Chemical composition and biological activities of Asimina triloba leaf essential oil

Leaf essential oil of Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal (F. Annonaceae) was found to be active against both human lung carcinoma and breast carcinoma cell lines. From this hydrodistillation extract, 37 components were identified by GC-MS analysis; sesquiterpenes dominated the oil composition (83%), with cadinene derivatives occurring in the greatest abundance (70%). Using the DDPH assay for antioxidant testing, the essential oil displayed moderate activity relative to vitamin E. These findings suggest that A. triloba essential oil may provide leads for active anticancer agents.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant, antitumor,anticancer and cytotoxic effects of Psidium guajava leaf extracts

Context Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) leaves are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and other ailments.

Objective The current study explores scientific validation for this traditional medication.

Materials and methods We used ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazil (DPPH) assays to estimate antioxidant activity of P. guajava leaf extracts (methanol, hexane and chloroform). Antitumour and in vivo cytotoxic activities were determined using potato disc assay (PDA) and brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively. Three human carcinoma cell lines (KBM5, SCC4 and U266) were incubated with different doses (10–100?μg/mL) of extracts and the anticancer activity was estimated by MTT assay. NF-κB suppressing activity was determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Chemical composition of the three extracts was identified by GC-MS. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured by colorimetric assays.

Results and discussions The order of antioxidant activity of three extracts was methanol?>?chloroform?>?hexane. The IC₅₀ values ranged from 22.73 to 51.65?μg/mL for KBM5; 22.82 to 70.25?μg/mL for SCC4 and 20.97 to 89.55?μg/mL for U266 cells. The hexane extract exhibited potent antitumour (IC_50? value?=_?65.02?μg/mL) and cytotoxic (LC_50? value?=_?32.18?μg/mL) activities. This extract also completely inhibited the TNF-α induced NF-κB activation in KBM5 cells. GC-MS results showed that pyrogallol, palmitic acid and vitamin E were the major components of methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts. We observed significant (p?<?0.05) difference in total phenolic and flavonoid contents of different solvent extracts.

Conclusion The present study demonstrates that P. guajava leaf extracts play a substantial role against cancer and down-modulate inflammatory nuclear factor kB.     

Chemical composition and cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic activities of the essential oil from Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth leaves

We have investigated the chemical composition of Piper gaudichaudianum essential oil, as well as its cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects in V79 cells. The chemical analyses showed that the major compounds are (E)-nerolidol (22.4%), α-humulene (16.5%), (E)-caryophyllene (8.9%) and bicyclogermacrene (7.4%). Dose-dependent cytotoxic effects were observed in V79 cells treated with essential oil by using clonal survival, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT) and trypan blue exclusion assay (TB), and a significant decrease in survival was observed at concentrations of 0.5 μg/mL and higher. The P. gaudichaudianum essential oil treatment caused DNA strand breaks in V79 cells at concentrations up to 2 μg/mL, as detected by the alkaline comet assay, but did not induce double-strand breaks, as verified by neutral comet assay. It induced a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells at 4, 6 and 10 μg/mL. Moreover, P. gaudichaudianum essential oil significantly increased lipid peroxidation at doses of 0.5 μg/mL and higher, suggesting that the observed oxidant potential can be responsible, at least in part, for its cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.     

Chemical composition of the essential oil from melissa

Different oil-samples of Melissa officinalis L. were analysed by capillary GC/MS, using fused silica columns and E.I.-Mass-spectrometry. Comparing the observed mass-spectra with those of a spectral collection, 70 compounds of the oil were identified. Geranial, neral, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, citronellal, geranyl-acetate, beta-caryophyllene, and beta-caryophyllene-oxide comprise about 96%. The fingerprint of the capillary gas-chromatogramm permitted differentiation of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis, Cymbopogon winterianus and Nepeta cataria var. citriodora., as well as a standardisation of pharmaceutical preparations containing Melissa oil.     

