Clevenger-type Apparatus Research Articles

The influence of soil properties on essential oil components of Hypericum perforatum L. growing in Turkey

Hypericum perforatum L. is a medicinally and commercially important plant with a long history of traditional use. It is used for conditions such as depression, wound healing, ulcers, and the common cold. The medicinal properties of H. perforatum are primarily attributed to its essential oil (EO). Various soil conditions, such as pH, soil texture (sand, silt, and clay content), nutrient content (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese), and organic matter, can influence the composition and concentration of EO in plants. In this study, these conditions were investigated aiming to understand the influence of soil’s physical and chemical properties on the EOs extracted from H. perforatum collected from various localities. Dried aerial parts of H. perforatum from 20 different locations in Eskişehir, Turkey, were hydrodistilled using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The EO components were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS systems. Soil samples were collected from the same 20 local habitats and subjected to physical and chemical analyses. The results were then correlated with the main EO components. GC-MS results identified 119 compounds, representing 71-96.6% of the volatiles in all samples. The findings revealed that specific soil parameters, including Mg, Ca, dust, lime, clay, and pH, had a significant impact on the yield and chemical composition of H. perforatum EO, particularly affecting the levels of α-pinene, caryophyllene oxide, 1-dodecanol, and 1-tetradecanol. Further research is needed to fine-tune these soil parameters in conjunction with other ecological factors to maximize the qualitative and quantitative yield of EO from H. perforatum.

Phytochemical variability in essential oils of Juniperus communis var. saxatilis populations grow wild in western Himalaya, India

Needle and berry samples of Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pall. were sampled separately during post rainy season to comparatively investigate the essential oil (EO) yield and phytochemical variability in eight populations grow wild in western Himalaya, India. The EOs obtained from air-dried needle and berry samples separately by hydrodistillation method using Clevenger type apparatus varied in yield with geographic origin of populations, ranged between 2.5-3.4% and 1.8-2.8% (v/w, dried weight basis), respectively. GC-MS analysis of EO profiles resulted in identification of a total ninety-four phytochemicals, representing over 95% of total oil content. Both, needle as well as berry EO samples were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons α-pinene (18.52-30.65% and 14.31-27.37%), D-limonene (17.01-28.96% and 15.80-29.70%), β-myrcene (3.74-5.59% and 4.12-14.23%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons β-elemene (0.86-4.13% and 0.77-3.65%) and germacrene D (0.27-2.57% and 0.20-6.15%), respectively. The oxygenated sesquiterpenes α-cadinol (0.34-5.90% and to 5.63%) and α-bisabolol (to 3.39 and 0.95-6.71%) constituted the third most abundant group of terpenes while oxidized monoterpenes with α-terpineol (0.73-2.17% and 0.10-3.51%) and α-terpinyl acetate (2.10-4.76% and 0.05-3.54%) were the least dominant group. The principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that selective local environmental forces driving the microhabitat conditions appeared to be linked to high variability in essential oil composition of different common Juniper populations instead of their geographical proximity. The present study revealed that common Juniper essential oils from western Himalaya, India fulfil minimum requirements of European Pharmacopoeia and warrants its further exploitation as a natural resource of commercial significance for dietary and therapeutic applications.

Seasonal Study Chemical Profiles and Bioactivities of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig Essential Oils: Nematicidal, Insecticidal, Phytotoxic, Antifungal Potentials, and Molecular Docking Insights.

Hedychium coronarium plant has attracted considerable attention from researchers due to its diverse phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological attributes of H. coronarium essential oils collected during different seasons in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The essential oils were extracted from the rhizomes using hydrodistillation with a Clevenger-type apparatus yielding between 0.07 % to 0.38 % (w/w). The major compounds identified by GC-MS analysis exhibited seasonal variations and included 1,8-cineole (26.6-38.5 %), coronarin E (11.9-18.8 %), α-pinene (5.00-14.9 %), α-terpineol (4.2-9.3 %), (E)-β-caryophyllene (1.2-9.7 %), and linalool (0.4-2.9 %). To illustrate the variations in oil composition, visualization techniques such as heat map and PCA were employed. The essential oils demonstrated potential biological activity in all tests conducted. The molecular modeling study indicated that the potential mechanism may be associated with acetylcholinesterase. Consequently, this study contributes to the development of novel natural pesticides.

