Essential Oils of Two Hypericum Species from Uzbekistan

The water-distilled essential oils from aerial parts of two Hypericum species (Hypericaceae) have been analyzed by GC/MS. The main components of the essential oils of Hypericum scabrum L. were -pinene -11. 2%; spathulenol - 7.2%; p-cymene - 6.1%; acetophenone - 4.8%; carvacrol - 4.7%. The essential oil of Hypericum perforatum L. contains as the main components -caryophyllene - 11.7%; caryophellene oxide -6.3%; spathulenol - 6.0%; -pinene - 5.0%.     

稠李果、茎、叶、皮及树干挥发油化学成分的分析

采用气相色谱．质谱联用技术,对稠李果、茎、叶、皮及树干挥发油进行了成分分析。首次从稠李果、茎、叶、皮及树干分别鉴定出了29、31、35、29和21种化合物,已鉴定挥发油成分占总挥发油含量分别为98.14％、96．96％、94．34％、99．16％及96．73％。5个部位中挥发油化学组成各有异同,但其主要成分均是苯甲酸和苯甲醛。皮中苯甲酸相对含量高达64．43％,因苯甲酸具有防腐作用,故认为稠李木材是天然的防腐木材。本研究结果为稠李的综合开发利用提供理论依据。     

The Essential Oil Derived from Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. Attenuates Imiquimod–Induced Psoriasis-like Skin Lesions in BALB/c Mice

Psoriasis is reported to be a common chronic immune-mediated skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocytes and cell proliferation. Perilla leaves are rich in essential oils, fatty acids, and flavonoids, which are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the alleviating effect of essential oil (PO) extracted from Perilla frutescens stems and leaves on imiquimod (IMQ) -induced psoriasis-like lesions in BALB/c mice were investigated. Results showed that PO ameliorated psoriasis-like lesions in vivo, reduced the expression of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly-6G), which is a marker of neutrophil activation, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). In addition, PO significantly decreased the expression of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1, interleukin 23 (IL-23), interleukin 17 (IL-17), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Furthermore, the down-regulation of mRNA levels of psoriasis-related pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, interleukin 22 (IL-22), IL-23, interferon-α (IFN-α), and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was observed with the treatment of PO. All results show a concentration dependence of PO, with low concentrations showing the best results. These results suggest that PO effectively alleviated psoriasis-like skin lesions and down-regulated inflammatory responses, which indicates that PO could potentially be used for further studies on inflammation-related skin diseases such as psoriasis and for the treatment of psoriasis such as psoriasis natural plant essential oil resources.     

Comparative Study on Microencapsulation of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) Essential Oils via Spray-Drying Technique

Essential oils have been studied for various applications, including for therapeutic purposes. There is extensive literature regarding their properties; however, their low stability limits their application. Generally, the microencapsulation of essential oils allows enhanced stability and enables the potential incorporation in solid dosage forms. Lavender and peppermint oils were encapsulated in microparticles using a spray-drying technique under optimized conditions: 170 °C temperature, 35 m³/h aspiration volume flow, and 7.5 mL/min feed flow. Arabic gum and maltodextrin were used as coating polymers individually in varying concentrations from 5 to 20% (w/v) and in combination. The microparticles were studied for morphology, particle size, oil content, and flowability. The formulated powder particles showed a high yield of 71 to 84%, mean diameter 2.41 to 5.99 µm, and total oil content of up to 10.80%. The results showed that both the wall material type and concentration, as well as the type of essential oil, significantly affected the encapsulation process and the final particle characteristics. Our study has demonstrated that the encapsulation of lavender and peppermint oils in Arabic gum/maltodextrin microparticles by spray-drying represents a feasible approach for the conversion of liquids into solids regarding their further use in powder technology.     

