Phytochemical Investigation and In-vitro Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from the Roots of Selinum vaginatum C. B. Clarke

Aim: The study was to evaluate the phytogenic chemical compounds and Antifungal Activity of essential oil from roots of Selinum vaginatum C.B. Clarke, growing in the Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir. Methodology: The essential oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography & Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in relation with their Kavot indices and mass spectra. Results: The oil was found completely dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (71.9%) which includes 14-hydroxy-δ-cadinene (37.5%), khusinol (20.7%), viridiflorol (8.0%), acorenone -B (4.2%) and 14-oxy-α-muurolene (1.1%) whereas δ-cadinene (8.9%), α-copaene (6.8%), germacrene-A (2.5%), and β-caryophyllene (1.3%) were the major compounds among sesquiterpenoids. Monoterpenoids constituted as the minor portion (3.8%) of essential oil. The oil was found almost free from oxygenated monoterpenoids (0.2%). The roots of S. vaginatum are used in folk lore medicines in Jammu & Kashmir. The oil from the roots showed marked antifungal activity. The oil had shown 100% mycelia growth inhibition against A. tenuis, C. graminicola, R. solani and S. sclerotiorum at a concentration of 500 µg/ml, 2000 µg/mL, 2000 µg/mL and 300 µg/mL respectively. However F. oxysporum was found less susceptible to the root oil of S. vaginatum. The IC50 values showed a range from 57.4 µg/mL–74.7 µg/mL as compared to standard fungicides with IC50 values 32.8 µg/mL–98.6 µg/mL. The spore germination inhibition test revealed the root oil as a potent inhibitor with IC50 values as 201.4 µg/mL, 414.7 µg/mL and 784.7 µg/mL for A. tenuis, C. graminicola and F. oxysporum. Conclusion: Our study showed that14-hydroxy-δ-cadinene (37.5%), khusinol (20.7%), & viridiflorol (8.0%) are the major components in this oil and possessed potent antifungal activity against test fungal strain, respectively.

Collection and sorting of medicinal plants in Chinese Apiaceae( Umbelliferae) / 中国中药杂志

The family Apiaceae( Umbelliferae) includes some of the world's most important medicinal plants,with more than 100 species recorded in the traditional Chinese medicine,of which more than ten species are commonly used medicinal materials. However,due to morphological similarities,high market demands and regional factors,substitutes and adulterants are often mixed with genuine in the medicinal market. Therefore,a comprehensive sorting for these poorly known plants has been done in this study by combining market survey with literature review,including its species,distribution,price and substitutes. According to the statistics,there are 65 genera and 262 species of medicinal plants of Apiaceae in China,with medicinal part mostly from radix and rhizoma. Sichuan province is the most abundant in distribution and planting resources,with about 137 species,followed by Yunnan,Hubei and Gansu provinces.Furthermore,we summarized the genuine and substitutes of 11 medicinal plants,e. g. Bupleurum,Angelica and Peucedanum etc.,which found that the medicinal plants of Apiaceae were substituted or mixed in different taxonomic ranks. This study would contribute to reduce the risk of medicine misuse,as well as explore other plants of Apiaceae with potential medicinal value,to achieve sustainable development of related industries.

Phenylacylated-flavonoids from Peucedanum chryseum

ABSTRACT Phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Peucedanum chryseum (Boiss. & Heldr.) D.F.Chamb., Apiaceae, led to the isolation of a dihydrofuranochromone, cimifugin (1); a phloroacetophenone glucoside, myrciaphenone A (2); and a flavonoid glycoside, afzelin (3) along with two phenylacylated-flavonoid glycosides: rugosaflavonoid C (4), and isoquercitrin 6"-O-p-hydroxybenzoate (5). The structures of compounds 1-5 were elucidated by extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis in combination with MS experiments and comparison with the relevant literature. All compounds are reported for the first time from this species and compounds 2, 4, and 5 from the genus Peucedanum and from Apiaceae.

