Rosa damascena as a potentially valuable crop for essential-oil production in Armenia

The medicinal plant raw material containing essential oils always attract the attention of scientists from various countries worldwide. The search for new sources of the plant raw material rich in biologically active substances, particularly volatile compounds, remains a relevant task in modern pharmaceutical science. Our focus has been drawn to Rosa damascena Mill. of the “Veselka” (“Rainbow”) variety grown in the natural environment of Zaporizhzhia; its essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic effects. To obtain a valuable medicinal plant raw material from Rosa damascena with a high content of essential oil, it was introduced into in vitro culture to produce aseptic regenerants, followed by their reintroduction into the natural environment. Aim. To conduct a comparative microbiological study of essential oils from Rosa damascena of the “Veselka” variety grown via clonal micropropagation in in vitro culture and in the natural environment of Zaporizhzhia. Materials and methods. The study objects were essential oils obtained by water distillation from rose petals cultivated using the method of clonal micropropagation in in vitro culture (at the premises of the Educational and Scientific Medical Laboratory Center with a vivarium) and the natural environment of Zaporizhzhia. The study of the antimicrobial activity was conducted in the microbiological laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology at Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. Results and discussion. The essential oils from Rosa damascena grown via clonal micropropagation in in vitro culture and under natural conditions in Zaporizhzhia effectively inhibited the growth of E. coli (21.3 mm and 12.0 mm, respectively) and S. aureus (11.3 mm and 10.2 mm, respectively). The results of the study on C. albicans indicate a high antifungal activity in both essential oils; the mean inhibition zone diameter in the experiments using the oil from Rosa damascena cultivated in in vitro culture is less: 33.3 mm compared to 40 mm in the experiments with the oil from roses grown in the natural environment of Zaporizhzhia. Conclusions. The method of clonal micropropagation of Rosa damascena of the “Veselka” variety is effective for obtaining a large amount of planting material in a short time with the subsequent reintroduction into the natural environment to expand the raw material base of valuable medicinal plants with a high content of essential oils. The results of the study of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Rosa damascena of the “Veselka” variety cultivated through clonal micropropagation in in vitro culture have exhibited a high antimicrobial activity and moderate antifungal activity compared to the essential oil from Rosa damascena grown in the natural environment of Zaporizhzhia. Therefore, Rosa damascena Mill. of the “Veselka” variety cultivated under in vitro conditions is a promising source of essential oil with a high antibacterial effect in order to create new herbal formulations.

Rosa damascena Mill. (Damask rose) is a famous traditional flower that is widely appreciated for its valuable essential oil and high-quality fragrance used in the perfume and cosmetics industries. Rose oil contains more than 300 volatile constituents, and the main constituents geraniol, linalool, nerol, and citronellol determine the essential oil quality. In the present study, we reported the cloning and characterization of three rose monoterpene synthase genes related to rose oil quality. The genes encoding geranyl diphosphate synthase (GDPS) designated as RdGDP (accession No. MN650820), geraniol synthase (GES) as RdGES (accession No. MN639696), and linalool synthase (LIS) as RdLIS (accession No. MN639697) and involved in the monoterpene synthases pathways were successfully cloned from R. damascena and their expression profiles in different flower developmental stages were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The deduced RdGDP, RdGES, and RdLIS proteins contain 383, 603, and 562 amino acids, and the corresponding size of their open-reading frames is 1152, 1812, and 1689 bp, respectively. Expression analysis revealed that these genes demonstrated persistent expressions from the budding to the full opening stages of R. damascena flower development, and the expression levels of RdLIS were lower than that of RdGDP and RdGES. These results suggest that the GDP and GES can regulate the biosynthesis of floral scents in Damask rose flowers. The cloning of rose genes, including RdGDP, RdGES, and RdLIS, could have far-reaching implications for improving the quality of R. damascena essential oils through metabolic engineering.

