Essential Oil Fraction Research Articles

Citral-rich fractions of Lippia alba essential oils as immunoresponsive and anti-Candida albicans additives for collagen membranes in guided bone regeneration.

The aim of this study was to optimize the immunoresponsive and anti-Candida albicans (C. albicans) properties of guided bone regeneration-resorbable membranes (collagen) using additives based on synergistic mixtures of chlorhexidine with terpene-enriched fractions from Lippia alba essential oils (EO). The anti-C. albicans activity of the fractions (individually or combined with chlorhexidine) was evaluated using planktonic and sessile cultures. J774A.1 murine macrophage cells were used to determine the cytotoxicity and immunoresponsive effects of the therapies. The anti-planktonic and anti-sessile performance of chlorhexidine on C. albicans was improved 2- to 4-fold by supplementation with citral-rich fractions. On macrophages, this fraction also exhibited a potentially cytoprotective action against the toxic effects of chlorhexidine, minimizing damage to the cell membrane, mitochondrial membrane potential, and nuclear integrity. Macrophages growing on collagen-membrane fragments and stimulated with the citral fraction (alone or with chlorhexidine) showed a significant increase in releasing the osteogenic cytokine TNF-α and enhancing the IL-4. This combined therapy appears as a promising platform for the development of a prophylactic or therapeutic biocidal solution that can optimize the pharmacological characteristics of chlorhexidine (epithelium tolerance and anti-C. albicans consolidation on surfaces), as well as potentiating the immunoresponsive properties of collagen membranes.

GC-MS analysis and invitro cytotoxic activity of Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) volatile oil and active fraction composed majorly of estragole

Ocimum basilicum leaves contain some bioactive compounds and this study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of its volatile oil and fractions. Preliminary screening of the oil obtained by hydrodistillation was carried out using bench-top assay methods employing tadpoles of Raniceps ranninus (10-40 μg/mL), nauplii of Artemia salina (10-1000 μg/mL) and radicles of Sorghum bicolor seeds (1-30 mg/mL). Application of column chromatography and preparative TLC on the oil resulted in fractions that were tested alongside the oil on breast (AU 565) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines at 50 μg/mL. GCMS analysis was carried out on the oil and the most active fraction. A concentration dependent activity was observed in the preliminary screening with the bench-top assays. The active fraction produced greater growth inhibition of the radicle of S. bicolor seeds than the oil. Inhibitions of -1.02 and +23.02 % were realized against AU 565 and HeLa cell lines respectively with the oil, and these were increased to +33.19 and +89.3 % inhibitions respectively with the active fraction. GCMS results revealed the presence of estragole (88.61 %) as being most abundant in the fraction. This result shows the cytotoxic potential of O. basilicum volatile oil, which was increased in its estragole-containing fraction.

Toxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Zerumbon from Zingiber zerumbet Rhizome

Zingiber zerumbet is a medicinal plant that has the potential as a source of bioactive compounds. Zerumbone is a major compound of the essential oil fraction of Z. zerumbet. Research on antimicrobial activity and toxicity of zerumbone is still very limited. In this study, the zerumbone was isolated from Z. zerumbet rhizome and then studied for its potential as an antimicrobial agent and toxicity properties. The isolation of the zerumbone compound was carried out through extraction, fractionation, and purification. The structure of zerumbone was determined by an NMR spectrophotometer (1D and 2D) and GCMS. The toxicity assay was carried out using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method, while the antimicrobial activity assay was carried out using the microdilution method against, Escherichia coli, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus ceureus, Candida albicans, Malasezia furfur, and Aspergillus sp. The isolation of zerumbone from the n-hexane fraction of Z. zerumbet rhizome obtained a pure compound in the form of white crystals, with a melting point of 65.5 ºC. Toxicity assay of zerumbone was obtained LC50 values ​​of 21.29 µg/mL. The activity assays on the seven test microbes showed potential activities with a range of MIC values ​​of 15.62–250 µg/mL. Zerumbone has the highest activity against Aspergillus sp with the MIC value of 15.62 µg/mL.