Unraveling Water-Soluble Constituents of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in Relation to Their Toxicity and Anti-Typhoidal Activity in Mouse Models.

Plants are the major source of natural flavour ingredients reported for their wide applications in food and pharmaceuticals, oral care and wellness products, etc. We have investigated the water-soluble fractions (WSF) of basil tetraploid (O. basilicum L.) for their toxicity and biological potential against Salmonella Typhimurium, a pathogen causing around one million cases of illnesses in the United States every year. The WSF obtained using a Clevenger-type apparatus was further divided into two equal parts, one each for in-vivo toxicity evaluation and quality assessments, respectively. The proportions of major phenylpropanoid identified as meta-eugenol in the WSF were found in the range of 42.8-57.9%, which was substantially in higher proportion as compared to essential oil (20.9-23.0%). Based on sub-acute oral toxicity data, WSF has not shown any adverse effect with levels as high as 500 µL/25g body weight in Swiss albino mice. Besides, the WSF also exhibited a maximum reduction in bacterial load in mice infected with Salmonella Typhimurium in a dose-dependent manner. We have shown the biological potential of basil water-soluble fraction as an effective bacterial load-suppressing agent for the prevention of Salmonella infections in animal model.

Major Sesquiterpenoids in Psychotria laui Leaf Essential oil Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Properties

Objective: This study aims to investigate the chemical constituents and biological properties of the essential oil derived from Psychotria laui, a plant recognized for its medicinal applications, particularly in traditional Vietnamese medicine, where it is utilized for the treatment of digestive and inflammatory disorders. Methods: Fresh leaves of Psychotria laui were gathered in Quangtri, Vietnam, and subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus to obtain the essential oil. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant potential was measured using the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, while the inhibition of nitric oxide production was tested in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Cytotoxicity against the SK-LU-1 cell line (human lung adenocarcinoma) was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Results: The essential oil from Psychotria laui contained 78 distinct constituents. The major compounds identified were spathulenol (10.4%), thujopsan-2- α-ol (9.5%), 7- epi- α-eudesmol (6.5%), 14-hydroxy-9- epi-( E)-caryophyllene (4.4%), epi- α-cadinol (3.9%), α-muurolol (3.8%), 1- epi-cubenol (3.5%), and δ-cadinene (3.2%). The essential oil showed no antioxidant activity, with an IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) value greater than 500 µg/mL, in contrast to the positive control, L-ascorbic acid, which had an IC50 of 7.78 ± 0.39 µg/mL in the DPPH assay. However, its anti-inflammatory activity was evident by its ability to inhibit nitric oxide production, with an IC50 of 19.48 ± 1.53 µg/mL in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the essential oil exhibited potent cytotoxicity against the SK-LU-1 cancer cell line, with an IC50 of 8.49 ± 0.73 µg/mL in the SRB assay. Conclusion: The essential oil from Psychotria laui leaves contains numerous bioactive compounds and exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties, although it lacks antioxidant activity.

Impact of Microencapsulation on Ocimum gratissimum L. Essential Oil: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Activities, and Chemical Composition

Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is a species rich in essential oils (EO), which is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to encapsulate the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (OGE), determine its chemical composition, and evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against six pathogenic bacteria, comparing it with the free essential oil (OGF). The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and an oil-in-water emulsion was prepared using a combination of biopolymers: maltodextrin (MA), cashew gum (CG), and inulin (IN). The chemical profile was identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity with fluorescein (ORAC-FL) method, while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. Microparticles were formed using the spray-drying method, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 45.2%. The analysis identified eugenol as the main compound both before and after microencapsulation. The OGE microparticles demonstrated high inhibitory and bactericidal effects against S. aureus, S. choleraesuis, and E. coli, with MIC values of 500 µg·mL−1 and MBC values of 1000 µg·mL−1, as well as antioxidant activity of 1914.0 µmol-TE·g−1. Therefore, it can be inferred that the EO of OG maintained its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects even after microencapsulation by spray-drying, making it a promising natural ingredient.

