Octyl Acetate Research Articles

Identificaton of the Alarm and Sex Pheromones of the Leaf‑Footed Bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Heteroptera: Coreidae)

The leaf-footed bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Heteroptera: Coreidae), is mainly found in maize fields in Brazil. In this work, we elucidated and quantified the volatile compounds from nymphs and adults of L. zonatus. The defensive compounds produced by nymphs are aldehydes and oxo-alkenals, with some compounds showing different proportions between instars. For the first time, 5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone has been identified as a defensive compound for a species of this family. In adults, the alarm pheromone includes hexanal, 1-hexanol, hexanoic acid, hexyl acetate, and octyl acetate. Males and females produce the same compounds, however, hexanal showed a significant difference between sexes. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of adult aeration extracts revealed male specific compounds, which attactiveness to females was confirmed through olfactometer bioassays. By using a GC-electroantennographic detector (EAD), it was shown that female antenna presented electrophysiological responses to five components ((Z)-β-ocimene, (Z, Z)-allo-ocimene, decanal, α-trans-bergamotene, and (E)-β-farnesene) from male aeration extracts. In this way, we propose that males are responsible for emission of a sex pheromone in this species.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Zosimia absinthifolia Growing in East Azarbaijan (Iran)

Background: Z. absinthifolia, with local name of "Zarak-e-Kuhi" has been consumed as a spice in some regions of Iran. Methods: In this study, the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Zosimia absinthifolia (Apiaceae) (ZaeM) was analyzed by GC-MS. Also, the chemical profile of the oil was compared with the same species collected from different localities. Moreover, the essential oil was investigated for its antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. Results: Analysis of ZaeM by GC-MS resulted nineteen components consisting 98.22% of the total oil. The essential oil was predominantly made up of esters (68.48%) and alcohols (26.04%). The most abundant components of the oil were octyl acetate (47.29%), n-octanol (25.79%), octyl butyrate (10.15%) and octanoic acid octyl ester (7.9%). The relative amounts of the main compounds of Z. absinthifolia essential oils growing in different places were comparable with each other. Both qualitative and quantitative variability of chemical composition of Z. absinthifolia essential oils were possibly related to the individual genotypes or geographical origin. Disc diffusion method was employed for the determination of antimicrobial activity of ZaeM. The results showed that the essential oil just had inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, a gram positive strain. The inhibitory activity could be attributed to the long chain alcohol, octanol (25.79%), which had previously shown antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: As a conclusion, ZaeM could have antimicrobial potentials on B. subtilis. Further investigations are needed to isolate and identify antimicrobial compounds from this volatile oil.

Biological activity and specificity of Miridae-induced plant volatiles

The ability of zoophytophagous predators to produce defensive plant responses due to their phytophagous behavior has been recently demonstrated. In the case of tomatoes, the mirids Nesidiocoris tenuis and Macrolophus pygmaeus are able to attract or repel pests and/or natural enemies in different ways. Nevertheless, the herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) released by the phytophagy of both mirids, which are responsible for these behaviors, are unknown. In this work, the HIPVs produced by the plant feeding of N. tenuis and M. pygmaeus were characterized. In addition, the role of each HIPV in the repellence or attraction of two tomato pests, Bemisia tabaci and Tuta absoluta, and of the natural enemy Encarsia formosa was evaluated. Six green leaf volatiles (GLVs) plus methyl salicylate and octyl acetate clearly stood out as major differential peaks on the chromatogram in a directed analysis. The six GLV and methyl salicylate were repellent for B. tabaci and attractive to E. formosa, whereas they showed no effect on T. absoluta. Octyl acetate, which was significantly present only in the M. pygmaeus-punctured plants, was significantly attractive to T. absoluta, repellent to E. formosa and indifferent to B. tabaci. Unlike the remaining HIPVs, octyl acetate was emitted directly by M. pygmaeus and not by the plant. Our results showed that mirid herbivory could modulate the pest and natural plant enemy locations, since tomato plants release a blend of volatiles in response to this activity. These results could serve as a basis for future development of plant protection.

