Estragole Research Articles

Effects of Micronutrients on the Growth and Phytochemical Composition of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the Field and Greenhouse (Hydroponics and Soil Culture).

The current research was conducted to compare the growth, yield, and phytochemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the open field and the soil and hydroponic cultivation in a greenhouse. Furthermore, the effect of foliar spraying of micronutrients on this crop was also evaluated. In each of the cultivation systems, foliar spraying of one micronutrient, either iron sulfate (Fe), zinc sulfate (Zn), copper sulfate (Cu), manganese sulfate (Mn), or boric acid (B), at a concentration of 0.1% was applied in a randomized complete block design. Plants grown in the hydroponic system had higher yield and biomass. The concentration of the elements K, Ca, Mg, N, P, Mn, Fe, B, and Zn in the leaves of hydroponic plants was higher. Contrarily, plants cultivated in the field showed higher stem dry weight, essential oil content, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The level of methyl chavicol was higher in the hydroponic culture, but the level of 1,8-cineole was much lower in this cropping system. Foliar spraying of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, or B significantly increased leaf dry weight and anthocyanin content. In field conditions, the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were observed with Zn or Mn application. In the hydroponic system, foliar spraying of Zn or B led to the highest antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Overall, the basil plants cultivated in the field showed higher bioactive ingredients. However, the essential oil of plants cultivated in the hydroponic system had a higher economic value due to its higher percentage of methyl chavicol.

Comparative Evaluation of the Essential Oil Content of Asteraceae Family Medicinal Plants

Background: The Asteraceae family comprises the largest flowering plant species, which have also been proven to have medicinal value for various illnesses due to the presence of numerous volatile and non-volatile constituents. Objective: The study aims to compare the volatile phytoconstiteunts presence in the essential oils of Asteraceae family plants including Roman Chamomile Oil (Chamaemelum nobile), German Chamomile Oil (Matricaria chamomilla), Davana Oil (Artemisia pallens), Wormwood Oil (Artemisia absinthium), Armoise Oil (Artemisia vulgaris), Tansy Oil (Tanacetum vulgare), Yarrow Oil (Achillea millefolium), Tarragon Oil (Artemisia dracunculus), Tagetes Oil (Tagetes erecta) and Immortelle Absolute Oil (Helichrysum italicum) as simultaneous estimation using the novel methods. Methods: Roman chamomile, German chamomile, davana, wormwood, armoire, tansy, yarrow, tarragon, tagetes, and immortelle absolute oils were extracted by steam distillation from their respective Asteraceae species and carried out the gas chromatography analysis. Results: The result was that GC-MS analysis of selected essential oils contains terpenes and terpenoids in major amounts. Among the detected volatile constituents in crucial oils Methyl Chavicol was found higher 75.63% in Tarragon Oil compared to other constituents followed Neryl acetate (60.25%) found in the immortelle absolute oil, Cis davanone (55.36%) was found in the davana oil, Ocimene (45.58%) in the tagetes oil, α-bisabololoxide B (45.26%) in the German chamomile oil, Beta thujone (50.65%) in the tansy oil, Alpha thujone (40.21%) in the wormwood oil and Camphor (38.65%) in the armoise oil. 1,8-Cineole, Alpha pinene, and Camphene were found in three oils (Wormwood oil, Armoise oil and Yarrow oil) among the selected oils. result: The results revealed the majority of terpenes and terpenoid-natured compounds. Methyl Chavicol (75.634%) was the highest content found in the tarragon oil when compared to the compounds found in the ten Asteraceae essential oils. The compounds such as Neryl acetate (60.251%) werefound in the immortelle absolute oil, Cis davanone (55.3640%) was found in the davana oil, Ocimene (45.5856%) in the tagetes oil, α-bisabololoxide B (45.2655%) in the German chamomile oil, Beta thujone (50.6520%) in the tansy oil, Alpha thujone (40.2150%) in the wormwood oil and Camphor (38.654%) in the armoise oil. 1,8-Cineole, Alpha pinene and Camphene were the compounds found in three of the ten Asteraceae essential oils Conclusion: Finally, we concluded that species from the same family (Asteraceae) were biologically synthesized with different volatile constituents. Hence, each essential oil has a unique biochemical fingerprint. These findings will help the food industry in relation to natural flavoring.