Chemical compositions and biological activities of essential oils obtained from some Apiaceous and Lamiaceous plants collected in Thailand

Objective:To determine the chemical composition, as well as the antioxidant, antityrosinase and antibacterial activities of essential oils obtained from some Apiaceous and Lamiaceous plants collected in Thailand.Methods:The essential oils of the specified spices and aromatic herbs were obtained by hydro-distillation, and their chemical constituents were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Antioxidant assays were based on the scavenging effects of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals as well as the lipid oxidation inhibition of ß-carotene bleaching by linoleic acid. Tyrosinase enzyme inhibition was evaluated by the dopachrome method. Broth microdilution technique was performed for the purposes of studying microbial growth inhibition against the isolated bacterial strains.Results:The essential oils of Elsholtzia stachyodes, Coleus amboinicus (I) and Trachyspermum ammi presented a high degree of potency in DPPH, ABTS and ß-carotene bleaching assays. The Trachyspermum ammi oil, which mainly contained thymol (49.04%) and p-cymene (22.06%), proved to be the most effective in terms of antibacterial activity. The major compositions of Coleus amboinicus (I) were carvacrol (51.57%), y-terpinene (18.04%) and p-cymene (7.81%); while thymol (43.76%) and y-terpinene (24.61%) were identified as the major components of Elsholtzia stachyodes oil, with p-cymene (6.73%) being identified as a minor constituent. Moreover, Cuminum cyminum oil containing cuminaldehyde (49.07%) and Elsholtzia communis oil composed with geranial (44.74%) and neral (35.27%) as the major components displayed a specific ability for the inhibition of the mushroom tyrosinase enzyme.Conclusions:The results indicated that these bioactive essential oils obtained from indigenous herbs are of significant interest as alternative raw materials in food, cosmetic and medicinal products.

Chemical compositions and biological activities of essential oils obtained from some Apiaceous and Lamiaceous plants collected in Thailand

Objective: To determine the chemical composition, as well as the antioxidant, antityrosinase and antibacterial activities of essential oils obtained from some Apiaceous and Lamiaceous plants collected in Thailand. Methods: The essential oils of the specified spices and aromatic herbs were obtained by hydro-distillation, and their chemical constituents were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Antioxidant assays were based on the scavenging effects of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals as well as the lipid oxidation inhibition of ß-carotene bleaching by linoleic acid. Tyrosinase enzyme inhibition was evaluated by the dopachrome method. Broth microdilution technique was performed for the purposes of studying microbial growth inhibition against the isolated bacterial strains. Results: The essential oils of Elsholtzia stachyodes, Coleus amboinicus (I) and Trachyspermum ammi presented a high degree of potency in DPPH, ABTS and ß-carotene bleaching assays. The Trachyspermum ammi oil, which mainly contained thymol (49.04%) and p-cymene (22.06%), proved to be the most effective in terms of antibacterial activity. The major compositions of Coleus amboinicus (I) were carvacrol (51.57%), y-terpinene (18.04%) and p-cymene (7.81%); while thymol (43.76%) and y-terpinene (24.61%) were identified as the major components of Elsholtzia stachyodes oil, with p-cymene (6.73%) being identified as a minor constituent. Moreover, Cuminum cyminum oil containing cuminaldehyde (49.07%) and Elsholtzia communis oil composed with geranial (44.74%) and neral (35.27%) as the major components displayed a specific ability for the inhibition of the mushroom tyrosinase enzyme. Conclusions: The results indicated that these bioactive essential oils obtained from indigenous herbs are of significant interest as alternative raw materials in food, cosmetic and medicinal products.

Morphological alterations and time-kill studies of the essential oil from the leaves of Coriandrum sativum L. on Candida albicans / Alteraciones morfológicas y estudios de letalidad del aceite esencial de las hojas de Coriandrum sativum L. en Candida albicans