Composition of the Essential Oils of Two Endemic Species from Turkey: Achillea lycaonica and A. ketenoglui

The hydrodistilled essential oils ofAchillea lycaonicaBoiss. & Heldr. andA. ketenogluiH. Duman were analyzed by GC/MS. The main components in the oils were trans-sabinene hydrate (9.3%) inA. lycaonicaand borneol (14.1%) and terpinen-4-ol (14.5%) inA. ketenoglui     

Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Alginate Nanoemulsion Coating Containing Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtus communis L.) on Listeria monocytogenes in Kasar Cheese

The present study aimed to characterize the physical properties of nanoemulsion-based sodium alginate edible coatings containing myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) essential oil and to determine its inhibitory effects on Listeria monocytogenes in fresh Kasar cheese during the 24-day storage at 4 °C. The GC-MS analysis showed that the main components of myrtle essential oil were 1,8-cineol (38.64%), α-pinene (30.19%), d-limonene (7.51%), and α-ocimene (6.57%). Myrtle essential oil showed an inhibitory effect on all tested L. monocytogenes strains and this effect significantly increased after ultrasonication. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of myrtle essential oil nanoemulsion were found to be 4.00–4.67 mg/mL and 5.00–7.33 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of myrtle essential oil nanoemulsion against L. monocytogenes was confirmed by the membrane integrity and FESEM analyses. Nanoemulsion coatings containing myrtle essential oil showed antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes with no adverse effects on the physicochemical properties of cheese samples. Nanoemulsion coatings containing 1.0% and 2.0% myrtle essential oil reduced the L. monocytogenes population in cheese during the storage by 0.42 and 0.88 log cfu/g, respectively. These results revealed that nanoemulsion-based alginate edible coatings containing myrtle essential oil have the potential to be used as a natural food preservative.     

Chemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Mentha piperita L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils and In Vitro Potential Cytotoxic Effect in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and the therapeutic solutions are frequently aggressive requiring improvements. Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of aromatic plants with important pharmacological properties that proved to be beneficial in multiple pathologies including cancer. Mentha piperita L. (M_EO) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R_EO) essential oils are well-known for their biological effects (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in different cancer cells), but their potential as complementary treatment in colorectal cancer is underexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the M_EO and R_EO in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects in a colorectal cancer cell line—HCT 116. The gas-chromatographic analysis revealed menthone and menthol, and eucalyptol, α-pinene and L-camphor as major compounds in M_EO and R_EO respectively. M_EO exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, moderate antioxidant activity and a low cytotoxic effect in HCT 116 cells. R_EO presented a significant cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells and a low antimicrobial effect. The cytotoxic effect on non-cancerous cell line HaCaT was not significant for both essential oils. These results may provide an experimental basis for further research concerning the potential use of M_EO and R_EO for anticancer treatment.     

Pinus sylvestris L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Essential Oils Inhibit Endotoxin-Induced Airway Hyperreactivity despite Aggravated Inflammatory Mechanisms in Mice

Scots pine (SO) and clove (CO) essential oils (EOs) are commonly used by inhalation, and their main components are shown to reduce inflammatory mediator production. The aim of our research was to investigate the chemical composition of commercially available SO and CO by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and study their effects on airway functions and inflammation in an acute pneumonitis mouse model. Inflammation was evoked by intratracheal endotoxin and EOs were inhaled three times during the 24 h experimental period. Respiratory function was analyzed by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography, lung inflammation by semiquantitative histopathological scoring, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and cytokine measurements. α-Pinene (39.4%) was the main component in SO, and eugenol (88.6%) in CO. Both SO and CO significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and prevented peak expiratory flow, tidal volume increases and perivascular edema formation. Meanwhile, inflammatory cell infiltration was not remarkably affected. In contrast, MPO activity and several inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, KC, MCP-1, MIP-2, TNF-α) were aggravated by both EOs. This is the first evidence that SO and CO inhalation improve airway function, but enhance certain inflammatory parameters. These results suggest that these EOs should be used with caution in cases of inflammation-associated respiratory diseases.     

Effects of Essential Oils of Elettaria cardamomum Grown in India and Guatemala on Gram-Negative Bacteria and Gastrointestinal Disorders

The present study examined the chemical composition and antimicrobial and gastrointestinal activity of the essential oils of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton harvested in India (EC-I) and Guatemala (EC-G). Monoterpenes were present in higher concentration in EC-I (83.24%) than in EC-G (73.03%), whereas sesquiterpenes were present in a higher concentration in EC-G (18.35%) than in EC-I (9.27%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL were demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in EC-G and EC-I, respectively, whereas MICs of 1 and 0.5 mg/mL were demonstrated against Escherichia coli in EC-G and EC-I, respectively. The treatment with control had the highest kill-time potential, whereas the treatment with oils had shorter kill-time. EC-I was observed to be more potent in the castor oil-induced diarrhea model than EC-G. At 100 and 200 mg/kg, P.O., EC-I exhibited 40% and 80% protection, respectively, and EC-G exhibited 20% and 60% protection, respectively, in mice, whereas loperamide (10 mg/kg, i.p., positive control) exhibited 100% protection. In the in vitro experiments, EC-I inhibited both carbachol (CCh, 1 µM) and high K⁺ (80 mM)-induced contractions at significantly lower concentrations than EC-G. Thus, EC-I significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa and E. coli and exhibited more potent antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects than EC-G.     