Chemical Characterization and Enantioselective Analysis of Tagetes filifolia Lag. Essential Oil and Crude Extract.

The essential oil (EO) of Tagetes filifolia Lag. was obtained from dried plant material through Clevenger-type steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and enantioselective gas chromatography. The results showed 50 compounds (93.33%) with a predominance of oxygenated monoterpenes. The main components were trans-anethole (55.57 ± 9.83%), tridecene <1-> (8.66 ± 0.01), methyl chavicol (5.81 ± 0.85%) and Neophytadiene (3.45 ± 0.88) Enantioselective analysis revealed linalool and <methyl-γ-> ionone as enantiomers. The identification of secondary metabolites from the ethyl acetate extract obtained by maceration was performed by GC-MS, NMR and by a literature comparison, determining the presence of mostly trans-anethole and a mixture of two triterpenes, fernenol and lupeol.

Methyl chavicol: Chemical aspects and therapeutic potential

Methyl chavicol: Chemical aspects and therapeutic potential

Effect of light emitting diodes (LEDs) irradiation on the functional quality and shelf life of basil microgreens

ABSTRACT Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the promising technology with low heat production and feasible spectra optimization, which improve plants’ function. In current study, basil microgreens as novel-leafy vegetables grown under LEDs (blue, red, 30%blue +70%red, and white) and sunlight to investigate phytochemical properties by comparing to sunlight-treated mature basil. Results showed that narrow wavelength including blue, red and blue/red LEDs had significant effect on increasing total phenol content (TPC) and antiradical activity (AA) of microgreens. Blue LED-treated microgreens exhibited significant increase in Potassium and the best visual appearance in comparison with mature and other microgreens. In the case of essential oils, methyl chavicol was the major compound in all samples with the main effect of broad light spectra; red LED- and blue LED-treated microgreens represented the maximum and minimum of methyl eugenol and β-caryophyllene, respectively, which could be related to the significant effect of red light on essential oil biosynthesis. No significant difference was observed in the market-acceptability of mature basil and microgreens which demonstrated that LEDs had no negative impact on organoleptic properties. Throughout the storage, darkness-stored microgreens showed the best result with the least weight loss and decrease in TPC; however, brightness-yellowness variation observed due to the plants’ aging.

Chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil from anise hyssop

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze) is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family mainly used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. This study determined the chemical composition of the essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The essential oil was obtained from plants cultivated in the experimental field at the Institute of Roses, Essential and Medical Plants, Kazanlak, Bulgaria. The plants were processed by steam distillation, with the essential oil yielding 0.37%, and its main components being methyl chavicol (82.03%) and limonene (9.90%). The most potent antimicrobial action was observed against the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (25.7 mm inhibition zone) and Bacillus cereus (12.3 mm), the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (16.3 mm) and Candida albicans (16.5 mm). The remaining gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis), gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella ebony), and fungi (Aspergillus brasiliensis and Fusarium moniliforme) were resistant to the action of the essential oil. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was ABTS (32.36 µmol TE/mL), DPPH (21.61 µmol TE/mL), CUPRAC (19.94 µmol TE/mL), and FRAP (29.56 µmol TE/mL) in vitro. Overall, the results from this study revealed the biological potential of anise hyssop as a source in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic applications.

Optimization of different drying methods and its impact on antioxidant potential of Ocimumbasilicum L.

In the present study, the effect of different drying methods (sun drying, shade drying, oven drying at 35 °C, 45 °C, 55 °C and hot air blower drying) was assessed to optimize the essential oil (EO) quality of Ocimumbasilicum L. The fresh and dried samples were hydrodistilled using a Clevenger apparatus to extract the EO. The EO composition was determined by GC and GC–MS techniques. The antioxidant activity was measured using 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity; FRAP activity and Fe2+- ferrozine test system for iron chelating activity methods. The content of iron, copper, zinc and manganese were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Sun dried O.basilicum showed the highest EO yield (0.8%, v/w). Linalool (10.67–32.91%) and methyl chavicol (16.24–58.00%) were present as the major components in all the EOs being the highest for blower dried and shade dried samples respectively. EO obtained from the shade dried material was showing the highest antioxidant potential followed by blower dried plant sample. Dried material exhibited higher micronutrient content as compared to the fresh one. The shade drying method can be a good option for obtaining the best quality essential oil from O.basilicum in terms of the major component and antioxidant potential.

