Major Essential Oil Research Articles

Vibrational Spectroscopic Methods for the Identification and Distinction of Essential Oils in Genus Ocimum L.: A Chemometric Approach

Essential oils are mainly analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). This is a time consuming technique which requires complex instrumentation assembly. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy are rapid and non-destructive techniques for qualitative characterization, differentiation of principal essential oil components, detection of adulteration in the oil, quality control of essential oil in industry as well as to distinguish different taxa. In the present study, five Ocimum spp. (Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Ocimum gratissimum L., Ocimum × africanum Lour., Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum americanum L) have been identified on the basis of essential oil by the Raman and FTIR spectroscopic techniques. It was found that methyl eugenol, eugenol, estragole, and camphor are major essential oils components present in Ocimum L. The results of PCA indicate that all five species of Ocimum L. form different clusters on the basis of principal essential oil components. The components of essential oil predicted by Raman spectroscopy correlate well with that of FTIR data. The present study demonstrates the use of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy techniques to distinguish taxa and characterization of essential oil components.

Effect of glutathione and α‐tocopherol on coriander green fruits essential oil

AbstractCoriander essential oil has several biological characters those make it an important place as a source of natural product. Due to the lack of natural products, many essential oil compounds are imitated by others made of cheap chemicals, which studies have shown to have a great danger to human health. From this point of view, it is necessary to search for new ways to increase natural products, the most important of which are essential oils. One of these methods is the use of bioregulators to modify the production of essential oil and its components to increase its biological use area. Thus, the variations of coriander green fruits essential oil were evaluated under different rates of glutathione and α‐tocopherol to determine the possibility of using them in the production of essential oil from coriander green fruits. Coriander plants were treated during cultivation at rates of glutathione (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g L−1) without or with α‐tocopherol (0.4 g L−1). Green fruits essential oil was separated by hydro‐distillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry; data were statistically analysed by two ways analysis of variance. Plants treated with 0.6 g L−1 glutathione with α‐tocopherol gave the maximum values of green fruits yield and essential oil content (% and yield per plant). The major essential oil constituents were linalool, undecan‐3‐ol and yomogi alcohol; while oxygenated monoterpenes were the main fractions. Plants exposed to glutathione with α‐tocopherol doses resulted in higher values of major components and main fraction than those subjected to glutathione rates. This trial ascertained that the subordination of coriander plants to glutathione and α‐tocopherol rates led to variations in green fruits essential oil, and this, in turn, affected its biological activities.

In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of ACE2 and LOX Inhibitory Activity of Origanum Essential Oils and Carvacrol.

Origanum spp. are used both for culinary purposes and for their biological activities. In this study, commercial Origanum majorana, Origanum minutiflorum, Origanum vulgare, and Origanum onites essential oils and their prominent constituent carvacrol were evaluated for their in vitro and in silico angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitory potentials. The essential oils were analysed by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, where carvacrol was identified as the major component (62 - 81%), confirming the quality. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays were conducted both with the essential oils (20 µg/mL) and with carvacrol (5 µg/mL). The comparative values of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 percent inhibition for O. majorana, O. minutiflorum, O. vulgare, and O.onites essential oils were determined as 85.5, 79.1, 74.3, and 42.8%, respectively. As a result of the enzyme assays, carvacrol showed 90.7% in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 inhibitory activity. The in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition of the essential oils (in the same order) was 89.4, 78.9, 81.1, and 73.5%, respectively, where carvacrol showed 74.8% inhibition. In addition, protein-ligand docking and interaction profiling was used to gain structural and mechanistic insights into the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials of major Origanum essential oil constituents. The in silico findings agreed with the significant enzyme inhibition activity observed in vitro. Further in vivo studies are suggested to confirm the safety and efficacy of the oils.

Effects of foliar zinc applications on some yield parameters and essential oil constituents of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia Duham.)

Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia Duham.) is an important medicinal aromatic plant which is being cultivated without any regular fertilization generally. Foliar Zn applications have great importance for many commercial plant species because of their important role in metabolic activities. In this study, the effects of foliar ZnSO4 sprayings (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8%) applied at 50% and 100% leafing stages, on some yield parameters and essential oil composition of mastic tree were assessed. A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years at Ege University, Turkey. Mastic resin yield was more than doubled with 0.8% Zn particularly in the second year. The highest leaf Zn content was measured as 187.8 mg l−1 with 0.8% zinc spraying while it was 35.4 mg l−1 in unsprayed trees at 100% leafing in the first year. Leaf essential oil and α-tocopherol contents were not significantly influenced by different Zn levels and leafing stages in both years. As for the major essential oil constituents, β-myrcene (62.4%), germacrene-D (14.3%), α-terpinenyl acetate (5.52%), t-caryophyllene (2.1%) and α-pinene (1.4%) were determined. Zinc sprayings increased the β-myrcene, germacrene-D and α-pinene contents particularly at 100% leafing in the first year. In mastic tree two consecutive applications of Zn seems to be necessary for reaching to desirable leaf Zn contents. Application of 0.8% Zn or more would be proper to increase the contents of most parameters assessed.

An Experimental and Theoretical Study on Essential Oil of Aethionema sancakense: Characterization, Molecular Properties and RDG Analysis.

This study aims to experimentally and theoretically examine the plant Aethionema sancakense, which was determined as a new species and whose essential oil and fatty acid compositions were characterized by GC/GC-MS technique. Linoleic acid (23.1%), α-humulene (19.8%), camphene (13.9%), and heptanal (9.7%) were found to be the major essential oil components of A. sancakense aerial part structures. The quantum chemical calculations of these four molecules that are very important to this plant were performed using the density functional method (DFT)/B3LYP with the 6-31 G (d, p) basis set in the ground state for the gas phase. The molecular structures, HOMO-LUMO energies, electronic properties, Fukui functions, and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces of the major constituents of Aethionema sancakense essential oil were calculated and interpreted. Finally, the RDG-NCI analysis of these molecules was performed to determine the non-covalent interactions present within the molecules.

Seasonal changes in rosemary species: A chemotaxonomic assessment of two varieties based on essential oil compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a popular herb in cooking, traditional healing, and aromatherapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of meteorological conditions plant growth stage and genetic factors on the yield, quantitative and qualitative composition, on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of rosemary essential oil from two Tunisian locations (El Fahs and Matmata) during two successive years. The composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistilation from rosemary plants were carried out annually using GC and GC/MS. Results showed the the main constituents were camphor (18.2–28.1%), 1,8-cineole (6.4–18.0%), α-pinene (9.7–13.5%), borneol (4.4–9.5%), and camphene (5.1–8.7%). The principal component and heatmapper analyses showed group segregation of the two studied varities based on major essential oil compounds. Additionally, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities showed that rosemary essential oils had an important ability in scavenging DPPH, as well as a higher bactericidal effect. The seasonal variation, growth stage and genetic pools seemed to be a factors of significant variation of the composition, antimicrobial and the antioxidant activities of the rosemary essential oils. These finding would be taken to use the chemotaxonomy tools to develop a program for Rosmary protection conservation and identification based on essential oil composition.

Cultivation possibilities of Salvia aramiensis in the continental and the mediterranean type of climate

Salvia aramiensis Rech., a perennial species native to the Eastern Mediterranean, is used for medicinal purposes and as herbal tea. The cultivation possibilities, herbage yield, essential oil content and components of S. aramiensis were investigated in two different elevations (Adana 28 m above sea level (asl) and Pozantı 1200 m asl) in the continental and Mediterranean type of climate for 2 years. The measured plant parameters were plant height, herbage, leaf and flower fresh and dry yields, essential oil content and composition. Plant height differences were not significant at both locations and years. The highest herbage yield (7406 kg ha-1) was obtained from Adana in the 1st year and the lowest was (2222 kg ha-1) obtained in Pozantı in the 2nd year. Essential oil contents varied between 1.5 and 2.9%. The highest leaf essential oil content and yield were obtained from Adana in the 2nd year and the lowest was obtained from Pozantı in the 1st year. The major essential oil found in the leaves and the flowers were α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, borneol, camphor and viridiflorol at both locations. The results of the study showed that S. aramiensis could better adapt and successfully cultivated under plain conditions of the Eastern Mediterranean region

Phytochemical standardization of Eucalyptus tereticornis Smith (Myrtaceae) used in Green Pharmacy from Northeastern Brazil

IntroductionEucalyptus tereticornis Smith. is used in the Green Pharmacies Project in the state of Ceará, Brazil, for the treatment of respiratory ailments. Its major essential oil content is 1,8-cineole. Until the present time, there is no phytochemical standardization. Therefore, the present study was aimed at standardization by phytochemical studies and comparison of the leaves of E. tereticornis Smith. (Myrtaceae) used in the Green Pharmacies (Programa Farmácia Viva) of the Northeast Brazilian region, Ceará at different seasons. Material and methodsThe leaves were collected from the matrix plant and its clones located in Fortaleza, Ceará. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, extraction and analysis of essential oils using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) were carried out. The mass spectra obtained was compared with that from the late Professor Francisco José de Abreu Matos' scientific collection. The fluid extract was prepared and analysed using HPLC. ResultsPhytochemical studies on the fresh leaves of E. tereticornis demonstrated the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in all the accessions. The essential oils presented 1,8-cineole as the major compound, in addition α-pinene, β-pinene, p-cymene, limonene, γ-terpinene, α-terpineol and aromadendrene were identified. The fluid extract presented 1,8-cineole (7.68 %) and coumarin (6.2 ×10−3%), both can serve as important chemical markers. ConclusionThe percentage of 1,8-cineole of essential oil in the accessions of E. tereticnornis studied is in accordance with the Brazilian pharmacopeia. The phytochemical profile of the matrix plant has remained relatively stable since 1994. Coumarin presence is reported for the first time in this species.

Optimizing essential oil, fatty acid profiles, and phenolic compounds of dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica) intercropped with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with biofertilizer inoculation under rainfed conditions in a semi-arid region

ABSTRACT In arid and semi-arid regions, intercropping systems combined with biofertilizer application help improve the quantity and quality of food and industrial crops. This study assessed the effect of biofertilizers on the seed yield, essential oil (EO) concentration, fatty acid profile, and phenolic compounds of dragon’s head in intercropping patterns under rainfed conditions during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The treatments comprised five planting patterns [sole cropping of dragon’s head (D) and chickpea (Ch) and intercropping patterns of 1D:1Ch, 2D:1Ch, 1D:2Ch] and three fertilizer sources [arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), bacterial biofertilizers (BI), no fertilization (control)]. The most sustainable combination was 2D:1Ch with BI fertilization, with the highest EO concentration in dragon’s head aerial parts (0.94%) and seeds (0.59%). The major EO constituents of dragon’s head aerial parts were germacrene-D and (E)-caryophyllene and seeds were 1,8-cineole and O-cymene. The 2D:1Ch intercropping pattern with BI fertilization also had the highest concentrations of linoleic acid, oleic acid, and phenolic compounds (quercetin and chlorogenic acid) and the highest land equivalent ratio (1.15). These results indicate that intercropping and BI fertilization can improve dragon’s head cultivation, rendering it a sustainable strategy for EO production under rainfed conditions.

Potential Action Mechanism and Inhibition Efficacy of Morinda citrifolia Essential Oil and Octanoic Acid against Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum Infestations.

The use of plant-based products has been shown to efficiently inhibit fungi-mediated diseases in agricultural crops. Here, we extracted and evaluated the composition of noni, Morinda citrifolia L., essential oil and assessed its activities against Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum in Cucumis melo L. Using in silico molecular approaches, potential interactions between the essential oil major components and S. cucurbitacearum tyrosine–tRNA ligase were predicted. Finally, we also measured the potential interference of plant physiology (the stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis) mediated by the application of the M. citrifolia essential oil. Chromatographic analysis revealed that octanoic acid (75.8%), hexanoic acid (12.8%), and isobutyl pent-4-enyl carbonate (3.1%) were the major essential oil compounds. Octanoic acid and noni essential oil, when used as preventive measures, reduce fungal mycelial growth at a concentration of 5 mg/mL without causing significant damage to the treated leaves, which reinforces their efficacies as preventive tools against S. cucurbitacearum. Molecular docking analyses predicted very stable interactions between the major essential oil constituents and S. cucurbitacearum tyrosine–tRNA ligase, suggesting the interference of these plant-based molecules upon enzyme activation. Octanoic acid and M. citrifolia essential oil at concentrations of 20 mg/mL decreased the stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis rate of melon plants, resulting in robust phytotoxicity. Collectively, our findings indicated that despite the phytotoxicity risks at higher concentrations, M. citrifolia essential oil and octanoic acid, have potential as alternative tools for the integrative management of S. cucurbitacearum.

Phytochemical Profile and Herbicidal (Phytotoxic), Antioxidants Potential of Essential Oils from Calycolpus goetheanus (Myrtaceae) Specimens, and in Silico Study.

The essential oil (EO) of Calycolpus goetheanus (Myrtaceae) specimens (A, B, and C) were obtained through hydrodistillation. The analysis of the chemical composition of the EOs was by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry CG-MS, and gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector CG-FID. The phytotoxic activity of those EOs was evaluated against two weed species from common pasture areas in the Amazon region: Mimosa pudica L. and Senna obtusifolia (L.) The antioxidant capacity of the EOs was determined by (DPPH•) and (ABTS•+). Using molecular docking, we evaluated the interaction mode of the major EO compounds with the molecular binding protein 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). The EO of specimen A was characterized by β-eudesmol (22.83%), (E)-caryophyllene (14.61%), and γ-eudesmol (13.87%), while compounds 1,8-cineole (8.64%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.86%), δ-cadinene (5.78%), and palustrol (4.97%) characterize the chemical profile of specimen B’s EOs, and specimen C had α-cadinol (9.03%), δ-cadinene (8.01%), and (E)-caryophyllene (6.74%) as the majority. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was observed in the receptor species M. pudica with percentages of inhibition of 30%, and 33.33% for specimens B and C, respectively. The EOs’ antioxidant in DPPH• was 0.79 ± 0.08 and 0.83 ± 0.02 mM for specimens A and B, respectively. In the TEAC, was 0.07 ± 0.02 mM for specimen A and 0.12 ± 0.06 mM for specimen B. In the results of the in silico study, we observed that the van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions of the alkyl and pi-alkyl types were the main interactions responsible for the formation of the receptor–ligand complex.

Valorisation of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile L.) herb by comprehensive evaluation of hydrodistilled aroma and residual non-volatile fractions

Valorization of botanicals for the development of natural food-grade ingredients is an important task in terms of sustainability and processing waste reduction. In this study, Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile L.) herb was collected at six different vegetation phases in the period 26 May – 23 August 2019 and subjected to biorefining into the several valuable fractions. The yield of hydro-distilled essential oil (EO) was in the range of 0.22% (intensive vegetative growth) to 0.80% (full flowering). Angelic, isobutyric, butyric and methacrylic acid esters and some monoterpene and sesquiterpene derivatives were the major EO constituents: 3-methylpentyl angelate (20.11–27.56%), methallyl angelate (7.28–10.33%), isoamyl angelate (5.57–9.02%), isobutyl angelate (4.84–6.79%), 2-methylbutyl angelate (3.11–6.32%), 3-methylamyl methacrylate (5.04–6.17%), 3-methylpentyl isobutyrate (4.29–6.64%), 3-methylamyl isobutyrate (4.29–6.64%), α-pinene (1.61–6.37%) and pinocarvone (1.46–4.67%). In order to valorize water soluble and solid EO distillation residues their antioxidant potential was evaluated by several in vitro assays: water extracts were considerably stronger antioxidants than acetone extracts isolated from the solid residues. Water extracts of the plants collected at flowering phases were the strongest antioxidants; their TPC, FRAP and ORAC values were up to 143.2 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 650, and 5601 μmol TE/g dry extract, respectively, while effective concentrations (EC50) of DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging, were down to 0.59 and 0.49 mg/mL, respectively. Among 7 tentatively identified by UPLC/Q-TOF/MS phenolic constituents the intensity of molecular ion of 3,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid was the largest. The results obtained may assist for developing flavorings, antioxidants and health beneficial preparations from C. nobile extracts.

In vitro and in silico Evaluation of ACE2 and LOX Inhibitory Activity of Eucalyptus Essential Oils, 1,8-Cineole, and Citronellal

Eucalyptus essential oils are well-known and used especially in upper respiratory tract pathologies or diseases as herbal drug preparations. In the present study, the in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme inhibitory potentials of commercial Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. essential oils were evaluated for their potential anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the major components, 1,8-cineole and citronellal, were evaluated for their ability to bind at the active site of either human ACE2 or human 5-LOX using an in silico setting. Before activity evaluation, Eucalyptus globulus and E citriodora essential oils were analysed by GC/FID and GC/MS, where 1,8-cineole (30%), and citronellal (80%) were identified as the major components, respectively. The in vitro ACE2 inhibition was calculated as 94.9% for E globulus, and that of E citriodora essential oil as 83.4%. In vitro LOX inhibition experiments for essential oils in the same order showed inhibitions of 71.3 and 91.4%, respectively, at 20 µg/mL test concentrations in microplate-based fluorometric assays. In addition, protein–ligand docking, and interaction profiling was used to gain structural and mechanistic insights into the in silico ACE2 and LOX inhibitory potentials of the major Eucalyptus essential oil constituents, 1,8-cineole as well as citronellal. The resulting data supported the in vitro findings; however, further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the activity.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Alpinia malaccensis (Burm. f.) Roscoe and Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizome Essential Oil Gel Formulations by Carrageenan Induction Method

Bioactive compound from essential oils of Alpinia malaccensis (AM) and Kaempferia galanga (KG) rhizomes, respectively, such as methyl cinnamate and ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMS) have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aimed to determine the topical anti-inflammatory activity of 3 gel formulations (Formula 1, 2 and 3) having different concentrations of essential oil from AM and KG rhizomes. The gelling agent used in this study was Carbopol 934. The physicochemical parameters of the gel formulations such as organoleptic, pH, viscosity, and spreadability as well as hedonic test were also examined. The anti-inflammatory activity assay was carried out using the carrageenan induced rat paws edema method. The chemical composition of AM and KG rhizomes was identified by GC-MS with LRI index. The major essential oils content in AM and KG rhizome was methyl cinnamate (58.80%) and ethyl-p-methoxy cinnamate (59.68%), respectively. Based on the results of physical evaluation, hedonic test and anti-inflammatory activity, Formula 1 with 5% AM and 2.5% KG essential oils is the best formula with % inflammation inhibition of 36.32 ± 6.32%.

Selenium Nanoparticles (Se-NPs) Alleviates Salinity Damages and Improves Phytochemical Characteristics of Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.).

The present study examined the effects of foliar spray of selenium nanoparticles (0, 10 and 20 mg/L) on the yield, phytochemicals and essential oil content and composition of pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.) under salinity stress (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl). Obtained results demonstrated that severe salinity stress reduced the fresh weight (FW) and plant height (PH) by 16.40% and 19.10%, respectively compared with normal growth condition. On the other hands, under sever salinity stress relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll index were reduced by 18.05% and 3.50%, respectively. Interestingly, selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs; 10 mg/L) application improved the pineapple mint growth. Based on GC-FID and GC-MS analysis, 19 compounds were identified in pineapple mint essential oil. Foliar application of Se-NPs and salinity did not change the essential oil content of pineapple mint, however, the essential oil compounds were significantly affected by salinity and Se-NPs- applications. Foliar application of Se-NPs- had a significant effect on piperitenone oxide, limonene, jasmone, viridiflorol and β-myrsene under different salinity levels. The highest percentage of piperitenone oxide (79.4%) as the major essential oil component was recorded in the no salinity treatment by applying 10 mg/L of nanoparticle. Interestingly, application of 10 mg L−1 Se-NPs- under 60 mM NaCl increased the piperitenone oxide content by 9.1% compared with non-sprayed plants. Finally, the obtained results demonstrated that foliar application of Se-NPs (10 mg L−1) can improve the pineapple mint growth and secondary metabolites profile under saline conditions.

Variability in chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Salvia majdae essential oil under various extraction techniques

ABSTRACT Salvia majdae (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic herb of pharmaceutical interest in Iran due to its several biological properties. In the present study, we studied the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of S. majdae essential oil (EO) by comparing several extraction methods, including hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), ultrasound-assisted hydrodistillation (UAHD), microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and ohmic-assisted hydrodistillation (OAHD). The major EOs compounds obtained with all methods included linalool (39.4–45.7%) and camphor (30.9–34.3%). The highest EO yield was obtained using HD and MAHD, with 9 and 5% (w/w), respectively. The shortest extraction time (20 Min) was obtained using MAHD. The antibacterial activity of S. majdae EOs was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method on a panel of Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens) and Gram-negative (Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Xanthomonas citri and Escherichia coli) bacteria. Notably, the EO obtained by HD demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity.

Nanoencapsulation of n-butanol extract of Symphytum kurdicum and Symphytum asperrimum: Focus on phytochemical analysis, anti-oxidant and antibacterial activity.

