Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia

The chemical composition of the three essential oils obtained by steam distillation of the mastic gum, leaves and twigs of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, was studied by GC/MS. Sixty nine constituents were identified from the oils. alpha-Pinene, myrcene, trans-caryophyllene and germacrene D were found to be the major components. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the three essential oils and of the resin (total, acid and neutral fraction) against six bacteria and three fungi is reported.     

Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effects of Pistacia lentiscus leaf and fruit extracts

Pistacia lentiscus (Anacardiaceae) is commonly used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of extracts of P. lentiscus leaves (PL) and fruits (PF) against experimentally induced liver damage. Furthermore, characterization of extracts was attempted by a spectroscopic methodology (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection analysis. A hepatoprotective potential against paracetamol [165 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] toxicity was noticed in mice pretreated with the same dose of PL or PF extract (125 mg/kg b.w.) or a combination of both (PL/PF 63/63 mg/kg b.w.), as revealed by an analysis of biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities and total bilirubin). These results were confirmed by histological examination of the liver, which revealed significant protection against paracetamol-induced hepatic necrosis. Furthermore, PF extract exhibited a promising antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, similar to the reference drug glibenclamide (0.91 g/L), a result confirmed by in vitro inhibition of α-amylase. We demonstrated that the leaf crude extract showed the best effect in all tested methods, compared to its fruit counterpart, probably due to the presence of higher amounts of phenolic compounds, as determined by phytochemical and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection led to the identification of six compounds for each part of the plant. Gallic acid, a characteristic compound of Pistacia species, was most abundant in leaves and fruits, while luteolin was detected for the first time in fruits. Obtained activities of P. lentiscus extracts may well be due, at least in part, to the presence of the above compounds.     

Evaluation of Pistacia lentiscus seed oil and phenolic compounds for in vitro antiproliferative effects against BHK21 cells

Context: Within the global context of increasing cancer diseases, natural products are important in devising new drugs and providing unique ideas in cancer therapy. In Tunisian folk medicine, Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) fixed oil is used for cancer treatment.

Objective: This investigation studied, for the first time, the antiproliferative effect of Pistacia lentiscus fixed oil and its phenolic extract on BHK21 cancer cells.

Materials and methods: Oil was extracted from fruits harvested in northwest Tunisia and the phenolic fraction was obtained by mixing with methanol. The anti-proliferative activity of the two tested substances on BHK 21 cells were investigated in vitro using trypan blue assays. Cells were treated with different concentrations of P. lentiscus oil (0.009, 0.018, 0.036, and 0.09 g/mL) and the phenolic extract (0.007, 0.014, 0.03, and 0.07 g/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h.

Results: The inhibitory effect of Pistacia lentiscus fixed oil increases with the increase in dose. The IC₅₀ value was estimated at 0.029 g/mL. The percentage of cell viability was 42.46 ± 3.4% at a dose of 0.09 g/mL and was significantly lower than that of the untreated control (96.24 ± 2.5%, p<0.01). The phenolic extract demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on BHK21 cell growth. After 48 h of incubation, the IC₅₀ value was estimated at 0.15 g/mL.

Discussion and conclusion: The results demonstrated the potential of Pistacia lentiscus fixed oil in treating cancer, as it is used in traditional medicine.     

Chemical Composition and Anti–Helicobacter pylori Activity of the Essential Oil of Pistacia vera

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of Pistacia vera L. gum was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty compounds were identified, representing 99.5% of the total components. α-Pinene, β-pinene, and α-thujene were found to be the major constituents. The bacteriostatic activity of the essential oil against 12 clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori was determined using the hole-plate method. All isolates were sensitive to the essential oil, and the Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) was 1.55 mg/ml for all isolates using the agar dilution method.     

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.     