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Acanthopanax leucorrhizus (Oliv.) Harms

The leaf essential oil of Acanthopanax leucorrhizus, a widely used medicinal plant, was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by using combination of capillary GC-FID, GC-MS and RI. Fifty-nine components, representing 93.1% of the total oil, were identified in the essential oil and the main components of the oil were β-pinene (7.3%), linalool (6.5%), p-cymene (6.3%), β-elemene (3.8%), γ-terpinene (3.7%), spathulenol (3.2%) and cis-sabinene hydrate (3.1%). Furthermore, the in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil were examined. The test results showed that the essential oil exhibited a broad spectrum of anti-microbial activity against all microorganisms tested. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the oil than gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. The oil possessed moderate cytotoxicity on human tumor cells with lower IC(50) values of 25.65μg/ml (Hep G2), 28.71μg/ml (Hela), 30.15μg/ml (Bel-7402) and 37.55μg/ml (A-549). The moderate antioxidant activity of the oil was also evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method.     

Chemical composition of the essential oil from melissa.]

Different oil-samples of MELISSA OFFICINALIS L. were analysed by capillary GC/MS, using fused silica columns and E.I.-Mass-spectrometry. Comparing the observed mass-spectra with those of a spectral collection, 70 compounds of the oil were identified. Geranial, neral, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, citronellal, geranyl-acetate, beta-caryophyllene, and beta-caryophyllene-oxide comprise about 96%. The fingerprint of the capillary gas-chromatogramm permitted differentiation of the essential oil of MELISSA OFFICINALIS, CYMBOPOGON WINTERIANUS and NEPETA CATARIA var. CITRIODORA., as well as a standardisation of pharmaceutical preparations containing Melissa oil.     

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.     

In vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of the essential oil from the leaves of Guatteria friesiana

Guatteria friesiana (W. A. Rodrigues) Erkens & Maas (synonym Guatteriopsis friesiana W. A. Rodrigues), popularly known as "envireira", is a medicinal plant found in the Brazilian and Colombian Amazon basin that is used in traditional medicine for various purposes. Recent studies on this species have demonstrated antimicrobial activity. In this study, the antitumor activity of the essential oil from the leaves of G. friesiana (EOGF) and its main components ( α-, β-, and γ-eudesmol) were determined using experimental models. In the in vitro study, EOGF and its components α-, β-, and γ-eudesmol displayed cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines, showing IC?? values in the range of 1.7 to 9.4 μg/mL in the HCT-8 and HL-60 cell lines for EOGF, 5.7 to 19.4 μg/mL in the HL-60 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines for α-eudesmol, 24.1 to > 25 μg/mL in the SF-295 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines for β-eudesmol, and 7.1 to 20.6 μg/mL in the SF-295 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines for γ-eudesmol, respectively. In the in vivo study, the antitumor effect of EOGF was evaluated in mice inoculated with sarcoma 180 tumor cells. Tumor growth inhibition rates were 43.4-54.2 % and 6.6-42.8 % for the EOGF treatment by intraperitoneal (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) and oral (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) administration, respectively. The treatment with EOGF did not significantly affect body mass, macroscopy of the organs, or blood leukocyte counts. Based on these results, we can conclude that EOGF possesses significant antitumor activity and has only low systemic toxicity. These effects could be assigned to its components α-, β-, and γ-eudesmol.     

Chemical composition and biological activities of extracts and essential oil of Boswellia dalzielii leaves

Context: Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. (Burseraceae) is an aromatic plant. The leaves are used for beverage flavouring.

Objective: This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of various extracts.

Materials and methods: The essential oil was prepared via hydrodistillation. Identification and quantification were realized via GC-MS and GC-FID. Consecutive extractions (cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol) were carried out and various chemical groups (phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, antocyanins and sugar) were quantified. The volatile compounds of organic extracts were identified before and after derivatization. Antioxidant, antihyperuricemia, anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities were evaluated.