Effects of Peppermint Essential Oil on Learning and Memory Ability in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of peppermint essential oil on learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Methods: Morris water maze test and shuttle box test were used to explore the changes in learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 transgenic mice after sniffing essential oil. The cellular status of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of the right hemisphere, Aβ deposition, oxidative stress level, and serum metabonomics were detected to explore its mechanism. Results: Sniffing peppermint essential oil can improve the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Compared with the model group, the state of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of the peppermint essential oil group returned to normal, and the deposition of Aβ decreased. The MDA of brain tissue decreased significantly, and the activity of SOD and GSH-PX increased significantly to the normal level. According to the results of metabonomics, it is speculated that peppermint essential oil may improve cognitive function in AD by regulating arginine and proline metabolism, inositol phosphate metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism.     

Compositions of the Essential Oils of Litsea Kostermanin Chang,Litsea Gerciae Vidal and Litsea Cubeba (Lour.) Persoon

The essential oils from the leaves and stems of Litsea kostermanin Chang and Litsea cubeba (lour.) Persoon, and the leaves of Litsea gerciae Vidal were analysed to determine the detailed composition of each oils. The major constituents were isolated and identified by GLC, IR, and NMR. The analyses showed that large chemical differences exist among L. kostermanin Chang, L. gerciae Vidal and L. cubeba (lour.) Persoon.     

Analysis of Essential Oils from Flower-buds, Leaves and Stems of Filipendula palmata （ Pall. ） Maxim.

The essential oils of the flower-buds, leaves and stems of Filipendula palmata（ Pall. ） Maxim. were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Thirty-three, forty-seven and forty-seven compounds in the flower-buds, leaves and stems were identified, respectively. Methyl salicylate exists in a great amount which is up to 70. 10% in the flower-buds. Its amount is also high in other two parts. The data obtained show that it may be one of the main natural mosquito-expelling and pain-alleviating components in the three parts. The flower-buds are the main active part with the mosquito-expelling function.     

高效液相色谱法同时测定烟叶中茄尼醇和辅酶Q10的含量

高效液相色谱法同时测定烟叶中茄尼醇和辅酶Q10的含量;反相高效液相色谱;二级管阵列检测器;烟叶;茄尼醇;辅酶Q10     

Nanoemulsification Improves the Pharmaceutical Properties and Bioactivities of Niaouli Essential Oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia L.)

We develop a suitable delivery system for niaouli essential oil (NEO) using a nanoemulsification method for acne vulgaris. Prepared nanoemulsions (NEs) were characterized for droplet dimension, rheology, surface charge, and stability. The ability of NEO formulations against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated and all formulations showed antiacne potential in vitro. Ex vivo permeation studies indicated significant improvement in drug permeations and steady state flux of all NEO-NEs compared to the neat NEO (p < 0.05). On the basis of the studied pharmaceutical parameters, enhanced ex vivo skin permeation, and marked effect on acne pathogens, formulation NEO-NE₄ was found to be the best (oil (NEO; 10% v/v); Kolliphor EL (9.25% v/v), Carbitol (27.75% v/v), and water (53% v/v)). Concisely, the in vitro and ex vivo results revealed that nanoemulsification improved the delivery as well as bioactivities of NEO significantly.     

Neuropeltis acuminata (P. Beauv.): Investigation of the Chemical Variability and In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Leaf Essential Oil from the Ivorian Species