Impact of HHP processing on volatile profile and sensory acceptance of Pêra-Rio orange juice

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate volatile compounds and sensory acceptance of HHP processed orange juice compared with non-processed and pasteurized orange juices. RSM and sniffing were successfully applied for optimization of HS-SPME conditions. The chosen HS-SPME conditions 37 °C during 25 min of exposure properly characterized the volatile profile of HHP processed, pasteurized and non-processed orange juices. HHP processing conditions had an impact on the volatile profile of the juice. Sensory acceptance was higher for non-processed and similar for HHP and pasteurized orange juice. PCA discriminated processed from non-processed orange juice, and HHP from pasteurized orange juice. HHP processed orange juice was characterized by ethyl butanoate, octanal, 1-octanol, linalool, ethyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate, nootkatone and ethyl octanoate. Pasteurized orange juice was characterized by the same compounds as HHP, plus geranyl acetate and apart from ethyl octanoate. Terpinolene, octyl acetate, carveol, carvone, linalyl acetate and δ-elemene characterized non-processed orange juice. Industrial relevance HHP processing has been used as an efficient food preservation process in order to meet consumers growing demand for juices with natural-like attributes. Orange juice HHP processing is claimed to inactivate PME and eliminate microorganisms by pressurizing the juice, maintaining freshness, sensorial and nutritive value. This technology is still not being used by the Brazilian juice industry, which presents itself as a whole range of opportunities. Therefore the focus on volatile compounds from Pera-Rio orange juice is due to its importance for Brazilian citrus industry. In this study orange juice pressurized in a pilot plant was compared to the non-processed and pasteurized orange juice, presenting a new approach for the analysis of volatile compounds, using RSM HS-SPME optimization combined with sniffing, and most importantly, considering the aroma representativeness, in order to properly evaluate the impact of HHP processing on the volatile compounds, responsible for the flavor of the juice and discriminate the volatile profile of the HHP orange juice compared with non-processed and pasteurized orange juice. Sensory acceptance of HHP processed orange juice was also performed to verify if changes in volatile profile were perceived by consumers.

Optimization of reactive extraction of C1–C4 aliphatic monocarboxylic acids from aqueous solutions: modeling solvation effect with extended‐LSER, A‐UNIFAC and SPR

AbstractThis paper studies reactive extraction of formic (FA), acetic (AA), propionic (PA) and butyric (BA) acids from aqueous solutions by tri‐n‐butyl amine/diluent, with particular focus on proper optimization and modeling of extraction equilibria. The uptake capacities of amine/diluent and diluent alone approximate the following order: oleyl alcohol > octyl acetate > diisobutyl ketone and BA > PA > AA ≈ FA. An intrinsic optimization structure has been applied to the description of optimum extraction field of relevant systems, based on analyzing the variation profiles of separation ratio R and synergistic enhancement SE factors through the derivative variation method. We present new solvation molecular models extended‐linear solvation energy relation (e‐LSER), SPR1 and SPR2 (solvation probability relation), and an extension to group‐contribution approach A‐UNIFAC (Association‐UNIFAC). A‐UNIFAC predicts phase equilibria using new group interaction parameters regressed from vapor‐liquid equilibrium data. The e‐LSER model involves eight descriptors used for expressing solvent effects. By performing SPR1 and SPR2, we are able to scale up the probability range and activation energy of solvation effect. The strength of acid‐amine association is calculated with chemodel. e‐LSER, A‐UNIFAC, SPR and chemodel simulate accurately the observed performance with average deviations inferior to 4.8%, 24.1%, 0.8% and 16.2%, respectively. © 2017 Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Edible wild plant Heracleum pyrenaicum subsp. orsinii as a potential new source of bioactive essential oils.

Many Heracleum L. taxa (Apiaceae) are used as food and spices, and in traditional medicine. In this work, the chemical composition of Heracleum pyrenaicum subsp. orsinii (Guss.) F. Pedrotti and Pignatti root, leaf and fruit essential oils, their antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effect on malignant and normal cells were investigated for the first time. The composition of the oils was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Monoterpenes prevailed in the root oil, with β-pinene (38.6%) being dominant, while in the leaf oil, sesquiterpenes, mostly (E)-nerolidol (20.5%) and (E)-caryophyllene (17.0%), were the most abundant constituents. The fruit oil contained the majority of aliphatic esters, mainly octyl acetate (36.8%) and octyl hexanoate (22.1%). The antimicrobial activity was determined by microdilution method against eight bacteria and eight fungi (standard strains, clinical or food isolates). The best antibacterial activity, better than the activity of ampicillin, was shown by the root oil against Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strongest antifungal activity, stronger than the activity of ketoconazole, was exhibited by the leaf and root oils against Trichoderma viride, and by the root oil against Aspergillus ochraceus. The cytotoxic effect of the oils, determined by MTT test, was prominent against malignant HeLa, LS174 and A549 cells (IC50=6.49-14.56μg/mL). On the other hand, the oils did not show toxicity against normal MRC-5 cells at tested concentrations (IC50>200.00μg/mL). It can be concluded that investigated H. pyrenaicum subsp. orsinii oils represent potential new raw materials for food and pharmaceutical industry.

