Oil Chemical Composition Research Articles

Characterization of oil body microstructure, accumulation level and chemical composition in walnut fruit during growth

Oil body (OB) is composed of phospholipids, proteins and neutral lipids. However, the changes of these components in walnut OB (WOB) during walnut growth have not been studied. In this paper, CLSM, TEM and LC-MS/MS were used to observe and quantify the microstructure, accumulation level and biochemical composition of WOB during the growth of walnut (Wen 185 cultivar). The results showed that WOB accumulated near the cell wall on day 60 and then toward the center of cell until it occupied the entire cell on day 88. Afterwards, the WOB began to grow and fuse. Analysis of the chemical composition of WOB indicated that phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine and oleosins, caleosins, and steroleosins made up the WOB membrane. The core of the WOB consisted of 22 free fatty acids and monoacylglycerol, diglyceride, triglyceride. Phosphatidylcholine, triglyceride and oleosin contents continued to increase. The contents of phosphatidylglycerol, unsaturated fatty acids, caleosins and steroleosins continued to decline. The content of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine remained basically unchanged. These findings provided a basis for understanding the dynamic pattern of WOB bioaccumulation in walnut kernel at different developmental stages.

Molecular docking assessment of cocoa bean flavonoid extract and its impact on lipase enzymes and blood markers in high-fat diet fed rats

This study utilizes Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and molecular docking analyses to assess the impact of a flavonoid-rich cocoa bean oil extract on lipid enzymes and blood markers in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. These advanced techniques allow a detailed exploration of cocoa bean oil's chemical composition, unveiling its bioactive compounds. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, control with cocoa extract, high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD with cocoa extract. The lipid profiles and hematological parameters were analyzed, revealing significant bioactive compounds through GC-MS analysis. The molecular docking study showed strong binding affinities of these compounds with lipase enzymes, suggesting inhibitory effects on lipid digestion and absorption. Rats treated with the cocoa extract exhibited improved blood parameters, with reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and an overall enhancement in lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities. Additionally, the extract demonstrated the potential to counteract the negative impacts of a high-fat diet by improving lipid metabolism and hematological markers. These findings suggest that the flavonoid-rich cocoa extract may offer anti-obesity benefits, highlighting its medicinal potential in ameliorating hematological abnormalities and lipid profile disruptions associated with high-fat diets.

Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbon-rich Essential Oil from Teucrium viscidum Blume and its Antimicrobial and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of Teucrium viscidum Blume, a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, collected in Vietnam. The focus was on determining the essential oil's chemical composition and evaluating its antimicrobial and mosquito larvicidal activities. Methods The essential oil of T. viscidum was analyzed using GC–FID/MS to identify its chemical constituents. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against seven microorganisms using the broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. The larvicidal activity was evaluated against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae, with lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values calculated after 24 and 48 h of exposure. Results Chemical analysis revealed that the essential oil of T. viscidum was predominantly composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with ( E)-caryophyllene (47.91%) and germacrene D (19.17%) as the major constituents. The essential oil exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria ( Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus), one Gram-negative bacterium ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and one yeast ( Candida albicans), with MIC values ranging from 32 to 64 μg/mL and IC50 values ranging from 9.56 to 24.07 μg/mL. The mosquito larvicidal activity of the essential oil showed strong efficacy against C. quinquefasciatus larvae, with LC50 values of 23.07 μg/mL after 24 h and 19.67 μg/mL after 48 h, and LC90 values of 32.90 μg/mL at 24 h and 29.99 μg/mL at 48 h, indicating increased effectiveness with prolonged exposure. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition and biological activities of T. viscidum essential oil. The findings highlight its potent antimicrobial and mosquito larvicidal properties, suggesting it as a promising natural alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents and insecticides. Further research is warranted to explore its mechanisms of action and potential applications in pharmaceuticals and pest control.

Investigating the phytochemical profile, biological potentials, morphological, and anatomical characteristics of Cyclotrichium origanifolium (Labill.) Manden. & Scheng. (Lamiaceae) from Turkey.

