Communis Var Research Articles

A Comparative Morphological and Anatomical Study of Juniperus communis L., J. sibirica Burgsd., and J. pygmaea K. Koch from Bulgaria.

Of the six juniper species found in the Bulgarian flora, three of the species have controversial taxonomic positions. Juniperus pygmaea K. Koch and J. sibirica Burgsd. exhibit similar morphological characteristics to J. communis L. in terms of leaves and female cones (galbuli). This is one of the reasons why, in the recent taxonomic developments, J. pygmaea and J. sibirica were united in a common variety of J. communis, namely, J. communis var. saxatilis. However, such a grouping of species in the Flora of Bulgaria has not been adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the degrees of similarity or difference in the structure of the leaves, galbuli, seeds, and pollen of J. communis, J. sibirica, and J. pygmaea using the methods of comparative anatomy by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and complex morphological measurements. The working hypothesis of this study was that the three species would show a different degree of similarity with each other, which would clarify their taxonomic rank. The morphological parameters revealed differences between the length/width ratio of galbuli and seed length of the three species, while leaf characteristics (length and width) showed a stronger resemblance between J. sibirica and J. pygmaea. Furthermore, a greater distinction between the leaves and galbili of J. communis and J. sibirica was found. The SEM analyses showed variations in the seed shape and spermoderm among the three species. The shape of J. communis seeds was oval and elongated, while J. pygmaea seeds were pear-shaped, and J. sibirica seeds were triangular-rhombic. The length and height of striations were diverse on seed spermoderm in the three species. The epicuticular waxes of leaves, located on the tips of the anticlinal walls of the elongated epidermal cells in J. pygmaea and J. communis, were oval, while they formed raised comb-like crystals in J. sibirica. The morphological, anatomical, and SEM analysis affirmed the accepted taxonomic status of J. communis and J. sibirica as independent species within the Bulgarian flora. Based on most of the analyzed parameters, J. pygmaea exhibits significant similarity with J. sibirica. Additionally, the similar habitats of these two species support the determination of J. pygmaea as a variety or form of J. sibirica rather than J. communis (J. sibirica forma pygmaea).

COMPARISON OF SOME BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CATECHIN TANNIN CONTENTS OF TWO JUNIPERUS AND PRUNUS SPECIES

Objective: Qualitative and quantitative determination of catechin in fruits of J. communis var. saxatilis, J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, P. spinosa, and P. cerasifera was analyzed by LC-MS/MS using standards. Antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of fruit and cone extracts of these plants were evaluated. Qualitative analysis of secondary metabolites was also done. Material and Method: Antimicrobial activity was done with MIC. ABTS·+ and DPPH• scavenging activies were used antioxidant activity. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays were done for antidiabetic activity. Result and Discussion: JCS (IC50 = 578 ± 20 μg/ml), JOO (IC50 = 3706 ± 52 μg/ml), and PS (IC50 = 313 ± 7 μg/ml) extracts were observed to show a higher activity than acarbose (IC50 = 4061 ± 146 μg/ml). J. communis var. saxatilis fruit extract was observed with MIC values between (312.5 -2500 µg/ml) against all microorganisms. JCS extract has the highest phenolic composition and JOO has the lowest phenolic composition (µg GAE/ mg extract). JCS extract indicated the highest antioxidant activity. It was determined that plant containing the highest catechin (1173.3±5.77 ng/ml) and epigallocatechin (208±7.21 ng/ml) was JCS. In this research, it can be said that JCS with the highest tannin content shows the highest effects.

Are Environmental Factors Responsible for Essential Oil Chemotype Distribution of Balkan Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Populations?

