Juniperus Oxycedrus Research Articles

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus thurifera and Juniperus oxycedrus

This study aimed to compare the chemical composition, the antioxidant activity and the antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) of Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus thurifera and Juniperus oxycedrus, obtained from Ait Bouguemez region (Province of Azilal, Morocco). The analysis by GC/MS of essential oils led to identify 37, 54 and 38 components for J. phoenicea, J. thurifera, and J. oxycedrus, respectively. Monoterpenic fraction was found predominant in essential oils of the three samples. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity showed that essential oil of J. thurifera has the strongest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 12.07 μg/mL. The antibacterial activity showed that S. aureus was more sensitive than P. aeruginosa and E. coli for the three EOs tested.

Alteration in the Chemical Composition of Immortelle, Silver Fir and Prickly Juniper Essential Oils Induced by Light

The objective of this study was to evaluate impact of light and available oxygen on the chemical composition of three selected essential oils. Aliquots of immortelle (Helichrysum italicum), silver fir (Abies alba) and prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) essential oils were exposed to UV-A irradiation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen as well as in the presence of inert gas. The compositions of fresh and irradiated samples were studied by GC/MS. Each oil showed an individual response to the applied conditions. In immortelle oil, dominant process was phototransformation of g-curcumene to italicene, isoitalicene and ?-curcumene. Since g-curcumene is one of the major components of immortelle essential oil, exposure of this oil to light can cause significant changes in primary composition and thus quality. In silver fir and prickly juniper oil irradiation caused only slight changes among sesquiterpenes that are present as minor components. Both oils were found to be photostabile and insensitive to the presence of atmospheric oxygen.

New Lectins from Mediterranean Flora. Activity against HT29 Colon Cancer Cells.

Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo, as well as some preclinical trials for cancer therapeutics, support the antineoplastic properties of lectins. A screening of antitumoral activity on HT29 colon cancer cells, based on polypeptide characterization and specific lectin binding to HT29 cells membrane receptors, was performed in order to assess the bioactivities present in four Mediterranean plant species: Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. badia, Arbutus unedo and Corema album. Total leaf proteins from each species were evaluated with respect to cell viability and inhibitory activities on HT29 cells (cell migration, matrix metalloproteinase –MMP proteolytic activities). A discussion is presented on a possible mechanism justifying the specific binding of lectins to HT29 cell receptors. All species revealed the presence of proteins with affinity to HT29 cell glycosylated receptors, possibly explaining the differential antitumor activity exhibited by the two most promising species, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. badia and Arbutus unedo.

Tolerance to severe browsing of three shrub species on Mediterranean islands

Buxus balearica Lam., Ephedra fragilis Desf., and Juniperus oxycedrus L. are three Pre-Mediterranean shrubs that have become scarce in the Balearic Islands probably due to a climatic change and the anthropogenic activities during the second half of the Holocene. In addition, an endemic artiodactyl, Myotragus balearicus, exerted browsing pressure on these species for thousands of years, and after it disappeared domestic goats were introduced by humans. Adaptations that enable these plants to resist grazing are structural or chemical; however, there is no information about whether their defenses are only constitutive or also inducible. Currently, the mountain ranges of Majorca Island are extensively occupied by feral goats, and a possible increase in the stocking rates could affect the survival of these plant species. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of simulated severe browsing on the re-growth capacity and chemical composition of these species in order to determine their tolerance to herbivory. We sampled and compared structural and chemical variables of saplings submitted to two pruning intensities for each species.The results showed that all three species could maintain their growth rate and biomass ratios under simulated herbivory. Sprout production was also stimulated in all them. E. fragilis and B. balearica increased phenolic content after pruning, and E. fragilis also increased the condensed tannins. Pruning treatments did not trigger induction of phenolic content in J. oxycedrus, which could be considered as a constitutive defense. It is noteworthy that alkaloids in E. fragilis decreased with the treatments, which may contribute to preventing a possible addiction to these compounds, and thus reduce browsing damage.The responses induced by pruning show that these species are very tolerant to a level of herbivory, which could indicate a good adaptation to browsing pressure, exerted since the Pleistocene by Myotragus balearicus, and followed by goats during the last millennia. This is especially relevant in Mediterranean islands, such as the Balearic Islands, where practices for conserving relict plant species are based on feral herbivore exclusion.

