Abstract
Laurus nobilis is native to the southern Mediterranean region and cultivated mainly in Europe and the USA as an ornamental and medicinal plant. The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from leaves of L. nobilis, collected in Southern Italy, was studied by GC and GC-MS. In all, 55 compounds were identified, accounting for 91.6% of the total essential oil. 1,8-Cineole (31.9%), sabinene (12.2%), and linalool (10.2%) were the main components. Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of EO and 1,8-cineole were determined in vitro. The cytotoxicity of the EO was evaluated against SH-SY5Y cell line, as well as the influence of the EO on the expression of adenylate cyclase 1 (ADCY1), suggesting possible essential oil effects on the Central Nervous System.
Highlights
The laurel, Laurus nobilis L., an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the family Lauraceae, is native to the south parts of Europe and the Mediterranean area; this plant is widely cultivated in many countries of this region
Italy) provided an essential oil characterized by a typical odor, in a yield of 0.57% of the yield is calculate on the fresh weight
The L. nobilis essential oil showed different antifungal activity (Table 4) respect to previous studies: our results indicate a marked antifungal activity, superior, for example, respect to that observed by Simic and co-workers both against Aspergillus and Penicillium spp., in spite of its high content of 1,8-cineole [24]
Summary
The laurel, Laurus nobilis L., an evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the family Lauraceae, is native to the south parts of Europe and the Mediterranean area; this plant is widely cultivated in many countries of this region. The leaves have been used, in Iranian folk medicine, to treat epilepsy, neuralgia, and parkinsonism [1,2]. Leaves and fruits have been reported to possess aromatic, stimulant, and narcotic properties [3]. Several studies reported the antimicrobial and the antioxidant properties of laurel essential oil and/or extracts [4,5,6]. The leaves of L. nobilis are traditionally used orally to treat the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, such as epigastric bloating and flatulence [7]. The essential oil of laurel leaves is widely used in the perfume and soap industries [8]. It has been used for relieving hemorrhoid and rheumatic pains [2]
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