Juniperus communis var. saxatilis is a short prostrate evergreen conifer that grows on dry hills in the mountain areas. In the Balkans, this taxon has a fragmented distribution. Both leaves and cones are rich in essential oils (EOs), which play an important role in plant interaction with the environment. Even though leaves and berries represent a significant source for humans and wildlife, there is no research on the genetic and EO variability in the region. In this paper, we analysed individuals from eighteen populations from the entire Balkan Peninsula. Three bioclimatic regions were identified, based on precipitation and temperatures. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data revealed high genetic variability, which is mostly located within the populations (91.7%). In total, 156 compounds representing 99.0% of total oil were detected and identified. Three chemotypes (ɑ-pinene, sabinene and δ-3-carene) were detected in all samples. While all chemotypes could be detected throughout the region, their distribution was correlated with environmental factors. The influence of environmental variables on EO composition and chemophenetics are discussed.

Chemical Investigation and Dose-Response Phytotoxic Effect of Essential Oils from Two Gymnosperm Species (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Pall. and Larix decidua Mill.).

The chemical composition of the liquid and vapor phases of leaf essential oils (EOs) obtained from two species of Gymnosperms (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Willd. and Larix decidua Mill.) was investigated using the SPME-GC-MS technique. The results highlighted a composition characterized by 51 identified volatile compounds (34 in J. communis and 39 in L. decidua). In both bloils, monoterpenes prevailed over the sesquiterpenes, albeit with qualitative and quantitative differences. Sabinene (37.5% and 34.5%, respectively) represented the two most abundant components in the liquid and vapor phases of J. communis, and α-pinene (51.0% and 63.3%) was the main constituent in L. decidua. The phytotoxic activity of the two EOs was assessed in pre-emergence conditions using three concentrations in contact (2, 5, 10 µL/mL) and non-contact (2, 20, 50 µL) tests against Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Poaceae) and Sinapis alba L. (Brassicaceae). Treatments were effective in a dose-dependent manner by significantly reducing the germination (up to 100% and 45–60%, respectively, with filter paper and soil as a substrate) and the seedling development (1.3 to 8 times) of both target species. Moreover, an exploratory survey on the residual presence of volatile compounds in the soil at the end of the tests was carried out.

Biology and biometric characteristics of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reared on different host plants with regard to diet.

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), native to the Americas, is a new invasive pest that was reported in India for the first time in May 2018. Being polyphagous, FAW can infest several different hosts and increase its population all year round. In this context, the present study was conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the biological parameters of FAW on four different hosts, Zea mays (maize), Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), Ricinus communis (castor) and Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (cauliflower), and a semi-synthetic diet. The shortest life cycle of 32.8 ± 0.52 days in males and 34.1 ± 0.43 days in females was observed on maize. Semi-synthetic diet was superior in terms of higher mean fecundity (1324.6 ± 61.21 eggs), larval weight (503 ± 0.02 mg), pupal weight (263 ± 0.01 mg) and adult female weight (128 ± 0.0mg) compared with natural hosts. Cotton was the least preferred host with a longer life cycle of 49.5 ± 0.50 days. Head capsule width and length were measured and the growth rate was validated using Dyar's rule. The mean width and length of the head capsule of first-instar larvae of FAW on different hosts was 0.35 ± 0.00 mm. The maximum width (2.76 ± 0.03 mm) and length (2.31 ± 0.03 mm) were observed in sixth-instar larvae grown on diet. The results of this study will be instrumental in understanding and formulating management strategies for FAW.

