Berry Oil Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Plant Components in Complex Therapy for Acute Female Cystitis

It is well known that phytotherapy as a method of treatment and prevention of diseases with the use of medicinal plants and their extracts has a positive effect not only on the organ, but also on the whole body as a whole. The objective: to analyze the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of a combined herbal remedy, which includes such active ingredients as castor oil (Castor oil), α-pinene, peppermint oil (Mentha piperita oil), extract of common nettle grass (Leonuri cardiacae), juniper berry oil (Juniperus oil), Ammi dental extract (Ammi visnaga), chamomile flower extract (Matricaria chamomilla), in young women with acute cystitis (AC). Materials and methods. 50 outpatient women with AC aged 18 to 35 years (average age – 25.9±6.1 years) took part in the study. The diagnosis was established on the basis of complaints, the results of the acute cystitis symptom score (ACSS), anamnesis data, physical examination and was confirmed by laboratory tests, clinical and biochemical blood tests were performed, and indicators of immune status were determined. The patients were divided into two groups of 25 people each. The groups were comparable in terms of age, severity of clinical symptoms, and laboratory parameters. Patients of the control group received a standard course of antibacterial therapy for 7 days. Women in the main group additionally took the combined herbal preparation at a dose of 1 capsule twice a day for 30 days and then for another 60 days at a dose of 1 capsule once a day. Follow-up visits were in 7 days after the first and 1 and 3 months after the start of therapy. During the study, the dynamics of complaints, the results of the ACSS questionnaire and laboratory analyzes of urine and blood were evaluated, and indicators of immune status and parameters of the oxidative stress-antioxidant status system were determined. Results. After a course of etiotropic treatment it was determined that the average duration of AC symptoms in patients of the control group was 1.67 times longer than in women of the main group (p<0.05). After a month of using the combined herbal preparation, stabilization of the antioxidant protection system was observed, namely: indicators of oxidative stress in the main group were significantly more positive than in the control group (p<0.01); indicators of the antioxidant system reached the norm and had significant differences compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the main group, an increase in the functional reserve of phagocytic cells was observed, a pronounced increase in the number of cells capable of phagocytosis was determined, and the absorptive activity of neutrophils was also significantly greater than in the control group (p<0.05). During the 3-month prophylactic course of treatment with the herbal preparation, the absence of recurrent disease was found in 96% of patients in the main group, in contrast to women in the control group, where the absence of reinfection was determined in only 72% of patients (p<0.05). Conclusions. The use of a combined herbal preparation in a dose of 1 capsule 2 times a day in addition to the standard therapy of acute cystitis (AC) in women reliably shortens the duration of clinical symptoms and promotes faster clinical and laboratory recovery. After 30 days of use there is a normalization of indicators of oxidative stress, antioxidant protection and phagocytic activity of neutrophils. Complex therapy of AC with the inclusion of herbal medicine for 3 months is associated with significantly fewer cases of reinfection of the urinary tract compared to treatment without herbal therapy.

Amazon potential: technological prospect on the use of acai oil (Euterpe oleracea) in the development of bioproducts in the last decade (2014-2023)

The acai oil, extracted from Euterpe oleracea, has a wide range of promising biological activities, being produced on a large scale in Brazil, mainly in the Amazon region. Studies highlight its health benefits, including antimicrobial activity, anticancer action, antiatherogenic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hypertriglyceridemic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive. Acai berry oil also shows potential in technological production. This technological prospecting was carried out between 2014 and 2023 to identify patents related to its use. 15 patent registrations were found, with applications in various sectors such as food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics. Brazil's supremacy in this field, especially by higher education institutions, reflects the country's scientific and innovative potential, highlighting the fundamental role of universities and research centers in generating applied knowledge and in the search for sustainable solutions. It is essential to continue supporting and encouraging research and innovation, promoting strategic partnerships between academia, industry and government, so that the knowledge generated contributes effectively to social, economic and environmental progress, both in Brazil and globally.

