In vitro synergistic interaction between Melaleuca armillaris essential oil and erythromycin against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dairy cows.

Staphylococcus aureus frequently causes subclinical mastitis around the world with a high impact on the milk industry and public health. Essential oils (EO) are recognized antimicrobials that can be synergistic with antibiotics. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the essential oil (EO) of Melaleuca armillaris as an adjuvant of erythromycin (ERY) for the alternative treatment of bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus. The Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations (MIC and MBC) of EO, ERY, and its combinations were established against S. aureus at different pHs (7.4, 6.5 and 5.0), emulating extra and intracellular conditions. Sensitive (N = 3) and resistant (N = 3) strains to ERY and S. aureus ATCC 29213 as control were used. Math models were applied to describe the antibacterial activity of EO and combinations EO-ERY. The EO was bactericidal against all the strains independently of the pH with a slight improvement in acid conditions. The synergism between EO and ERY was estimated by the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FIC) and by mathematical modeling of the bacterial killing data. Synergism was observed with ERY, where combinations had bactericidal activity also even with pH modification. M. armillaris EO is an interesting adjuvant for ERY, being a promissory option for further analysis of intracellular efficacy against S. aureus.

Modeling the Growth and Death of Staphylococcus aureus against Melaleuca armillaris Essential Oil at Different pH Conditions.

Essential oils (EO) are a great antimicrobial resource against bacterial resistance in public health. Math models are useful in describing the growth, survival, and inactivation of microorganisms against antimicrobials. We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca armillaris EO obtained from plants placed in the province of Buenos Aires (Argentina) against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were close and decreased, slightly acidifying the medium from pH 7.4 to 6.5 and 5.0. This result was also evidenced by applying a sigmoid model, where the time and EO concentration necessaries to achieve 50% of the maximum effect decreased when the medium was acidified. Moreover, at pH 7.4, applying the Gompertz model, we found that subinhibitory concentrations of EO decreased the growth rate and the maximum population density and increased the latency period concerning the control. Additionally, we established physicochemical parameters for quality control and standardization of M. armillaris EO. Mathematical modeling allowed us to estimate key parameters in the behavior of S. aureus and Melaleuca armillaris EO at different pH. This is interesting in situations where the pH changes are relevant, such as the control of intracellular infections in public health or the development of preservatives for the food industry.

Melaleuca armillaris Essential Oil in Combination With Rifaximin Against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated of Dairy Cows.

Staphylococcus aureus is the major subclinical mastitis-causing pathogen in dairy cows. In some European and Latin American countries, rifaximin (RIF) is a commonly used therapy at drying off. Phytotherapeutics are alternatives for the treatment of infectious diseases. Melaleuca armillaris essential oil (EO) has been reported as a good antimicrobial against S. aureus. The aim of this work was to investigate, in vitro, the combined effect of EO and RIF to identify a synergic interaction against S. aureus in order to obtain enough information for subsequent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for RIF, EO, and combinations of these against S. aureus strains were determined at pH 7.4, 6.5, and 5.0, representing intracellular conditions where S. aureus is usually located. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC) and the index of antibacterial activity (E) were evaluated. The MIC of EO at pH 7.4 was 25-12.5 µL/mL and decreased with the acidity of the medium. RIF presented a high antimicrobial activity (0.032 µg/mL) against S. aureus regardless of the pH conditions. Combining RIF with EO, we found a synergic effect. A mix of 0.004 µg/mL of RIF and 12.5 µL/mL of EO led to a virtual eradication effect against wild-type strains at pH 7.4. Media acidification improves the EO/RIF activity, so EO would be a good adjuvant for RIF to treat staphylococcal infections and decrease antimicrobial resistance.

Artemisia magellanica. Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from an Unexplored Endemic Species of Patagonia.

