Volatile Essential Oils Research Articles

Volatile Essential Oils Can Be Used to Improve the Efficacy of Heat Treatments Targeting the Western Drywood Termite: Evidence from a Laboratory Study.

Use of heated air to create lethal temperatures within infested wood serves as a nonchemical treatment option against western drywood termites, Incisitermes minor (Hagen). When treating a whole or large portion of the structure, however, the presence of hard-to-heat areas (structural heat sinks) and potential risk of damaging heat-sensitive items are recognized as important challenges. To address these challenges, we tested if the incorporation of a volatile essential oil would increase the overall efficacy of heat treatments against the drywood termites. To choose an essential oil for use, we tested the volatile action of several candidate compounds against individual termites using a fumigant toxicity assay. As a proof-of-concept experiment, field-collected termites were housed in small wooden arenas and subsequently subjected to 2-h heat treatment at various air temperatures within a gas chromatography oven. A simulated heat sink and essential oil treatment was also included in the experimental design. Analyses of lethal temperatures (LTemp50 and LTemp99 values), probabilities of mortality, and survivorship data over time suggested that 1) the presence of a heat sink significantly increased the minimum air temperature needed for complete kill of the termites and 2) the volatile essential oil added at the site of a heat sink effectively counteracted the impact of the heat sink. The use of volatile essential oils makes it possible to effectively kill drywood termites even in areas which might not reach lethal temperatures (~50°C), potentially improving the overall efficacy of heat treatments while reducing the risk of heat damage.

Composition of essential oils and headspace constituents of Artemisia annua L. and A. scoparia Waldst. et Kit.

Headspace volatiles (HS) and hydrodistilled essential oils (EO) of fresh aerial parts of Artemisia annua L. and A. scoparia Waldst. et Kit., were analyzed by GC?MS/FID. Artemisia ketone was found to be the most abundant component among the EO volatiles (55.8 %), as well as among HS (52.1 %) of A. annua. Additionally, in both A. annua samples, EO and HS, ?-pinene (12.7 and 24.2 %, respectively) was found in high percentage. On the other hand, it has been determined that the dominant components of A. scoparia EO and HS were different; in the essential oil capillene (63.8 %) was found as the main constituent, while ?-pinene (26.1 %), (Z)-?-ocimene (23.8 %) and limonene (10.7 %) were the major components among the HS. This is the first report on the composition of HS volatiles of the A. annua and A. scoparia obtained by direct static headspace.

Nanoencapsulation of volatile plant essential oils: a paradigm shift in food industry practices

Nanoencapsulation of volatile plant essential oils: a paradigm shift in food industry practices

Chemical composition and antinociceptive activity of volatile fractions of the aerial parts of Solidago chilensis (Compositae)

Abstract Thirty-six compounds were identified from aerial parts of Solidago chilensis cultivated at PAF/FIOCRUZ campus in Rio de Janeiro city (RJ) using solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. These compounds are mainly non-oxygenated mono and sesquiterpenes. Germacrene D is the major compound of two the essential oil analyzed samples (12 to 23%) and of two of the volatiles samples analyzed by SPME (central stems and dry inflorescences samples). Limonene is the major compound in the fresh inflorescences sample (about 21%). The bornil acetate is present in both volatile fractions (16%) and essential oils (7-8%). All the essential oils samples evaluated shown a great antinociceptive activity, considering the used dose of the samples (1 mg/kg) and the standard substance (50 mg/kg). Solidago chilensis is one of Brazil arnicas and it is a medicinal plant widely used by the brazilian population. Other plants of the genus Solidago are also used in traditional medicine in North America and Europe. This is the first report of SPME analysis from Solidago genus and of the antinociceptive effect from Solidago chilensis essential oil.