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological alterations and time-kill of the essential oil of the leaves of C. sativum L. on strains of C. albicans. The essential oil was submitted to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The predominant component identified was linalool (39.78 percent). Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal fungicidal concentration of the essential oil were respectively 512 and 1024 ug.mL-1 for 90 percent of the strains tested. In the time-kill curves, the essential oil showed a concentration-dependent fungicidal effect. In the micromorphology assay it caused a significant reduction in pseudohyphae, an important pathogenic factor of C. albicans.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las alteraciones morfológicas y de letalidad del aceite esencial de las hojas de C. sativum L. en cepas de C. albicans. El aceite esencial se presentó a gas análisis de espectrometría de cromatografía-masa. El componente predominante identificado fue linalol (39,78 por ciento). Concentración inhibitoria mínima y concentración mínima fungicida del aceite esencial fueron, respectivamente, 512 y 1.024 ìg.mL-1 para 90 por ciento de las cepas probadas. En las curvas el tiempo-matar, el aceite esencial mostró un efecto fungicida dependiente de la concentración. En el ensayo de micromorfología causó una reducción significativa en pseudohifas, un importante factor patógeno de C. albicans.

Chemical analysis, antimicrobial and anti-oxidative properties of Daucus gracilis essential oil and its mechanism of action

Objective: To evaluate the essential oils (EO) composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant power of a local plant, Daucus gracilis (D. gracilis). Methods: The aerial parts of D. gracilis were subjected to hydro distillation by a Clevenger apparatus type to obtain the EO which had been analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and screened for antimicrobial activity against five bacteria and three fungi by agar diffusion method. The mechanism of action of the EO was determined on the susceptible strains by both of time kill assay and lysis experience. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by agar macro-dilution and micro-dilution methods. Anti-oxidative properties of the EO were also studied by free diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and reducing power techniques. Results: The EO yielded 0.68 (v/w). The chemical analysis presented two dominant constituents which were the elemicin (35.3%) and the geranyl acetate (26.8%). D. gracilis EO inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis significantly with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 17.15 μg/mL by the agar dilution method and 57.05 μg/mL and 114.1 μg/mL, respectively by liquid micro-dilution. A remarkable decrease in a survival rate as well as in the absorbance in 260 nm was recorded, which suggested that the cytoplasm membrane was one of the targets of the EO. The EO showed, also, important anti-oxidative effects with an IC

Essential oils from Elaeoselinum asclepium: Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Objective To evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from Elaeoselinum asclepium (L.) Bertol. (E. asclepium), and test the efficiency of the essential oil as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. Methods Essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of E. asclepium by hydro distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We study for the first time the chemical composition of the essential oil of E. asclepium, followed by the in vitro antimicrobial activities, which were evaluated by agar diffusion method against six Gram-positive bacteria, five Gram-negative bacteria, and two fungi. In addition, The antioxidant activities were also investigated using assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing capacity. Results The analyzed essential oil of the aerial parts of E. asclepium was rich in α-pinene (43.9%), other compounds detected in appreciable amounts were sabinene (27.9%) and β-pinene (16.0%). The essential oil yields 1.2%, the IC

Essential oils from Elaeoselinum asclepium：Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Objective: To evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from Elaeoselinum asclepium (L.) Bertol. (E. asclepium), and test the efficiency of the essential oil as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. Methods: Essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of E. asclepium by hydro distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We study for the first time the chemical composition of the essential oil of E. asclepium, followed by the in vitro antimicrobial activities, which were eval-uated by agar diffusion method against six Gram-positive bacteria, five Gram-negative bacteria, and two fungi. In addition, The antioxidant activities were also investigated using assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing capacity. Results: The analyzed essential oil of the aerial parts of E. asclepium was rich in a-pinene (43.9%), other compounds detected in appreciable amounts were sabinene (27.9%) and b-pinene (16.0%). The essential oil yields 1.2%, the IC50 values of essential oil in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay in the reducing power assay were 48.26 mg/mL and at 1 mg/mL, respectively. The absorbance value of essential oil at 700 nm was 0.956. The antimicrobial effect was higher on Candida albicans ATCC 1024 strain with the inhibition zone 14.5 mm than bacteria and molds. Conclusions: The essential oil of E. asclepium has antimicrobial and antioxidant ac-tivities. These species may be used as an important source of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

Chemical analysis, antimicrobial and anti-oxidative properties of Daucus gracilis essential oil and its mechanism of action