Preparation and release studies of alkannin-containing microcapsules

Microcapsules containing the pharmaceutical substance alkannin were prepared by the solvent evaporation method to enhance alkannin stability (reduce photo-oxidation, polymerization), to decrease its hydrophobicity and to control its release rate. The effect of various parameters, such as the type of polymeric matrix, the type of surfactant used for microcapsules preparation and the addition of Pistacia lentiscus resin in the core, on the characteristics of the produced microcapsules and the release rate of alkannin were investigated experimentally. Among the polymers tested for matrix, ethylcellulose of viscosity 46cp was the most successful, while ethylcellulose 10cp gave microcapsules with good morphological characteristics but high release rate. Beeswax resulted in flocculation and P. lentiscus resin with or without colophony as the matrix resulted in compact particles with no pores and much slower release, but did not allow alkannin to release easily from the matrix. Sodium dodecyl sulfate resulted in microcapsules with desirable morphological and physicochemical characteristics, while acacia and tragacanth gums were not indicated as surfactants in alkannin microencapsulation since they gave a high release rate and a great extent of particle size, respectively. The incorporation of Pistacia lentiscus resin in the capsule core increased loading and microencapsulation efficiency. Ethylcellulose of 46cp viscosity with sodium dodecyl sulfate as surfactant had the best characteristics studied for alkannin microencapsulation. Finally, the dissolution rate of alkannin from microcapsules was studied in a simulated intestinal and gastric environment and an external environment. Alkannin-containing microcapsules with improved properties can be used internally and externally as a new drug-delivery system.     

Essential oils from Schinus terebinthifolius leaves – chemical composition and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation

Context: In folk medicine, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), has been used as a remedy for ulcers, respiratory problems, wounds, rheumatism, gout, diarrhea, skin ailments and arthritis, as well as to treat tumors and leprosy.

Objective: To investigate the chemical composition and cytotoxicity of essential oil from leaves of S. terebinthifolius as well as the identification of active compounds from this oil.

Material and methods: Essential oil from S. terebinthifolius leaves, obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, was characterized in terms of its chemical composition. Also, the crude oil was subjected to chromatographic separation procedures to afford an active fraction composed of α- and β-pinenes. These compounds, including hydrogenation (pinane) and epoxydation (α-pinene oxide) derivatives from α-pinene, were tested in vitro against murine melanoma cell line (B16F10-Nex2) and human melanoma (A2058), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), leukemia (human leukemia (HL-60) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines.

Results: Forty-nine constituents were identified in the oil (97.9% of the total), with germacrene D (23.7%), bicyclogermacrene (15.0%), β-pinene (9.1%) and β-longipinene (8.1%) as the main compounds. The crude essential oil showed cytotoxic effects in several cell lines, mainly on leukemia and human cervical carcinoma. Fractions composed mainly of α- and β-pinenes as well as those composed of individually pinenes showed effective activities against all tested cell lines. Aiming to determinate preliminary structure/activity relationships, α-pinene was subjected to epoxydation and hydrogenation procedures whose obtained α-pinene oxide showed an expressive depression in its cytotoxicity effect, similar as observed to pinane derivative.

Discussion and conclusion: The obtained results indicated that the monoterpenes α- and β-pinenes could be responsible to the cytotoxic activity detected in the crude oil from leaves of S. terebinthifolius. In addition, it was possibly inferred that the presence of double bond in their structures, mainly at endocyclic position, is crucial to cytotoxic potential detected in these derivatives.     

野生清香木鲜叶挥发油的化学成分分析

目的对野生清香水鲜叶挥发油进行成分分析,为清香木挥发油的进一步开发与利用提供科学依据。方法采用水蒸气蒸馏法从野生清香木鲜叶中提取挥发油,利用气相色谱－质谱（GC—MS）连用技术分离分析清香水挥发油组分,各组分相对含量采用GC峰面积归一化法计算。结果分离出50多个组分,并对其中占色谱总峰面积的90％以上的49种成分进行了鉴定,实验结果显示清香木挥发油主要化学成分为α－蒎烯,（＋）－2－蒈烯,γ－萜品烯,松油烯－4－醇等化合物。结论清香木挥发油的大部分成分都具有较大的化工和医药价值,具有广阔市场前景和良好的开发利用潜力。     

Oxidative stress-related liver dysfunction by sodium arsenite: Alleviation by Pistacia lentiscus oil

Context: Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) is an evergreen shrub widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region. Pistacia lentiscus oil (PLo) was particularly known in North African traditional medicine. Thus, people of these regions have used it externally to treat sore throats, burns and wounds, as well as they employed it internally for respiratory allergies. PLo is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and polyphenols. As a very active site of metabolism, liver is reported to be susceptible to arsenic (As) intoxication.

