Composition and Biological Activity of Volatile Oil from Salviajudaica and S. multicaulis from Jordan.

The aim of this work was to determine the composition of the hydro-distilled essential oil of Salvia judaica Boiss. and S. multicaulis Vahl. (Lamiaceae) from Jordan by GC and GC-MS and to report the actual composition of their fresh leaves and flowers using SPME (Solid Phase Micro-Extraction).Their dual alpha-amylase/alpha glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities as well as their anti-proliferative potential were screened. The aroma profile of the leaves, flowers, and flowers at pre-flowering stages of S. judaica, obtained through SPME was composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (87.7 %, 71.8 %, and 86.2 %, respectively) while the hydro-distilled oil of the dry leaves was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (50.8%). Fresh leaves of S. multicaulis were rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (58.1%), while monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the blooming flowers (57.2%) and the flowers at the pre-flowering stage (64.7%). The hydro-distilled oil of the dry leaves was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (77.6%). With doxorubicin as a positive control, no anti-proliferative activity was observed against colorectal cancer cell lines HT29, HCT116, and SW620 using SRB assay for either Salvia spp. In vitro enzymatic starch digestion was evaluated with Acarbose (IC50: 0.2 ± 0.0 µg /mL) as the reference drug. The respective IC50 (mg/mL) values of S. judaica and S. multicaulis aqueous extracts were 4.9 ± 0.4 and 10.3 ± 0.9. Modulation of pancreatic lipase activity (PL) was determined by colorimetry and compared with Orlistat (IC50 : 0.11 ± 0.0 µg/mL). PL-IC50 values (µg/mL) obtained for S. judaica and S. multicaulis were 108.5±6.4 and 31.8 ± 0.8, respectively.

Three new seco-ursadiene triterpenoids from Salvia syriaca.

Three new seco-ursadiene triterpenoids 1-3 together with 11 known compounds were isolated from Salvia syriaca of Jordanian origin. The compounds were identified by using NMR spectroscopy including extensive 2D NMR experiments and mass spectrometry. The structure of compound 3 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography, and the information thus obtained was used to confirm the stereochemistry of compounds 1 and 2. This is the second report of 17,22-seco-17(28),12-ursadien-22-oic acids.

Selective phytotoxic activity of 2,3,11ß,13-tetrahydroaromaticin and ilicic acid isolated from Inula graveolens.

Inula graveolens is a poisonous annual plant of Mediterranean origin. The invasive nature of the plant suggests that it may possess phytotoxic activity. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of I. graveolens to inhibit the growth of different plants in Petri dish and to identify the main bioactive compounds. Bio-guided fractionation of the plant extracts led to the isolation of 2,3,11ß,13-tetrahydroaromaticin (THA) and ilicic acid. Both compounds showed selective and significant phytotoxic activity at 25 ppm. Root length of barley, oat, millet, tuberous canary grass and lentils were significantly reduced by 25 ppm of THA, while the root of cauliflower, cress and radish were similarly reduced by ilicic acid at 25 ppm. The structure of each compound was elucidated by using NMR and HR-MS. X-ray crystallography of THA is reported for the first time to confirm the relative stereochemistry of the compound.

Herbal medicine in Jordan with special emphasis on commonly used herbs.

To assess the current situation of sales and uses of herbal medicines in Jordan, more than 100 herbalists throughout the country were interviewed. The collected data included the types of herbs present in the market, the recommendations made by the herbalists in the treatment of ailments, the level of education and training of the herbalists, and miscellaneous observations. One hundred and fifty medicinal plant species were present in the local market. Based on their availability in the market and on the herbalists' recommendations, 9 plant species were considered very common and 17 were considered as common. The survey indicated that most of the herbalists were not educated or trained in the field of herbal medicine except for their expertise gained from their predecessor, none were licensed for this particular purpose; several odd or unprecedented recommendations were passed to the customers. This survey emphasizes the necessity of proper handling of herbal medicines that requires proper regulations and licensing.