Cytotoxic Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Artemisia biennis Essential Oils at Different Growth Stages

Background: The Artemisia genus is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly in Iranian traditional medicine. Artemisia biennis, a species within this genus, is widely distributed across Iranian rangelands. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity and chemical composition of essential oils (EO) isolated from the aerial parts of A. biennis in Iran at different growth stages. Methods: The aerial parts of A. biennis from northeast Iran were collected during June (early vegetative stage), July (pre-flowering stage), August (full-flowering stage), and October (late vegetative stage). The essential oils (EOs) of the A. biennis species were extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The cytotoxic activity of the EOs against normal fibroblasts, MCF-7, and HT-29 cell lines was evaluated using the MTT assay. Results: Data from GC/MS analysis revealed that (Z)-nerolidol (22.62 - 54.4%), (E)-β-farnesene (6.89-16.38%), and (Z)-tonghaosu (12.33 - 18.61%) were the most abundant chemical constituents. The essential oil (EO) of A. biennis was characterized by a high content of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with (Z)-nerolidol being the main constituent identified. Based on the MTT assay, the EO of the plant species collected in June exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (IC50 = 2.84 ± 0.15 µg/mL) and HT-29 cell lines (IC50 = 2.41 ± 0.2 µg/mL). Conclusions: The growth stage of A. biennis affects EO yields, the composition of extracted secondary metabolites, and cytotoxic activity. A. biennis EOs can be considered potential sources of cytotoxic phytochemicals.

Essential Oils from Phlomis longifolia Boiss. & C.I. Blanche. Aerial Parts (Flowers, Calyxes, Leaves): GC-MS Analyzes and Biological Properties

Objective/Background: Phlomis longifolia Boiss. & C.I. Blanche. is one of the significant medicinal plants extensively utilized in folk medicine in Syria. So, this study aimed to identify the chemical components with potential pharmacological properties of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of the Syrian P. longifolia plant for the first time. Methods: The aerial parts of the plant were collected from a mountainous area in Latakia Province, Syria. Subsequently, the essential oils were obtained using hydrodistillation with a yield of (0.14% for flowers, 0.075% for calyxes, and 0.19% for leaves) using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: A total of 63, 61, and 48 compounds, which represent (98.0%, 97.1%, and 97.9%) of the total oils, were identified for flowers, calyxes, and leaves, respectively. The major compounds identified in the flower's essential oil were: widdrol (29.8%), β-caryophyllene (9.7%), and (E)-nerolidyl acetate (5.8%). While in the calyx's essential oil were: (E)-nerolidyl acetate (8.6%), α-humulene (8.1%), and β-caryophyllene (7.7%). As for the leave's essential oil were: (E)-nerolidyl acetate (11.4%), β-caryophyllene (9.5%), α-amorphene (8.8%), caryophyllene oxide (6.7%), α-humulene (5.3%), and 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one (5.2%). Additionally, the majority of the identified compounds have various biological activities, according to the published literature. Conclusion: In this work, the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of P. longifolia was determined for the first time by GC-MS. Terpenes were the dominant chemical content of essential oils (83.3% for flowers, 72.7% for calyxes, and 80.9 for leaves), and sesquiterpenes had the highest concentration among them (77.3% for flowers, 65.7% for calyxes, and 77.1% for leaves). These compounds are known for their diverse biological activities and promote the use of such plants in phytopharmaceuticals.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Effects of Essential Oils from Origanum vulgare, Lavandula officinalis, and Syzygium aromaticum on Bacterial Strains through Gaseous Contact

