Rich Essential Oil Research Articles

Isolation and tentative characterization of stigmastane type steroids from the roots of Senecio rufinervis D.C.

Introduction: Senecio rufinervis D.C. locally known as Bhanwa contains sesquiterpene rich essential oil having analgesic and antimicrobial potential. To the best of our knowledge the plant has never been investigated for its secondary plant metabolites except its essential oil content. The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize its phytoconstituents. Material and Methods: Petroleum ether extract from the roots of S. rufinervis D.C. was subjected to column chromatography yielded stigmastane type steroids. Results: The structure of the two compounds was assigned on the basis of chemical tests and spectral studies. Conclusion: The plant has never been investigated for the isolation of higher natural products other than essential oil, we have for the first time isolated steroids from the plant and tentatively characterized the isolated stigmastane type steroids, thus the plant has the potential for further isolation and absolute characterization of other natural products.

Coriander seeds processing: Sequential extraction of non-polar and polar fractions using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction

In this study, non-polar and polar compounds from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds (CS) were fractionated using modern extraction techniques. CS were fractionated on non-polar fraction using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and influence of mean particle size on yield and chemical profile was investigated. Results were compared with conventional techniques used in essential oil isolation. It has been shown that SFE has certain advantages comparing to traditional techniques in terms of extraction yield and selectivity, since it provided highest linalool content (877.07mg/100g CS). Raffinate exhausted by SFE could be suitable for further processing, and it was subjected to ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of moderately polar and polar fraction of polyphenolic compounds. Results showed that ethanolic extracts had higher antioxidant activity than water extracts for all CS mean particle sizes. The highest content of hydroxycinnamic acids was observed in ethanolic extracts obtained from exhausted CS with lowest mean particle size. Therefore, coriander seeds, which have been known for its rich essential oil content, could be used for sequential production of polyphenolic-rich extracts with high antioxidant activity.

Sesquiterpene rich essential oil of Vernonia cinerea Less. from India

The hydro-distilled essential oil from flowering aerial parts of Vernonia cinerea Less. (Asteraceae) was investigated by using GC-FID and GC/MS. Thirty-eight components, represented 95.1% of the total oil were identified. The major constituents of the essential oil were β-caryophyllene (23.2%), δ-cadinene (10.3%), γ-amorphene (7.5%), cis-β-guaiene (6.8%), premnaspirodiene (6.3%) and 9-epi-β-caryophyllene (4.8%). The oil was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbon type constituents (81.2%).

Studies on the Chemical Constituents in the Essential Oil from the Leaves of Cinnamomum Bodinieri Levl

Cinnamomum bodinieriLevl is a fast-growing species in tropical forests and widely distributed in southern China, Rich essential oil is in the leaves, which can be utilized as folk medicine. The chemical constituents of the essential oil obtained from the leaves ofCinnamomum bodinieriLevl were analyzed by GC-MS-DS. Sixty-three constituents were identified in the essential oils and the main constituents of the essential oils were terpinoids. The principal components are (content): camphor (40.81%), cineole (24.87 %), α-terpneol (8.75%), β-pinene (5.17 %), α-caryophyllene (2.17 %), caryophyllene (2.14 %), α-pinene (1.57 %), p-menth-1-en-4-ol (1.28 %), germacrene D (1.18 %).

6-Demethoxy ageratochromene (Precocene I) Rich Essential Oil of Ageratum conyzoides L. from Western Ghats Region of North West Karnataka, India

The chemical composition of the hydro-distilled essential oils of leaf, flower, stem and root of Ageratum conyzoides L. were analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 42 constituents have been identified accounting 99.0 % (leaf), 97.3 % (stem), 98.3 % (flower) and 96.6 % (root) of the volatile compounds. The major constituents were 6-demethoxy-ageratochromene (precocene I) and β-caryophyllene dominated in leaf (72.3 %; 12.1 %), stem (66.5 %; 10.2 %), flower (50.3 %; 14.6 %) and root (79.3 %; 6.0 %) essential oils. The compound ageratochromene (precocene II) was found relatively high amount in flower (10.5 %) than leaf (3.1 %), root (0.4 %) and stem (0.3 %) oils. The occurrence of androencecalinol is being reported for the first time in leaf, flower, stem and root oils in low quantity (0.7 - 0.3 %).