Efficacy of Ricinus communis L., Cassia occidentalis L. and Bacillus thuringiensis against Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Helicoverpaarmigera is one of the most destructive pests of field crops worldwide. The Study was designed to investigate through laboratory screening the insecticidal activity of Ricinus communis, Cassia occidentalis and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki (Btk) and their combinations against 2nd larval instar of H. armigera. Five concentrations (4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12%) of each plant extract and (0.62, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/ml) of Bt were used in this experiment. Mortality (%) was recorded after 24,48,72 and 96 hrs post treatment. The results showed that R. communis, C. occidentalis and Btkhave insecticidal activity against 2nd instar larvae of H. armigera. The highest concentration (12%) caused 80% and 70% larval mortality after 96 hrs for R. communis and C. occidental respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant differences between all treatments and control. Additionally, all combinations (plant/plant or plant/Bt) increased the mortality %. The results also clearly demonstrate that the R. communis are significantly more toxic than C. occidental where the LC50 values were 6.4 % for R. communis and 8.1% for C. occidental. On the other hand LC50 value for Bt was 0.41 mg/ml. The binary mixture of R. communis and C. occidental have a potentiation effect after 48 hrs. Regarding the mixture of Bt and plant extracts the results revealed that R. communis and Bt mixture induced a potentiation effect whereas C. occidental and Bt mixture induced a an additive effects.

Characterization of Fungal Surface Contaminants of the Small Maltese June Pear, Pyrus communis var. bambinella

Fungal pathogens cause surface contamination and potential premature fruit spoilage of bambinella, a fruit endemic to the Maltese islands, leading to the loss of fruit during the postharvest phase. The objective of this study was to isolate, quantify, and characterize fungal contaminants of the small Maltese June Pear and describe their growth kinetics. In total, 284 fungicide-free fruits were collected over three consecutive summers (2014, 2015, 2016). The isolated fungi were identified by using forward and reverse colonial morphology. Species identification was determined using PCR-based methods. The number of CFU per square centimeter of bambinella outer skin was calculated. Mycelium diameter growth rate studies of the isolates were also carried out at seven different temperatures, ranging from 5 to 35°C. Fungi isolated from bambinella included Cladosporium ramotenellum, Alternaria arborescens, Penicillium lanosum, Penicillium expansum, and Aspergillus sydowii, listed from the most abundant to the least abundant. The Rosso model was fitted to the growth kinetic data and showed that the optimal temperatures for growth of all five fungi were in the range of 20 to 22°C, whereas growth was slower at temperatures below 10°C and above 30°C. As observed in the diameter studies, the order of highest to lowest germination rate was found to be P. expansum, A. sydowii, P. lanosum, C. ramotenellum, and A. arborescens. Germination studies showed that the highest germination rate was observed for P. lanosum, followed by A. arborescens, C. ramotenellum, P. expansum, and A. sydowii, in descending order. The highest germination lag time was observed for A. arborescens, followed by C. ramotenellum, P. expansum, P. lanosum, and A. sydowii, in ascending order.

Comparative Analysis of Genetic and Morpho-Anatomical Variability of Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.)

Using genetic, anatomical, and morphological methods, a comprehensive study of the biological diversity of 27 natural populations of Juniperus communis L. across the main geographic range was carried out. The taxonomic status of the Caucasian variety J. communis var. oblonga was confirmed. In turn, as follows from chloroplast markers, the populations of this variety in the North Caucasus split into two parts, western and eastern. North American J. communis var. depressa and the Far Eastern J. communis var. saxatilis do not differ in morphological, anatomical, and nuclear markers, but differ in chloroplast markers, and are probably relative genetic lineages which, under similar environmental conditions, acquired convergent phenotypes. These varieties can only be distinguished using genetic methods. J. communis var. communis and J. communis var. saxatilis, growing in Europe and Asia, do not differentiate genetically, but demonstrate statistically significant differences with respect to a number of morphological and anatomical parameters of needles and the prevailing life forms. Therefore, it seems likely that these juniper varieties are ecotypes, which, growing under different environmental conditions, acquired differences in morphology and anatomy.

Ultrasonic-assisted modifications of macroporous resin to improve anthocyanin purification from a Pyrus communis var. Starkrimson extract.