Cyclotrichium origanifolium, a plant widely used in Eastern and Southern Anatolia for culinary purposes, was subject of this study, which aimed to comprehensively evaluate its potential therapeutic applications. This research stands out due to its holistic approach, combining morpho-anatomical studies, chemical, and biological analyses to explore antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, genotoxic, and anti-genotoxic effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts, as well as flowering aerial part essential oil. It is a perennial plant, typically ranging from 10 to 40cm in height, with a suffrutescent and highly branched growth habit. Essential oils are produced within glandular trichomes. Oil, analyzed via GC-MS/MS, revealed 24 compounds accounting for 96.4% of oil, with isomenthone (52.4%), pulegone (23.4%), and β-pinene (9.5%) as predominant components. These findings are significant as they provide new insights into chemical composition of oils, particularly highlighting pharmacologically active compounds. Methanol extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity, correlated with high phenol and tannin content. Essential oil showed moderate inhibition of α-amylase (49.54%) and mild inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (11.84%) and butyrylcholinesterase (16.93%), suggesting potential in managing oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. Study also conducted biosafety evaluations using Ames/Salmonella and Allium tests, essential for assessing genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of natural products. Notably, significant antimicrobial effects were identified, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. Comprehensive analysis and discovery of significant bioactivities position this research as a valuable contribution to field, distinguishing it from previous studies on similar species. This study provides a foundational understanding of morpho-anatomical, pharmacological, biological properties of plant, opening avenues for future research.

PENGUJIAN ALAT DESTILASI MINYAK SEREH DENGAN KAPASITAS 10 KG

Testing of a 10 kg capacity lemongrass oil distillation apparatus was carried out to evaluate the performance and efficiency of the distillation process. This study includes setting main parameters such as distillation temperature, process time, and type of raw material used. The main goal is to ensure that the distillation equipment can produce lemongrass oil with optimal quality according to its capacity. The testing method involves measuring the distillation results in terms of citronella oil yield and chemical composition. This analysis provides in-depth insight into the effectiveness of distillation equipment in maintaining the quality of the lemongrass oil produced. The test results show that setting the temperature and distillation time has a significant effect on the final result, with certain conditions producing better quality lemongrass oil. The implication of this research is the importance of an in- depth understanding of operational parameters in the distillation process to maximize the production of consistently high quality lemongrass oil.

Characterization and antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted from lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) using microwave-assisted hydro distillation.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil (LGEO) contains α-citral, β-citral and other phytochemicals extracted using various methods. This research extracted essential oils using steam distillation (SD) and microwave-assisted hydro distillation (MAHD) to maximize quantity and purity. LGEO was tested for antibacterial properties. LGEO was extracted using SDand compared to MAHD output based on oil production andchemical composition. We performed GCMS to characterize LGEO. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) used for quantum chemical analysis. Spectroscopic analysis showed that SD extracted secondary metabolites (ethyl-linalool, isogeranial, β-citral, α-citral, geranyl acetate, and caryophyllene) yielded 9.7 %, 11.5 %, 35.4 %, 13.4 %, 6.4 %, and 6.4 %, respectively, while MAHD yielded 10.2 %, 13.4 %, 43.2 %, 17.3 %, 6.9 %, and 7.3 %. MAHD extracted α and β citral content was better than SD extraction technique. FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemistry analysis showed extracted oil chemical composition, electronic structure of α and β citral isomers. In the disc-diffusion experiment, both extracts were effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and harmful fungi. LGEO from SDand MAHD extraction (30 mg/mL) demonstrated disc diffusion assay antibacterial efficacy against microorganisms. The two extracts effectively inhibited microorganisms with MIC values of 3.75 and 7.5 μg/mL. It can be concluded that, LGEO have greater antimicrobial activity in MAHD extraction.

