Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometery Research Articles

The Characteristics of Component of Lime Mortars with Perilla Oil

A lime is a traditional material that has been used for a long time and has been used in ancient tumb, fortress walls, ondol, buildings, and lime-mortar barrier tombs. Based on the literature records used lime with additive materials, in this study, observed changes in the composition of perilla oil according to curing environment, sampling position, and time tor time mixed or applied with perilla oil among traditional lime additive materials by pyrosis gas chromatography mass spectrometery (Py-GC-MS) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) analysis. For perilla oil, unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, and linoleic acid, saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid were identified as the main component, and as perilla oil was cured, the ratio of saturated fatty acids such as azelaic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid tended to increase. This trend has also been confirmed in lime mortars using perilla oil. In limes mixed with perilla oil, oleic acid is predominantly detected. In the case of lime coated with perilla oil, no characteristic component was identified in the internal sample, and a change in characteristic components were confirmed according to the indoor and outdoor environments on the coated surface. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid were detected as main components in a stable indoor environment, but azelaic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid were identified as main components as they were exposed to the climate environment(outdoor). In particular, it is characterized by the fact that it was detected only in mortar applied with azelaic acid. However the possibility of grasping perilla oil using FT-IR was expected to have a detection limit depending on the concentration of perilla oil. Such analysis results are expected to contribute to the discovery of lime additive materials used in cultural heritage and the research on construction technology in the future.

Unraveling the structural intricacy of synthetic humic substance via, UV-vis, FTIR, 13C NMR and non-targeted silylation-GC-Orbitrap MS

Phenolic precursors combined with Maillard precursors can be converted into humic-acid like polycondensate during oxidation either via catalysis or non-catalysis processes. Current work was conducted on structural elucidation of synthetic humic substances (SHS) by avoiding alkaline extraction, using silylation coupled with high resolution mass spectrometery, while utilizing the mass spectral data of trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives. SHS mimicking natural humic substances was prepared by a bottom-up approach via polycondensation of catechol and Maillard precursors (glucose/glycine) at mild temperature (50 °C) and alkaline pH conditions. Reaction was monitored via UV–vis spectroscopy during the time period of 25 days by measuring the UV–vis curves. FTIR and 13C NMR curves were compared with IHSS Leonardite HA, gallic acid-protocatechuic acid-humic acid-like polycondensate (GA-PA-HALP), catechol: vanillic acid oligomer via oxidative coupling (CAVA) and corn straw HA via hydrothermal synthesis. SHS was subjected to silylation (BSTFA+1 %TMCS) in two solvents (pyridine or ethyl acetate) and then characterized via non-targeted analysis of GCOrbitrap MS. Mass spectrometery (MS) data showed that TMS fragments included more acidic and glucose oxidation moieties along with presence of Maillard reaction moieties. While remaining TMS fragments consisted of amines, aldehydes, ketones, amides, phenols etc. as well as conjugated moieties, adducts, quinones and oxidation/reduction moieties of catechol. Current method suggests that the combination of silylation with high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometery (GCOrbitrap MS) offers an alternative approach for characterizing substances formed in biotic or abiotic reactions, as well as in water-extracted dissolved organic matter samples.

Exopolysaccharides metabolism and cariogenesis of Streptococcus mutans biofilm regulated by antisense vicK RNA

ABSTRACT Background Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a pivotal cariogenic pathogen contributing to its multiple virulence factors, one of which is synthesizing exopolysaccharides (EPS). VicK, a sensor histidine kinase, plays a major role in regulating genes associated with EPS synthesis and adhesion. Here we first identified an antisense vicK RNA (ASvicK) bound with vicK into double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Objective This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of ASvicK in the EPS metabolism and cariogenesis of S. mutans. Methods The phenotypes of biofilm were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas chromatography-mass spectrometery (GC-MS) , gel permeation chromatography (GPC) , transcriptome analysis and Western blot. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-ip) assay and enzyme activity experiment were adopted to investigate the mechanism of ASvicK regulation. Caries animal models were developed to study the relationship between ASvicK and cariogenicity of S. mutans. Results Overexpression of ASvicK can inhibit the growth of biofilm, reduce the production of EPS and alter genes and protein related to EPS metabolism. ASvicK can adsorb RNase III to regulate vicK and affect the cariogenicity of S. mutans. Conclusions ASvicK regulates vicK at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, effectively inhibits EPS synthesis and biofilm formation and reduces its cariogenicity in vivo.