Results: In the essential oil, 50 compounds were identified, including 3-carene (27.72%) and α-pinene (15.18%). 2,5-Dihydroxy acetophenone and β-d-xylopyranose were identified in the methanol extract. Higher phenolic (315.97?g GAE/kg dry mass) and flavonoid (37.19?g QE/kg dry mass) contents were observed in the methanol extract. The methanol extract has presented remarkable IC_50?=_?6.10?mg/L for antiDPPH, 35.10?mg/L for antixanthine oxidase and 28.01?mg/L for anti-5-lipoxygenase. For acetylcholinesterase inhibition, the best IC₅₀ (76.20 and 67.10?mg/L) were observed, respectively, with an ethyl acetate extract and the essential oil. At 50?mg/L, the dichloromethane extract inhibited OVCAR-3 cell lines by 65.10%, while cyclohexane extract inhibited IGROV-1 cell lines by 92.60%.

Discussion and conclusion: Biological activities were fully correlated with the chemical groups of the extracts. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts could be considered as potential alternatives for use in dietary supplements for the prevention or treatment of diseases because of these extracts natural antioxidant, antihyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory activities.     

中国沉香挥发油的化学成分与抗耐甲氧西林金葡菌活性

分析中国沉香的挥发油成分,并测试其抗耐甲氧西林金葡菌活性。采用水蒸气蒸馏法提取中国沉香挥发油进行GC/MS分析,峰面积归一化法计算各成分相对含量,采用NIST05和WILEY275L数据库匹配,以及将质谱图与文献数据进行对照的方法进行鉴定。采用滤纸片琼脂扩散法测试挥发油抗菌活性。挥发油对耐甲氧西林金葡菌显示强活性。共检测到66个色谱峰,其中30个化合物得到鉴定,占挥发油总量的59.80%。26个化合物被鉴定为倍半萜类化合物,占挥发油总量的54.26%。β-沉香呋喃（8.96%）,枯苏醇（7.82%）,（-）-jinkoh-eremol（5.04%）,沉香螺旋醇（4.53%）,白木香呋喃酸（4.09%）为主要的倍半萜。4个降倍半萜和其他一些倍半萜,如10-表-γ-桉叶油醇,α-沉香呋喃,epi-ligulyl oxide等为首次从中国沉香中检出。本文首次报道了中国沉香挥发油对耐甲氧西林金葡菌具有抗菌活性。     

Phytochemical composition,anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic effects of essential oils from three Pinus spp.

Context: Inflammation and cell differentiation lead to a number of severe diseases. In the recent years, various studies focused on the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity of essential oils (EOs) of numerous plants, including different Pinus species.

Objective: The phytochemical composition, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of EOs from needles and twigs of Pinus heldreichii Christ (Pinaceae) and P. peuce Griseb., and from needles, twigs and cones of P. mugo Turra were determined.

Materials and methods: For separation and identification of the EOs, gas chromatography/flame ion detector (GC/FID) and GC/mass spectrometry were performed. The amount of secreted IL-6 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage model was quantified (concentration of oils: 0.0001–0.2%, 3?h incubation). Cytotoxicity on the cancer cell lines HeLa, CaCo-2 and MCF-7 were determined using a MTT (Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide) assay (concentration of oils: 0.001–0.1%, 24?h incubation).

Results: The most prominent members in the oils include: δ-3-carene, α-pinene and linalool-acetate (P. mugo); α-pinene, β-phellandrene and β-pinene (P. peuce); limonene, α-pinene and (E)-caryophyllene (P. heldreichii). EOs showed significant cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ 0.007 to >0.1%), with a reduction in cell viability with up to 90% at a concentration of 0.1%, and anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ 0.0008–0.02%) with a reduction of IL-6 secretion with up to 60% at a concentration of 0.01%.

Discussion and conclusion: The EOs of needles and twigs from P. peuce and P. heldreichii as well as of needles, twigs and cones of P. mugo can be considered as promising agents for anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.     

