A study of the larvicidal activity of two Croton species from northeastern Brazil against Aedes aegypti

The essential oils of Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth (Euphorbiaceae) and Croton pulegiodorus Baill. were selected for larvicidal evaluation against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and studied qualitatively and quantitatively by GC and GC-MS. Sixty-one compounds representing 92.03% (C. heliotropiifolius) and 85.68% (C. pulegiodorus) of the essential oils, respectively, have been identified. The major components of C. heliotropiifolius essential oil were identified as β-caryophyllene (35.82%), bicyclogermacrene (19.98%), and germacrene-D (11.85%). The major components in C. pulegiodorus essential oil were identified as β-caryophyllene (20.96%), bicyclogermacrene (16.89%), germacrene-D (10.55%), τ-cadinol (4.56%), and β-copaen-4-α-ol (4.35%). The essential oil of C. pulegiodorus (LC₅₀ 159 ppm) was more effective against Ae. aegypti than that of C. heliotropiifolius (LC₅₀ 544 ppm). In order to verify whether the major compound of both essential oils is the active principle responsible for the larvicidal activity, β-caryophyllene was purchased and its larvicidal potential was further evaluated. However, β-caryophyllene (LC₅₀ 1038 ppm) showed weak larvicidal potency. Results of larvicidal evaluation suggest the existence of a synergistic effect of minor components in the essential oils.     

Genotoxic effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa extracts on Allium cepa vegetal system

Abstract

Context. Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae), popularly known in Brazil as guabiroba, is a plant used as antidiarrheic, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agents, and in stomach and hepatic disorders.

Objective: The antiproliferative and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts and essential oil of C. xanthocarpa were evaluated.

Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the aqueous extracts (6 and 30?mg/mL) and essential oil (0.25%, v/v) obtained from leaves of C. xanthocarpa were evaluated using the Allium cepa L. (Amaryllidaceae) assay. Mitotic index was calculated as the percentage of dividing cells of total cells observed; chromosome abnormalities were observed and counted during cell division. Additionally, the composition of the essential oil and the quantification of the main compounds of the extracts were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector, respectively.

Results and discussion: Aqueous extracts (6 and 30?mg/mL) led to a reduction of 67.7% and 34.1% of the mitotic index, respectively, whereas the treatment with essential oil caused a 48.2% reduction in the mitotic index, when compared with negative control. Chromosomal mutations were observed and included anaphase bridges, delay chromosome, break chromosome, as well as metaphase with disorganized chromosomal and binuclear cells. The main compounds of the essential oil were β-caryophyllene (8.87%), viridiflorol (6.40%), spathulenol (5.16%), δ-cadinene (4.92%), linalool (4.46%) and α-cadinol (4.25%). Gallic acid (3.19%), chlorogenic acid (1.04%), quercetin (2.97%) and rutin (4.82%) were identified in an aqueous extract (30?mg/mL).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that genotoxic and antiproliferative activities are present in C. xanthocarpa infusions using the in vivo onion root-tip cell test.     

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Leaves and Twigs of Pistacia lentiscus,Pistacia lentiscus var. chia,and Pistacia terebinthus from Turkey

The composition of the essential oils from the leaves and twigs of Pistacia lentiscus L., Pistacia lentiscus var. chia (L.), and Pistacia terebinthus L. of Turkish origin were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Seventy-seven constituents were characterized from the essential oil of P. terebinthus leaves with α-cadinol (6.9%), phytol (5.4%), δ-cadinene (5.1%), α-terpineol (5.0%), and bornyl acetate (4.4%) as major constituents. Germacrene D (10%), β-pinene (7.5%), bornyl acetate (6.0%), α-cubebene (5.9%), and cubebol (5.4%) were found to be the main components among the 61 compounds characterized in the essential oil of P. terebinthus twigs. Forty-six compounds were characterized from the essential oil of P. lentiscus twigs with sabinene (23.2%), α-pinene (19.4%), germacrene D (14.1%), limonene (6.9%), β-phellandrene (6.5%), terpinene-4-ol (5.7%), and β-caryophyllene (5.7%) as the main constituents. Terpinene-4-ol (29.2%), β-caryophyllene (29.2%), and p-cymene (7.1%) were identified as the major components among the 64 compounds characterized in the essential oil of P. lentiscus leaves. Sixty-eight compounds were found on the essential oil of P. lentiscus var. chia leaves with germacrene D (20.1%), myrcene (13.9%), β-caryophyllene (10.8%), and α-terpinyl acetate (4.8%) as the major constituents. Myrcene (27.4%), germacrene D (21.7%), and β-caryophyllene (7.2%) were found to be the main components among 50 compounds characterized in the essential oil of P. lentiscus var. chia twigs.     

