Major Components Of Essential Oil Research Articles

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant and Protective Activities of Various Types of Extracts from Hyssopus officinalis L. and Grindelia robusta Nutt. Herb Grown in Poland.

The available literature indicates that Hyssopus officinalis and Grindelia robusta are raw materials with great potential for use in prevention and therapy. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess the phytochemical profile and antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of extracts prepared using various solvents, additionally taking into account different methods of drying the plant material. Hydrodistilled oil was analysed by GC-MS. The chemical composition of the extracts was estimated by spectrophotometry and the HPLC-DAD method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP and measuring the intracellular level of ROS. Alamar Blue and Neutral Red tests were used to assess the cytotoxicity of the extracts on skin cells - keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The major components of hyssop essential oil were cis- (44.9%) and trans- (18.2%) pinocamphone, while borneol (16.1%), and α-pinene (12.0%) were predominant in grindelia essential oil. Flavonoids were dominant in the extracts (water:ethanol, water:methanol, and water: glycerol) from hot-air dried hyssop herb, while phenolic acids were the predominant compounds in the grindelia herb extracts. The water:ethanol hyssop extract had the highest total content of flavonoids (42.26 mg CE/mL), among which isoquercitrin and rutin were present in the highest quantities (32.61 mg/mL and 21.47 mg/mL, respectively). In the case of grindelia, the highest total phenolic acid content (26.24 mg CAE/mL) was recorded in the water:ethanol extract, and the dominant compounds among them were 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic and chlorogenic acid (10.85 and 6.39 mg/mL, respectively). The water:ethanol extract from both plants also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH and FRAP tests (79.19% and 1.39 mmol/L, respectively, for grindelia and 67.61% and 1.04 mmol/L for hyssop) and was most effective at reducing the level of ROS in cells. In addition, water:ethanol extracts may have a positive impact on the viability of skin cells in vitro. Water:ethanol extracts from H. officinalis and G. robusta herb are promising sources of active compounds and may find application as natural materials with valuable biological properties, which require further in vitro and in vivo testing.

Comparative Biochemical and Pharmacodynamic Analyses of Asarum heterotropoides Fr. Schmidt var. Mandshuricum (Maxim) Kitag and Asarum sieboldii Miq var. Seoulense Nakai Roots

Background:Asarum heterotropoides and Asarum sieboldii are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, little is known about how they differ in terms of essential oil (EO) and ethanol extract (EE) content and composition. Moreover, the effect of various geographical locations on the essential oil (EO), ethanol extract (EE), and asarinin content of different Asarum samples remains unknown. We tested four root-drying methods, i.e., soil removal and shade drying (P1), water washing and shade drying (P2), and water washing and drying at 30 °C (P3) and 40 °C (P4). We used LC-MS and GC-MS to investigate these differences. We also investigated the pharmacodynamic effects of EO and EE. Results: Overall, the EO, EE and asarinin contents of the analysed samples were 19.21–51.53 μL.g−1, 20.00–45.00 μL.g−1, and 1.268–2.591 mg.g−1, respectively. P1 treatment yielded the lowest volatile oil content compared to the other three treatments. GC-MS analysis revealed 78 EO components. Among the six major EO components, eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyl eugenol were higher in A. heterotropoides than in A. sieboldii. However, the latter had a higher myristicin content. LC-MS analysis identified 888 EE components in roots and leaves of A. heterotropoides and A. sieboldii; 317 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified. EO and EE showed a dose-dependent reduction in the degree of swelling and an increase in the inhibition rate of drug concentration on acetic acid writhing in mice. Asarum EO proved to be more effective than EE in the pharmacodynamic study. Conclusions: We conclude that Asarum species show inter- and intra-specific differences in EO and EE content and composition, which may influence the pharmacodynamics of Asarum root extracts.