Objective: To evaluate the essential oils (EO) composition, antimicrobial and antioxi-dant power of a local plant, Daucus gracilis (D. gracilis). Methods: The aerial parts of D. gracilis were subjected to hydro distillation by a Cle-venger apparatus type to obtain the EO which had been analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and screened for antimicrobial activity against five bacteria and three fungi by agar diffusion method. The mechanism of action of the EO was determined on the susceptible strains by both of time kill assay and lysis experience. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by agar macro-dilution and micro-dilution methods. Anti-oxidative properties of the EO were also studied by free diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and reducing power techniques. Results: The EO yielded 0.68 (v/w). The chemical analysis presented two dominant constituents which were the elemicin (35.3%) and the geranyl acetate (26.8%). D. gracilis EO inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis significantly with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 17.15 mg/mL by the agar dilution method and 57.05 mg/mL and 114.1 mg/mL, respectively by liquid micro-dilution. A remarkable decrease in a survival rate as well as in the absorbance in 260 nm was recorded, which suggested that the cytoplasm membrane was one of the targets of the EO. The EO showed, also, important anti-oxidative effects with an IC50 of 0.002 mg/mL and a dose-dependent reducing power. Conclusions: D. gracilis EO showed potent antimicrobial and anti-oxidative activities and had acted on the cytoplasm membrane. These activities could be exploited in the food industry for food preservation.

Approach to pharmacological and clinical applications of Anisi aetheroleum

Anisi aetheroleum is the oil obtained from Pimpinella anisum L. (P. anisum) by steam distillation. P. anisum seeds were air-dried, and then the dry seeds were crushed, pulverized, and weighed in sequence for anise oil preparation. P. anisum is one of the oldest medicinal plants that belong to family Apiaceae. The fruit of P. anisum is harvested in August and September. P. anisum is widespread in Asia, Africa and Europe. Local names of P. anisum include anise, anisoon, roomy, saunf, sweet cumin and yansoon. The anise oil odour is aromatic while the oil tastes sweet. The average daily dose of Anisi aetheroleum is 0.3 g. trans-Anethole is the major ingredient of the anise oil. Anisi aetheroleum also displays a protective action against neurotoxicity. In addition, Anisi aetheroleum increases glucose absorption and reduces urine output in the rat. The plant oil have pharmacological (antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, estrogenic, expectorant and insecticidal) effects and clinical effects on nausea, constipation, menopausal period, virus, diabetes, obesity and sedative action. Owing to the wide application of Anisi aetheroleum in pharmacological and clinical fields, it is recommended for more clinical trails to discover a new medication from the active constituents of the plant oil in the future to treat human diseases especially chronic ones.

Phytochemical Constituents from the Aerial Part of Ducrosia ismaelis Asch

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial components of Ducrosia ismaelis Asch. led to the isolation of six known compounds, psoralen (1), isopsoralen (2), cnidioside A (3), (-)-syringaresinol-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), (E)-plicatin B (5), trilinolein (6). The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated from spectroscopic data and by comparison of these data with previously published results. The antioxidant, anti-osteoporotic and cardiovascular related activities of the isolated compounds were assessed using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), reducing capacity, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity assays. Compounds (3-5) showed potent peroxyl radical-scavenging capacities with ORAC values of 11.06 +/- 0.39, 7.98 +/- 0.10, and 13.99 +/- 0.06 Trolox equivalent (TE) at concentrations of 10 microM, respectively. Only compounds 4 and 5 was able to significantly reduce Cu2+ ions, with a reduction value of 9.06 +/- 0.32 and 4.61 +/- 0.00 microM Trolox Equivalent (TE) at a concentration of 10 microM. Compound 5 at 10 microM exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on osteoclastic TRAP activity with a TRAP value of 86.05 +/- 6.55% of the control. Compounds 1, 3 and 5 potently inhibited sEH activity with IC50 values of 41.6 4.9, 16.0 1.1, and 49.0 5.7 microM, respectively.

Volatile Oil Composition from Stems, Leaves and Flowers of Ducrosia Flabellifolia Boiss. from Northern Border of Saudi Arabia.