The essential oil composition of the aerial parts of Artemisia magellanica Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae), native to Patagonia, was analyzed by GC-FID-MS. This is the first report on the essential oil composition of A. magellanica. A total of 113 components were identified accounting for 95.6-95.7 % of the oil. The essential oil was characterized by a high percentage of γ-costol (21.0-43.5 %), selina-4,11-diene, (Z)-ß-ocimene, (E)-ß-farnesene, (Z)-en-yn-dicycloether and 23 different esters (28.7 %). In turn, Artemisia biennis, a species native to North America, which is considered by some authors to be conspecific with A. magellanica, yielded an essential oil that was rich in (Z)-ß-ocimene (34.7 %), (E)-ß-farnesene (40.0 %) and the acetylenes (Z)- and (E)-en-yn-dicycloethers (11.0 %). Thus, as A. biennis lacks the three main components present in A. magellanica, namely γ-costol, 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate and selina-4,11-diene, these compounds could be considered as potential chemical markers for A. magellanica since they are absent or only found as minor constituents in other members of the genus. The data presented herein is also useful for genus taxonomy.

Combination of Cloxacillin and Essential Oil of Melaleuca armillaris as an Alternative Against Staphylococcus aureus.

The emergence of resistance to antibiotics has been favored by abuse in the application of antimicrobials in human and animal medicine. Essential oils are a great resource to deal with this crisis. Melaleuca armillaris belongs to the family of Myrtaceae, rich in species with essential oils. Plant extracts has shown antimicrobial activity in many investigations. Cloxacillin (CLOX) is an antibiotic widely used in veterinary medicine against Staphylococcus aureus. Our aim was to assess pharmacodynamic interaction established by combining essential oil of M. armillaris (EO) with CLOX in search of a synergistic effect that maximizes the antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The EO was obtained by steam distillation and its composition was analyzed by a GC-FID-MS. The most abundant components in the EO were 1.8 cineole (72.3%), limonene (7.8%). and α-pinene (6%). We worked with wild type S. aureus strains (n = 3) isolated from Holstein cows, and S. aureus ATCC 29213 as the reference strain. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of CLOX, EO and the combination was determined by microdilution in broth at pH 7.4; 6.5 and 5.0. The checkerboard method was applied to evaluate the interaction between CLOX and EO. The Fractional Inhibitory Concentration index (FIC) was established. From those combinations that yielded the lowest FIC values, we evaluated the index of antibacterial activity (E), established as the difference between the Log10 values of the number of viable bacteria at the initial (nt0) and at the end of the test (nt24). So, time-killing curves with CLOX and EO/CLOX combination at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 fold the MIC in broth at pH 7.4; 6.5 and 5.0 were prepared. We considered Bacteriostatic effect (E = 0) Bactericidal effect (E = -3) and Effect of virtual eradication of bacteria (E = -4). A clear synergic activity between the EO and the CLOX was demonstrated, which allows reducing the MIC of ß-lactam against S. aureus. This interaction was favored by acidification of the medium, where lower concentrations of CLOX achieved a bactericidal effect, close to virtual eradication, in the presence of small amounts of EO.

Antitussive, antispasmodic, bronchodilating and cardiac inotropic effects of the essential oil from Blepharocalyx salicifolius leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) is a tree native to Argentina and Uruguay that grows and is cultivated along the riverside of the Rio de la Plata. The leaves of this plant species, locally known as "anacahuita" are used in South America to prepare infusions for the empiric treatment of cough and bronchospasm, as well as diarrhoea and other intestinal disorders. Although previous phytochemical studies have been performed with the essential oil extracted from Blepharocalyx salicifolius, pharmacological evidence supporting its traditional use is still lacking. AIM OF THE STUDY: To experimentally evaluate the pharmacological properties of Blepharocalyx salicifolius based on its traditional use. The studies were performed with tincture (T-Bs) and essential oil (EO-Bs) prepared from its leaves, in isolated rat trachea, intestine and heart preparations. METHODS: The ex-vivo effects of T-Bs and EO-Bs were evaluated with the agonists carbachol (CCh) and calcium chloride (Ca2+) in the contractile concentration-response curves (CRC) of the isolated intestine. The muscle relaxant effect of EO-Bs was evaluated in the isolated trachea and compared with the effect achieved with papaverine as a positive control. The T-Bs and EO-Bs cardiac effects were analysed by perfusion of an isolated rat heart before a period of ischemia/reperfusion (stunning model). The antitussive effect of both T-Bs and EO-Bs was evaluated in mice exposed to ammonia using codeine as a positive control. RESULTS: Both T-Bs and EO-Bs induced a non-competitive inhibition of the CCh-CRC in the rat intestine, with IC50 values of 170.3 ± 48.5µg T-Bs/mL (n = 6) and 5.9 ± 1.6µg EO-Bs/mL (n = 6), respectively. EO-Bs also inhibited non-competitively the Ca2+-CRC, with IC50 value of 1.8 ± 0.3µg EO-Bs/mL (n = 8). A similar effect was obtained with the main active component of the EO-Bs 1,8-cineole. In isolated trachea, EO-Bs induced the relaxation of the CCh-contracted tissue (1.7 ± 0.2µg EO-Bs/mL, n = 11) up to a maximal relaxation that was 1.9 times higher than that of papaverine. In the isolated heart, EO-Bs induced a poor negative inotropic response, and did not improve the contractile and energetic recovery after ischemia and reperfusion. In the mouse cough model, EO-Bs (90mg/Kg) was as effective as codeine (30mg/Kg) in reducing cough frequency. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the preparations from Blepharocalyx salicifolius leaves were effective as central antitussive, bronchodilating and antispasmodic agents, suggestive of a mechanism associated with the inhibition of Ca2+ influx into smooth muscle. The EO-Bs displayed only a poor ability to reduce cardiac inotropism, and was devoid of any cardioprotective properties. Thus, the present study validates the traditional use of this South American plant for asthma, cough and bronchospasm, shedding new light into its potency and putative mechanism of action.

