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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]

This research aimed to evaluate the combined effects of chemical, biological and organic fertilizers on several features of Satureja khuzistanica. As an aromatic plant with medicinal properties, endemic to Iran, S. khuzistanica was studied for essential oil (EO%) and composition. Spanning for two growing seasons (2017–2019), the experiments involved 13 nutritional treatments, ie, (a) control (C), (b) nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK; 50‐25‐25 Kg ha−1), (c) cattle manure (CM30; 30 ton ha−1), (d) CM60 (60 ton ha−1), (e) CM30 + NPK, (f) CM60 + NPK, (g) vermicompost (V5, 5 ton ha−1), (h) V5 + NPK, (i) Glomus mosseae (GM), (j) Glomus Intra (GI), (k) sulphur (S0; 0 Kg ha−1) + thiobacillus (T), (l) S250 + T (sulphur: 250 Kg ha−1,) and (m) V5 + T. At full flowering stage, samples were taken from aerial segments of plants in all treatment groups. After shade‐drying, the samples were hydro‐distillated to obtain essential oil (EO) and were then evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The interaction between year and fertilizer, as two treatments, had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) on the oil percentage, oil constituents and essential oil yield (EO.Y) of S. khuzistanica. GM and S0 + T caused the highest oil percentage in the first (3.7%) and second year (3.9%), respectively. V5 + NPK and V5 + T resulted in a substantial rise in EO.Y in the first (30.4 kg ha−1) and second year (64.3 kg ha−1), respectively. Carvacrol was highest in the first (92.1%) and second year (95.2%), as a result of using V5 + T and NPK treatments, respectively. Biological and vermicompost fertilizers not only improved the amount of EO but also enhanced its quality and aroma, as reflected in the constituents of the EO. The GI treatment and the V5 + NPK treatment led to high amounts of K in the branches. Meanwhile, high S contents were measured in the branches in response to the V5 and the S250 + T treatments. These findings suggested that biofertilizers and organic fertilizers can benefit the cultivation of S. khuzistanica because, when combined together, they can enhance the percentage and phenolic compounds in the EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the world, different parts of most Satureja species are traditionally used to control a wide range of human diseases. The pharmacological and ethnomedical properties of most Satureja species have been evaluated; however, there is no document on the morphological and essential oil (EO) profile of the plants concerning environmental variations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the variability and correlation of morphological traits and EO compositions of 30 Satureja populations (from 10 species) in various climates of Iran. The plants were collected at the flowering stage in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) in 2018 and were evaluated based on multivariate analysis. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) results showed significant differences in morphological traits as well as EO composition in different populations. The redundancy analysis (RDA) showed EO profiles were significantly affected by maximum and minimum temperature and humidity, while changes in morphological characteristics were more related to a maximum temperature, humidity, average maximum temperature, and minimum temperature. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that among 29 morphometric traits, only seven significantly changed the EO quality, and also RDA identified the number of the main branch and vegetative leaf width as the main responsible traits representing the changes in EO profile. According to the significant effects of climatic parameters on morphological and phytochemical compounds of Satureja species, selecting effective environmental factors in the habitats to access the more elevated amount of active substances and desired morphological traits can help breeders to grow and cultivate suitable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes over ten thousand herbal medicines, some of which were introduced from outside countries and territories. The Silk Road enabled the exchange of merchandise such as teas, silks, carpets, and medicines between the East and West of the Eurasia continent. During this time, the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' (CMM) was composed by a traditional medicine practitioner, Shizhen Li (1,518-1,593) of the Ming Dynasty. This epoch-making masterpiece collected knowledge of traditional medical materials and treatments in China from the 16th century and before in utmost detail, including the origin where a material was obtained. Of 1892 medical materials from the CMM, 46 came from Persia (now Iran). In this study, the basic information of these 46 materials, including the time of introduction, the medicinal value in TCM theory, together with the current status of these medicines in China and Iran, are summarized. It is found that 20 herbs and four stones out of the 46 materials are registered as medicinal materials in the latest China Pharmacopoeia. Now most of these herbs and stones are distributed in China or replacements are available but saffron, ferula, myrrh, and olibanum are still highly dependent on imports. This study may contribute to the further development, exchange, and internationalization of traditional medicine of various backgrounds in the world, given