November/December 2008

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Free and Glycosidically Bound Volatiles in Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii) (L) Spreng.

by: K.P. Padmakumari

Free and glycosidically bound aroma compounds from Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, were isolated and separated by Amberlite XAD-2 column. The fraction containing the free aroma compounds was eluted with pentane: diethyl ether (1:1). Aroma compounds from the bound fraction were released by β-glucosidase hydrolysis. Samples were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Sixty-seven constituents were found to be present in the bound fraction where linalool was found to be the main constituent. In the free aroma fraction, seventy-eight constituents were present with octyl acetate being found as the main constituent. In the hydrodistilled oil, fifty-six compounds were identified and β-caryophyllene was the main compound.

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., a member of the natural order of Rutaceae, is a pretty small shrub or tree up to 6 m in height and 15–40 cm in diameter (1). A number of studies concerning the composition and qualities of the intensely pungent aromatic leaves have been carried out. The leaf oil has been found to contain mono- and sesquiterpenes, (2–12). In contrast to the composition of the essential oil, there is no information available on the bound or free aroma components of curry leaves. Many publications and review articles (13–15) have dealt with the chemistry of glycosidically bound volatiles in vegetable kingdom. Due to the importance of bound aroma substances as a potential flavor precursor in plant tissue, it is worthwhile to study the nature of glycosidically bound volatiles of this leaf.

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Superheated Water Extraction of Lavandula Latifolia Medik Volatiles: Comparison with Conventional Techniques

by: Mohammad H. Eikani,* Fereshteh Golmohammad and Soheila Shokrollahzadeh, Mehdi Mirza & Soosan Rowshanzamir

A comparative study of superheated water extraction (SWE) with two conventional volatile isolation methods including hydrodistillation and Soxhlet extraction was performed on spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia Medik.). The effect of operating conditions such as temperatures from 100–175°C, pressures from 20–40 bar and flow rates from 1–4 mL/min on the extraction process was investigated. The experiments were carried out using a laboratory-built apparatus. Separation and identification of the components were carried out by GC-FID and GC/MS. The SWE of L. latifolia shows the highest extraction efficiency at 150°C, 3 mL/min and 20 bar. At the optimum operating conditions, the extraction efficiency was as high as that for hydrodistillation and Soxhlet extraction methods. The SWE method was quicker and more selective for the valuable oxygenated constituents.

Volatile concentrates and essential oils are currently being isolated from natural products either by conventional methods such as steam distillation, hydrodistillation or solvent extraction or by more advanced methods such as dynamic and static headspace, microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) (1) and more recently superheated water extraction (SWE). SWE is a new and powerful technique based on the use of water, at temperatures between 100°C and 374°C and pressure high enough to maintain the liquid state (2). Under these conditions water is much less polar and organic compounds are much more soluble in it than at room temperature (3). The SWE is rapidly emerging as an alternative for the extraction of volatile compounds (4). It has been shown that the SWE is cleaner, faster and cheaper than the conventional isolation methods. It has been shown to be feasible with particular interest in avoiding the need for organic solvents. The equipment required is relatively simple and avoids the need for the high pressures employed in supercritical fluid extraction (5,6).

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The Essential Oil Composition of Marrubium vulgare L. from Iran

by: Katayoun Morteza-Semnani,* Majid Saeedi & Esmaeil Babanezhad

The composition of the essential oil obtained from the dried flowering aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare L. (Labiatae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty components have been identified in the essential oil of M. vulgare. The major constituents of the essential oil were β-bisabolene (20.4%), δ-cadinene (19.1%) and isocaryophyllene (14.1%).

The genus Marrubium comprises 10 species, which are found wild in many regions of Iran (1). White horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) is a perennial herb of the Labiatae family which is commonly distributed in Asia and Europe (1,2). Marrubium vulgare is an aromatic plant and native of Iran, which has been widely distributed in Azerbijan, Golestan, Kerman, Khorasan, Kurdestan, Mazandaran, Qazvin and Tehran Provinces (3). Earlier phytochemical investigation of M. vulgare led to the characterization of several flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin and their 7-glucosides and 7-lactates, vitexin as well as several labdane diterpenoids with marrubiin as the main component and a small amount of an essential oil (2). The accumulation of furanic labdane diterpenes and related compounds in M. vulgare seems to be restricted to the aerial parts (4).

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Chemical Composition of Alkanna orientalis from Greece

by: Olga Tzakou* & Anargyros Loukis

The chemical composition of fresh aerial parts oil of Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss. was examined by GC and GC/MS. Twenty-eight components were identified representing 98.1% of the total oil. The main components were β-eudesmol (36.9%), α-eudesmol (16.3%) and γ-eudesmol (14.1%).

Plant Name

Alkanna orientalis (L.) Boiss. (Boraginaceae).

Source

Aerial parts of A. orientalis were collected during the flowering stage from Delfi village (Perfecture Viotia) in Greece in March 2001. A voucher specimen has been deposited in the Herbarium of the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, University of Athens.

Plant Part

Fresh aerial parts (57.45 g) were submitted to hydrodistillation for 3 h in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oil yield was 0.17% w/v.

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Essential Oil Comparison of Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum and subsp. veronense (Schrank) Ces. from Central Italy

by: Filippo Maggi* & Giovanni Ferretti

Essential oil comparison of flowers from Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum and subsp. veronense (Schrank) Ces. from central Italy, performed by GC and GC/MS, led us to identify two chemotypes within H. perforatum taxon. α-Pinene and 2,6-dimethyloctane were the most abundant components in H. perforatum subsp. veronense flower oil, while β-caryophyllene and 2,6-dimethylheptane were predominant in the oil of H. perforatum subsp. perforatum. Monoterpenes hydrocarbons were also predominant in the oil of subsp. veronense, while sesquiterpenes and aliphatic hydrocarbons were found in the oil of subsp. perforatum. Such quantitative differentiation in the oil composition of the flowers may be useful as a chemotaxonomic intraspecific discriminatory character.