Chemical composition and anti-cancer properties of Juniperus oxycedrus L. essential oils on estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells

Fruits from Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae) are generally used in gastronomy and in folk medicine to treat cancer. In this study, the anti-cancer efficacy of essential oils (EOs) of fruits and leaves from Moroccan J. oxycedrus L., was investigated in ER+ breast cancer cells. Both EOs presented anti-proliferative effects but, curiously, only fruits EOs impaired cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis. To characterize the chemical composition of these EOs, a suitable HS-SPME/GC–MS method was developed. Among the SPME fibers used, the PDMS and PA were the most effective for characterization of volatile compounds. Moreover, these EOs are rich in α-pinene and β-myrcene, which also presented anti-cancer properties. For the first time, the anti-cancer properties of EOs and of new potential bioactive molecules of J. oxycedrus L. in ER+ breast cancer cells were highlighted, suggesting their potential adjuvant therapeutic role in breast cancer.

Essential oil yield, composition, bioactivity and leaf morphology of Juniperus oxycedrus L. from Bulgaria and Serbia

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae Bartlett) is widely distributed in countries with a Mediterranean climate. All plant parts contain highly aromatic essential oil (EO) and recently there have been efforts to introduce it as a cultivated crop. The species is known for its large morphological and chemical variation and its debatable taxonomic status. This study aimed to (1) compare content, composition, and antimicrobial activity of J. oxycedrus EO samples from plants growing in Bulgaria and Serbia, and (2) quantify morphological variations of leaves. Тhe EO content (yield) in dried juniper leaves varied from 0.06% (Кopaonik, Serbia) to 0.24% (Markovo, Bulgaria). We identified 51 EO constituents, belonging to monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. The class monoterpenes (monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes) were the predominant compounds, representing 38.6–65.4% of the total EO, consisting primarily of α-pinene, limonene, sabinene, β-pinene, and β-myrcene. In addition, α-pinene was the major oil constituent in plants from all locations. Sesquiterpenes (sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes) were the second largest class of constituents, which represented 19.3% tо 33.6% of the total EO. γ-Elemene was found only in the EO of J. oxycedrus from Bulgaria, while a high concentration of α-curcumene was found only in samples from Serbia (7.5–7.8%). Significant differences in antimicrobial activity of the EO were found in bacterial strains Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. There was no significant difference among the mean leaf width of the six combinations location x sex, and the overall leaf mean width was 1.24 mm. However, there was a significant difference between the mean leaf lengths. In this study, none of the studied populations had a higher concentration of limonene than of α-pinene, indicating that the flora of the two countries include J. oxycedrus and not the previously reported J. deltoides. The results revealed significant variation in EO profile that may contribute to the development of new cultivars of J. oxycedrus.

Essential oil composition of berries of Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. oxycedrus according to their ripening stage

ABSTRACTSome essential oils (EOs) can be extracted from berries of different species, and their composition depends on their maturation level. In this work, these parameters were correlated for Juniperus oxycedrus L ssp. oxycedrus. For this purpose, a classification method based on the CIE L*a*b* colour measurement was applied. Once the samples were classified, they were subjected to simultaneous distillation extraction and gas chromatography (GC/FID and GC/MS). Hydrocarbon monoterpenes constituted the major fraction (42.8–89.8%), mainly represented by α-pinene (30.1–66.4%) and myrcene (6.1–34.8%). Hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes accounted for 4.0–26.4%, with germacrene-D (0.2–16.9%) as the major component. The discriminant analysis proved that CIE L*a*b* implementation was useful to classify the ripening stage. Regarding the EO composition, significant differences were observed in myrcene, camphor and germacrene-D, as well as in the grouped oxygenated and hydrocarbon terpenoids. In general, a progressive increase in oxygenated compounds was noted over the maturation process.

Geobotanical Study of the Microforests of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. badia in the Central and Southern Iberian Peninsula

We have studied Juniperus oxycedrus L. subsp. badia (H.Gay) Debeaux in the central and southern Iberian Peninsula, where the macrobioclimate ranges from Mediterranean-pluviseasonal-oceanic to Mediterranean-pluviseasonal-continental, and the thermotype from the thermo- to the supramediterranean. The relevés were taken following the Braun-Blanquet phytosociological methodology. A statistical treatment was applied to establish a separation among Juniperus communities. To understand the presence of Juniperus communities in territories dominated by species in the Quercus genus, we applied Thornthwaite’s formula to calculate potential evapotranspiration. The general cluster analysis clearly distinguishes two groups of plant communities and separates the different associations in each group. All the plant communities growing on rocky crests and in extremely steep sloping areas are significantly influenced by the soil. The ombroclimatic index does not explain the presence of plant communities influenced by substrate, so we proposed a new ombroedaphoxeric index which explains the presence of Juniperus communities in territories with a thermotype between the thermo- and supramediterranean. The areas of distribution of Juniperus species are expanding due to the spread of rocky areas; this phenomenon causes an increase in edaphoxerophilous areas and a decrease in climatophilous ones. We propose four new plant associations, with updated structures and floristic compositions. Efficient conservation is possible in both the territories studied (Spain and Portugal) through the implementation of specific cross-border cooperation projects.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation of Juniperus oxycedrus Subsp. oxycedrus Needles and Berries.