Chemical Compositions and Essential Fatty Acid Analysis of Selected Vegetable Oils and Fats

The fatty acid (FA) compositions of thirty-nine vegetable oils and fats, including nangai nut, pili nut, shea butter, tamanu oil, baobab, sea buckthorn berry, Brazil nut, grape seed, black seed, evening primrose, passion fruit, milk thistle, sunflower, pumpkin seed, sesame, soybean, flax seed, kukui, red raspberry seed, walnut, chia seed, hemp seed, rosehip, almond, avocado, carrot seed, moringa, apricot kernel, camellia seed, macadamia, olive, marula, argan, castor, jojoba, pomegranate seed, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut, roasted coconut, canola, and mustard oil, were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Vegetable oils and fats have different profiles in terms of their fatty acid composition, and their major constituents vary significantly. However, we categorized them into different classes based on the percentages of different fatty acids they contain. The saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid and stearic acid, and the unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, are the main categories. Among them, roasted coconut oil contained the greatest amount of saturated fatty acids followed by nangai nut (45.61%). Passion fruit oil contained the largest amount of linoleic acid (66.23%), while chia seed oil had the highest content of linolenic acid (58.25%). Oleic acid was exclusively present in camellia seed oil, constituting 78.57% of its composition. Notably, mustard oil had a significant presence of erucic acid (54.32%), while pomegranate seed oil exclusively contained punicic acid (74.77%). Jojoba oil primarily consisted of (Z)-11-eicosenoic acid (29.55%) and (Z)-docos-13-en-1-ol (27.96%). The major constituent in castor oil was ricinoleic acid (89.89%). Compared with other vegetable oils and fats, pili nut oil contained a significant amount of (E)-FA (20.62%), followed by sea buckthorn berry oil with a content of 9.60%. FA compositions from sources may be problematic in the human diet due to no labeling or the absence of essential components. Therefore, consumers must cast an eye over some essential components consumed in their dietary intake.

Insights on Juniperus phoenicea Essential Oil as Potential Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Antioxidant Candidate.

In this study, the anti-cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) of berries and leaves of Juniperus phoenicea grown wild in North of Tunisia were investigated. The EO yields from leaves and berries were 1.69% and 0.45%, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that α-pinene is the predominant component in both EOs (44.17 and 83.56%, respectively). Leaves essential oil presented high levels of β-phellandrene (18%) and camphene (15%). The EOs displayed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cell, HT-29 colon cancer, and the normal cells H9C2 cardiomyoblasts. Leaves oil strongly inhibited colon cell line proliferation (IC50 of 38 µg/mL), while berries essential oil was more potent against breast cancerous cells MCF-7 (IC50 of 60 µg/mL). Interestingly, berries essential oil exhibited high ability to inhibit melanin synthesis by inhibiting enzyme mono and diphenolase activities. Overall, the results suggested that the two oils are significant sources of healthy natural chemicals.

Rapid determination of the storage time of cold-pressed berry seed oils using flash gas chromatography E-Nose coupled with chemometrics

Since oils containing a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids are susceptible to oxidation, it is necessary to monitor the degree of deterioration during storage, e.g. by measuring the volatile compounds. This study aimed to assess volatile profiles of berry seed oils in terms of the authenticity and the deterioration assessment using flash gas chromatography (FGC E-Nose) combined with chemometrics. Berry seed oils (raspberry, blackcurrant, strawberry, chokeberry), obtained from three different suppliers and stored for a one year in brown bottles at room temperature, were analysed after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of storage. Principal component analysis enabled separation of oil samples by different berry types, suppliers and storage times. To predict the storage time, partial least square (PLS) models were built for each type of berry oil. Determination coefficients (R2) in cross-validation ranged from 0.842 (RMSECV = 1.69 months) to 0.969 (RMSECV = 0.75 months). Selecting the specific regions of chromatograms improved the residual prediction deviation (RPD) to values between 2.8 and 5.7, which indicated the suitability of the PLS models to predict the storage time in the quality control of berry oils.

Efficacy of different lures for Phloeosinus aubei and other native and exotic bark and ambrosia beetles

AbstractPhloeosinus aubei is invasive in Central Europe, spreading northward from the Mediterranean region because of climate change. P. aubei has the potential to become a pest of mature, naturally occurring juniper trees (Juniperus communis) in protected areas, as well as junipers, thujas and cypresses in nurseries and urban environments. In 2020 and 2021, we conducted two experiments to compare various lures for trapping P. aubei. In the first experiment, we compared four lures: α‐pinene; turpentine; a mixture of cade oil, juniper berry oil and ethanol; and a juniper branch (8–10 cm long, 3–5 cm wide) deployed with ethanol. In the second experiment, we compared Hostowit® with a juniper branch (8–10 cm long, 3–5 cm wide) deployed with ethanol. In both experiments, juniper branches deployed with ethanol attracted a greater number of P. aubei beetles compared to the other lures. In total, we captured 1056 individuals belonging to 36 species of Scolytinae. Among the most abundant species, Xyleborinus saxesenii, Xyleborus monographus and Anisandrus dispar were lured by ethanol in combination with other substances or deployed with juniper branches. Xyleborus dryographus showed a positive association with turpentine. Ips typographus was positively associated with α‐pinene, while Orthotomicus laricis, Hylastes attenuatus and Gnathotrichus materiarius were positively associated with Hostowit® lure.