Background: Hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, affect thousands of patients worldwide. In Algeria, these infections raise significant concerns and give rise to numerous questions due to hygiene deficits and non-compliance with preventive measures. Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Origanum vulgare, Lavandula officinalis, and Syzygium aromaticum, as well as their combinations, to discover new antibacterial and antifungal agents to combat nosocomial infections related to hospital and medical care environments. Materials and Methods: Essential oils were obtained by a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed using GC and GC/MS. The antimicrobial and antifungal activity was tested against several bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections in in-vitro tests using the gas contact method in sealed containers. Results: The essential oil extracted from S. aromaticum buds was primarily composed of eugenol (59.4%), E-β-caryophyllene (16.5%), and eugenyl acetate (10.5%). The analysis of the chemical composition of L. officinalis essential oil identified 1,8-cineole (22.8%), β-pinene (12.4%), and linalool (8.5%) as the main compounds. As for O. vulgare essential oil, its major components were carvacrol (72.6%) and thymol (10.5%). The results revealed that the essential oils of L. officinalis, O. vulgare and S. aromaticum, as well as their combinations, used at a concentration of 1/10, had a remarkable effect on the E. coli, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae strains. In contrast, they had a limited effect on the Gram-positive strain, S. aureus. The antifungal effectiveness of the essential oil of O. vulgare, as well as the combination of O. vulgare and S. aromaticum, has been remarkable against the C. albicans species, leading to a complete inhibition of yeast growth Conclusion: Our results indicate that our essential oils have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, which makes them particularly useful as disinfectants in health facilities and could be used as a valuable medicine to control nosocomial infections and avoid infections acquired during a stay in a health facility such as respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections.

Eugenol-Rich Essential Oils from Flower Buds and Leaves of Syzygium aromaticum Show Antifungal Activity against Candida and Cryptococcus Species

Plants from the Myrtaceae family are known to contain considerable quantities of volatile compounds, ranging from oxygenated monoterpenes to hydrogenated sesquiterpenes, and others, which exhibit antimicrobial activity. One such plant includes Syzygium aromaticum, which has been extensively used to treat a number of disorders, including bacterial and fungal infections. Thus, the scientific validation of the essential oil (EO) of Syzygium aromaticum vis-à-vis Candida and Cryptococcus species is valuable. To this end, the present study sought to investigate the antifungal activity of EO from S. aromaticum (clove) leaves and flower buds against Candida and Cryptococcus species. The antioxidant activity of S. aromaticum’s essential oils was also elucidated. The EO was extracted from fresh leaves and floral buds of S. aromaticum using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The as-prepared essential oils were further evaluated for antifungal activity against Candida and Cryptococcus species using a microdilution method. The phytochemical analysis of the EOs was assessed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activities of the EOs were evaluated using standard methods. As a result, the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of volatile compounds, such as eugenol (87.08%), β-caryophyllene (6.40%) and acetyleugenol (4.45%) as the major constituents of EO from the flower buds, and eugenol (90.54%) and β-caryophyllene (8.42%) as the major components of the leaf’s EO. The eugenol-rich essential oils exhibited significant antifungal effects against Candida species (common MIC value: 200 ppm) and Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC value: 50 ppm), as well as antioxidant activity. Overall, essential oils of S. aromaticum demonstrated antioxidant and antifungal effects, thus validating the ethnopharmacological use of this plant in the treatment of fungal infections. However, antifungal mechanisms of action, in-depth toxicity and in vivo experiments, and pharmacokinetics are warranted to support the use of this plant in ethnomedicine.

Wild Thymus zygis L. ssp. gracilis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.: Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils

Abstract Natural substances extracted from plants have been increasingly studied and recognized, recently. Essential oils (EOs), for example, possess antioxidant and antibacterial properties, enabling their application across different sectors like agro-food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In Morocco, exceptional plant diversity, mirroring the diversity of ecosystems, has not yet revealed all its secrets. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of EOs from Thymus zygis L. ssp. gracilis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. collected in the El Hoceima and Mamora regions, respectively. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation employing a Clevenger-type apparatus. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses identified 54 constituents representing 92.65% of the total for T. zygis and 55 components representing 99.60% for E. camaldulensis. The primary components found in the EO of T. zygis are δ-terpineol (27.64%), followed by δ-3-carene (15.7%), thymol (14.17%), and dehydrolinalool (4.99%). The main compounds in E. camaldulensis EO are 1,8-cineole (43.61%), γ-terpinene (11.71%), α-terpineol (10.58%), and p-cymene (4.93%). The antioxidant properties of these oils were investigated by utilization of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The antibacterial activity was assessed against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli). Both EOs showed significant antioxidant activity but were less effective than reference antioxidants quercetin and catechin. Antibacterial studies demonstrated strong activity of T. zygis and E. camaldulensis EOs against the studied bacteria, as well as good inhibitory properties (minimum inhibitory concentration).