Actividad antioxidante en infusiones, tinturas y aceites esenciales de especies nativas de la Patagonia Argentina / Antioxidant activity in teas, tinctures and essential oils of native species from Patagonia Argentina

Introducción: las plantas aromáticas y medicinales son una fuente potencial de componentes antioxidantes. La Patagonia Argentina presenta un ambiente diverso en especies nativas, las cuales deberían ser estudiadas en mayor profundidad debido a su potencial farmacéutico, así como para contribuir a fomentar su conservación. Objetivos: estudiar la actividad antioxidante de infusiones, tinturas y aceites esenciales de las siguientes especies nativas de la Patagonia Argentina: Acantholippia seriphioides (A. Gray) Moldenke, Adesmia boronioides Hook. f., Buddleja globosa Hope, Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pav., Solidago chilensis Meyen. Identificar los componentes volátiles presentes en los aceites esenciales. Métodos: se obtuvieron infusiones y tinturas por la guía de las normas de la Farmacopea Argentina VI edición. Los aceites esenciales se obtuvieron por hidrodestilación con un aparato tipo Clevenger. El análisis de los componentes volátiles se realizó mediante cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas. Los ensayos de actividad antioxidante se realizaron por el método del difenil-picrilhidrazilo. Resultados: las especies presentaron el siguiente orden de actividad antioxidante: B. globosa > S. chilensis ≥ F. imbricata ≥ A . seriphioides > A. boronioides. Las infusiones de B. globosa, S. chilensis y A. seriphioides, presentaron una actividad antioxidante similar a Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze ("té verde") y superior a Ginkgo biloba (L.) Mant (especies reconocidas por su alto contenido de antioxidantes). La actividad encontrada para el aceite esencial de A. seriphioides se deba a sus contenidos en timol y carvacrol. En cuanto a la actividad de S. chilensis podría adjudicarse a su alto porcentaje de limoneno. Conclusiones: este trabajo es el primero que estudia la actividad antioxidante de plantas medicinales y aromáticas en la región noroeste de la Patagonia Argentina; los resultados obtenidos demuestran que las especies estudiadas de dicha región son una fuente rica en compuestos antioxidantes y de potencial valor como suplemento dietario(AU)