In this work, the chemical composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils (EOs) of six species—Laurus nobilis, Chamaemelum nobile, Citrus aurantium, Pistacia lentiscus, Cedrus atlantica, and Rosa damascena—have been studied. Phytochemical screening of these plants revealed the presence of primary metabolites, namely, lipids, proteins, reducing sugars, and polysaccharides, and also secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, and mucilages. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The yields are between 0.06 and 4.78% (mL/100 g). The analysis of the chemical composition carried out by GC-MS showed the presence of 30 to 35 compounds and represent between 99.97% and 100% of the total composition of EOs, with a variation in the chemical composition detected at the level of the majority compounds between these species. Indeed, in the EO of Laurus nobilis, 1,8-cineole (36.58%) is the major component. In Chamaemelum nobile EO, the most abundant compound is angelylangelate (41.79%). The EO of Citrus aurantium is rich in linalool (29.01%). The EO of Pistacia lentiscus is dominated by 3-methylpentylangelate (27.83%). The main compound of Cedrus atlantica is β-himachalene (40.19%), while the EO of Rosa damascenaa flowers is rich in n-nonadecane (44.89%). The analysis of the similarity between the EOs of the plants studied by ACH and ACP showed that the chemical composition of the EOs makes it possible to separate these plants into three groups: the first represented by Chamaemelum nobile, because it is rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, the second defined Cedrus atlantica and Rosa damascena, which are rich in sesquiterpenes, and the third gathers Pistacia lentiscus, Laurus nobilis and Citrus aurantium, which are composed of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes (these three species are very close). The study of the antioxidant activity showed that all the EOs tested have a high capacity for scavenging free radicals from DPPH. The EOs of Laurus nobilis and Pistacia lentiscus showed the highest activity, 76.84% and 71.53%, respectively, followed by Cedrus atlantica EO (62.38%) and Chamaemelum nobile (47.98%) then Citrus aurantium EO (14.70%). Antimicrobial activity EO was tested against eight bacterial strains and eight fungal strains; the results showed that EOs exhibit significant bactericidal and fungicidal activities against all the microorganisms tested, of which the MICs of the bacterial strains start with 5 mg/mL, while the MICs of the fungal strains are between 0.60 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL. Thus, these EOs rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant components can serve as a natural alternative; this confirms their use as additives in cosmetics.

Background:Rosa damascena (R.D) is an aromatic plant with numerous therapeutic effects including cardiovascular effect. The mechanism cardiovascular effect of R.D is unclear and suggested mediated through renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Therefore, in this study, the role of hydroalcoholic extract of R.D on acute hypertension induced by AngII was evaluated.Methods:After anesthesia, femoral artery and vein of rats were cannulated for recording cardiovascular responses and drug injection, respectively. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously by power lab software. Rats were divided into saline, AngII (50 ng/kg), AngII + Losartan (10 mg/kg), and three groups of R.D extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). Losartan and AngII were administered intravenously and the other ones intraperitoneal. In the R.D groups, 30 min after injection of the extract, AngII was injected and the maximum changes in SBP, MAP, and HR were calculated and compared to that in control and AngII groups.Results:Results show that AngII significantly increased SBP, MAP, and decreased HR than the control group which was blocked by losartan. SBP and MAP in R.D + AngII groups were significantly lower than AngII alone (P < 0.05 –P < 0.001). Only MAP in higher dose (1000 mg/kg) was significantly lower than low dose (250 mg/kg; P < 0.05). Two higher doses also significantly decreased bradycardia induced by AngII (P < 0. 01).Conclusions:The preventive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R.D on cardiovascular parameters maybe is mediated by suppression of AngII activity.

Upon ascent to high altitude, cerebral blood flow (CBF) rises substantially before returning to sea-level values. The underlying mechanisms for these changes are unclear. We examined three hypotheses: (1) the balance of arterial blood gases upon arrival at and across 2 weeks of living at 5050 m will closely relate to changes in CBF; (2) CBF reactivity to steady-state changes in CO2 will be reduced following this 2 week acclimatisation period, and (3) reductions in CBF reactivity to CO2 will be reflected in an augmented ventilatory sensitivity to CO2. We measured arterial blood gases, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv, index of CBF) and ventilation () at rest and during steady-state hyperoxic hypercapnia (7% CO2) and voluntary hyperventilation (hypocapnia) at sea level and then again following 2–4, 7–9 and 12–15 days of living at 5050 m. Upon arrival at high altitude, resting MCAv was elevated (up 31 ± 31%; P < 0.01; vs. sea level), but returned to sea-level values within 7–9 days. Elevations in MCAv were strongly correlated (R2= 0.40) with the change in ratio (i.e. the collective tendency of arterial blood gases to cause CBF vasodilatation or constriction). Upon initial arrival and after 2 weeks at high altitude, cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia was reduced (P < 0.05), whereas hypocapnic reactivity was enhanced (P < 0.05 vs. sea level). Ventilatory response to hypercapnia was elevated at days 2–4 (P < 0.05 vs. sea level, 4.01 ± 2.98 vs. 2.09 ± 1.32 l min−1 mmHg−1). These findings indicate that: (1) the balance of arterial blood gases accounts for a large part of the observed variability (∼40%) leading to changes in CBF at high altitude; (2) cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia and hypocapnia is differentially affected by high-altitude exposure and remains distorted during partial acclimatisation, and (3) alterations in cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 may also affect ventilatory sensitivity.