Exploring the chemotaxonomic significance of selected Citrus essential oils through GC-MS/FID and multivariate correlation analyses

The volatile chemical composition and qualitative as well as quantitative variation of the leaf and peel essential oils of five species belonging to Citrus genus were studied. The investigated Citrus species were Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle, Citrus limon L. (Osbeck), Citrus maxima (Burm.f.) Merr. R, Citrus medica L. and Citrus medica *Citrus limon. Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed using GC-MS/FID. In total 49 compounds comprising of 83.1-99.0% of the volatile compositions were identified in five leaf essential oils whereas 45 compounds comprising of 97-99.4% of the volatile compositions were identified in peel essential oils. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the predominant composition present in the leaf oils of all Citrus species whereas sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main composition found in C. maxima leaf oil (39.9%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons were predominating in the isolated peel oils. Principal component analysis of Citrus species was employed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of essential oil components. Both PCA and cluster analysis of both leaf and peel essential oils were classified into two clusters and then subsequent subclusters, characterized according to the major essential oil components. Monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated hydrocarbons and diterpenes were identified as the significant category of compounds characterised for Citrus essential oils.

Effects of linalool on respiratory neuron activity in the brainstem-spinal cord preparation from newborn rats.

Linalool and linalyl acetate are major components of lavender essential oil. These substances possess many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic and anxiolytic effects, and anticonvulsant properties, and they also induce modulation of neuronal activity in the autonomic nervous system. However, there are no reports of the direct effects of linalool on respiratory activity. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of linalool and linalyl acetate on central respiratory activity in the brainstem-spinal cord preparation isolated from newborn rats. Linalool dose-dependently decreased the rate of respiratory activity. This effect was reversed by bicuculline, suggesting that linalool enhanced inhibitory synaptic connections via GABAA receptors. In addition, linalool reduced the coefficient of variation of inspiratory burst intervals and thus could work to stabilize the respiratory rhythm. Linalyl acetate did not cause inhibitory effects as observed in linalool treatment. Linalool depressed burst activity of pre-inspiratory neurons in the medullary respiratory networks and increased the amplitude of inspiratory inhibitory postsynaptic potentials of pre-inspiratory neurons. We concluded that linalool caused inhibitory effects on respiratory rhythm generation mainly through activation of presynaptic GABAA receptors of pre-inspiratory neurons.

Insecticidal Activity of Some Major Essential Oil Components against Metopolophium dirhodum and Its Predators.

Essential oils (EOs) are plant metabolites with important insecticidal effects. Nevertheless, information on the efficacy of the major substances on aphids and their natural enemies is still missing. The objective of this paper is, therefore, to identify the efficacy of selected EO majority substances-β-citronellol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, and linalool, including their binary mixtures-on the mortality and fertility of the aphid Metopolophium dirhodum, an important cereal pest. The best efficacy was proven for the binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool (1:1 ratio), for which the estimated LC50(90) is 0.56(1.58) mL L-1. This binary mixture applied in sublethal concentrations significantly reduced aphid fertility. It was found that the phenomenon can be attributed to β-citronellol, as the females treated with LC30 laid 45.9% fewer nymphs, on average, compared to the control. Although β-citronellol and linalool, including their 1:1 mixture, showed very good efficacy on aphid mortality, they were, on the other hand, very friendly to the larvae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza and Chrysoperla carnea, which are important aphid predators. Based on our results, the newly discovered synergically acting binary mixture β-citronellol/linalool can be recommended as an efficient substance suitable for the further development of botanical insecticides used against aphids.