Introduction: medicinal and aromatic plants have potential as sources of antioxidant compounds. There is a great diversity of native species in Patagonia Argentina. It is worthy to study them because of its pharmaceutical potential and to help promote conservation. Objectives: to analyze antioxidant activities of herbal teas, tinctures and essential oils of native species from Patagonia Argentina: Acantholippia seriphioides (A. Gray) Moldenke, Adesmia boronioides Hook. f., Buddleja globosa Hope, Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pav., Solidago chilensis Meyen. Identify essential oils compounds. Methods: infusions and tinctures were obtained according to Pharmacopoeia Argentina VIth edition. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. Volatiles compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity assays were performed by difenil-picrilhidrazilo method. Results: antioxidant activity order was: B. globosa > S. chilensis ≥ F. imbricata ≥ A. seriphioides > A. boronioides. Infusions of B. globosa, S. chilensis and A. seriphioides presented an antioxidant activity similar to Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze ("green tea") and higher than Ginkgo biloba (L.) Mant. The A. seriphioides essential oil activity was probably obeyed to thymol and carvacrol presence. S. chilensis activity could be owing to its high limonene content. Conclusions: this study is the first report about antioxidant activity of medicinal and aromatic plants in the northwest region of Patagonia Argentina. The results showed that analyzed species are a rich source of antioxidant compounds and have potential value as a dietary supplement(AU)

Variabilidad química del “tomillo silvestre” (acantholippia seriphioides, verbenaceae) en la meseta Patagónica / Chemical Variability of “tomillo silvestre” (acantholippia seriphioides, verbenaceae) in the Patagonian plateau

El tomillo silvestre es una planta aromática y medicinal de amplio uso en varias regiones de Argentina como medicinal y saborizante. Se estudiaron poblaciones de Acantholippia seriphioides en dos zonas de la meseta chubutense, los parajes El Pajarito y La Rueda. Las partes aéreas oreadas fueron extraídas por hidrodestilación y los aceites esenciales se analizaron por GC-FID-MS. Los rendimientos en promedio de aceites esenciales fueron de 5.2 ml/kg y 3.2 ml/kg, para La Rueda y El Pajarito respectivamente. Los tipos químicos encontrados fueron: ipsilon-terpineno/timol/carvacrol en La Rueda y mirtenol/geraniol/carvona en El Pajarito. El probable quimiotipo de este último sitio difiere marcadamente de los reportados en trabajos previos para esta especie y presenta además importante variabilidad cuantitativa, según el estado fenológico.

“Tomillo silvestre” is a widespread medicinal and aromatic plant with medicinal and flavoring uses in numerous regions of Argentina. Acantholippia seriphioides populations from two areas of the Chubut’s plateau: El Pajarito and La Rueda, have been studied. The dried aerial parts were extracted by hydrodistillation and the essential oils were analyzed by GC/FID/MS. The average yields of oils were 5.2 ml/kg and 3.2 ml/kg for La Rueda and El Pajarito, respectively. The chemical profiles found were: ypsilon-terpinene/thymol/carvacrol in La Rueda and myrtenol/geraniol/carvone in El Pajarito. The feasible chemotype from the latter area is significantly different from those previously reported for this species, and it also showed an important quantitative variation according to the phenological stages.

Acantholippia seriphioides: chemical biodiversity of wild populations from the Cuyo region in Argentina / Acantholippia seriphioides: biodiversidad química de poblaciones silvestres de la región de Cuyo de la Argentina

Nineteen samples from the aerial parts in bloom of Acantholippia seriphioides (Verbenaceae) were collected in three provinces belonging to the Cuyo region of Argentina. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, yielding between 0.57 and 2.46 percent (v/w). On the basis of the 13 main compounds determined by GC-FID-MS, representing the 87.2 and 95.3 percent of the total identified, four chemotypes were determined: carvacrol, thymol, cis and trans-dihydrocarvone and linalool-geraniol. The co-occurrence of different chemotypes in a same population indicates that the sample collection must be carefully done with the aid of an in situ olfactory testing of the plants, since no morphological differences at first sight were observed among them. The results showed in this study suggest that the pattern of variations for this species exists throughout its natural distribution area...

Se colectaron 19 muestras de partes aéreas en floración de Acantholippia seriphioides (Verbenaceae) de tres provincias de la región de Cuyo de la Argentina. Los aceites esenciales fueron obtenidos por hidrodestilación, arrojando rendimientos entre 0.57 y 2.46 por ciento (v/p). A partir de la determinación por GC-FID-MS de los 13 compuestos principales, que representaban entre el 87.2 y 95.3 por ciento del total de los identificados, fueron determinados cuatro quimiotipos: carvacrol, timol, cis y trans-dihidrocarvona, y linalol-geraniol. La co-ocurrencia de diferentes quimiotipos en una misma población indica que la colecta debe ser realizada con la ayuda de un examen olfatorio in situ de la planta, ya que, a primera vista no se observan diferencias morfológicas entre ellas. Los resultados sugieren que el patrón de variación para esta especie existe en toda su área de distribución natural...