Preparação e caracterização do complexo de inclusão do óleo essencial de Croton zehntneri com β-ciclodextrina

Croton zehntneri, a plant native to northeastern Brazil, is widely used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal problems and has rich essential oil content. The essential oil of C. Zehntneri was analyzed by GC-MS, and its inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was characterized by both vibrational spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Estragol was the major component identified in the essential oil by the study. IR spectra indicated an interaction of β-CD with essential oil from C. zehntneri, a finding corroborated by the stability constant and scanning calorimetry. Microencapsulation within β-CD has the potential to mask sensory attributes and increase aqueous solubility of oils, thereby improving their applicability as drugs.

Effect of gibberellic acid and calliterpenone on plant growth attributes, trichomes, essential oil biosynthesis and pathway gene expression in differential manner in Mentha arvensis L

Extensive research is going on throughout the world to find out new molecules from natural sources to be used as plant growth promoter. Mentha arvensis L. is the main source of menthol rich essential oil used commercially in various food, pharmaceutical and other preparations. Experiments were conducted on field grown plants for understanding the effect of calliterpenone (CA), a stereo-isomer of abbeokutone, in comparison to gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth attributes, trichomes, essential oil biosynthesis and expression of some oil biosynthetic pathway genes. The exogenous application of CA (1 μM, 10 μM and 100 μM) was found to be better in improving plant biomass and stolon yield, leaf area, branching and leaf stem ratio than with counterpart GA3 at the same concentrations. CA treated plants showed higher glandular trichome number, density and diameter and also correlated with enhanced oil biogenetic capacity as revealed by feeding labeled (14)C-sucrose for 72 h to excised shoots. Semi-quantitative PCR analysis of key pathway genes revealed differential up regulation under CA treatments. Transcript level of menthol dehydrogenase/menthone reductase was found highly up regulated in CA treated plants with increased content of menthone and menthol in oil. These findings demonstrate that CA positively regulated the yields by enhanced branching and higher density of trichomes resulting into higher accumulation of essential oil. The results suggest CA as a novel plant derived diterpenoid with growth promoting action and opens up new possibilities for improving the crop yields and essential oil biosynthesis in qualitative and quantitative manner.

A New Source of Elemol Rich Essential Oil and Existence of Multicellular Oil Glands in Leaves of the Dioscorea Species

Dioscorea species is a very important food and drug plant. The tubers of the plant are extensively used in food and drug purposes owing to the presence of steroidal constituent's diosgenin in the tubers. In the present study, we report for the first time that the leaves of Dioscorea composita and Dioscorea floribunda grown under the field conditions exhibited the presence of multicellular oil glands on the epidermal layers of the plants using stereomicroscopy (SM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Essential oil was also isolated from the otherwise not useful herbage of the plant, and gas chromatographic-mass spectroscopy analysis revealed confirmation of the essential oil constituents. Out of the 76 compounds detected in D. floribunda and 37 from D. composita essential oil, major terpenoids which are detected and reported for Dioscorea leaf essential oil are α-terpinene, nerolidol, citronellyl acetate, farnesol, elemol, α-farnesene, valerenyl acetate, and so forth. Elemol was detected as the major constituent of both the Dioscorea species occupying 41% and 22% of D. Floribunda and D. composita essential oils, respectively. In this paper, we report for the first time Dioscorea as a possible novel bioresource for the essential oil besides its well-known importance for yielding diosgenin.

Chemical composition of the aliphatic compounds rich essential oil of Hypericum japonicum Thunb. ex Murray from India

Hydro-distilled essential oil of the aerial parts of Hypericum japonicum Thunb. ex Murray (Hypericaceae), grown in northern India was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of seventy constituents representing 93.6% of the total composition have been identified. Major constituents of the essential oil were 2-methyl octane (24.9%), n-nonane (21.4%), (2Z)-nonenol (16.5%), n-decanal (8.2%) and allo-aromadendrene epoxide (3.3%). The characteristic of the H. japonicum essential oil was the presence of higher amount of aliphatic compounds (82.5%) compared with terpenoids.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the leaf essential oil of Skimmia laureola growing wild in Jammu and Kashmir, India

The analysis of Skimmia laureola hydrodistillate by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 20 constituents, representing 94.6% of the total oil. The major constituents of oil were linalyl acetate (33.0%), linalool (25.0%), limonene (8.1%), α-terpineol (5.9%) and geranyl acetate (5.9%). The monoterpene (93.4%) rich essential oil was evaluated for its antibacterial and antifungal activities against seven microorganisms by agar diffusion and microdilution methods. The oil showed appreciable antimicrobial effects against all Gram-positive bacteria tested, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with MIC values 32 and 64 µg mL−1, respectively. The oil also exhibited strong fungicidal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum with MIC value in the range 32–16 µg mL−1. The oil could be used in the formulation of antimicrobial agents.

Role of Monoterpenes in Eucalyptus Communities

The Genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) consisting of over 700 tall evergreen trees is widely distributed and extensively planted for wood, pulp, medicines and aesthetic values. The foliage of the tree is rich in essential oils that are used extensively in perfumery, pharmaceuticals and food industries, and are held responsible for a wide spectrum of biological activity of the tree. Additionally, the terpenoid rich essential oil also plays a significant role in regulating floor vegetation under the trees due to its allelopathic properties. Of late, there have been attempts to utilize this property of the essential oils for the management of weeds, fungi, microbes and nematodes. The present paper attempts to discuss this broadspectrum potential of eucalyptus oil and constituent monoterpenes. Keywords: Eucalyptus species, essential oil, chemical characterization, allelopathy, herbicidal activity, antifungal activity, nematicidal activity, antioxidant activity, weeds, Monoterpenes

Essential oil of Croton zehntneri and its major constituent anethole display gastroprotective effect by increasing the surface mucous layer

Croton zehntneri, a plant native to northeastern Brazil, is widely used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal problems and has rich essential oil content. The effects of the essential oil of Croton zehntneri (EOCZ) and its main constituent anethole on several models of gastric lesions were studied in mice and rats. Oral treatment with EOCZ and anethole, both at doses of 30-300 mg/kg, caused similar and dose-dependent gastroprotection against ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric damage, but did not change cold-restraint stress-induced ulcers in rats. Furthermore, EOCZ and anethole (both at 30 and 300 mg/kg) similarly and significantly increased the mucus production by the gastric mucosa, measured by Alcian blue binding, in ethanol-induced ulcer model. However, at the same doses, neither EOCZ nor anethole promoted significant alteration in gastric production of non-protein sulfhydryl groups. In pylorus-ligated model, neither EOCZ nor anethole (both at 30 and 300 mg/kg) had a significant effect on the volume of gastric juice, pH, or total acidity. The results of this study show for the first time that EOCZ possesses a gastroprotective potential, an effect mostly attributed to the action of anethole. This activity is related predominantly to the ability of EOCZ and anethole to enhance the production of gastric wall mucus, an important gastroprotective factor. Furthermore, they suggest that EOCZ has potential therapeutic application for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

An Update on Bioactive Potential of a Monoterpene Aldehyde Citral

Citral is a lemon scented acyclic monoterpene aldehyde consists of a racemic mixture of two isomers geranial (trans-citral or citral A) and neral (cis-citral or citral B). It is most important component of essential oils of Cymbopogon species mainly, East Indian (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and West Indian (C. citratus) lemongrass. It is also present as major component in other plant species particularly, citrus fruits. Citral imparts a characteristic lemon like aroma to the essential oils of lemongrass. Citral possesses many significant bioactivities such as, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, allelopathic and mosquito repellent. Citral is most valuable monoterpene in flavors, fragrances, cosmetics, perfumery and pharmaceuticals. It is used for the synthesis of vitamin A and β-ionones and other specialty chemicals. A growing number of reports published on bioactivities of citral and citral rich essential oils have reflected their rapidly increasing medicinal and pharmacological significance. In the present work, we have reviewed reports published recently on bioactivities of citral, citral derivatives and essential oils rich in citral content.

Isoiridomyrmecin rich essential oil from Nepeta erecta Benth. and its antioxidant activity

The essential oil composition of the aerial parts of Nepeta erecta Benth. (Family: Lamiaceae) from Uttarakhand, India was analysed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 34 constituents were identified representing 94.6% of the oil composition. Oxygenated monoterpenes (74.0%) constituted the major proportion of the oil, dominated by isoiridomyrmecin (70.6%) as a single major constituent. Other significant constituents were caryophyllene oxide (9.6%), β-Bourbonene (2.0%), humulene epoxide II (1.7%) and linalool (1.0%). The in vitro antioxidant activity (AOA) was assessed using β-Carotene bleaching assay, reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation methods. The oil was found to exhibit AOA by inhibiting β-Carotene bleaching (54.6 ± 2.52%) and by scavenging DPPH free radical (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.12 mg mL−1). The AOA of the essential oil of N. erecta and its major compound isoiridomyrmecin has not been reported so far.