Screening of Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil and Volatile Fraction from Olive Mill Wastewater

Oil mill wastewater is the main by-product of the olive oil industry resulting mainly from the treatment and pressing of olives in mills. It is a rich source of nutrients and phytochemicals with a wide spectrum of biological properties. The present study focuses on the chemical analysis and evaluation of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil (EO) and the volatile fraction (VF) obtained, respectively, by hydrodistillation. Chemical analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and a flame ionisation detector (GC/FID) revealed the predominance of phenolic compounds (25.71%, 60.36%) and fatty acids (62.37%, 38.25%) for the VF and EO, respectively. It was also shown that the main compounds were oleic acid (24.9%) for the VF and 4-ethylphenol (28.5%) for the EO. The results of the antimicrobial activity in terms of MIC values against twelve microorganisms showed that, overall, the VF was more active than the EO. The antioxidant activity of the VF and EO was evaluated using the DPPH assay and expressed as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), where the EO (218 μg/mL) showed better antioxidant activity than the VF (244 μg/mL). The results also revealed that the antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity values for both oils were significantly lower than the standards used.

Lavender essential oil fractions alleviate sleep disorders induced by the combination of anxiety and caffeine in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil is renowned for its use in the treatment of insomnia and mental disorder diseases in folk medicine. Previous pharmacological studies have also shown that lavender essential oil displays sedative and hypnotic activities. However, the active ingredients and mechanism of lavender essential oil for sleep-improving effect remain unclear. Aim of the studyThis study investigates whether inhalation of different fractions of lavender essential oil can attenuate the sleep disturbances induced by combined anxiety and caffeine and explores the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsMolecular distillation was applied to separate lavender essential oil into fractions containing different chemical components, and GC-MS was used to analyze the volatile compounds of lavender essential oil and its fractions. The elevated plus maze test, pentobarbital-induced sleep test, and neurotransmitters enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of lavender essential oil and its fractions on mice suffering from sleep disorders. ResultsThe results of behavioral tests indicated that lavender essential oil and its fractions (3%, v/v) exerted an ameliorating effect on sleep disturbances induced by anxiety and caffeine. The light fraction and heavy fractions exhibited complementary chemical composition, with the former enriched in linalool and trans-β-ocimene and the latter in linalyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate, trans-caryophyllene, etc. The light fraction contributed more to sleep maintenance, and the heavy fraction performed better at sleep initiation. The neurobiological parameters elucidated that the mechanism of lavender essential oil for sleep-improving was multifaceted, related to the GABAergic system, cholinergic system, histaminergic system, and monoamines in the limbic system. The heavy fraction shared a similar mechanism with the lavender essential oil, while the light fraction did not actively participate in the cholinergic system, histaminergic system, and dopaminergic system. ConclusionTaken together, our results demonstrated that different fractions of lavender essential oil played different roles in ameliorating sleep disorders, and this may be credited to their compositional differences and the complicated interactions with the central nervous system. The results are informative for future investigations on the molecular level mechanisms and provide guidance for appropriate applications of lavender essential oil.

Assessment of the weather conditions influence on the economic and value characteristics of Lavandula аngustifolia L. in the conditions of Kherson region