Effect of peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita L.) in migraine-like responses in female rats

Migraine is a severe and disabling neurological disorder characterized by headache, photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and vomiting. It is considered the top cause of years lived with disability between the ages of 15–49, being two to three times more common in women than in men. Pharmacological treatment of migraine has advanced in the past years but is still considered unsatisfactory for a significant number of patients. There is growing evidence that essential oils may provide benefit for migraineurs. Herein it was tested the hypothesis that peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita L.) could reduce migraine-related responses in rats. The model consisted in the injection of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) of female rats to induce the development of immediate periorbital cutaneous allodynia and late photosensitivity (24 h after CGRP). Inhalation of the peppermint essential oil during 15 minutes before CGRP injection in the TG did not reduce periorbital allodynia and photosensitivity of female rats. However, when the exposure occurred after CGRP injection, peppermint essential oil caused a significant reduction in both parameters. Likewise, intranasal application of menthol, a major component of peppermint essential oil caused a significant reduction of periorbital allodynia induced by CGRP. In conclusion, peppermint essential oil and menthol may represent a safe, low cost and noninvasive adjuvant abortive therapy for headache pain in migraine patients. However, further high-quality clinical studies are clearly warranted to determine efficacy, safety and to establish their best treatment regimen.

Biological Activity of Horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) Herb Grown in Poland and Its Phytochemical Composition.

Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae) is a plant which has long been known and used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, few recent studies have documented its chemical composition and biological properties. The present study investigated the phytochemical composition of horehound, as well as its protective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components of horehound essential oil are E-caryophyllene (35.7%), germacrene D (25.2%), and bicyclogermacrene (10.6%). The biological activity of horehound hydroethanolic herb extract derives from multiple chemical compounds, including polyphenols (55.72 mg/mL), flavonoids (11.01 mg/mL), phenolic acids (4.33 mg/mL), and tannins (4.46 mg/mL). Chromatographic analyses of the extract identified 12 phenolic compounds, of which ferulic acid, catechin, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, rutin, and syringic acid (35.42, 24.69, 20.65, 18.70, 14.46, and 12.69 mg/mL, respectively) were the main constituents. Its DPPH radical scavenging ability was 68.29%, while its antioxidant properties, determined by the FRAP method, were at the level of 1.22 mmol/L. Moreover, M. vulgare extract decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species in the fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro, achieving the strongest antioxidant effect at a concentration of 2.5% in the case of both types of skin cells. Extracts from the horehound herb showed significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, confirming the plant's potential in therapeutic applications against various microbial pathogens (gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi). The research results demonstrate the protective effect of horehound extract on the viability of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro. To sum up, M. vulgare, as a valuable natural material with high preventive and therapeutic effectiveness, is a potential candidate for new applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

Chemical Characterization of the Essential Oil Compositions of Mentha spicata and M. longifolia ssp. cyprica from the Mediterranean Basin and Multivariate Statistical Analyses.

This present study aims to characterize the essential oil compositions of the aerial parts of M. spicata L. and endemic M. longifolia ssp. cyprica (Heinr. Braun) Harley by using GC-FID and GC/MS analyses simultaneously. In addition, it aims to perform multivariate statistical analysis by comparing with the existing literature, emphasizing the literature published within the last two decades, conducted on both species growing within the Mediterranean Basin. The major essential oil components of M. spicata were determined as carvone (67.8%) and limonene (10.6%), while the major compounds of M. longifolia ssp. cyprica essential oil were pulegone (64.8%) and 1,8-cineole (10.0%). As a result of statistical analysis, three clades were determined for M. spicata: a carvone-rich chemotype, a carvone/trans-carveol chemotype, and a pulegone/menthone chemotype, with the present study result belonging to the carvone-rich chemotype. Carvone was a primary determinant of chemotype, along with menthone, pulegone, and trans-carveol. In M. longifolia, the primary determinants of chemotype were identified as pulegone and menthone, with three chemotype clades being pulegone-rich, combined menthone/pulegone, and combined menthone/pulegone with caryophyllene enrichment. The primary determinants of chemotype were menthone, pulegone, and caryophyllene. The present study result belongs to pulegone-rich chemotype.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and essential oil studies on Veratrum album L. (Melanthiaceae)