The variability of chemical composition of the leaf essential oil (EO) from Neuropeltis acuminata, a climbing liana growing wild in Ivory Coast, was investigated for the first time. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated. Thirty oil samples were isolated from leaves collected in three forests of the country and analyzed using a combination of Column Chromatography (CC), Gas Chromatography with Retention Indices (GC(FID)), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and ¹³Carbon-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹³C-NMR). Fractionation by CC led to the first-time isolation from natural source of δ-cadinen-11-ol, whose structural elucidation by one dimension (1D) and 2D-NMR spectroscopy is reported here. Finally, 103 constituents accounting for 95.7 to 99.6% of the samples’ compositions were identified. As significant variations of the major constituents were observed, the 30 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical cluster and principal components analyses. Five distinct groups were evidenced: Group I, dominated by (E)-β-caryophyllene, kessane, and δ-cadinene, while the main constituents of Group II were germacrene B, ledol, α-humulene, (E)-γ-bisabolen-12-ol, and γ-elemene. Group III exhibited guaiol, germacrene D, atractylone, (E)-γ-bisabolen-12-ol, δ-cadinene and bulnesol as main compounds. Group IV was dominated by (E)-nerolidol, guaiol, selina-4(15),7(11)-diene and bulnesol, whereas (E)-β-caryophyllene, α-humulene and α-muurolene were the prevalent compounds of Group V. As the harvest took place in the same dry season in the three forests, the observed chemical variability could be related to harvest sites, which includes climatic and pedologic factors, although genetic factors could not be excluded. The leaf oil sample S24 behaved as a high inhibitor of LipOXygenase (LOX) activity (half maximum Inhibitory Concentration, IC₅₀: 0.059 ± 0.001 mg mL⁻¹), suggesting an anti-inflammatory potential.     

Exploring the Mechanism of Ionic Liquids to Improve the Extraction Efficiency of Essential Oils Based on Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Highlights

• According to the design of the experiment (DoE), multivariate analysis models were used to optimize the critical process parameters combined with multi-objective optimization.
• Based on the optimized operating conditions, the MILT-HD method not only enhances the extraction efficiency from Amomi fructus but also reduces energy demands and CO₂ emissions.
• Based on the density functional theoretical (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the mechanisms for ionic liquids (ILs) to improve the extraction efficiency of essential oil was comprehensively revealed.

AbstractIn this paper, Amomi fructus (Latin) was used to explore the mechanism of ionic liquids (ILs) in improving the extraction efficiency of essential oils. Microwave assisted ionic liquid treatment followed by a hydro-distillation (MILT-HD) process for isolating Amomi fructus essential oil was optimized by multi-objective optimization. Under optimum operating conditions, the IL-assisted extraction method not only enhances extraction efficiency but also reduces energy demands and CO₂ emissions. Since the hydrogen bond structure network of cellulose in the cell wall is an important reason for hindering diffusion of essential oils, the mechanism of ILs was explored by density functional theoretical (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. According to DFT calculations, ILs can facilitate the cleavage of cellulose chains and have strong non-covalent interactions with cellulose. Based on the MD simulations, the degree of destruction of the cellulose hydrogen bond structure was explored. According to the DFT and MD simulations, the ILs can significantly destroy cellulose structure, thereby promoting essential oil release from the plant. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This work is conducive to better understand the MILT-HD process for isolating essential oil and comprehensively understand the mechanism of ILs in the extraction process.     

Chemical Variability and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Leaf Essential Oil from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei (De Wild. & T. Durand) Engl. & Diels

The chemical variability and the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei were investigated for the first time. Forty-seven oil samples were analyzed using a combination of CC, GC(RI), GC-MS and ¹³C-NMR, thus leading to the identification of 113 constituents (90.8–98.9%). As the main components varied drastically from sample to sample, the 47 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical cluster and principal components analyses. Three distinct groups, each divided into two subgroups, were evidenced. Subgroup I−A was dominated by (Z)-β-ocimene, β-eudesmol, germacrene D and (E)-β-ocimene, while (10βH)-1β,8β-oxido-cadina-4-ene, santalenone, trans-α-bergamotene and trans-β-bergamotene were the main compounds of Subgroup I−B. The prevalent constituents of Subgroup II−A were germacrene B, (E)-β-caryophyllene, (5αH,10βMe)-6,12-oxido-elema-1,3,6,11(12)-tetraene and γ-elemene. Subgroup II−B displayed germacrene B, germacrene D and (Z)-β-ocimene as the majority compounds. Germacrene D was the most abundant constituent of Group III, followed in Subgroup III−A by (E)-β-caryophyllene, (10βH)-1β,8β-oxido-cadina-4-ene, germacrene D-8-one, and then in Subgroup III−B by (Z)-β-ocimene and (E)-β-ocimene. The observed qualitative and quantitative chemical variability was probably due to combined factors, mostly phenology and season, then harvest site to a lesser extent. The lipoxygenase inhibition by a leaf oil sample was also evaluated. The oil IC₅₀ (0.020 ± 0.005 mg/mL) was slightly higher than the non-competitive lipoxygenase inhibitor NDGA IC₅₀ (0.013 ± 0.003 mg/mL), suggesting a significant in vitro anti-inflammatory potential.     