Optimization of oil extraction from Hippophae salicifolia berries using supercritical CO2: Assessment of physicochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial, and thermal properties

The oil of Hippophae salicifolia berry contains valuable phytochemicals such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and essential fatty acids, which inhibit microbial growth, chelate metals, and scavenge free radicals. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is an eco-friendly alternative approach that allows quicker extraction at a reduced temperature. Parameters of SC-CO2 extraction of oil from H. salicifolia berries were optimized to obtain the best oil yield with maximum β-carotene and total tocopherol contents. The optimum extraction condition was found to be 27.02 MPa, 48.46 °C, 16.45 g/min. Extraction at optimum condition resulted in 12.82 ± 1.4% oil yield with 126.67 ± 2.9 mg/100 g oil β-carotene and 679.42 ± 1.3 mg/100 g oil total tocopherol. SC-CO2 and Soxhlet extracted oils contain 42.98% and 41.14% palmitoleic acid, respectively. the total phenolic content of SC-CO2 and Soxhlet extracted oils was 30.13 ± 1.1 mg GAE/g and 24.59 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of SC-CO2 oil (1.09 ± 0.06 mg/mL) in the DPPH assay was higher than Soxhlet extracted oil (1.22 ± 0.07 mg/mL). SC-CO2 and Soxhlet extracted oils demonstrated the highest bactericidal activity against S. aureus, with ZoI values of 8.5 ± 0.7 mm and 7 mm, respectively. SC-CO2 extracted oil demonstrated lower thermal stability up to 185 °C but stronger mechanical stress resistance than Soxhlet extracted oil. SC-CO2 extraction of sea buckthorn berry oil is a viable alternative to traditional solvent extraction for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Optimization of the Spray-Drying Encapsulation of Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray-drying parameters on the physicochemical properties of encapsulated sea buckthorn berry oil. Different carriers (gum arabic, β-cyclodextrin, and their mixture (1:1, w/w)), inlet air temperatures (120, 150, and 180 °C), and carrier-to-oil ratios (2, 3, and 4, w/w) were evaluated. The obtained powders were characterized in terms of the product yield (36.79-64.60%), encapsulation efficiency (73.08-93.18%), moisture content (0.23-3.70%), hygroscopicity (1.5-7.06 g/100 g), solubility (19.55-74.70%), bulk density (0.25-0.44 g/L), total carotenoid content (mg/100 g dm), and antioxidant capacity (871.83-1454.39 μmol TE/100 g dm). All physicochemical properties were significantly affected by the carrier-to-oil ratio and inlet air temperature. Higher carrier-to-oil ratios increased the product yield, encapsulation efficiency, solubility, and bulk density and decreased the powder hygroscopicity. Elevating the drying temperatures during spray drying also increased the product yield, encapsulation efficiency, and solubility, while it decreased the powder moisture content, total carotenoid content, and antioxidant capacity. Based on the physicochemical properties, the use of β-cyclodextrin as a carrier, a drying temperature of 120 °C, and a carrier-to-oil ratio of 4 were selected as optimal conditions for the production of sea buckthorn berry oil powder. The obtained powder is a valuable material for a wide range of applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Screening of the Acaricidal Activity of Essential Oils against Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), is an important pest of citrus in China, where pesticides are commonly used in citrus orchards. In order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides against P. citri and the development of resistance, the screening of biological control agents has attracted the attention of students. In this study, seven plant essential oils with high toxicity were selected from 40 plant essential oils by the leaf-dip bioassay, including plant essential oils of lemongrass, patchouli, juniper berry, sage, clove, frankincense, and citrus. The LC50 after 72 h treatment were 3.198 μL/mL, 8.312 μL/mL, 3.244 μL/mL, 6.701 μL/mL, 8.350 μL/mL, 21.953 μL/mL, and 8.788 μL/mL, respectively. According to the LT50, the essential oils’ acute toxicity to P. citri from high to low were lemongrass, juniper berry, patchouli, citrus, sage, vetiver, and frankincense essential oils. In general, lemongrass and juniper berry essential oils have the best acaricidal effect and have high application value for the biological control of P. citri, which provides a basis for the development of botanical acaricides.