Objective: The present study evaluates the protective effect of PLo against sodium arsenite-induced hepatic dysfunction and oxidative stress in experimental Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: Twenty-eight rats were equally divided into four groups; the first served as a control, the remaining groups were respectively treated with PLo (3.3?mL/kg body weight), sodium arsenite (5.55?mg/kg body weight) and a combination of sodium arsenite and PLo. After 21 consecutive days, cellular functions were evaluated by hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers.

Results: A significant decrease in the levels of red blood cells, haemoglobin (p?≤?0.001), hematocrit (p?≤?0.001), reduced glutathione and metallothionein (p?≤?0.05) associated with a significant increase of malondialdehyde (p?≤?0.001) were noticed in the arsenic-exposed group when compared to the control. The As-treated group also exhibited an increase in hepatic antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (p?≤?0.01) and catalase (p?≤?0.05). However, the co-administration of PLo has relatively reduced arsenic effect.

Conclusion: The results showed that arsenic intoxication disturbed the liver pro-oxidant/antioxidant status. PLo co-administration mitigates arsenic-induced oxidative damage in rat.     

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 oil from leaves of Myrciaria tenella and Calycorectes sellowianus

The GC-MS analysis revealed that the leaf essential oils of Myrciaria tenella (DC.) Berg and Calycorectes sellowianus O. Berg (Myrtaceae) were composed of 34 and 37 compounds, respectively. The main constituents of M. tenella oil were β-caryophyllene (25.1%), and spathulenol (9.7%), while for C. sellowianus were guaiol (13.1%) and β-caryophyllene (8.6%). The anti-inflammatory effect of both essential oils was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Both oils reduced significantly (p < 0.005) the treated neutrophils chemotaxis with 93% and 91% inhibition for M. tenella and C. sellowianus, respectively. However, in the systemic treatment with the essential oils (50?mg/kg p.o.) only the M. tenella oil was able to significantly reduce the carrageenan-induced paw edema with a similar effect to that observed for indomethacin (10?mg/kg), the positive control.     

Essential oils from Schinus terebinthifolius leaves - chemical composition and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation

Context: In folk medicine, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), has been used as a remedy for ulcers, respiratory problems, wounds, rheumatism, gout, diarrhea, skin ailments and arthritis, as well as to treat tumors and leprosy. Objective: To investigate the chemical composition and cytotoxicity of essential oil from leaves of S. terebinthifolius as well as the identification of active compounds from this oil. Material and methods: Essential oil from S. terebinthifolius leaves, obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, was characterized in terms of its chemical composition. Also, the crude oil was subjected to chromatographic separation procedures to afford an active fraction composed of α- and β-pinenes. These compounds, including hydrogenation (pinane) and epoxydation (α-pinene oxide) derivatives from α-pinene, were tested in vitro against murine melanoma cell line (B16F10-Nex2) and human melanoma (A2058), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), leukemia (human leukemia (HL-60) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines. Results: Forty-nine constituents were identified in the oil (97.9% of the total), with germacrene D (23.7%), bicyclogermacrene (15.0%), β-pinene (9.1%) and β-longipinene (8.1%) as the main compounds. The crude essential oil showed cytotoxic effects in several cell lines, mainly on leukemia and human cervical carcinoma. Fractions composed mainly of α- and β-pinenes as well as those composed of individually pinenes showed effective activities against all tested cell lines. Aiming to determinate preliminary structure/activity relationships, α-pinene was subjected to epoxydation and hydrogenation procedures whose obtained α-pinene oxide showed an expressive depression in its cytotoxicity effect, similar as observed to pinane derivative. Discussion and conclusion: The obtained results indicated that the monoterpenes α- and β-pinenes could be responsible to the cytotoxic activity detected in the crude oil from leaves of S. terebinthifolius. In addition, it was possibly inferred that the presence of double bond in their structures, mainly at endocyclic position, is crucial to cytotoxic potential detected in these derivatives.     

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.     

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.     

Essential oil composition and variability of Hypericum perforatum from wild populations of northern Turkey

Context: Hypericum perforatum L. (Guttiferae) contains many bioactive secondary metabolites including hypericins, hyperforins, and essential oil.