Assessment of the prospects of introduced and created varieties of Lavandula angustifolia L. in the conditions of the Southern Steppe in terms of yield and essential oil content in raw materials, as well as the influence of the weather conditions of the year on these economically valuable traits is given. The study included 11 samples of Lavandula angustifolia L. Ecological and phenological observations were carried out for the studied plants. During the period of mass flowering of plants, the crop was recorded. The mass fraction of the essential oil was determined by the Ginsberg method on the Clevenger apparatus. The main results of the multi-year research work on the assessment of collection samples for economic and valuable characteristics of Lavandula angustifolia depending on weather conditions are highlighted. On the basis of the State Enterprise «Experimental Farming “Novokakhov”» of the Institute of ClimateOriented Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, collection plots of narrow-leaved lavender samples were established for introductory study and testing in the conditions of the Southern Steppe. For 20 years in this region, Lavandula angustifolia underwent multi-vector study as an ornamental and essential oil crop.During this period, new variety samples and varieties adapted to local conditions were created, which have increased decorative indicators, as well as high yield and mass share of essential oil in raw materials. In particular, Lydia, Victoria and Sinieva Nadiyi varieties, with the following characteristics: plant height, cm — 65, 60.0 and 60.0, respectively; inflorescence length, cm — 8.0, 5.0 and 13.0; number of inflorescences on a plant, pcs. — 95, 230 and 200; number of flowers in an inflorescence, pcs. — 80, 49 and 90; essential oil content, % — 3.0, 3.8 and 3.25; collection of essential oil, kg/ha — 64.0, 83.0 and 71.0; content of linalyl acetate in essential oil, % — 48.0, 34.2 and 20.1; duration of the flowering period, days — 30; inflorescence yield, t/ha — 0.53, 0.55 and 0.55; frost resistance, score (1–9) — 9; resistance against pests, score (1–9): ant (Lasiusnsger) — 9; causative agents of diseases, score (1–9) — 9 — not detected (village Lidia), sora rot — 9 (village Victoria) and not detected (village Sinieva Nadiyi); zoning area — steppe. The period 2016–2021 is of particular interest, considering the study of the adaptability of culture. The weather conditions in the mentioned years differed among themselves in terms of temperature, amount of precipitation and their distribution, etc. Such conditions made it possible to assess comprehensively the influence of the weather conditions on the manifestation of economic and valuable characteristics of collections of lavender samples in this region, including newly created varieties of this valuable culture. Observations revealed deviations in the passage of phenological phases and the accumulation of essential oil. The minimum yields and essential oil content of all samples occurred in 2016, which is associated with a sharp drop in temperature and freezing of plant shoots. The maximum yield of raw materials was recorded in 2020, which is associated with the optimal amount of precipitation in the phase of growth and budding. The maximum indicators of the mass fraction of essential oil in raw materials were recorded in 2018, which is associated with high average daily temperatures and the absence of precipitation and dry weather during flowering. The results of the long-term evaluation of the samples of narrow-leaved lavender L. angustifolia based on the main economic and valuable characteristics indicate the prospects of industrial cultivation of the crop in the conditions of the Southern Steppe, and also convincingly prove the presence of genetic material of domestic origin adapted to the conditions of the region.

Harvest Seasons Induced Variations in the Compositions of Gold Crest and Sodom Apple Essential Oils

Gold crest (Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw) and Sodom apple (Calotropis procera Aiton W.T. Aiton) essential oils have distinctive biological properties, so, they can be used in drug and food industries. Harvest seasons play basic functions in the metabolism of essential oils. Due to the evidence of previous studies reported that growing seasons lead to various diversity in the essential oils and their components which reflects on its biological effects; so, the aim of current investigation was to evaluate the essential oils isolated from gold crest and Sodom apple young shoots during winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons. Essential oils were isolated by hydro distillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Obtained results were statistically analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Results showed that Gold crest and Sodom apple essential oils production are related to harvest seasons. The maximum values of both essential oil contents were resulted from samples harvested during spring season. Neral and E-phytol were the major components of gold crest and Sodom apple essential oils, respectively. Oxygenated monoterpenes was the major fraction of gold crest essential oil, while the main fraction of Sodom apple essential oil was oxygenated diterpenes. The highest amount of neral was produced from spring samples, while summer samples resulted in the maximum value of oxygenated monoterpenes. The greatest amounts of E-phytol and oxygenated diterpenes were recorded with the samples harvested in winter season. This trial avails as indication for selecting suitable season to produce essential oil according to constituents of benefit.