the barriers of transportation and language are largely eased in nowadays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A karyological study of five taxa (15 populations) of the genus Satureja L. from different geographic origins is presented. The haploid levels were different among species (n= 12 and 15). The work deals with chromosome number and morphometry. We found two of the usual basic chromosome numbers in this study for satureja species, x= 12 and x= 15. All populations were diploid and were located in 1B or 2B Stebbins classes. The karyotypic results showed the diversity among the species as mostly displayed median region (m) and submedian region (sm) and the chromosome lengths were determined between 0.60 μm in Satureja sahendica Bornm. (1041) to 2.27 μm in S. macrantha C.A.Mey. (3). Detailed karyotype analysis allows us to group the different populations and determine the relationships among them. It also pointed out the possibility of inter and intra-species cross to improve plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the variation of four thyme species for aerial parts biomass, essential oil content and composition, a study was carried out in Zagheh, Rangeland, Khoramabad, Iran. Seeds of four species of Thymus pubescens Boiss. & Kotschy ex Celak., Thymus daenensis Celak. Thymus daenensis subsp. lancifolius (Celak.) Jalas and Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. & Hohen. were collected from their natural habitat in Lourestan province, Iran. Seeds sown in Jiffy pots in glasshouse in September 2016 and the seedlings were transferred to the field in October 2016 using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Each unit of the experiment consists of 40 plants in two rows with 50 cm distance between rows and 50 cm between plants within rows. Data were collected for aerial parts biomass, morphological traits and essential oil percentages over two years 2017-2018. The essential oils of all samples were obtained by hydrodistillation, in flowering stage and the essential oil components were identified using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Considerable variation was found between species for fresh and dry weight of aerial parts biomass, plant height, root length and essential oil content. The mean values of aerial parts biomass, crown diameter and essential oil in T. daenensis were higher than other species. For the root length, the higher value was obtained in T. pubescens. The lower and higher essential oil content with average values of 1.53% and 1.95% were obtained in T. pubescens and T. daenensis subsp. lancifolius, respectively. The results indicated that the major components in the essential oil were carvacrol (5.8, 18.5, 42.4 and 33.5%) and thymol (78.9, 51.9, 36.19 and 42.7%) for T. daenensis, T. kotschyanus, T. daenensis subsp. lancifolius and T. pubescens, respectively. [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]

In present work, the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from dried flowering aerial parts of Teucrium hircanicum L. (Labiatae) originated from ten wild populations in Iran was analyzed by a GC-FID and GC/MS system. The oil yields varied from 0.04% to 0.1%. A total of thirty-two compounds representing 67.6–97.7% of the oil were identified. The essential oil was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarpons (E)-α-bergamotene (17.5–86.9%) and (E)-β-farnesene (0.5–21.4%). Of the total identified compounds, sesquiterpene hydrocarpons (36.1–89.7%) were included the greatest essential oil fraction in all the populations, followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (2.2–21.6%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (0.0–14.4%) and monoterepene hydrocarbons (0.0–9.5%). Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to distinguish any geographical variations, indicating that the clustering of populations is related to their geographic origin. According to the GC/MS analysis, two chemotypes consisting of (E)-α-bergamotene and (E)-α-bergamotene-(E)-β-farnesene were identified in the populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from different organs (leaves and flowers) of Origanum vulgare ssp. gracile as an aromatic and medicinal plant from northwest of Iran, was separately analyzed and identified by GC and GC-MS. The results showed that essential oil content and composition of two organs were different. Essential oil contents were 1.44% and 2.44% for leaves and flowers, respectively. Twenty three components constituting 99.98% of leaf oil and eighteen components constituting 99.59% of flower oil were identified. The main constituents of leaf and flower oils were carvacrol (46.5% and 60.6%), β-terpinene (13.91% and 16.64%) and β-cymene (13.54% and 7.21%), respectively. Oxygenated monoterpenes (61.32% and 65.38%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (30.81% and 29.4%) were the main classes of identified compounds in both organs oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bunium comprised 14 species in Iran, two of them (B. wolfi and B. lurestanicum) are endemic. Among these species, only B. persicum is famous and used in medicinal and nutrition industries. In this research, the essential of five Iranian Bunium species, named B. lurestanicum, B. microcarpum, B. badghayzi, B. wolffi and B. carioides were studied. At first, different parts of these plants were collected from their habitats; if possible the plant parts were separated and then dried. The dried plant materials were subjected to hydro-distillation for obtaining the essential oils. The oils were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography, using flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. Fifteen compounds were identified in the oil of leaves, flowers and fruits (seeds) of B. lurestanicum at the end of flowering stage. Germacrene D (25.1%), E- caryophyllene (11.6%) and bicyclogermacrene (11.5%) were the main components. 