Anti-oral streptococci and anti-biofilm properties of Etlingera pavieana essential oil and its bioactive compounds proposed for an alternative herbal mouthwash

Oral streptococci are the major group of bacteria in the oral cavity. Some of their species cause oral diseases that may lead to tooth loss and quality-of-life reduction, such as dental caries. One of prevention techniques to promote oral health is rinsing mouthwash after toothbrushing. This study aimed to determine the potential uses of local food, also remedy, plant in Thailand called Reaw-Horm or Etlingera pavieana for alternative herbal mouthwash. The essential oil from E. pavieana rhizome (Eo) is used for anti-streptococci including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus and anti-biofilm activities. The main components of Eo are methyl chavicol (MC) and trans-anethole (TA). The disk diffusion method showed the inhibition zone of Eo in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Eo and TA was >1.6 % v/v, and 0.4 % v/v of MC. Regarding anti-biofilm activities, MC showed nearly equal anti-biofilm formation of S. mutans and S. sobrinus, whereas Eo and TA acted toward S. sobrinus more than S. mutans biofilm. Sub-MIC killing effects on cells under biofilm were observed in Eo and MC. Therefore, MC was recommended as an active compound for anti-streptococci activities. Biocompatibility of Eo and MC were shown to be safe for epidermal cell lines. Herbal mouthwashes containing Eo were developed and had antioxidant and antimicrobial actions with established for 3 months. This study provides in vitro support on the use of herbal mouthwash with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities for dental caries prevention and well-being of individuals.

PHYSICAL AND ACTIVITY ACTIVITY TONER OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF BAY LEAF (SYZYGIUM POLYANTHUM) AGAINST PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNE

Indonesian people have been using natural ingredients for generations as traditional medicines to treat various diseases or as a preventative measure. One of the plants often used is bay leaf (Syzygium polyanthum). Bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum) contain 0.2% essential oil, with methyl chavicol, eugenol, and citral as the main compounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical properties of essential oil toner preparations from bay leaf plants (Syzygium polyanthum) and to understand the activity of the essential oil toner preparation from bay leaf plants (Syzygium polyanthum) against Propionibacterium acnes as an acne treatment. The physical test results produced the following data: organoleptic test, thin liquid form, distinctive bay leaf smell, clear slightly cloudy color, homogeneity test all preparations were homogeneous, pH test for average F0 5.75 ± 0.5016, F1 5.62±0.1039, F2 5.70±0.08083 and F3 5.64±0.05508 all met the requirements in the pH range of 4.5-6.5. ...

Genetic linkage mapping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to identify genomic regions associated with cold tolerance and major volatiles.

Chilling sensitivity is one of the greatest challenges affecting the marketability and profitability of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the US and worldwide. Currently, there are no sweet basils commercially available with significant chilling tolerance and traditional aroma profiles. This study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for chilling tolerance and aroma compounds in a biparental mapping population, including the Rutgers advanced breeding line that served as a chilling tolerant parent, 'CB15', the chilling sensitive parent, 'Rutgers Obsession DMR' and 200 F2 individuals. Chilling tolerance was assessed by percent necrosis using machine learning and aroma profiling was evaluated using gas chromatography (GC) mass spectrometry (MS). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were generated from genomic sequences derived from double digestion restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) and converted to genotype data using a reference genome alignment. A genetic linkage map was constructed and five statistically significant QTLs were identified in response to chilling temperatures with possible interactions between QTLs. The QTL on LG24 (qCH24) demonstrated the largest effect for chilling response and was significant in all three replicates. No QTLs were identified for linalool, as the population did not segregate sufficiently to detect this trait. Two significant QTLs were identified for estragole (also known as methyl chavicol) with only qEST1 on LG1 being significant in the multiple-QTL model (MQM). QEUC26 was identified as a significant QTL for eucalyptol (also known as 1,8-cineole) on LG26. These QTLs may represent key mechanisms for chilling tolerance and aroma in basil, providing critical knowledge for future investigation of these phenotypic traits and molecular breeding.