Effect of cultivation and geographical location on chemical composition and enantiomeric distribution in linalool-rich Origanum dubium Boiss. essential oils obtained at different growth stages

ABSTRACT The current study is objected to investigate the essential oil yields, chemical compositions, and enantiomeric distribution of wild and cultivated linalool rich Origanum dubium Boiss. essential oils obtained at pre-flowering, initial flowering, and post-flowering growth stages. Wild plant materials are collected from Mediterranean region of Turkey. Samples were also cultivated in Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines of Turkey in the experimental fields of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Turkey. O. dubium samples yielded between 6.7 and 9.7% (mL/100 g) of essential oils. The compositions were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (98.2–98.9%). Linalool was detected as the major compound in all essential oils (97.0–97.6%). The dominant enantiomer was discovered as (R)-(-)-linalool with a 99.3–99.4% enantiomeric purity. The essential oil yields, chemical compositions and enantiomeric distributions were found to be constant regardless of cultivation, geographical locations or different growth stages. The result of this manuscript indicates that by culturing linalool chemotype of O. dubium, the industrial need for (R)-(-)-linalool could be met at more affordable costs.

Influence of diurnal harvesting times on essential oil yield and chemical composition of lemongrass, palmarosa and tulsi

Essential oil yield and chemical composition of most of the aromatic crops are affected by environmental, agrochemical and genetic factors. One of such factors are Harvesting Time (HT’s), optimizing which may result in higher essential oil production with better quality. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of HT’s on three different aromatic crops [lemongrass, palmarosa and Ocimum sanctum (CIM-Ayu)] at different diurnal times (9.00 A.M 12.00 P.M and 3.00 P.M) in a day and the same was repeated thrice on alternate days from in the same fields. The results indicated that HT at 3.00 PM had higher essential oil content in all the three aromatic crops. But, the influence of HT on the quality of essential oil was specific to the different crops studied in this report. The quality of essential oil obtained from lemongrass harvested at 12.00 PM was found to be better as it showed more percentage of citral whereas the essential oils obtained from palmarosa and O. sanctum harvested at 3.00 PM were better as they showed more percentage of geraniol and eugenol respectively. This research not only refines essential oil production strategies but also underscores the crop-specific impact of harvesting times. The meticulous temporal analysis, coupled with statistical validation, contributes novel insights, providing practical benefits for industries reliant on these aromatic crops.

Genotype and environmental interactions determine the root digging time and essential oil production in vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty)

Thirty different vetiver genotypes were grown for evaluation in the experiments at CSIR- Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, U.P. 226015, India, to assess the impact of genotype × environment interactions (GEI) on essential oil yield and chemical composition in vetiver lines grown in north India, as well as identifying appropriate genotypes and representative root digging times throughout the year for essential oil production. The interplay of genotype and environment is a significant constraint in crop development. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant effects for genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype × environment (GE) (p < 0.01). The primary root transverse section confirmed the changes in cortical sclerenchyma thickness and variety observed in the dug-out roots from different vetiver genotypes after six and twelve months. The quantity and number of sclerenchyma rows in the peripheral cortical region vary throughout vetiver genotypes. Following root digging, one component (Khusol content) had 40 %, while Khusilal content had 20 % for genotype VTR-23. However, after twelve months, Khusol content had 19 %, whereas Khusilal content had 41 %. The shift in essential oil makeup was apparent. The level of essential oil did not alter considerably. Based on the GGE biplot analysis, VTR-1, 11, and 14 were identified as the most stable genotypes with high essential yields; therefore, it is recommended to use these genotypes in India's enormous agriculture.

Changes in composition, yield, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the Ocimum tenuiflorum L. essential oils as affected by fertilizers

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of multifunctional microbial fertilizer and inorganic macronutrient fertilizers N, P, K on plant biomass, essential oil yield, chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown in Hanoi, Vietnam. Among the four formulas tested, F2 emerged as the most favourable, comprising a basal fertilization of 10 tons of decomposed manure, 15 kg of multifunctional microbial fertilizer, 150 kg of P fertilizer, and 75 kg of K fertilizer, together with top dressing of 200 kg of N fertilizer and 75 kg of K fertilizer per hectare. This formula yielded the highest tulsi dry biomass (4.73 ton/ha), essential oil yield (0.831%), and essential oil production (39.29 L/ha), which were significantly different (p &lt; 0.001) from those of the remaining formulas. In addition, the concentration of the essential oil main compound - eugenol (63.1%) of tulsi in F2 was also the highest, which may be the cause of the strongest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli (IC50 of 320, 273 µg/mL, respectively), and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (IC50 of 400 µg/mL), as well as antioxidant activity (IC50 of 0.165 µg/mL) compared to the other formulas tested. The results suggested the role of both multifunctional microbial fertilizer and inorganic macronutrient fertilizers N, P, K on growth and essential oil biosynthesis in tulsi. These findings are important in identifying the most efficient fertilization formula for cultivating tulsi, serving the needs of the cosmetic and medicinal industries.