Do Climate Conditions Affect the Quality of the Apiaceae Fruits’ Essential Oils?

This study investigated the impact of climate conditions on the quality of essential oils extracted from Apiaceae fruits, specifically coriander (Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum), aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), and annual caraway (Carum carvi var. annuum) grown at three distinct locations in Serbia over three consecutive years. Field experiments were conducted, and essential oils were extracted using a Clevenger-type apparatus followed by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis for compound identification. Weather conditions during the vegetation periods were recorded, and statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis, were performed to assess the volatile compound compositions. Results indicate significant correlations among various compounds within each fruit type, with distinct patterns observed across different years. PCA further elucidates the influence of both year and sampling location on the chemical profiles of essential oils. Cluster analysis reveals clustering primarily based on the year of cultivation rather than geographical location, emphasizing the dominant role of weather conditions in shaping essential oil compositions. This study highlights the intricate relationship between climate conditions and the quality of essential oils in Apiaceae fruits, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing essential oil production. In general, climate conditions strongly influence the coriander, anise, and annual caraway cultivation, and also essential oil quality.

Allelopathic Potential of Volatile Oils from Mentha piperita and Chrysanthemum coronarium Growing in Western Algeria

Background: The allelopathic effects of the essential oils of M. piperita and C. coronarium on seed germination of two wheat species qualify them as bio-herbicides. Objective: In order to search for natural plant-based products that may have herbicidal action, we selected two plant species, M. piperita and C. coronarium, to evaluate the allelopathic potential of their essential oils on wheat seed germination of two wheat species. Methods: Aerials parts of M. piperita and C. Coronarium were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus to extract essential oils, followed by characterization using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Bioassays were conducted with ethanol as the organic solvent, employing three concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 μl/ml of oil/ethanol) to assess their effects on the seed and seedling growth of two wheat species. Results: Under laboratory conditions, extracts of Mentha piperita and Chrysanthemum coronarium oils at varying concentrations (0.25 μl, 0.5 μl, and 0.75 μl) were examined for their effects on two wheat species (Triticum durum L. and Triticum aestivum L.). The yields of the obtained oils were 1.19% and 0.25%, respectively. The chemical composition of the essential oils extracted from M. piperita and C. coronarium was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes, representing 97.5% and 94.9%, respectively. The tested essential oils strongly inhibit seed germination and seedling growth (root length LR and shoot length LPA) of both wheat species studied. The inhibition increased as the oil concentration increased, although this increase differed between the two species. This study has shown that the tested essential oils possess an interesting inhibitory allelopathic potential. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the tested essential oils possess promising allelopathic properties, suggesting them as natural bio-herbicides.

Neuroprotective potentials of the essential oil of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxburg rhizomes in mice with cerebral malaria

BackgroundOne of the three principles that govern the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria (CM) is the activation of immunological and systemic inflammatory responses. Available reports have revealed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. rhizomes (CAEO). Therefore, CAEO may improve treatment outcome in CM induced mice. PurposeTo investigate the neuroprotective potentials of CAEO in mice induced with CM, when administered alone or in combination with quinine. MethodsThe CAEO was obtained by subjecting macerated rhizomes of Curcuma aeruginosa to hydro-distillation for 4 h using Clevenger-type apparatus. Swiss mice of either sex induced with CM were divided into 14 groups, namely: parasitized and quinine controls, CAEO (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and their corresponding combinations with quinine. The CAEO was administered once daily while quinine was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg stat, then 10 mg/kg bid. Non parasitized (n = 6) and parasitized controls were treated with vehicle (5 % tween 80 in distilled water). The progression of CM was daily monitored via parasitemia, weight, and SHIRPA functional and behavioural indices. Brains were harvested from surviving mice for histomorphological examination. Phytochemical profiling of CAEO was performed using GC–MS, and the detected phytochemicals were subjected to ADMET screening. ResultThe CAEO was mildly toxic, restored weight loss in mice with CM, showed potential to prolong the survival rate of mice with CM, acted synergistically with quinine in a dose-dependent manner as antiplasmodial agent, and showed neuroprotective potential in mice with CM, when used alone or in combination at lower doses. GC–MS analysis detected twelve phytochemicals, with good ADMET profiles, having potentials to have contributed to the observed biological effects. ConclusionAntiplasmodial and central nervous system protective activity of CAEO increased synergistically when used in combination with quinine. However, to prevent associated toxic effects, low dose combination is recommended.

