Composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Artemisia annua L

Abstract

Artemisia annua L. is an annual Eurasian desert-steppe plant. The composition of essential oils found in Artemisia annua from Russian (Buryatian) flora was analyzed in this work using gas chromatography mass-spectrometry method. Artemisia ketone, β-selinene, caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D were the main components of the analyzed essential oils. The comparison of own and literature data showed that the essential oils of A. annua conditionally could be divided into “Asian” and “European” groups. Our samples, referring to “Asian” profile, exhibited higher antiradical activity in comparison with data from previously published studies.     

Chemically characterised Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. essential oil as a novel plant based antimicrobial against fungal and aflatoxin B1 contamination of stored maize and its possible mode of action

Abstract

The chemical characterisation of Pimenta dioica essential oil (PDEO) revealed the presence of 50 components, amongst which α-Terpineol (30.31%) was the major component followed by β-Linalool (6.75%) and γ-Terpinene (4.64%). The oil completely inhibited the growth of aflatoxin B₁ secreting strain Aspergillus flavus LHP-VS-8 and aflatoxin B₁ production at 2.5?µL/mL and 1.5?µL/mL, respectively. The oil caused dose dependent reduction of methylglyoxal (an AFB₁ inducer), enhanced leakage of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and K⁺ ions and significantly reduced ergosterol content of fungal plasma membrane. During in situ experiments, PDEO exhibited complete protection of fumigated maize cob slices from fungal infestation without affecting seed germination. The chemically characterised PDEO is recommended as a plant based preservative and shelf life enhancer of food commodities by preventing fungal growth, AFB₁ production and lipid peroxidation. This is the first report on PDEO as inhibitor of AFB₁ secretion and methylglyoxal biosynthesis.     

Composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq. from Vietnam

The chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil isolated from aerial parts of Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq. from Vietnam are reported. Analysis was carried out by GC (RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR. Thirty-four compounds were identified, accounting for 92.8% of the oil. The major constituents were alpha-pinene (57.4%) and (E)-beta-caryophyllene (13.6%). The essential oil of A. pedunculata was shown to possess a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, particularly Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus epidermidis.     

Chemical Composition,Insecticidal and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities of Allspice (Pimenta dioica) Essential Oil

Essential oils are biologically and environmentally safe pesticidal compounds yielded from aromatic plants. Spices are important sources of essential oils, and they are widely used in the medicine, food, and various other industries. Among the different spices, Allspice (Pimenta dioica) is underexplored in terms of its biological efficacy and a limited number of studies are available on the chemical composition of Allspice essential oil (AEO); thus, the present study evaluated the larvicidal property, the repellency, and the fumigant toxicity against common pests of stored products of AEO. AEO was found to inhibit the survival of larvae of such vectors as Aedis, Culex, and Armigeres species. Further, AEO was found to exert repellant effects against the pests of such stored products as Sitophilus, Callosobruchus, and Tribolium. Similarly, the fumigant toxicity was found to be high for AEO against these species. The contact toxicity of AEO was high against Sitophilus and Callosobruchus. Apart from that, the essential oil was found to be safe against a non-target organism (guppy fishes) and was found to be non-genotoxic in an Allium cepa model. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that the essential oil from Allspice could be used as an environmentally safe larvicidal and biopesticidal compound.     

Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. Bioactive Constituents Exert Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-Inflammatory Activities: Molecular Docking and Dynamics,In Vitro,and In Vivo Studies