Antispasmodic effects and composition of the essential oils from two South American chemotypes of Lippia alba.

ETHOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown (Verbenaceae) is an aromatic species used in Central and South America as eupeptic for indigestion. In Argentina, it is used by the "criollos" from the Chaco province. There are several chemotypes which differ in the chemical composition of the essential oils. Nowadays, it is experimentally cultivated in some countries of the region, including Argentina. AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare the chemical composition and pharmacology of the essential oils from two chemotypes: "citral" (CEO) and "linalool" (LEO), in isolated rat duodenum and ileum. METHODS: Contractile concentration-response curves (CRC) of acetylcholine (ACh) and calcium in 40mM K(+)-medium (Ca(2+)-CRC) were done in isolated intestine portions, in the absence and presence of CEO or LEO at different concentrations. RESULTS: Likewise verapamil, CEO and LEO induced a non-competitive inhibition of the ACh-CRC, with IC50 of 7.0±0.3mg CEO/mL and 37.2±4.2mg LEO/mL. l-NAME, a NO-synthase blocker, increased the IC50 of CEO to 26.1±8.7mg CEO/mL. Likewise verapamil, CEO and LEO non-competitively inhibited the Ca(2+)-CRC, with IC50 of 6.3±1.7mg CEO/mL, 7.0±2.5mg LEO/mL and 0.24±0.04mg verapamil/mL (pIC50: 6.28). CEO was proved to possess limonene, neral, geranial and (-)-carvone as the major components, while LEO was rich in linalool. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that CEO has five times more potency than LEO to inhibit muscarinic contractions. The essential oils of both chemotypes interfered with the Ca(2+)-influx, but with an IC50 about 28 times higher than that of verapamil. Moreover, CEO partially stimulated the NO production. These results show the medicinal usefulness of both Lippia alba chemotypes, thus validating its traditional use, potency and mechanism of action.

Northwestern Argentina: a center of genetic diversity of lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora PALÁU, Verbenaceae).

The aerial parts of lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora PALÁU) are worldwide used due to their medicinal and aromatic properties. The essential-oil and acteoside contents have been proposed as the main quality markers for their pharmacological and organoleptic features. The northwestern region of Argentina has been repeatedly proposed as the place of origin for this species. For this reason, the essential-oil yields and chemical compositions of leaves of 25 populations of lemon verbena from both wild collections and experimental crops from this region were studied. Plants from six different collections were subsequently grown on the same experimental parcel located at Cerrillos, Salta province, during more than seven years. In addition, the acteoside contents determined in all the samples collected in 2010 showed significant variations (from 0.5 to 4.0%). Large differences were observed in the essential-oil composition and yields, which ranged from 0.4 to 2.1% (v/w). Nevertheless, most of the samples complied with the European Pharmacopoeia specifications. A remarkable chemical diversity with at least four clearly defined chemotypes was detected in this region. Therefore, it would be urgent to encourage actions to protect these genotypes of lemon verbena in the northwestern Argentina.

Chemical variability of essential oils of Lippia alba (Miller) N. E. Brown growing in Costa Rica and Argentina.

Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) is a shrub whose essential oil has important biological, pharmacological, and aromatizing properties. The species has a natural range from Central America to Argentina, being cultivated for its commercial value in Brazil, Argentina and Guatemala, and has been introduced into India and Spain. To reach the economic potential of the plant, the present study was aimed at evaluating L. alba for different chemotypes. The composition of the essential oil from two native populations of L. alba, collected from Argentina and two accessions from Costa Rica, were screened by GC and GC-MS. The results obtained led us to adopt the concept of a biodistribution map, as was proposed previously for the species, representing an approach to the natural biological distribution of the species in America based on the chemotypes described and their geographical distribution. Moreover, the biodiversity reported for the species (seven of eight chemotypes described for L. alba are present in Argentina) suggests the southern region of South America as the centre of distribution for L. alba.

Identification of the genotype from the content and composition of the essential oil of lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora Palau).