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the variation in composition of essential oil in H. perforatum accessions from Turkey.

Material and methods: At full flowering, aerial parts of 30 plants were collected from 10 sites of northern Turkey and assayed for essential oil components by GC-FID and GC-MS.

Results: The chemical analysis revealed that the main constituents of the all analyzed samples were hydrocarbon and oxygenated sesquiterpenes such as β-caryophyllene (4.08–5.93%), γ-muurolene (5.00–9.56%), β-selinene (5.08–19.63%), α-selinene (4.12–10.42%), d-cadinene (3.02–4.94%), spathulenol (2.34–5.14%), and caryophyllene oxide (6.01–12.18%). Monoterpenes, both hydrocarbon and oxygenated, were represented by scarce amounts of α- and β-pinene, myrcene, linalool, cis- and trans-linalool oxide, and α-terpineol. Principal component analysis was also carried out and, according to the results, the first nine principal components were found to represent 100% of the observed variation.

Discussion: The chemical variation among the populations is discussed as the possible result of different genetic and environmental factors.

Conclusions: The wild populations examined here are potentially important sources for breeding and improvement of the cultivated varieties.     

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, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil from Gnaphlium affine

The chemical composition of the essential oil from Gnaphlium affine was determined, and its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were evaluated. Twenty-four compounds, representing 94.95% of the amount of total oil, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Main constituents of the essential oil were found to be eugenol (18.24%), linalool (10.62%), trans-caryophyllene (8.86%), α-terpineol (5.97%), p-cymene (5.75%), hexadecanoic acid (5.63%), γ-cadinene (4.98%), δ-cadinene (4.22%), α-humulene (3.22%), and (−)-β-elemene (3.15%). The essential oil revealed a remarkable antimicrobial effect against the tested food-borne microorganisms with the MIC and MBC values in the ranges of 0.2-1.56 μg/ml and 0.39-3.13 μg/ml, respectively. The essential oil showed a potent antioxidant activity in ABTS radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assay. It was suggested that the essential oil from G. affine may be a new potential source as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents applied in food systems.     

Analysis of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Psoralea pubescence (Miq.) Standl and its antibacterial activity

The essential oil from aerial parts of Psoralea pubescence (Miq.) Standl (Leguminoseae) was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectroscopy systems. The major components identified were psoralen (24.8%), bakuchiol (21.3%), β-caryophyllene (8.5%), germacrene D (6.8%), and α-humulene (4.6%). The major volatiles released by β-glucosidase treatment of the aqueous plant residue were δ-pinene (28.3%), germacrene D (13.6%), and tricyclene (10.2%). The oil showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the β-glucosidase-liberated fraction was inactive.     

Seasonal,gender and regional variations in total phenolic,flavonoid, and condensed tannins contents and in antioxidant properties from Pistacia atlantica ssp. leaves

Context: The widespread use of Pistacia atlantica Desf. ssp. (Anacardiaceae) in traditional medicine can be partly attributed to the content of its secondary metabolites, in particular, the phenolic compounds.

Objective: The effects of harvest period, growing region and gender on the phenolic compounds, flavonoids and condensed tannins contents were studied, as well as on the antioxidant activities of P. atlantica leaves in order to provide a scientific basis for optimal collection.

Materials and methods: Leaves were collected monthly from April to October 2010 in two Algerian sites. The powdered leaves were used for preparing the ethyl acetate extract. Contents of total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (FC) and condensed tannins (CTC) were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through radical scavenging activity (RSA) of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (250?μM) and the reducing power capacity (RPC) determination by K₃Fe(CN)₆ (1%).

Results: The TPC was found to vary from 79?±?13 to 259?±?8?mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dry weight (DW) during the study period. The RSA and RPC varied between 262?±?18 and 675?±?21?mg Ascorbic Acid Equivalent (AAE)/g DW, and from 259?±?16 to 983?±?20?mg AAE/g DW, respectively. A seasonal pattern was observed consisting of a decrease in TPC content and RPC from spring to autumn. The FC, CTC and RSA did not show a seasonal pattern.

Discussion and conclusion: Our findings showed that secondary metabolite content and antioxidant activities of P. atlantica leaves were more influenced by harvest time and growing region than by gender.     

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.