In response to the urgent need to control Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), this study aims to explore potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents from natural sources. Moreover, cytokine immunological responses to the viral infection could lead to acute respiratory distress which is considered a critical and life-threatening complication associated with the infection. Therefore, the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents can be key to the management of patients with COVID-19. Four bioactive compounds, namely ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were isolated from the leaves of Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr (ethyl acetate extract) and identified using spectroscopic evidence. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed for the isolated and identified compounds (1–4) against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a proposed mechanism of action. Furthermore, all compounds were tested for their half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC₅₀) and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀). Additionally, lung toxicity was induced in rats by mercuric chloride and the effects of treatment with P. dioca aqueous extract, ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were recorded through measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, G-CSF, and genetic expression of miRNA 21-3P and miRNA-155 levels to assess their anti-inflammatory effects essential for COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 showed remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities with IC₅₀ values of 31 µg/mL, 108 μg/mL, and 360 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were found to be better in ferulic acid 1 and rutin 2 treatments. Our results could be promising for more advanced preclinical and clinical studies especially on rutin 2 either alone or in combination with other isolates for COVID-19 management.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oil from berries of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

Essential oils of Schisandra chinensis seeds and berries without seeds were separately extracted. A total of 55 compounds were identified in the essential oil of berries without seeds (EOB), representing 85.75% of the total content. A total of 52 compounds were identified in the essential oil of seeds (EOS), representing 89.74% of the total content. For EOB, the top three content compounds were α-cis-bergamotene (10.79%), 4,11-selinadiene (5.28%) and α-cadinol (5.19%), while the top three content compounds of EOS were ylangene (10.16%), β-himachalene (9.46%) and di-epi-α-cedrene (8.92%). The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was tested using the DPPH radical-scavenging method. The antioxidant activity of EOB was higher than EOS. The IC(50) values of EOB and EOS were 8.4 and 15.8?mg/mL, respectively. This study concluded that EOB and EOS were not only different in extraction yield but also in chemical composition and antioxidant activity.     

Composition of the essential oil of Geocaryum cynapioides (Guss.) L. Engstrand

Volatile constituents from two fresh samples of the subendemic Geocaryum cynapioides (Guss.) L. Engstrand (Apiaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty four and one hundred-twenty three constituents identified in the oils accounted for 98.7 % and 98.4 % of the total oils, respectively. The major component of both oils was (E)-β-farnesene (73.3 % and 57.7 %) while the other major contributors were: (E,E)-α-farnesene (4.8 % and 14.6 %) and trans-sesquisabinene hydrate (12.2 % and 3.0 %). The constituents endo-fenchyl acetate, and three sesquiterpene lactones belonging to the selinane (callitrisin) and guaiane (grilactone and jalcaguaianolide) series, with a rather restricted natural occurrence, were present in only one of the samples (4.7 %, trace amount, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, respectively) and completely absent from the other distinguishing so the two samples. A chemotaxonomic discussion of the results is presented.     

Phenolic content and antioxidant properties of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) seeds

The contents and antioxidant ability of various classes of phenolic compounds present in the seeds of twenty soybean hybrids were evaluated. Total phenolics, tannins and proanthocyanidins were determined spectrophotometrically, after extraction of seeds with 70% aqueous acetone. In addition, the flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant activity of aqueous acetone extracts was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay. The highest contents of total phenolics were found in Serbian cultivar 1511 and Chinese cultivar LN92-7369, which also displayed the highest total antioxidant activity. Conversely, genotypes poor in phenolics also showed low levels of DPPH-radical scavenging activity. The results suggested that besides protein and oil contents, the phenolic contents should be also considered as an important characteristic feature of soybean seeds, and as a potential selection criterion for antioxidant activity in soybean.     

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Tussilago farfara (L.) essential oil from Quebec,Canada

Abstract

The chemical composition of Tussilago farfara L. essential oil from the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, Canada was analyzed by gas chromatography–flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the antibacterial activity of the oil was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Forty-five (45) compounds were identified from the GC profile. The main components were 1-nonene (40.1%), α-phellandrene (26.0%) and ρ-cymene (6.6%). The essential oil demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli (MIC₅₀ = 468 µg·mL^?1; MIC₉₀ = 6869 µg·mL^?1) and S. aureus (MIC₅₀ = 368 µg·mL^?1; MIC₉₀ = 773 µg·mL^?1). Dodecanoic acid was found to be active against both bacteria having a MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ of 16.4 µg·mL^?1 and 95 µg·mL^?1, respectively for E. coli and a MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ of 9.8 µg·mL^?1 and 27.3 µg·mL^?1, respectively for S. aureus. In addition, 1-decene and (E)-cyclodecene were also found to be active against E. coli.     