Antidandruff property of <i>Psidium guajava</i> leaf extracts

<i>Psidium guajava</i> leaf paste and decoction have long been used in Mauritius for their efficacy in dandruff management. The study aimed to test <i>P. guajava</i> leaf extracts against fungi collected from dandruff patients' scalps, as previous research has shown a strong link between dandruff and dermatophytes. Fungi were isolated and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), which contained 2% olive oil, 1% Tween 80, and chloramphenicol. The isolates were identified using physiological, macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, and molecular techniques. Hydrodistillation and Soxhlet extraction of Mauritian <i>P. guajava</i> leaves were used to obtain essential oil and different solvent fractions, which were then screened for the presence of phytochemicals. The microdilution assay was used to test the antifungal activity of harvested extracts against isolates. <i>Neurospora intermedia</i>, <i>Trichoderma atroviride</i>, and <i>Trichosporon asahii</i> were identified as fungi. The solvents chloroform, methanol, and hexane produced higher extract yields (16.2%, 15.2% and 14.7%). The phytochemicals were most abundant in the chloroform-methanol (4:1 v/v) fraction. The methanol fraction had the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC), with concentrations of 298.27 19.66 g GAE/g, 132.1 6.15 g QUE/g, and 118.53 1.60 g GAE/g, respectively. Isolates were most sensitive to chloroform-methanol (4:1 v/v) and methanol fractions, with a MIC of 1.56 mg/mL. From the study, it can be deduced that <i>P. guajava</i> leaf extracts are effective antifungal agents and potential ingredients for natural antidandruff hair products, which are in high demand in the cosmetic industry.

Fractions of laurel essential oil obtained by molecular distillation with greater antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Laurus nobilis L. essential oil (LEO) and its fractions obtained by short-path molecular distillation. According to the chemical composition, it can be said that LEO and its fractions proved to have antioxidant activity sinceboth have a high content of total phenolic content (TPC). Short-path molecular distillation was used to separate essential oil fractions with superiorantioxidant activity. Laurel residue (LR) exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity, with higher values of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity with ABTS radical cation (TEAC-ABTS) assay and TPC. In addition, LR had the lowest value of IC50-DPPH. For antimicrobial activity, all natural products tested had an effect on all foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. LEO, as well as its fractions, showed antimicrobial, bacteriostatic, or bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The LEO and its fractions obtained by molecular distillation can be used as antimicrobials and as food preservatives to prevent oxidation. Also, consumers considered the addition of LEO or its fractions in food products as positive.

Modulatory Impact of Lamiaceae Metabolites on Apoptosis of Human Leukemia Cells.

Lamiaceae species are rich sources of biologically active compounds which have been applied in medicine since ancient times. Especially their antineoplastic properties have been thoroughly studied with respect to their putative application in chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy of cancer. However, the most known biological effects of Lamiaceae have been ascribed to their essential oil fractions, whereas their (poly)phenolic metabolites being also abundant in these plants, are much less recognized, nevertheless contributing to their beneficial properties, such as anti-cancer actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dried aqueous extracts from common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) (ExTv), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) (ExTs), sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) (ExOm), and peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) (ExMp), as well as (poly)phenolic compounds: caffeic acid (CA), rosmarinic acid (RA), lithospermic acid (LA), luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronide (Lgr), luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (Lr), eriodictyol-7-O-rutinoside (Er), and arbutin (Ab), on unstimulated Jurkat cells, in comparison with their effect on staurosporine-stimulated Jurkat cells. Jurkat T cells were incubated with different concentrations of ExTv, ExTs, ExOm, ExMp, Lgr, LA, Er, Lr, RA, CA, or Ab. Subsequently, staurosporine was added to half of the samples and flow cytometry combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis was conducted, which allowed for the selection of early and late apoptotic cells. Both ExTs and ExOm stimulated apoptosis of Jurkat cells and enhanced the proapoptotic effect of staurosporine. Conversely, ExTv and ExMp demonstrated no clear effect on apoptosis. CA and RA raised the staurosporine-induced apoptotic effect. The impact of Er and Lgr on Jurkat cells showed fluctuations depending on the compound concentration. Neither Er nor Ab altered staurosporine-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells, whereas Lgr seemed to weaken the proapoptotic action of staurosporine. The most evident observation in this study was the pro-apoptotic action of ExTs and ExOm observed both in staurosporine-unstimulated and stimulated Jurkat cells. Additionally, an enhancement of staurosporine-induced apoptosis by caffeic and rosmarinic acids was reported. Therefore, it might be concluded that these are the mixtures of biologically active polyphenols which often exert more pronounced beneficial effects than purified molecules.