In order to evaluate the antioxidant properties of aqueous and methanol extracts of needles and berries of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joo) species, various antioxidant capacity assessment tests (free radical scavenging assays (DPPH• and ABTS•+ tests), ferrous ions (Fe2+) chelating activity and reducing power assay (FRAP) were conducted. In all of the tests, the extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, in-vitro cytotoxic activity assays of the methanolic extracts showed potent cytotoxic effects against two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7), with no cytotoxicity towards normal cells (PBMCs). Reactive oxygen species generation was presumed to be a potential reason for the observed cytotoxic effects. According to all the above, and considering its appropriate composition of mineral elements and phenolic compounds, Joo could offer a beneficial and natural source of bioactive compounds that can be either used on the preventive side as it could potentially be used in the clinic without toxicity.

Antifungal activity of plant essential oils against Verticillium dahliae Klebahn, the causal agent of verticillium wilt of pepper

Biofungicides based on plant oils have some advantages compared to chemical fungicides, especially considering their harmful effect on the environment. Twenty-two essential oils from Germany and Albania were assayed for inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Verticillium dahliae Klebahn, the causal agent of Verticillium wilt of pepper, using the macrodilution fumigant method. The concentrations of oils obtained in the vapour phase were: 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16 and 0.32 ?l ml-1 with determined minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations. The strongest activity was shown by two samples of mint oil (Mentha piperita L.) at 0.02 ?l ml-1 of air, both from Germany and Albania, followed by plant essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labilardie), black pine (Pinus nigra L.) and cade (Juniperus oxycedrus L.), and all of them were lethal to the pathogen. Nine oils: two samples of mint, cade, eucalyptus, black pine, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) inhibited the growth of Verticillium dahliae, while five oils (two samples of mint, eucalyptus, black pine and cade) showed fungicidal effects on the pathogen. These results showed that mint, eucalyptus, black pine and cade essential oils have a potential for further in vivo experiments against Verticillium dahliae.

A New Host Record and Rate of Parasitism for Trissolcus semistriatus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)

During a survey on insect egg parasitoids in Usak province (Turkey), parasitized egg clusters of Chlorochroa juniperina (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were collected on Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae). After emergence, the egg parasitoid was identified as Trissolcus semistriatus Nees (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). This is the first record of this parasitoid reared from the egg masses of C. juniperina. This species has not been previously reported for T. semistriatus as a host species. Mainly eggs of Eurygaster spp. and different pentatomid species were used as hosts in mass culture of the parasitoid. Eggs of this species are acceptable as an alternative host to T. semistriatus during the summer. During 2016 and 2017, 61 egg clusters were collected for the first year and 83 egg clusters were collected for the second year. They have been determined to be parasitized by 31% and 27%, respectively, over the years. Also the rate of emergence and sex ratios were calculated as 98% and 79% in the egg clusters. According to these results, T. semistriatus has an important effect on the populations of C. juniperina under natural conditions in Usak province of Turkey.

New endemic woody plant record for Bartın: Juniperus oxycedrus f. yaltirikiana Avci & Ziel.

Makalede adı geçen Türkiye’nin endemik ardıç formu (Juniperus oxycedrus f. yaltirikiana Avci & Ziel.) ilk kez Avcı ve Zielinski tarafından 2008 yılında tanımlanarak bilim dünyasına sunulmuştur. Bu taksonun ilk tip örneklerinin alındığı ve tanımlandığı lokalite Zonguldak ilinin kuzey-doğusunda Göbü ve Türkali köyleri arasındaki bölgede bulunmaktadır. Bugünkü bilgilerimize göre, bu ardıç formunun ilk tanımlandığı lokalite dışında yayılış yaptığı başka bir yayılış alanı bilinmemektedir. Makalede söz konusu endemik ardıç formunun morfolojik özellikleri ve oldukça sınırlı bir alandaki yeni yayılışı konu edilerek, alanın vejetasyon tipi ve bitki toplumları açısından kısa bir tanıtımı yapılmıştır