Synthesis and Characterization of <i>Citrus limonum</i> Essential Oil Based Nanoemulsion and Its Enhanced Antioxidant Activity with Stability for Transdermal Application

Lemon oil (LO), also known as Citrus limonum is a highly volatile essential oil (EO) with potential therapeutic properties like anti-oxidative, anti-proliferative, anti-fungal and anti-cancerous. However, the efficacy of LO is limited due to its physiological factors such as high volatility, poor stability (particularly sensitive to sunlight) and quick degradability upon exposure. To overcome these challenges, we formulated lemon oil loaded nanoemulsion system (LO-NE) (oil-in-water), using aqueous titration method. The formulation comprised of lemon oil (LO), Tween 80 and ethanol as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant phases respectively. The existence zone of NE was established by constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams using different concentrations of LO, surfactant and co-surfactant (Smix). The quantitative estimation of LO was performed using a high throughput gas chromatography, revealing the presence of various compounds like Limonene, Alpha-Pinene and Linalyl acetate followed by the estimation of total phenolics and flavonoid content. The characterization of LO-NE indicated the particle size of 60 ± 2.5 nm along with the polydispersity index of 0.125 and zeta potential of −14.9 mV. The size range of the NE particles dispersed in the colloidal system was further verified by TEM micrograph which shows size range between 46.2 - 104.7 nm. All the anti-oxidant assays outcomes exhibited the higher activity of LO-NE in comparison to LO alone with lower IC50 values. The release kinetics statistical data showed that LO-NE had a sustained release and followed the Higuchi’s model in comparison to burst release of LO alone. Lastly, the stability analysis of the optimised formulation (LO-NE) and LO was estimated through antioxidant assay and subjecting them for thermodynamic stability after 6 months. The results attained, showed higher stability and anti-oxidant capability of LO-NE than LO alone. The study suggested that formulated nanoemulsion can be effectively used as a highly efficacious biologically active alternative nanoformulation against many transdermal disorders.

Evaluation of the psychophysiological effects of the Cupressaceae family wood odor

The wood of the Cupressaceae conifer family is widely used for many purposes, such as the structural and interior elements of buildings. Several studies have reported the effects of the Cupressaceae wood odor on humans. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of the volatile compounds on psychophysiological responses in an indoor environment. In this study, the psychophysiological effects following the inhalation of volatile essential oils from the Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) woods were evaluated. Levels of salivary stress markers were used to determine the study participants’ endocrinological responses as well as the changes in their autonomic nervous systems during the experimental period. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to assess the perceptions of the odors in the experimental rooms and the participants’ psychological states. It was found that olfactory stimulation with volatile compounds from the essential oil of the Hinoki cypress wood increased salivary dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in the rest period following stressful work. Sympathetic nervous activity levels were lower, and parasympathetic nervous activity levels were higher immediately following stressful work. A similar tendency was observed with exposure to the essential oil of the Sawara cypress wood. These observations suggest that an environment with the Hinoki or Sawara cypress wood odor may be useful in promoting physiological relaxation following stressful work.

Unravelling the structure and function of the petal appendages in the tribe Schwenckieae (Solanaceae).

The tribe Schwenckieae (Solanaceae) is characterised by the presence of appendages on the corolla, a diagnostic trait for the group. These appendages constitute a median distal projection of the three-lobed petal and occur in the genera Melananthus and Schwenckia but are absent in Heteranthia. We investigated the micromorphology and anatomical structure of the appendages and lateral petal lobes of Schwenckia americana (two varieties), S.angustifolia, S.curviflora and S.novaveneciana, and Melananthus fasciculatus. We also performed histochemical tests to determine if the appendages are involved in the production of volatiles, acting as a fragrance secretory structure (osmophore). The appendages have a uniseriate epidermis, whose cells store phenolics and lipids. The parenchyma is starch-rich just prior to anthesis in all species studied. The sensory test and anatomical analyses identified scent-secreting tissues, not only in the appendages, but also in the lateral petal lobes, whose cells are papillose with a sculptured surface. The α-naphthol p-phenylenediamine (NADI) reaction detected volatile (essential oils) compounds in S.americana var.americana and S.americana var.angustifolia. We demonstrated the secretory tissues and the production of lipids in the corolla appendages of Schwenckia and Melananthus, which indicate their osmogenic function and probable scent emission to attract pollinators.