COMPONENT COMPOSITION AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL FRACTIONS OF THYMUS JENIS-SEENSIS ILJIN. ESSENTIAL OIL GROWING IN THE KRASNOYARSK TERRITORY

By the method of exhaustive hydroparodistillation, essential oil was isolated from the aboveground part of Thymus jenisseensis Ilji), which grows on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Separate fractions of essential oil were obtained depending on the duration of isolation. The composition of whole essential oil was established, the main components of which are borneol (17.9%), camphor (10.6%) and α-terpineol (10.8%), and the maximum content of borneol (30.5%) and α-terpineol (19.9%) was noted in the fourth fraction. For the first time, the antiradical properties of T.jenisseensis essential oil have been studied in a model reaction with a free stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. It is shown that all the studied samples of essential oil exhibit antiradical activity (ARA), the value of which increases from 14.6% (first fraction) to 41.1% (fourth fraction). ARA of the fifth fraction was 35.4%, whole oil – 26.4%. An increase in antiradical activity was noted with a decrease in the number of monoterpenes and an increase in the content of oxygen-containing compounds in the composition of essential oil. The correlation coefficient (r) of APA on the content of oxygen-containing compounds was 0.99, for sesquiterpenes r=0.84, for monoterpenes r=-0.94.

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic chemical constituents from the trunks of Berberis wallichiana

The chemical compositions and biological activities of the Berberis wallichiana trunk were evaluated for the first time. The alkaloid berberine was found as the main constituent of this plant. In the essential oil fraction, safrole was the most abundant component. The isolated 8-oxypalmatine compound exhibited cytotoxic effects on all three cancer cell lines A549 (human lung carcinoma), MDA-MB-231 (human breast carcinoma), and DU145 (human prostate carcinoma), while berberine was the most active to DU145 cells (IC50 of 4.99 μM). This alkaloid compound also potently inhibited the production of nitric oxide with IC50 at 0.017 μM. These findings suggested that the trunks of B. wallichiana might be a good source of bioactive compounds.

Metal-organic framework on porous TiO2 thin film-coated alumina beads for fractional distillation of plant essential oils.

Fractionation of essential oils is technically challenging due to enormous scaffold diversities and structural complexities as well as difficulties in the implementation of the fractionation in the gas phase. Packing beads with multi-dimensional hierarchical nanostructures have been developed herein to pack fractional columns for atmospheric distillations. Activated alumina beads were coated with a porous TiO2 thin film. Growth of Cu-BTC (benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) crystals in resultant porous surfaces leads to the generation of new nanopores and increased metal centers for differential coordination with diverse components of essential oils. The TiO2 thin film is not only an integral part of the composites but also induces the oriented growth of Cu-BTC metal organic framework (MOF) crystals through coordinative interactions. These Al2O3@TiO2@Cu-BTC MOF beads show very strong absorptive capability for major components of essential oils, except for a single cyclic ether eucalyptol with steric hindrances. The eucalyptol was fractionated by using the column packed with those modified alumina beads from raw materials of Artemisia argyi, and Rosmarinus officinalis with high purities up to 96% and 93%, respectively.

Supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of oxygen heterocyclic compounds in Citrus essential oils.

Oxygen heterocyclic compounds are secondary metabolites mainly present in the non-volatile fraction of cold-pressed Citrus essential oils. Under this denomination are included coumarins, furocoumarins, and polymethoxyflavones. These compounds possess numerous beneficial properties for human health, but the ingestion of large amounts of coumarins is often related to toxic effects, whereas the phototoxicity caused by furocoumarins and UVA exposure has been well known for a long time. This research has been aimed at the validation of an analytical approach, based on supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, for the analysis of OHCs in Citrus essential oils. Among eight columns tested, packed with different stationary phases, the pentafluorophenyl allowed the best baseline separation in 8min and by using less than 10% of methanol. Calibration curves of twenty-eight standards (coumarins, furocoumarins, polymethoxyflavones) were constructed on spiked lemon distilled essential oil and the method was validated according to the EURACHEM guidelines, by calculating linearity, limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantification (LoQ), accuracy, intra-day, and inter-day precision. Specifically, recoveries were in the 80.0-118.6% range, regression coefficients were between 0.9904 and 0.9998, the LoDs were in the 0.0004-0.0470mgkg-1 range, the LoQs were in the 0.0014-0.1536mgkg-1 range, and coefficients of variation were between 0.3 and 2.6% (intra-day) and 1.1 and 7.4% (inter-day). The quantitative profiles of thirteen cold-pressed Citrus essential oils were determined.