Chemical composition and analgesic activity of Senecio rufinervis essential oil

Context: Senecio rufinervis D.C (Asteraceae) is a tall aromatic herb, commonly found in Uttarakhand, India. No investigations on the biological activity of this plant have been published so far. Hence, this plant species became a subject of our scientific interest.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition and analgesic activity of Senecio rufinervis essential oil in mice using both thermal and chemical models of pain.

Materials and methods: Essential oil from dried leaves of Senecio rufinervis was extracted by steam distillation and then subjected to GC-MS analysis. Varying doses of essential oil were given to mice, 30?min prior to the induction of abdominal constrictions and determination of mean reaction time in hot-plate maintained at 55° ± 0.5°C.

Results: The main component detected in the essential oil of Senecio rufinervis was germacrene D (40.19%) followed by β-pinene (12.23%), β-caryophyllene (6.21%) and β-longipinene (4.15%). Essential oil exhibited significant and dose-dependent analgesic activity against acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The percentage inhibition in number of writhes produced by 25, 50 and 75?mg/kg doses was, respectively, 69, 80 and 85%. The oil, at doses 50 and 75?mg/kg, significantly increased the mean latency in the hot-plate after 15 and 30?min of drug administration as compared to the control group.

Discussion and conclusion: The results depicted both central and peripheral analgesic activity of S. rufinervis essential oil which was attributed to the presence of terpenes.     

Effects of β-caryophyllene and Murraya paniculata essential oil in the murine hepatoma cells and in the bacteria and fungi 24-h time–kill curve studies

Context: Orange Jessamine [Murraya paniculata L. (Rutaceae)] has been used worldwide in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and analgesic.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial and antifungal activity and the time-kill curve studies of orange jessamine essential oil and β-caryophyllene, as well as the chemical composition of the essential oil.

Material and methods: The cytotoxic activity of M. paniculata and β-caryophyllene (7.8–500?μg/mL) was evaluated using the MTT assay on normal fibroblasts and hepatoma cells. The minimal inhibitory concentration and time–kill curves (24?h) were evaluated against those of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecallis, Aspergillus (niger, fumigates and parasiticum) and F. solani by the broth microdilution method. The antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH and ABTS assays. Chemical composition was evaluated by GC/MS analyses.

Results: GC/MS analyses identified 13 compounds, with β-caryophyllene as the major compound. The oil exhibited moderate antibacterial activity (MIC <1.0?mg/mL) and strong antifungal activity. Time–kill curve studies showed that either the essential oil or β-caryophyllene presented rapid bacterial killing (4?h for S. aureus) and fungicidal effect (2-4?h for F. solani); however, both displayed weak free radical scavenger capacity. The cytotoxic activity exhibited a prominent selective effect against hepatoma cancer cells (IC₅₀ value =63.7?μg/mL) compared with normal fibroblasts (IC₅₀ value =195.0?μg/mL), whereas the β-caryophyllene showed low cytotoxicity.

Discussion and conclusion: The experimental data suggest that the activities of M. paniculata essential oil are due to the synergistic action among its components.     