23 components were characterized in the oil of the leaves and flowers of B. microcarpum. Elemicine (21.7%), germacrene D (12.7%), (Z)-β-ocimene (12.2%), limonene (11.8%) and β-pinene (9.6%) were the main constituents. 23 components were characterized in the oil of flower and seed of B. wolffi. Germacrene D (30.1%), β-selinene (11.6%) and β-pinene (8.1%) were the main constituents. 16 components were characterized in the oil of the leaves and flowers of B. badghayzi. β-sesquiphellandrene (32.8%), germacrene D (21.3%), germacrene B (14.5%) and E-caryophyllene (7.5%) were the main constituents. 13 compounds were identified in the seed oil of B. carioides with β-sesquiphellandrene (24.2%), germacrene D (13.5%) and germacrene B (13.1%) as main components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskia abrotanoides Karel is a wild growing plant in Iran and has been used in traditional Iranian herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate chemical composition and fumigant toxicity of the essential oil from P. abrotanoides against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Dry flowering aerial parts of the plant were subjected to hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus. The composition of the essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC mass spectrophotometry. Twenty-four compounds representing 98.8% of total oil were identified. The predominant components in the oil were camphor (28.38%) and 1,8-cineole (23.18%). Fumigant toxicity was tested against 1- to 7-day-old adults of S. oryzae and T. castaneum with five replications at 25 ± 1°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity in dark conditions. The mortality was increased with concentrations of 32, 161, 322, 483 and 645µl/l air and with exposure time from 2 to 15 h. The lowest concentration (32 µl/l air) of the oil induced 100% mortality of S. oryzae and T. castaneum after 15 and 8 h exposure, respectively. The oil at 322 µl/l air caused 100% mortality for S. oryzae and T. castaneum within 13 and 7 h exposure, respectively. At 645 µl/l air, the LT50 values (lethal time for 50% mortality) were 8 and 2.84 h for S. oryzae and T. castaneum, respectively. In the probit analysis, LC50 values (lethal concentration for 50% mortality) showed that T. castaneum (LC50 = 11.39µl/l) was more susceptible than S. oryzae (LC50 = 18.75 µl/l). The essential oil of P. abrotanoides can play an important role in stored grain protection and reduce the need for the same, and also the risks associated with the use of synthetic insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerial parts of Satureja sahandica Bornm. were collected in three stages of plant growth (at the beginning of full and end of flowering stage) from Ghazvin province in the north of Iran. The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of the plant material. The oils were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The highest oil yield was obtained at the beginning of flowering (3.30% w/w), then the oil content decreased to 2.28% at full flowering stage and more decreased (1.65%) at the end of flowering. Twenty-three compounds were identified in the oil of S. sahandica at the beginning of flowering with γ-terpinene (42.3%), thymol (34.6%) and p-cymeue (11.7%) as main components. Twenty-three constituents were characterized in the oil of full flowering stage with p-cymene (30.2%), thymol (29.6%) and γ-terpinene (27.7%) as major components. Twenty-seven compounds were identified in the oil at the end of flowering with p-cymene (58.1%), thymol (19.3%) and γ-terpinene (9.3%) as main components. The results showed, the percentage of p-cymeue was increased in the oil of Satureja sahendica with growth of the plant and during flowering period and the percentage of thymol and T-terpinene have been reduced. So, harvesting of Satureja sahendica can be commented at the beginning of flowering because of higher oil content and percentage of thymol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seed yield and oil composition of 4 Hemp cultivars from 3 regions were compared. • Highest seed and oil yield were obtained for Alborz region. • Palmitic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic and γ-linolenic acids were identified in the oil. • Most abundant fatty acids were linoleic acid (∼ 64%). • Native population and Alborz station were best cultivar and region to increase Hemp oil. Cannabis sativa L, commonly known as Hemp, shows numerous health and economic benefits with commercial applications such as in seed production, fiber, oil, and pharmaceutical uses. Hemp oil has been widely acknowledged to have a panoply of health benefits, such as cholesterol lowering properties and decreasing high blood pressure, owing to the presence of two essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and α-linolenic). Given the economic and industrial importance of hemp, the present study was designed in an endeavor to select and compare the best cultivar and region to increase both quantity and quality of hemp oil from Iran. Seeds of two native