Deep‐frying impact on food and oil chemical composition: Strategies to reduce oil absorption in the final product

AbstractDuring frying, oils can deteriorate due to autoxidation and hydrolytic alterations, processes influenced by the oil's fatty acid composition (FAC) and antioxidant content. However, there are different techniques to improve fried food quality and reduce oil absorption. This review aims to assess existing literature on the interactions between frying methods, oil selection, and the chemical composition of foods. To achieve this goal, the article examines the impact of oil FAC, antioxidants, pretreatments, and alternative frying technologies. A literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2023. The keywords used were (AND/OR) frying, fried foods, oil, oil absorption, and fatty acids. Oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, such as olive oil, are recommended for their nutritional benefits and improved oil stability. The water content and structure of the food also play a significant role in oil absorption. Pretreatments to diminish food moisture content contribute to a lower oil absorption in the fried food while mitigating excessive accumulation of lipid oxidation products. Proper selection of frying oils, incorporation of antioxidants, and the use of pretreatments could help prevent chemical changes and minimize oil absorption during frying. These measures contribute to maintaining the nutritional quality and safety of fried foods while also enhancing their overall sensory appeal.

Monoterpenoid synergy: a new frontier in biological applications.

Monoterpenoids, compounds found in various organisms, have diverse applications in various industries. Their effectiveness is influenced by the oil's chemical composition, which in turn is influenced by plant genotype, environmental conditions, cultivation practices, and plant development stage. They are used in various industries due to their distinctive odor and taste, serving as ingredients, additives, insecticides, and repellents. These compounds have synergistic properties, resulting in superior combined effects over discrete ones, potentially beneficial for various health purposes. Many experimental studies have investigated their interactions with other ingredients and their antibacterial, insecticidal, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review discusses potential synergistic interactions between monoterpenoids and other compounds, their sources, and biological functions. It also emphasizes the urgent need for more research on their bioavailability and toxicity, underlining the importance and relevance of this comprehensive study in the current scientific landscape.

Effect of Pulsed Electric Field Pretreatment on the Concentration of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Compounds in Cold-Pressed Grape Seed Oil Produced from Wine Waste.

Pretreatment of grape pomace seeds with a pulsed electric field (PEF) was applied to improve the extraction yield of cold-pressed grape seed oil. The effects of different PEF conditions, electric field intensities (12.5, 14.0 and 15.6 kV/cm), and durations (15 and 30 min) on the oil chemical composition were also studied. All PEF pretreatments significantly increased the oil yield, flow rate and concentration of total sterols (p < 0.05). In addition, similar trends were observed for total tocochromanols and phenolic compounds, except for PEF pretreatment under the mildest conditions (12.5 kV/cm, 15 min) (p < 0.05). Notably, the application of 15.6 kV/cm for 30 min resulted in the highest relative increase in oil yield and flow rate (29.6% and 56.5%, respectively) and in the concentrations of total tocochromanols, nonflavonoids, and flavonoids (22.1%, 60.2% and 81.5%, respectively). In addition, the highest relative increase in the concentration of total sterols (25.4%) was achieved by applying 12.5 kV/cm for 30 min. The fatty acid composition of the grape seed oil remained largely unaffected by the PEF pretreatments. These results show that PEF pretreatment effectively improves both the yield and the bioactive properties of cold-pressed grape seed oil.

Comparative Study on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oils of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia Cultivated in Lebanon.

The phytochemical profile of essential oils is influenced by genetic and paragenetic factors. In this research, we studied the essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula x intermedia cultivated in Lebanon. The latter is a cross hybrid between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia and is also known as lavandin and Lavandula hybrida. Specifically, the chemical composition and biological activities (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and hemolytic) of the essential oils were assessed. GC-MS results showed marked differences in the chemical compositions of the oils. For example, linalool was more abundant in L. x intermedia (44.15%) than in L. angustifolia (32%), while an opposite trend was observed for the percentages of 1,8-cineole (8.6% in L. angustifolia and 4.0% in L. x intermedia). FTIR analysis confirmed the richness of both oils in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. In terms of antioxidant activity, L. angustifolia essential oil demonstrated significantly better activity (IC50= 5.24 ± 1.20 mg/mL) compared to L. x intermedia oil in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. MTT cell viability assays revealed that L. angustifolia essential oil was a slightly more potent antiproliferative agent than L. x intermedia oil on human colorectal (HCT-116) and human breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. The antibacterial activity of the essential oils was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens. Both oils showed good antibacterial activities with MIC values of 0.174 and 0.169 mg/mL for L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia oils, respectively. MBC determinations revealed that the antibacterial activity was bactericidal against all bacteria, except Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, both essential oils did not exhibit notable hemolytic activity on red blood cells. Overall, Lebanese L. angustifolia and L. x intermedia essential oils have promising industrial and medicinal values.

Quality and stability of frying oils and fried foods in ultrasound and microwave-assisted frying processes and hybrid technologies.

Frying is a popular cooking method that produces delicious and crispy foods but can also lead to oil degradation and the formation of health-detrimental compounds in the dishes. Chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and polymerization contribute to these changes. In this context, emerging technologies like ultrasound-assisted frying (USF) and microwave (MW)-assisted frying show promise in enhancing the quality and stability of frying oils and fried foods. This review examines the impact of these innovative technologies, delving into the principles of these processes, their influence on the chemical composition of oils, and their implications for the overall quality of fried food products with a focus on reducing oil degradation and enhancing the nutritional and sensory properties of the fried food. Additionally, the article initially addresses the various reactions occurring in oils during the frying process and their influencing factors. The advantages and challenges of USF and MW-assisted frying are also highlighted in comparison to traditional frying methods, demonstrating how these innovative techniques have the potential to improve the quality and stability of oils and fried foods.

In vivo mosquito repellency effect of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) essential oil bath bomb formulation in dogs.

Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases of medical and veterinary significance. While citronella essential oil is safe as a mosquito repellent, extensive research does not document its ability to deter mosquitoes from animals. This study assessed the citronella essential oil bath bomb's ability to repel Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in dogs. Citronella essential oil's chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Through freeze-thaw testing, a bath bomb formulation containing 6% w/w citronella essential oil was assessed for its physical and chemical stability. Thirty-two healthy client-owned mixed-breed dogs were employed to test the mosquito-repellency effects of citronella essential oil (treatment group) and olive oil (control group) bath bomb formulations. Bath bombs were tested for irritation effects on animal skin for 15-day post-application. Thirty-six compounds were identified through GC-MS, with citronellal (23.38%), δ-cadinene (12.25%), and geraniol (9.09%) being the most prevalent constituents. The bath bomb maintained its original physical properties after undergoing six freeze-thawing cycles and retained over 90% of its citronella essential oil. About 100%, 69.28%, and 65.58% mosquito repellency were displayed by the citronella essential oil bath bomb at 3 h, 6 h, and 8 h, respectively. None of the test animals exhibited skin irritation during the study. The citronella bath bomb effectively repelled C. quinquefasciatus in dogs without irritating their skin. The formulation's physical and chemical stability is demonstrated by the results of freeze-thaw stability testing. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the repelling activity against other mosquito species.