Evaluation of seed yield, essential oil compositions, and fatty acid profiles in advanced fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) breeding populations

Metabolites derived from bitter fennel serve as flavoring and healing agents in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors. Previously, we developed three fennel breeding populations (Early, Medium, and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars) with the potential to produce higher seed yield. This investigation aimed to assess the quality and quantity of the important metabolites in these three cultivars alongside their elite parental populations. Our results showed that the highest amounts of essential oil yield and seed yield were produced by, two breeding populations, Medium and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars. These cultivars showed positive seed yield heterosis rates of 28% and 20%, respectively, above the averages of their parental populations. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil samples identified 24 components in total. The major compounds in all genotypes were trans-anethole (34.09–77.84%), limonene (4.99–12.66%), methyl chavicol (1.35–38.69%), and fenchone (6–13.07%). The highest amount of trans-anethole belonged to Fasa and the Medium Maturity Synthetic with 77.84 % and 73.10%, respectively. The analysis of fatty acid compositions in the genotypes was conducted using GC-FID, which revealed the presence of 19 unique fatty acids, of which ten were saturated, and nine were unsaturated fatty acids. Petroselinic acid (67.11–78.44%), and linoleic acid (9.14–11.60%) were the major unsaturated fatty acids in fennel seeds. The Early Maturity Synthetic exhibited the least saturated fatty acid content (7.24%), while the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids were found in both the Early Maturity Synthetic (89%) and Hashtgerd (88.55%). The genotypes were categorized into four groups using a heat map analysis with hierarchical clustering. Overall, the results showed that the three synthetic cultivars of fennel have outperformed the elite parental populations for seed and essential oil yields, concentration of the major industrial secondary metabolites such as trans-anethole, and higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. These cultivars show potential for usage in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Estragole Ameliorates CFA Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms in Wistar Rats by Inhibiting JAK-2/STAT-3 Pathway.

The present study was conducted to scrutinize the pharmacological effect of Estragole (ESG) against CFA-induced arthritis in rats. The rats underwent induction of arthritis using the administration of CFA and after that, the rats were randomly divided into five different groups, where three groups correspond to diverse dosages of ESG, and the other two were control and CFA-arthritic control. Results of the study suggested that ESG in a dose-dependent manner, improves body weight and arthritis score of rats as evidenced by reduction of hind-paw volume. ESG also improved the antioxidant status of rats by reducing MDA levels and enhancing the concentration of endogenous antioxidants SOD and GPx. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also found to be reduced in the case of ESG treated group as compared to CFA-group. In a western blot analysis, ESH showed downregulation of p-JAK-2/STAT-3. The study provided concrete evidence for the protective effect of ESG against rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

Effect of Mulching and Nutrition on Essential Oil Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Bengaluru to investigate the influence of different mulches and nutrition on essential oil yield, quality and nutrient uptake in sweet basil. The treatment combinations consisted of four different mulches viz., no mulch, black plastic, silver plastic and organic mulch (spent lemon grass) each with four different nutrient levels viz., 100 percent Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), combination of 75 percent RDF with humic acid, 75 percent RDF with microbial consortia and 75 percent RDF, humic acid and microbial consortia. Use of black plastic mulch recorded maximum essential oil content (1.13 %), yield (97.21 kg/ha), nitrogen (54.56 kg/ha), phosphorous (37.71 kg/ha) and potassium (57.85 kg/ha) uptake. Application of 75 percent RDF with humic acid resulted in maximum essential oil content (1.21 %) whereas, 75 percent RDF with humic acid and microbial consortia recorded maximum essential oil yield (79.03 kg/ha), phosphorous (24.82 kg/ha) and potassium (48.88 kg/ha) uptake. Maximum nitrogen uptake was found in plants applied with 100 percent RDF. Among interaction, maximum essential oil content (1.44 %) and yield (109.92 kg/ha) was noticed in combination of black plastic mulch with 75 percent RDF and humic acid. The highest methyl chavicol content (73.85%) was observed in plants grown on black plastic mulch along with application of 75 percent RDF and microbial consortia.