Evaluation of the in vitro cryopreservative performance of Juniper berry oil (Juniperus communis) on frozen-thawed bull semen

This study aimed to reveal the effects of juniper (Juniperus communis) berry oil (JB) when added to the Tris extender, on bull (Holstein) sperm motility characteristics, abnormal sperm ratio, DNA fragmentation and some oxidative stress markers. The pooled ejaculate was divided into five equal parts as control (C) and Tris diluent containing 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/ml JB. Diluted semen was incubated at 4 °C for 4 h and then frozen in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C). After freezing-thawing, motility characteristics were determined using a sperm analyzer system. The results showed that the 25 μg/ml dose of JB had an improving effect on overall sperm motility (P < 0.05). The total abnormal spermatozoa ratio was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). The JB25 and JB50 groups had higher DNA integrity than the other groups (P < 0.05). This finding was supported by low malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05). Especially the 25 μg/ml dose of JB was found to have a remedial effect on DNA integrity, as well as increasing progressive and total motility rates. This study has revealed new information on the effects of JB on bull semen cryopreservation. Juniper berry oil may be used as an antioxidant in bull semen freezing.

Therapeutic potentials associated with biological properties of Juniper berry oil (Juniperus communis L.) and its therapeutic use in several diseases – A Review

Juniperus communis L. is a plant that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It grows as either a shrub or small tree and is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including northern Europe, Asia, and America. The berries are an efficient source of several bioactive structures. This review article will focus on the current status of the therapeutic use of juniper berry essential oil, which is presently indicated as a herbal medicinal treatment for dyspepsia. Interest in plant-based medicinal products is growing, and therefore it is important that accessible, up-to-date research is available to patients. Many plants are a natural source of therapeutic structures and can therefore often provide an alternative to synthetic pharmacology. A main constituent of juniper berry oil is α-pinene, a highly active structure which has been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to possess several biological activities. This review sums up the available reports and indications which describe the function and value of juniper berry essential oil and especially, the constituent α-pinene as a potential candidate in several disorders and inflammatory conditions.Keywords: Juniperus communis, dyspepsia, juniper berry oil, Antioxidant activity, Antibacterial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity

Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil from Ripe Berries of Juniperus oxycedrus L. Against Multi-drug Resistant Pathogens Responsible for Skin Infections in Burn Patients

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil of ripe berries of Juniperus oxycedrus L. against multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, which were isolated from wound infections among burn patients. The isolation of essential oil was carried out by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In vitro antibacterial activity was determined by the disc diffusion method against the bacterial isolates. The chromatographic analysis revealed that the chemical composition of the essential oil is dominated by monoterpenes (75.40%), among which α-pinene was detected at 56.39%. The predominant strains of bacteria isolated from the infected wounds included Staphyloccocus aureus (35.29%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.64%), Proteus mirabilis (14.70%), Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus epidermidis at the same level (11.76%), while Acinetobacter baumannii was found to be the least with only at 6.67%. These isolates showed high resistance to at least three different classes of the challenged antibiotics. J. oxycedrus L. essential oil has strong antibacterial activity against all the tested strains. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed for Staphylococcus epidermidis (1.25 μL/mL), while the highest MIC was observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanii (5 μL/mL). These findings confirm that essential oil isolated from J. oxycedrus could be used to treat or prevent infections in patients suffering from burns.

The Effect of Essential Oils on the Survival of Bifidobacterium in In Vitro Conditions and in Fermented Cream

Essential oils derived from plant materials are a mixture of compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties. Due to their distinct aroma, they also serve as a desirable natural additive for various food products, including dairy products. In this study, the essential oils of lemon peels, clove buds, and juniper berries were obtained by steam distillation and characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to determine their chemical compositions and effects on the viability of seven Bifidobacterium strains. Furthermore, the effect of essential oils on the viability of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was investigated in cream samples during fermentation and after storage for 21 days at 6 °C. The fatty acid composition of fat extracted from essential oils containing sour cream samples and the volatile aroma compound profile of the sour cream samples were also determined chromatographically. Among the 120 compounds identified, monoterpene hydrocarbons were dominant in the essential oils of lemon peels (limonene and γ-terpinene) and juniper berries (sabinene and β-myrcene), while eugenol and eugenol acetate were abundant in the essential oil of clove buds. In addition to these compounds, butanoic and acetic acids were found in the tested sour cream samples. In turn, fat extracted from these samples was rich in saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic acid. Among the tested strains of the genus Bifidobacterium, B. animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was the most sensitive to the essential oils of clove and juniper, as indicated by the larger growth inhibition zones. However, both the concentration and type of essential oils used had no effect on the number of cells of this strain present in the cream samples immediately after fermentation and after its 21-day storage, which suggests that the tested essential oils could be a natural additive to dairy products.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the fruits of Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (litsea berry oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the fruits of Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (litsea berry oil), when used as a sensory additive (flavouring) in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that litsea berry oil is safe up to the maximum proposed use level of 125 mg/kg complete feed for ornamental fish. For the other species, the calculated safe concentration in complete feed are 11 mg/kg for chicken for fattening, 16 mg/kg for laying hen, 14 mg/kg for turkey for fattening, 19 mg/kg for piglet, 23 mg/kg for pig for fattening, 28 mg/kg for lactating sow, 48 mg/kg for veal calf (milk replacer), 43 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goat and horse, 28 mg/kg for dairy cow, 17 mg/kg for rabbit, 47 mg/kg for salmon, 50 mg/kg for dog and 8.5 mg/kg for cat. The FEEDAP Panel also concluded that the use of litsea berry oil at the maximum proposed use level in water for drinking of 1 mg/kg is safe for all animal species. Simultaneous use in feed and water for drinking may lead to the maximum safe dose being exceeded. No concerns for consumer safety were identified following the use of the additive up to the highest safe use level in feed for the target animals. The essential oil under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of the additive in animal feed under the proposed conditions was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Litsea berry oil is recognised to flavour food. Since its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Changes in volatile compound profiles of cold-pressed berry seed oils induced by roasting

This study aimed to compare the volatile compounds of cold-pressed oils obtained from unroasted and roasted chokeberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, and strawberry seeds using comprehensive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-ToFMS). It is found that the seed type used and chemical composition affected the final aroma of berry oils. The volatile profiles of all berry oils from both unroasted and roasted seeds were dominated by nonheterocyclic chemical class (89% of the total volatiles) with esters predominant (32% of total nonheterocyclic compounds). Unroasted raspberry and blackcurrant cold-pressed seed oils had a less complex volatile profile, and showed similarities between them and differences to chokeberry and strawberry seed oils. Chokeberry seed oil was characterized by the highest levels in ethyl propanoate, methylbutyl acetate, benzaldehyde, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, acetoin, 3-penten-2-one, benzyl alcohol and strawberry seed oil by methyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, methyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-penten-3-one, and 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol. N-containing and furanic-containing compounds contributed about 5% and 4%–16%, respectively, of total amount of volatiles after seed roasting. Roasting was critical for increasing the concentration of compounds derived from lipid peroxidation, especially in blackcurrant seed oils. Profiling volatiles using SPME-GC × GC-ToFMS might be helpful in evaluating oils quality.

Exposure of Corynebacterium striatum to juniper berry oil results in a reduced-susceptibility population

Abstract The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms is a threat to global health and food security. As antibiotics become unable to eliminate disease-causing organisms, new compounds will need to be utilized. The use of essential oils as antimicrobials has been practiced for centuries, yet very little information about the ability of microorganisms to acquire resistance to these oils is available. In this study, we report on the generation of a juniper berry essential oil reduced-susceptibility population in Corynebacterium striatum.

Chemical composition and quality of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry processing products

