Abstract
Solid residues from the hydrodistillation of selected Spanish populations of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) have been analyzed for their polyphenol composition, and antioxidant and bioplaguicide activities. The objective was to evaluate and select the most suitable plant materials as sources of natural antioxidants and crop protectants. Total polyphenol content and polyphenol composition of rosemary populations were very dependent on the growth location: populations from Aranjuez showed a higher content of total polyphenols and were richer in rosmarinic acid as compared with their equivalent populations from Cuenca, whereas these latter were characterized by an overall higher content in genkwanin and carnosol. Most of the antioxidant activities were highly correlated with the total content of polyphenols although some polyphenols like carnosic acid and carnosol seemed to favor such activities. The extracts from R. officinalis were strong antifeedants against Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say and moderate against Spodoptera littoralis Boisd and Myzus persicae Sulzer, according to their feeding ecologies. The biological effects of the active samples cannot be accounted by their chemical composition, suggesting additive or synergistic effects. Both the phytotoxic and stimulating effects on Lactuca sativa L., and Lolium perenne L. leaf and/or root growth were observed.
Highlights
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is an aromatic perennial shrub (Lamiaceae) which is native to the Mediterranean area and very appreciated in toiletries, cosmetics and medicine, as a flavoring in foods, or as an ornamental plant
Total polyphenol content and polyphenol composition of rosemary populations were very dependent on the growth location: populations from Aranjuez showed a higher content of total polyphenols and were richer in rosmarinic acid as compared with their equivalent populations from Cuenca, whereas these latter were characterized by an overall higher content in genkwanin and carnosol
The yield of distillation is only between 0.8 and 2.5 grams of essential oil per 100 grams of dry plant, which results in a world production of solid residue (10–20×103 Tm/year) that may result in environmental concerns if it is not properly managed (Angioni et al, 2004)
Summary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is an aromatic perennial shrub (Lamiaceae) which is native to the Mediterranean area and very appreciated in toiletries, cosmetics and medicine, as a flavoring in foods, or as an ornamental plant. The use of cultivated plants minimizes in part the variations in the chemical composition due to more controlled growing conditions in comparison with wild ones This guarantees a more consistent quality and supply of the plant material, increasing interest in the industry and in farmers toward the use of cultivated aromatic species (Lubbe and Verpoorte, 2011). We have tentatively identified the major phenolic compounds present in the solid residue after the hydrodistillation of cultivated populations of rosemary and evaluated its antioxidant and bioplaguicide activities. These populations have been previously selected from a survey throughout the natural distribution area of the species in Spain according to the yield and the variability in the chemical composition of their essential oils. The objective was to evaluate the differences among populations and locations and select the plant materials most suitable as sources of natural antioxidants and crop protectants
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