In vitro susceptibility of Trypanosoma brucei brucei to selected essential oils and their major components

Aiming for discovering effective and harmless antitrypanosomal agents, 17 essential oils and nine major components were screened for their effects on T. b. brucei. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation from fresh plant material and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The trypanocidal activity was assessed using blood stream trypomastigotes cultures of T. b. brucei and the colorimetric resazurin method. The MTT test was used to assess the cytotoxicity of essential oils on macrophage cells and Selectivity Indexes were calculated. Of the 17 essential oils screened three showed high trypanocidal activity (IC50 < 10 μg/mL): Juniperus oxycedrus (IC50 of 0.9 μg/mL), Cymbopogon citratus (IC50 of 3.2 μg/mL) and Lavandula luisieri (IC50 of 5.7 μg/mL). These oils had no cytotoxic effects on macrophage cells showing the highest values of Selectivity Index (63.4, 9.0 and 11.8, respectively). The oils of Distichoselinum tenuifolium, Lavandula viridis, Origanum virens, Seseli tortuosom, Syzygium aromaticum, and Thymbra capitata also exhibited activity (IC50 of 10–25 μg/mL) but showed cytotoxicity on macrophages. Of the nine compounds tested, α-pinene (IC50 of 2.9 μg/mL) and citral (IC50 of 18.9 μg/mL) exhibited the highest anti-trypanosomal activities. Citral is likely the active component of C. citratus and α-pinene is responsible for the antitrypanosomal effects of J. oxycedrus. The present work leads us to propose the J. oxycedrus, C. citratus and L. luisieri oils as valuable sources of new molecules for African Sleeping Sickness treatment.

Field Trapping Bactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae) with Select Eugenol Analogs That Have Been Found to Attract Other 'Non-Responsive' Fruit Fly Species.

Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a pest fruit fly species native to Oriental Asia which has invaded and established in Hawaii and Tanzania and has been recovered in detection trapping in California. It is largely non-responsive to the male lures cuelure and methyl eugenol. Alpha-ionol + cade oil is a moderately effective male B. latifrons attractant, but is not as attractive as cuelure or methyl eugenol are to other fruit fly species. An improved attractant is therefore desired. With the recent success in finding other non-responsive fruit fly species attracted to isoeugenol, methyl-isoeugenol, or dihydroeugenol in Australia and other countries, we wanted to assess whether B. latifrons might also respond to these “eugenol analogs.” Working with wild B. latifrons populations in Hawaii, we assessed the relative catch of B. latifrons in traps baited with the eugenol analogs with catch in traps baited with alpha-ionol, alpha-ionol + cade oil, or alpha-ionol + eugenol. Catch was significantly higher in traps baited with alpha-ionol + cade oil relative to traps with any of the other baits. There was, though, some male B. latifrons catch in traps baited with dihydroeugenol or isoeugenol but none in traps baited with methyl-isoeugenol.

New insights about economic plants during the 6th–2nd centuries bc in Sardinia, Italy

A research project carried out in Santa Giusta lagoon, Sardinia, since 2005 has revealed the presence of Phoenician and Punic waterlogged archaeological contexts of exceptional importance. Several transport amphorae, together with Punic coarse pottery and materials typical of funerary and votive contexts have been recovered. Two principal deposition phases have been distinguished, the first one dated to the 6th–5th century bc and the second dated to the 3rd−2nd century bc. The waterlogged conditions favoured the preservation of plant remains such as Citrullus lanatus, Corylus avellana, Juglans regia, Juniperus oxycedrus, Lagenaria siceraria, Olea europaea, Pinus pinea, P. halepensis, Prunus dulcis, P. domestica, P. spinosa and Vitis vinifera. Many amphorae contained ovine/caprine bones with slaughter or butchering marks, associated with grapes and other juicy fruits that have been interpreted as possible ingredients used as meat preservatives. This study provides information on the management of plants of economic importance for the Phoenician and Punic communities in Sardinia.

Differences in structure, allergenic protein content and pectate lyase enzyme activity of some Cupressaceae pollen

Abstract Objective Cupressaceae pollen has commonly been reported to be an important aeroallergen and causal factor of spring, autumn and winter pollinosis in many countries. The aim of this study was to compare of the structure and allergenic protein content of Cupressus arizonica Greene., Cupressus sempervirens L. and Juniperus oxycedrus L. pollen in detail and contribute to Cupressaceae pollen allergen diagnosis and therapy studies in Turkey. Methods The pollen structure were examined by LM and SEM. Pollen protein content was investigated by Bradford protein assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blot analysis and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE PAGE), respectively. Pectate lyase (PL) enzyme activities were compared. Immunoblotting was carried out by using extracts of the three taxa pollen collected from Turkey. Results All three taxa was found very similar in terms of pollen morphology however, intine thickness was prominently different. Cupressus arizonica pollen extracts showed the lowest PL activity. Five sera specific IgE of all allergic subjects showed reaction with only C. arizonica pollen extracts. Conclusions As a conclusion, the pollen structure, protein function or protein structure and isoforms of allergens could affects allergenic properties of the pollen. This study also may help to improve the Cupressaceae pollen allergen diagnosis and therapy.

Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Juniperus oxycedrus essential oils from North Western Algeria

The aim of the current study was to identify the essential oils of Juniperus oxycedrus from North Western Algeria (Mostaganem) by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and to evaluate their antibac-terial and antioxidant activities. Extraction was carried out by two processes, hydrodistillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD). Analysis by GC-MS led to the identification of 38 components using both methods. HD was found to be the best process for the extraction of Juniperus essential oil, and the ma-jor identified compounds were: germacrene-D (38.28%), followed by α.-pinene (17.66%), and δ-cadinene (5.91%). In the antibacterial test, SD oil had a higher inhibitory effect. The strain Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive with an inhibition zone of 15.25 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of J. oxycedrus es-sential oils obtained by HD was more important than SD (IC50= 19.52 mg/mL and IC50= 38.62 mg/mL) with DPPH and β-carotene bleaching tests respec-tively. Essential oils of J. oxycedrus could therefore represent good candidates to be used as antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

The morphological properties of leaves, cones, seeds of some juniperus species native to Turkey

This work was designed to evaluate morphologic and micromorphological properties of leaf, cone and seed of some Juniperus species from Turkey: Juniperus drupacea (Caryocedrus section), Juniperus communis var. communis, Juniperus communis var. saxatilis, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa (Juniperus section). Features of Juniperus species of leaf, cone and seed are investigated by Leica S8 Apo digital photomicrograph system and Jeol JSM 6490LV scanning electron microscope. The leaves usually carry double stomatal band on the inner surface except that J. communis subspecies. The resin pits number on the seed surface is varied 1-11. This resin pits on the seed surface was not observed in J. drupacea

Toxicity of Juniperus oxycedrus oil constituents and related compounds and the efficacy of oil spray formulations to Dermatophagoides farinae (Acari: Pyroglyphidae).

The American house dust mite (AHDM), Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), is recognized as an important source of allergens in the domestic environment. This study was conducted to determine whether 19 constituents from essential oil of cade, Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae), eight structurally related compounds, and another 16 previously known cade oil constituents were toxic for adult AHDMs and to determine the route of acaricidal action of the test compounds, as well as to assess the control efficacy of four experimental spray formulations containing the oil (10-40mg/L sprays). In a fabric-circle contact mortality bioassay, methyleugenol (LD50, 5.82µg/cm2) and guaiacol (8.24µg/cm2) were the most toxic compounds against the mites, and the toxicity of these compounds and benzyl benzoate did not significantly differ. High toxicity was also observed with eugenol, m-cresol, and nerolidol (LD50, 12.52-19.52µg/cm2), and these compounds were significantly more toxic than N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) (LD50, 37.67µg/cm2). Cade applied as 30 or 40mg/L experimental sprays provided 96 and 100% mortality against the mites, respectively, whereas permethrin (cis:trans, 25:75) 2.5g/L spray treatment resulted in 17% mortality. In vapor-phase mortality tests, the compounds described were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that toxicity was achieved mainly through the action of vapor. Reasonable mite control in indoor environments can be achieved by spray formulation containing the 40mg/L cade oil as potential contact-action fumigants.

On the tracks of sandarac, review and chemical analysis.

The sandarac resin (Tetraclinis articulata) has been long used for its properties, mostly as a varnish component. Called juniper resin until the nineteenth century, the real botanical origin of sandarac is still unclear. The first approach to this issue is the review of the evolution of the etymology, terminology, and botanical description of sandarac through time. It seems that sandarac was mainly coming from T. articulata but the use of some juniper resins before the twentieth century is not to be excluded. The second approach is a chemical one; we used gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to characterise the resin. As sandarac was the main component of the famous Italian varnish Vernice liquida, its characterisation is important for old paintings studies. However, although we could hope to differentiate sandarac, Juniperus communis and Juniperus oxycedrus resins by looking at their chemical composition, it appears that these resins are very similar. Besides, we notice a lack of old varnishes containing sandarac which complicates our work.