A Comparison between Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil from Two Different Locations.

Tanacetum parthenium L. (Asteraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long-standing historical use in traditional medicine. Recently Tanacetum parthenium L. essential oil has been associated with a promising potential for future applications in the pharmaceutical industry, in the cosmetics industry, and in agriculture. Investigations on the essential oil (EO) have indicated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and repellent activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of Bulgarian T. parthenium essential oil from two different regions, to compare the results to those reported previously in the literature, and to point out some of its future applications. The essential oils of the air-dried flowering aerial parts were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was evaluated using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was established that the oxygenated monoterpenes were the predominant terpene class, followed by the monoterpene hydrocarbons. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences between both samples were revealed. Camphor (50.90%), camphene (16.12%), and bornyl acetate (6.05%) were the major constituents in the feverfew EO from the western Rhodope Mountains, while in the EO from the central Balkan mountains camphor (45.54%), trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (13.87%), and camphene (13.03%) were the most abundant components.

Essential oil of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Amomum sublatum roxb) as a natural food preservative for plum RTS

Ready-to-serve (RTS) drinks and fruit juices are crucial due to their high calorie, fiber, and vitamin content. However, their limited shelf life and rapid nutrient loss raise food safety concerns. Applied artificial preservatives may be allergic and cause adverse health effects on humans; consequently, worldwide concern about using natural preservatives instead of artificial ones. This study's main focus is to replace artificial preservatives by applying essential oils from black pepper (Bp) and cardamom (Cd) as natural preservatives in plum RTS drinks. The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger type apparatus and stored at 4 to 6 °C. Following, plum juice was extracted by a screw press juice extractor and afterward maintained at 0.3 % acidity and 15°-brix (°Bx) total soluble solid (TSS), finally, pasteurized at 90 °C for 10 min and stored at refrigeration temperature. After preparation of RTS, it was divided into four equal batches of 250 cm3 with no additives (A), 0.100 cm3 ethanol (B), samples C and D were prepared with 0.090 cm3 of ethanol and 0.010 cm3 of essential oils of Bp and Cd. The samples were stored at a refrigerated temperature of 4 to 6 °C and analysis of pH, % titratable acidity, mg of ascorbic acid, TSS, % total sugar, % reducing sugar, free radical scavenging activity (%RSA), total microbial count, and yeast-mold count were carried out at a fixed interval of 7 days for 28 days. Overall, significant variations were observed in the blank sample compared with the sample containing the essential oils of Bp and cardamom Cd during the storage period of 28 days. These findings highlighted valuable insights into the essential oils of Bp and Cd exhibit the preservative effect in plum RTS; ultimately, cardamom essential oil exhibits the best preservative effect on plum RTS.

Anxiolytic and sedative activities of the essential oil of the fresh young shoot of <i>Asparagus officinalis</i> L. in mice

Background: Asparagus officinalis L. is an edible plant that serve as a vegetable and medicine in different parts of the world, including CNS-related ailments.Objective: To evaluate the anxiolytic and sedative activities Asparagus officinalis L. fresh young shoot essential oil of Asparagus officinalis L. (EOAO) in mice.Method: The essential oil was obtained through hydro distillation using clevenger-type apparatus. The effect of EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) on anxiety was evaluated using the elevated plus maze and hole board test. The sedative effect of the EOAO (50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p., n=6) was evaluated using ketamine-induced hypnosis (100 mg/kg, i.p.).Results: The EOAO (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p.) and diazepam 1 mg/kg i.p., increased significantly (p < 0.01) the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) compared to the vehicle. There was significant increase in head dips (p < 0.01) at 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p. of the administered oil. The EOAO at 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.01 – 0.001) reduced the sleep latency when compared to the vehicle. At 50, 100 and150 mg/kg, i.p. the EOAO and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p < 0.01 - 0.001) prolonged the total sleeping time when compared to the vehicle.Conclusion: The study concluded that Asparagus officinalis L. essential oil possesses anxiolytic and sedative activities.

