinal plant which produces essential oils with antibacterial and antifungal activity. This study was carried out to determine the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from four Satureja macrantha populations growing in Iran, and to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. The main identified constituents were p-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymol and carvacrol. Although the population from Khodafarin was rich in thymol (36.5%), the population from Arasbaran showed a high content of p-cymene (34.7%). In comparison, the populations from Marand and Kaleybar possessed high quantities of carvacrol (42.4% and 48.6%, respectively). The radical scavenging activity against the DPPH radical was noteworthy with IC50 values in the range of 5.6–62.9 µg/mL. The essential oils displayed minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations in the range of 4.6–37.5 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of essential oil from Citrus aurantium on anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 80 patients experiencing coronary angiography in Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran from April to November in 2016. All patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups by a random number table, 40 cases in each group. The patients in the intervention group inhaled Citrus aurantium essential oil for 15–20 min about 60 min before angiography. Following the same procedure, distilled water was used instead of Citrus aurantium in the control group. Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was filled in and vital signs including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory and pulse rate were recorded before and 20 min after the intervention. Adverse reactions after intervention were observed. Results: In the intervention group, the mean scores of STAI, SBP, DBP, respiratory and pulse rate were 53.30 ± 10.13, 134.82 ± 11.75 mm Hg, 84.49 ± 6.99 mm Hg, 17.87 ± 1.73 times/min, and 76.48 ± 12.55 beats/min at baseline and significantly decreased to 42.37 ± 10.15, 124.49 ± 10.48 mm Hg, 79.23 ± 6.62 mm Hg, 14.54 ± 1.43 times/min, and 70.03 ± 13.66 beats/min respectively 20 min after intervention (all P<0.05); however, in the control group, neither anxiety scores nor vital signs changed significantly (P>0.05). All subjects reported no adverse reactions. Conclusion: Inhalation of the essential oil from Citrus aurantium was effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Trial registration: IRCT2016040816797N2 (retrospectively registered on 21 April 2016, https://en.irct.ir/trial/15600) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Rosemary has been broadly used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to having different groups of main secondary metabolites (phytochemicals). There are many ways to reach the aim of the maximum percentage of active compounds. Regarding the importance of the essential oil (EO) and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, as well as ease of the harvesting time control, these factors were selected in this study although the variations of the chemical content of rosemary were evaluated during one day contrary to previous reports. Materials and Methods: The fresh aerial parts of the cultivated rosemary were hand-harvested in winter at three different times (i.e., before sunrise, at noon, and after sunset) and then dried at 30°C. Each sample was submitted to the Clevenger-type apparatus for the isolation of the EO. The dried EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)/flame ionization detector (FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and total hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were determined by the UV/Vis spectrophotometer. Finally, the results were validated by the ANOVA test. Results: The maximum (3.65%) and minimum (1.61%) of the total EO were obtained before the sunrise and after the sunset with 24 and 26 components, respectively. In addition, the results of GC/MS revealed that 1, 8-cineole, α-pinene, and camphor are the three most dependable components in the EO to the harvesting time. The contents of α-pinene and 1,8-cineole reduced from 32.8% to 23.0% and from 23.6% to 10.5% although the camphor percentage increased from 2.7% to 9.8% in the variation of the harvesting time from before the sunrise to after the sunset. In contrary to the EO, UV/Vis spectrophotometry results showed that hydroxycinnamic acid derivative contents were undependable over different harvesting times. Conclusions: Based on this investigation, rosemary can change their component in some groups, and thus the harvesting time can be optimized based on our needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melissa officinalis L. is used since ancient times in folk medicine because of its sedative, digestive, carminative, spasmolytic and analgesic effects. Its therapeutic impact is due to the essential oil content and rosmarinic acid. This study was designed to determine chemical composition of essential oil and rosmarinic acid content of M. officinalis cultivated in Fars province in south of Iran. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation of dried aerial parts of harvested M. officinalis and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Rosmarinic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The results showed that essential oil content was 0.37% and its main constituents were geranial (28.9%), neral (21.5%), geranyl acetate (19.3%), caryophyllene oxide (7.0%), (E)-caryophyllene (6.8%), thymol (3.1%) and citronellal (2.9%). Rosmarinic acid content was 3% in dry weight. Our findings show south of Iran has suitable potential for production of M. officinalis with high quality for therapeutic usages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic location and connected environmental and edaphic factors like temperature, rainfall, soil type, and composition influence the presence and the total content of specific plant compounds as well as the presence of a certain chemotype. This study evaluated whether geographic, edaphic, and climatic information can be utilized to predict the presence of specific compounds from medicinal or aromatic plants. Furthermore, we tested rapid analytical methods based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) coupled with gas chromatography/flame ionization (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analytical methods for characterization and classification metabolite profiling of Zataria multiflora Boiss. populations. Z. multiflora is an aromatic, perennial plant with interesting pharmacological and biological properties. It is widely dispersed in Iran as well as in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Here, we studied the effect of environmental factors on essential oil (EO) content and the composition and distribution of chemotypes. Our results indicate that this species grows predominantly in areas rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and aluminum, with mean rainfall of 40.46 to 302.72 mm·year−1 and mean annual temperature of 14.90°C to 28.80°C. EO content ranged from 2.75% to 5.89%. Carvacrol (10.56–73.31%), thymol (3.51–48.12%), linalool (0.90–55.38%), and p -cymene (1.66–13.96%) were the major constituents, which classified 14 populations into three chemotypes. Corresponding to the phytochemical cluster analysis, the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on NIR data also recognized the carvacrol, thymol, and linalool chemotypes. Hence, NIR has the potential to be applied as a useful tool to determine rapidly the chemotypes of Z. multiflora and similar herbs. EO and EO constituent content correlated with different geographic location, climate, and edaphic factors. The structural equation models (SEMs) approach revealed direct effects of soil factors (texture, phosphor, pH) and mostly indirect effects of latitude and altitude directly affecting, e.g., soil factors. Our approach of identifying environmental predictors for EO content, chemotype or presence of high amounts of specific compounds can help to select regions for sampling plant material with the desired chemical profile for direct use or for breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) are highly aromatic and volatile compounds obtained from plant material, which are also known as secondary plant metabolites. The plant active ingredients are produced under the control of genetic processes; however, its production in the plant varies under the influence of some environmental factors. Therefore, in the present study, the chemical analysis and identifies dominant essential oils compositions from Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) are investigated in Ardabil province, Iran. Sage plant (Salvia officinalis L.) were collected and After drying at room temperature, samples extracted by method of water, essential oils yield 0.5% was obtained. Chemical analysis of the collected Salvia officinalis species was performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS). Chemical analysis results showed that the plant contains 114 secondary chemical components, among which Camphor Bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan, compound was identified as the predominant essential oil (14.47%). Comparing the study results with other samples collected from different parts of Iran and world reveals some significant similarities and differences in chemical structure and dominant composition of the medicinal plant. In addition, the geographical features and environmental conditions influence the change of secondary metabolites in various plants, Therefore, the researchers need to pay attention to this issue while identifying the plant essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.is a wild-growing flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and has been used as a medicinal herb for rheumatoid diseases, headaches, congestion, stomach disorders, liver treatment. In order to study the effects of dryland farming system on some agronomical and physiological traits of D. kotschyi, two separate experiments were conducted in three locations of, Mashad (Golmakan station), Quchan (5km in the northeast of city) and Bojnord (Sisab station) under normal irrigation and dryland farming systems in 2018. The collected data were combined analysis over three locations and mean comparisons were made using Tukey method. The results showed significant effects of locations for all of the traits except carbohydrate contents. Effect of farming system was also significant for all traits. Farming system by location interaction effects were significant for aerial fresh and dry weigh, 1000 seeds weight, proline, DPPH, flavonoid, protein, chlorophyll a, carotenoid, nitrogen and potassium. Result showed the location of Quchan had significantly higher mean values for many of traits followed by Mashad. In