Anti-oxidant and Anti-microbial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles of Essential Oil Extracts from Leaves of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium

Aim: The present study was aimed to synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Zanthoxylum ovalifolium leaf essential oil extracts and to screen the anti-oxidant and antimicrobial potential of the same. Place and Duration of Study: The studies were carried out at Department of Botany, AVK College for Women, Hassan and Department of Biochemistry, Aurora’s Degree & PG College, Hyderabad from July 2017 to June 2018 Methodology: The essential oil from leaves of Zanthoxylum ovalifolium was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles of essential oil extract was carried out and characterized by using UV-VIS spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated in all the extracts. Furthermore, all the extracts were evaluated for anti-microbial activity against two gram-positive and two gram-negative bacteria and four pathogenic fungi using agar disc diffusion technique. Subsequently the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also determined. Results: The major compounds identified were Limonene, isofenchol, Geijerene, isothujanol, Borneol, dihydrocarveol, isobornyl acetate, pregeijerene, b-elemene, trans-caryophyllene and Germacrene D. The TEM analysis of nanoparticles synthesized showed a size of 8 to 14 nm with a lmax of 450nm. All the extracts were evaluated for in vitro anti-oxidant activity where the AgNP of essential oil extract showed maximum activity of 89.61% and 84.92% respectively for both DPPH free radical scavenging and Hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging assays at a concentration of 100µg/ml. Among all the bacteria tested, B. subtilis was most susceptible at 100µg/ml with zone of inhibition of 22.5mm. While among all the fungi tested, A. niger inhibited more effectively by the AgNP of essential oil extract at 100µg/ml with a zone of inhibition of 16.2mm. Conclusion: The results obtained were remarkable suggesting that AgNP of essential oil extract possess excellent anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activity and can be an alternative bio-friendly source for various pharmaceutical industries.

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Evaluation of the Essential Oil of Croatian Salvia brachyodon Vandas

Backgraund: This study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the antimicrobial potential of the essential oil of Salvia brachyodon Vandas growing wild in Croatia. Short tooth sage (S. brachyodon Vandas),an endemic species that grows in the south east areas of the Adriatic coast in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 70-80 cm in height and flowers from July to September. Methodology: The phytochemical components of the essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against a panel of representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. The antimicrobial activities of the oil against pathogenic microorganisms were determined by using agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Results: From the thirty-eight identified constituents representing 95.7% of the oil, 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (19.7%) and α-pinene (7.6%), were the major components. The levels of oxygenated monoterpenes such as camphor (5.6%), borneol (4.2%), myrtenol (2.4 %) and terpinen-4-ol were significant. Other important compounds were sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons β-caryophyllene (6.6%), α-humulene (4.9%), viridiflorol (3.0%), spathulenol (2.9%) and aromadendrene. Preliminary antimicrobial screening revealed that the oil exhibited a very interesting antimicrobial profile. The oil exhibited moderate in vitro antibacterial activity after it was tested against twenty pathogenic bacteria and fungal strains, but high antimicrobial activity observed against medically important pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans. Conclusion: Results presented here may suggest that the essential oil of S. brachyodon possess antimicrobial properties, and is, therefore, a potential source of antimicrobial ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industry. The obtained results are preliminary and a further research is needed in order to obtain information regarding the practical effectiveness of essential oil to prevent the growth of foodborne and spoilage microbes under specific application conditions.

Seasonal chemical composition of an unexplored essential oil of Eugenia brevistyla / Composición química estacional de un aceite esencial no explorado de Eugenia brevistyla

This study describes the qualitative and quantitative seasonal analysis of the essential oils from an unexplored plant Eugenia brevistyla, native from Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest and Semidecidual Forest. Analysis by GC-FID and GC-MS allowed the identification of 28 compounds. The largest fraction corresponds to oxygenated sesquiterpenes in all seasons. The major compound was E-nerolidol in all seasons, being higher in winter (83.14%) and lower in spring (69.6%). The second major compound was byciclogermacrene in the spring and in the summer essential oils. Alloaromadendrene and spathulenol were the second major compounds in autumn and winter, respectively. Sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons showed higher variation along the year (58%) than oxygenated sesquiterpenes (2%). No monoterpenes were found in the analyzed essential oils.

Este estudio describe el análisis estacional cualitativo y cuantitativo del aceite esencial de la planta inexplorada Eugenia brevistyla, nativa de la Selva Tropical Atlántica dey del Bosque Semidecidual de Brasil. El análisis por GC-FID y GC-MS permitió la identificación de 28 compuestos. La fracción más grande corresponde a sesquiterpenos oxigenados en todas las estaciones. El compuesto principal fue E-nerolidol en todas las estaciones, siendo más alto en invierno (83.14%) y más bajo en la primavera (69.6%). El segundo compuesto principal fue biciclogermacreno en los aceites esenciales de la primavera y del verano. El aloaromadendreno y el espatulenol fueron los segundos compuestos principales en otoño e invierno, respectivamente. Los hidrocarburos sesquiterpénicos mostraron una mayor variación a lo largo del año (58%) que los sesquiterpenos oxigenados (2%). No se encontraron monoterpenos en los aceites esenciales analizados.

Chemical composition and seasonal variability of the essential oils of leaves and morphological analysis of Hyptis carpinifolia

ABSTRACT Hyptis carpinifolia Benth., Lamiaceae, is a species known popularly as "rosmaninho" and "mata-pasto", and leaves are employed in Brazilian folk medicine to treat colds, flu, and rheumatism. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological description of H. carpinifolia and to evaluate the seasonal chemical variability of the leaf essential oils during 12 months. Macroscopic characterization of H. carpinifolia was carried out with the naked eye and with a stereoscopic microscope. Essential oils were isolated from leaves by hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Major compounds were found to be 1,8-cineole (39.6-61.8%), trans-cadina-1(6),4-diene (2.8-17.5%), β-caryophyllene (4.4-10.0%), prenopsan-8-ol (4.2-9.6%) and β-pinene (2.9-5.3%). Results of essential oils compositions were processed by cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Data showed high variability in the concentration of the components. Besides, there was a seasonal variability of chemical composition, probably related mainly to the rainfall regime.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from the rhizomes of cyperus papyrus L. grown in South Africa / Composición química y actividad antibacterial de los aceites esenciales de los rizomas de cyperus papurus L., crecidos en Sudafrica

Essential oils hydrodistilled from the rhizomes of Cyperus papyrus L. growing wild in two localities (KwaDlangezwa and Richard’s Bay) of uMhlathuze City, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa has been studied. The major components of KwaDlangezwa oil were caryophyllene oxide (12.7 percent), cyperene (10.2 percent) and 1,8-cineole (8.4 percent). The oil of Richard’s Bay comprised mainly of caryophyllene oxide (24.4 percent), humulene epoxide II (13.2 percent), aristolene (9.1 percent) and aromadendrene epoxide II (7.3 percent). The antibacterial activity of the oils was assayed using agar-disc diffusion and broth-microdilution methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that the oil samples inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 3983 and ATCC 6538), with MIC of 1.25 and 0.31 mg/mL for each oil. Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212; MIC of 1.25 and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 4983; MIC of 1.25 mg/mL for both oils). Only the Richard Bay oil showed activity against Bacillus cereus and Bacillus pumilus with MIC of 1.25mg/mL, respectively.

Los aceites esenciales hidrodestilados de los rizomas de Cyperus papyrus L., que crecen en dos localidades (KwaDlangezwa y Bahía Richard) de la ciudad de uMhlathuze, la provincia KwaZulu-Natal, de Sudafrica han sido estudiados. Los mayores componentes del aceite de KwaDlangezwa fueron óxido de cariofileno (12,7 por ciento), cipereno (10,2 por ciento) y 1,8-cineol (8,4 por ciento). El aceite de la bahía de Richard consistió principalmente cariofileno (24,4 por ciento), epóxido II de humuleno (13,2 por ciento), aristoleno (9,1 por ciento) y epóxido II de aromandreno (7,3 por ciento). La actividad antibacterial de los aceites fueron ensayados utilizando la difusión en discos de agar y el método de microdilución en caldo. La concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) reveló que las muestras inhibieron el crecimiento de Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 3983 y ATCC 6538), con una MIC de 1,25 y 0,31 mg/ml de cada aceite. Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212; CMI de 1,25 y 0.6 mg/mL, respectivamente) y Escherichia coli (ATCC 4983; CMI de 1,25 mg/mL para ambos aceites). Solo el aceite de la bahía Richard mostró actividad contra Bacillus cereus y Bacillus pumilis con CMI de 1,25 mg/mL, respectivamente.

Insecticidal effect of Cryptocarya alba essential oil on the housefly, Musca domestica L / Efecto insecticida del aceite esencial de Cryptocarya alba en la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica L

The composition of the essential oil (EO) from Cryptocarya alba obtained by hydro distillation of fresh leaves was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrosmetry (GC/MS). The insecticidal effect of the oil on the house fly Musca domestica was evaluated by placing flies in a sealed glass jar containing a piece of EO-treated cotton yarn. The dose necessary to kill 50 percent of flies (LC50) in 0.5 and 1 h was determined at 26 +/- 1 °C. The essential oil from Cryptocarya alba showed significant insecticidal properties [33.56 (7.06-159.50) mg/dm3 (0.5 h) and 15.07 (5.29-42.91) mg/dm3 (1 h)]. According to GC and GC/MS analysis a total of 38 compounds were identified. The composition of the Cryptocarya alba essential oil reported in this study is different to that reported in other publications with 4-terpineol (17.48 percent) ; 4- (3,3-dimethyl-but-1-ynyl) -4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enone (12.84 percent); 1,8-cineole (7.90 percent); p-cymene (7.11 percent) and sabinene (6.80 percent), accounting for 52.13 percent of the EO. The EO from Cryptocarya alba appears promising as a natural insecticide against houseflies.

La composición del aceite esencial (AE), obtenido por hidrodestilación de hojas frescas de Cryptocarya alba se analizó mediante cromatografía de gases (CG) y cromatografía de gases/espectrometría de masas (CG/EM). La actividad insecticida del aceite contra la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica se evaluó colocando las moscas en un frasco de vidrio sellado con un trozo de hilo de algodón tratado con diferentes cantidades de AE. La dosis necesaria para matar el 50 por ciento de las moscas (LC50) en 0,5 y 1 hora se determinó a 26 +/- 1 oC. El aceite esencial de Cryptocarya alba mostró un buen efecto insecticida [33,56 (7,06-159,50) mg/dm3 (0,5 h) and 15,07 (5,29-42,91) mg/dm3 (1 h)]. La composición del aceite esencial de Cryptocarya alba encontrada en este trabajo es diferente al informado en otras publicaciones, con 4-terpineol (17,48 por ciento); 4-(3,3-dimetil-but-1-inil)-4-hidroxi-2,6,6-trimetilciclohex-2-enona (12.84 por ciento); 1,8-cineole (7,90 por ciento); p-cimeno (7,11 por ciento) y sabineno (6,80 por ciento), lo que representa el 52.13 por ciento del AE. El AE de Cryptocarya alba parece prometedor como un insecticida natural contra la mosca doméstica.

Leaf and fruit essential oil compositions of Pimenta guatemalensis (Myrtaceae) from Costa Rica / Aceites volátiles de hojas y frutos de Pimenta guatemalensis (Myrtaceae) de Costa Rica

Pimenta is a genus of flowering plants in the Myrtaceae family, which has about 15 species, mostly found in the Caribbean region of the Americas. Commonly used for culinary and medicinal purposes, the best known commercial species are allspice, P. dioica (P. officinalis) and bay rum, P. racemosa, but there is little information concerning P. guatemalensis. The aim of the present study was to identify the chemical composition of the leaf and fruit essential oils of P. guatemalensis. The extraction of essential oils of P. guatemalensis growing wild in Costa Rica was carried out by the hydrodistillation method at atmospheric pressure, using a modified Clevenger type apparatus. The chemical composition of the oils was analyzed by capillary gas chromatographyflame ionization detector (GC/FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using the retention indices on DB-5 type capillary column. A total of 103 and 63 compounds were identified in the leaf and fruit oils, respectively, corresponding to 96.8% and 86.1% of the total amount of the oils. The leaf oil consisted mainly of eugenol (72.8%), and mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (18.2%). Among terpenes the major components were β-caryophyllene (8.2%) and terpinolene (3.0%). The fruit oil also consisted mainly of eugenol (74.7%) and minor amounts of oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes (7.3%), mainly caryophyllene oxide (3.3%). This is the first report of the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from this plant species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (1): 303-311. Epub 2015 March 01.

Pimenta es un género de plantas perteneciente a la familia Myrtaceae que contiene cerca de 15 especies, la mayoría ubicadas en las regiones del Caribe del Continente Americano, donde es utilizado con propósitos culinarios y medicinales. Las especies comerciales mejor conocidas son “pimienta de Jamaica” (P. dioica o P. officinalis) y “bay-rum” (P. racemosa) y existe muy poca información científica acerca de la especie P. guatemalensis. Cuando las hojas y frutos son triturados, desprenden un aroma de composición desconocida. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar la composición química de los aceites esenciales de las hojas y frutos de P. guatemalensis. La extracción de los aceites esenciales de P. guatemalensis, una especie arbórea silvestre en Costa Rica, se efectuó mediante el método de hidrodestilación a presión atmosférica, empleando un aparato de vidrio de tipo Clevenger. Se analizó la composición química de los aceites esenciales mediante cromatografía de gases con detector de ionización de flama (GC/FID) y cromatografía de gases acoplada a un detector de masas (GC/MS) y, utilizando índices de retención en una columna cromatográfica capilar tipo DB-5. En los aceites de hojas se identificaron 103 y en los de frutos 63 compuestos, correspondiendo a 96.8% y 86.1%, respectivamente, de los constituyentes totales. El aceite de las hojas está constituido principalmente por compuestos de naturaleza fenilpropanoide (72.9%) y de hidrocarburos monoterpénicos y sesquiterpénicos (18.2%). Los componentes mayoritarios del aceite de las hojas se identificaron como eugenol (72.8%), β-cariofileno (8.2%) y terpinoleno (3.0%). El aceite de los frutos está constituido principalmente por eugenol (74.7%), monoterpenos y sesquiterpenos oxigenados (7.3%) principalmente óxido de cariofileno (3.3%). Este es el primer informe acerca de la composición química de aceites esenciales obtenidos a partir de esta especie vegetal.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Plectranthus mollis (Lamiaceae) from Western Ghats region, Karnataka, India / Composición química y actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de Plectranthus mollis (Lamiaceae) de la región de los Ghats occidentales, Karnataka, India

Plectranthus is a large and widespread genus with a diversity of ethnobotanical uses. In traditional medicine P. mollis has been used against snakebites, respiratory stimulant and vasoconstrictor, cardiac depressant, cure for haemorrahage, treatment of mental retardation and rheumatism. P. mollis is reported to exhibit relaxant activity on smooth and skeletal muscles, and has cytotoxic and anti-tumour promoting activity, and can be used in the treatment of cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify chemical composition of the essential oil of P. mollis and to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of the oil. The essential oil of the flowering aerial parts of P. mollis as obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twentyseven compounds were identified, which comprised 98.6% of the total constituents. The main compound was identified as fenchone (32.3%), followed by α-humulene (17.3%), piperitenone oxide (8.5%), cis-piperitone oxide (6.0%) and E-β-farnesene (5.9%). The oil was found rich in oxygenated monoterpenes type constituents (52.0%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (40.2%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (4.9%), and monoterpene hydrocarbons (1.5%). Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of P. mollis was tested against six Gram-positive and eight Gram negative bacteria, and three fungi, by using the tube dilution method. The oil was active against the tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi at a concentration range of 0.065±0.008-0.937±0.139mg/mL, 0.468±0.069-3.333±0.527 mg/mL and 0.117±0.0170.338±0.062mg/mL respectively. The present study revealed that the oil constituents somehow were qualitatively similar and quantitatively different than earlier reports from different parts of the world. The essential oil of P. mollis has found to be antimicrobial activity which can be usefulness in the treatment of various infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi.

Plectranthus es un género grande y extenso con una diversidad de usos etnobotánicos. En la medicina tradicional P.mollis se ha utilizado contra las mordeduras de serpiente, como estimulante respiratorio y vasoconstrictor, depresor cardiaco, cura para hemorragias, tratamiento del retraso mental y el reumatismo. Se informó que P. mollis presenta actividad relajante sobre los músculos lisos y esqueléticos, y tiene actividad promotora citotóxica y anti - tumoral, además puede ser utilizado en el tratamiento del cáncer. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar la composición química del aceite esencial de P. mollis para evaluar la eficacia antimicrobiana del aceite. El aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de las flores de P. mollis se obtuvo por hidro - destilación y se analizó por cromatografía de gases equipado con un detector de ionización de llama (GC-FID), y cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (GC/MS). Se identificaron veintisiete compuestos, que comprenden el 98.6% de los constituyentes totales. El compuesto principal se identificó como fencona (32.3%), seguido de α-humuleno (17.3%), óxido de piperitenona (8.5 %), óxido de cis piperitona (6.0 %) y E-β-farneseno (5.9%). Se encontró que el aceite es rico en monoterpenos oxigenados de tipo constituyentes (52.0%), seguido de hidrocarburos de sesquiterpeno (40.2%), sesquiterpenos oxigenados (4.9%), e hidrocarburos monoterpenos (1.5 %). La actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de P.mollis se ensayó frente a seis bacterias Gram-negativas y ocho Gram-positivas, y tres hongos, utilizando el método de dilución en tubo. El aceite fue activo contra las bacterias Gram-positivas y Gram-negativas y hongos ensayados, en un intervalo de concentración de 0.065±0.008 a 0.937±0.139mg/ml, 0.468±0.069 a 3.333±0.527mg/ml y 0.117±0.017 a 0.338±0.062mg/ml, respectivamente. El presente estudio reveló que los constituyentes del aceite de alguna manera fueron cualitativamente similares y cuantitativamente diferentes de los informes anteriores de diferentes partes del mundo. Se encontró que la actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial de P. mollis puede ser de utilidad en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades infecciosas causadas por bacterias y hongos.

Influence of environmental factors on the composition of essential oils from leaves of Myrcia tomentosa (Aubl) DC / Influencia de los factores ambientales sobre la composición de los aceites esenciales de hojas de Myrcia tomentosa (Aubl) DC

The leaves of Myrcia tomentosa were collected from five sites and four different months in the Brazilian Cerrado and their essential oils were obtained by hidrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on essential oils composition in the leaves of M. tomentosa. The results were submitted to stepwise Multiple Regression and Canonical Correlation Analysis that indicated a relationship between compounds in essential oils and some environmental factors (foliar nutrients, soil nutrients and climatic data). Cluster Analysis indicated a high chemovariability in the essential oils from different sites, also showed that the collection time had a minor effect on oil composition.

Las hojas de Myrcia tomentosa se obtuvieron de cinco sitios diferentes y cuatro meses en el Cerrado brasileño y sus aceites esenciales fueron obtenidos por hidrodistillation y analizados por GC/MS. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de los factores ambientales sobre la composición de los aceites esenciales en las hojas de M. tomentosa. Los resultados fueron sometidos a múltiples etapas de regresión y análisis de correlación canónica indicó que la relación entre los compuestos en los aceites esenciales y algunos factores ambientales (nutrientes foliares, fertilizantes y datos climáticos). El análisis de agrupamiento indicó chemovariability un alto en los aceites esenciales de diferentes sitios, también mostró que el equipo de recolección tuvo un efecto menor sobre la composición del aceite.

Lippia alba morphotypes cidreira and melissa exhibit significant differences in leaf characteristics and essential oil profile

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Verbenaceae, is widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the treatment of abdominal distress. The species exhibits considerable chemical and morphological diversity, and various chemotypes have been characterized. A comparative study of L. alba, has been carried out of the morphoanatomical characteristics of the leaves and the profiles of the essential oils of the morphotypes cidreira and melissa grown in the Medicinal Plant Garden of the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. The mean plant height of cidreira was 1.80 m and the stems and branches were fairly erect, while melissa plants were smaller (1.60 m) and presented prostrate stems and branches. Although the leaf of the morphotypes look were similar, the mean values of length, width and area of the leaves of cidreira (respectively, 7.42 cm, 3.32 cm and 17.31 cm²) differed significantly from those of melissa (4.68 cm, 2.35 cm and 7.32 cm2). The morphotypes presented amphistomatic leaves with uniseriate epidermis on both surfaces. The mesophyll was dorsiventral, but in cidreira the palisade parenchyma was biseriate while in melissa it was uniseriate. Simple tector and capitate glandular trichomes were present on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf blades of both morphotypes. Six distinct types of glandular trichomes could be distinguished: types I and II were present in both morphotypes, while type III was detected only in cidreira, and types IV to VI were present only in melissa. The two morphotypes also differed with respect to the composition of the essential oil, cidreira produced oil composed mainly of citral, while the oil from melissa was rich in citral, limonene and carvone.

Essential oil chemical composition and antifungal effects on Sclerotium cepivorum of Thymus capitatus wild populations from Calabria, southern Italy

The paper reports the qualitative and quantitative composition and its antifungal activities of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link, Lamiaceae, essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of plants collected in Calabria, Southern Italy. The essential oils of 22 samples were analysed by GC-Flame ionization detection and GC/MS. A total of sixty five compounds were identified. Phenols were present in highest percentage (average: 79,03%). Carvacrol was the main component (81,52%-78,40%) in all samples, confirming that T. capitatus is a carvacrol chemotype, according to literature data for this species. This essential oil was also characterized by high level of biogenetic precursor of the phenols: p-cimene (4,98%), γ-terpinene (3,13%) and by β-cariophyllene, were the most abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Antifungal activity against Sclerotium cepivorum Berk., a soil born fungus, was tested. At the concentration of 250 ppm there was no development of fungal mycelium. To our knowledge, studies have never been conducted on Calabria wild populations of T. capitatus essential oil nor were conducted studies on parasitic fungi of specific interest for crops such as Sclerotium cepivorum.

Insecticidal properties of Heliotropium stenophyllum essentialoil on the House fly, Musca domestica L / Propiedades insecticidas del aceite esencial de Heliotropium stenophyllum en la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica L

The composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained by hydro distillation from dry leaves of Heliotropium stenophyllum (Heliotropiaceae) was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The insecticidal activity of the oil against the house fly Musca domestica was evaluated and the dose necessary to kill 50 percent of flies (LC50) in 2 h was determined at 25 +/- 1 °C. The essential oil from Heliotropium stenophyllum showed potent insecticidal properties (LC50 = 1.09 mg/dm3) in comparison with other essential oils, in which at shorter times, the same bio-assay was used. According to GC and GC/MS analysis, junenol (19.08 percent); longiborneol (9.34 percent); (E, Z)-geranyl linalool (6.81 percent); selina-3,11-dien-6-alpha-ol (6.70 percent); alpha-cedrene epoxide (6.60 percent); heliofolen-12-al D (6.23 percent) and beta-epi-bisabolol (4.83 percent were the principal components of the EO. The Heliotropium stenophyllum essential oil, made up exclusively of sesquiterpenes, showed a composition very different from the EOs of the other species of Heliotropium, studied, and present a great potential as a natural insecticide against houseflies.

La composición del aceite esencial (AE) obtenido por hidrodestilación de hojas secas de Heliotropium stenophyllum (Heliotropiaceae) se analizó mediante cromatografía de gases (CG) y cromatografía de gases/espectrometría de masas (CG/EM). La actividad insecticida del aceite contra la mosca doméstica Musca domestica se evaluó y la dosis necesaria para matar el 50 por ciento de las moscas (LC50) en 2 h se determinó a 25 +/- 1 ºC. El aceite esencial de Heliotropium stenophyllum mostró potentes propiedades insecticidas (LC50 = 1,09 mg/dm3) en comparación con otros aceites esenciales, en el que en tiempos más cortos, se utilizó el mismo bio-ensayo. De acuerdo con los análisis de CG y CG/EM, junenol (19,08 por ciento); longiborneol (9,34 por ciento), (E, Z)-geranil linalool (6,81 por ciento); selina-3,11-dien-6-alfa-ol (6,70 por ciento); epoxido de alfa-cedreno (6,60 por ciento); heliofolen-12-al D (6,23 por ciento) y beta-epi-bisabolol (4,83 por ciento) fueron los componentes principales identificados en el AE. El aceite esencial de Heliotropium stenophyllum, formado exclusivamente por sesquiterpenos, mostró una composición muy diferente al de los AEs de otras especies de Heliotropium, estudiadas, y muestra un gran potencial como insecticida contra la moscas doméstica.

Investigating the altitude effect on the quantity and quality of the essential oil in Tanacetum polycephalum Sch.-Bip. polycephalum in the Baladeh region of Nour, Iran / 中国天然药物

Medicinal plant are grown and produced in different ecosystems and sites under the influence of different potential factors, including the altitude as one of the vital determinants in the quantity and quality of the plants. One of the species that grows in the highlands is Tanacetum polycephalum, an aromatic perennial of the Asteraceae. This species is characterized to be antiseptic, analgesic, anesthetic, disinfective, expectorant, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, and conducive to low blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the essential compositions in the aerial parts of T. polycephalum at the time of flowering, and in three different altitudes of the Baladeh region of Nour. Thus, the essential oil was extracted from the aerial parts in the flowering stage of the plant at three altitudes of 1 600, 2 400 and 3 200 m using a water distillation method, and the essential oil compositions were identified using GC and GC/MS instruments. One-way ANOVA method was conducted to analyze the obtained data using SPSS, and a Duncan test was administered to compare the means. The results indicated that the essential output obtained from the altitudes of 1 600, 2 400 and 3 200 m was (0.74 ± 0.01)%, (1.09 ± 0.02)%, and (1.32 ± 1.2)%, respectively, so that the altitude of 3 200 m revealed the greatest quantity, and the altitude of 1 600 m represented the smallest quantity. Moreover, the essential oil compositions showed the highest percentage in the altitude of 3 200 m and the lowest percentage at the altitude of 1 600 m. The results showed that as the altitude increases, the essential oil compositions revealed the greater quantity and percentage in the aerial parts of T. polycephalum.

Chemical composition of the essential oil from Microlicia graveolens growing wild in Minas Gerais

The chemical composition of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Microlicia graveolens DC., Melastomataceae, growing wild in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was investigated for the first time. A pale orange to colourless oil was obtained in a yield of 4.8%. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The main components were (+)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (78.9%), (-)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (5.5%) and β-pinene (3.8%).

Leishmanicidal activity of carvacrol-rich essential oil from Lippia sidoides Cham

Leishamaniasis is a disease that affects more than 2 million people worldwide, whose causative agent is Leishmania spp. The current therapy for leishmaniasis is far from satisfactory. All available drugs, including pentavalent antimony, require parenteral administration and are potentially toxic. Moreover, an increase in clinical resistance to these drugs has been reported. In this scenario, plant essential oils used traditionally in folk medicine are emerging as alternative sources for chemotherapeutic compounds. In this study, in vitro leishmanicidal effects of a thymol- and a carvacrol-rich essential oil from leaves of Lippia sidoides Cham. were investigated. The essential oils were extracted and their constituents were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Both essential oils showed significant activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania chagasi. However, we found that carvacrol-rich essential oil was more effective, with IC50/72 h of 54.8 μg/mL compared to 74.1 μg/mL for thymol-rich oil. Carvacrol also showed lower IC50 than thymol. Our data suggest that L. sidoides essential oils are indeed promising sources of leishmanicidal compounds.

Antioxidant capacity and larvicidal activity of essential oil and extracts from Lippia grandis

The leaves and thin branches of Lippia grandis Schauer, Verbenaceae, are used for flavoring of food in the Brazilian Amazon, as substitute for oregano. In this study the constituents of the essential oil were identified and the antioxidant capacity and larvicidal activity of the oil and methanol extract and its sub-fractions were evaluated. A sensory evaluation was determined in view of absence of toxicity. The oil showed a yield of 2.1 percent and its main constituents were thymol (45.8 percent), p-cymene (14.3 percent), γ-terpinene (10.5 percent), carvacrol (9.9 percent) and thymol methyl ether (4.8 percent), totalizing 85 percent. The DPPH radical scavenging activity showed values for the EC50 between 9.0 and 130.5 µg mL-1 and the TEAC/ABTS values varied from 131.1 to 336.0 mg TE/g, indicating significant antioxidant activity for the plant. The total phenolic content ranged from 223.0 to 761.4 mg GAE/g, contributing to the antioxidant activity observed. The crude extracts inhibited the bleaching of β-carotene and the oil showed the greatest inhibition (42.5 percent). The oil (LgO, 7.6±2.4 µg mL-1) showed strong larvicidal activity against the brine shrimp bioassay. The sensory evaluation was highly satisfactory in comparison to oregano. The results are very promising for the use of L. grandis in seasoning and antioxidant products.

Insecticidal properties of Peumus boldus Mol: essential oil on the house fly, Musca domestica L / Propiedades insecticidas del aceite esencial de Peumus boldus Mol: sobre la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica L

The composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained by hydro distillation from dry leaves of Peumus boldus was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The insecticidal activity of the oil against the house fly Musca domestica was evaluated by placing flies in a sealed glass jar containing a piece of EO-treated cotton yarn. The dose necessary to kill 50 percent of flies (LC50) in 1 h was determined at 26 +/-1°C. The essential oil from Peumus boldus showed potent insecticidal properties (LC50 = 6.26 mg/dm3). According to GC and GC/MS analysis, 1,8-cineol (36.72 percent); p-cymene (26.79 percent); ascaridol (6.25 percent); sabinene (5.10 percent); 4-terpineol (4.39 percent); beta-pinene (4.16 percent) and limonene (2.68 percent) were the principal components of the EO. The EO from Peumus boldus seems promising as a natural insecticide against houseflies. The peumus boldus essential oil reported in this paper is different to that reported in other publications. .The most important differences are the low content of ascaridol and the high content of both 1,8-cineol and p-cimene which can be attributed to the time of year and the geographic location of the samples plant.

La composición del aceite esencial (AE), obtenido por hidrodestilación de hojas secas de Peumus boldus se analizó mediante cromatografía de gases (CG) y cromatografía de gases / espectrometría de masas (CG / EM). La actividad insecticida del aceite contra la mosca doméstica, Musca domestica se evaluó colocando las moscas en un frasco de vidrio sellado con un trozo de hilo de algodón tratado con diferentes cantidades de AE. La dosis necesaria para matar el 50 por ciento de las moscas (LC50) en 1 hora se determinó a 26 +/- 1ºC. El aceite esencial de Peumus boldus mostró potentes propiedades insecticidas (LC50= 6.26 mg/dm3). De acuerdo con los análisis de GC y CG / EM, 1,8-cineol (36,72 por ciento), p-cimeno (26.79 por ciento); ascaridol (6,25 por ciento); sabineno (5.10 por ciento), 4-terpineol (4,39 por ciento), beta-pineno (4,16 por ciento) y limoneno (2,68 por ciento) fueron los componentes principales del AE. El AE de Peumus boldus parece prometedor como un insecticida natural contra moscas. La composición del aceite esencial de Peumus boldus encontrado en este trabajo es diferente a lo reportado en otras publicaciones. Las diferencias más importantes son el bajo contenido de ascaridol y el alto contenido de ambos 1,8-cineol y p-cimeno que puede atribuirse a la época del año y la ubicación geográfica de las plantas recolectadas.