Aloysia citriodora accessions from cultivated material, botanical collections, and wild populations were studied by means of their biomass and essential oil production and composition to assist the selection of the most promising genotype. The study was carried out through both field experiments during two year's time and laboratory processes. Data were evaluated by means of univariate and multivariate techniques. Aloysia citriodora intraspecific variation was accounted for by differences in both yield and chemical profiles of the essential oils, but no differences were found in the biomass production. Three chemotypes were identified according to qualitative and quantitative differences of the essential oils. For the higher contents of neral and geranial, Mendoza accession was the most promising to be encouraged for future crops.

Configuration and leishmanicidal activity of (-)-argentilactone epoxides.

Epoxidation of argentilactone (1) with m-chloroperbenzoic acid gave a diasteromeric mixture of 2 and 3 in a ratio 1.8 : 1, with total yield 60%. The configuration of 7,8-oxirane ring for both diasteromers was determined by NMR analysis. Reaction of 1 with urea hydrogen peroxide gave the 3,4-epoxide (4) in 65% yield. The in vitro activity of 2, 3, 4 and argentilactone against Leishmania amazonensis was tested, only epoxides (2) and (3) showed leishmanicidal effect.

Volatile constituents of Aristolochia argentina.

The essential oils from leaves, aerial stems and underground organs of Aristolochia argentina Gris., a medicinal plant popularly known as "charrúa", were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Forty-three components were identified in the oils. All parts of the plant afforded volatile oils characterized by high levels of argentilactone (57-89%) and the presence of undecatriene isomers (0.3-4.0%), these latter compounds providing the essential oils and extracts with an intense particular odor. Terpenes account for the remaining portion of the essential oils (5-29%). Bicyclogermacrene predominates in the aerial parts of the plant, whereas ishwarane is the main terpene of the subterranean organs. Argentilactone, a suspected carcinogenic compound, was also identified in a medicinal commercial tincture of A. argentina.

Plantas Medicinales y Fitoterapia: ¿Indicadores de Dependencia o Factores de Desarrollo? / Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy: Indicators of Dependence or Development Factors?

Los medicamentos fitoterápicos están constituidos por ingredientes activos de origen vegetal formulados bajo la forma farmacéutica más adecuada para su administración. La posibilidad de utilización de la Fitoterapia en las prácticas terapéuticas, con sustento científico, exige acciones multisectoriales que involucren desde la producción primaria de plantas medicinales hasta el establecimiento de los procesos de control de calidad de las materias primas y medicamentos. La Fitoterapia podría transformarse entonces, de ser actualmente un indicador de dependencia, en un factor real de desarrollo para la agroindustria farmacéutica de Latinoamérica, si fuera encarada por las políticas de ciencia y tecnología regionales y nacionales con un criterio más moderno y ecuánime, y en consonancia con las necesidades de la población. (AU)

"Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapy: Dependence Indicators or Development Issues?". Phytomedicines are constituted exclusively by active principles from plant origin formulated under the best pharmaceutical form adapted for their administration. The application of Phytotherapy in therapeutic practices, with scientific support, demands multisectorial actions that involve from the primary production of medicinal plants to the establishment of quality control processes of raw materials and medicines. Once accomplished these objectives, Phytoterapy could become, from a dependency indicator in a real development factor for the pharmaceutical agroindustry in Latin America, if outside faced by the regional and national policies of science and technology with a more modern and even-tempered criterion, and in agreement with the population needs. (AU)

Coriander essential oil composition from two genotypes grown in different environmental conditions.

The objective was to study the essential oil composition of coriander fruits in plants growing in environments differing in soil conditions and weediness level. Factorial field experiments were conducted in two locations from the Rolling Pampas, Argentina, and two coriander landraces (European and Argentinean) were tested under two levels of nitrogen fertilization and weediness. Data were evaluated with uni- and multivariate techniques. The variation in the oil composition was related to the relative proportion of the constituents and not to the presence/absence of a particular component. Weather conditions in 1997 favored linalool and camphor in both landraces. Location, fertilization, and weediness also affected the chemical profile. The European landrace showed a more stable concentration of the major components than the Argentinean landrace. These results, which show the relationships between some environmental conditions and the essential oil composition, are useful in the development of innovative strategies aimed to improve oil composition and to manage crop pests.