Toxicity Bioassays of Essential Oils against Hadda Beetle &lt;i&gt;Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata&lt;/i&gt; (F)

Contact, repellent and antifeedant bioassays of essential oils (EO’s) viz., basil oil and citronella oil were evaluated against hadda beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F) in brinjal. Based on the results of leaf dip bioassay, the LC50 and LC90 values of basil oil and citronella oil were 1.25% and 2.85%, 0.93% and 1.52%, respectively at 24 hrs after treatment (HAT). While the corresponding LC50 and LC90 values at 48 HAT were 0.85% and 1.70%, 0.63% and 1.14%, respectively. Repellent and antifeedant effect of the chosen essential oils were also evaluated by modified preference method and no choice method, respectively. At 0.5 to 1% concentration, both basil and citronella oil showed 90-100% repellence at 30 and 60 min of treatment. 100% antifeedant effect was also observed at the same concentration (0.5 to 1%) for both the EO’s at 24 HAT. GC-FID/GC-MS analysis of basil and citronella oil revealed that the predominant component of basil oil was methyl chavicol (75.73%), followed by linalool (18.21%) and cuprenene (1.58%); in citronella oil, geranial (64.77%) was the most predominant component followed by citronellyl acetate (7.92%), geraniol (7.08%), (Z) iso citral (5.29%) and neral (3.60%).

Effect of sterilization of sweet fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce Mill.) on essential oil yield and composition

The sweet fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce Mill.) are processed to obtain their essential oil. It is part of the composition of various products from the food industry, pharmacy, medicine and cosmetics. The scope is to investigate the influence of the fruits sterilization with superheated water steam on the yield and composition of the essential oil, before the fruits processing by water distillation. The main components in the essential oil, obtained from fruits before sterilization, are trans-anethole (67.10%), fenchone (21.58%), methyl chavicol (3.14%), and α-pinene (2.31%). The essential oil, obtained from fruits after sterilization, has the same main components in its composition but their amount is different: trans-anethole (71.38%), fenchone (16.75%), methyl chavicol (2.89%), and α-pinene (2.26%).

Optimização do crescimento in vitro e composição de óleos essenciais de cultivares de manjericão

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the use of the Murashige &amp; Skook (MS) and Linsmaer &amp; Skoog (LS) media and of filter caps on culture flasks on the morphological and physiological characteristics of basil cultivars in vitro, as well as to determine the composition of the essential oil of plants acclimatized in pots. For the evaluation of the cultivation media, cultivars Anise, Cinnamon, Grecco a Palla, and Italian Large Leaf were used. The Anise, Cinnamon, Italian Large Leaf, and Maria Bonita cultivars were used for the evaluation of the use of filter caps. The composition of the essential oils of cultivars Anise, Cinnamon, and Italian Large Leaf was also evaluated. The basil seedlings showed a higher aerial-part dry mass and a lower hyperhydricity rate when grown in the MS medium. The flasks without filter caps produced seedlings with lower contamination rates. When acclimatized in pots, cultivars Limoncino and Anise presented the tallest plants with the largest crown diameters. In the composition of essential oils, methyl cinnamate and linalool stood out in cultivar Cinnamon, methyl chavicol in Anise, and linalool in Italian Large Leaf. In the in vitro cultivation, the evaluated cultivars present a higher aerial-part production in the MS medium and a lower contamination without the use of filters, whereas, in the pots, the composition of essential oils varies according to the cultivar.

Exploration of interaction existing between methyl chavicol and bovine serum albumin using spectroscopic and molecular modelling techniques

Exploration of interaction existing between methyl chavicol and bovine serum albumin using spectroscopic and molecular modelling techniques

Comparative antimicrobial potential of Ocimum basilicum essential oil, estragole and estragole/β-cyclodextrin complex in an infection model on adult zebrafish