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils of Lantana camara,Ageratum houstonianum and Eupatorium adenophorum

Essential oils have applications in folk medicine, food preservation, and as feed additives. The essential oils of Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae), Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (Asteraceae) and Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. (Asteraceae) were analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). In L. camara oil, of the total identified (83.91%) volatile constituents, five constituents [3,7,11-trimethyl-1,6,10-dodecatriene (28.86%), β-caryophyllene (12.28%), zingiberene (7.63%), γ-curcumene (7.50%) and α-humulene (3.99%)] represented the major ones. In A. houstonianum oil, among the total identified volatile constituents (94.51%), three [precocene-II (52.64%), precocene-I (22.45%) and β-caryophyllene (9.66%)] represented the major ones. In E. adenophorum oil, of the total identified volatile constituents (84.95%), six [1-napthalenol (17.50%), α-bisabolol (9.53%), bornyl acetate (8.98%), β-bisabolene (6.16%), germacrene-D (5.74%) and α- phellandrene (3.85%)] represented the major ones. The antibacterial activity expressed as Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) (μg/mL) was determined by the broth dilution method. The essential oil of E. adenophorum had antibacterial activity against Arthrobacter protophormiae, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Rhodococcus rhodochrous, and Staphylococcus aureus with MBC values of 200, 100, 100, 12.5, and 200, respectively. The essential oil of A. houstonianum showed antibacterial activity against M. luteus and R. rhodochrous with MBC of 100 and 12.5, but not against A. protophormiae, E. coli, and S. aureus. The essential oil of L. camara showed antibacterial activity against A. protophormiae, M. luteus, R. rhodochrous and S. aureus with MBC of 50, 25, 12.5, and 200, respectively, but not against E. coli. MBC was lowest for R. rhodochrous for all the three essential oils.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from Syzygium cumini and Psidium guajava

Abstract

Context: Despite the many biological activities reported for essential oils, their anti-inflammatory ability is relatively underexplored considering the wide variation in plant sources and in their volatile composition. Oils from Syzygium cumini Skells (SC) and Psidium guajava L. (PG) (Myrtaceae) have been described as having diverse pharmacological activities.

Objective: The current study seeks to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils from the leaves of SC and PG, as well as some of their terpene-enriched fractions (+V?=?more volatile and ?V?=?less volatile) obtained by vacuum distillation. Both the pharmacological responses and chemical compositions were correlated.

Materials and methods: The relative contents of the oils and their fractions were evaluated by gas chromatography. Individual constituents in the oils were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Anti-inflammatory activity was accessed in the lipopolysaccharide-induced pleurisy model, by measuring the inhibition of total leukocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil migration in the mice pleural lavage, after oil treatment with the oils at 100?mg/kg.

Results: Eosinophil migration was inhibited by SC (67%), SC (+V) (63%), PG (76%), PG (+V) (67%) and PG (?V) (74%). This efficacy was correlated with the presence of β-pinene and β-caryophyllene in the oils, a result that was reinforced by evaluating both these pure components (38 and 50% inhibition, respectively). Synergistic effects associated with the presence of α-pinene were speculated.

Discussion and conclusion: Essential oils from SC and PG may be useful to treat inflammatory diseases by mechanisms that include the inhibition of eosinophil migration.     

Chemical composition,antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity studies on S. erianthum and S. macranthum essential oils

Context: Solanum erianthum D. Don and Solanum macranthum Dunal (Solanaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves act as an abortifacient and in particular to treat leucorrhoea, sores, and skin irritations.

Objective: This study was undertaken to characterize the volatile constituents of the leaf and fruit essential oils of S. erianthum and S. macranthum; their antimicrobial and in vitro cytotoxic bioassay against human breast and prostate tumor cells.

Methods: The volatile oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed for their constituents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were determined using the microbroth dilution technique while the cytotoxic potentials were evaluated using the Cell Titre 96^(R) AQ_ueous Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay method.

Results: Solanum erianthum essential oils were characterized by the abundance of α-terpinolene (17.8%), α-phellandrene (17.5%), p-cymene (15.7%) and β-pinene (11.7%) in the leaves; α-humulene (23.1%), humulene epoxide II (20.0%), caryophyllene oxide (16.5%), methyl salicylate (11.8%) and β-caryophyllene (10.9%) in the fruits. The leaf oil of S. macranthum consisted of (E)-phytol (29.0%), pentadecanal (28.1%) and pentadecane (7.7%) while the major fruit oil constituents were α-humulene (36.5%), β-caryophyllene (17.8%), ethyl palmitate (9.4%), and methyl salicylate (8.2%). Solanum erianthum leaf volatile oil demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against Hs 578T and PC-3 human breast and prostate tumor cells respectively. In addition, the Solanum essential oils exhibited significant antimicrobial activity (19.5–625 µg/mL) on pathogens employed in the assay.