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil from Trachydium roylei

Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activity, and cytotoxicity of essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Trachydium roylei were investigated in this study. The chemical composition of T. roylei essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Fifty-nine components, representing 98.87% of the oils, were characterized. The oils were predominated by aromatic compounds and monoterpene hydrocarbons, and the main components were myristicin (25.35%), β-phellandrene (22.95%), elemicine (7.69%), isoelemicin (5.48%), and cedrol (5.26%). The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 cells was evaluated. The oils downregulated the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, and significantly increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. Results indicated that the oils effectively inhibited the secretion of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Western blot analyses were performed to determine whether the inhibitory effects of the oils on proinflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) were related to the modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. These findings suggest that T. roylei essential oils exert an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the essential oil from Eremanthus erythropappus leaves

The chemical composition of the essential oil from air-dried leaves of Eremanthus erythropappus was studied. The main compounds were beta-pinene (23.24%), beta-caryophyllene (22.92%), beta-myrcene (10.03%) and germacrene D (9.40%). The essential oil had an LD50 of 2.90 g kg(-1) in mice. Doses of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) inhibited 10.69% and 27.06% of acetic-acid-induced writhing in mice, respectively. In the formalin-induced nociception test in mice, the essential oil inhibited the first phase of paw licking by 29.13% (400 mg kg(-1)) and the second phase by 32.74% (200 mg kg(-1)) and 37.55% (400 mg kg(-1)). In the hot-plate test in mice, doses of 200 mg kg(-1) and 400 mg kg(-1) significantly increased the reaction time after 30, 60 and 90 min of treatment. Doses of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats by 15.18% and 36.61%, respectively. Doses of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) administered 4 h before intrapleural injection of carrageenan significantly reduced exudate volume (by 20.20% and 48.70%, respectively) and leucocyte mobilization (by 5.88% and 17.29%, respectively). These results demonstrate that E. erythropappus has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting the use of this plant in folk medicine.     

Chemical composition and vascular and intestinal smooth muscle relaxant effects of the essential oil from Psidium guajava fruit

Context: Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders.

Objectives: The current study investigated the chemical composition and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects of the essential oil of P. guajava.

Materials and methods: The chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The biological activity of the essential oil was tested on rabbit aorta and jejunum. All changes in isometric tension were recorded through a force transducer coupled with a bridge amplifier data acquisition system.

Results and discussion: GC-MS analysis showed the presence of butanoic acid methyl ester, 3-methyl glutaric anhydride, 1-butanol, 3-hexenal, cinnamyl alcohol, 1-hexanol and hexane as the major components. In isolated rabbit aorta preparations, the essential oil showed vasorelaxation at doses of 3-10?mg/mL against high K^+?and phenylephrine pre-contractions with EC₅₀ values of 5.52 (5–6.04) and 6.23?mg/mL (5.0–7.46). The essential oil inhibited spontaneous and high K^+?induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum with EC₅₀ values of 0.84 (0.3–1.38) and 0.71?mg/mL (0.3–1.12) and shifted Ca?⁺?² concentration curves to the right, similar to verapamil, suggesting spasmolytic activity mediated possibly through Ca?⁺?² channel blockade.

Conclusions: In summary, the data indicated the presence of seven different phytoconstituents in the essential oil of P. guajava and calcium channel blocking activity, which provides a pharmacological base to the traditional use of P. guajava in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Further studies are suggested to explore the molecular nature of these effects.     

Chemical composition and bioactivity of the volatile oil from leaves and stems of Eucalyptus cinerea

Context: Eucalyptus cinerea F. Muell. ex Benth. (Myrtaceae) is a medium-sized tree cultivated in Egypt.

Objective: First, to determine the chemical composition of the volatile oil of the juvenile leaves and stems of E. cinerea to identify its chemotype. Second, to study the in vivo antioxidant activity and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the studied volatile oils against selected Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and mycelia fungi.