Comparison of Volatile Compounds from Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea L.) Verticillasters Essential Oil and Hydrolate

The volatile compounds of essential oil (EO) and corresponding hydrolate (HY) extracted by steam distillation from clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) cv “Domaća mirisna” grown in Serbia were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The most abundant compounds of EO were linalyl acetate (43.5%) and linalool (25.9%), followed by α-terpineol, germacrene D, and geranyl acetate. In the corresponding HY (recovered water-soluble fraction of EO) the dominant were linalool (63.3%) and α-terpineol (26.8%), followed by geraniol. These differences in composition between clary sage EO and HY could be explained by linalyl acetate's low water solubility. Clustering of 55 clary sage EO accessions (from literature) shows the presence of several chemotypes: linalyl acetate+linalool, linalyl acetate+sclareol, linalool+geranyl acetate, germacrene D+β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and three unspecified chemotypes (geranyl acetate, methyl chavicol, and α-terpineol). According to this classification, clary sage cv “Domaća mirisna” belongs to a moderate linalyl acetate chemotype (between 19.8 and 45.7%). Further investigations need to focus on clary sage HY and their potential applications because HYs could increase economic gain as a by-product. However, their utilization for other purposes (cosmetic, postharvest fruit processing, organic agriculture, etc.) could be a safe solution for wastewater produced during EO distillation.

Bio-Insecticidal Nanoemulsions of Essential Oil and Lipid-Soluble Fractions of Pogostemon cablin.

The present study aimed to develop nanoemulsions (NEs) of essential oil (EO) and lipid-soluble extract (HE) of Pogostemon cablin leaves using biosurfactant, saponin. Hydro-distilled EO and fat-soluble HE were analyzed using GC-MS, which revealed 38.7 ± 2.7% and 37.5 ± 2.1% patchoulol, respectively. EO and HE were formulated with saponin to prepare corresponding coarse emulsions (CEs); furthermore, high-speed homogenization for 2 min was followed by ultrasonication for 3 min with constant frequency of 50 kHz. of the CEs resulted in respective NEs. NEs were characterized for the physico-chemical properties such as emulsion intrinsic stability, particle size distribution, polydispersity index (PDI), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphology and accurate nanodroplet diameters. CEs and NEs were investigated for insecticidal efficacy against adults of Tetranychus urticae and larvae of Spodoptera litura. Stable NEs of EO and HE at 500 μg mL−1 concentration exhibited corresponding average particle size of 51.7 and 89.9 nm, while TEM image revealed spherical-shaped droplets with the average droplet diameters of 15.3 and 29.4 nm, respectively. NEs of EO and HE displayed highest efficacy in contact toxicity (LC50 43.2 and 58.4 μg mL−1) after 48 h and fumigant toxicity (LC50 9.3 and 13.6 μg mL−1) after 24 h against T. urticae. In addition, NEs of EO showed considerable antifeedant and feeding deterrent action (AI 99.21 ± 0.74 and FI 99.73 ± 1.24) against S. litura larvae.

Integrative Seed and Leaf Treatment with Ascorbic Acid Extends the Planting Period by Improving Tolerance to Late Sowing Influences in Parsley