Application of normal essential oil and loaded-solid lipid nanoparticles as antioxidant

The industry adds antioxidants in the formulation of meat products to prevent or delay meat oxidation reactions. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to study the effect of normal essential oil and loaded-solid lipid nanoparticles as antioxidants and the effect of the abovementioned volatile oils on chemical properties (TBA) and shelf life of frozen beef burger. The antioxidant activity of volatile oils (cinnamon and ginger) normal and nano particle size at different concentrations were assessed. Also, the effect of the above mentioned volatile oils addition with different concentrations on chemical properties and shelf life of frozen beef burger was investigated. Results indicated that, the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity increased by increasing the volatile oil concentrations for all studied treatments. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of volatile oils (cinnamon and ginger) nanoparticles was higher than that of the same concentrations of normal volatile oil. The chemical properties values thiobarbituric acid value (TBA) of beef burger decreased by increasing volatile oils concentrations and essential oils nanoparticles reduced chemical properties (TBA) values more than normal essential oils, beside extending the shelf life of beef burger treatments up to 6 months in comparison with control sample which have a four-month shelf life. In conclusion, the transformation of essential oils into nanoparticle size can affect their antioxidant activity and promote the chemical properties and shelf life of beef burger.

Chemical screening and antibacterial activity of essential oil and volatile fraction of Dictyopteris polypodioides

The genus Dictyopteris, comprising 35 species, is known by its characteristic marine fragrances which is mainly associated to aspecific chemical composition. Dictyopteris polypodioides (D. polypodioides), known as Dictyopteris membranacea (D. membranacea), is distributed in several region of the world and characterized by a wide range of bioactive compounds. In the current research, the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the volatile fraction (VF) and essential oil (EO) of D. polypodioides are reported in a comparative objective. The VF was prepared from the crude ether extract, whereas, the EO was made from the dried alga. The GC/MS analysis of the VF and the EO revealed the presence of 72 and 70 compounds accounting for 86.4% and 80.6% of the total composition respectively. The main constituents in both oils were 3-hexyl-4,5-dithiacycloheptanone and dictyopterene. The antibacterial activity of the VF and the EO were evaluated by liquid-broth dilution method, against six strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli. Kanamycin and chloramphenicol were used as antibiotics references.The EO has shown a high inhibitory effect against all the microorganisms tested as compared to the VF. Staphylococcus aureus and Agrobacterium tumefaciens were the most sensitive bacteria with respect to the EO, where the MIC was around 1519 μg/mL. This strong antibacterial activity of the EO is related to the presence of high content of sulfur compounds, known by their broad spectrum of biological activities.

Chemical composition and biological activity of Mentha citrata Ehrh., essential oils growing in southern Algeria.

Three techniques, hydro distillation, steam distillation and microwave-assisted distillation, was used in this work to extract volatile secondary metabolites essential oils (EOs), from the aerial part of Mentha citrata Ehrh., plant (steams, leaves and flowers). The plant material was collected from a location called El-kobna in El-Oued province, southern Algeria during June 2018. The extracted Mentha citrata EOs, were analyzed using both gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector and gas chromatography attached with mass spectrometry detector techniques. The antioxidant activity of these EOs were evaluated in vitro using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals scavenging activity and cytotoxic test. The results of the EOs analysis showed large variability of the chemical compositions for all techniques. Moreover, a promising cytotoxic activity on colon cancer cells was found.

Cultivation Substrate Composition Influences Morphology, Volatilome and Essential Oil of Lavandula Angustifolia Mill.

Aromatic plants are commonly produced for ornamental, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Their morphological traits and the amounts and compositions of the volatile substances and essential oils (EOs) produced can be influenced by several factors, including the cultivation technique. In the present study, the influence of substrate composition on Lavandula angustifolia Mill. production was evaluated. In particular, substrates containing mixes of peat (P), green compost (C) and/or demolition aggregates (A) were tested in the following ratios: 70%:30% v/v, P:C; 70%:30% v/v, P:A; and 40%:30%:30% v/v, P:C:A. The P:C mixture allowed to obtain the best results in terms of survival rate, compactness of the plant and flower production. The P:C:A led to higher yields and better quality of EOs, with higher amounts of linalool, an important compound for medicinal uses. The volatiles and the blooming trend were not affected by the different cultivation substrates. Therefore, substrate composition in pot lavender cultivation can be regulated depending on the final use of the plant, successfully using locally sourced material in addition to peat.

