ABSTRACT
The essential oil constituents from the needles, twigs and berries of Juniperus chinensis from Korea were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils from the different plant parts were obtained by steam distillation and the yields were 0.34, 0.11 and 0.12% (v/w), respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the identification of 36 different components from needles, twigs and berries, which were mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons (42.05-48.15%) followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (28.53-39.92%).Among the 36 components, 17 components were identified in all the three essential oils. The components such as bornyl acetate (2.85 – 20.70%), sabinene (10.23 – 18.13%), α-pinene (5.80 – 16.26%), terpinen-4-ol (5.98 – 31.10%), limonene (3.98 – 6.96%), β-pinene (3.05 – 4.39%), γ-terpinene (2.24 – 8.36%), α-elemol (1.74 – 4.77%) and α-cadinol (2.49 – 3.39%) were detected as the major components in the essential oils from the three different parts of J. chinensis. The main differences between the three essential oils can be referred to terpinen-4-ol and bornyl acetate. The essential oil of the berries contained the highest level of terpinen-4-ol (31.10%) than needles (7.51%) and twigs (5.98%). On the other hand, bornyl acetate content was very less in berries (2.85%) when compared with twigs (20.70%) and needles (16.43%).
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the repellent effect of neem, juniper and eucalyptus extracts as a form of protection against Paederus beetles, which are a cause of linear dermatitis in Iran. Methods: After collecting and extracting plant samples, the extracts were tested on Paederus beetles in three concentrations (2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0%) with direct method under laboratory conditions. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20). Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between neem with juniper and eucalyptus at the 2.5% and 5.0% concentrations (P < 0.05), whereas there was a significant difference between all three extracts at the 10.0% concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first report on the repellent effect of these three plant extracts on Paederus beetles. Neem oil appeared to have the largest effect on Paederus spp. and juniper essential oil exhibited the second highest repellency, followed by eucalyptus.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The inhibitory effects of essential oils including fennel, juniper and kalonji from Foeniculum Vulgare, Juniperus Osteosperma and Nigella Sativa on multi drug resistant clinical isolates were investigated. All the oils have been evaluated for phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activity and TLC bioautography assay. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed. The antibacterial potential of essential oils from fennel, juniper and kalonji fennel, juniper and kalonji was evaluated by agar well diffusion method against multi drug resistant clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect was investigated using the TLC-bioautographic method. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of most of the phytochemicals including saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Antibacterial activity of essential oils was assessed on eight multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and two standard strains. All the oils tested showed significant to moderate antibacterial activity toward all tested strains except Acinetobacter sp and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. The maximum zone of inhibition was found to be 25依0.12 mm for juniper oil followed by 21依0.085 mm for kalonji oil againstStaphylococcus aureus 2. Thin layer chromatography and bioautography assay demonstrated well-defined growth inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus 2 and E. coli for juniper essential oil in correspondence with tannins observed at Rf values of 0.07 and 0.57. Conclusions: Based on the present study, the essential oils from juniper and kalonji possess antibacterial activity against several multi drug resistant pathogenic bacteria and thus can be used as a base for the development of new potent drugs and phytomedicine.
ABSTRACT
Northbound roads from Ankara, the capital of Turkey, pass through immensely wide plains containing almost no trees. There is a small hill above Tuney village located at the right side of the road 80 km north of Ankara, and it is conspicuous by a small forest. How did this forest survive until today? This is a curious question for everybody interested in nature. This study aims to review and analyze two different structures of the area: the local peasants who created a myth for the small forest in question, and the forest itself. Informal interview method was employed to understand the peasants’ perception of the forest and to get to know them. Inclination of the field ranges between 12-35o four sample quadrats of 400 m², which can best represent the constitution they belong to, were taken in order to find out the stand constitutions in the research site and their various silvicultural properties. There are 10 trees having monumental features in this natural stand. The most magnificent of these trees is 15 m, its diameter is 60 cm and it is estimated to be 500 yr old. The small forest studied herein does not owe its survival to the shaman belief in question; otherwise all juniper forests would have remained intact. The small forest is conserved not because juniper is considered sacred, but the local people pay respect to the evliya’s grave there. The most significant conclusion deducted from this case study is environmental protection and local beliefs have closer relationships.