In this study, essential oil components of the Veratrum album L. and the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of these components were determined. The chemical composition of the essential oils of dried aerial parts of V. album was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was determined with the disk diffusion method. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity were detected for the antioxidant activity of the plant. According to the analysis results, the major essential oil components of the V. album were determined as hexacosane (39.5%), myristic (tetradecanoic) acid (22.8%), heptane (6.5%), anethole (4.9%) and 1,8- cineole (4.8%). The findings showed that the methanol extracts of the stem and leaf parts of the plant inhibited the growth of pathogenic microorganisms at different rates (14±0.1 - 34±0.3 mm). The TAS values of methanol extracts of stem and leaf parts of V. album were calculated as 3.75±0.07 and 3.91±0.01 mmol, while TOS values were calculated as 6.14±0.13 and 6.54±0.05 μmol. The scavenging activity of the DPPH radical increased depending on increasing concentrations of the plant extract.

Variations in Essential Oil Biological Activities of Female Cones at Different Developmental Stages from Azorean Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L.f.) D. Don (Cupressaceae)

In the Azores Archipelago, Cryptomeria japonica is, currently, the most cultivated forestry tree for timber production, landscaping, and gardening, generating large amounts of foliage waste that is used for local essential oils (EOs) production. However, the existing literature on the biological potential of EOs from different C. japonica foliage parts, such as female cones (FC), remains limited. Thus, in the present study, EOs extracted by hydrodistillation from Azorean C. japonica immature and mature FC (IFC and MFC), as well as some major EO components, were screened for their: (i) antioxidant capacity, evaluated by DPPH free-radical-scavenging activity (FRSA) and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching activity (BCBA), (ii) antimicrobial activities, assessed by the disc diffusion method against eight bacteria and one fungus, and (iii) toxicity against Artemia salina. Among both FC EO samples, the IFC EO exhibited the best DPPH–FRSA, BCBA, and growth inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium italicum, as well as a slightly increased toxic potential, due to their differential compositions, as assessed by GC–MS analysis. Thus, the FC’s maturation process decreased their EOs’ bioactivities. In conclusion, this finding could help in determining the optimal developmental stage for enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds content in FC EOs. In turn, this contributes to increasing the commercial potential of C. japonica’s EO industry.

Regulation of lipid metabolism by the major components of orange essential oil in high-fat diet mice

Orange essential oil (OEO) is an important citrus by-product that has been utilized as a nutritional modulator. In the study, we investigated the effects of limonene, linalool, and decanal (the major components of OEO) on hepatic lipid composition and metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD) mice. The results showed that limonene, linalool and decanal treatments alleviated weight gain and dyslipidemia induced by HFD. In addition, compared to the HFD group, hepatic lipids were significantly altered in the treated groups, PIs, PEs and PGs screened as marker metabolites. Furthermore, we found that limonene, linalool and decanal accelerated the oxidation of fatty acids by stimulating of PPAR-α and CPT-1 expression. Therefore, our study can provide theoretical support for aromatics as nutritional regulators.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of eugenol-isoxazoline hybrid derivatives as potential anti-leishmanial agents

Leishmaniasis is a group of protozoan parasitic diseases caused by various Leishmania species. The clinical manifestations range from skin abrasions to lethal infection in the visceral organs such as the liver and spleen. The emergence of drug resistance, long hospitalization periods, and various adverse effects of the current therapeutic regimen have incited the quest for exploring novel molecules as efficient treatment regimens. Eugenol is the major component of clove essential oil and has significant biological potential with anti-microbial properties. Moreover, natural product derivatives having the isoxazoline group have shown promising pharmacological applications. Thus, various analogs were synthesized and characterized to explore the anti-leishmanial potency of eugenol and isoxazoline hybrid. Results from the in vitro assay against Leishmania donovani parasites identified three potent derivatives (7e, 8a, and 8b) with IC50 values in the range of 7–17 µM. Cytotoxicity analysis against the J774A.1 macrophage cell line confirmed the satisfactory safety index of these potent hits and ex vivo infectivity assay established the role of these hits in reducing intracellular amastigote burden. Next, various mechanistic studies, including SEM analysis, higher ROS production, reduced intracellular ATP levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, formation of intracellular lipid bodies, and acidic vesicular organelles, confirmed the role of these potent hits in parasite cell death. According to the molecular docking analysis results, the most potent derivative, 8b, had strong binding interactions with residues Ile296, Pro299, and Phe354 of sterol 14α-demethylase protein of the Leishmania parasite. Entirely the study highlights the role of eugenol-isoxazoline hybrid derivatives as potential leishmanicidal agents.