The volatile oils composition of stems, leaves and flowers of Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. from northern border of Saudi Arabia were investigated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of 52 compounds have been identified from the different fractions studied, representing about 90% of total oil of each one. Aerial parts shared most of the main components although qualitative and quantitative differences have been detected. Decanal and dodecanal could be considered as chemical markers of this species, where they were representing 58.8% , 64.84% and 66.46% of stems, leaves and flowers oils, respectively. The aldehyde hydrocarbons fraction was predominant in stems (65.11%), leaves (65.39%) and flowers (67.3%), followed by the monoterpenes hydrocarbons fraction in Leaves (9.37%) and flowers (5.53%) and Oxygenated sesquiterpenes in stem (10.83%).

Total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts from Tordylium maximum.

The present study describes the total phenolic and flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanol and water extracts from Tordylium maximum L. wild growing in Serbia. The total phenolic content in the extracts was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and their amounts ranged between 74.59 to 83.36 mg GA (gallic acid)/g. The concentrations of flavonoids in the extracts varied from 20.48 to 47.71 mg Qu (quercetin)/g. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using DPPH reagent. Antioxidant activity ranged from 4.042 to 7.825 IC50 (mg/ml) and from 2.48 to 2.78 mg VitC (vitamin C)/g when tested with the DPPH and ABTS reagents, respectively, using BHA and VitC as controls. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was investigated using a micro-well dilution assay against the most common human gastrointestinal pathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC15313, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. This finding suggests that T. maximum may be considered as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.

Efeito de sistemas de consórcio e inseticida na formação dos estômatos em plântulas de erva-doce (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) / Effects of intercropping systems and insecticide in formation of stomata in fennel seedlings

Foeniculum vulgare Mill., pertencente à família Apiacea, é conhecida como erva-doce e apresenta grande importância medicinal e comercial, tanto no Brasil como em vários outros países. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, estudar o desenvolvimento dos estômatos em plântulas de F. vulgare oriundas de sementes produzidas em sistemas de consórcio erva-doce X algodão e com aplicação do inseticida monocrotofós. A erva-doce foi cultivada em consórcio com algodão colorido cultivar BRS Safira, sendo utilizados os seguintes tratamentos: 1A2E, uma fileira de algodão e duas de erva-doce; 2A1E, duas fileiras de algodão e uma de erva-doce; ES, erva-doce solteira; onde foram distribuídos com e sem aplicação de inseticida, totalizando seis tratamentos. As sementes colhidas foram semeadas em areia e mantidas em casa de vegetação por 25 dias. Partes das plântulas (zona de transição, caule, cotilédones e folhas) foram seccionadas à mão livre, coradas e montadas em lâminas com glicerina para observação em microscópio. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características: número de estômatos, diâmetro polar e equatorial dos estômatos e número de cloroplastos nas células-guarda. Os dados foram analisados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e distribuídos em arranjo fatorial 3X2; sendo realizado teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Na zona de transição e no caule observou-se aumento do número e do diâmetro polar dos estômatos quando foram utilizados sistemas de consórcio. Nos cotilédones, a erva-doce solteira proporcionou maior número de estômatos, porém com menor diâmetro e com menor quantidade de cloroplastos. Já na folha, os consórcios influenciaram positivamente o número de estômatos e de cloroplastos. De forma geral, os sistemas de consórcio e o inseticida influenciaram positivamente o desenvolvimento dos estômatos das plântulas de erva-doce.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill., belonging to the family Apiaceae, is known as fennel and has great medicinal and commercial importance, both in Brazil and in several other countries. The objective of this research was to study the development of stomata of F. vulgare seedlings grown from seeds produced in intercropping systems fennel and cotton, with application of insecticide monocrotophos. The fennel was grown in association with colored cotton BRS Safira, with the following treatments: 1A2E, one rows of cotton and two fennel; 2A1E, two rows of cotton and one fennel; ES, fennel single; were distributed with and without application of insecticide, total six treatments. The seeds were sown in sand and kept in a greenhouse for 25 days. Parts of seedlings (transition zone, stem, cotyledons and leaves) were cut freehand, stained and mounted on slides with glycerol for observation under microscope. Were evaluated the following characteristics: stomata number, polar and equatorial diameter of the stomata and chloroplasts number in guard cells. The data were analyzed in completely randomized and distributed in factorial 3x2, being conducted Tukey test at 5% probability. The transition zone and stem showed an increase of the stomata number and polar diameter the when consortium systems were used. In cotyledons, fennel single provided the highest stomata number, but with smaller diameter and fewer chloroplasts. In leaf, the consortia have positively influenced the stomata and chloroplasts number. In general, the intercropping systems and insecticide positively influenced the development of stomata in fennel plants.