Community Service Activities for Residual Diversification of Processed Products Home Industry Syrup Kalamansi in Bengkulu Tengah has been completed. This activity aims to reduce the residual volume of unused Kalamansi syrup yields, the production of high value essential oils and various essential and economically valuable essential oil-based citrus oil products. In this activity we have conducted training on the way of extraction of essential oil from citrus peel residue and crude fiber (dregs) leftover of Kalamansi syrup using direct steam distillation method, followed by training of various essential oil based health products in form of aromatherapy roll oil, and Antiseptic liquid soap. From the results of the activities that have been done, the essential oil from the residue of K alamansi syrup made of clear liquid smelling orange K alamansi. It has also been produced several products made from active essential oil of orange Kalamansi such as wind oil roll on, liquid bath soap, lotion and liquid washing soap. The four products have a typical citrus scent K alamansi, but need to be refined formula to produce a quality product and selling value. Keywords : Citrus Kalamansi, Steam Distillation, essential oils, wind aromatheraphy oil.

Hypoxia causes pulmonary vasoconstriction. Regional hypoxic vasoconstriction improves the matching of perfusion to alveolar ventilation. Global hypoxic vasoconstriction increases right ventricular afterload. The hypoxic pulmonary pressor response is universal in mammals and in birds, but with considerable interspecies and interindividual variability. Chronic hypoxia induces pulmonary hypertension in proportion to initial vasoconstriction. Prolonged hypoxic exposure is also associated with an increase in red blood cell mass, which aggravates pulmonary hypertension by an increase in blood viscosity. Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in humans is usually mild to moderate, but pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationships are steep, which corresponds to a substantial afterload on the right ventricle during exercise. A partial recovery of 10-25% of the hypoxia-induced decrease in maximal oxygen uptake has been reported with intake-specific pulmonary vasodilating interventions. Hypoxia has been reported to decrease myocardial fibre contractility in vitro. However, the acutely hypoxic right ventricle remains able to preserve the coupling of its contractility to increased afterload in intact animals. Echocardiographic studies of the right ventricle in healthy hypoxic human subjects show altered diastolic function, but systolic function that is preserved or even increased acutely and slightly depressed chronically. These findings are more pronounced in patients with chronic mountain sickness. Their clinical significance remains incompletely understood. Almost no imaging studies of right ventricular function have been reported in a minority of subjects who develop severe pulmonary hypertension and clinical right ventricular failure in hypoxia. No imaging studies of right ventricular function during hypoxic exercise in normal subjects are yet available. Thus, while it is plausible that the right ventricle limits exercise capacity in hypoxia, this still needs to be firmly established.

The chemical compositions of essential oil from nine distinct genotypes of Iranian Rosa damascena (Fars1, Fars2, Tehran, Mazandaran, Gilan, East Azar, Ardabi, Kermanshah and Qom) were determined following gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The main essential oil components identified in the different genotypes were citronellol, geraniol, neral, linalool and nonadecane. The relative percentage of citronellol was highest in Fars1 (42.2%) and Gilan (40.3%) genotypes and lowest in the Qom (2.2%) and East Azar (0.6%) genotypes, while in Mazandaran, Ardabil and Kermanshah genotypes citronellol was not detected. The highest content of geraniol was detected in the essential oil of the Kermanshah genotype (37.5%); however, in the Fars1, Fars2, Tehran, Gilan, East Azar, Kermanshah and Qom genotypes this component was not detected. Linalool was detected in the essential oil of all genotypes, and the highest amount of this component was in Fars2 (39.2%). Hydrocarbons had the highest contribution to the essential oil of the East Azar genotype. The major hydrocarbons identified in all genotypes were nonadecane (10.7 to 51.2%), heneicosane (3.7 to 18%), eicosane (0.8 to 6.2%) and tricosane (0.5 to 2.4%). Key words: Rosa damascena, essential oil, genotypes.