Objective(s):The current study’s objectives were to obtain different extracts and essential oils of Symphytum kurdicum and Symphytum asperrimum and to determine the chemical composition, as well as to evaluate free radical scavenging activity (IC50) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and the effect of liposomal formulation on antimicrobial properties.Materials and Methods:Air-dried powdered aerial parts of S. kurdicum and S. asperrimum were used. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties, essential oil compositions, total phenol, and flavonoid contents of different fractions were determined by DPPH test, disk diffusion assay, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Folin-ciocalteu reagent, and colorimetric assay method, respectively. The film hydration method was used to fabricate nanoparticles.Results: GC-MS analysis indicated that hexafarnesyl acetone was a major essential oil component. n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of S. kurdicum had the highest anti-oxidant activity. Extracts of both plants showed antimicrobial activity. The extracts’ maximum inhibition zones against Staphylococcus epidermidis were established. A particle size analyzer detected the formulation size of 140 nm. The optimum formulation of liposomes contains the ratio of 75 mg lecithin, 25 mg cholesterol, and 50 mg herbal extract. Despite the nanoparticles’ appropriate particle size, the liposomal extract’s antimicrobial effect was lower than that of the free form.Conclusion:Our findings demonstrated that extracts have significant antibacterial and anti-oxidant activities, attributed to their bioactive constituents.

Seasonal variability in essential oil composition and biological activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. accessions in the western Himalaya

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an imperative herb used in pharmaceutical yet knowledge on chemical and activity profile of essential oil (EO) to harvest seasons and accessions from the Himalayan region is limited. Thus, accessions were evaluated to determine the EO content, compositional, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potential of rosemary in different harvest seasons during 2018‒2019. EO content was 30.5% higher in IHBT/RMAc-1 compared with IHBT/RMAc-2 accession while 27.9% and 41.6% higher in the autumn as compared with summer and rainy season, respectively. Major EO compound was 1,8-cineole; ranged from 32.50‒51.79% during harvest seasons and 38.70‒42.20% in accessions. EO was active against both the tested Gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus luteus MTCC 2470 and Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96). EOs showed inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi MTCC 733), while Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109 was found to be resistant. The rosemary EO of T1 (Rainy season IHBT/RMAc-1) was most effective against S. aureus MTCC 96 with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4% (v/v). In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation showed no potential anti-proliferative activity of EO. The rosemary EO profile in the western Himalayan region was influenced by harvesting seasons and genetic variability within the accessions; furthermore, a promising antibacterial agent in pharmaceutical and flavour industries.

Variation in essential oil constituents of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) germplasm across coriander growing regions in India

ABSTRACT Variations in essential oil composition of 148 coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) germplasms collected from various geographical locations in India were evaluated. Essential oil content was ranging from 0.04 to 0.27%. Eleven major compounds including α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, myrcene, cymene, γ-terpinene, linalool, 4-allyl anisole, geraniol, anethole and geranyl acetate were detected in all the germplasm lines, with linalool as most abundant compound ranged from 16.59% to 96.69%. Another predominant compound observed was geranyl acetate, content of which ranged between 0.085 - 60.95%. Terpenoids consisting of α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, myrcene, cymene and γ-terpinene accounted for up to 13.32% of essential oil. A significant negative correlation (r−0.811) was observed between linalool and geranyl acetate. Further, the germplasms were grouped in different classes as per major essential oil constituents. Cluster analysis was done using Ward’s method based on the value of linalool, α-pinene, γ-terpinene and geranyl acetate, resulted in 10 distinct groups of germplasms.

Yield and Essential Oil Composition of Lippia citriodora H.B.K. Leaves and Flowers in Semi-Arid Conditions

Lippia citriodora H.B.K is an herbal species which contains several aroma compounds and the leaves of the plant are utilized as a seasoning for food preparations and flavoring beverages. In this study, the essential oil composition of the L. citriodora growing in semi-arid ecological conditions in Diyarbakır Turkey was determined at different plant parts taken from the upper (leaves and flowers), middle (leaves), and lower portions (leaves). The highest essential oil content (3.7 µl/g in w/w) was obtained from the lower part of the plant. The essential oil of L. citriodora was analyzed by GC/MS and GC/FID. Although the major essential oil composition of the oil was obtained as caryophyllene oxide, limonene, geranial, and neral, caryophyllene oxide and limonene showed significant changes with respect to different plant parts. While the rate of caryophyllene oxide gradually decreases from the lower parts of the plant to the upper parts; it was observed that the limonene ratio increases towards the upper parts of the plant. Principal component analysis (PCA) on the basis of the contents of the 31 compounds showed that two principal components had an eigen value greater than 1 and the first principal component explained 80. 39% of the total variation. In addition to the remarkable chemical differences of L. citriodora essential oil regarding the caryophyllene oxide and limonene, the proportion of these compounds has been observed to be significantly higher than the literature values.