Conclusion: The Solanum essential oils possess strong antimicrobial activity in addition to the potent cytotoxic potential of S. erianthum leaf oil against Hs 578T and PC-3 cells.     

Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of essential oils of three aromatic plants from La Rioja province

Context: The use of many traditional medicinal plants is often hampered by the absence of a proper biochemical characterization, which is essential to identify the bioactive compounds present in it. The essential oils (EOs) of three native species from the La Rioja province were analyzed: Lippia turbinata Griseb and Lippia integrifolia (Griseb.) Hieron (Verbenaceae), and Clinopodium gilliesii (Benth.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae).

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate their EOs antioxidant activity (AA) and their chemical composition.

Materials and methods: EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To enhance the aqueous solubilization of the EOs, EO–water emulsions were prepared (concentration range of 0.1–6?mg?mL^?1). AA was determined using ABTS, DPPH, and peroxyl radical scavenging assays, as well as by the β-carotene bleaching test.

Results: Piperitenone oxide was a major constituent in L. turbinata, pulegone and piperitenone oxide in C. gilliesii, and β-caryophyllene in L. integrifolia. Lippia turbinata EO was the most active ABTS and DPPH radical scavenger (SC₅₀ values of 0.40?±?0.14 and 0.74?±?0.08?mg?mL^?1, respectively). Clinopodium gilliesii EO exhibited the highest hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (SC₂₅ value?=?1.52?±?0.27?mg?mL^?1). In the β-carotene assay, L. turbinata EO was more effective at inhibiting lipid peroxidation than the other two oils (IC₂₅ value?=?0.15?±?0.04?mg?mL^?1).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the AA observed can be justified by the presence of oxygenated monoterpenes, mainly piperitenone oxide. Finally, L. turbinata EO might be used as a safe natural antioxidant and food preservative in the food and cosmetic industries.     

Chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils of Hypericum helianthemoides. Hypericum perforatum and Hypericum scabrum

Context: A number Hypericum species are well known for their therapeutic efficacy and use in traditional medicine. The various species of Hypericum have been traditionally used for the treatment of wounds, eczema, burns, trauma, rheumatism, neuralgia, gastroenteritis, ulcers, hysteria, bedwetting and depression.

Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and phytochemical properties of essential oils of Hypericum helianthemoides (Spach) Boiss., Hypericum perforatum L. and Hypericum scabrum L. (Hypericaceae) collected from alpine region of Southwest Iran.

Materials and methods: The essential oils obtained from dried flowering aerial parts of three Hypericum species were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine chemical compositions. The antibacterial activity of essential oils within concentration ranges from 16 to 500?µg/mL was individually evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes. Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella typhimurium. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of essential oils was determined using DPPH assay.

Results: Essential oil yield of H. helianthemoides. H. scabrum and H. perforatum were 0.12, 0.20 and 0.21?mL/100?g dried material, respectively. The major constituents of the essential oils were α-pinene (12.52–49.96%), β-pinene (6.34–9.70%), (E)-β-ocimene (4.44–12.54%), β-caryophyllene (1.19–5.67%), and germacrene-D (2.34–6.92%). The essential oils of three Hypericum species indicated moderate-to-good inhibitory activities against four bacteria, especially against L. monocytogenes.

Discussion and conclusion: The essential oils of the three studied Hypericum species sourced in alpine region of West Iran were rich in monoterpene and sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons. Among the three tested species, the essential oil of H. scabrum showed the highest antibacterial and antioxidant activities.     

Biological effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ocimum gratissimum</Emphasis> L. are due to synergic action among multiple compounds present in essential oil

Species of genus Ocimum (Lamiaceae) are economically important due to their essential oils and utilization as medicine for many disorders, including the central nervous system. A previous study showed seasonal variations in chemical profile and in central nervous system activities of essential oil from Ocimum gratissimum L. The preparation obtained in spring was able to protect the animals against tonic episodes induced by electroshock while those obtained in other seasons were effective in increasing barbiturate-induced sleeping time. The chemical analysis of essential oils showed eugenol and 1,8-cineole as principal compounds and trans-caryophyllene as a sesquiterpene in higher proportion. In the present study these three compounds were evaluated, separately or mixed in the same proportion detected in spring, in the open-field and rota-rod tests, against convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 60 mg/kg, subcutaneously, s.c.) or maximal electroshock (MES; 50 mA, 0.11 s) and in sodium pentobarbital (45 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.)-induced sleeping time. The compounds, isolated or in association, did not show efficaciousness in altering convulsive episodes, and only when in association were able to increase sleeping time duration. The absence of similar essential oil activity in the isolated compounds contributes to the idea that the major compounds are not always responsible for a biological effect observed in medicinal plant preparations. This view reinforces the concept of a multitargeted approach as a therapeutic strategy, contributing to an integrated understanding of the phenomena related to experimental activity of a complex herbal mixture.     

Chemical composition and pharmacological properties of the essential oils obtained seasonally from Lippia thymoides

Context: Lippia thymoides Mart. & Schauer (Verbenaceae) is used in folk medicine to treat wounds, fever, bronchitis, rheumatism, headaches, and weakness.

Objective: This study determinates the chemical composition of essential oils from L. thymoides, obtained at during each of the four seasons and correlates with pharmacological properties.

Materials and methods: Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching methods. The antimicrobial assays were performed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC) methods. Isolated rat aorta and uterus, and guinea-pig trachea were utilized to evaluate relaxant potential in pre-contracted smooth muscle.

Results and discussion: Essential oils from leaves of L. thymoides had the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (17.22–26.27%) as the major constituent followed by borneol (4.45–7.36%), camphor (3.22–8.61%), camphene (2.64–5.66%), and germacrene D (4.72–6.18%). In vitro assays showed that these essential oils do not have antioxidant activity, have antimicrobial selectivity to Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (MIC?=?0.004?mg/mL and MMC?=?0.26–10.19?mg/mL) and Micrococcus luteus (MIC?=?0.03?mg/mL and MMC?=?8.43?mg/mL), relax isolated rat aorta (EC₅₀?=?305–544?μg/mL, with endothelium; and EC₅₀?=?150–283?μg/mL, without endothelium), and uterus (EC₅₀?=?74–257?μg/mL), and minor potency, isolated guinea-pig trachea.

Conclusions: Lippia thymoides is a source of natural products of pharmaceutical interest, being necessary additional studies to determine the substances involved in the biological activities.     

Antibacterial properties of essential oils and methanol extracts of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum occurring in Bangladesh

The antibacterial potential of essential oils and methanol extracts of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) was evaluated for controlling the growth range of food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves and stems were analyzed by GC-MS. Fifty-seven compounds representing 94.9 and 96.1% of the total leaf and stem oils, respectively, were identified, of which methyl chavicol (36.7 and 29.9%), gitoxigenin (9.3 and 10.2%), trimethoquinol (10.3 and 8.4%), β-guaiene (3.7 and 4.1%), aciphyllene (3.4 and 3.0%), alizarin (3.2 and 4.4%), naphthaline (2.2 and 3.8%), (–)-caryophyllene (2.0 and 1.9%), and mequinol (1.6 and 1.8%) were the major compounds. The essential oils (10?μL/disc of 1:5, v/v dilution with methanol) and methanol extracts (300?μg/disc) of O. basilicum displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against Bacillius cereus, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Shigella boydii, S. dysenteriae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. mimicus, and Salmonella typhi with their respective zones of inhibition of 11.2–21.1?mm and MIC values of 62.5–500?μg/mL. The results of this study suggest that the natural products derived from O. basilicum may have potential use in the food and/or pharmaceutical industries as antimicrobial agents.     

Identification of the main volatile compounds in the leaf and flower of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tithonia diversifolia</Emphasis> (Hemsl) Gray

The composition of the essential oils of the leaves and flowers of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray, Mexican sunflower, are reported. The oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in an all-glass Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by GC–MS. The leaf oil was comprised of an abundance of α-pinene (32.9%), β-caryophyllene (20.8%), germacrene D (12.6%), β-pinene (10.9%) and 1, 8-cineole (9.1%). Germacrene D (20.3%), β-caryophyllene (20.1%) and bicyclogermacrene (8.0%) characterized the oil of the flower. A number of aliphatic fatty acids and a diterpenoid compound, sandaracopimaradiene, that were present in the flower, could not be detected in the leaf oil.     

Chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Artemisia maderaspatana essential oil

Abstract

Context: To date, there are no reports to validate the Indian traditional and folklore claims of Artemisia maderaspatana L. (syn. Grangea maderaspatana L.) (Asteraceae) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Objective: The present study characterizes the volatile components (non-polar compounds) of A. maderaspatana and evaluates its acetylcholinesterase inhibition potential.

Materials and methods: The essential oils (yield 0.06% v/w) were obtained from fresh aerial part of A. maderaspatana. The characterization of volatile components (non-polar compounds) was performed by GC–MS data and with those of reference compounds compiled in the spectral library of in-house database. The in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition of the volatile organic constituents (VOC’s) of A. maderaspatana aerial part was evaluated in varying concentration ranges (0.70–44.75?µg/mL) with Ellman’s method.

Results: The major components were α-humulene (46.3%), β-caryophyllene (9.3%), α-copaene (8.2%), β-myrcene (4.3%), Z(E)-α-farnesene (3.7%), and calarene (3.5%). Chemical variability among other Artemisia spp. from different climatic regions of India and countries namely Iran and France was observed. The experimental results showed that diverse volatile organic constituents of A. maderaspatana have significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (an IC₅₀ value of 31.33?±?1.03?µg/mL). This is the first report on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase properties of essential oil of A. maderaspatana obtained from fresh aerial part.

Conclusions: The present results indicate that essential oil of A. maderaspatana isolated from the northern region of India could inhibit AChE moderately. Therefore, the possibility of novel AChE inhibitors might exist in VOCs of this plant.     

The in vivo evaluation of anti-angiogenic effects of Hypericum essential oils using the chorioallantoic membrane assay

Context. Hypericum species including Hypericum confertum Choisy, H. hircinum L., H. hyssopifolium Chaix. subsp. elongatum (Ledeb.) Woron var. microcalycinum (Boiss. &; Heldr.) Boiss. and H. perforatum L. (Clusiaceae) are used as medicinal plants in Turkey.

Objective: The anti-angiogenic evaluation of Hypericum essential oils using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay are performed with this study for the first time.

Materials and methods: The anti-angiogenic activity of Hypericum essential oils (0.5–5.0?mg/ml) was evaluated in vivo using the CAM assay, compared to standard anti-angiogenic substances at the same concentrations, in trice replicated independent assays. GC and GC-MS analyses were carried out simultaneously to identify the chemical compositions of the Hypericum essential oils.

Results: The CAM treated with H. perforatum essential oil showed anti-angiogenic effect (score 0.6?±?0.3) at 50?µg/pellet concentration, whereas other tested Hypericum essential oils showed no effect compared to the standards (e.g. suramin score 0.5?±?0.2). Furthermore, the tested oils showed neither membrane toxicity nor irritation at the tested concentrations. The major compound of the essential oil of H. confertum was identified as germacrene D (30.2%). The major compound of the essential oils of the H. hircinum. H. hyssopifolium subsp. elongatum var. microcalycinum and H. perforatum was identified as α-pinene (88.3, 57.8, 33.3%), respectively.

Discussion and conclusion. Hypericum species and in particular H. perforatum essential oil may have important effect toward wound healing and various inflammations. The data obtained in this experiment suggest further investigations on various cancers due to its anti-angiogenic effects observed.     

Acaricidal activities of essential oils against two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch

Eleven essential oils (EOs) were screened for their fumigant and repellent activity against two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) under laboratory conditions. Results showed that, in fumigant toxicity assay, Mentha longifolia L. showed more toxic to T. urticae (LC₅₀?=?11.08?mg?L^?1 air) and was followed by Mentha piperita L. (LC₅₀?=?15.86?mg?L^?1 air), Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W. Watson (LC₅₀?=?17.23?mg?L^?1 air) and Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) (LC₅₀?=?18.82?mg L^?1 air). In repellent activity test, Acorus calamus (L.), M. piperita and C. flexuosus showed 100% repellent activity to T. urticae as compared to Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) and Aegle marmelos (L.) (76.67%).     