Chemical compositions and cytotoxicity effects of essential oils from the leaves and pseudo-stems of Curcuma zedoaroides Chaveer. & Tanee collected in Vietnam

In this study, chemical components and cytotoxic effects of essential oils from Curcuma zedoaroides Chaveer. & Tanee growing wild in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam, were investigated. The essential oils of C. zedoaroides were obtained through hydrodistillation with contents of 0.38% and 0.1% in C. zedoaroides leaves (CZL) and C. zedoaroides pseudo-stems (CZPS), respectively (based on dried herbal materials). Using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, 48 volatile compounds were identified in the CZL essential oil. The major components of the CZL essential oil were curdione (14.05%), 1,8-cineole (8.88%), camphor (7.06%), trans-β-elemenone (6.65%), (E)-β-farnesene epoxide (6.44%), curzerene (5.20%), isoborneol (4.75%), β-elemene (3.41%), endo-borneol (3.07%), camphene (2.87%), humulene (2.47%), and γ-elemene (2.22%). Besides, 47 components were determined in the CZPS essential oil with the significant components of curzerene (11.72%), trans-β-elemenone (10.64%), curdione (9.79%), β-elemene (6.77%), (E)-β-farnesene epoxide (6.71%), humulene (6.37%), cis-β-elemenone (3.81%), γ-elemene (3.55%), camphor (3.41%), germacrone (2.83%), and isoborneol (2.39%). The CZL essential oil showed weak cytotoxic activity against tested cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, HepG2, HT29, HL-60, K562, and MDA-MB-231) with IC50 values in the range of 43.88 to 81.32 μg/mL. This study is the first information on the chemical compositions of the CZL and CZPS essential oils of C. zedoaroides, as well as the cytotoxicity of the CZL essential oil.

Content analysis, nanoparticle forming potential and acaricidal effects on Tick (Hyalomma marginatum) of essential oils from two common Thymbra species

In this study, the fatty acid, essential oil and aroma composition of Thymbra sintenisii Bornm. & Aznav. subsp. sintenisii Bornm. & Aznav (TSS) and Thymbra sintenisii Bornm. & Azn. subsp. isaurica P.H.Davis (TSI) were determined by GC-MS. The cytotoxic activity was determined with MTT assay and antioxidant activities were determined with DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC methods. Urease, acetyl, butyryl, angiotensin, α-amylase, tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase enzyme inhibition activities of these species were also determined. The acaricidal effects of essential oils from aerial parts of TSS and TSI on ticks and the nanoparticle formation potential of their essential oils with AgNO3 were determined and compared. The main components of TSS essential oil and aroma were determined as carvacrol and o-cemen (66.78 and 35.44%, respectively), the major components of TSI essential oil and aroma were carvacrol and γ-terpinene (63.78 and 31.44%, respectively). The species exhibited remarkably high antioxidant activity, particularly in the ABTS and CUPRAC methods. It was also determined that the butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition activities (Inhibition%: 76.12±0.83 and 74.13±0.33, respectively) of the species were quite high. Moderate antimicrobial activity against the bacteria was observed for both essential oils, with MIC values ranging from 312 to 1250 μg/mL. Moreover, essential oils of these species showed good acaricidal activity on Hyalomma marginatum (LC50: 11.82 μg/mL for TSS; LC50: 57.64 μg/mL for TSI). The high antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and acaracidal activities observed in both species are attributed to the presence of carvacrol in their essential oils. The species have potential to be used in food supplements-preservatives, pharmaceutical industry.