Exploration of molecular mechanisms responsible for anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic attributes of methanolic extract of Viola betonicifolia

Uncontrolled inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Currently available anti-inflammatory agents on prolonged use may lead to ulcers or thrombus formation. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-angiogenic potentials of methanol extract of Viola betonicifolia using battery of in vivo models. Methanol extract of Viola betonicifolia (Vb.Me) was prepared through maceration. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometery (GC-MS) were performed to identify bioactive compounds present in Vb.Me. In vivo safety profile of Vb.Me was evaluated following OECD 425 acute toxicity guidelines. Anti-inflammatory potential of Vb.Me at three different dose levels was evaluated in in vivo acute (carrageenan and, histamine-induced paw oedema), sub-chronic (cotton pellet-induced granuloma) and chronic (Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis) models. Blood and paws samples were collected to study effects of Vb.Me treatment on the expression of various pro-and anti-inflammatory genes (RT-PCR)and to study the histopathological changes at tissue levels. Effects of Vb.Me on neovasculature development were studied in ex-ovo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Quercetin and n-hexadecanoic were identified as one of the major bioactive molecules in HPLC and GC-MS analysis of Vb.Me. Toxicity data revealed that Vb.Me was safe for administration up to thedose of 2000mg/kg. Findings of inflammatory models showed that Vb.Me produced time and dose-dependent effects. 500mg/kg Vb.Me showed significantly (p < 0.05) better effects as compared with 125 and 250mg/kg. 500mg/kg Vb.Me also showed comparable anti-inflammatory effects with indomethacin in both acute and chronic models respectively. RT-PCR data exhibited significant (p < 0.05) down-regulation of IL-6, IL-1ß, NF-kß, TNF-α and COX-2 genes with simultaneous up-regulation of IL-4 and IL-10 genes in the blood samples of animals treated with 500mg/kg of Vb.Me and 10mg/kg of indomethacinrespectively. CAM assay data revealed arrest of microvessel outgrowth in Vb.Me-treated eggs. Altogether, findings of the current study indicate that Vb.Me exerts in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects through regulation of expression of various pro-and anti-inflammatory genes. Synergist actions of various bioactive molecules in Vb.Me are proposed to be responsible for these attributes. However, further studies to standardize the extract and evaluation of its potential in various inflammation-induced diseases are warranted.

Antibacterial polysaccharide-based hydrogel dressing containing plant essential oil for burn wound healing.

BackgroundPolysaccharide-based hydrogels have been developed for many years to treat burn wounds. Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants generally exhibit superior biological activity, especially antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that antibacterial hydrogels mixed with essential oils have great potential for burn wound healing. This study aimed to develop an antibacterial polysaccharide-based hydrogel with essential oil for burn skin repair.MethodsEucalyptus essential oil (EEO), ginger essential oil (GEO) and cumin essential oil (CEO) were employed for the preparation of effective antibacterial hydrogels physically crosslinked by carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and carbomer 940 (CBM). Composite hydrogels were prepared and characterized using antimicrobial activity studies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometery, rheological analysis, viscosity, swelling, water loss rate and water vapor transmission rate studies. In addition, the biocompatibility of hydrogels was evaluated in vivo by cytotoxicity and cell migration assays and the burn healing ability of hydrogels was tested in vivo using burn-induced wounds in mice.ResultsThe different essential oils exhibited different mixing abilities with the hydrogel matrix (CMC and CBM), which caused varying levels of reduction in essential oil hydrogel viscosity, swelling and water vapor transmission. Among the developed hydrogels, the CBM/CMC/EEO hydrogel exhibited optimal antibacterial activities of 46.26 ± 2.22% and 63.05 ± 0.99% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively, along with cell viability (>92.37%) and migration activity. Furthermore, the CBM/CMC/EEO hydrogel accelerated wound healing in mouse burn models by promoting the recovery of dermis and epidermis as observed using a hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining assay. The findings from an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the CBM/CMC/EEO hydrogel could repair wounds through interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α downregulation and transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor upregulation.ConclusionsThis study successfully prepared a porous CBM/CMC/EEO hydrogel with high antibacterial activity, favorable swelling, optimal rheological properties, superior water retention and water vapor transmission performance and a significant effect on skin repair in vitro and in vivo. The results indicate that the CBM/CMC/EEO hydrogel has the potential for use as a promising burn dressing material for skin burn repair.