The present study presents an attempt to modify the surface properties of macroporous resins (MRs) in order to improve anthocyanin adsorption and desorption from Pyrus communis var Starkrimson fruit peel extract. A number of MRs were tested to optimise the ultrasonic-assisted adsorption (UAA) conditions; including ultrasonic power (100-400 W), resin-to-extract ratio (1-3 g/50 mL) and temperature (20-40 °C). Similarly, varying ultrasonic-assisted desorption (UAD) conditions were optimised; including ultrasonic power (200-600 W), resin-to-solvent ratio (1-4 g/50 mL), ethanol concentration (60-90% v/v) and temperature (20-40 °C). The Amberlyst 15 (H) cationic resin was found to be superior to the other tested resins. The maximum adsorption capacity (659 µg/g) of cyanidin 3-galactoside (Cy 3-gal) was achieved under the optimised UAA conditions (400 W, 20 °C and 1 g/50 mL), while 616 µg/g of Cy 3-gal was recovered under the optimised UAD conditions (582 W, 1 g/50 mL, 60% and 20 °C). Moreover, titratable-acid and total-sugar contents were found to be significantly lower under UAA than under conventional-assisted adsorption (CAA). ANOVA revealed that process factors had significant effects on the Cy 3-gal purification, as depicted by their linear, quadratic and interactive effects. While anthocyanin adsorption was found to be significantly improved at lower ultrasonic power, higher power promoted the desorption process. Adsorption under optimized UAA conditions followed pseudo second-order kinetics and multilayer adsorption (Freundlich isotherm) onto the Amberlyst 15 (H) resin surface was observed. The particle-size distribution curve and scanning electron microscopic images also revealed higher resin-surface roughness, peeling and the appearance of pores on the surface under ultrasonication.This is the first study to use ultrasonication to modify a cationic exchange resin for the improvement of Cy 3-gal purification from a fruit extract. This study can recommend the use of ultrasonication as a low-cost green technique that can improve macroporous resin characteristics for better purification of compounds from an extract.

Seed Characteristics of Wild Pear Genotypes from the in situ Population of the Banja Luka Region

Wild pear (Pyrus communis var. piraster (L.) Ehrh.) is widely used as a generative rootstock for pear grafting. Seeds for the production of this rootstock should be taken from the registered mother plants. The aim of this research was to select mother plants in wild pear population from three localities (Banja Luka, Manjača, and Potkozarje). Fruit bearing regularity of selected trees was observed from 2012-2016, and the number of seeds per fruit was analysed in 2013, 2015 and 2016. Seed germinability and vitality analysis was carried out on 14 selected tress (genotypes). Seed germinability was tested according to the ISTA guideline. Seed vitality was determined by the tetrazolium test (TT). Accessions from Banja Luka locality expressed the highest fruit production. The highest number of seeds was determined in the genotypes marked as No. 6 and No. 21, amounting to 7.53 and 7.21 seeds, respectively. Seeds of the tested wild pears have shown good vitality. The highest seed vitality and germination of 92% was obtained from the accession No. 20. On the basis of the results, accessions marked with numbers: '6', '8', '20', '25', '31' and '32' can be used as mother plants for pear rootstock production.

The effect of Ricinus communis seeds extract on reproductive activity and blood values of male rabbits