Lipid nanoparticles as carriers of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: A promising approach for cutaneous delivery of a volatile essential oil

Solid inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins (CD) may be used to overcome volatility and solubility problems of essential oils of pharmacological interest. However, they lack the many dermatological advantages of lipid nanoparticles. This study intends to evaluate the ability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to encapsulate hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of Lippia origanoides essential oil (EO) and to maintain the desirable aspects of lipid colloids interaction with the skin, specifically follicular accumulation and controlled delivery. CD and NLC were also evaluated separately. Thymol (TML) was used as the essential oil marker and to produce control formulations. As expected, CD alone, though effective in overcoming volatility and low aqueous solubility of TML, were ineffective in controlling marker release (˜50% of EO released after 3 h, Hixson-Crowell kinetics). Even though NLC controlled drug release (˜20% EO released after 12 h, zero-order kinetics) enabling TML penetration into the skin (> 40 μg/cm2after 12 h), NLC alone were not efficient in preventing TML volatility, especially at higher temperatures (calculated shelf-life of 2 days at 35 °C). The combined approach resulted in a synergistic effect (˜20% EO released after 12 h; shelf life of 6 days). The lack of statistical difference of TML skin penetration from NLC and NLC-CD suggests the developed system maintained all skin interaction aspects of lipid colloids, including follicular accumulation forming a depot for controlled delivery. In conclusion, lipid nanoparticles demonstrated to be promising carriers for inclusion complexes of this particular volatile essential oil.

Volatile Fractions and Essential Oils of the Leaves and Branches of Dalea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr. from Northern Region of Colombia

Dalea carthagenensis L. is an American perennial sub-shrub, whose leaves/branches emit a soft pleasant odor. Due to its characteristic odor and the lacking literature reports on the chemistry of the volatile metabolites, in this work the composition by GC-MS of the volatile fractions and essential oils obtained by SDE/HS-SPME and MWHD, respectively, of the species collected in Colombia (Repelón, Atlántico), was established. As a result of the analysis, the main constituents identified in the volatile fractions were: (i.) SDE: leaves, (E)-β-ocimene/β-caryophyllene (each ∼21 %) and β-pinene (∼19 %); branches, (E)-β-ocimene (∼36 %), β-pinene (∼20 %) and trans-pinocarvyl acetate (∼14 %); (ii.) HS-SPME: branches/leaves, β-pinene (∼20-50 %) and β-caryophyllene (∼10-23 %). Likewise, the most abundant compounds found in the essential oils were: (iii.) dry season leaves (2013), trans-caryophyllene oxide (∼32 %) and β-pinene (∼13 %); (iv.) rainy season leaves (2014), β-pinene (∼16 %), (E)-β-ocimene (∼13 %) and trans-caryophyllene oxide/β-caryophyllene/myrcene (each ∼10 %); (v.) rainy season leaves (2017), (E)-β-ocimene (∼36 %), β-caryophyllene (∼21 %) and β-pinene (∼14 %); and finally, (vi.) branches (2017), trans-pinocarvyl acetate (∼29 %) and trans-caryophyllene oxide (∼22 %). From these results, it could be concluded that: i.) the complete profile of the volatile metabolites from leaves/branches of the plant was achieved, which is reported for the first time; and, ii.) the compositional variation of the essential oils was dependent on the collection time and the weather (dry/rainy season).

Microencapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata Herb Ethanolic Extract by Spray-Drying: Impact of Resistant-Maltodextrin Complemented with Sodium Caseinate, Skim Milk, and Beta-Cyclodextrin on the Quality of Spray-Dried Powders.