BackgroundThe need of the growth the production of more efficient medications for the control of bacterial infections has waked up the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs from compounds isolated from plants. PurposeTherefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the antimicrobial potential of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (OEFOb) leaves, of its main compound estragole (ES) and its estragole/β-cyclodextrin complex (ES/β-CD) on adult zebrafish (aZF). MethodsThe ES was purchased from Sigma Aldrich (Brazil). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution method, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and assessing the potentiating effect in vitro, by the adapted method of in vivo infection by S. aureus and E. coli in aZF, and by the adapted method of potentiation of antibiotic action on aZF. ResultsThe OEFOb showed MIC values of 2048 μg/mL against the strains in the in vitro assay, on the other hand, estragole and its ES/β-CD complex both showed MIC values of 1024 μg/mL. The in vivo model of infection by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on aZF was established during the period of 24 and 48h after infection by bacterial inoculum. The oral administration of the OEFOb, ES, and ES/β-CD complex did not cause mortality in the aZF up to 48h of the test, as well as reduced the infection induced by strains S.a. ATCC 25923, S.a. 10, E.c. ATCC 2592 and E.c. 06 in the aZF, demonstrating clinically relevant effects. In verifying the synergistic effect, the OEFOb, ES, and ES/β-CD complex was significant against the strains studied, with the ES/β-CD complex presenting more relevant results when associated with gentamicin. ConclusionsThe OEFOb, ES, and ES/β-CD showed relevant antibacterial activity, as well as a synergistic effect in combination with gentamicin against strains of S. aureus and E. coli in the in vitro assay. It was possible to establish the model of in vivo infection by strains of S. aureus and E. coli on aZF during the period of 24 and 48h, by bacterial inoculum. P1 (OEFOb), P2 (ES), and P3 (ES/β-CD) demonstrated clinically relevant effects by inhibiting the infection induced by the pathogens in the aZF, and when associated with gentamicin, they were significant against the strains of S. aureus and E. coli, with the ES/β-CD complex being the most relevant in the association with the antibiotic.

Ocimum basilicum essential oil in pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus: anesthetic efficacy, distribution, and depletion in different tissues.

This study aimed to evaluate the anesthetic activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and the distribution and depletion of its major compounds in different tissues of the pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus. Juveniles (319.08 ± 9.14g) were individually anesthetized with six concentrations of essential oil from O. basilicum (150, 180, 210, 240, 270, and 300mg L-1), while in a second experiment, fish (492.39 ± 51.51g) were subjected to a 10min immersion bath with essential oil from O. basilicum (300mg L-1). After anesthetic recovery, blood and tissue samples of the brain, gills, liver, spleen, and white muscle were collected at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 24h. A 300mg L-1 concentration induced anesthesia in the shortest time (193.11 ± 9.31), while at 270 and 300mg L-1 concentrations, the anesthetic recovery period was the longest (244.33 ± 12.44) Methyl chavicol and linalool were quantified in all tissue samples. The plasma concentrations of methyl chavicol differed (p < 0.05) at all evaluated times. Linalool decreased (p < 0.05) from 0 to 1h and decreased again only after 12h. Reduction percentages in 24h were 92.9% for methyl chavicol, and 97.2% for linalool. Elimination of the compounds methyl chavicol and linalool is slower in the gills, where lower elimination constants (0.03 and 0.15 per h) and longer half-lives (25.84 and 4.53h), respectively, are noted. In general, essential oil from O. basilicum compounds was readily eliminated, showing promising potential for use as an anesthetic in aquaculture.

Improvement of the yield and essential oil of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) using external proline, uniconazole and methyl jasmonate under drought stress conditions

Drought stress is a significant environmental constraint that seriously limits crop productivity. A two-year field study was carried out as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates in the experimental station of the agricultural faculty of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran. This study evaluated the impacts of various irrigation regimes and plant growth regulators/proline on yield, its components, and essential oil content. Water shortage led to considerable decreases in umbels per plant, umbellets per umbel, fruits per umbellet, 1000-fruit weight, biological yield, and finally, fruit yield, despite increases in fruit essential oil content under moderate drought stress conditions. External methyl jasmonate, uniconazole, and proline significantly increased these parameters measured in fennel plants compared with the control. Improved effects of external plant growth regulators/proline tended to be greater in drought-stress plants, as it enhanced yield, its components, and fruit essential oil content compared with control. Foliar spraying, particularly methyl jasmonate, and uniconazole, enhanced e- anethole content under drought stress. Fenchone and methyl chavicol contents increased in plant growth regulators/proline-treated plants when they were kept under moderate drought stress conditions; however, their contents decreased by the severity of drought stress apart from the application of methyl jasmonate. Hence, applying these PGRs or proline could be critical in cultivating fennel plants under water shortage conditions to achieve higher essential oils yield and its constituents, particularly anethole, compared with control.