Chemical constituents, antioxidant and antimocrobial activity of essential oil of Pogostemon paniculatus (Willd.)

The essential oil extracted from the leaves of Pogostemon paniculatus (Willd.) Benth. (Lamiaceae), was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Nineteen compounds constituting 85.36% of the total oil were identified in the oil. Patchouli alcohol (30.65%), α-guaiene (10.67%), β-guaiene (9.09%), caryophyllene (8.64%), eicosene (5.27%) were the major constituents present. The essential oil was analysed for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibition concentration against six bacteria and three fungi. Results showed inhibitory activity against some of the tested microorganisms. The essential oil was also tested for the DPPH free-radical scavenging activity and had an inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) value of 18.5?μg?mL(-1).     

Composition of essential oil and biological activity of extracts of Viola odorata L. from central Iran

Essential oil composition of the leaves of Viola odorata L. growing wild in Kashan, central Iran, was extracted by hydro distillation-solvent extraction method and analysed using GC-MS technique. The analysis revealed the presence of 25 identified compounds, representing 92.77% of the oil with butyl-2-ethylhexylphthalate (30.10%) and 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,4,7a-trimethyl-2(4H)-benzofuranone (12.03%) being the two main components. Several components were identified for the first time in this chemotype of V. odorata. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the oil, methanol and chloroform extracts were also evaluated for the first time in this research work.     

Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications

Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a herbaceous perennial that has been used for centuries in folk medicine. More recently, nettle extracts have also been used in cosmetics because of the many benefits of their topical application for skin health. Their potential anti-aging action is of particular interest and is primarily ascribed to their antioxidant capacity. Here, using an experimental design approach and a clustering analysis, we linked the phytochemical composition of nettle extracts to their biological activities. This approach confirmed the antioxidant capacity of nettle extracts as well as providing the first evidence of another mechanism for their anti-aging potential involving the inhibition of enzyme activities, such as elastase and collagenase. We attributed these inhibitory effects to ursolic acid and quercetin present in the nettle extracts. Our results also demonstrated the possibility of extracting ursolic acid, quercetin and other phenolic compounds differentially to obtain an extract with a strong antioxidant capacity and anti-aging activities toward both elastase and collagenase. This could be of particular interest for cosmetic applications of nettle extracts.     

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Juniperus phoenicea L. berries

This study is designed to examine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Juniperus phoenicea L. ripe and unripe berries. GC and GC/MS analyses resulted in the detection of 42 components representing approximately 96.50-99.57% of the oils. Major components of the oils were α-pinene (58.61-77.39%), camphene (0.67-9.31%), δ-3-carene (0-10.01%) and trans-verbenol (0-5.24%). Antioxidant activities were determined by two different test systems, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. In both systems ripe berries exhibited better activity potential than the unripe ones.     

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Seseli globiferum essential oil

The essential oil from aerial parts of Seseli globiferum Vis. obtained by hydrodistillation with Clevenger-type apparatus was analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty-eight compounds were identified, representing 99.4% of the total oil. The main components of the oil were sabinene (38.0%), alpha-pinene (21.2%) and beta-phellandrene (13.5%). The microbial growth inhibitory properties of the isolated essential oil were determined using the broth microdilution method against seven bacterial species: Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 13311), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Enterobacter cloacae (clinical isolates), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Micrococcus flavus (ATCC 10240) and three fungal species: Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061) and Penicillium funiculosum (ATCC 36839). The essential oil showed activity against bacteria P. aeruginosa, followed by M flavus, L. monocytigenes and E. coli, and all investigated fungal species.     