populations from Iran (Fars and Yazd provinces) and one foreign variety from France (Fedora17, as an industrial hemp cultivar) with its progenies (Fedora17-2) were cultivated in research fields of three locations (Gilan, Golestan, and Alborz province) in Iran. The mature seeds of cultivated plants were collected and their oils were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus and analyzed by Gas Chromatograph. The seed yield was 288.70 to 3182.60 kg ha-1 and oil yield were 0.08 to 0.95 t ha-1 in the studied sites. Also, the range of 1000- seed weight was 5.20 to 15.28 g. The oil content of different varieties varied from 15.46 to 36.63%. Based on the results, the highest seed yield, 1000-seed weight, and oil yield belonged to native populations. It was also determined that Alborz was significantly higher in terms of oil production, 1000-seed weight, and seed and oil yield per hectare compared with the other two regions. The most abundant fatty acid in the samples was linoleic acid, (56.80 to 63.98%), and almost identical in all cultivars and areas studied. The range of linoleic acid and α-linolenic in three regions were 57.55 to 63.98% and 7.57 to 22.91%, respectively. In addition, the palmitic acid content of foreign varieties was higher than that of the native populations in all three locations. Since the interfaces in the production and synthesis of fatty acids in plants are influenced by variation in temperature, light and moisture amount and farming conditions so the percentage and kind of fatty acids in hemp oil can be varied in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-distilled oil produced from the aerial parts of Diplotaenia cachrydifolia of Iranian origin was analyzed by combination of GC and GC/MS. Twenty-six components were identified, which approximately constituted 99.5% of the oil. The major constituents were limonene (30.4%), (Z)-β-ocimene (11.6%), elemicin (15.0%), dill apiole (12.5%) and (E)-isoelemicin (15.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dragonhead is an annual, herbaceous, balm-scented and spicy aromatic member of the family Lamiaceae. We examined effects of different sources of nitrogen on the content and composition of essential oils in two genotypes of dragonhead in two regions of Iran. The sources of nitrogen used were 100% urea (70kg N ha−1), 75% urea (52.5kg N ha−1)+25% Azocompost (3.85tonha−1), 50% urea (35kg N ha−1)+50% Azocompost (7.77tonha−1), 25% urea (17.5kg N ha−1)+75% Azocompost (11.55tonha−1), and 100% Azocompost (15.55tonha−1). Optimal yield and content of essential oil at both locations for both genotypes were obtained by applying 50% urea+50% Azocompost. Geraniol, geranial, and geranyl acetate were the most abundant compounds. For both genotypes and both locations, application of 50% urea+50% Azocompost increased levels of geraniol and geranial, and application of Azocompost alone increased levels of geranyl acetate. Overall, we conclude that the application of 50% urea with 50% Azocompost is recommended for optimising the content and composition of essential oils in dragonhead. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The composition of essential oil extracted from Valeriana officinalis L. roots growing wild in Iran was studied by hydrodistillation and supercritical CO2 extraction. Forty-seven components representing 89.3% and 35 constituents varying from 86.1% to 95.1% of the oil obtained by hydrodistillation and supercritical CO2 were identified, respectively. The major components in the extracted oil from supercritical CO2 were isovaleric acid (18.7–41.8%), valerenic acid (8.2–11.8%), acetoxyvaleranone (5.6–9.6%), (Z)-valernyl acetate (4.5–6.5%), bornyl acetate (2.3–7.7%) and valerenol (3.7–5.2%), whereas by hydrodistillation were bornyl acetate (11.6%), valerenic acid (8.0%), (Z)-valernyl acetate (7.9%) and acetoxyvaleranone (7.6%). The analysis of the extracts was performed by capillary GC and GC/MS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Essential oil of Carum copticum cultivated in Iran was obtained by hydrodistillation and supercritical (CO2) extraction (SFE) methods. The oils were analysed by capillary gas chromatography, using flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra (EI, 70 eV). The effects of different parameters, such as pressure, temperature, modifier volume and extraction time, on the supercritical fluid extraction of C. copticum oil were investigated. The results showed that, under pressure of 30.4 MPa, temperature 35 °C, methanol 0% and dynamic extraction time of 30 min, the method was most selective for the extraction of thymol. Eight compounds were identified in the hydrodistilled oil. The major components of C. copticum were thymol (49.0%), γ-terpinene (30.8%), p-cymene (15.7), β-pinene (2.1%), myrcene (0.8%) and limonene (0.7%). However, by using supercritical carbon dioxide under optimum conditions, only three components constituted more than 99% of the oil. The extraction yield, based on hydrodistillation was 2.8% (v/w). Extraction yield based on the SFE varied in the range of 1.0–5.8% (w/w) under different conditions. The results show that, in Iranian C. copticum oil, thymol is a major component. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pathogenic microorganisms are more or less successfully treated by synthetic chemical compounds, whose residues often cause serious health problems. Plant specialized metabolites with antimicrobial properties have for a long time been the focus of both medicine and pharmacology. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of selected endemic and native Iranian Nepeta species against some of the most important pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The results indicated that N. kotschyi leaf extract was the most efficient against the tested bacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most sensitive and fungal species were more susceptible to the extracts than bacterial strains. Nepeta spp. extracts showed a strong antifungal activity against micromycetes, except for quite resistant Aspergillus niger. Antibacterial MIC values (mg.mL-1) ranged from 0.01 (N. kotschyi) to 0.20 (N. crassifolia), while antifungal MIC values ranged from 0.02 (N. crassifolia, N. kotschyi, N. menthoides, and N. cataria) to 0.13 (N. crassifolia and N. menthoides). When compared to positive controls, in most cases the extracts performed much better. The recorded antimicrobial activity candidates the selected 4 endemic and native Iranian Nepeta spp. as prospective and promising antimicrobial agents to be used in both pharmacology and biotechnology.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is very rich in chemical constituents, especially the cannabinoids which has not been reported in any other plant, and has broad pharmacological properties. Hemp as a multi-purpose crop is a good source of fibers, seed, fixed and volatile oil. It is known that the cannabinoid content of hemp is related to genetic factors, as well as plant's growth stages and environmental factors such as latitude, altitude, weather, particularly moisture availability and nutrient supply during the growing season. The present study was designed to produce hemp that contains allowable concentration of THC (<3 %) by comparing different varieties of hemp, different stages of plant growth, and different geographical locations where it was planted. To achieve this, seeds of two native populations from Iran (Fars and Yazd Provinces) and one foreign variety from France (Fedora17, as an industrial hemp cultivar) with its progenies (Fedora17-2) were cultivated in 3 research fields (Gilan, Golestan and Alborz provinces) in Iran. The following plant materials were extracted with methanol/chloroform and analyzed by HPLC: foliage in the vegetative stage, inflorescent in the flowering stage, inflorescent of seeds in the seeding stage and the mature seed. The THC concentration of Fedora17 (Fed17) in all three geographical locations was found to be under 0.03 % or even non-detectable. Same result was also observed in its progenies (Fed17-2), indicating stability of the trait in this cultivar. The THC concentration of the Yazd variety that was planted in Alborz and Gilan regions was less than 0.080 % in all growth stages. The female flowers planted in Golestan, showed a THC concentration of 1.029 % which was more than the allowed THC concentration of <3 %. The THC concentration in all growth stages of all of the different varieties planted varied from 0 to 1.392 %. The above results indicates that the type of cannabinoid produced depends on the difference in genetic prosperities of the different seed types as well as the growth stage in which the plant material was extracted. On the other hand, the climate and the region in which the seeds were planted had little influence on the THC concentration., (© 2021 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic and perennial herb endemic to Iran with interesting pharmacological and biological properties. The flavonoids luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside (cosmosiin), luteolin 3'-O-β-d-glucuronide, luteolin, apigenin, cirsimaritin, isokaempferide, penduletin, xanthomicrol, calycopterin and the polyphenol rosmarinic acid were identified among 13 natural populations of the plant by ESI-MS, LC-DAD and LC-DAD-ESI-MS. The plant extracts containing the identified compounds showed significant antioxidant activity, which was correlated with the flavonoid content. Additionally, leaf and stem size and geographical variability among the studied populations were correlated with flavonoid accumulation. Canonical correlation analysis was used to find a relationship between plant dimensions and phytochemical composition, and the plants with the lowest growth indices were found to have the highest levels of methoxylated flavonoids., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Four native Papaver species of Iran, i. e. P. glaucum, P. tenuifolium, P. dubium and P. fugax, were collected from their natural habitat and subjected to HPLC analysis for determination of their morphine, codeine and thebaine content. P. dubium and R. glaucum contained all of the three mentioned narcotic alkaloids, while morphine was not found in P. fugax, and P. tenuifolium was free from codeine.

The aerial parts of Gontscharovia popovii (B. Fedtsch. and Gontsch.) Boriss. were collected at full flowering stage. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a combination of capillary GC and GC-MS. Thirty-one components were identified with the main constituent being carvacrol (71.9%), followed by linalool (5.5%), p-cymene (4.5%) and gamma-terpinene (4.4%). The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of G. popovii was studied against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The results of the bioassays showed that the oil exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all the tested fungi and bacteria except for the resistant bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.