Efficacy of fumigant compounds from essential oil of feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium L.) against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Mots.): Fumigant toxicity test and in-silico study

Post-harvest insects are among the significant problems in the agricultural sector. The most accessible tools available for managing post-harvest arthropod-pests are fumigants because of the convenience of their applications and fast action in disinfecting. This study aimed to examine the fumigant toxicity of essential oil (EO) against maize weevil and identify the specific fumigants among the major components. The EO was extracted from aerial part of Chrysanthemum parthenium L. using Clevenger apparatus and was tested for fumigant toxicity. GC-MS was used to determine the chemical composition of EO. The major components were identified and screened virtually using Auto dock vina 1.2. in PyRx 0.8 platform. Dm AChE PDB ID: 6XYY was used as a target for molecular docking and malathion and pirimiphusmethyl were used as a reference for comparison. From the results of binding affinities, most of the major EO components showed better fumigant activity than the reference fumigants. More specifically 1,6-dioxaspiro[4,4]non-ene, b-farensen, bornyl-tiglate, g-terpinene, p-cymene, bornyl-acetate, bornyl-isovalerate, terpinen-4-ol, trans-chrysanthenyl-acetate and a-phellandrene were found to be effective fumigants against maize weevil. The above findings suggest that the EO of the aerial part of C. parthenium can be a potential candidate for the development of novel natural fumigants for stored products.
 KEY WORDS: Essential oil, Fumigants, Insecticides, Binding affinity, Maize weevil
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 457-472. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.13

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Microbial Activities of [ZnO: CoO/ Eugenol] and [ZnO: Fe2O3/ Eugenol] Nanocomposites

Metal oxide nanocomposites (MONCs) manufacturing is increasingly gaining popularity. The primary cause of this is the broad range of applications for such materials, which include fuel cells, photovoltaics, cosmetics, medicine, semiconductor packing materials, water treatment, and catalysts. Due to their size, stability, high surface area, catalytic activity, simplicity in fabrication, and selectivity for particular reactions. The MONCs with various morphologies have been created by physical, chemical, and biological processes, such as sol-gel, hydrothermal, co-precipitation, solvothermal, and microwave irradiation. Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is a major component of clove essential oil and it was found in various plant groups, has been widely utilized, and famously stated to have a variety of important biological activities. It is a good starting material for the synthesis of a wide variety of derivatives with different activity. Due to the presence of many functional groups in its structure, including allyl (-CH2-CH=CH2), phenol (-OH), and methoxy (-OCH3). The eugenol was taken with metal oxides (zinc cobalt oxides ZnO: CoO) to synthesis [ZnO: CoO/ Eug] and (zinc ferric oxides ZnO: Fe2O3) to synthesis [ZnO: Fe2O3/ Eug] as nanocomposites by hydrothermal method and characterization the compounds using: (FT-IR, AFM, SEM, EDX, XRD) techniques. Then, they tested their biological activities through antimicrobial and antioxidant.

The effect of different drying temperatures on the essential oil content and chemical composition of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

