Ajowan Oil Research Articles

Trachyspermum ammi, a plant-based antimicrobial agent for paper packaging in e-commerce for consumer safety

This study used a plant-based antimicrobial agent (Trachyspermum ammi or Ajowan essential oil) to develop a water-based coating emulsion with polyvinyl alcohol as a binder. The emulsion was spray-coated onto the packaging paper to achieve antimicrobial properties and prevent disease transmission during the e-commerce supply chain. The coated papers were studied for their morphological, chemical, mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial behaviors. The presence of Ajowan oil on coated paper was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and surface morphology. In parallel, the time-bound release of volatile Ajowan oil from the coated papers was demonstrated when stored in a controlled environment using UV–vis spectroscopy. Both bending stiffness and tear strength significantly increased for coated papers due to the presence of polyvinyl alcohol in the coating, whereas the high concentration of oil resulted slight decrease in tensile and burst strength of coated papers. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of coated paper was checked against S. aureus and E. coli at different concentrations of Ajowan oil in coating and was found to be effective for 10 days. The coated papers also showed remarkable antimicrobial activity when tested against all unknown microbes on bare human hands.

Natural Herbs used in normal Cough and Cold Condition

Natural herb Ajwain, Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the highly valued medicinally important family, Apiaceae the essential oil from the fruits [7] are the phenols, mainly thymol and some carvacrol. The Indian Pharmacopoeia requires ajowan oil to contain not less than 40 per cent thymol. The remainder of the oil is called 'thymene'. Thymene, which constitutes c.45 per cent of the oil, has the following composition: p-cymene, 50-55; gterpinene, 30-35; a- and ß-pinenes, 4-5; and dipentene, 4-6%. Presence of minute 'amounts of camphene, myrcene and D3-carene is also reported. Kapoor is a tree of many faces as it is a giant, stately forest tree, native of the wet forests of tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The species Camphora, refer to camphor, an important chemical constituent present in the oil found in the tissues of tree. The botanical name is derived from Greek language. It derived from the word 'kinnamomon' which means spice. This herb is recorded in Sanskrit also. This is also used by Egyptians as early 1485 BC for embalming purposes. Camphor tree is native to China, India, Mongolia, Japan and Taiwan and a variety of this fragrant evergreen tree is grown in Southern United States; especially in FloridaMenthol, Thymol, Phenol, Salicylic acid and Naphthol are amongst the fragrant chemical constituents obtained from this plant. Campher, Campherol, Cineol, Camphene, dipentene, terpineol, candinene, safrole, camphorace, laurolitsine, reticuline etc. Menthol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol that is extracted from oil of peppermint, corn mint, or other mint plants. It is known for its minty, cooling odor, and taste , Various constituents of peppermint oil are limonene (1.0-5.0%), cineole (3.5-14.0%), menthone (14.0-32.0%), menthofuran (1.0-9.0%), isomenthone (1.510.0%), menthyl acetate (2.8-10.0%), isopulegol (0.2%), menthol (55.0%), pulegone (4.0%) and carvone (max. 1.0%). All three herbs gives relief from cough and cold, throat irritation and treating bronchitis.

Antibacterial Activities of Homemade Matrices Miming Essential Oils Compared to Commercial Ones.

The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide concern. Essential oils are known to possess remarkable antibacterial properties, but their high chemical variability complicates their development into new antibacterial agents. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to standardize their chemical composition. Several commercial essential oils of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) and thyme (chemotype thymol) (Thymus vulgaris L.) were bought on the market. GC–MS analysis revealed that thyme essential oils have a chemical composition far more consistent than ajowan essential oils. Sometimes thymol was not even the major compound. The most abundant compounds and the homemade mixtures were tested against two Staphylococcus aureus strains. The antibacterial property of β-caryophyllene presented no direct activity against S. aureus LMG 15975, but in association with thymol or carvacrol at equal percentages an MIC of 125 μg/mL was observed. The mixture of those three compounds at equivalent percentages also decreased by 16-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. Against S. aureus LMG 21674, β-caryophyllene presented an MIC of 31.3 μg/mL and decreased by 267-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. These observations led us to question the benefits of using a complex chemical mixture instead of one active compound to fight bacterial resistance.