Plant Name

Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum, H. perforatum subsp. veronense (Schrank) Ces. (syn. H. perforatum subsp. angustifolium (DC.) Gaudin), section Hypericum (1), Hypericaceae family (syn. Guttiferae).

Source

Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano (central Italy): H. perforatum subsp. perforatum was collected at Pian Grande (1260 m, near Norcia, Perugia district), in fat pastures on doline, while H. perforatum subsp. veronense was collected at Paganico (670 m, near Camerino, Macerata district), in dry uncultivated fields, both during their flowering periods, in June–July 2005. Voucher specimens were identified and deposited in the Herbarium Camerinensis (CAME, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Sect. of Botany and Ecology), of the University of Camerino, under the accession number CAME 7987 and CAME 7981.

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Chemical Composition of the Leaf Essential Oil of Cordia leucocephala Moric from Northeast of Brazil

by: Jaécio Carlos Diniz, Francisco Arnaldo Viana,* Odaci Fernandes de Oliveira, Edilberto R. Silveira & Otília Deusdênia L. Pessoa

The essential oil from leaves of Cordia leucocephala Moric (Boraginaceae) from northeast of Brazil was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analyzed by GC/MS and GC-FID. Twenty-one constituents, representing 98.4% of the oil were identified. The oil was characterized by high percentages of sesquiterpenes (92.7%) with β-caryophyllene (39.0%) and bicyclogermacrene (25.9%) as the main constituents. This is the first report on the chemical composition of the essential oil from C. leucocephala.

The Northeast of Brazil possesses a rich and diversified flora that has been explored by peasant people as sources of subsistence and remedies. As part of a systematic study on local aromatic and medicinal plants, several essential oils and bioactive compounds have been isolated. Plants of the genus Cordia, one of the major and most important of the Boraginaceae family, has been the subject of several chemical and biological studies (1–4). Nevertheless, little is known on the essential oil composition of these plants. In the last years, we have investigated the chemical constitution of some Cordia species (5–10), including the oils of C. curassavica, C. globosa, C. leucomalloides and C. trichotoma (11–13).

In this paper, we report the results of the GC-FID and GC/MS analysis of the leaf oil of C. leucocephala Moric (syn.: C. leucocalyx Fresen). According to Lorenzi (14), C. leucocephala is a flowering woody shrub native from “Caatinga,” the northeastern Brazil characteristic flora. It is 2–3 m high and well branched presenting hairy rough oval leaves. It flourishes during the whole year with white flowers in white-clove like inflorescences. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous report in the literature on the chemical composition of the oil of this plant.

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Essential Oil from the Stems, Leaves and Flowers of Pluchea rosea Godfrey and Pluchea purpurascens (Sw.) DC.

by: Jorge A. Pino,* Wilmer H. Perera, Rosa Sarduy, Ramona Oviedo & Clara E. Quijano

The chemical composition of the stem, leaf and flower oils from Pluchea rosea Godfrey and Pluchea purpurascens (Sw.) DC. were studied by GC and GC/MS. In P. rosea, 132 compounds were identified which constituted more than 87%, 92% and 89% of the oil composition in the stem, leaf and flower oils, respectively; while in P. purpurascens, 163 compounds were identified which constituted more than 89%, 95% and 95% of the oil composition in stems, leaves and flowers, respectively. The most prominent compounds in the oils from P. rosea were 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (33.7% in stem oil) and selin-11-en-4α-ol (43.1% and 47.8% in leaf and flower oils, respectively); while in P. purpurascens, the major compounds were β-selinene (27.6%), selin-11-en-4α-ol (21.6%) and β-bourbonene (11.7%) in the stem oil; selin-11-en-4α-ol (24.6%), caryophyllene oxide (12.6%) and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (8.8%) in the leaf oil, and β-selinene (26.9%), β-caryophyllene (12.8%), α-cadinol (8.0%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.4%) in the flower oil.

Plant Name

Pluchea rosea Godfrey. Common names: Salvia morada, salvia macho, salvia de playa. Pluchea purpurascens (Sw.) DC. Common name: Salvia colorada.

Source

Stems, leaves and flowers of both Pluchea species were collected in May 2006 in Santo Tomás, Ciénaga de Zapata in western Cuba. The identification of the plants was carried out by the Ecology and Systematic Institute, where voucher specimens were deposited.

Plant Part

Stems (400 g), leaves (180 g) and flowers (170 g) of each Pluchea species were air-dried for about one week. The essential oils were obtained by separate hydrodistillation for 3 h in a Clevenger-type apparatus, yielding 0.02%, 0.22% and 0.18% of stem, leaf and flower oils from P. rosea, and 0.02%, 0.27% and 0.24% of stem, leaf and flower oils from P. purpurascens, respectively.

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Constituents of the Essential Oil of Pycnocycla nodiflora Decne. ex Boiss. from Iran

by: K. Javidnia,* R. Miri, M. Soltani & A.R. Khosravi

The essential oil of Pycnocycla nodiflora Decne. ex Boiss. growing wild in Iran was obtained by hydrodistallation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS technique. Seventy-two components representing 86.8% of the total oil were identified. The main components of the oil were β-eudesmol (34.3%), hexadecanoic acid (11.5%) and spathulenol (6.9%).

The genus Pycnocycla Lindl. belongs to Apiaceae family, subfamily Apioideae, tribe Echinophoreae (1) and is represented by eight species in Iran, all of which are endemic (2). Pycnocycla nodiflora Decne. ex Boiss., (the subject of present article) is a perennial, multicaulis and spinous plant which is widely distributed over the south and southeast of Iran (3). A survey of the literature revealed that a hydroalcoholic extract of P. spinosa was shown to have spasmolytic action in vitro and antidiarroheal effect in vivo (4) and its various fractions had a relaxant effect on the isolated ileum of a rat (5). A report on antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of P. aucheriana has been published (6). In this article, we report on the chemical composition of P. nodiflora.

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Essential Oil from Leaves and Stem Bark of Southeastern Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae)

by: Renata P. Limberger,* Amélia T. Henriques, Miriam A. Apel, Marcos E. Leite Lima, Paulo R. H. Moreno & Inês Cordeiro

The chemical composition of essential oils obtained from fresh leaves and stem bark of Southeastern Brazilian native Drimys brasiliensis Miers were analyzed by GC and GC/MS and 37 compounds were identified. The oils from fresh leaves showed the presence of monoterpenes (53.9%) and sesquiterpenes (38.4%), with sabinene (9.5%), myrcene (10.5%), limonene (10.6%) and cyclocolorenone (16.0%) being the most abundant. The stem bark oil was characterized by predominance of sesquiterpenoids (87.6%) and the absence of monoterpenes, the main components being cyclocolorenone (28.3%) and spathuleneol (22.9%). A small amount of phenylpropanes (6.8–6.9%) was also detected in both oil samples.

Plant Name

Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae).

Source

Fresh leaves and stem bark of D. brasiliensis were collected in Mogi-Guaçu, São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in July 2003, from native populations of adult plants in vegetative stage. A voucher specimen (LIMA 154) is available for inspection at the Herbário do Instituto Botânico de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil).

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Volatile Components of Mabolo (Diospyros blancoi A. DC.) Grown in Cuba

by: Jorge A. Pino,* Luis Cuevas-Glory & Victor Fuentes

The chemical composition of the volatile compounds of mabolo fruit (Diospyros blancoi A. DC.) was studied by GC and GC/MS. Ninety-six compounds were identified, of which the composition of the fruit was characterized by the existence of many esters, particularly benzyl butyrate (33.9% of the total composition), butyl butyrate (12.5%) and (E)-cinnamyl butyrate (6.8%).

Plant Name

Diospyros blancoi A. DC. (Syn. Diospyros discolor Willd.) (Ebenaceae). Common name: mabolo.

Source

Fruits of D. blancoi were collected in Güira de Melena, near Havana.

Plant Part

Fruits were peeled and immediately used for analysis. Two hundred grams fruit pulp was homogenized with 600 mL distilled water; 0.2 mg methyl nonanoate was added as an internal standard, and the volatile compounds were isolated by means of simultaneous distillation-extraction using 25 mL of diethyl ether (previously redistilled and checked as to purity) for 1 h. The aroma extract was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to 0.6 mL in a Kuderna-Danish evaporator with a Vigreux column and then to 0.2 mL with a gentle nitrogen stream.

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Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss. from Kerman Province in Iran

by: A. Mostafavi,* D. Afzali & S.M. Mirtadzadini

The essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation in yield of 0.37% (w/w) from the aerial parts of Ducrosia anethifolia (DC.) Boiss., which grows in Iran, was analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) using flame ionization (FID) and capillary gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) detection. The 63 components of this interesting plant were identified in the oil of D. anethifolia, representing 94.0% of the oil. α-Pinene (11.6%), terpinolene(3.2%) and (z)-β-ocimene (2.8%) were the main hydrocarbon components present in the oil, while decanal (54.0%), cis-chrysanthenyl acetate(3.2%) and decanoic acid (1.3%) were the major oxygen-containing constituents.

Ducrosia anethifolia with a height of about 20 cm is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family; the leaves are three times parted, with linear segments. The inflorescence is umbel-form, comprising small and green to yellowish flowers. According to Persian literature D. anethifolia is used to improve the odor of food and drink (1). It is used also to treat catarrh, headache and backache in folk medicine (1). The herb is also reported to relax the mind and body and induce a peaceful sleep (1). It is also used as fodder for sheep and camel (2). Three species of Ducrosia, D. anethifolia, D. assadii Alava and D. flabellifolia Boiss., are found in Iran. Whereas D. assadii and D. flabellifolia are exclusive to Iran (3), D. anethifolia also grows in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the rest of Middle East. In Kerman province, whose ecology is suitable for the growth of diverse plants, D. anethifolia is found in Mehdi Abad located 90 km SW of Kerman city. Very few reports on the analysis of oils of this species have been published (4–7). The main components of the D. anethifolia oil were found to be decanal, dodecanal and (E)-2-decanal. It was reported that the compounds present in the oil were mainly active against gram-positive bacteria yeast and fungi (4). It was also reported that the oil of D. anethifolia had inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and Vibrio cholera in an emulsified broth (8). Isolation and structure elucidation of the monoterpene glucoside 8-O-debenzoylpaeoniflorin and the antimicrobial prenylated furocoumarin pangelin have been reported (5). Chemical investigation of D. anethifolia has been found to contain 33 compounds, the major compounds being decanal (18.8%), α-thujene (14.5%), decanol (9.3%), sclareol (6.8%) and limonene (5.1%) (6).

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Essential Oil of the Leaves of Ribes nigrum L. from Turkey

by: Ceyda S. Kiliç,* Mehmet Koyuncu, Temel Özek & K.H.C. Baser

Water distilled essential oil from leaves of Ribes nigrum L. (Grossulariaceae) was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major constituents were found to be β-caryophyllene (12.9%), hexadecanoic acid (10.7%), α-humulene (10.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (9.6%).

Ribes nigrum L. is a strongly aromatic shrub which has leaves up to 8.5 x 10 cm, glabrous above, sparsely pubescent with sessile aromatic glands beneath (1). Seven species grow naturally in Turkey: R. rubrum L., R. biebersteinii Berl. ex. DC., R. nigrum L., R. uva-crispa L., R. alpinum L., R. orientale Desf. and R. multiflorum Kit ex. Romer et Schultes (1,2). Leaves of R. nigrum (Folium Ribis nigri), along with the leaves of R. rubrum L. and R. orientale Desf., are used as diuretic and sudorific in Turkey (3). It is also reported to be consumed as tea in Elazı˘g province. The species is cultivated in gardens; however the wild plant is classified under the vulnerable (VU) threat category according to the Red Data Book of Turkey (4).

Essential oil contents of the buds of R. nigrum, regarding their chemotaxonomy (5), composition (6,7), application of HPLC (8), their potential as energy crop and production of essential oils (9), phenolic acid contents (10,11) and antimicrobial activity (12) have been extensively studied previously. Regarding leaves of the species, leaf lipids (13), seasonal occurrence of an antimicrobial flavanone (14), anti-inflammatory effects of proanthocyanidins from leaves (15,16), and anti-inflammatory evaluation of a hydroalcoholic extract of leaves (17) have been investigated. To the best of our knowledge, leaves of R. nigrum growing in Turkey have not previously been subjected to any chemical investigation (18,19).

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Terpenoid Constituents of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. Leaves

by: Virendra S. Rana* & M. Amparo Blazquez

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. leaves was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Fifty-eight compounds accounting for 75.6% of the oil were identified. The major compounds were linalool (14.3%), 9,12-octadecadien-ol (8.4%), 1,8-cineole (7.7%), 2-undecanone (7.3%), farnesol (3.6%), 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol (3.2%) and β-caryophyllene (3.0%).

Zanthoxylum (Family: Rutaceae) is a genus of aromatic shrubs or trees, often armed with stout prickles. Out of 11 species reported from India, six species are growing in northeastern India (1–2). Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC., a shrub or small tree which grows up to 2.5 m high, occurs in the valleys of subtropical Himalayas from Kumaon to Sikkim and northeastern states of India from an altitude of 1000–2500 m (1–3).

Its leaves and seeds are used in the treatment of chronic fever, cholera, dyspepsia, dysentery, stomachache, cough, bronchitis and hair diseases (3,4). The leaves are also used as vegetables, spices, insecticides and an insect repellant by local peoples (4). The fruit and seed are prescribed in the treatment of rheumatism, dysentery and stomachache (2–3). An earlier study reported that geranyl acetate was the main compound in the fruit oil of an Indonesian plant (5). A literature survey revealed that no work has been done on the plant growing in India. In this study we presented a detailed chemical analysis of its leaf oil by GC and GC/MS.

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Volatile Constituents of Leaves and Stems of Nasturtium officinale R. Br.

by: Suleiman Afsharypuor* & Ma’soumeh Salehi

Volatile constituents of the dried leaves and stems of Nasturtium officinale R. Br. collected after hydrolysis were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major volatile constituents of the leaves were 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (72.9%), pulegone (8.0%), heptyl isothiocyanate (4.9%) and 4-phenylbutyl isothiocyanate (3.2%), while the main volatile constituents of the stems were 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (83.5%), 4-phenylbutyl isothiocyanate (6.9%), pulegone (2.2%) and sec-butyl isothiocyanate (1.9%).

Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (Cruciferae) is a herbaceous perennial medicinal plant growing wild in clean running water in most parts of Iran (1). Fresh aerial parts or juice of the plant are used medicinally for their anti-scorbutic, blood cleansing, stomachic, appetizer, febrifuge, anthelmintic, expectorant and diuretic actions (1).

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the volatile constituents of N. officinale growing in Iran.

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Volatile Oil of Psidium cattleianum Sabine from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

by: Francisco A. Marques, Edison P. Wendler, Beatriz Helena L. N. Sales Maia, João V. Coffani-Nunes, Juliana Campana and Palimécio G. Guerrero Jr.*

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of fresh leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine, collected in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oil had the main constituents α-thujene (25.2%), 1,8-cineole (16.4%) and β-caryophyllene (10.2%).

Plant Name

Psidium cattleianum Sabine. Myrtaceae, local name: Araçá.

Source

The leaves of P. cattleianum, which grows wild in the restinga ecosystem (Atlantic Forest coastal dunes, Brazil) (1), were collected in December 2006. A voucher specimen no 650 was deposited in the Herbarium of State University of São Paulo (UNESP) – Experimental Campus of Registro.

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Composition of Essential Oils of Gaillardia megapotamica and Gaillardia cabrerae from Argentina

by: An Adams, María A. Rosella, Etile D. Spegazzini, Silvia L. Debenedetti & Norbert De Kimpe*

The composition of the essential oil obtained by water distillation of the aerial parts of Gaillardia megapotamica var. scabiosoides, collected in two different regions of Argentina, was compared with the composition of the oil of Argentinean G. megapotamica var. radiata and G. cabrerae. In total, 53 compounds were identified, of which α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, β-caryophyllene, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were found as the major components. The oils of the different Gaillardia species analyzed were rather similar. The total yield of volatiles from G. megapotamica var. radiata was considerably lower than that from G. megapotamica var. scabiosoides.

The genus Gaillardia is endemic of the American continent and widely distributed in the United States and Mexico. It comprises about 58 species, including different forms and varieties. In Argentina, only four species are found: Gaillardia aristata Pursh., Gaillardia cabrerae Covas, Gaillardia tontalensis Hieron and Gaillardia megapotamica (Spreng.) Baker with three varieties (Gaillardia megapotamica (Spreng.) Baker var. megapotamica, Gaillardia megapotamica (Spreng.) Baker var. radiata (Griseb.) Baker and Gaillardia megapotamica (Spreng.) Baker var. scabiosoides (Arn. ex DC.) Baker (1)).

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Variation in the Composition of the Essential Oil of Commercial Valeriana officinalis L. Roots from Different Countries

by: Ain Raal,* Elmar Arak, Anne Orav, Tiiu Kailas & Mati Müürisepp,

The volatile constituents from roots of Valeriana officinalis L. were investigated using GC and GC/MS methods. Valerianae radix samples were obtained from retail pharmacies of different European countries. The roots of 15 V. officinalis samples yielded 0.19–1.16% essential oil on a dry weight basis. The basic oil components among the identified 86 compounds were bornyl acetate (2.9–33.7%), α-fenchene (0–28.3%), valerianol (0.2–18.2%), valerenal (tr–15.6%), isovaleric acid (0–13.1%), camphene (0–11.1%) and valeranone (0.5–10.9%). Bornyl acetate/valerenal chemotype was characteristic for 9 of the 15 samples of valerian roots from different European countries. Some samples did not contain α-fenchene and camphene (Germany, Czech), isovaleric acid (France, Moldova, Russia 2) and valerianic acid (Estonia, Ukraine 1, Scotland, Moldova, Russia 1). Valerian root oil from Estonia was rich in essential oil, bornyl acetate (33.7%), valerianol (16.8%) and valeranone (9.5%).

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae) is a well-known and frequently used medicinal plant that has a long proven history of efficacy. The plant is cultivated as a medicinal plant on a commercial scale in Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, eastern Europe, and in Japan and the USA (1). Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure. The valerian root is sedative, mild anodyne, hypnotic, antispasmodic, carminative and hypotensive. Traditionally, it has been used for hysterical states, excitability, insomnia, hypochondriasis, migraine, cramp, intestinal colic, rheumatic pains, etc. Modern interest in valerian preparations is focused on their use as a sedative and hypnotic (1–3). The Valerianae radix is often used as a milder alternative or a possible substitute for the stronger synthetic sedatives in the treatment of states of nervous excitation and anxiety-induced sleep disturbances (1,4). Valerian root is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavoring. In the USA, valerian is permitted for the use in food. The sedative activity of valerian root has been attributed to both to the essential oil and iridoid valepotriate fractions (2).

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Essential Oil Composition of Two Lantana Species from Mountain Forests of Pernambuco (Northeast of Brazil)

by: José C. S. de Oliveira, Ilzenayde A. Neves, Claudio A. G. da Camara,* & Manfred O. E. Schwartz

The essential oils of Lantana camara L. and L. fucata Lindl. leaves collected in the region of Mata Serrana in the municipality of Brejo da Madre de Deus in Pernambuco - Brazil were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Twenty-five compounds were identified in L. camara, representing 99.4% of the leaf oil constituents, while 15 compounds were identified in L. fucata, representing 97.1% of the leaf oil constituents. The major compounds present in the oil of L. fucata were caryophyllene oxide (27.9%), gossonorol (18.2%), β-caryophyllene (12.3%) and bulnesol (10.8%), whereas those in the oil of L. camara were germacrene D (28.6%), germacrene D-4-ol (19.9%), β-caryophyllene (16.2%) and bicyclogermacrene (14.7%).

The predominant vegetation type in the phytogeographical region of the Agreste of the state of Pernambuco is called Caatinga (white forest). But, another exuberant type can be found at isolated points in the Caatinga vegetation, known as Matas Serranas or Brejo of higher altitudes, whose vegetation is different from that of the typical one of the Caatinga region. These atypical forestry formations in the Agreste of Pernambucao can be preserved due to their high altitude (superior to 600 m) and humid winds, which are responsible for temperature reduction and relative humidity (1). In the different vegetation types, which can be found in the phytogeographical region of the Agreste of the state of Pernambuco, the ones with the richest flora are beyond any doubt the Matas Serranas. These biomas are rich in aromatic species of the genera Eugenia, Piper and Cordia, some of the essential oils of which have already been analyzed by our research group (2–4). Other species with a good distribution are from the genus Lantana which can be found in the localized Mata Serrana in the municipality of Brejo da Madre de Deus, Agreste of Pernambuco / Brazil.

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Composition of the Essential Oils of Nepeta sessilifolia Bunge and Nepeta haussknechtii Bornm. from Iran

by: Mina Jamzad, Abdolhossein Rustaiyan,* Shiva Masoudi & Ziba Jamzad

Water distilled essential oils from aerial parts of Nepeta sessilifolia Bunge, and Nepeta haussknechtii Bornm. were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-three compounds representing 97.4% of the oil of N. sessilifolia, and 27 compounds representing 94.2% of the oil of N. haussknechtii were characterized. The major components of the essential oil of N. sessilifolia were linalool acetate (14.7%) and linalool (14.2%), whereas the major components of the oil of N. haussknechtii were 1,8-cineole (36.7%) and elemol (11.4%). Both oils were richer in oxygenated monoterpenes than sesquiterpenes.

The genus Nepeta (Lamiaceae) comprises of about 300 species widely distributed in the Eurasia. In Iran 75 species have been identified growing almost in all parts of country and about 40 species are endemic (1,2).

Nepeta species have been used for medicinal purposes (3–6). Many are used in folk medicine as bacteriostatics and disinfectants, as well as against eczema-type skin disorders (7).

Some of the Iranian Nepeta species have been of great interest to Iranian folk and traditional medicines and are used in the treatment of various disorders, such as some nervous, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases (8,9).

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Preliminary Phytochemical Profile and Characterization of the Extract from the Fruits of Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae)

by: José G. Sena Filho, Jennifer M. Duringer,* A. Morrie Craig, Alexandre R.P. Schuler & Haroudo S. Xavier

The chemical composition of essential oils extracted from Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae) fruit (collected in Pernambuco, Brazil) was examined by TLC and GC/MS. TLC analysis detected compounds from the flavonoid and terpenoid groups. GC/MS detected 23 terpenoid compounds, in which the principal components were germacrene D (24.2%), linalool (12.1%), β-pinene (8.0%), cis-sabinene hydrate (7.9%), trans-pinocarveol (7.8%), α-copaene (7.0%) and limonene (5.6%). Other constituents found were sabinene, m-cymene, 1,8-cineole, β-ocimene, perillene, cis-sabinol, α-campholenal, isopinocamphone, terpinen-4-ol, verbenone, trans-carveol, carvone, perillyl alcohol, α-cubebene, δ-cadinene and elemol. Most of these compounds have not been detected in fruit extracts of X. frutescens before; therefore this study represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of the chemical components in the fruits of this plant.

Xylopia frutescens is a small tree found in low woodland and savanna-edge thickets in Central and South America, Africa and Asia (1). In Brazil, where it is commonly known as embira, embira-vermelha and pau carne (2), its seeds are used in folk medicine as bladder stimulants and to trigger menstruation as well as a treatment for rheumatism, halitosis, tooth decay and intestinal diseases (3,4). It is also an ingredient in the preparation of “pau-dentro,” a typical drink consumed in large quantities in the Brazilian northeast as a medicinal plant in order to treat bronchitis, cough and pain in general. Studies examining the biological properties of X. frutescens essential oils have demonstrated antimicrobial (5–7) and antiinflammatory activities (8).

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Essential Oil Composition of Hypericum ‘Hidcote’

by: Filippo Maggi,* Bruno Tirillini, Sauro Vittori, Gianni Sagratini, Massimo Ricciutelli & Fabrizio Papa

The essential oil of the artificial hybrid Hypericum ‘Hidcote’, one of the most cultivated St. John’s worts in European and American gardens, was analyzed for the first time by GC and GC/MS. Forty-six components were identified, representing 91.5% of the oil. The sesquiterpene fraction gave the highest contribution (68.4%), whilst monoterpenes amounted to 22.5%. The major constituents were β-pinene (11.9%), α-humulene (7.4%), β-caryophyllene (6.5%) and α-selinene (5.4%). Results confirm that hybridization may generate novel secondary chemistry in plants.

The genus Hypericum (Guttiferae family) comprises mainly perennial herbs, but also several shrubs producing large and showy flowers, and for this reason it is used as ornamental garden plants. Among them, Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ is certainly one of the most commonly cultivated St. John’s worts in European and American gardens (1). In past times this plant was called H. patulum ‘Hidcote’, but now it is believed to be an artificial hybrid derived from H. calycinum L. and H. x cyathiflorum N. Robson, itself a hybrid between H. addingtonii N. Robson and H. hookerianum Wight et Arn. (2–4). Hypericum ‘Hidcote’ is a semi-evergreen, very showy shrub up to six feet tall, which produces an abundance of large golden yellow flowers until the first frosts of the autumn. This hybrid is very similar to H. calycinum, although it differs for its decussate, ovate-lanceolate shaped leaves and shorter non reddish stamens (Figure 1).

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Essential Oil Composition of Alchemilla alpina L. em. Buser from Western Alpine Pastures

by: L. Falchero,* M. Coppa, S. Esposti & A. Tava

The volatile fraction of Alchemilla alpina L. em. Buser was isolated by steam distillation from fresh aerial tissues and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Fresh samples were collected in two experimental sites located in Western alpine region (Alpe Gianna and Alpe Caugis, Val Pellice, Piedmont, Italy). The yield in essential oil was 0.16 ± 0.04% of fresh material. A wide range in volatile quantitative composition was detected. Terpenes and alcohols were identified as the major compounds representing the 36.9% and 30.6% of the total oil, and quantified as 47.3 μg/g fresh weight and 39.2 μg/g fresh weight, respectively. Aldehydes were quoted as 15.4% of the total oil (19.7 μg/g fresh weight), followed by acids 2.3% (3.0 μg/g fresh weight), esters 1.0% (1.3 μg/g fresh weight) and unidentified 0.5% (0.7 μg/g fresh weight). Dill apiole, coumarin, myristicin, vanillin, eugenol, apiole and p-vinyl guaiacol, altogether quoted as 4.5% of the total oil (5.8 μg/g fresh weight), were also detected.

Alchemilla alpina L. em. Buser (Rosaceae), commonly known as Alpine Lady’s Mantle, is an artic-alpine species, growing on alpine meadows from (750) 1500 m a.s.l. to 2400 (2600) m a.s.l. This plant is often found as one of the dominant species of homonymous Western alpine pasture vegetation, with up to 32% of specific contribution of the total grasses in the pasturelands (1).

Although extracts of Alchemilla spp. are available as commercial products (2) and there are several reports on the presence of phenolic compounds (3–6) and pentacyclic triterpenes (7), to the best of our knowledge there are no studies on volatile composition of this species reported in the literature.

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Volatiles from Aerial Parts and Rhizomes of Kyllinga brevifolia Rottb. Growing in Amazon

by: Giselle M. S. P. Guilhon, Karyme do S. S. Vilhena, Maria das G. B. Zoghbi,* Maria de N. C. Bastos & Antonio E. S. da Rocha

Essential oils of rhizomes and aerial parts of Kyllinga brevifolia collected in two municipalities of the State of Pará (Santarém Novo and Salinópolis) in Brazil were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. The oils reveal a high content of the diterpenoids belonging to the labdane group, mostly manoyl oxide (6.8%–31.1%), 13-epi-manoyl oxide (5.7%–26.1%), 11α-hydroxymanoyl oxide (5.9%–16.2%) and 1β-hydroxymanoyl oxide (4.6%–22.1%). Hexane extract obtained of the rhizomes collected in Santarém Novo was rich in manoyl oxide (30.4%), 11α-hydroxymanoyl oxide (26.7%) and 1β-hydroxymanoyl oxide (14.7%).

The genus Kyllinga consists of about 40 species that are distributed worldwide in subtropical and warm temperate regions (1). Kyllinga brevifolia Rottb. (Syn.: Carex esquirolii H. Lév. et Vaniot, Cyperus brevifolius (Rottb.) Endl. ex Hassk., Kyllinga colorata (L.) Druce, K. cruciformis Schrad. ex Schutlt., K. elongata Kunth and others) is a perennial weed that is used as a medicinal plant in India and Paraguay. The Santals, one of the largest tribes of India, use K. brevifolia against tumors (2); in Paraguay, it is reported that the rhizomes of this plant are used as a refreshing beverage and are claimed to possess diuretic, sedative and antispasmodic properties (3). Acute toxicity and general pharmacological activities of the crude hydro-alcoholic rhizome extract of K. brevifolia from Paraguay were investigated and a significant increase in the hypnotic effect induced by pentobarbital in a dose-dependent manner was observed (4). The isolation of flavonoid glycosides [kaempferol 3-O-β-apiosyl-(1-2)-β- glucoside and isorhamnetin 3-O-β-apiosyl-(1-2)-β-glucoside], and a quercetin triglycoside [quercetin 3-O-β-apiofuranosyl- (1-2)-β-glucopyranoside 7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside] were reported (5); the latter compound is reported to possess a moderate anti-viral activity (5). Herbicidal control for eliminating the perennial rhizomes (6) was reported. Agronomic experiments with C. brevifolius (Kyllinga brevifolia) in three soil conditions were made (7). Annual growth and phenology of K. brevifolia in temperate and tropical regions were studied (8). A paraffin-rich hexane extract of C. brevifolius from Hawaii with a plant growth inhibitory activity was reported (9). This plant grows and spreads easily; it is a weed species found in different areas, in the cities, by the roads, rural and coastal areas. It is usually called “capim” in the State of Pará and when it is cut, in less than one week it has already grown again. To the best of our knowledge no use of K. brevifolia is reported in Pará. The pleasant scent released from the rhizomes of K. brevifolia when it was collected for taxonomic investigation prompted the analysis of its essential oil. The aim of this paper was to determine the yield and chemical composition of the oils from K. brevifolia growing in the State of Pará.

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Determination of Trace Metals in Bulgarian Lavender Oil by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

by: Stanislav R. Bozhanov & Irina B. Karadjova*

An accurate, reliable and fast procedure for the direct Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) determination of a number of trace metals (Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sb) in lavender oil has been developed. Sample preparation consists of simple diluting of lavender oil 1+1 or 1+2 m/m with isopropanol or 1,4-dioxane. Pyrolytic graphite tubes, W-impregnated tubes and pyrolytic graphite tubes coated with Pt are proposed as atomizers for correct direct ETAAS measurement of studied elements. Calibration curves prepared with aqueous standards diluted in the respective organic solvent are recommended for the quantification of trace elements in lavender oil. The detection limits achieved are well below the maximum permissible concentrations for the studied elements in cosmetic or food products. Within-run and between-run precisions are between 2–7% and 3–10%, respectively at trace levels: Cd (0.5–5 ng/g); Bi, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sb, Pb (1–50 ng/g) and Fe, Mn (20–1000 ng/g). The trace element content in 10 Bulgarian lavender oils is presented.

The application of lavender oil in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, the food industry and recently in aromatherapy requires accurate and reliable methods for toxic element determination in the final product as well as quality control during the different steps of the technological process (1–3). Elements with oxidative and reductive properties like iron, copper, chromium and manganese should also be controlled due to their influence on the quality of essential oils during storage. Bulgaria is a famous essential oils producer. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no data on the levels of trace elements content in Bulgarian lavender oils. Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) is one of the most suitable techniques for direct analysis of such a complicated matrix as essential oils in which trace elements may be present in various chemical forms considering the sources of their appearance – originated from plant tissues, aerosol pollution or processing equipment. Three main approaches could be used for ETAAS analysis of liquid organic samples: wet digestion of the sample, sample emulsification or sample dilution in an appropriate solvent. Wet digestion using a MW oven is a well-established and optimized method for decomposing liquid organic samples. However, the procedure is time consuming, and a serious disadvantage is the relatively small amount of sample that can be digested due to the over pressure and the high reagent blanks leading to high detection limits (4−6). Direct ETAAS by sample dilution in a suitable organic solvent (7−11) or by sample emulsification (12−16) are very useful approaches provided that stable and homogeneous three component solutions or emulsions can be prepared. Very important points in the ETAAS analysis scheme are the choice of an efficient modifier and atomizer to ensure complete matrix removal and interference-free determination of trace analytes. An useful approach for trace element thermal stabilization in complex organic matrices like lavender oils is the application of permanent modifiers such as carbide coatings, less volatile noble metals (Pt, Ir, Rh) or noble metals on carbide coatings (17). The aim of the present study is to develop a valid and feasible analytical scheme for direct ETAAS determination of Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Sb in lavender oil.

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Seasonal Influence on the Essential Oil Compositions of Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake and E. grandis W. Hill ex Maiden from Brazilian Cerrado

by: Flávia N. M. de Oliveira, Pedro H. Ferri,* José R. Paula, José C. Seraphin & Estefano Paludzyszyn Filho

Essential oils from leaves of Eucalyptus grandis and E. urophylla collected in two seasons of Brazilian Cerrado were investigated by GC and GC/MS. 1,8-Cineole, α-pinene, α-terpinyl acetate, and p-cymene were the main constituents. The results were submitted to Principal Components and Clusters Analysis which enabled four groups of oils to be distinguished with regard to specimens and harvest seasons: clusters I and II with only E. grandis samples collected in the cold and dry winter and the hot and humid summer, which were characterized by a high percentage of isoleptospermone (9.6% and 13.2%), α-pinene (12.2% and 24.7%), p-cymene (20.5% and 14.5%), and α-terpineol (14.3% and 4.9%), respectively; clusters III and IV only associated with E. urophylla samples collected in summer and winter with 1,8-cineole (36.6% and 44.7%) and α-terpinyl acetate (7.0% and 11.7%) rich oils. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that it is possible to accurately predict 96% well-classification in the original clusters using α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and isoleptospermone as predictor variables.

Eucalyptus L´Heritier (Myrtaceae) is the most important plant genus for forest plantations in Brazil and worldwide (1). Most species are fast growing, easy handling and possess high phenotypic plasticity to an adaptation on diverse types of climate and soil. Essential oils isolated from Eucalyptus are used in cleaning products, foods, perfumes, medicines, and reveal several therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent, and as a very powerful disinfectant (2,3). E. grandis W. Hill ex Maiden is a fast growing and tall to very tall straight-trunked tree, while E. urophylla S. T. Blake afforded high potential for humid tropical zones because of its tolerance to the eucalyptus canker (Cryphonectria cubensis (Bruner) Hodges) and due to its great plasticity of adaptation for most diverse uses (1). Both species are used in reforestation in the entire Brazilian territory and have been widely planted for paper pulp (4). Previous studies on the chemical constituents of the leaf oil of E. grandis grown in Uruguay (5), Australia (6) and Turkey (7) showed that the major component was 1,8-cineole. High amounts of α-pinene were described in samples originating from Nigeria (8), Burundi (9) and southeastern Brazil (10), while α-pinene/β-pinene and α-pinene/p-cymene-rich oils occurred in samples from Ethiopia (11) and Congo (12). Leaf oil of E. urophylla from southeastern Brazil (10), Ethiopia (11) and Congo (13) showed that 1,8-cineole/α-pinene were the main constituents.