Distribution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Phthalate Esters in Surface Sediments of the Songhua River

This study assesses the spatial distribution characteristics and ecological risk of phthalate esters (PAEs) in the surface sediments of the mainstream and tributaries of the Songhua River, China, using concentrations and composition of six PAEs, which were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometery (GC-MS). We assess the ∑6PAEs ecological risk using the hazard quotient (HQ) method and environmental risk levels (ERL). The results were as follows. ① It was found that the total concentrations of ∑6PAEs ranged from 6832.5 to 36298.9 ng·g-1 dry weight (average 18388.6 ng·g-1), with the main contributions coming from di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). The difference between the main stream ∑6PAEs (6832.5-36298.9 ng·g-1, average 18616.9 ng·g-1) and the tributary ∑6PAEs (10367.6-26593.3 ng·g-1, average 18264.1 ng·g-1) was not significant (P >0.05). The mean concentrations of individual PAEs in the tributary stream differed little from that of the main stream. The ∑6PAEs concentration of the Songhua River decreased initially but then increased from the upstream to the downstream. The average ∑6PAEs concentration in natural agricultural areas (18677.5 ng·g-1) was similar to that found in urban industrial areas (18063.7 ng·g-1), and DBP and DEHP contributed 98% of ∑6PAEs. ② The main sources of ∑6PAEs were domestic, agricultural production, and industrial production using plasticizers. ③ The ecological risk assessment indicated that DMP and BBP in the surface sediments of the Songhua River did not pose an ecological risk for aquatic organisms, and that DEP was associated with a low ecological risk, whereas DEHP and DBP posed a high ecological risk for aquatic organisms.

Chemical Composition and Anti-proliferative Activity of Essential Oil from Rhizomes of Micropropagated Curcuma aromatica in Eastern India

The family Zingiberaceae have been used from centuries as spice ingredient and as traditional medicine in the Asian regions. Mostly gingers are important natural resources which provide many useful food products, spices, medicines, dyes and perfumes. In the present scenario aromatic medicinal plants are used for their vast compound activities and thereby their essential oil which is beneficial to anticancer activity. Therefore a large number of medicinal plants are well-known for their use in ethnomedicine and play a major role in Indian system of ayurvedic medicine. The present study aims for extraction of rhizome essential oil in micropropagated Curcuma aromatica followed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometery and its cytotoxicity activity study. In result a total of 7 compounds were identified where ar-tumerone as 36.86 % was found to be the major compound. This was followed by MTT assay method where the essential oil was assessed against human breast cancer cell line (MCF7). To validate the cytotoxicity activity, MCF7 cell line was treated against different concentrations of rhizome essential oils ranging from 6.25-100 μl respectively. The medicinally beneficial compounds present in the oil of micropropagated C. aromatica rhizomes alongwith its cytotoxicity activity confirms it to be used by pharmaceuticals for treatment of various diseases as well as for commercial purposes.

First report on leaf Essential oil of In vitro Kaempferia galanga L. from Eastern India

Today over 95% of the medicinal plants used by the industries in India is collected from forest and other natural resources. Due to the fast changing lifestyle globally, now there is demand of medicinal plants that are of great commercial value and wild origin. In the present study, the leaf essential oil analysis of Kaempferia galanga by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometery (GC-MS) has been studied. These oils were extracted through hydrodistillation process and its chemical composition was analyzed by Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A total of 5 compounds were identified from the micropropagated plants. The major compound identified in were ethyl p-methoxycinnamate as 72.23% respectively. The medicinally beneficial compounds present in the oil is the first report on in vitro Kaempferia galanga leaves confirming the plant to be treated for various diseases in human and for commercial purposes.