Spray-drying is the most popular encapsulation method used for the stabilization and protection of biologically active compounds from various environmental conditions, such as oxidation, moisture, pH, and temperature. Spray-drying increases the bioavailability of the natural active compounds and improves the solubility of low-soluble compounds. The aim of this work was to study the effects of different wall materials and optimize wall material solution’s composition on physicochemical properties of microcapsules loaded with phenolics, extract rich in volatile compounds and essential oil from Elsholtzia ciliata herb. For encapsulation of elsholtzia and dehydroelsholtzia ketones, more suitable wall materials were used—beta-cyclodextrin and sodium caseinate. Four phenolics—sodium caseinate, skim milk, beta-cyclodextrin, and resistant-maltodextrin—were used. A D-optimal mixture composition design was used to evaluate the effect of wall material solution’s composition using sodium caseinate (0.5–1 g), skim milk (6–10 g), resistant-maltodextrin (8–12 g), and beta-cyclodextrin (0.5–1 g) for the encapsulation efficiency, drying yield, and physicochemical properties. The optimal mixture composition was 0.54 g of sodium caseinate, 10 g of skim milk, 8.96 g of resistant-maltodextrin, and 0.5 g of beta-cyclodextrin. These encapsulating agents had a good performance in the microencapsulation of E. ciliata ethanolic extracts by the spray-drying technique. It is proven that the produced microparticles have a good potential to be included in various pharmaceutical forms or food supplements.

Antioxidant Activity, and Volatile and Phytosterol Contents of Strobilanthes crispus Dehydrated Using Conventional and Vacuum Microwave Drying Methods.

The preservation of active constituents in fresh herbs is affected by drying methods. An effective drying method for Strobilanthes crispus which is increasingly marketed as an important herbal tea remains to be reported. This study evaluated the effects of conventional and new drying technologies, namely vacuum microwave drying methods, on the antioxidant activity and yield of essential oil volatiles and phytosterols. These drying methods included convective drying (CD) at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C; vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at 6, 9, and 12 W/g; convective pre-drying and vacuum microwave finish drying (CPD-VMFD) at 50 °C and 9 W/g; and freeze-drying (FD). GC–MS revealed 33 volatiles, and 2-hexen-1-ol, 2-hexenal, 1-octen-3-ol, linalool, and benzaldehyde were major constituents. The compounds β-sitosterol and α-linolenic acid were the most abundant phytosterol and fatty acid, respectively, in fresh S. crispus. The highest phenolic content was achieved with CD at 60 °C. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained with CD at 40 °C and VMD at 9 W/g. On the contrary, the highest total volatiles and phytosterols were detected with CD at 50 °C and VMD at 9 W/g, respectively. This study showed that CD and VMD were effective in producing highly bioactive S. crispus. A suitable drying parameter level, irrespective of the drying method used, was an important influencing factor.

Volatiles released by damaged leaves of Piper mollicomum (Piperaceae) act as cues for predaceous wasps: evidence using plasticine dummies as herbivore model

Volatiles released by damaged plants are used as cues by predators and parasitoids to find their herbivorous prey. Here, we assessed whether odor cues released by simulated herbivore-damaged leaves in Piper mollicomum attract predaceous wasps. We applied plasticine dummy caterpillars as an herbivore model to evaluate predation risk on undamaged and artificially damaged leaves by the mandible marks left by foraging wasps. Despite observing a tendency of a visual component in the wasp attraction (more marks on dummies under old naturally damaged leaves), we observed that chemical cues play a crucial role, with recent artificial damage and leaves baited with volatile essential oils of P. mollicomum attracting more wasps for the dummies than those untreated. Headspace analysis by GC–MS showed that undamaged leaves released small amounts of compounds, while damaged ones released 63 times more volatiles, which consisted of a blend containing mostly mono- and sesquiterpenoids. Histochemical tests revealed that terpenoids are located in oil cells spread among the leaf tissue, and may be released by the disruption of such cells when herbivores are feeding on leaves. We suggest that signals of disrupted plants differ from the mosaic of odor blends emitted by the background environment and may provide a detectable, although not necessarily specific, cue for prey presence. Such detectable cues are important for generalist foraging predaceous wasps, since they spend time searching for prey in different host plants.