comparisons between two method of cultivations, the lower and higher values of plant height (20.6 vs. 25.3 cm), main branch (13.1 vs. 14.9 per plant), leaf area (38.9 vs. 48.3 mm2), flower number (14.6 vs. 23.1 per plant), fresh weight (295 vs. 888 g/plant), dry weight (80 vs. 244 g/plant), 1000 seeds weight (0.27 vs. 0.35 g), Protein (9.74 vs. 11.06%), chlorophyll a (7.47 vs. 8.19 mg g-1FW), carotenoid (0.08 vs. 0.11 mg g-1FW), nitrogen (1.43 vs. 1.77%) and phosphorus (13.89 vs. 20.79 ppm) were obtained in dryland and irrigation farming, respectively. In contrast, the higher and lower values of internode length (4.11 vs. 3.71 cm), proline (1.44 vs. 0.77 mg g-1FW), DPPH (0.39 vs. 0.19 mg g-1FW), phenol (0.83 vs. 0.67 mg g-1FW), flavonoid (0.60 vs. 0.47 mg g-1FW), carbohydrate (8.2 vs. 6.2 mg g-1FW), and potassium (4.2 vs. 3.7%) were obtained in dryland farming system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia leriifolia Benth is a perennial herbaceous plant and belongs to the Lamiaceae family; distributes among dry and warm regions in Iran. In the present study, the chemical compositions and antibacterial activity of essential oils from aerial parts of S. leriifolia collected from six natural habitats in North-East of Iran have been investigated. The essential oils were obtained by the hydrodistillation method by using a Clevenger type apparatus. The chemical composition of oils has been analyzed with GC/FID and GC/MS methods. The highest yield of oil was recorded from Kalateh-ye Hizomi (0.74 %) and the lowest amount obtained for Torbat-e Heydarieh sample (0.17 %). The major compounds characterized in oils were shyobunol (1.8-22.4 %), 1,8-cineole (6.2-14.1 %), β-pinene (5.3-13.1 %) and α-pinene (1.0-5.1 %). The highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus detected from Kalateh-ye Hizomi (MIC=0.47 mg/mL) and lowest activity reported from Marus (MIC=1.87 mg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix dactylifera L., is a monocotyledonous tree belonging to the family Arecaceae or Palmaceae. In Iranian traditional medicines, the distilled water from the date palm spathe is used as tonic, sedative and calmative herbal medicine. In this study, for the first time, the essential oil content and composition of spathe from seven date palm varieties, Phoenix dactylifera L. (var. Mozafati) (male and female trees), Zahedi, Hallilehie, Piarom, and Keroot, Mordasangh, Medjool) growing in Bam, South of Iran, were determined by means of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. The results showed a significant difference between the weight of spathe per tree, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield of different varieties at P<0.01. Comparison of mean values showed the highest essential oil percentage (0.21 %, 0.20 % and 0.15 %) were obtained from Piarom, Zahedi and Mozafati varieties, respectively. Seventeen compounds were identified in the essential oils with 3,4-dimethoxy toluene (55.2-70.7 %), p-methyl anisol (4.5-28.5 %) and 2,6-dimethoxy toluene (9.0-19.9 %) as main components. These compounds have anti-paroxysm effects or may prevent the advance stage of Alzheimer. Cluster analysis showed that the Medjool variety was separated from other varieties. Imported varieties from other regions of Iran (Zahedi, Piarom, Hallilehie and Mordasangh) were set into one group and the inherent varieties (Keroot, Mozafati) were set into another group. The results showed that the varieties from one geographical region had a close or relatively the same essential oil compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymus vulgaris is an important medicinal plant across the world that has been grown in Iran since ancient times. To study the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on the yield and phytochemical compositions of T. vulgaris, an experiment was conducted in Qazvin in 2017. A factorial experiment based on a randomised complete block design was conducted with three replications. Treatments of SA (0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L) were applied from the period before flowering until the early stages of flowering under well-watered and withholding irrigation conditions. The results showed that SA had a significant effect on the yield and phytochemical compositions of T. vulgaris under both irrigation regimes. SA foliar application led to an increase in total dry matter. The highest total dry matter (1958.83 kg ha-1) was obtained by applying 200 mg/LSA under normal irrigation. The effect of foliar application of SA on the essential oil content of T. vulgaris was influenced by the irrigation regime. The highest essential oil content (2.66%) was obtained by applying a foliar spray of 100 mg/LSA under withholding irrigation conditions. Thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, linalool and γ-terpinene were identified as the main essential oil compounds. The highest thymol content was obtained by foliar application of 200 mg/LSA under withholding irrigation conditions. Our results demonstrate that foliar application of SA reduced the negative effect of water deficit on T. vulgaris and increased yield and thymol content. SA foliar application is a simple, eco-friendly and relatively commercially viable method of increasing yield and the synthesis of phytochemicals; therefore, it may be used to improve the dry matter and quality of the essential oils of thyme plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]