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from Filifolium sibiricum (L.) Kitam

The essential oil from Filifolium sibiricum (L.) Kitam were extracted using hydrodistillation and GC-MS was used to analyse the essential oil. The main components were espatulenol (8.55%), geranyl acetate (8.03%), caryophyllene oxide (5.47%), calamenene (4.79%), geraniol (4.28%), calamenene (4.53%), geraniol (4.06%), cedrene epoxide (3.23%), myrtenol (3.18%), transgeranylgeranio (3.13%), etc. The essential oil showed intensive inhibitory effects against MCF-7 with IC₅₀ level of 0.78 mg/mL, HepG-2 with IC₅₀ level of 0.44 mg/mL, SKOV-3 with IC₅₀ level of 0.27 mg/mL, BGC-823 with IC₅₀ level of 0.34 mg/mL. In the antibacterial test, the essential oil showed the significant antibacterial activities. The MIC and MBC values were 5.20 and 5.20 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus.     

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Achillea distans essential oil

The essential oil of Achillea distans W. et K. flower heads was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Altogether 43 components in concentrations more than 0.1% were identified representing 93.5% of the oil composition. The main constituents were 1,8-cineole (16.8%), trans-thujone (9.8%), sabinene (8.2%), borneol (7.5%), beta-pinene (6.5%), and camphor (5.8%). The oil showed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and weak activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus vulgaris, and Escherichia coli.     

Phenolic profile,antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of Anethum graveolens L. essential oil

This study reports the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Anethum graveolens essential oil and its main compounds. The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of the plant by hydrodistillation and analysed by using GC/MS. α-Phellandrene (19.12%), limonene (26.34%), dill ether (15.23%), sabinene (11.34%), α-pinene (2%), n-tetracosane (1.54%), neophytadiene (1.43%), n-docosane (1.04), n-tricosane (1%), n-nonadecane (1%), n-eicosane (0.78%), n-heneicosane (0.67%), β-myrcene (0.23%) and α-tujene (0.21%) were found to be the major constituents of the oil. A. graveolens oil exhibit a higher activity in each antioxidant system with a special attention for β-carotene bleaching test (IC₅₀: 15.3 μg/mL) and reducing power (EC₅₀: 11.24 μg/mL). The TLC-bioautography screening and fractionation resulted in the separation of the main antioxidant compounds, which were identified as limonene (45%) and sabinene (32%). The essential oil and its main compounds exhibited a potent NO-scavenging effect and inhibited the expression of inducible NO synthase.     

Herbicidal activity and bioactive components of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. residue

There are many nutrients and active substances in the residue of traditional Chinese medicine, which can be processed into organic fertilizer and returned to the field to improve the soil fertility. In this study, we found that Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. residue has herbicidal activity and can be used for weed control in the field, this prompted us to investigate the active constituents in it. The herbicidal activities of extracts of B. javanica residue were evaluated by conducting bioassays against gramineous weed, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. and broad-leaved weed, Bidens pilosa L., respectively. It confirmed that ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts possessed potent biological activities on seed germination and seedling growth of E. indica at 5 mg/mL. This prompted us to investigate the active constituents in the seeds residue. By the activity-guided fractionation, eight known compounds were isolated, which were bruceines D?F (1–3), pityriacitrin (4), 4-(9H-β-carbolin-1-yl)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid methyl ester (5), protocatechuic acid (6), vanillic acid (7) and carisphthalate (8). Then, three quassinoids (1–3) were evaluated for their potential herbicidal effects in bioassay. Results showed that bruceines D?F have potential herbicidal activity against the test weeds. In the range of experimental concentration, bruceine D had obvious herbicidal effect on the two tested weeds. At the concentration of 31.25 μg/mL, bruceine D could completely inhibit the root growth of E. indica; at the concentration of 125 μg/mL, bruceine D can inhibit the seed germination and shoot elongation of E. indica and the shoot growth of B. pilosa, with the inhibition reached 100%. In addition, at the same concentration (250 μg/mL), bruceines D?F could completely affected shoot elongation of B. pilosa. These results showed that B. javanica residue is a potential source of botanical herbicide development, which has great agricultural economic value, at the same time, the reuse of B. javanica residue realizes the transformation of waste into treasure, rational utilization of resources and sustainable development.