Liposomes loaded with Salvia triloba and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils: In vitro assessment of antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antibacterial activities

Essential oils (EOs) have been widely used for their antimicrobial properties but their instability to light and high volatility can limit the clinical practice, therefore a useful strategy to improve their biopharmaceutical properties is represented by vesicular systems. This paper focuses on the development of Salvia triloba and Rosmarinus officinalis EOs-loaded nanovesicles and their evaluation for antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antibacterial activities. GC-MS analyses revealed that Salvia triloba and Rosmarinus officinalis EOs main constituents were eucalyptol (ca. 47 and 49% respectively) and camphor (ca. 11 and 12% respectively). Liposomes loaded with 100 μL/mL of EO, were optimised for their size, polydispersity index, ζ-potential, recovery, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), release properties and morphology. They both exhibited average sizes of about 200 nm with a ζ-potential between −20 mV and −35 mV, and PdI was about 0.25. EE% were ca. 57% for S. triloba and ca. 65% for R. officinalis. Liposomes were stable over one month period if stored at 4 °C and possessed significant antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antibacterial activities. In particular they were active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and more effective than the unformulated EOs. The findings suggest that these formulations can decrease the volatility of EOs, optimise their biological properties and defeat antimicrobial infections.

MARKET SAMPLE SURVEY OF CROCUS SATIVUS LINN. TO ASSESS THE GENUINITY FOR USING ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND HIGH-PRESSURE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY USING DETECTION OF FLAVONOIDS

Objective: Herbalism is a traditional medicine or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Many of the drugs used in conventional medicine are dried from herbs. Despite the fluctuation in prices in international markets, saffron was still remained the most expensive spice. The main aim of this study is to examine the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, high-pressure thin layer chromatography using flavanoid analysis and adulteration detection of saffron. Crocus sativus. Linn is a perennial stemless herb of the Iridaceae family. Saffron stigmas of sample1, sample2, sample3and sample4 are collected from different rates of the market sample from Thrissur district, sample5 collected from the Oushadhi premises, and it is collected from Himachal Pradesh.
 Methods: In this study detecting the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, high-pressure thin layer chromatography using flavanoid analysis of different samples of saffron stigmas. The extracts were prepared by using ethanol as a solvent.
 Results: Safranal is present only in s5 sample. It is the main essential volatile oil responsible for the saffron characteristic such as odour. Phenolic content is varied in different market samples. The amount of phenolic compounds in the saffron extract was determined using the Folin-ciocalteau reagent. Total phenolic content is the help to detect the pure and fake saffron. The phenolic content is higher in S5. Sample S5 showed 0.737 mg/ml phenolic content. Lowest level of phenolic content in sample S3. Sample S3 showed 0.0887 mg/ml phenolic content. Sample S4 showed 0.564 mg/ml total phenolic content. Sample S1 showed 0.416 mg/ml total phenolic content and sample S2 showed 0.267 mg/ml phenolic content. Antioxidant activity is higher in sample s5. and it is different in different market samples. Sample 5 stigma posses higher antioxidant activity. Sample S5 showing 14.88% antioxidant activity in 100 mg/ml concentration, 7.26% in 80 mg/ml concentration, 2.23% in 60 mg/ml concentration, 2.21% in 40 mg/ml and 1.01% in 20 mg/ml concentration. Sample S3 showed the lower antioxidant activity in 0.1% in 60 mg/ml concentration and 0.1% in 80 mg/ml. Ascorbic acid standard showing 14.89% in 100 mg/ml concentration, 7.26% in 80 mg/ml concentration, 4.56% in 60 mg/ml concentration, and 3.1% in 40 mg/ml concentration, and 1% in 20 mg/ml concentration. Flavonoid content is different in different samples. It is present highly present in sample s1 and s5. sample s3 do not contain the Flavanoid. The quality of the samples depend on the price values.
 Conclusion: The authenticity of saffron is an extremely important matter for the industry and for the consumers in view of security and protection,quality assurance, active properties and last but not least, economic impact. Despite the fluctuation in prices in international markets, saffron was and still remains the most expensive spice. The genuine saffron samples possess higher price value. The fake saffron available in the market with lower price value. The quality of the saffron depends upon the price values. These observations would be of immense value in the botanical identification and standardization of the drug in crude form and would help to distinguish the drug from its other spices.