Research on the quality of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry processing products was done at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy in 2019. For the studies, the juice was squeezed from the defrosted sea buckthorn berries, and was stored in the refrigerator until separated into three fractions: solids, oil (oil No. 1) and juice. The berry cake remaining after squeezing the juice was dried and filled with unrefined sunflower oil. After 2 weeks, the oil (oil No. 2) was separated from the cake. The aim of the research was to determine the chemical composition and quality indices of sea buckthorn berry processing products. The content of soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C and total carotenoid content were determined by standard methods in sea buckthorn juice, solids, berry press cake and in oil No. 1 and No. 2. The acid value, iodine value, peroxides value, induction period and colour of sea buckthorn berry oil No. 1 and No. 2 were determined. The research data were analysed by the factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). Arithmetical means and standard deviation of the data were calculated. Statistical reliability was assessed by Fisher’s LSD test (P < 0.05). The results showed that the solids had 1.3-fold higher soluble solids content, 1.1-fold higher vitamin C, 2.5-fold total carotenoid content and 1.0-fold higher titratable acidity compared to juice. Oil No. 1 was characterized by a 1.88-fold bigger content of vitamin C and 2.9-fold higher titratable acidity. The total carotenoid content was 8.7% higher in oil No. 2. Oil No. 1 was less resistant to oxidative degradation because the induction period of this oil was shorter by 0.45 h and for a 26% higher amount of free fatty acids. However, a 12% higher peroxide content was found in oil No. 2. Oil No. 1 was brighter; the intensity of red and yellow colour of this oil was more intense.

Antiproliferative, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Cedrus libani and Pinus pinea wood oils and Juniperus excelsa berry oil

In this paper we report the analysis of essential oils from the woods of C. libani and P. pinea and from the berries of J. excelsa. Several differences were observed with respect to previous studies. In particular, the wood of C. libani was mainly characterized by sesquiterpenes with himachalenes isomers, (E)- and (Z)-α-atlantones and α-acorenol (7.0%) as most representative compounds; in P. pinea wood oil and J. excelsa berries oil were observed differences mainly among the minor components with different isomers of some specific compounds not previously recognized. The oils were assessed in selected bioactivity tests. C. libani wood oil resulted the most active in both the antioxidant and cytotoxic (against human A375 malignant melanoma, human MDA-MB 231 breast adenocarcinoma and human HCT116 colon carcinoma cell lines) tests; on the other hand in the antimicrobial assay it was observed a different susceptibility of different bacteria to the different oils. All the oils exerted a remarkable activity against the yeast Candida albicans. Taken together, these results support some of the traditional uses of these three plants in the Mediterranean area and give evidence of their potential on an industrial level.

Characterization of the Volatile Components of Essential Oils of Selected Plants in Kenya.

Essential oils are secondary metabolites that plants produce for protection from pests and predators, attraction of pollinators, and seed dispersal. The oils are made up of a mixture of compounds that give a characteristic flavour and odour. Currently, essential oils are receiving great attention in research for their phytochemical and antimicrobial activities. However, there is scanty information on the chemical composition of many plants. This study provides a detailed analysis of the chemical composition of essential oils of ginger, garlic, tick berry, and Mexican marigold in Kenya. The essential oils were extracted by steam distillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The study identified a total of 52 different chemical classes from the essential oils of the four different plants that were analysed. Their percentage composition was also found to vary between the test plants. The essential oils of Mexican marigold constituted the highest composition of the identified chemical classes at 71.2%, followed by ginger at 55.8%, while both tick berry and garlic oils constituted 53.8% of the total classes identified. Terpenes constituted the highest composition in the essential oils of all the four test plants. Other major chemical classes included esters, ketones, organosulfurs, alkanes, cycloalkanes, steroids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and alkanols. Some of these chemical compounds have been shown to have a huge utility potential in biopesticides, pharmaceutical, and food industries, and hence, their industrial extraction and purification from the essential oils of these plants are recommended.

Chemical composition and in vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from different species of Juniperus (section Juniperus)

AbstractThe essential oils (EOs) obtained from leaves belonging to three species of Juniperus (section Juniperus) collected in different localities of Italy (six samples of J oxycedrus, one sample of J deltoides and three samples of J macrocarpa), as well as three samples of commercial EOs extracted from Juniperus communis berries, were analysed for their volatile constituents by GC‐MS. The antimicrobial activity of these EOs was tested against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica Tiphymurium) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) ATCC strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The volatile leaf and berry oils were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (from 39.7% of J oxycedrus to 79.0% J macrocarpa) characterized by high amounts of α‐pinene (an average of 41.3%, 43.0% and 27.6% in J macrocarpa, J oxycedrus and J communis, respectively). On the contrary, limonene was the most abundant compound (20.0%) in J deltoids. The Gram‐positive bacteria evidenced a sensitivity versus EOs extracted from J oxycedrus and J communis, while a moderate susceptibility was showed against J macrocarpa EO J deltoides EO showed the lowest activity between the tested EOs against all the tested strains.