TOR inhibition interrupts the metabolic homeostasis by shifting the carbon–nitrogen balance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

ABSTRACTThe allocation of nutrient resources to growth and metabolism is an essential function for controlling biomass accumulation in photoautotrophic organisms. One essential protein complex involved in this process is the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase. It has been shown that the inhibition of TOR leads to a considerable upsurge in the amino acid levels. This molecular phenotype relies mainly on the availability of light, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). To validate the time-resolved response of C and N metabolites, we used a targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometery (GC-MS)-based metabolomic approach, where we examined the response of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii upon TOR inhibition under C-limited condition, namely extended darkness. Contrary to C-supplemented conditions, the rapid increase in the amino acid levels is suppressed almost completely 4 h after TOR inhibition, confirming that C supply is essential to raise the amino acid levels mediated by their de novo synthesis. An exception to this observation was the levels of aspartate, which is presumably synthesized via the anaplerotic pathway. In agreement with previous reports, TOR repression, under these C-limited conditions, leads to a significant reduction in the C/N ratio, corroborating with the crucial role of the pathway in maintaining the metabolic balance of the cells and consequently propelling growth.

ANIBACTERIAL EFFICACY AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETERY ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS PRESENT IN DIFFERENT EXTRACTS OF ALLIUM SATIVUM

Objective: Medicinal plants are rich libraries containing wide variety of compounds of therapeutic values. Allium sativum commonly known as garlic is a very well-known medicinal plants being used with food products. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of different extracts of A. sativum was investigated along with their phytochemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometery (GC-MS) to explore antimicrobial compounds present in extracts.Methods: The antibacterial activity of A. sativum was evaluated against 9 reference bacterial strains and 3 MDR bacterial strains including Escherichia coli MDREC1, Klebsiella pneumoniae MDRKP2, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MDRPA3 by microbroth dilution and agar well diffusion method.Results: The results obtained from agar well diffusion assay showed the zone of inhibition from 12 to 26 mm for different extracts. The methanol and acetone extracts were found most potent against reference and MDR bacterial strains. MIC values were in the range of 1.87–7.5 mg/ml. Further, GCMS analysis confirmed the presence of 35 compounds including dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and methyl ester in common.Conclusion: The varied antimicrobial activity of extracts was due to the presence of different concentrations of the identified compounds which can be isolated and used for the treatment of various infectious diseases caused by MDR strains of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae.

Metabolomic characterisation of the effects of oncogenic PIK3CA transformation in a breast epithelial cell line

Somatic mutations in PIK3CA are frequently found in a number of human cancers, including breast cancer, altering cellular physiology and tumour sensitivity to chemotherapy. This renders PIK3CA an attractive molecular target for early detection and personalised therapy. Using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometery (GC-MS) together with 13C stable isotope-labelled glucose and glutamine as metabolic tracers, we probed the phenotypic changes in metabolism following a single copy knock-in of mutant PIK3CA (H1047R) in the MCF10A cell line, an important cell model for studying oncogenic transformation in breast tissues. We observed effects in several metabolic pathways, including a decrease in glycerophosphocholine level together with increases in glutaminolysis, de novo fatty acid synthesis and pyruvate entry into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Our findings highlight altered glyceroplipid metabolism and lipogenesis, as key metabolic phenotypes of mutant PIK3CA transformation that are recapitulated in the MCF10A cellular model.

Metabolomics studies of prostate cancer using gas chromatography-mass spectrometery

Background: Metabolomics is a powerful analytical approach that is widely used for early diagnosis of many tumors. In this study, we performed a comparative metabolomics analysis to identify metabolic differences in prostate cancer. Methods: We applied gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze the metabolic differences between normal prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer cells (PC-3, LNCaP, and DU145 cells). We performed pairwise comparisons of the metabolomes for the intracellular and extracellular fluid using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and Student’s t-test. Results: Our results revealed significantly different expression patterns among the metabolite groups, including amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and cholesterol. Of these four categories, cholesterol showed potential for combination with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer. Conclusions: GC-MS may be an effective approach to reduce the frequency of invasive biopsies. Analysis of the diagnostic significance of prostate cancer markers will help to identify more meaningful tumor markers for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, and provide the basis for new ideas.

