Composition Of Essential Oil Research Articles

Chemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory Effect, and Molecular Docking of Essential Oils Extracted From Illigera celebica Hance. (Hernandiaceae).

Illigera celebica Hance is an evergreen climber found in China and Southeast Asia. This study investigates the chemical composition, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity, and molecular mechanisms of essential oils from I. celebica in Vietnam. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 20 compounds, mainly aldehydes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Leaf oil was dominated by dodecanal (65.9%), while khusimone (31.5%) was the major compound in stem oil. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the oils showed significant NO inhibition, with IC50 values of 26.43±1.84µg/mL (leaf) and 34.41±1.42µg/mL (stem). Molecular docking (AutoDock Vina 1.1.2) was performed to explore interactions between key compounds and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Dodecanal, β-vetivenene, neryl isovalerate, and khusilal showed favourable binding affinities, with β-vetivenene exhibiting the strongest interaction with iNOS. This is the first report on the essential oils of I. celebica, highlighting their promising natural anti-inflammatory potential.

Unleashing the Potential: Exploring the Chemical Composition, Insecticidal Prowess, and Antibacterial Power of Artemisia gmelinii Essential Oil.

The significance of plant essential oils (EOs) has garnered considerable attention due to their diverse applications and bioactivity. We extracted volatile oil from Artemisia gmelinii through distillation and analyzed its composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying 21 volatile compounds, primarily monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which constitute 86.42% of the oil. The study evaluated the insecticidal activity of A. gmelinii EO against two common storage pests, Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium castaneum. The EO exhibited significant insecticidal effects with LD50 values of 3.22µg/adult and LC50 values of 11.2µg/mL air, and demonstrated superior repellent activity against T. castaneum compared to L. serricorne. The EO also showed effective antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with particularly strong effects against S. agalactiae (MIC=0.93mg/mL, MBC=1.88mg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of A. gmelinii EO as a natural agent for combating food spoilage bacteria and controlling pests, emphasizing the importance of both the EO's overall composition and the specific contributions of its main components.

Putrescine-enhanced essential oil and phytochemicals in Melissa officinalis L. : a sustainable approach

Amine-rich compounds play a pivotal role in plant metabolism, influencing growth, development, and defense mechanisms. Among these, polyamines such as putrescine have gained attention for their ability to enhance plant resilience and stimulate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. This study investigates the impact of foliar-applied putrescine on the essential oil yield and composition, and on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in Melissa officinalis, as well as on its antioxidant properties. Putrescine was applied at four concentrations: a control (no treatment) and three treatment levels (500 mg/L, 1000 mg/L, and 1500 mg/L) across five independent trials. Putrescine application significantly improved the phytochemical profile and antioxidant capacity of M. officinalis. The predominant essential oil constituents in treated plants were geranial (40.96%), neral (27.71%), caryophyllene oxide (6.00%), geranyl acetate (4.24%), and trans-thujone (2.78%). Notably, the 500 mg/L treatment led to a remarkable increase in phenolic content, particularly catechin, rosmarinic acid, and coumarin levels, reinforcing its potential as a natural elicitor. These findings underscore the potential of putrescine as an effective bio stimulant for enhancing both the yield and quality of medicinal and aromatic plants. By improving essential oil composition and boosting antioxidant compounds, putrescine application presents a promising strategy for optimizing the cultivation of M. officinalis. This approach offers valuable implications for the food and agricultural industries, supporting the development of high-value medicinal plants with enhanced functional properties.

Chemical profiles of Eucalyptus essential oils associated with genotypic resistance to Leptocybe invasa

Eucalyptus species, essential to Brazil’s forestry and renewable energy sectors, suffer significant losses caused by the gall wasp Leptocybe invasa, which impairs tree growth, productivity, and quality. In response to the need for sustainable strategies, this study investigated the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from eleven Eucalyptus genotypes previously classified as resistant or susceptible to the pest, aiming to identify compounds associated with these phenotypes. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), 92 compounds were identified, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, some of which occurred exclusively in resistant or susceptible genotypes. Compounds such as 4-octene and eucalyptol were correlated with resistance and susceptibility, respectively. Although the direct effect of these compounds on L. invasa was not assessed, the results suggest that EO chemical profiles may serve as auxiliary markers in genetic selection programs. This study therefore offers a complementary approach within the framework of forest breeding for pest resistance and recommends future research to confirm the functional relationship between these compounds and plant responses to infestation.

Neuroprotective effects of essential oils in animal models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review

Essential oils (EOs), derived from aromatic plants, have garnered significant attention for their potential neuroprotective properties in neurodegenerative diseases. This systematic review evaluates recent advancements in understanding the neuroprotective role of EOs against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across three major databases (PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and Web of Science) from inception to January 2024, resulting in thirteen high-quality in vivo studies for qualitative analysis. The review assessed various EOs, with hydrodistillation being the predominant extraction method (66.66% of studies). Studies primarily utilized Wistar rats (46.15%) and various mouse strains, employing diverse disease induction methods including β-amyloid administration (30.7% of AD models), rotenone (7.7% of PD models), and 6-hydroxydopamine (7.7% of PD models). Administration routes varied, with oral administration being most common (38.4%), with gavage and inhalation each accounting for 23.1% of studies. Key findings revealed that EOs exhibit multifaceted neuroprotective mechanisms. In AD models (69.3% of studies), EOs reduced oxidative stress markers, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and increased neuroprotective protein expression. In PD models (30.7% of studies), EOs demonstrated significant dopaminergic neuroprotection, with improvements in behavioral outcomes. Behavioral assessments showed consistent enhancements in memory, learning, and motor functions across studies. The systematic analysis provides compelling evidence for EOs’ neuroprotective efficacy, particularly in early-stage intervention. However, limitations include the predominance of animal studies, variability in dosing, and administration methods. The most promising EOs identified were from Pinus halepensis, Citrus limon, and Acorus species, showing particular efficacy in reducing cognitive deficits and oxidative stress. Chemical analysis revealed that compounds such as α-pinene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene were predominantly responsible for the observed therapeutic effects. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects included modulation of cholinergic transmission, reduction of amyloid-β aggregation, and enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities. These findings suggest that EOs could serve as valuable complementary therapeutic agents, particularly when standardized for specific bioactive compounds. Future research should focus on standardizing EO compositions, conducting human clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy profiles, and investigating potential synergistic effects with conventional treatments.

Chemical composition of essential oils reviewed from the height of Cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron) plantations in Buru Island and Seram Island, Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract Maluku, Indonesia, has essential oil (EO) producing plants, namely eucalyptus (Melaleuca leucadendron), which are spread throughout the island. This study aims to determine the effect of geographical location on EO’s yield and chemical composition. The eucalyptus oil isolation method uses steam distillation and chemical composition analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that the yield of EO from wilted leaf samples on Buru Island for point B1 = 1.35%; B2 = 1.19; B3 = 1.52; B4 = 1.88%; B5 = 2.13% and from Seram Island for point S1 = 0.71%; S2 = 1.02%; S3 = 0.78; S4 = 0.8%; and S5 = 1.01%. The yield of EO in the lowlands is higher on Buru Island in the lowlands (23.04 masl) and on Seram Island (46 masl). The levels of 1,8-cineole in EO for both island plains ranged from 26.89 to 47.32% and α-pinene levels between 3.84 and 43.45%. Minor compounds found on both islands are d-limonene, β-pinene, and cymene. There are minor compound components that are only found on each island. The geographical conditions of eucalyptus plants affect the quality and quantity of EOs. At higher locations, temperatures tend to be lower, which affects plant metabolism and produces less oil. The eucalyptus plantation area on Seram Island has high humidity, so the yield of EO is lower.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and toxicity of essential oils as food preservatives

Owing to the toxicity of chemical food preservatives, essential oils have gained significant attention in the food industry. Because they can be toxic at certain concentrations, their toxicity must be carefully considered. This study is based on a review of 312 references to ensure accuracy. The databases WOS, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar are utilized to gather relevant information. Various combinations of the following keywords are employed: essential oil, food preservative, antimicrobial, toxicity, and MIC. The inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment of the included studies led to the formation of a search strategy flowchart. Data were tabulated showing the names of the plants containing volatile oil, the major ingredients of essential oils, their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-aflatoxin effects, oral toxicity, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of volatile oils against pathogens. The acute, sub-acute, and chronic toxicities of volatile oils are also discussed and investigated. In addition, the toxicity of the essential oils and their MIC were compared. Additionally, the MIC of the effective antibiotics against pathogenic microorganisms were compared with those of the volatile oils. Several figures have been prepared that show the relative frequencies of the data obtained from the tables. These results suggest that essential oils have great potential for use in the food industry. However, only a few studies have been conducted to determine their toxicity. Thus, further investigation is required.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, and Immunomodulatory Activities of Commercial Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.).

The essential oil derived from the bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L., Lauraceae, has gained significant attention because of its numerous biological benefits. This study aimed to perform a phytochemical analysis of commercially available Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark essential oil and to evaluate its antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antitumor properties. GC-MS analysis was employed to determine the phytochemical composition. The major component of the total essential oil composition was (E)-cinnamaldehyde, constituting 77.93%, followed by eugenol (4.34%), E-caryophyllene (3.68%), and linalool (2.79%). The antioxidant activity was confirmed by DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and TAC assays. In the broth microdilution assay, cinnamon essential oil demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, with MIC values ranging from 7.37 to 29.50 µg/mL. Furthermore, cinnamon essential oil demonstrated selective antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in human colorectal cancer cells (HCT116) while sparing non-cancerous cells (MRC-5). In HCT116 cells, cinnamon essential oil induced apoptosis, downregulated Cyclin D and p-AKT, and caused G1-phase arrest. Additionally, cinnamon essential oil modulated immune responses by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production in activated splenocytes and enhancing pro-inflammatory activity in naïve cells. These findings highlight the great potential of the cinnamon bark essential oil in the development of new therapeutic agents.

Chromatography-mass spectrometric study of the chemical composition of Myrtus communis L. leaf essential oil

Myrtus communis is a common species in tropical and subtropical regions. Myrtle is cultivated as an ornamental plant in areas with a temperate climate, such as Ukraine. It was introduced to the Nikitskyi Botanical Garden in 1967. The pharmacological properties of galenic preparations derived from Myrtus communis are primarily determined by the presence of essential oils. Galenic preparations from myrtle leaves have general tonic, antimicrobial (notably demonstrating high bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria and antibiotic and resistant strains, Mycobacterium tuberculosis), analgesic, astringent, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects. For a comprehensive study of this plant, it is essential to investigate the volatile fractions of its raw material. The aim of the work is to conduct a chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of the chemical composition of Myrtus communis L. leaf essential oil. Materials and methods. The object of the study is the essential oil of Myrtus communis, cultivated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Botany of Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, and obtained through hydrodistillation. Qualitative and quantitative determination of the essential oil components was carried out using the chromatography-mass spectrometric method on a high-performance gas chromatograph “Agilent 7890B GC System” (Agilent, SantaClara, CA, USA) with a mass spectrometric detector “Agilent 5977 BGC/MSD” (Agilent, SantaClara, CA, USA) and a DB-5ms chromatographic column (30 m × 250 μm × 0.25 μm). The component identification was performed using the NIST14 mass spectral library. Results. Chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of 42 key volatile compounds in Myrtus communis leaf essential oil, three of which were in isomeric forms. The five major components were myrtenyl acetate (24.12 %), linalool (16.73 %), cyclofenchene (10.37 %), o-xylene (7.85 %) and myrtenol (4.35 %). Terpenes were identified as the dominant group in Myrtus communis leaves, comprising 72.04 %. Conclusions. The chemical composition of Myrtus communis leaf essential oil showed some differences compared to literature data that deal with geographical features (temperature, soil quality, day length), harvesting time and genotype variations. The research findings can serve as a basis for developing new pharmaceutical and cosmetic products containing myrtle essential oil. Besides, the analysis of the chemical composition of the essential oil can contribute to improving extraction technology and standardizing essential oils.

Volatile oil composition, phytochemical screening and larvicidal activities of indigofera tinctoria L. against African Sesamia calamistis

Volatile oil composition, phytochemical screening and larvicidal activities of indigofera tinctoria L. against African Sesamia calamistis

Chemical composition and anti-microbial potential of essential oils from morphologically distinct Salvia rosmarinus (Spenn.) cultivars from Kashmir, India

IntroductionThe Kashmir Himalaya, renowned for its rich floristic diversity, harbors a multitude of native and introduced aromatic and medicinal plants. Among these, Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary), a Mediterranean native plant species, known for its culinary and therapeutic properties, is widely being cultivated owing to its local adaptability. Salvia rosmarinus essential oil has been used in folk medicine, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In our study, we compiled the morphological and chemoprofiling differences of field grown cultivars, wherein populations were grouped into 21 classes. Further, oils from identified accessions were screened for their anti-microbial potential against panel of four priority pathogens.Methods and resultsThe characterization was based on phenotypic traits (flower color variability, calyx color, flower size, and leaf morphology) variance across identified genotypes was validated using Chi 2 test. Abundance distribution data displayed polymorphism in evaluated character/traits of rosemary accessions and a total of 21 classes were reported from an underrepresented region. Furthermore, field grown Salvia rosmarinus cultivars in Kashmir Himalaya produced essential oil yield ranging from 0.8% to 1.7% maintaining benchmark constituents. Similarly, variability in chemical constituents using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), grouped accessions into chemotypes rich in beta-myrcene, 1,8 cineole, and camphor. Antimicrobial assays on the essential oils obtained from different accessions using gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and one fungal pathogen were conducted to directly evaluate the IC50 (concentration at which there is 50 percent growth inhibition of pathogen) and Minimum Inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. MIC evaluation of the active essential oil was performed using the broth dilution method.DiscussionThe data generated in this study emphasizes the use of morphological and chemical characteristics to characterize and conserve elite Salvia rosmarinus cultivars, promoting cultivar R1 (1.7%) in summer season and R14 (0.95%) and R3 (0.93%) in winter season for large-scale cultivation, emphasizing propagation of higher essential oil yielding varieties in Kashmir Himalaya. The diverse rosemary genepool conserved in Kashmir exhibits significant variability in essential oil yield and composition while, certain accessions demonstrate potent antimicrobial properties. The findings of the study are useful for further elaborate studies on the development of natural bioactive compounds to improve human health.

Influence of natural deep eutectic solvent pretreatment on the yield and composition of essential oil derived from Cyperi Rhizoma

This study systematically investigated the effect of hydrodistillation (HD) on the yield of essential oil derived from Cyperi Rhizoma following ultrasonic pretreatment using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESS) as the medium. The parameters for ultrasonic pretreatment were analyzed using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the yield of essential oil. The findings indicated that the ideal settings for ultrasonic pretreatment were as follows: The water content of NADES-5, with a molar ratio of lactic acid to choline chloride of 3.25:1, was 38.6%. The ultrasonic treatment duration was 42.0 min, the ultrasonic power was 73.0 W, and the actual essential oil yield attained 1.341%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the application of NADES-5 as the extraction medium resulted in considerable degradation of the powder’s composition, as evidenced by the presence of numerous tiny pores on the surface. This suggested that NADES-5 enhanced permeability and exerted an erosive impact, efficiently dismantling the plant cell wall. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 33 distinct components in the essential oil extracted via HD following ultrasonic pretreatment using NADES-5 as the solvent. This study illustrated that employing NADESs as the medium for ultrasonic pretreatment markedly improved the yield of essential oil derived from Cyperi Rhizoma, presenting a novel approach for effective essential oil extraction.

Acaricidal activity of Myrcia splendens essential oils on Rhipicephalus microplus larvae.

Acaricidal activity of Myrcia splendens essential oils on Rhipicephalus microplus larvae.

The Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Effect of Essential Oils of Rosemary and Basil in Milk

Background: According to the diverse side effects of antibiotics, new and natural antibacterial substances are needed to treat bacterial diseases, and one of these substances is the essential oils (EOs) of medicinal plants. Milk fat and protein may reduce the antimicrobial impact of EOs. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity of rosemary and basil EOs compared to lincospectinomycin antibiotic against three mastitis-causing bacteria, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli in milk media. Methods: Chemical compounds in EOs were identified by gas chromatography. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOs were studied using the tube dilution method, and the growth curve of bacteria was studied at 0, 6, 10, and 24 h. Results: The most crucial rosemary compounds were carene (45.11%) and eucalyptus (20.62%), and those of basil were estragol (70.42%) and carene (17.99%). The MIC and MBC of rosemary were lower than those of lincospectinomycin, and those of basil were similar to those of lincospectinomycin. At 6-h, the bacterial reduction of E. coli and S. agalactiae was significant, and the population reduction of rosemary was significant for S. aureus. At 24 h, rosemary and basil significantly diminished the bacterial count of S. aureus, and basil significantly decreased the S. agalactiae count. Conclusion: The antibacterial effects of EOs are acceptable, and clinical studies are recommended to treat other diseases, including mastitis.

Pollination and Essential Oil Production of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae)

Lavandula angustifolia Mill., lavender, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated throughout the world, is an important economic plant. Several studies have investigated two aspects of this aromatic plant: (1) which pollinators, particularly bees, pollinate lavender, and (2) the composition of lavender essential oil. However, little research has been conducted to investigate how pollination affects either the yield or phytochemistry of lavender. The current study, which was conducted in North America, investigates which bee species visit lavender and how pollination affects plant chemistry, specifically the essential oil produced by lavender. Over the course of the 5-week observational period, a total of 12 species (across 10 genera) of bees were identified visiting lavender. Compared to previous studies on cultivated lavender at the same site (Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm, Mona, UT), four bee species not previously observed on lavender were identified. These included Hoplitis producta, Nomada sp., Osmia trevoris, and Megachile snowi. Pollinated lavender, compared to lavender excluded from pollinators, produced more essential oil (yield (w/w) = 1.49% vs. 1.07%), lower relative amounts of linalool (35.4% vs. 39.9%), and higher relative amounts of linalyl acetate (21.3% vs. 16.8%). The findings of this study demonstrate the ecological interactions between pollinators and lavender, and how those interactions impact phytochemistry.

Seasonal Variation in Yield and Major Essential Oil Constituents of Wild Artemisia afra in the Eastern Coastal Belt of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The variation in essential oil yield and composition of Artemisia afra across different geographical regions and harvesting seasons remains poorly understood, despite its significance for commercial and medicinal uses. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of harvesting season on the yield and chemical composition of A. afra essential oil in the eastern coastal belt of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Fresh shoot samples were collected from the Bizana, Ngqeleni, and Centane regions during summer, autumn, winter, and spring. The essential oils were extracted via steam distillation, and the chemical components were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The highest oil yield (0.92% on a fresh mass basis) was observed in Centane, with a significantly higher concentration of 1.8-cineole (18.66%) in Ngqeleni. The content of Artemisia ketone was significantly higher in Centane (24.51%) during summer, whereas camphor peaked at 34.10% in Ngqeleni during winter. The cis- and trans-thujone isomers were most abundant in Bizana (40.37% and 10.39%, respectively). The results highlight significant variation in oil yield and composition influenced by location, season, and their interaction. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the production of A. afra essential oil based on geographical and seasonal factors.

Chiliadenus iphionoides: From chemical profiling to anticancer, antioxidant, α-amylase, and α-glycosidase activities.

Recently, essential oils (EOs) have garnered attention for their biological properties as a source of natural compounds with anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Chiliadenus iphionoides (Boiss.& Blanche) Brullo is a fragrant aromatic species indigenous to Palestine and the neighboring countries. It is utilized by the Bedouins for the treatment of many ailments. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of essential oil extracted from the desiccated leaves of Chiliadenus iphionoides (Boiss.& Blanche) Brullo and to assess its in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activities. The EO obtained during hydrodistillation was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to ascertain their chemical composition. GC-MS analysis of the EO from dried Chiliadenus iphionoides (Boiss.& Blanche) Brullo leaves identified 47 compounds, comprising 98.81% of the total oil. The predominant constituents included cresol methyl ether (52.93%), ethyl 2-octynoate (14.36%), epi-α-cadinol (6.56%), 1,8-cineole (4.25%), and 7-epi-α-eudesmol (3.66%). The EO exhibited significant antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an IC50 value of 19.83 ± 0.99 μg/mL. Nevertheless, it exhibited limited lipase activity and subpar α-amylase activity. Chiliadenus iphionoides (Boiss.& Blanche) Brullo EO exhibited significant cytotoxicity against B16F10 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 8.74 ± 0.11 and 13.68 ± 0.17 μg/mL, respectively. The combination of the anticancer medication Taxol (10 ng) with Chiliadenus iphionoides (Boiss.& Blanche) Brullo EO at concentrations of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL significantly enhanced the inhibitory efficacy of Taxol against MCF-7 and B16F10 cells.

Essential Oil Compositions and Biological Activities of the Genus Chaerophyllum: An Updated Review

Essential Oil Compositions and Biological Activities of the Genus Chaerophyllum: An Updated Review

The chemical composition of the aerial parts essential oil of a Sicilian endemic Astragalus species: Astragalus nebrodensis (Guss.) Strobl

The genus Astragalus L. that includes more than three thousand species, is the largest of the Fabaceae family. Astragalus species are annual or perennial stemmed herbs or small shrubs, extensively distributed in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions. Species of this genus have been largely used in the ethno medicine of several countries, although some of them are very poisonous both for cattle and humans. In the present study, the chemical composition of the essential oil (An) from the aerial parts of Astragalus nebrodensis (Guss.) Strobl., an endemic species of Sicily, never studied before, was evaluated by GC–MS. The main components of A. nebrodensis EO were trans-2-hexenal (16.4%), hexanal (15.3%), and 2-pentyl furan (14.2%). Several papers have been published on the essential oils of other Astragalus species, and consequently, to compare them with An, Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) have been carried out.

Exploring the Phytochemical Profile and Therapeutic Potential of Saudi Native Santolina chamaecyparissus L. Essential Oil

Background/Objectives: Medicinal plants such as Santolina chamaecyparissus L., an evergreen shrub from the Asteraceae family, have long been valued for their bioactive compounds and traditional therapeutic uses. Materials: In this study, the essential oil of S. chamaecyparissus (EOSC) was isolated via hydrodistillation and then comprehensively evaluated for its phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemolytic, and cytotoxic properties, as well as its in silico bioactivity. Results: In total, 89.5% of the essential oil composition was successfully identified using GC-MS analysis. Hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes constituted the largest fraction (36.0%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (19.7%). Phytochemical screening revealed high phenolic content (839.50 ± 5.0 mg GAE/g E.O), while the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) assay confirmed its strong antioxidant potential. The oil showed moderate hemolytic activity and significant lipoxygenase inhibition, indicating anti-inflammatory capability. The cytotoxic effects of the EOSC were evaluated using the MTT assay and HepG2 liver cancer cells. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed, confirming the oil’s strong anticancer activity. Molecular docking and ADMET analyses supported the bioactivity of the identified compounds, which showed good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that EOSC has promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that it could have potential as a safe natural substance for use in drug development and food preservation.