Insight into a traditional culinary practice: Late-stage addition of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) in Indian cooking system

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a food flavouring herb with strong coriander-like odour. The leaves are traditionally used for flavouring the curries, boiled items, soups in Indian subcontinent and added during the final stage of cooking. The current study aimed to validate this traditional culinary knowledge on the addition of spiny coriander leaves and provide a scientific insight into this practice. To pursue the objective, fresh leaves were subjected to simulated open and close-vessel cooking conditions in Clevenger-type apparatus and pressure cooker, respectively. An extensive loss (∼43 %) in volatile flavours occurred after 30 min of open-vessel boiling and similarly for close-vessel process (∼39 %). However, the volatile composition, exclusively dominated by fatty aldehydes, especially trans-2-dodecenal (>70 %) remained practically unaltered throughout this process; rejecting the possibility of considerable transformation or degradation. Thus, boiling process during cooking promoted the loss of aromatic flavours through evaporation and justified the late-stage addition of spiny coriander to preserve its key flavours.

КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННЫЕ И КАЧЕСТВЕННЫЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ЭФИРНОГО МАСЛА ИЗ СОЦВЕТИЙ И ЛИСТЬЕВ CANNABIS SATIVA СОРТА МАРИЯ, ПОЛУЧЕННЫХ РАЗНЫМИ СПОСОБАМИ ФЕРМЕНТАЦИИ

The purpose of the study is to evaluate samples of the Cannabis sativa plant for the possibility of using them as a source of essential oils. Objectives: to establish methods for hydrodistillation of essential oil from samples of Cannabis sativa variety Maria, obtained by different fermentation methods, to determine the most effective method for obtaining essential oil that meets the requirements for the mass fraction of essential oil and physicochemical parameters; to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the essential oil of the studied objects of research. The objects of the study are fresh leaves and inflorescences of Cannabis sativa variety Maria, collected in September 2023 from a plantation in the Sukhobuzimsky district of the Krasnoyarsk Region, and fermented leaves and inflorescences of Cannabis sativa variety Maria, collected from a plantation in the Ermakovo District of the Krasnoyarsk Region in 2021. Two methods were used for fermentation: natural and with specified parameters. The hydrodistillation process was studied on a standard Clevenger-type apparatus for 5 hours, the obtained samples of essential oils were studied by volume of output in accordance with the method of isola¬ting essential oils, quality indicators and the mass fraction of essential oils were determined. The volume of essential oil obtained in experimental samples directly depends on the time of the distillation process and the conditions of Cannabis sativa fermentation. The largest amount of hemp essential oil was obtained from fresh leaves and inflorescences of Cannabis sativa variety Maria (0.42 %) from the average value of the samples. The organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of the essential oil obtained as a result of fermentation meet the requirements for essential oils. The use of different methods of fermentation of leaves and inflorescences of Cannabis sativa affects not only the yield of essential oil, but also to a large extent its quality.

Biological Activities and Chemical Compositions of Prangos platychlaena Boiss. Essential Oil and Fractions, Multivariate Statistical Analyses.

In this research, essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of Prangos platychlaena Boiss. by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, separated into fractions having different polarities by column chromatography. Both essential oil and the fractions were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS simultaneously. Nona-3,5-diyne-2-yl acetate (46%) and 3,5-nonadiyne (13.5%) were found to be the main constituents of the essential oil. While the main components of the n-hexane fraction were characterized as 3,5-nonadiyne (45.6%) and germacrene B (16.4%), the major components of the methanol fraction were found to be nona-3,5-diyne-2-yl acetate (59.6%) and 3,5-nonadiyne-2-ol (25.9%). In addition, principal multivariate statistical analyses were performed with principal component analyses and Venn diagram calculations, utilizing chemical compositions of the essential oil and the fractions. Furthermore, in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil and the fractions were evaluated to correlate the chemical composition with the biological activity, and to the best of our knowledge, this study was performed for the first time in this aspect. LOX inhibitions of the essential oil, n-hexane, and methanol fractions were determined to be 70.98 ± 1.7, 67.10 ± 2.5, and 50.11 ± 4.8%, respectively. Preliminary initial findings of this study will be extended in the future with new biological assays.