Intraspecific Chemical Variability and Antioxidant Capacity of Siparuna guianensis Aubl. Essential Oil from Brazil

Siparuna guianensis Aubl. is an essential-oil-producing plant with diverse ethnopharmacological uses and bioactive potential. This study aims to evaluate the intraspecific variation in the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. guianensis essential oil (EO). The specimens (SG-1 to SG-6) were collected in June, five in the district of Outeiro and one in the Salvaterra municipality (Brazil). EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The DPPH radical scavenging tests and inhibition of β-carotene oxidation by linoleic acid were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of EOs. Principal components analyses were performed to verify the interrelationships between the studied specimens’ oil yields, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity. Regarding chemical constituents, all studied samples showed the occurrence of spathulenol with an average concentration of 25.6 ± 15.6%. The samples that presented the highest amounts of this constituent were SG-5 (43.3%) and SG-1 (41.8%); the spathulenol amounts in other samples were 33.2% (SG-4); 13.8% (SG-2); 11.5% (SG-6) and 9.8% (SG-3). Moreover, there was no significant variability in yield and antioxidant capacity using DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid; both tests found insignificant values. This species presents a notable intraspecific chemical variability. Despite notable antitumor activities, the plant presents intraspecific chemical variability in composition, which suggests new studies to evaluate the impacts on bioactive compounds.

PHENOTYPIC DIVERSITY IN Calendula officinalis L. REGARDING PLANT GROWTH, PHOTOSYNTHETIC TRAITS, FLOWER YIELD, AND OIL CONTENT

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is an annual herb-shrub distributed worldwide. It possesses multiple therapeutic applications as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cosmetic agent. Despite its importance, its physiological traits, including photosynthetic parameters, plant growth kinetics, and oil content variation among phenotypes, remain unknown. Five contrasting phenotypes (S1 to S5), derived from a single variety, were characterized. Physiological variables evaluated included plant growth kinetics, growth rate indexes, A-Ci response curves, flower and oil yield, and oil chemical composition across eight harvesting dates. Phenotype S1 yielded the highest biomass because of its extended acceleration and deceleration growth stages during a longer period. Phenotype S1 also produced higher yields of harvested flowers and essential oil. Phenotype S2 also showed a high content of essential oils. This phenotypic diversity found in a single variety of pot marigold could be used for breeding this crop; for example, the crossing of S1 x S2 may produce F1 progenies with improved growth rates, flower yields, photosynthetic rates, and essential oil yield. Besides, phenotype S1 could be used directly for commercial planting.

The essential oil chemical composition of a sicilian (Italy) accession of Doronicum caucasicum M. Bieb

Doronicum is a relatively small genus belonging to the tribe Senecioneae (Fam. Asteraceae), distributed in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Some of its species are considered toxic due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids whereas some other ones are largely utilised in the ethnopharmacology of several countries. In the present study, the essential oil composition of a Sicilian accession of Doronicum caucasicum M. Bieb (syn. D. orientale Hoffm.), not previously investigated, is particularly rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (80.3%) with germacrene D (58.9%), α-humulene (8.8%), and β-caryophyllene (6.5%) as main metabolites. A comparison with all the essential oils from Doronicum taxa studied so far has been carried out.

Effect of storage conditions on physico-chemical characteristics and antioxidants activity of sweet and bitter almond nuts and seeds of aknoul

This study investigates almond oil parameters such as yield, fatty acids, peroxide value, and antioxidant activity over a 12-month storage period. Despite stable oil yields due to almond shells' protective properties, there are increases in free fatty acids and peroxide values, indicating oxidation. Iodine values mostly align with norms, but some exceed limits. Chlorophyll decreases while carotenoids increase during storage, possibly due to chlorophyll degradation. Oleic acid remains predominant in fatty acid composition, distinguishing sweet and bitter almonds. Alpha-tocopherol prevails, with storage affecting gamma and beta tocopherol. Polyphenol content decreases over time, differing between almond types. DPPH and ABTS tests reflect antioxidant activity changes similarly. Bitter almonds yield higher extraction yields and phenolic compounds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) elucidates variable relationships. Almond oil samples are classified into three groups based on quality and antioxidant properties. CHAID analysis emphasizes DPPH's importance in distinguishing samples and its correlation with Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), enhancing comprehension of almond oil's chemical composition and antioxidant properties.