Essential oil yield and composition of Lamiaceae species growing in southern Brazil

The Lamiaceae family has been described to be rich in essential oil. The aim of the present work was to identify the native species of Rio Grande do Sul with potential use as the aromatic plants. Seven species of the family were collected in the different localities of the state. The essential oils were obtained by 1h hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The constituents were identified by comparing their GC Kovats retention indices (RI), determined with reference to a homologous series of n-alkanes and by comparing their mass spectral fragmentation patterns with literature data. Cunila incisa and Mentha aquatica resulted in the higher esssential oil yields (1.94 percent v/w and 0.93 percent v/w, respectively. The composition of M. aquatica was 80 percent methone, with almost 14 percent pulegone. C. microcephala had 53 percent menthofuran and C. incisa nearly 45 percent of 1.8-cineol and 18 percent α-terpineol.

Em vista do reconhecimento de espécies da família Lamiaceae como produtoras de óleos essenciais, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar algumas espécies nativas do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como avaliar seu potencial aromático. Para isso, foram coletadas sete amostras pertencentes à esta família, em diferentes localidades do Estado. O óleo essencial foi obtido por hidrodestilação em aparelho Clevenger pelo período de 1 hora. Os compostos foram identificados por comparação de seus Índices de Retenção de Kovats (R.I), deterninados com referência a uma série homóloga de n-alcanos e por comparação de seus padrões de fragmentação de massa com dados da literatura. C. incisa e M. aquatica, apresentaram os melhores rendimentos de óleo essencial (1.94 por cento v/p e 0.93 por cento v/p respectivamente). M. aquatica também destacou-se por apresentar cerca de 80 por cento de mentona, além de pouco mais de 14 por cento de pulegona. C. microcephala apresentou aproximadamente 53 por cento de mentofurano e C. incisa cerca de 45 por cento de 1,8-cineol e 18 por cento de α-terpineol.

Composição química do óleo volátil de Myrcianthes nativas da região sul do Brasil / Chemical composition of the volatile oils of native Myrcianthes species from South Brazil

O óleo essencial das folhas de Myrcianthes gigantea (Myrtaceae), coletadas no Rio Grande do Sul, foi obtido por hidrodestilação em Clevenger e analisado por CG/detector de ionização de chamas e CG/EM. Trinta e seis compostos foram identificados, totalizando 90,1 por cento do conteúdo do óleo. A composição do óleo demonstrou predominância de sesquiterpenos cíclicos, principalmente da via de ciclização do germacrano, apresentando espatulenol (28,8 por cento) e seu isômero, iso-espatulenol (9,5 por cento), como principais constituintes. A composição do óleo das folhas de M. cisplatensis e M. pungens, coletadas na mesma região, também foi analisada e comparada com estudos prévios reportados para estas espécies coletadas em outros países da América da Sul. O óleo essencial de M. cisplatensis apresentou um alto conteúdo de monoterpenos (56,3 por cento), especialmente das séries pinano e p-mentano, com três compostos majoritários: 1,8-cineol (29,8 por cento), limoneno (10,9 por cento) e a-pineno (8,9 por cento), sendo similar ao reportado. Para o óleo de M. pungens 36 compostos foram identificados, porém sem predomínio majoritário, onde b-cariofileno (10,1 por cento), foi o principal deles. O óleo desta espécie difere do relatado para exemplares coletados na Argentina, rico em monoterpenos, sugerindo uma possível ocorrência de quimiotipos.

The essential oil of Myrcianthes gigantea (Myrtaceae) leaves, which were collected in Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil), was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The chemical investigation was performed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Thirty-six compounds were identified accounting for 90.1 percent of the oil content. The analyzed species was rich in cyclic sesquiterpenes, mainly those from the germecrane cyclization pathway, among them spathulenol (28.8 percent) and its isomer, iso-spathulenol (9.5 percent). Leaves of M. cisplatensis and M. pungens were also collected in the same region and the analysis of the oil composition was compared with those previously reported for collections from other countries in South America. M. cisplatensis oil showed a high content of monoterpenes (56.3 percent), specially from the p-mentane and pinane groups, with three major compounds: 1,8-cineole (29.8 percent), limonene (10.9 percent) and a-pinene (8.9 percent). These findings are in agreement with those reported previously. For M. pungens, thirty-six compounds were identified without a predominant component. b-caryophyllene (10.1 percent), with caryophyllane skeleton, was the main substance for this sample. For this species the oil composition was quite different from those related for two exemplars collected in Argentina, in which both oil were rich in monoterpenes. This result suggests the occurrence of chemotypes.