Effects of inhaled Linalool in anxiety, social interaction and aggressive behavior in mice

Aromatherapy uses essential oils (EOs) for several medical purposes, including relaxation. The association between the use of aromas and a decrease in anxiety could be a valuable instrument in managing anxiety in an ever increasing anxiogenic daily life style. Linalool is a monoterpene commonly found as the major volatile component of EOs in several aromatic plant species. Adding to previously reported sedative effects of inhaled linalool, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inhaled linalool on anxiety, aggressiveness and social interaction in mice. Additionally, we investigated the effects of inhaled linalool on the acquisition phase of a step-down memory task in mice. Inhaled linalool showed anxiolytic properties in the light/dark test, increased social interaction and decreased aggressive behavior; impaired memory was only seen the higher dose of linalool. These results strengthen the suggestion that inhaling linalool rich essential oils can be useful as a mean to attain relaxation and counteract anxiety.

α-Phellandrene Rich Essential Oil from Ligusticum marginatum C.B. Clarke

The major essential oil constituents of the aerial parts of Ligusticum marginatum C. B. Clarke (Apiaceae) were identified by GC and GC-MS. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (75.9%) were almost exclusive constituents of the oil with α-Phellandrene (50.2%) as the major constituent. Among other constituents were β-myrcene (18.6%), germacrene B (5.8%), limonene (4.1%) and β-caryophyllene (2.8%).

Sesquiterpenoid Rich Essential Oil from the Leaves of Pogostemon patchouli Pellet Grown Organically Under Tarai Conditions

In order a programme to develop agrotechnology for organic cultivation of Pogostemon patchouli under tarai conditions, essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the dry leaves of P. patchouli was analyzed by the combination of GC and GC-MS. The Analysis revealed the presence of 19 compounds, of which 12 compounds representing 98% of the total oil were identified. The oil was rich in sesquiterpenes. Patchouli alcohol (32.3%), ot-guaiene (23.3%), ot-bulnesene (21.4%), y-patchoulene (6.3%), β-caryophyllene (4.8%), seychellene (3.2%), ot-patchoulene (2.5%) and β-patchoulene (2.3%) were major constituents. The results revealed that the oil produced though rich in hydrocarbons (64%) still contained comparable quantity of patchouli alcohol (32.3%).

Influence of the harvesting time, temperature and drying period on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil

Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil with high concentration of linalool is valuable in international business. O. basilicum essential oil is widely used as seasoning and in cosmetic industry. To assure proper essential oil yield and quality, it is crucial to determine which environmental and processing factors are affecting its composition. The goal of our work is to evaluate the effects of harvesting time, temperature, and drying period on the yield and chemical composition of O. basilicum essential oil. Harvestings were performed 40 and 93 days after seedling transplantation. Harvesting performed at 8:00 h and 12:00 h provided higher essential oil yield. After five days drying, the concentration of linalool raised from 45.18% to 86.80%. O. basilicum should be harvested during morning and the biomass dried at 40ºC for five days to obtain linalool rich essential oil.

Composition of linalool rich essential oil from Lippia alba grown in Indian plains

A field crop of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. LAC-2 genotype was raised through stem cuttings at Lucknow. The essential oil yields obtained upon hydrodistillation of leaves harvested between May 1998 and May 1999 varied from 0.6% to 0.8% on fresh weight basis. The GC and GC/MS analyses of the essential oils led to the identification of 15 compounds totalling 85% of the oil: the identified compounds included 4 monoterpene hydrocarbons (2%), 8 oxygenated monoterpenes (82%) and 3 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (1%). The major constituent of the oil was linalool (65%). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Composition of linalool rich essential oil fromLippia alba grown in Indian plains

A field crop of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. LAC-2 genotype was raised through stem cuttings at Lucknow. The essential oil yields obtained upon hydrodistillation of leaves harvested between May 1998 and May 1999 varied from 0.6% to 0.8% on fresh weight basis. The GC and GC/MS analyses of the essential oils led to the identification of 15 compounds totalling 85% of the oil: the identified compounds included 4 monoterpene hydrocarbons (2%), 8 oxygenated monoterpenes (82%) and 3 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (1%). The major constituent of the oil was linalool (65%). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.