Composición química volátil del aceite esencial de Eryngium foetidum L. colombiano y determinación de su actividad antioxidante / Volatile chemical composition of the essential oil from colombian Eryngium foetidum L. and determination of its antioxidant activity

Introducción: el culantro (Eryngium foetidum L., Apiaceae) es una hierba nativa de América tropical y las Antillas. Es usada en diferentes recetas de comida típicas del Caribe, Latinoamérica y el lejano oriente. Estudios indican que esta planta es rica en calcio, hierro, caroteno, y riboflavina; sus hojas son utilizadas como saborizantes y condimentos de algunos alimentos. Su aplicación medicinal incluye su uso como té para la gripe, diabetes, el estreñimiento y la fiebre. Se usa comúnmente en salsas como estimulante del apetito. Especies de E. foetidum de varios países han mostrado una composición variable de su aceite esencial, sobre todo, en sus hojas. Objetivo: establecer la composición química volátil del aceite esencial obtenido de hojas y tallos frescos de E. foetidum y evaluar su actividad antioxidante. Métodos: el aceite esencial fue aislado usando la técnica de hidrodestilación. La composición química volátil se determinó mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a detectores de ionización en llama (GC-FID) y espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). La actividad antioxidante fue determinada mediante el ensayo de decoloración del radical DPPH. (2,2-difenil-1-picril hidracilo). Resultados: el aceite esencial de las hojas de E. foetidum presentó un alto porcentaje de aldehídos alifáticos (E-2-dodecenal, 5-dodeceno, tetradecanal, tetradecenal) y aromáticos (2,4,6-trimetilbenzaldehído, 3,4,5-trimetilfenol). La actividad antioxidante se expresó como porcentaje de inhibición del radical DPPH. (89,39 por ciento). Conclusiones: en el aceite esencial de E. foetidum colombiano predominaron compuestos aldehídos alifáticos y aromáticos. El resultado del ensayo de DPPH. mostró que el aceite esencial posee una capacidad antioxidante alta, esto lo hace una fuente importante de antioxidantes naturales.

Introduction: culantro (Eryngium foetidum L., Apiaceae) is a herb native to Tropical America and the West Indies. Although widely used in dishes throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Far East. The herb is reportedly rich in calcium, iron, carotene, and riboflavin and its harvested leaves are widely used as a food flavoring and seasoning herb for meat and many other foods. Their medicinal values include its use as a tea for flu, diabetes, constipation, and fevers. One of its most popular uses is in chutneys as an appetite stimulant. Species of E. foetidum from several countries have shown a variable composition of its essential oil, particularly, in their leaves. Objective: to establish the volatile chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from fresh leaves and stems of E. foetidum and to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Methods: the essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation. The volatile chemical composition was analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was determined using the test radical DPPH decoloration. (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hidrazyl). Results: the essential oil from E. foetidum showed a high percentage of aliphatic aldehydes (E-2-dodecenal, 5-dodecene, tetradecanal, tetradecenal) and aromatic (2,3,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde, trimethylphenol). The antioxidant activity was expressed as percentage inhibition of DPPH. radical (89.39 percent). Conclusions: in the essential oil from Colombian E. foetidum predominant aliphatic aldehydes and aromatic compounds. The DPPH test showed that AE has antioxidant capacity, this makes it an important source of natural antioxidants.

Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae) ­ formal record of occurrence on arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr) (Apiaceae) in Brazil, morphological characterization, description of damages and arthropods associated to the culture / Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae) ­ registro formal de ocorrência em mandioquinha­salsa (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr) (Apiaceae) no Brasil, caracterização morfológica, descrição dos danos e artrópodes relacionados à cultura

This paper reports formally the occurrence and describes the damages by Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) on arracacha (Arracaciaxanthorrhiza Bancr.) (Apiaceae) in Brazil. The infestation was initially noted on April/2002 at Núcleo de Produção de Mudas, Departamento de Sementes Mudas e Matrizes, Coordenadoria de Assistência Técnica Integral, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento, São Bento do Sapucaí, State of São Paulo. Posteriorly the occurrence was detected in other parts of the municipality of São Bento do Sapucaí such as Serrano, Paiol Grande and Cantagalo, being the incidence higher in localities at lower altitudes. The colonies, with large number of individuals, were settled on both sides of the leaves and also hidden under petiole, but with lower number of specimens. The adult plants were underdeveloped and the growing of aphid colonies induced the blossoming. In the seedlings the symptoms were severer with reduction in the development and death of plants. When the colonies were placed in the dorsal side of the leaves, there was a tendency to wrinkling and rolling to upper side that was used as shelter by the aphids. Morphological characterization, illustrations and notes on biology of S. dauci and a survey of the Arthropoda related with A. xanthorrhiza are also presented.

Este trabalho efetua o registro formal de ocorrência e descreve os danos de Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) em cultura de mandioquinha-salsa (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr.) (Apiaceae) no Brasil. A infestação foi observada, inicialmente, em abril/2002, no Núcleo de Produção de Mudas, Departamento de Sementes Mudas e Matrizes, Coordenadoria de Assistência Técnica Integral, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento, São Bento do Sapucaí, SP. Posteriormente, a ocorrência foi detectada em outras localidades do município como Serrano, Paiol Grande e Cantagalo sendo que a incidência foi maior nas áreas de menor altitude. As colônias estavam localizadas em ambas as faces das folhas, e em menor número no pecíolo escondidas na bainha da folha. As plantas adultas apresentavam subdesenvolvimento e o aumento das colônias induzia o florescimento. Nas mudas os sintomas foram mais severos com redução no desenvolvimento e posterior morte das plantas. Quando havia formação de colônias na superfície superior das folhas, havia tendência de encarquilhamento e enrolamento para cima, servindo de abrigo para os pulgões. Caracterização morfológica, ilustrações, notas sobre a biologia de S. dauci e levantamento dos Arthropoda relacionados com A. xanthorrhiza também são apresentados.

Evaluation of antianxiety and sedative effects of essential oil of Ducrosia anethifolia in mice

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the antianxiety and sedative effects of the essential oil of Ducrosia anethifolia. Boiss. (Apiaceae). METHODS: We used elevated plus maze, spontaneous motor activity and ketamine-induced sleep tests in mice. In addition, the essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS. Twenty compounds were identified, and n-decanal (70.1 percent) and alpha-pinene (12.4 percent) constituted the major components. RESULTS: In elevated plus maze, Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil at doses of 25-200 mg/kg increased the percentage of open arm time and entries. Unlike diazepam, ducrosia anethifolia essential oil could not suppress spontaneous motor activity and did not alter ketamine-induced sleep parameters. These results are indicative of antianxiety effect of Ducrosia anethifolia essential oil without sedative effect.

Free radical scavengers from the aerial parts of Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn. (Apiaceae) and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils from its fruits / Substâncias eliminadoras de radicais livres das partes aéreas de Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn. (Apiaceae) e análise por CG-MS dos óleos essenciais de seus frutos

Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn (Apiaceae) is one of three endemic Iranian species of the genus Grammosciadium DC. Consumption of the aerial parts of this plant affects renal function and causes diuresis. In the DPPH assay the methanol extract showed the highest level of free radical scavenging activity (RC50 = 1.196 x 10-2 mg/mL) among the extracts. Reversed-phase preparative HPLC analyses of the methanol extract yielded nine flavonoids, which were responsible for the free radical scavenging activity of the MeOH extract. The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils led to the identification of 29 terpenoids, mainly monoterpenes (non-oxygenated 3.97 percent and oxygenated 77.49 percent) accounting for over 96 percent of the total oils.

Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. & Hausskn (Apiaceae) é uma das três espécies endémicas no Irã do gênero Grammosciadium DC. Consumo da parte aérea da planta afeta a função renal e causa diurese. No ensaio por DPPH o extrato metanólico apresentou o maior nível de atividade de antioxidante por radicais livres (RC50 = 1,196 x 10-2 mg/mL) entre os extratos. Análises por HPLC preparativa de fase reversa do extrato metanólico resultou no isolamento de nove flavonóides, os quais foram responsáveis pela atividade de antioxidante do extrato metanólico. A análises por CG-EM dos óleos essenciais levou à identificação de 29 terpenóides, principalmente monoterpenos (não-oxigenados 3,97 por cento e oxigenados, 77,49 por cento), os quais representam mais de 96 por cento do total de óleos.

Caracterização anatômica e química da folha e do sistema radicular de Hydrocotyle umbellata (Apiaceae) / Anatomical and chemical characterization of the leaf and root system of Hydrocotyle umbellata (Apiaceae)

A família Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), também denominada de pioneira das praias, é capaz de habitar locais de alto teor de salinidade, além de suportar a ação dos ventos e das ondas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o estudo da anatomia foliar e radicular e analisar constituintes químicos das folhas e do sistema radicular, caracterizando grupos químicos biologicamente ativos presentes nesses órgãos que permitam aplicações farmacológicas. O material foi coletado na região de Proteção Ambiental Iguape, Cananéia, Peruíbe. As folhas são dorsiventrais, com epiderme unisseriada, bordo regular, parênquima paliçádico com duas a três camadas e parênquima lacunoso com oito e nove camadas de células. É anfiestomática, apresentando grandes câmaras subestomáticas com maior incidência de estômatos na epiderme abaxial. O feixe vascular é colateral apresentando células de esclerênquima em forma de meia lua ao redor do xilema e do floema. O pecíolo apresenta contorno irregular, está envolvido por colênquima em toda sua extensão e apresenta grande quantidade de canais secretores entre os feixes vasculares. O rizoma apresenta contorno irregular com variação de 10 a 15 camadas de células de parênquima constituindo o córtex. O cilindro central é constituído por feixes colaterais delimitados pela endoderme. O periciclo é sinuoso e envolve totalmente os feixes vasculares. Sob a epiderme há uma faixa contínua de colênquima. A medula é constituída de células de parênquima de parede fina. H. umbellata apresentou triterpenos, saponinas, flavonóides, compostos poliacetilênicos e leucoceramidas. Folhas e rizomas apresentaram constituintes químicos semelhantes, com diferenças apenas na intensidade dos picos, o que denota diferença quantitativa entre as substâncias presentes. O rendimento do extrato do rizoma é menor que o rendimento das folhas.

The Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae), also called pioneer of beaches, is capable to inhabit areas of high salinity levels. It supports the action of the winds as well as the waves. The objectives of the present work are the study of the foliar and root anatomy and its chemical constituents, in order to find biological active agents that allow pharmacological applications. The plants were collected in an environmental protected region (Área de Proteção Ambiental de Iguape, Cananéia, Peruíbe, SP). The leaves are dorsiventral, with one cellular layer epidermis, palisade parenchyma having two or three layers and lacunary parenchyma presenting eight or nine layers of cells. The leaves are amphistomatical, presenting great substomatal chambers with bigger incidence of stomata in abaxial epidermis. The vascular bundles are collateral, presenting half moon sclerenchyma form around the xylem and the phloem. Petiole shows irregular contour, involved by collenchyma in all extension and presents great amount of secretory ducts between vascular bundles. Rhizome presents irregular contour with ten to fifteen layers of cortical parenchyma cells. The central cylinder has collateral bundles delimited by the endodermis. Pericycle is sinuate and totally involves vascular bundles. Under the epidermis there is a continuous band of collenchyma. The medulla has thin wall parenchyma cells. H. umbellata presented triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, poliacetylenes compounds and leucoceramides. Leaves and rhizomes presented similar chemical components, with slightly differences on spectral peaks. The yield of rhizome extract was smaller than the leaves extract.