Abnormal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an undesirable event which occurs in plants due to stress. To meet this event, plants synthesize ROS-neutralizing compounds, including the non-enzymatic oxidant scavenger known as vitamin C: ascorbic acid (AsA). In addition to scavenging ROS, AsA modulates many vital functions in stressed or non-stressed plants. Thus, two-season (2018/2019 and 2019/2020) trials were conducted to study the effect of integrative treatment (seed soaking + foliar spray) using 1.0 or 2.0 mM AsA vs. distilled water (control) on the growth, seed yield, and oil yield of parsley plants under three sowing dates (SDs; November, December, and January, which represent adverse conditions of late sowing) vs. October as the optimal SD (control). The ion balance, osmotic-modifying compounds, and different antioxidants were also studied. The experimental layout was a split plot in a completely randomized block design. Late sowing (December and January) noticeably reduced growth traits, seed and oil yield components, and chlorophyll and nutrient contents. However, soluble sugar, proline, and AsA contents were significantly increased along with the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Under late sowing conditions, the use of AsA significantly increased growth, different yields, essential oil fractions, CAT and SOD activities, and contents of chlorophylls, nutrients, soluble sugars, free proline, and AsA. The interaction treatments of SDs and AsA concentrations indicated that AsA at a concentration of 2 mM was more efficient in conferring greater tolerance to adverse conditions of late sowing in parsley plants. Therefore, this study recommends 2.0 mM AsA for integrative (seed soaking + foliar spraying) treatment to prolong the sowing period of parsley seeds (from October up to December) and avoid damage caused by adverse conditions of late sowing.

Antifungal Sesquiterpenoids from Michelia formosana Leaf Essential Oil against Wood-Rotting Fungi

Michelia formosana (Kanehira) Masamune is a broad-leaved species widespread in East Asia; the wood extract and its constituents possess antifungal activity against wood-decay fungi. Antifungal activities of leaf essential oil and its constituents from M. formosana were investigated in the present study. Bioassay-guided isolation was applied to isolate the phytochemicals from leaf essential oil. 1D and 2D NMR, FTIR, and MS spectroscopic analyses were applied to elucidate the chemical structures of isolated compounds. Leaf essential oil displayed antifungal activity against wood decay fungi and was further separated into 11 fractions by column chromatography. Four sesquiterpenoids were isolated and identified from the active fractions of leaf essential oil through bioassay-guided isolation. Among these sesquiterpenoids, guaiol, bulnesol, and β-elemol have higher antifungal activity against brown-rot fungus Laetiporus sulphureus and white-rot fungus Lenzites betulina. Leaf essential oil and active compounds showed better antifungal activity against L. sulphureus than against L. betulina. The molecular structure of active sesquiterpenoids all contain the hydroxyisopropyl group. Antifungal sesquiterpenoids from M. formosana leaf essential oil show potential as natural fungicides for decay control of lignocellulosic materials.

Eugenol, obtained from the bioassay-guided fractionation of Coriandrum sativum essential oil, displayed antioxidant effect in deep-frying procedure of sunflower oil and improved sensory properties of fried products, Caijiao

ABSTRACT The deep-frying procedure of Caijiao in sunflower oil (SFO) needs natural antioxidants. In the present study, the essential oil of Coriandrum sativum (CSEO) was added into SFO at 0.16 g/kg to prepare SFO sample. During the deep-frying procedure of Caijiao, total polar compounds (TPC), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), conjugated dienes (CD), conjugated trienes (CT), polymers, viscosity and b* were prominently inhibited, together with the obvious reduction of L* (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). The sensory attributes of Caijiao were also obviously improved (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In the meantime, the addition of synthetic antioxidants to SFO, such as TBHQ, BHA and BHT, didn<apos;>t display effective antioxidant effect. After the bioassay-guided fractionation, the antioxidant effect of CSEO was attributed to one of its natural products, eugenol. The research and development of eugenol for effective natural antioxidants is of much importance for the whole food industry.

A comprehensive review on medicinal values and health benefits of spices and condiments commonly used in the Indian sub-continent

Spices and condiments, in addition to imparting seasoning they also possess medicinal values. The essential oils are the active principles of the condiments and spices. The combination of numerous essential oil fractions, not only enhances the values of the food as appetizers by imparting fragrances but also accredit the therapeutic values when used in the cooking. Spices such as Cinnamon, Cloves, Black pepper are enriched in essential oils with pharmaceutically active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and piperine. Similarly, condiments like Coriander, Chili, Cumin, are recognized for constituents like allicin, curcumin, linalool, etc. These components hold antioxidants properties and for many diseases, works as naturally occurring defensive constituents. This work is intended to outline the medicinal potential of commonly used spices and condiments based on the findings and reports of recent research across South Asian countries where spices and condiments form chief flavoring components of traditional foods.