Effect of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata Hook. F. & Thomson) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response In Vitro and In Vivo

The aim of this study is to evaluate the phytochemical profile, oral acute toxicity, and the effect of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata Hook. F. & Thomson) essential oil (YEO) on acute inflammation. YEO was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. For in vitro tests, YEO was assessed using cytotoxicity, neutrophil chemotaxis induced by N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP), and phagocytic activity tests. YEO was orally administered in zymosan-induced peritonitis, carrageenan-induced leukocyte rolling, and adhesion events in the in situ microcirculation model and in carrageenan-induced paw edema models. YEO (2000 mg/kg) was also tested using an acute toxicity test in Swiss mice. YEO showed a predominance of benzyl acetate, linalool, benzyl benzoate, and methyl benzoate. YEO did not present in vitro cytotoxicity. YEO reduced the in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis induced by fMLP and reduced the phagocytic activity. The oral treatment with YEO reduced the leukocyte recruitment and nitric oxide production in the zymosan-induced peritonitis model, reduced rolling and adherent leukocyte number induced by carrageenan in the in situ microcirculation model, and reduced carrageenan-induced edema and mechanical hyperalgesia. YEO did not present signs of toxicity in the acute toxicity test. In conclusion, YEO affected the leukocyte activation, and presented antiedematogenic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.     

Essential Oil Profile and Yield of Corolla,Calyx, Leaf,and Whole Flowering Top of Cultivated Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) from Utah

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) is an essential-oil-bearing plant in the Lamiaceae family. Volatile oil produced through the steam distillation of lavender was examined to establish the essential oil yield and aromatic profile from each portion of the plant—namely, the corolla, calyx, leaf, and whole flowering top. The resulting essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The different plant parts generally shared similar compounds but in varying relative percentages. Aromatic profiles of the whole flowering top and calyx were similar, with prominent compounds being linalool acetate (34.3%, 32.0%), linalool (26.5%, 32.9%), lavandulyl acetate (5.6%, 4.9%), terpinen-4-ol (5.3%, 7.0%), and (Z)-β-ocimene (4.5%, 5.4%), respectively. Aromatic profiles for the corolla and leaf were unique. Prominent aromatic compounds of the corolla included linalool acetate (18.4%), linalool (10.8%), epi-α-cadinol (10.0%), borneol (7.3%), and lavandulyl acetate (6.3%). Prominent aromatic compounds of the leaf included epi-α-cadinol (19.8%), γ-cadinene (11.0%), borneol (6.0%), caryophyllene oxide (4.9%), and bornyl acetate (4.8%). Complete profiles and essential oil yields of corolla, calyx, leaf, and whole flowering top were established. This study establishes the influence the corolla, calyx, and leaf exert on the aromatic profile of the whole flowering top and provides insight into authentication of lavender essential oil.     

Study on the Effect of Mentha × piperita L. Essential Oil on Electroencephalography upon Stimulation with Different Visual Effects

Essential oils have long been used to fight infections and treat various diseases. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is an herbal medicine that has been widely used in daily life since ancient times, and it has a wide range of applications in food, cosmetics, and medicine. Mint oil is refreshing because of its cool and comfortable smell; therefore, it is often used in ethnopharmacological studies. The present study investigated the effects of peppermint essential oil in electroencephalographic activity response to various visual stimuli. The electroencephalographic changes of participants during peppermint essential oil inhalation under white, red, and blue colour stimulations were recorded. A rapid Fourier transform analysis was used to examine the electroencephalograph power spectra of the various microstates induced by inhaling the oils. Peppermint essential oil had various effects on the brain when subjected to different visual stimuli. Alpha waves increased in the prefrontal area in the white-sniffing group, which facilitated learning and thinking. In the blue-sniffing group, the changes were less pronounced than those in the red group, and the increased alpha wave activity in the occipital area was more controlled, indicating that the participants’ visual function increased in this state. Based on EEG investigations, this is the first study to indicate that vision influences the effects of peppermint essential oils. Hence, the results of this study support the use of essential oils in a broader context to serve as a resource for future studies on the effects of different types of essential oils.