Drying temperatures affect the content and composition of essential oils in plants containing essential oils due to the organs where essential oils are synthesized and stored. For this reason, many studies have been carried out to determine the appropriate drying temperature to obtain the highest amount and the best quality essential oil. In present study, it is aimed to determine the effects of different drying temperatures on essential oil content and components in lavender (Lavandula angustufolia Mill.). The samples dried at four different temperatures (35°C, 45°C, 55°C and 65°C) were isolated for 3 hours using Clevenger type apparatus and the obtained oils were analyzed by GC-MS. The essential oil contents obtained at 25°C, 35°C, 45°C, 55°C, and 65°C were 1.17%, 0.96%, 0.94%, 0.65%, and 0.18% respectively. It was determined that the major components of essential oils obtained at different drying temperatures were 1.8-cineole (17.88-50.15%), camphor (32.60-48.86) and borneol (3.46-9.45%). The highest 1,8-cineole ratio was found in samples dried at 55°C (50.15%) but the lowest in samples dried at 65°C (17.88%). The highest and lowest camphor ratios were determined in samples dried at 65°C (48.86%) and samples dried at 55°C (32.60%) recpectively. The highest (9.45%) borneol ratio was obtained in samples dried at 65°C, while the lowest (3.46%) ratio was obtained in samples dried at 55°C. The results obtained in the present study showed that Lavender essential oil content and composition were affected by drying temperatures and the optimum drying temperature was 35 oC.

An Update on Microbial Biosynthesis of β-Caryophyllene, a Sesquiterpene with Multi-Pharmacological Properties

The sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a major component of various plant essential oils, to which it confers a unique spicy aroma. It is mainly used as a fragrance additive in the food, cosmetic and perfume industries, with an annual consumption ranging between 100 and 1000 metric tons worldwide. Recently, BCP has attracted attention as a promising precursor for the production of high-density fuels and for its various biological activities and pharmacological effects. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immune–modulatory, and many other activities. Due to its underlying mechanisms, β-caryophyllene interacts with various human receptors, including CB2 of the endocannabinoid system, which defines it as a phytocannabinoid with therapeutic potential for certain serious conditions. Due to β-caryophyllene’s high utility, various green and sustainable strategies for its production in microorganisms have been developed. This article provides an update on the state-of-the-art in this field to identify directions for further development to extend the compound’s potential.

Ginger essential oil-loaded hydrogels: preparation, characterization, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to develop ginger essential oil hydrogel formulations, using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC), Carbopol, and xanthan gum for dental and oromucosal infections. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogels were evaluated, and their bioadhesive characteristics were determined. Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activities of the essential oil and its formulations were investigated, respectively. The major components of ginger essential oil were confirmed as α-zingiberene (39.0%) and ar-curcumene (23.7%) by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. The initial results showed that none of the tested gel formulations selected for the application were non-cytotoxic. According to antimicrobial and LOX enzyme activity studies, the essential oil-loaded xanthan gum gel (X3) was more effective compared to the essential oil itself. The initial formulation and biological evaluation studies concluded that ginger essential oil hydrogels (X3, C3) can be further developed for oral and dental health by providing a long residence time due to their bioadhesive properties.

The Essential Oil of Balsamorhiza sagittata from Southwestern Idaho: Chemical Composition and Enantiomeric Distribution

Background/Objective: Arrowleaf balsamroot ( Balsamorhiza sagittata (Pursh) Nutt., Asteraceae) is a conspicuous forb growing in open hillsides and prairies at mid to upper elevations in the Intermountain West and Rocky Mountain regions. The plant is important forage for deer and elk and several Native American tribes used arrowleaf balsamroot as food and medicine. The volatile phytochemicals of B. sagittata have not been previously examined. Methods/Results: Nine individual samples of B. sagittata were collected, the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation using a Likens-Nickerson apparatus in yields of 0.069-0.956%, and the essential oils analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques (GC-MS, GC-FID, and chiral GC-MS). The major components in the leaf essential oil of B. sagittata were (−)-germacrene D (10.8-34.5%), (+)-β-phellandrene (6.4-19.4%), (−)-( E)-β-caryophyllene (1.4-15.0%), and ( E)-β-ocimene (3.1-8.4%). Conclusion: There was modest variation in composition or yield with respect to geographical location or elevation in the samples from southwestern Idaho, but comparison with essential oils from locations outside of Idaho should more completely define the volatile phytochemistry of this plant.