Metabolomics studies of prostate cancer using gas chromatography-mass spectrometery

Metabolomics studies of prostate cancer using gas chromatography-mass spectrometery

GC-MS analysis of bioactive constituents of Aristolochia bracteolata Linn with in-vitro antioxidant properties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Aristolochia bracteolata Linn. Methanol extract showed increased scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 270.12 ±1.12 µg/ml), hydroxyl (IC50 450.04 ± 0.71 µg/ml), nitric oxide (IC50 640.06 ± 1.24 µg/ml) and hydrogen peroxide (IC50 300.51 ± 0.67 µg/ml) radicals, as well as high reducing power. Methanol extract also showed strong suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation (IC50 400.01±1.23) and metal chelating ability of methanol extract showed moderate effect (IC50 680.09±0.33) when compared to the reference standard. The results obtained in the present study clearly indicate that methanol extract has a significant potential to use it as an antioxidant agent. In the present study the methanol extract ofAristolochia bracteolata has been subjected to GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometery) analysis. Sixty chemical constituents have been identified, The major peaks fromGC-MS results revealed the presence of seven different phytochemical constituents likedodecane (7.50%), tetradecane (7.31%), tridecane (6.59%), undecane (6.29%), pentadecane (3.99%), hexadecane (2.69%) and decane (1.49%) whereas some other minor peaks corresponds to the presence of other phytoconstituents.

Sensitization of Tio2 Nanoparticles With Cobalt Phthalocyanine: An Active Photocatalyst for Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol under Visible Light

In this work, preparation and visible light induced photocatalytic activity of sulphonated cobalt phthalocyanine complex sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles (CoPcS-TNP) as photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) has been reported. The study carried out using XRD, DRS, FT-IR, nitrogen physisorption and TEM techniques. Results revealed that TiO2 nanoparticles possessed only the anatase phase with crystal sizes of about 7-10nm. The doping amount of CoPcS remarkably affected the activity of TiO2 nanoparticles as photocatalyst. Oxalic acid, pyruvic acid and malonic acid were the major intermediate species at the final stage of the degradation process as identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometery.

Detection of artificial musk in Xihuangwan by gas chromatography-mass spectrometery.

To control the quality of Xihuangwan by improving the qualitative detection of artificial musk inside this pill. The qualitative detection of artificial musk was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometery(GC-MS). The established GC-MS successfully detected artificial musk in Xihuangwan. GC-MS is reliable,accurate,and practical in the identification of artificial must inside Xihuangwan.

Recycling of lignocellulosic waste materials to produce high-value products: single cell oil and xylitol

Application of microorganisms with ability of using environmental wastes such as lignocellulosic materials for converting them to high-value products is important from economical point of view. Valuable products such as single cell oil (SCO) have a high potential to be used in various industrial fields including biodiesel production. Other important products are polyalcohols like xylitol, which are applicable in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, Rhodotorula yeast was isolated from the leaves of Benjamin. Afterward, SCO production was evaluated in a nitrogen-limited medium, and the obtained oil was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometery. Moreover, xylitol was produced in a media containing xylose and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography technique. The yeast strain was identified using polymerase chain reaction method. SCO and xylitol production was also evaluated in a medium containing lignocellulosic materials and other forestry residues. This strain produced SCO and dry biomass of 9.7 and 16.14 g/L, respectively. In addition, in a medium with 140 g/L of xylose, xylitol production was found to be 49.28 g/L. Among waste materials, lipid content of 49 % on grass hydrolysate was found to be incredible. The obtained strain was identified as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The results of this study show that by the isolation of yeast with the potential of making use of waste materials, high-value products can be obtained. Therefore, it can be concluded that the mentioned bioprocess has not only environmental benefits but also is very important from economical view.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil and Extracts of Dorema Glabrum Roots, Leaves and Flowers

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Essential Oil and Extracts of Dorema Glabrum Roots, Leaves and Flowers The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from Dorema glabrum (Umbelliferae) roots, leaves and flowers were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometery (GC-MS). About 37, 35 and 58 compounds were identified in roots, leaves and flowers of Dorema glabrum (D. glabrum), respectively. Essential oils of leaves were rich in sesquiterpenes (64.94%) and monoterpenes (5.17%), with β-caryophyllene (35.06%) as major component. Roots’s essential oil was rich in sesquiterpenes (55.18%) and monoterpenes (18.35%), with δ- cadinene (18.88%) as major component. And finally, flowers essential oil was rich in monoterpenes (58.31%), and sesquiterpenes (29.18%) with carvon (25.97%), germacrene B (13.05%) and α-limonene (10.37%) as major components. Antioxidant activity of the extracts of D. Glabrum roots, leaves and flowers have been studied by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The obtained results show that the weakest (27.41% at μg/mL) and strongest radical scavenging activity (45.0% at 1 μg/mL) were exhibited by the D. glabrum roots’ and flowers’ methanol extract, respectively.

Seasonal cycles of biogenic volatile organic compound fluxes and concentrations in a California citrus orchard

Abstract. Orange trees are widely cultivated in Mediterranean climatic regions where they are an important agricultural crop. Citrus have been characterized as emitters of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in chamber studies under controlled environmental conditions, but an extensive characterization at field scale has never been performed using modern measurement methods, and is particularly needed considering the complex interactions between the orchards and the polluted atmosphere in which Citrus is often cultivated. For one year, in a Valencia orange orchard in Exeter, California, we measured fluxes using PTRMS (Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometer) and eddy covariance for the most abundant VOC typically emitted from citrus vegetation: methanol, acetone, and isoprenoids. Concentration gradients of additional oxygenated and aromatic compounds from the ground level to above the canopy were also measured. In order to characterize concentrations of speciated biogenic VOC (BVOC) in leaves, we analyzed leaf content by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometery) regularly throughout the year. We also characterized in more detail concentrations of speciated BVOC in the air above the orchard by in-situ GC-MS during a few weeks in spring flowering and summer periods. Here we report concentrations and fluxes of the main VOC species emitted by the orchard, discuss how fluxes measured in the field relate to previous studies made with plant enclosures, and describe how VOC content in leaves and emissions change during the year in response to phenological and environmental parameters. The orchard was a source of monoterpenes and oxygenated VOC. The highest emissions were observed during the springtime flowering period, with mid-day fluxes above 2 nmol m−2 s−1 for methanol and up to 1 nmol m−2 s−1 for acetone and monoterpenes. During hot summer days emissions were not as high as we expected considering the known dependence of biogenic emissions on temperature. We provide evidence that thickening of leaf cuticle wax content limited gaseous emissions during the summer.

Evaluation of the phytochemical profile and uterine contractile effect of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz and Dipsacus mitis D. Don

The phytochemical screening of Dipsacus mitis D. Don and Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz revealed the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites in both of the species but their concentrations were variable. Flavanoids and saponins were found in remarkable amount in both of the samples. The volatile compounds of both plants were extracted by Simultaneous Steam Distillation and Extraction (SDE) apparatus and analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometery (GC-MS). Total 53 volatile compounds were tentatively identified from roots of Dipsacus mitis D. Don and 78 were identified from flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. Alcohols were dominant in both the plants accounting 45% and 32% respectively. Numerous bioactive volatile compounds were detected in both herbs. The effects of increasing concentrations of the methanolic extracts on the amplitude and frequency of spontaneously contracting uterine tissues were tested. The effect of extracts on the smooth muscle strips from rat uterus showes the dramatic muscular relaxation on spontaneous contractility and was determided most effective at a concentration 6500 µg/ml of methanolic extract of Dipsacus mitis D.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnpa.v26i1.6627JNPA. XXVI(1) 2012 1-11