Ricinus communis L. of Euphorbiaceae family is a widespread plant in tropical regions. It is used in traditional medicines as an anti- fertility agent in India and different parts of the world. The ether soluble portion of the methanol extract of R. communis var minor possesses anti-implantation, anti - conceptive and estrogenic activity in rats and mice when administered subcutaneously.The study was conducted on 10 local breed male rabbits, 1-2 years old, of 1-2 kg body weight. The animals were divided into two groups, control non – treated group and treated group in which animals were treated with single daily dose of 50 mg /kg b. wt. P.O. of decorticated and defatted castor seeds (DDCS) for 14 days. 28th day post treatment, animals were anesthetized by diethyl ether, sacrificed, abdominal cavity was open. The sexual organ (testes, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesical) weighed. In addition to take a biopsy from each one for histopathological changes. The study also included clinical and hematological parameters, in addition to sperm counts and the changes in sperm morphology.Body weight, body temperature increased significantly in treated males. While in non- treated group there were no significant changes. Respiratory rates and heart rate were none significantly changed in treated and non- treated males.Bleeding time none significantly increased in treated males, but increased significantly in none treated males. Clotting times decreased none significantly in treated and non- treated males. The blood parameters including, total erythrocytes count, hemoglobin concentration, PCV% , MCV, MCH, MCHC, total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts were either increased or decreased none significantly in both groups. The results revealed that the effects of exposure to extract of ricin for 14 days on reproductive efficiency of rabbits, exhibited Significant decrease in weights of testes, epididymis, tails, heads of epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate in treated males in comparison with those of non- treated males. While the body of epididymis did not show a significant changes.Significant decrease in live sperm numbers, number of sperms in epididymal head, in addition to deformities in high numbers of sperm, including enlarged or small sperms. breaks head, and its detachment, presence of two heads in one sperm, bifurcation of tail and its breaking, sperm coiling in samples from treated males in comparison with those from non-treated males.Histological changes were hyperplasia of lining epithelial cells and vacuolar degenerative changes, loss of spermatogenesis, and spermatocytes necrosis in those from treated males.

High Antimicrobial Efficacy, Antioxidant Activity, and a Novel Approach to Phytochemical Analysis of Bioactive Polyphenols in Extracts from Leaves of Pyrus communis and Pyrus pyrifolia Collected During One Vegetative Season.

Dried leaf samples of Pyrus communis L. var. 'Conference' and Pyrus pyrifolia Burm. f. (Nakai) var. 'Shinseiki' were subjected to the successful extraction procedures using various solvents, followed by filtering and/or drying liquid plant preparations under reduced pressure. As a result of this, for each Pyrus leaf sample examined, four dried residues were obtained, including methanolic (EA), ethyl acetate (EC), water (EB), and the residue obtained from aqueous solution (ED). Antiradical activity of these preparations was measured using the ABTS+• assay, and antimicrobial activity was examined using various strains of bacteria and yeasts. The highest antiradical activity was observed for EC from leaves of P. communis var. 'Conference' collected in May, but the highest average antibacterial activity was noted for EC residues from P. pyrifolia var. 'Shinseiki' collected in May. Antibacterial activity positively correlated with concentration of hydroquinone in extracts. No antifungal activity was observed for any extract. In addition, qualitative and quantitative analyses of active polyphenolic components in extracts from Pyrus were performed. Hydroquinone and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were analyzed using a new optimized method comprising reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-LC) coupled with simultaneous photodiode-array and fluorescence detection.

Effect of <i>in utero</i> exposure to <i>n</i>-hexane extract of <i>Ricinus communis</i> var. minor (RICOM 1013J) on postnatal foetal weight changes in Sprague-Dawley albino rats

In traditional medicine practice among the Bassa people of central Nigeria, the seeds of Ricinus communis (Var. minor) are widely used as anticonceptive agents. This study purposes to evaluate the effect of fetal in-utero exposure to extract of Ricinus communis (var. minor) on postnatal growth in rats. Eighteen (18) adult female rats in proestrous phase of the estrous cycle were divided into 3 groups and allowed to mate with males of proven fertility using a male: female ratio 1:3. Group 1 rats were injected subcutaneously on day 2 of pregnancy with 0.2ml of olive oil and served as control, while group 2 animals received 20mg/kg of the extract on day 2 of conception. The rats in group 3 were similarly administered 20mg/kg of the extract subcutaneously on days 2 and 5 of pregnancy. At birth, body weights of pups were taken on days 0, 7, 14 and 28. The results showed that in utero exposure to Ricinus communis var. minor (RICOM-1013-J) significantly decreased postpartum birth weight (p < 0.05) in the first week of life only, while Days 14 and 28 were normal compared to control. The study showed that in utero exposure to therapeutic doses of Ricinus communis var. minor do not have may have no adverse or deleterious effects on foetal development and postpartum growth in rats.Keywords: Ricinus communis; In-utero; n-Hexane; Postnatal; Foetal; Weight changes

Comparative study of <i>n</i>-hexane extract and emulsion formulation of a phytodrug (RICOM 1013-J) on the oestrous cycle of female Wistar rats

The seeds of Ricinus communis var minor (RICOM-1013-J) have been reported to prevent conception for a year, when taken as single oral dose of 2.5-2.7 g. In order to assess further the potency and anticonceptive effectiveness of RICOM-1013-J and to provide possible insight into its mechanism of action, the n-hexane extract and emulsion formulation of RICOM-1013-J was evaluated on the oestrous cycle of the Wistar rats. Both formulations of the drug distorted the oestrous cycle. The n-hexane extract distorted the oestrous cycle for a longer period at Dioestrous I (LI), Dioestrous II (LII) and Proestrous (N), while the emulsion formulation distorted the cycle for a longer period at Oestrous (E). There was also individual animal and group variation, which was phase dependent. It can therefore be deduced that the n-hexane extract of RICOM-1013-J had a more potent anticonceptive activity than the emulsion, which was phase dependent, but at varying degrees. This may be attributed to a slow release of the active principle in the emulsion formulation of the phytodrug.Keywords: Ricinus communis; RICOM-1013-J; n-hexane; emulsion formulation; anticonceptive; oestrous cycle

Neolignan glycosides from Spiraea salicifolia and their inhibitory activity on pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract from the roots of Spiraea salicifolia L. (Rosaceae) led to the isolation of one new neolignan glycoside, (7S,8R)-3,5-dimethoxy-4′,7-epoxy-8,5′-neolignan-3′,4,9,9′-tetraol 9-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), along with two known neolignan glycosides, (7S,8R)-3-methoxy-4′,7-epoxy-8,5′-neolignan-3′,4,9,9′-tetraol 9-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2) and (7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3). The structural characterisations of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data and comparison with the literatures reported on the chemical constituents from Juniperus communis var. depressa. All compounds were isolated for the first time from the Spiraea genus. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were subjected to assay inhibitory activity on pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and all the compounds showed anti-inflammatory effects.

The morphological properties of leaves, cones, seeds of some juniperus species native to Turkey

This work was designed to evaluate morphologic and micromorphological properties of leaf, cone and seed of some Juniperus species from Turkey: Juniperus drupacea (Caryocedrus section), Juniperus communis var. communis, Juniperus communis var. saxatilis, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa (Juniperus section). Features of Juniperus species of leaf, cone and seed are investigated by Leica S8 Apo digital photomicrograph system and Jeol JSM 6490LV scanning electron microscope. The leaves usually carry double stomatal band on the inner surface except that J. communis subspecies. The resin pits number on the seed surface is varied 1-11. This resin pits on the seed surface was not observed in J. drupacea

Chemical characterization, antioxidant, genotoxic and in vitro cytotoxic activity assessment of Juniperus communis var. saxatilis

Chemical composition and antioxidative, genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of essential oil (EO) and post-distillation waste (PDW) of Serbian Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pall. was studied in human lung carcinoma (A549) and normal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. GC-MS analysis identified 93.95% of total EO content and determined α-pinen as a dominant component (23.61%). LC-MS/MS analysis of PDW pointed at rutin (12.2 mg g−1) and quinic acid (11.1 mg g−1) as the most abundant. Antioxidativity of PDW was strong in DPPH (IC50 was 5.27 μg mL−1), and moderate in TBA and FRAP assays. Both substances were more cytotoxic to A549 than to MRC-5 cells. Obtained IC50 values were 69.4 μg mL−1 and 120 μg mL−1 for EO, and 1.27 mg mL−1 and 2.86 mg mL−1 for PDW, respectively. PDW was genotoxic (0.3 mg mL−1 and 1 mg mL−1 in A549 and MRC-5 cells, respectively) and induced apoptosis and arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase in A549 cells (0.3 mg mL−1). In mixtures with doxorubicin cytotoxicity of EO and PDW increased, and combination index values (0.12–0.18) revealed clear synergistic effect, stronger in cancer cells. This indicates that J. communis var. saxatilis could decrease the chemotherapeutic doses of doxorubicin, potentially reducing its side effects.