Biochemical characterization,anti-inflammatory properties and ulcerogenic traits of some cold-pressed oils in experimental animals

Context: Cold-pressed oils (CPO) are commercially available in the market and characterized by their health-promoting properties.

Objective: Clove oil (CLO), coriander seed oil (COO) and black cumin oil (BCO) were evaluated for their bioactive lipids. Pharmacological screening was performed to evaluate acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effects as well as histopathological changes in tissues of albino rats fed with CPO.

Materials and methods: Fatty acids, tocols and total phenolics were analyzed. The acute toxicity test for each CPO was estimated during 14 d. Carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema was used for assessment of anti-inflammatory activity of CPO. Animals were fasted overnight, and via oral gavage given indomethacin (10?mg/kg) or CPO (400?mg/kg) to investigate ulcerogenecity. Histopathological changes in liver, kidney, heart, spleen and stomach were screened.

Results: Amounts of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols in CLO were 1495, 58, 4177 and 177?mg/kg oil, respectively. In COO, α, β, γ and δ-tocopherols were 10.0, 18.2, 5.1 and 34.8%, respectively. In BCO, β-tocotrienol was the main constituent. CLO, COO and BCO contained 4.6, 4.2 and 3.6?mg GAE/g, respectively. Acute toxicity test determined that 400?mg/kg of CPO to be used. In the carrageenan model of inflammation, pretreatment of rats with indomethacin (10?mg/kg) or CLO (400?mg/kg) induced a significant (p?Conclusions: CPO, particularly CLO, could minimize acute inflammation.     

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils from flower,leaf and stem of Ferula cupularis growing wild in Iran

Abstract

Context: Ferula cupularis (Boiss.) Spalik et S. R. Downie (Apiaceae) is a common plant in Iran that grows in the foothills of Dena Mountain. In traditional folk medicine, this plant has different applications, but there are no studies proving their uses.

Objective: This study is the first attempt to investigate the chemical composition and antibacterial effect of the essential oils of F. cupularis.

Materials and methods: The essential oils from flower, leaf, and stem of F. cupularis were analyzed by using GC and GC-MS. Antibacterial activity of essential oils was determined by microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results: The essential oil from flower of F. cupularis contained 15 monoterpene, 13 oxygenated monoterpene, and 2 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The leaf essential oil contained 12 monoterpene, 13 oxygenated monoterpene, 2 sesquiterpene, 6 oxygenated sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and 3 non-terpenoid components. Stem essential oil contained one monoterpene, 23 oxygenated monoterpene, 2 sesquiterpene, and 6 oxygenated sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The MIC value of stem essential oil was 2.85?mg/mL against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria except P. aeruginosa which was inhibited at 22.75?mg/mL. The MIC values of leaf and flower essential oils were higher than 5.69 and 22.75?mg/mL, respectively.

Discussion: This study highlighted the strong antibacterial effect of Ferula cupularis’s essential oil which might be due to its high content of oxygenated monoterpene hydrocarbons.

Conclusion: Our results suggested that this plant may be a good candidate for further biological and pharmacological investigations.     

蜡梅不同部位精油化学成分分析及其体外抑菌活性研究

目的 研究蜡梅Chimonanthus praecox（Linn.）Link根、叶、果皮中精油的化学组成及其抑菌活性。方法 采用气相色谱-质谱联用（GC-MS）技术对水蒸气蒸馏法提取的蜡梅根、叶、果皮精油进行成分分析,并分别采用肉汤二倍稀释法和菌丝生长法测试蜡梅不同部位精油对细菌和病原真菌的抑制活性。结果 鉴定了蜡梅根精油中的37种成分、蜡梅叶精油中的48种成分、蜡梅果皮精油中的38种成分,蜡酶不同部位精油中具有相同的化合物15种,分别占各部位精油总量的84.05%,36.83%,64.46%。抑菌实验结果表明蜡梅不同部位精油对受试菌均有不同强度的抑制作用。结论 蜡梅根精油对革兰氏阳性菌和病原真菌具有较强的抑菌活性,抑菌谱较广,且该精油含有多种生物活性成分,具有较高的药用价值及开发前景。