Antimycobacterial Potential of Essential Oils Used Traditionally for Cough Remedy

Tuberculosis (TB) is currently a major health hazard due to multidrug-resistant forms of bacilli. Global efforts are underway to eradicate TB using new drugs with new modes of action, higher activity, and fewer side effects. Essential oils from some dietary herbal species have been used as sources of medicine and food preservatives for over 4000 years. The objective of this research is to investigate the antimycobacterial activity of the essential oils of Boswellia papyrifera (Del) Hochst olibanum, Nigella sativa seeds and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh leaves, which are used traditionally in treatment of cough and cold. The essential oils from herbal materials were prepared using hydrodistillation method. The essential oils were analyzed for identification of their chemical composition using GC-MS technique. The essential oils were tested in vitro for their activity against nine clinical isolates and a reference susceptible strain (H37Rv) M. tuberculosis in Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium, at concentrations of 75, 50, 30 and 15 μl/mL. The main constituents identified in the investigated essential oils were p-cymene (45.26%) and thymoquinone (35.35 %) in N. sativa oil; octyl acetate (37.3%) and octyl formate (13.3%) in the B. papyrifera oil; 1,8-cineole (75%) and p-cymene (16.7%) in E. camaldulensis oil. The investigated essential oils exhibited anti-tubercular activity, in LJ medium, up to concentration of 15 μl/ml for each oil, towards all the tested strains, three of which were multi-drug resistant strains (MDR-TB), as they resist rifampicin, a marker drug for MDR-TB. This research findings may be useful in developing future powerful drugs for MDR-TB from essential oils, the bioactive phytochemical natural products.

Biological activity and safety profile of the essential oil from fruits of Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier (Apiaceae)

A composition of essential oils obtained from Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) was examined using a GC-MS method. n-Octyl acetate (19.92%), n-hexyl-2-methylbutanoate (10.84%), n-octanol (10.13%), n-octyl butanoate (8.88%), n-octyl-2-methylbutanoate (8.01%), n-hexyl acetate (7.11%), n-octyl isobutanoate (5.5%) and n-hexyl isobutanoate (5.43%) were the main compounds. The high-performance counter-current chromatography was applied for purification of aliphatic alcohols and esters. A mixture of n-hexane, acetonitrile and tetr-butyl methyl ether (1:1:0.1, v/v) allowed to obtain n-octanol, n-octyl acetate, n-hexyl-2- methylbutanoate, n-octyl isobutanoate and n-octyl-2-methylbutanoate, with the purity range of 94–99%, in one single 74 min run. The antimicrobial activity was also determined against plant and foodborne pathogens. While n-octanol shares responsibility for the antibacterial activity of the essential oil, n-octyl acetate determines its antifungal action. The cytotoxic activity assessed on two normal kidney fibroblast cell lines: Vero (animal) and HEK-293 (human embryonic), and two human cancer cell lines: FaDu (squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx) and SCC25 (squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue), showed a moderate cytotoxicity with CC50 values ranging from 262.3 to 567.8 μg/mL. Results indicate that normal cell lines were more sensitive to the tested essential oil than cancer cell lines. The antioxidant activity of oil and pure compounds was not significant.

Efficient cenosphere supported catalyst for the esterification of n-octanol with acetic acid

An efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst was developed using cenospheres, a byproduct of coal-fired thermal power plants by the method of wet impregnation. Catalyst characterization was carried out using various analytical techniques, namely, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and surface acidity analysis. The characterization revealed the excellent catalytic activity of the catalyst for the esterification reaction of n -octanol and acetic acid. Various reaction parameters, namely, catalyst loading, a molar ratio of alcohol/acid and reaction temperature were evaluated and optimized by response surface methodology using the Box–Behnken model. The response surface methodology model equations corresponding to the conversion of acid and % yield of ester were developed. The model well predicted the optimal reaction conditions, which were validated experimentally with good agreement. The excellent catalytic performance was observed in the esterification reaction with high conversion of acid (95.34%) and high yield of n -octyl acetate (94.81%). Reusability study of the catalyst showed that the catalyst could be used efficiently up to three reaction cycles. This study explores the use of cenospheres to prepare a solid acid catalyst for the industrially important esterification reactions.

Interpopulation variation in pollinators and floral scent of the lady\u2019s-slipper orchid Cypripedium calceolus L.

Floral scent is a key mediator in many plant–pollinator interactions. It is known to vary not only among plant species, but also within species among populations. However, there is a big gap in our knowledge of whether such variability is the result of divergent selective pressures exerted by a variable pollinator climate or alternative scenarios (e.g., genetic drift). Cypripedium calceolus is a Eurasian deceptive lady’s-slipper orchid pollinated by bees. It is found from near sea level to altitudes of 2500 m. We asked whether pollinator climate and floral scents vary in a concerted manner among different altitudes. Floral scents of four populations in the Limestone Alps were collected by dynamic headspace and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Flower visitors and pollinators (the subset of visitors with pollen loads) were collected and identified. Preliminary coupled gas chromatographic and electroantennographic measurements with floral scents and pollinators revealed biologically active components. More than 70 compounds were detected in the scent samples, mainly aliphatics, terpenoids, and aromatics. Although several compounds were found in all samples, and all samples were dominated by linalool and octyl acetate, scents differed among populations. Similarly, there were strong differences in flower visitor spectra among populations with most abundant flower visitors being bees and syrphid flies at low and high altitudes, respectively. Pollinator climate differed also among populations; however, independent of altitude, most pollinators were bees of Lasioglossum, Andrena, and Nomada. Only few syrphids acted as pollinators and this is the first record of flies as pollinators in C. calceolus. The electrophysiological tests showed that bees and syrphid flies sensed many of the compounds released by the flowers, among them linalool and octyl acetate. Overall, we found that both floral scent and visitor/pollinator climate differ among populations. We discuss whether interpopulation variation in scent is a result of pollinator-mediated selection.

Identification of bacteria using volatile organic compounds.

The rapid diagnosis of respiratory infections has always been an important goal for medical professionals, because rapid and accurate diagnosis leads to proper and timely treatment, and consequently, reduces the costs of incorrect and long-term treatments, and antibiotic resistance. The present study was conducted with the aim of detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in three bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Headspace of the studied bacteria, after separately culturing in two types of liquid medium in three different time-periods, was extracted by solid phase microextraction and analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry The analysis results of the VOCs produced by the studied bacteria indicate that some VOCs are common and some are unique in each bacterium. 1-penten-3-ol, levomenthol, and 2-octyl-1-ol for P. aeruginosa, cyclohexene, 4-ethenyl, and cis-Dihydro-α-terpinyl acetate for A. baumannii and 1,3-butadiene, butyraldehyde, longifolene, octyl acetate, tridecanol, dodecenal, (E)-2-hexyl ester, butanoic acid, and 5,5-dodecadinyl-1 12-diol for K. pneumoniae were identified as unique VOCs for each bacterium. Finally, it can be said that an accurate and rapid bacterial detection method can be achieved by using a tool that can detect bacterial VOCs. However, more studies are needed to design a tool for which all aspects have been assessed, so that it can give us a more complete pattern for the use of these compounds as biomarkers.

Identification and laboratory behavioral test of the alarm pheromone of Acanthocoris sordidus Thunberg (Hemiptera: Coreidae)

AbstractThe winter cherry bug, Acanthocoris sordidus Thunberg (Hemiptera: Coreidae), widely spread in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, is becoming an economic pest in these regions. Its elevated pest status in pepper plant, Capsicum annuum, is a trigger for eco‐friendly management tactics. In order to use its pheromone for pest management, the cuticular components of adult A. sordidus were identified and a behavioral bioassay on the functions of the components was conducted. From the whole‐body extracts of male and female A. sordidus, 13 compounds (hexanal, 1‐hexanol, 2‐hexanol, 3‐hexanol, hexanoic acid, hexyl acetate, heptyl acetate, octyl acetate, tetradecane, 2‐butyl‐2‐octenal, hexyl hexanoate and (2α,4α,6β)‐2,4,6‐tripentyl‐1,3,5‐trioxane (hexanal trimer, cis‐ and trans‐forms) were identified. In addition to these, two unidentified compounds, a male‐specific and a male‐rich compound, were also found. Hexanal provoked clear escaping behavior. 1‐Hexanol, hexyl acetate and hexanoic acid evoked weaker behavior than hexanal. We concluded that hexanal worked as an alarm pheromone and could be used as a pushing signal for a control program for A. sordidus.

Essential oils of three cow parsnips - composition and activity against nosocomial and foodborne pathogens and food contaminants.

Although some widespread, native cow parsnips (Heracleum L. spp., Apiaceae) had broad medicinal and culinary applications throughout history, the knowledge about their volatile constituents is insufficient. This work investigates the composition and bioactivities of H. sphondylium L. (HSPH), H. sibiricum L. (HSIB) and H. montanum Schleich. ex Gaudin (HMON) essential oils. The composition was tested by GC and GC-MS. (Z)-β-Ocimene was the most abundant in HSPH (28.9%) and HMON (20.4%) root oils, while in HSIB root oil, β-pinene (26.2%), methyl eugenol (22.3%) and elemicin (25.6%) prevailed. Leaf and flower oils were dominated by various sesquiterpenes (germacrene D, β-sesquiphellandrene, (E)-β-farnesene and/or (E)-caryophyllene) and/or phenylpropanoids (apiole, methyl eugenol, elemicin and/or (Z)-isoelemicin). Octyl acetate (57.5-67.1%) was the main constituent of all fruit oils. The antimicrobial activity was screened by a microdilution method against eight bacteria and eight fungi. The strongest antimicrobial effect, in several cases better than the activity of antibiotics, was shown by HSPH (MICs = 0.12-3.30 mg mL-1) and HMON (MICs = 0.10-1.30 mg mL-1) flower oils against bacteria, and HSIB fruit oil against fungi (MICs = 0.15-0.40 mg mL-1). The MTT test revealed that the oils were not or weakly cytotoxic against human malignant HeLa, LS174 and/or A549 cells (except HSPH root oil; IC50 = 5.72-24.31 μg mL-1) and that tested oils were not toxic against human normal MRC-5 cells (at 200.00 μg mL-1). Significant activity observed against microorganisms that are the common cause of foodborne diseases, food contamination and/or hospital-acquired infections justifies certain traditional uses of the investigated plants and represents a good basis for further research of these Heracleum oils.

Chemical Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of Volatile Compounds from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam. according to Compound Classes, Plant Organs and Senegalese Sample Locations.

The chemical diversity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides growing wild in Senegal was studied according to volatile compound classes, plant organs and sample locations. The composition of fruit essential oil was investigated using an original targeted approach based on the combination of gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) both coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). The volatile composition of Z.zanthoxyloides fruits exhibited relative high amounts of hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.3-55.8%) and non-terpenic oxygenated compounds (34.5-63.1%). The main components were (E)-β-ocimene (12.1-39%), octyl acetate (11.6-21.8%) and decanol (9.7-15.4%). The GC and GC/MS profiling of fruit essential oils showed a chemical variability according to geographical locations of plant material. The LC/MS/MS analysis of fruit oils allowed the detection of seven coumarins in trace content. The chemical composition of fruit essential oils was compared with volatile fractions of leaves and barks (root and trunk) from the same plant station. Hexadecanoic acid, germacrene D and decanal were identified as the major constituents of leaves whereas the barks (root and trunk) were dominated by pellitorine (85.8% and 57%, respectively), an atypic linear compound with amide group. The fruit essential oil exhibited interesting antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, particularly the alcohol fraction of the oil.

제주감귤류의 휘발성 향기성분의 확인

The volatile flavor compounds in five Jeju citrus fruit varieties (Cheonhyehyang, Hallabong, Jinjihyang, Hwanggeum hyang and Redhyang) were extracted by simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) using solvent mixture of n-pentane and diethyl ether (1:1, v/v) and analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The number of aroma compounds were identified with : 104 (4,939.77 mg/kg) in Cheonhyehyang, 98 (3,286.38 mg/kg) in Hallabong, 105 (3,317.56 mg/kg) in Jinjihyang, 102 (4,293.39 mg/kg) in Hwanggeumhyang, and 108 (4,049.94 mg/kg) in Redhyang. The detected main volatile compounds were; limonene, sabinene, β-myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, linalool, 4-terpineol, α-terpineol, (E)-β-ocimene and γ-terpinene. Among the identified volatiles compounds, ethyl-benzene, nonanol, 1-p-menthen-9-al, (E)-isocarveol, methyl salicylate, α-terpinen-7-al, perilla alcohol, and ethyl-dodecanoate were detected in Cheonhyehyang. only Furthermore, β-chamigrene and α-selinene were in Hallabong only; 3-hydroxybutanal, (E)-2-nonenal, isoborneol, octyl acetate, (E)-2-undecenal, β-ylangene and guaia-6,9-diene in Jinjihyang. ρ-Cymenene, β-thujone, selina-4,11-diene and (E,E)-2,6-farnesol in Hwanggeumhyang only; and ρ-cymen-8-ol, bornyl acetate, carvacrol, bicycloelemene, α-cubebene and 7-epi-α-selinene in Redhyang only. This study confirmed the differences in composition and content of volatile aroma components in five varieties of Jeju citrus fruits.

Aromas from Quebec. V. Essential oils from the fruits and stems of Heracleum maximum Bartram and their unsaturated aliphaticacetates

Both the fruits and stems of Heracleum maximum Bartram, a common Apiaceae found throughout northern North America, have been traditionally consumed as spice and food by American First Nations and settlers. As both parts of the plant bear a distinctive scent, they have been submitted to volatile constituent extraction and their essential oils were studied by GC–FID and GC–MS. The fruits’ oil was found to be mostly constituted of aliphatic esters, with octyl acetate (65.6%) as main constituent, while the stems yielded a generally terpenic oil, dominated by limonene (45.2%). These results were in line with data for other Heracleum species, and constitute the first study of the volatile constituents of H. maximum. The observation of several octadecenyl acetates as trace compounds in the stems’ oil allowed for the comprehensive identification of these uncommon and closely related isomers.

Effect of salt stress on the antimicrobial activity of Ruta chalepensis essential oils

In the current investigation, the biological activities of essential oils obtained from organs of Ruta chalepensis plants grown under salt stress (0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl) were analyzed. Their chemical composition was often investigated by GC/FID and GC–MS and the antimicrobial activities towards eight bacteria (Salmonella All, Salmonella K, Escherichia coli 45AG, Escherichia coli 45AI, Staphylococcus aureus 9402, Staphylococcus aureus 02B145, Listeria 477 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145) and five fungi strains (Aspergillus,Saccharomycee crvisiale, Streptomyces griseus, Fusarium solani and Penicillium thomii) were studied. Results revealed that salt increased essential oil production in leaves at 50 and 100 mM NaCl. A total of 20 compounds were identified in leaves, undecan-2-one, nonan-2-one and geijerene being the dominant ones. In stems, 21 compounds were found; they were dominated by decan-2-one, geijerene, nonan-2-one and undecan-2-one. In contrast, roots exhibited a large variation with 25 volatile compounds and octyl acetate, methyl decanoate, phytyl acetate were the major ones. Salt stress induced significant antibacterial activity changes, mainly in leaves and stems. In leaves, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration decreased at 100 mM NaCl against Listeria 477, the two strains of E. coli (45AG and 45AI) and P. aeruginosa but it increased versus other bacteria. In stems, salt increased oil antibacterial activity against all strains except P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145. Root oil showed the least antibacterial activity under saline conditions versus Listeria 477 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145. As regards antifungal activity, NaCl reduced the antifungal activity of essential oils against the majority of fungi strains.

Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Heracleum verticillatum Pančić and H. ternatum Velen. (Apiaceae) Essential Oils.

In this work, the chemical composition, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of Heracleum verticillatum Pančić and H. ternatum Velen. root, leaf, and fruit essential oils were investigated. The composition was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Heracleum verticillatum and H. ternatum root oils were dominated by monoterpenes, mostly β-pinene (23.5% and 47.3%, respectively). Heracleum verticillatum leaf oil was characterized by monoterpenes, mainly limonene (20.3%), and sesquiterpenes, mostly (E)-caryophyllene (19.1%), while H. ternatum leaf oil by the high percentage of phenylpropanoids, with (Z)-isoelemicin (35.1%) being dominant constituent. Both fruit oils contained the majority of aliphatic esters, mostly octyl acetate (42.3% in H. verticillatum oil and 49.0% in H. ternatum oil). The antimicrobial activity of the oils was determined by microdilution method against eight bacterial and eight fungal strains. The strongest effect was exhibited by H. verticillatum root oil, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium (MICs = 0.14 mg/ml, MBCs = 0.28 mg/ml), and Trichoderma viride (MIC = 0.05 mg/ml, MFC = 0.11 mg/ml). Cytotoxic effect was determined by MTT test against malignant HeLa, LS174, and A549 cells (IC50 = 5.9 - 146.0 μg/ml), and against normal MRC-5 cells (IC50 > 120.1 μg/ml). The best effect was exhibited by H. verticillatum root oil on A549 cells (IC50 = 5.9 μg/ml), and H. ternatum root oil against LS174 cells (IC50 = 6.7 μg/ml).

Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of the Essential Oils of Heracleum pyrenaicum subsp. pollinianum and Heracleum orphanidis

The objective of this research was to analyze the chemical composition, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of Heracleun pyrenaicum subsp. pollinianum (Bertol.) F. Pedrotti & Pignatti (HPP) and H. orphanidis Boiss. (HO) essential oils. The composition of the oils was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. β-Pinene (35.1%) was the most abundant compound in HPP root oil, while (Z)-falcarinol (80.0%) dominated in HO root oil. (E)-Nerolidol (28.5%) was the main constituent in HPP leaf oil. HPP fruit oil, as well as HO leaf and fruit oils mainly contained aliphatic esters, mostly octyl acetate (50.5-84.5%). Antimicrobial screening was performed by microdilution method against eight bacterial and eight fungal strains. The strongest antibacterial activity was shown by both root oils (MICs 0.02-0.60 mg/mL and MBCs 0.04-2.50 mg/mL for HPP, and MICs 0.02-1.25 mg/mL and MBCs 0.04-2.50 mg/mL for HO), while the best antifungal potential was exhibited by HPP fruit oil (MICs 0.30-0.60 mg/mL and MFCs 0.60-1.25 mg/mL) and HO leaf oil (MICs 0.15-0.63 mg/mL and MFCs 0.30-1.25 mg/mL). The tested root and fruit oils exhibited strong cytotoxic effect, which was determined by MTT test against HeLa (IC50 7.53-21.07 µg/mL) and LS174 (IC50 24.16-58.86 µg/mL) cell lines.

Frankincense--therapeutic properties.

Recently, increasing interest in natural dietary and therapeutic preparations used as dietary supplements has been observed. One of them is frankincense. This traditional medicine of the East is believed to have anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antiseptic, and even anxiolytic and anti-neurotic effects. The present study aims to verify the reported therapeutic properties of Boswellia resin and describe its chemical composition based on available scientific studies. The main component of frankincense is oil (60%). It contains mono- (13%) and diterpenes (40%) as well as ethyl acetate (21.4%), octyl acetate (13.4%) and methylanisole (7.6%). The highest biological activity among terpenes is characteristic of 11-keto-ß-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid and acetyl-α-boswellic acid. Contemporary studies have shown that resin indeed has an analgesic, tranquilising and anti-bacterial effects. From the point of view of therapeutic properties, extracts from Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carterii are reported to be particularly useful. They reduce inflammatory conditions in the course of rheumatism by inhibiting leukocyte elastase and degrading glycosaminoglycans. Boswellia preparations inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and prevent the release of leukotrienes, thus having an anti-inflammatory effect in ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis and sinusitis. Inhalation and consumption of Boswellia olibanum reduces the risk of asthma. In addition, boswellic acids have an antiproliferative effect on tumours. They inhibit proliferation of tumour cells of the leukaemia and glioblastoma subset. They have an anti-tumour effect since they inhibit topoisomerase I and II-alpha and stimulate programmed cell death (apoptosis).