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Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activity of the Essential Oils from Bursera hollickii (Britton) Found in Jamaica

by: Grace-Ann O. Junor, Roy B. R. Porter,* Trevor H. Yee & Lawrence A. D. Williams

The essential oils from the leaves and bark of Bursera hollickii (Britton) collected from Long Mountain, St. Andrew, Jamaica were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Sixty-two (62) components were identified from the leaf oils which constituted ca. 99% of the oils, while sixty-three (63) components were identified from the bark oils which constituted ca. 97% of the oils. Monoterpenes represented the major components of the oils with α-pinene (49.8% and 34.8%), β-pinene (11.0% and 10.6%), terpinolene (0.7% and 13.4%) and α-terpineol (5.7% and 8.9%) being the major component. Of the sesquiterpenes, the predominant components were β-caryophyllene (4.8% and trace) and α-humulene (3.4% and 0.7%). The oil exhibited toxic action against adult sweet potato weevils, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summer), the most destructive pest of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). No antioxidant activity was observed for the oils when subjected to the DPPH assay.

The family Burseraceae consists of approximately 20 genera and 600 species according to Adams (1). The genus Bursera contains about 45 species as noted by Farooqi (2), with Bursera hollickii being endemic to Jamaica. The tree attains a height of 6 m, with a thick resinous bark that is relatively smooth and mottled grey. The leaves are imparipinnately compound, with 3–7 leaflets, each about 5 cm long. The plant is rare and localized to the rocky arid limestone hills in the parishes of St. Andrew and St. Catherine (southeastern, Jamaica) as described by Adams and Farooqi (1,2). The Burseraceae family contains several aromatic species and owes their economical value to the essential oils they produce as noted by Peraza-Sánchez (3). Two of the traditional incenses, frankincense and myrrh, are both extracted from species of this family, Boswellia and Commiphora spp., respectively as described by Culioli et al. (4). The oils of Bursera spp. have been used in perfumes, cosmetics, the scenting of soaps and as food and beverage flavorings according to Farooqi (2). The commercial extraction of species of Bursera such as B. delphechiana, B. simaruba and B. aloexylon for their essential oils is known in the western hemisphere, for the perfumery industry as described by Farooqi and Shiva et al. (2, 5). The major component of these oils is linalool (60–70%), a sought after perfumery raw material. However, an analysis of the fruit oil of B. simaruba from Costa Rica reported α-terpinene (26.2%), γ-terpinene (20.4%), α-pinene (18.2%) and p-cymene (15.9%) as the major components as noted by Rosales and Ciccio (6).

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Chemical Composition, Seasonal Variation and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Talauma ovata A. St. Hil. (Magnoliaceae)

by: Maria Élida A. Stefanello,* Marcos J. Salvador, Izabel Y. Ito, Alberto Wisniewski Jr, Edésio L. Simionatto & Renato de Mello-Silva

The essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from trunk bark and leaves of Talauma ovata A. St. Hil. (Magnoliaceae), collected in four seasons, were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. Altogether 52 components were identified. The oils were characterized by predominance of cyclic sesquiterpenes. The main components were linalool, trans-β-guaiene, germacrene D, germacrene B, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, viridiflorol and α-eudesmol. The content of individual components was variable during the year. All oils were screened against several strains of bacteria and yeasts, using the agar well-diffusion technique. The antimicrobial activity of oils showed strong dependence with the season. Significant activity was found for oils obtained in the spring and summer.

Talauma ovata A. St. Hil. (Magnoliaceae) is a large tree, strongly aromatic, commonly found near streams in Atlantic Rainforest and in gallery forests of mid-western and southeastern regions of Brazil. Its flowering occurs from September to February and fruiting from January to June (1). The trunk bark has been used in folk medicine against fever while the leaves are considered useful for treatment of diabetes. However pharmacological studies failed to demonstrate hypoglycemic effect of the crude extract of this plant (2).

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Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil of Ferulago longistylis Boiss. Fruits

by: Ayse Mine Gençler Özkan,* Betül Demirci, Fatih Demirci & Kemal Hüsnü Can Baser

The essential oil from the fruits of Ferulago longistylis Boiss. (Apiceae) was obtained by hydrodistillation. Simultaneous analyses by GC and GC/MS resulted in the identification of 59 compounds representing 96% of the essential oil. The major constituents found were 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (29%), α-pinene (17%), (Z)-β-ocimene (16%), sabinene (6%), myrcene (6%) and bornyl acetate (4%). The oil was also screened for its antimicrobial properties against various Gram negative (Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, methicilline resistant S. aureus) bacteria and the yeast Candida tropicalis. Using a broth microdilution assay, only moderate to weak inhibitory activity (0.5–1 mg/mL) was observed against the microorganisms screened in this assay when compared to the standard antimicrobial agents.

The genus Ferulago W. Koch (Apiaceae), is represented in Turkey by 30 species, of which 16 are endemic. It is interesting that only 45 Ferulago species are described in the world, suggesting that the gene center for this genus is Anatolia (1,2). The species of this genus are known as kuzukemirdi, kuzuba¸sı, çak¸sır and resemble Ferula and Prangos species which are also widely abundant in Turkey. These three genera are used for many purposes in Turkish folk medicine. But they are mainly used as aphrodisiacs and preferred as fodder to increase animal productivity (3). Ferulago longistylis Boiss. is a rare endemic, perennial species up to 150 cm high. It grows on rocky slopes of eastern part of Turkey from sea level up to 2000 m of altitude (1).

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