MARKET SAMPLE SURVEY OF CROCUS SATIVUS LINN. TO ASSESS THE GENUINITY FOR USING ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND HIGH-PRESSURE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY USING DETECTION OF FLAVONOIDS

Objective: Herbalism is a traditional medicine or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Many of the drugs used in conventional medicine are dried from herbs. Despite the fluctuation in prices in international markets, saffron was still remained the most expensive spice. The main aim of this study is to examine the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, high-pressure thin layer chromatography using flavanoid analysis and adulteration detection of saffron. Crocus sativus. Linn is a perennial stemless herb of the Iridaceae family. Saffron stigmas of sample1, sample2, sample3and sample4 are collected from different rates of the market sample from Thrissur district, sample5 collected from the Oushadhi premises, and it is collected from Himachal Pradesh.
 Methods: In this study detecting the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, high-pressure thin layer chromatography using flavanoid analysis of different samples of saffron stigmas. The extracts were prepared by using ethanol as a solvent.
 Results: Safranal is present only in s5 sample. It is the main essential volatile oil responsible for the saffron characteristic such as odour. Phenolic content is varied in different market samples. The amount of phenolic compounds in the saffron extract was determined using the Folin-ciocalteau reagent. Total phenolic content is the help to detect the pure and fake saffron. The phenolic content is higher in S5. Sample S5 showed 0.737 mg/ml phenolic content. Lowest level of phenolic content in sample S3. Sample S3 showed 0.0887 mg/ml phenolic content. Sample S4 showed 0.564 mg/ml total phenolic content. Sample S1 showed 0.416 mg/ml total phenolic content and sample S2 showed 0.267 mg/ml phenolic content. Antioxidant activity is higher in sample s5. and it is different in different market samples. Sample 5 stigma posses higher antioxidant activity. Sample S5 showing 14.88% antioxidant activity in 100 mg/ml concentration, 7.26% in 80 mg/ml concentration, 2.23% in 60 mg/ml concentration, 2.21% in 40 mg/ml and 1.01% in 20 mg/ml concentration. Sample S3 showed the lower antioxidant activity in 0.1% in 60 mg/ml concentration and 0.1% in 80 mg/ml. Ascorbic acid standard showing 14.89% in 100 mg/ml concentration, 7.26% in 80 mg/ml concentration, 4.56% in 60 mg/ml concentration, and 3.1% in 40 mg/ml concentration, and 1% in 20 mg/ml concentration. Flavonoid content is different in different samples. It is present highly present in sample s1 and s5. sample s3 do not contain the Flavanoid. The quality of the samples depend on the price values.
 Conclusion: The authenticity of saffron is an extremely important matter for the industry and for the consumers in view of security and protection,quality assurance, active properties and last but not least, economic impact. Despite the fluctuation in prices in international markets, saffron was and still remains the most expensive spice. The genuine saffron samples possess higher price value. The fake saffron available in the market with lower price value. The quality of the saffron depends upon the price values. These observations would be of immense value in the botanical identification and standardization of the drug in crude form and would help to distinguish the drug from its other spices.

Volatile Profiling and Essential Oil Yield of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Treated with Rhizosphere Fungi and Some Important Fertilizers

Sustainable improvement in the yield of aromatic plants for essential oil production is the need of time. For this many technologies are employed today by the farmers. However use of rhizosphere fungi seems to be highly economical, user friendly and sustainable, hence this approach is considered in the present investigation. For present study lemon grass seedlings were raised in plastic pots containing soil inoculated with rhizosphere fungi. The effect of rhizosphere fungi on essential oil content revealed that there was enhancement in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 per cent. The variation was differing from species to species but highest was in Trichoderma viride and lowest in Aspergillus terreus. The treatment of different fertilizers showed significant effect on quantitative expression of essential oil composition of Cymbopogon citratus. The results showed maximum contents of citral a, citral b and Linalool in the treatment of T. viride. Maximum geraniol and geranyl acetate content was recorded in A. niger treated plant. The present study confirmed that T. viride is more efficient than the other rhizosphere fungi in enhancing oil, citral a, citral b and linalool content in C. citratus which may be exploited on commercial level.