Materials and methods: The volatile oil was prepared by hydrodistillation and then identified by GC/MS analysis. Broth microdilution and agar dilution methods were applied for determining the MIC. The antioxidant activity was studied by determination of glutathione level in blood of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Results: The yield of the volatile oil hydrodistilled from the juvenile leaves and stems of E. cinerea was 4.5 and 0.5%, respectively. 1,8-Cineole was the major identified oxygenated monoterpenoid (84.55% and 60.15% in the juvenile leaves and stems, respectively). The antibacterial activity of the oil of the juvenile leaves was more potent against all the tested organisms than that of the stems. The (MIC) of volatile oil of the juvenile leaves against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus were 5.2, 5.6, 4, 4.8, and 12.8?μg/ml, respectively. Also, the juvenile leaves’ oil was more active as an antioxidant than that of the stems. They restored glutathione level by 33.7?±?1.1 and 29.6?±?0.7?mg/dl, respectively, compared with vitamin E (35.9?±?1.2?mg/dl) which was used as a reference.

Discussion and conclusion: Results suggest that the volatile oil is 1,8-cineole chemotype. Moreover, the oil of the juvenile leaves of E. cinerea might find usefulness as a therapeutic agent following further development.     

土木香中纯化的五种倍半萜类化合物抑制肿瘤增殖活性的研究

目的检测土木香中纯化的五种倍半萜化合物抑制肿瘤增殖的活性,并探讨化合物结构与活性之间的关系。方法应用MTT法测定五种倍半萜类化合物对体外培养人肿瘤细胞增殖的影响;应用小鼠移植性肝癌模型测定了异土木香内酯的抗肿瘤活性。结果化合物1(异土木香内酯)对U251SP细胞、HLE细胞和MM1-CB细胞的增殖显示较强的抑制活性;化合物2～5对各种实验用肿瘤细胞的增殖不显示抑制活性;化合物1对移植性肿瘤(肝癌H22)具有明显的抑制作用,并呈现较好的剂量依赖关系。结论异土木香内酯具有较强的肿瘤抑制活性;化合物2～5对肿瘤细胞增殖抑制活性丧失可能由于A-环和B-环之间的键裂开,形成一个大10元环,改变了原来的构象所致。     

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Rosemary

The composition of the essential oil of Rosemary was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 22 components, which constitute 97.41% of the oil, were identified. The major constituents were 1,8-Cineole (26.54%) and α-Pinene (20.14%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and time-kill dynamic processes against three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), three Gram-negative bacteria (Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and two fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) were determined for the oil, 1,8-Cineole and α-Pinene. The oil showed pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activity than 1,8-Cineole and α-Pinene against all of the tested microbes. Furthermore, the survival rates and morphological changes of S. aureus after treatment with different concentrations of the essential oil were assessed by flow cytometry (FCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).     

Chemical composition and anticancer,antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antimalarial activities of leaves essential oil of Cedrelopsis grevei

The essential oil from Cedrelopsis grevei leaves, an aromatic and medicinal plant from Madagascar, is widely used in folk medicine. Essential oil was characterized by GC–MS and quantified by GC–FID. Sixty-four components were identified. The major constituents were: (E)-β-farnesene (27.61%), δ-cadinene (14.48%), α-copaene (7.65%) and β-elemene (6.96%). The essential oil contained a complex mixture consisting mainly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (83.42%) and generally sesquiterpenes (98.91%). The essential oil was tested cytotoxic (on human breast cancer cells MCF-7), antimalarial (Plasmodium falciparum), antiinflammatory and antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH assays) activities. C. grevei essential oil was active against MCF-7 cell lines (IC₅₀ = 21.5 mg/L), against P. falciparum, (IC₅₀ = 17.5 mg/L) and antiinflammatory (IC₅₀ = 21.33 mg/L). The essential oil exhibited poor antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC₅₀ > 1000 mg/L) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 110 mg/L) assays. A bibliographical review was carried out of all essential oils identified and tested with respect to antiplasmodial, anticancer and antiinflammatory activities. The aim was to establish correlations between the identified compounds and their biological activities (antiplasmodial, anticancer and antiinflammatory). According to the obtained correlations, 1,4-cadinadiene (R² = 0.61) presented a higher relationship with antimalarial activity. However, only (Z)-β-farnesene (R² = 0.73) showed a significant correlation for anticancer activity.     

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.