Abstract
Pinus eldarica (Pinaceae), an evergreen plant, is distributed across the warm and dry climates of western Asia, including Asia Minor, the Middle East, and land surrounding the Caspian Sea. Essential oils (EOs) from different aerial parts of this tree have been used in traditional medicine. We aimed to investigate the chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of the EO from P. eldarica grown in northwestern Iran. EO from the needles, bark, and pollen were extracted with boiling water using a Clevenger apparatus at yield of 0.7–1.2 cm3/100 g of dry plant material. The main chemical components of the EO from the needles were D-germacrene (18.17%), caryophyllene (15.42%), γ-terpinene (12.96%), and β-pinene (10.62%); those from the bark were limonene (16.99%), caryophyllene oxide (13.22%), and drimenol (13.2%); and those from the pollen were α-pinene (25.64%) and limonene (19.94%). In total, 83 constituents were characterized in the EOs, using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis; mainly, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in needle EO and monoterpene hydrocarbons in pollen and bark EOs. β-Pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene were identified in the EOs from all three plant parts. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the EOs were examined: pollen EO exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli; bark EO inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus; and the needle EO inhibited the growth of S. aureus. Thus, the EOs from aerial parts of P. eldarica can benefit the EO industry and antibiotic development.
Highlights
IntroductionKnown as the Tehran pine, is a coniferous tree of the family Pinaceae
Pinus eldarica, known as the Tehran pine, is a coniferous tree of the family Pinaceae
essential oils (EOs) were extracted from the aerial parts of P. eldarica via hydrodistillation
Summary
Known as the Tehran pine, is a coniferous tree of the family Pinaceae. The trees grow to a height of 12–15 m and have a brownish-gray or light gray bark. The needles are paired, medium green, and reach a length of 6–9 cm. The cones may be either solitary or in pairs. P. eldarica is native to west Asia and is adapted to warm and dry climates. The trees grow on a wide variety of soil types and have been extensively planted in Iran [1,2]. Pines have been used in medicine and industry throughout human life. Pine needle essential oils (EOs) are used to add odors to products in the soap
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