Characterization of myrtle seed (Myrtus communis var. baetica) as a source of lipids, phenolics, and antioxidant activities

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the oil and the methanolic extract of Myrtus communis var. baetica seed. The oil yield of myrtle seed was 8.90%, with the amount of neutral lipid, especially triacylglycerol, being the highest, followed by phospholipids and glycolipids. Total lipids and all lipid classes were rich in linoleic acid. The content of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and proanthocyanidins of the methanolic extract and the oil from myrtle seed was determined using spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant activities of the oil and the methanolic extract from myrtle seed were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, β-carotene–linoleic acid bleaching, and reducing power and metal chelating activity assays. In all tests, the methanolic extract of myrtle seed showed better antioxidant activity than oil. This investigation could suggest the use of myrtle seed in food, industrial, and biomedical applications for its potential metabolites and antioxidant abilities.

Essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of two Juniperus communis L. varieties growing wild in Serbia

The genus Juniperus L. (Cupressaceae) consists of ca. 67 species and 34 varieties. Juniperus communis L. grows on dry hills or mountainous tracts and is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere. A typical variety J. communis L. var. communis was collected in Deliblatska pescara (Deliblato Sands) and variety J. communis L. var. saxatilis Pall. in Kopaonik Mountain. Needle essential oils were obtained using Clevenger apparatus and analyzed using GC/MS and GC/FID. Antioxidant activity of essential oils was evaluated using DPPH assay. A total of 78 compounds were detected and identified. Both oils are characterized by high abundance of monoterpenes. The main constituents of J. communis var. communis essential oil were sabinene (39.4%), ?-pinene (13.3%), myrcene (4.7%) and terpinen-4-ol (3.7%), while J. communis var. saxatilis essential oil had ?-pinene (34.9%), sabinene (20.3%), ?-3-carene (6.4%) and germacrene B (6.3%) as the most abundant components. DPPH test showed IC50 values 0.66 mg/ml for J. communis var. communis and 0.32 mg/ml for J. communis var. saxatilis. Although antioxidant activity was weaker than used standards (BHT and L-ascorbic acid) it is still significant.

Variability of chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils between Myrtus communis var. Leucocarpa DC and var. Melanocarpa DC

Essential oils (EOs) from several individuals of Myrtus communis L. (M. communis) growing in different habitats in Sardinia have been studied. The analyses were focused on four groups of samples, namely cultivated and wild M. communis var. melanocarpa DC, characterized by red/purple berries, and cultivated and wild M. communis var. leucocarpa DC, characterized by white berries. Qualitative and quantitative analyses demonstrated different EO fingerprints among the studied samples: cultivated and wild leucocarpa variety differs mainly from the melanocarpa variety by a high amount of myrtenyl acetate (>200mg/mL and 0.4mg/mL in leucocarpa and melanocarpa varieties respectively). Conversely, the wild group is characterized by a higher amount, compared with the cultivated species, of linalool (about 110mg/mL and 20mg/mL respectively), linalyl acetate (about 24mg/mL and about 6mg/mL respectively) whereas EOs of the cultivated plants were rich in pinocarveol-cis compared with wild plants (about 2mg/mL and about 0.5mg/mL respectively). Principal component analysis applied to the chromatographic data confirm a differentiation and classification of EOs from the four groups of M. communis plants. Finally, antioxidant activity of the studied EOs shows differences between the various categories of samples.