Changes in secondary metabolite and biologically active compounds of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) upon organic and conventional production systems

Ajowan is one of the most important medicinal species of the family Apiaceae, which has pharmacological properties for future research in drug development. The essential oil composition of this species in response to different sources of nitrogen and organic fertilizers has not been investigated yet, though the issue is of interest. The factorial combination of four nitrogen sources levels including control (no nitrogen source), urea (U), sulfur-coated urea (SCU), half of the sulfur-coated urea (1/2 SCU) + Alkazot Plus biological fertilizer) and organic fertilizers at four levels such as control (no organic sources), humic acid, vermicompost, half of vermicompost + humic acid) were laid out in a randomized completed block design (RCBD) in a field experiment. Results showed that the interaction between different sources of nitrogen and organic fertilizers on Ajowan essential oil percent and yield were significant (P < 0.01). The highest essential oil percent (5.5%) and essential oil yield (85.4 kg/ha) were obtained at control and Urea + vermicompost treatments. The results of essential oil analysis showed that seven compounds were identified in the ajowan oil, which are based on the highest amount included: Thymol, Gamma-terpinen, O-cymene, Alpha-terpineol propionat, Beta- pinene, Para-cymene, and Alpha pinene.

Givaudan's expanding range of natural ingredients for cosmetics

Acne and dandruff are common skin problems often treated by using various cosmetic products containing antimicrobial agents. The demand for more and more cosmetics from plant sources is continuously increasing, hence the present study was undertaken to investigate antimicrobial activity of Ajowan oil against cosmetically important microorganisms by agar diffusion method and measurement of zone of inhibition. Ajowan i.e dried ripe fruits of plant Trychyspermum ammi Sprague belonging to family Umbellifereae (also called Carum copticum, family Apiaceae) were collected from local market of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India and subjected to steam distillation, by using Clevenger apparatus to obtain Ajowan oil. The antimicrobial activity of Ajowan oil (100% concentration), different concentrations of Ajowan oil (1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, and 0.25% v/v) was determined by the agar well diffusion technique against microorganisms associated with acne and dandruff i.e. Propionibacterium acnes (MTCC 1951), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC737), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC 6810), Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Malassezia furfur (MTCC 1374), Malassezia furfur (MTCC 1765), and microorganisms mentioned in Bureau of Indian Standard guidelines for microbial testing and preservatives efficacy test of cosmetic formulations i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1687), and Aspergillus niger (MTCC 10180). From present study of Ajowan oil against cosmetically important microorganisms, it was found that Ajowan oil (100% concentration) exhibited inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, C. albicans, P. acnes, M. furfur 1374 and M. furfur 1765 except against A. niger. All the other concentrations of Ajowan oil i.e. 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.25%, exhibited inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, C. albicans, and P. acne except against A. niger, M. furfur 1374 and M. furfur 1765. Hence Ajowan oil can be used as Antiacne agent in cosmetic formulations.

Study of Ajowan oil as antimicrobial agent against cosmetically important microorganisms

Acne and dandruff are common skin problems often treated by using various cosmetic products containing antimicrobial agents. The demand for more and more cosmetics from plant sources is continuously increasing, hence the present study was undertaken to investigate antimicrobial activity of Ajowan oil against cosmetically important microorganisms by agar diffusion method and measurement of zone of inhibition. Ajowan i.e dried ripe fruits of plant Trychyspermum ammi Sprague belonging to family Umbellifereae (also called Carum copticum, family Apiaceae) were collected from local market of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India and subjected to steam distillation, by using Clevenger apparatus to obtain Ajowan oil. The antimicrobial activity of Ajowan oil (100% concentration), different concentrations of Ajowan oil (1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, and 0.25% v/v) was determined by the agar well diffusion technique against microorganisms associated with acne and dandruff i.e. Propionibacterium acnes (MTCC 1951), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC737), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC 6810), Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Malassezia furfur (MTCC 1374), Malassezia furfur (MTCC 1765), and microorganisms mentioned in Bureau of Indian Standard guidelines for microbial testing and preservatives efficacy test of cosmetic formulations i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1687), and Aspergillus niger (MTCC 10180). From present study of Ajowan oil against cosmetically important microorganisms, it was found that Ajowan oil (100% concentration) exhibited inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, C. albicans, P. acnes, M. furfur 1374 and M. furfur 1765 except against A. niger. All the other concentrations of Ajowan oil i.e. 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.25%, exhibited inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, C. albicans, and P. acne except against A. niger, M. furfur 1374 and M. furfur 1765. Hence Ajowan oil can be used as Antiacne agent in cosmetic formulations.

Essential oil in management of coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros L.

Plant derived essential oil is used as a component in management of coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). A study was undertaken to evaluate the bioefficacy of essential oil from Ocimum basilicum, Eucalyptus citriodora, Trachyspermum ammi and their major constituent thymolin for management of O. rhinoceros. These essential oils derived from plant parts were characterized and their physiological response and biocidal activity was determined. Basil, citriodora, ajowan oil and thymol caused electrophysiological response in the antennae of O. rhinoceros adults. Behavioural response of beetles was tested in‘Y’ tube olfactometer having a choice between odour arm containing essential oil and control arm having zero air. Orientation of beetles to essential oil laden arm ranged from 15–30%. Over 70–85% of the beetles moved towards the control arm. Citriodora and basil oil inhibited hatching of 70% of eggs and also caused larval mortality. The mean larval mortality ranged from 61–66%. The repellence, ovicidal and growth regulating effect of essential oil offers an ecofriendly option in management of coconut rhinoceros beetle.

Studies on the potential application of various blends of essential oils as antioxidant and antimicrobial preservatives in emulsion based chicken sausages

PurposeOxidative rancidity is a major problem in chicken meat because of its higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Besides this, microbial contamination is also one of the major problems of chicken meat which leads to deterioration in quality during storage. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate anti-microbial and anti-oxidant effects of various blends of essential oils (EOs) on the quality of emulsion-based (ready-to-eat) chicken sausages.Design/methodology/approachSausages were incorporated with optimum level of four different blends of EOs containing six different EOs (Clove oil, Holybasil oil, Thyme oil, Cassia oil, Ajowan oil and Beetel oil), namely, Blend-1 (0.25 per cent), Blend-2 (0.25 per cent), Blend-3 (0.25 per cent) and Blend-4 (0.125 per cent); vacuum packaged and stored at −18±1°C for 60 days. Duplicate samples were taken for each parameter, and three trials were conducted for each experiment, total being six observations (n=6) for consistency of the results.FindingsSignificant decrease (p<0.05) in pH of control products was observed at each interval of storage period; however, in case of treatment products, significant decrease (p<0.05) was noticed from day 30 onwards. Blend-2 was observed with significantly lower (p<0.05) thio-barbituric acid reacting substances followed by Blend-1. Significantly lower (p<0.05) total phenolics content was observed in Blend-4 products as compared to other treatments. Regarding DPPH activity, control products showed significant decrease (p<0.05); however, in case of treatment products, DPPH activity showed significant (p<0.05) decrease after day 15 of storage. Microbial count increased with progressive storage period; however, the counts were well below the permissible limit of frozen meat products. All the blend incorporated products received very good sensory scores in consistent manner.Practical implicationsThe work under this study would be very useful for the meat processing industries dealing with the perishable meat products. Use of natural anti-oxidants will also restore faith towards the consumers who are becoming more health conscious day by day.Originality/valueThe research work is original.

In vitro Evaluation of Some Herbal Compounds on Fungi Isolated from Clinical Cases in Animals and their Associated Environment

Background: Fungal infections are often difficult to cure in animals due to cost of treatment and emerging antifungal drug resistance. Herbal antifungals may be an alternate. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine antifungal drug sensitivity pattern and activity of herbal antimicrobials on fungal isolates from clinical cases in animals and their associated environment. Methods and Findings: This study was conducted on 69 isolates comprised of yeasts (49) and moulds (20) isolated from clinical cases of animal (26) and environmental (22) samples and one reference strain for determining antifungal efficacy of common antimycotic drugs (amphotericin B, miconazole, nystatin, clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketconazole and fluconazole) and herbal antimicrobials viz., ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) seed oil, betel (Piper betle) leaf oil, guggul (Commiphora mukul) oil, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) oil, marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) bark oil, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) oil, citral, cinnamledehyde, carvacrol, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) oil, sandalwood (Santalum album) oil, methanolic extract of Eupatorium odoratum leaves, Methanolic extract of Ageratum conizoides, essential oil of Zanthoxyllum rhetsa seed carp, agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) oil, and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil amphotericin B (100 units), miconazole (10 µg), nystatin (100 units), clotrimazole (10 µg), itraconazole (10 µg), ketconazole (30 µg) and fluconazole (10 µg). Most of the yeast isolates except six from soil (2) and water (4) were sensitive to nystatin. Amphotericin B inhibited almost two third of the yeast isolates and miconazole was the most effective (75%) imidazoles followed by clotrimazole (38.8%), itraconazole (32.65%), fluconazole (18.4%) and ketoconazole (12.25%). Among herbals, thyme oil, carvacrol, cinnamon oil and cinnamaledehyde inhibited the growth of all the yeast isolates tested with MIC ranging from 0.001 mg to 1.2 mg mL-1. The next most effective herbal was holy basil oil (95.2%) followed by ajowan oil (87.75%), citral (87.75%) and lemongrass oil (77.75%). Lemongrass oil was equally antimycotic both on yeasts and moulds. The study revealed the promising antimycotic activity of herbs and prevalent antimycotic drug resistance among clinically important fungi in animals. Conclusion: The fungi associated with animal clinical infections and their environment were often resistant to commonly used antifungal drugs but some of the herbals as cinnamon oil, thyme oil, ajowan oil and lemongrass oil as well as their active components have shown potential antifungal activity and hope for the future drug development.

Ajowan Oil Potentiates Ros-mediated Teratogenic Effect in Zebrafish Embryos

Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) has been widely used in foods, drugs and cosmetics, but their applications as a pesticide are of increased concern. Ajowan is described as toxic to spermatogenesis and cause teratogenic effect in rat fetus but their influence on teratogenicity remains vague. This intended us to investigate the development effects of ajowan oil (AJO) on zebrafish embryo-larval stages. Primarily, we evaluated the chemical composition of AJO GC-MS and we identified nearly 20 compounds representing 93.82% of the whole oil. Next, we investigated the dose-dependent (5, 15 and 30 μg/mL) eco-toxicological impact of AJO on zebrafish embryos for 96 hours post fertilization (hpf), we found that AJO potentially inducing delayed hatching, retarded heart rate and phenotypic malformations in zebrafish embryos associated with reduced survival rate (LC50=17.8 μg/mL) when compared to control embryos. Evidence from 2′, 7′ -dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), acridine orange (AO) and Casp-3 immunofluorescence staining clear cuts AJO strongly provoked ROS generation and apoptotic events in response to oxidative damage. Furthermore, the expressions of SOD-1, CAT and apoptotic markers (Bax, Cytochrome-C, p53, Casp-3 and Casp-9) was dose-dependently (P<0.05) upregulated along with downregulated Bcl-2 and PARP1 (Necrotic marker) levels in AJO embryos. Collectively, our findings confirmed that AJO cause severe teratogenic and apoptotic events to zebrafish embryos, likely due an overwhelming ROS biogenesis.

Application of Various Concentrations of Essential Oils of Savory, Ajowan and Thyme to Maintain Quality and Shelf Life of Gladiolus Cut Flower

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the addition of essential oils to preservative solution and subsequent effects on postharvest quality and vase life of Gladiolus ‘Sorati’ cut flowers. In first experiment, the solutions of savory (Satureja hortensis.), ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) were applied at the concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 (mg L−1), distilled water + 2% sucrose were considered as control treatment. In second experiment, the cut flowers pulsed with CaCl2 and AgNO3 for 1 h and then transferred to preservative solution contain 2 mg L-1 of savory, ajowan, thyme and distilled water (control). All cut flowers were kept at 25±2oC for 20 days and qualitative properties were evaluated during postharvest periods. Savory 2 mg L−1 exhibited as the most effective treatment for minimizing dehydration of the gladiolus cut flowers by enhancing the water absorption and flower weight rate than other treatments. The interaction of pulsing with CaCl2 and essential oils could maintain the quality of cut flowers.

Antifungal activities after vaporization of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) and allspice (Pimenta dioica) essential oils and blends of their constituents against three Aspergillus species

The fumigant antifungal activities of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi), and allspice (Pimenta dioica) essential oils and their constituents were tested against three Aspergillus species: A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, and A. niger. Ajowan essential oil demonstrated a 100% inhibition rate against these three Aspergillus species at an air concentration of 56 × 10−3 mg/mL. The fumigant antifungal activities of allspice essential oil against A. niger, A. ochraceus, and A. parasiticus were 100, 84.4, and 83.5%, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis led to the identification of twelve compounds in ajowan oil and six compounds in allspice oil. Of the compounds tested, thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol showed strong inhibitory activity against the three Aspergillus species. The fumigant antifungal activities of blends of the constituents identified in ajowan and allspice oils indicated that thymol and eugenol were the major contributors to the fumigant antifungal activities of ajowan and allspice oils, respectively.

TLC-Bioautography and GC-MS Analyses for Detection and Identification of Antioxidant Constituents of Trachyspermum copticum Essential Oil.

The present work was designed to study the antioxidant activity and to identify the main active components of the essential oil of ajowan (Trachyspermum copticum) fruit. GC and GC-MS analyses of the essential oil showed the presence of eight compounds. The main constituents of the oil were thymol (43.7%), p-cymene (26.8%), and γ-terpinene (24.9%). The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of ajowan oil was evaluated by using ABTS(•+) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The oil exhibited a considerable dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity guided fractionation of the oil was carried out by TLC-bioautography method based on the DPPH(•) assay to screen and separate the main active constituents. The bioautography screening and fractionation resulted in the separation of the main antioxidant compound which was identified as thymol.

Brine-shrimp Bioassay for Assessment of Anticancer Property of Essential Oils from Spices

The potential anticarcinogenicity of essential oils from spices was investigated against brine-shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii. The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation. The lethal concentration at the dose levels 10, 100 and 1000 ìg/ml displayed high mortality towards actively swarming Artemia. Asafoetida (LC50 = 4.64 ×10–23 ìg/ml) and cumin oil (LC50 = 0.53 ìg/ml) were extremely toxic. Essential oils of ajowan, small cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, cubeb, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, long pepper, rosemary, tarragon and thyme were shown high toxicity. While big cardamom oil and black pepper oil were displayed moderate toxicity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v12i0.6495 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 12 (2011) 163-170

Larvicidal Activity of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) and Peru Balsam (Myroxylon pereira) Oils and Blends of Their Constituents against Mosquito, Aedes aegypti, Acute Toxicity on Water Flea, Daphnia magna, and Aqueous Residue

This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of 20 plant essential oils and components from ajowan ( Trachyspermum ammi ) and Peru balsam ( Myroxylon pereira ) oils against the mosquito, Aedes aegypti . Of the 20 plant essential oils, ajowan and Peru balsam oils at 0.1 mg/mL exhibited 100 and 97.5% larval mortality, respectively. At this same concentration, the individual constituents, (+)-camphene, benzoic acid, thymol, carvacrol, benzyl benzonate, and benzyl trans-cinnamate, caused 100% mortality. The toxicity of blends of constituents identified in two active oils indicated that thymol and benzyl benzoate were major contributors to the larvicidal activity of the artificial blend. This study also tested the acute toxicity of these two active oils and their major constituents against the water flea, Daphnia magna . Peru balsam oil and benzyl trans-cinnamate were the most toxic to D. magna. Two days after the treatment, residues of ajowan and Peru balsalm oils in water were 36.2 and 85.1%, respectively. Less than 50% of benzyl trans-cinnamate and thymol were detected in the water at 2 days after treatment. The results show that the essential oils of ajowan and Peru balsam and some of their constituents have potential as botanical insecticides against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae.

IMPROVEMENT OF VASE LIFE CUT GLADIOLUS FLOWERS BY ESSENTIAL OILS, SALICYLIC ACID AND SILVER THIOSULPHATE

Effects of the application of salicylic acid (SA) (1.5 mMol), ajowan and summer savory essential oils (500 and 1000 ppm), silver thiosulphate (STS) (150 ppm) and combinations of these materials on vase life of cut gladiolus flowers were investigated. Results of this study showed that within all treatments, SA treatment showed the best effect on the fresh weight (%), water uptake (cm3) and vase life of cut flowers. Moreover, it is showed that ajowan oil at 500 ppm concentration had benefit effect on fresh weight (%) and vase life of cut gladiolus and then STS treatment had positive effect on water uptake (cm3) of cut flowers. Key words: Cut gladiolus flower, essential oil, salicylic acid, silver thiosulphate, vase life.

THE COMPOSITION OF ESSENTIAL OILS OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF LAUREL, MOUNTAIN TEA, SAGE AND AJOWAN

Oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by using gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry. 1,8-Cineole (51.05% and 52.79%) and α-terpinyl acetate (13.94% and 14.72%) were the main components from the essential oil of the stem and leaves of laurel, respectively. 1,8- Cineole (25.72%) and (E)-β-ocimene (24.88%) were the major compounds present in the essential oil of fruit. The main constituents of Salvia fruticosa oil were α-pinene (31.50%) and isoborneol (27.17%). β-pinene (20.53%), α-pinene (14.88%), cubebol (15.17%) and δ-cadinene (12.99%) were detected as the major constituents of mountain tea (sample A). The principal components detected in the oil of sample B were β-pinene (20.29%), α-pinene (14.82%) and 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (13.99%). The major compounds of ajowan oil had p-cymene (33.06%), γ-terpinene (28.66%), thymol (24.11%) and β-pinene (6.74%). The essential oil of Carum copticum was characterized by its high content of p-cymene (33.06%). PRACTICAL APPLICATION Laurel leaves are commonly used as a spicy, aromatic flavoring for soups, fish, meats, stews, puddings, vinegars and beverages, and form an essential ingredient of the herb mix. The essential oil is used by the cosmetic industry in creams, perfumes and soaps. In addition, the dried leaves of Salvia fruticosa are commonly consumed as a herbal tea in Turkey. Sideritis species are a group of plants known as “high plateau tea” in Turkey. Also, these genera are characterized mainly by the occurrence of phenolic compounds and terpenoids. Ajowan fruits are an important commercial product for the food/flavoring industry.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils from Foliages and Seeds of Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague) in two planting dates (spring and summer)

The seeds (at ripening) and foliage (before flowering) of ajowan were collected from field in Esfahan province (central region of Iran) where two planting dates (spring and summer) were conducted. In the spring planting date, fourteen and eleven components were identified in the seed and foliage oils of ajowan, respectively with thymol 44.5 % in seed and 20 % in foliage as main constituent. Other components in seed and foliage oils were: γ-terpinene (26.6 % and 21 %), p-cymene (21.6 % and 10.8 %), limonene (1.1 % and 0.3 %) and carvacrol (0.3 % and 3.6 %). Sum of these components were 94.2 % and 55.7 % in the seed and foliage oils, respectively. In the summer planting date, twelve and eleven components were identified in seed and foliage oils, respectively and the most important constituents were: Thymol (55.5 % and 56.2 %), γ-terpinene (22.5 % and 26.9 %), p-cymene (14.2 % and 11.2 %), limonene (1.9 % and 0.5 %) and carvacrol (0.3 % and 1.4 %), respectively. Sum of these components were 94.4 % and 96.2 % in the seed and foliage oils, respectively.

ESSENTIAL OILS AS CONTROL AGENTS OF POSTAHARVEST ALTERNARIA AND PENICILLIUM ROTS ON TOMATO FRUITS

ABSTRACT The antifungal activity of the essential oils of ajowan, fennel and caraway was evaluated in vitro and in vivo conditions against growth of Alternaria alternata (Fr.: Fr.) Keissler. and Penicillium digitatum Sacc., two postharvest pathogens of tomato fruits. In vitro tests showed that ajowan and fennel oils exhibited the highest antifungal activity against A. alternata and P. digitatum, respectively. But caraway exhibited poor antifungal activity against two fungal species tested. Ajowan oil possessed the highest antifungal activity among tested oils in in vivo condition. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of essential oils revealed that thymol (63%), trans‐anethole (64%) and 2‐caren‐10‐al (34%) were the main components of essential oils of ajowan, fennel and caraway, respectively. Therefore, essential oils may be used as an alternative for the synthetic chemicals for control of postharvest phytopathogenic fungi and for increasing the shelf life of plant products.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBecause the plant essential oils have low mammalian toxicity, are biodegradable, multifunctional, nonpersistent in the environment and are cheap to produce, the possibility of developing essential oils for use in crop protection may be an attractive venture. This study demonstrates the potential of essential oils as antifungal preservatives for tomato fruits that are susceptible to postharvest decay caused by fungi. Examination of various concentrations of essential oils from ajowan (Carum copticum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.) on Penicillium digitatum and Alternaria alternata in this study showed promising prospects for the utilization of essential oils. In vivo experiments showed that essential oils used could reduce postharvest diseases on tomato fruits caused by P. digitatum and A. alternata. So, essential oils can be used as a potential source of sustainable eco‐friendly botanical fungicides, after successful completion of wide‐range trials.

Fumigant Antitermitic Activity of Plant Essential Oils and Components from Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi), Allspice (Pimenta dioica), Caraway (Carum carvi), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), and Litsea (Litsea cubeba) Oils against Japanese Termite (Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe)

Plant essential oils from 26 plant species were tested for their insecticidal activities against the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe, using a fumigation bioassay. Responses varied with source, exposure time, and concentration. Among the essential oils tested, strong insecticidal activity was observed with the essential oils of ajowan ( Trachyspermum ammi ), allspice ( Pimenta dioica ), caraway ( Carum carvi ), dill ( Anethum graveolens ), geranium ( Pelargonium graveolens ), and litsea ( Litsea cubeba ). The composition of six essential oils was identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The compounds thus identified were tested individually for their insecticidal activities against Japanese termites. Responses varied in a dose-dependent manner for each compound. Phenol compounds exhibited the strongest insecticidal activity among the test compounds; furthermore, alcohol and aldehyde groups were more toxic than hydrocarbons. The essential oils and compounds described herein merit further study as potential fumigants for termite control.