Chemical analysis of Iranian Rosa damascena essential oil, concrete, and absolute oil under different bio-climatic conditions

Dragon’s head plant (Lallemantia iberica), is a flowering species belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The species contains valuable essential oils, mucilage and oil which are used in pharmaceutical and food industries. Tissue culture is a feasible strategy to attain large‐scale production of plantlets with a huge potential to produce plants with superior quality. The objective of this study was to develop a simple and efficient method for regeneration and transformation of L. iberica. To reach this goal, the regeneration ability of various explants including leaf, cotyledonary node, hypocotyl and cotyledon segments was investigated in MS medium supplemented with diverse concentrations of NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) and BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine). According to the results, cotyledonary nodes showed the best regeneration response. The maximum rate of regeneration (and number of induced shoots was achieved in 1 mg l−1 BAP in combination with 0.05 mg l−1 NAA from the cotyledonary nodes. Additionally, through the optimized regeneration technique Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of L. iberica was successfully accomplished. Gene transfer was assessed on leaf samples from regenerated plantlets under a fluorescent microscope to detect the GFP signals. Moreover, transgene integration and its expression were confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. The establishment of these efficient regeneration and genetic transformation methods paved the way for further application such as plant improvement, functional analysis and gene editing.

Chemical investigation and biological activities of Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth) essential oil

The latest amendments to CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on the classification, labeling, and packaging of chemicals, introduced in 2023, classify essential oils derived from Rosa damascena as potentially hazardous mixtures. This has raised serious concern among manufacturers and scientific circles in all countries where Rosa damascena is traditionally grown, including Bulgaria. Aim: To evaluate the safety of active substances derived from Rosa damascena and their potential biological activity in humans. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review of scientific publications using keywords in MEDLINE, the Central Medical Library of the Medical University of Sofia, and national peer-reviewed scientific magazines in Bulgaria for the period from January 1955 to May 2025. The selection of articles was conducted according to PRISMA, and the results were analyzed using the PICOS tool. Results and discussion: Over a period of 70 years, 151 articles were identified. Sixty-five articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. The results obtained confirm a wide range of biological activities of Rosa damascena. There is significant heterogeneity in study designs, dosages used, administration forms, and types of studies. These differences limit the possibility of direct comparison of results and underscore the need for standardized clinical trials with clear protocols and unified criteria, including meta-analyses. The essential oil and plant extracts show antimicrobial and antifungal activity, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The literature also contains data on neuroprotective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and antiviral effects, as well as the potentiation of sexual function.

Patchouli, botanically known as Pogostemon cablin Benth., belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is renowned for its significant medicinal and aromatic attributes. The primary purpose of its cultivation is to obtain its valuable essential oil, which is obtained by distillation of leaves and tender herbs. Patchouli and its essential oil have various medicinal and aromatic properties, which are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aromatherapy, food flavor, toiletries, perfumery and agarbatti production. Patchouli essential oil is a highly demandable produce in national and international markets, but the production of its oil is very low compared to global demand and the demand is increasing every year. Hence, to fulfill the global demand it is necessary to increase production by adopting improved cultivation practices and primary processing. The objective of this study is to collect secondary data on improved cultivation practices, varieties, production, uses, properties, export and import in India and global market aspects of patchouli. As more than 80% of patchouli oil is imported from other countries to fulfill our demand, it is an urgent need to popularize the cultivation and processing of patchouli among the farmers as an import substitution of this oil to save the Indian currency and supply the quality oil to the desired industries. Keywords: Patchouli, Essential oil, Cultivation, Enhancement production, Import substitution.

Human Placental Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression Correlates with Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Hypoxia in Vivo

Assessing the volatile composition by GC/MS-MS and biological efficacy of <i>Rosa damascena</i> essential oil: Examining its antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities