Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oils of Two Endemic Species from Turkey: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sideritis cilicica</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sideritis bilgerana</Emphasis>

Aerial parts of Sideritis cilicica Boiss. & Bal. and Sideritis bilgerana P.H. Davis (Lamiaceae) were hydrodistilled to obtain essential oils that were then analyzed by GC and GC/MS. β-Pinene (39%), α-pinene (28%), and β-phellandrene (20%) were the main components in the oil of S. cilicica, while β-pinene (48%), and α-pinene (32%) were the major constituents in the oil of S. bilgerana. The antimicrobial activities of the oils were evaluated by using the microdilution broth method. Both of the oils showed good inhibitory effects on C. albicans. __________ Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 559–561, November–December, 2005.     

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%.     

Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Composition of Sideritis Species

The antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of 27 Sideritis species were studied. Plant samples were extracted with petroleum ether using a Soxhlet apparatus. The defatted plant materials were extracted with 70% methanol. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were measured using Fe⁺² induced linoleic acid peroxidation, as indicated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) production. Free radical scavenging activities were determined based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH). Results were compared with standard BHT. Total phenol concentration of the extracts was estimated with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as standard, and phenolic components were quantified by HPLC-DAD.     

The Essential Oil of a New Sideritis Species: Sideritis ozturkii Aytac and Aksoy

Water-distilled essential oils from flowering spikes ofSideritis ozturkii (Lamiaceae), a new species, were analyzed by GC/MS. The main components were found to be-pinene (31.1%, 16.0%, and 6.2%), and-pinene (20.2%, 14.2%, and 7.3%) in three samples collected from the same locality at different times     

Essential Oils of Nepeta Species Growing in Turkey

Essential oils from 22Nepetaspecies growing in Turkey have been studied. Results of GC/MS analyses of the essential oils have shown that four Nepeta species contain 4a-7-7a-nepetalactone as the major component. 4a-7-7a-Nepetalactone was the main constituent in N. racemosa. Seven Nepeta species contained caryophyllene oxide as the main constituent in their essential oils. 1,8-Cineole/linalool were the major components in the essential oils of six species. -Pinene,-terpineol,germacrene-D,and spathulenol were the main constituents in the essential oils fromN. phyllochlamys, N. viscida, N. sorgerae, andN. trachonitica, respectively.     

The Composition of Essential Oils from Various Parts of Juniperus foetidissima

Water-distilled oils from the leaf, cone berry, seedless cone berry, seed, and branch of Juniperus foetidissima were analyzed by GC/MS. The main components of the leaf oil were found as -thujone and cedrol. Sabinene was the major component in the essential oil of cone berries. Sabinene, -thujone, and abietal were the main components of the seed and seedless cone berry oils. In the branch oil -pinene was the major component.     

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     

Chemical Composition,Biological Activities and In Silico Analysis of Essential Oils of Three Endemic Prangos Species from Turkey

In this study, the essential oils (EOs) obtained from three endemic Prangos species from Turkey (P. heyniae, P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and P. uechtritzii) were studied for their chemical composition and biological activities. β-Bisabolenal (12.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.9%) were the principal components of P. heyniae EO, while P. meliocarpoides EO contained sabinene (16.7%) and p-cymene (13.2%), and P. uechtritzii EO contained p-cymene (24.6%) and caryophyllene oxide (19.6%), as the most abundant components. With regard to their antioxidant activity, all the EOs were found to possess free radical scavenging potential demonstrated in both DPPH and ABTS assays (0.43–1.74 mg TE/g and 24.18–92.99 mg TE/g, respectively). Additionally, while no inhibitory activity was displayed by P. meliocarpoides and P. uechtritzii EOs against both cholinesterases (acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases). Moreover, all the EOs were found to act as inhibitors of tyrosinase (46.34–69.56 mg KAE/g). Molecular docking revealed elemol and α-bisabolol to have the most effective binding affinity with tyrosinase and amylase. Altogether, this study unveiled some interesting biological activities of these EOs, especially as natural antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors and hence offers stimulating prospects of them in the development of anti-hyperpigmentation topical formulations.     

Comparative Study of the Essential Oils of Heracleum sphondylium ssp. Ternatum Obtained by Micro- and Hydro-distillation Methods

The volatile compounds obtained by hydro- and micro-distillation methods from crushed fruits of Heracleum sphondylium ssp. ternatum (Velen.) Brummitt were analyzed by GC/MS. Both distillation methods and analysis results were compared.     

Fatty Acid Composition of Seed Oils of Twelve Salvia Species Growing in Turkey

Seed oils of 12 Salvia species collected from different regions in Turkey (S. Albimaculata Hedge & Hub.-Mor., S. Candidisima Vahl., S. Cedronella Boiss., S. Cryptantha Montbret & Aucher ex Bentham, S. Forskahlei L., S. Fruticosa Miller (Sin. S. Triloba L. Fil), S. Halophila Hedge, S. Hypargeia Fisch. & Mey., S. Sclarea L., S. Tomentosa Miller, S. Tchihatcheffii (Fisch. & Mey.) Boiss., S. Virgata Jacq.) were obtained by Soxhlet apparatus using hexane. The oil yields were found to be between 2.0% and 20.9%. Fatty acids in the oils were converted to methyl esters and determined by GC/MS in methyl ester form. The main fatty acid components of S. halophila, S. Hypargeia, and S. Sclarea are unsaturated oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. In others except S. Candidissima, the dominant acids are oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids.     

Composition,Anti-MRSA Activity and Toxicity of Essential Oils from Cymbopogon Species

Many of the essential oils obtained from medicinal plants possess proven antimicrobial activity and are suitable for medicinal purposes and applications in the food industry. The aim of the present work was the chemical analysis of 19 essential oils (EOs) from seven different Cymbopogon species (C. nardus, C. citratus, C winterianus, C. flexuosus, C. schoenanthus, C. martinii, C. giganteus). Five different chemotypes were established by GC/MS and TLC assay. The EOs, as well as some reference compounds, i.e., citronellol, geraniol and citral (neral + geranial), were also tested for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by the microdilution method and direct bioautography. The toxicity of EOs was evaluated by Danio rerio ‘Zebrafish’ model assay. All examined EOs showed moderate to high activity against MRSA, with the highest activity noted for C. flexuosus—lemongrass essential oil, both in microdilution and direct autobiography method. Significant difference in the toxicity of the examined EOs was also detected.     

Monoterpenes and Sesquiterpenes of Essential Oils from Psidium Species and Their Biological Properties

Psidium (Myrtaceae) comprises approximately 266 species, distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Psidium taxa have great ecological, economic, and medicinal relevance due to their essential oils’ chemical diversity and biological potential. This review reports 18 Psidium species growing around the world and the chemical and biological properties of their essential oils. Chemically, 110 oil records are reported with significant variability of volatile constituents, according to their seasonality and collection sites. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes with acyclic (C₁₀ and C₁₅), p-menthane, pinane, bisabolane, germacrane, caryophyllane, cadinane, and aromadendrane skeleton-types, were the primary constituents. The essential oils showed various biological activities, including antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, phytotoxic, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. This review contributes to the Psidium species rational and economic exploration as natural sources to produce new drugs.     

Essential Oil of Arischrada korolkowii from the Chatkal Mountains of Uzbekistan

The herbal parts of Arischrada korolkowii (Regel et Schmalh.) Pobed. (Lamiaceae) growing in Uzbekistan were hydrodistillated to yield 1.1% of essential oil. The essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS. Eighty eight compounds were characterized representing 98% of the essential oil with 1,8-cineole (29.3%), camphor (9.8%), -caryophyllene (8.5%), bornyl acetate (7.7%), caryophyllene oxide (7.2%), and borneol (5.6%) as the main constituents.     

Ultrastructural Damages to H1N1 Influenza Virus Caused by Vapor Essential Oils

Influenza viruses are transmitted from human to human via airborne droplets and can be transferred through contaminated environmental surfaces. Some works have demonstrated the efficacy of essential oils (EOs) as antimicrobial and antiviral agents, but most of them examined the liquid phases, which are generally toxic for oral applications. In our study, we describe the antiviral activity of Citrus bergamia, Melaleuca alternifolia, Illicium verum and Eucalyptus globulus vapor EOs against influenza virus type A. In the vapor phase, C. bergamia and M. alternifolia strongly reduced viral cytopathic effect without exerting any cytotoxicity. The E. globulus vapor EO reduced viral infection by 78% with no cytotoxicity, while I. verum was not effective. Furthermore, we characterized the EOs and their vapor phase by the head-space gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique, observing that the major component found in each liquid EO is the same one of the corresponding vapor phases, with the exception of M. alternifolia. To deepen the mechanism of action, the morphological integrity of virus particles was checked by negative staining transmission electron microscopy, showing that they interfere with the lipid bilayer of the viral envelope, leading to the decomposition of membranes. We speculated that the most abundant components of the vapor EOs might directly interfere with influenza virus envelope structures or mask viral structures important for early steps of viral infection.     

Phytochemistry and Applications of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oils

Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is an ornamental plant that has been cultivated for a long time to obtain wood or camphor. Furthermore, its essential oil can be used as an alternative medicine and is an important source of perfume. Camphor obtained from camphor trees has long been used as a treatment for various symptoms such as inflammation, infection, congestion, muscle pain, and irritation in various regions. The purpose of this literature review is to provide knowledge of the well-established, wide, and extensive applications of camphor both in traditional and modern applications. Despite many studies focused on the essential oil of the camphor tree, there is a lack of systematic studies of its extraction or separation. Besides, various components of camphor are not fully understood, and further research is needed on the medicinal effects of individual components of C. camphor. The genus Cinnamomum has crucial economic value and theoretical significance. However, further systematic reviews and investigative studies based on existing research are needed to promote the modernization process of traditional applications of camphor. For proper use of the essential oil of C. camphora, it is imperative to consider its possible effects on humans and the environment.     

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Rosmarinus officinalis Cultivated in the Algerian Sahara

The volatile compounds obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of Rosmarinus officinalis cultivated at the Algerian Sahara were analyzed by GC/MS. Thirty compounds were characterized representing 98.2% of the essential oil with 1,8-cineole (29.5%), 2-ethyl-4,5-dimethylphenol (12.0%) and camphor (11.5%) as the major components.     

Innate Immunomodulatory Activity of Cedrol,a Component of Essential Oils Isolated from Juniperus Species

Little is known about the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils isolated from Juniperus species. Thus, we isolated essential oils from the cones and leaves of eight juniper species found in Montana and in Kazakhstan, including J. horizontalis, J. scopolorum, J. communis, J. seravschanica, J. sabina, J. pseudosabina, J. pseudosabina subsp. turkestanica, and J. sibirica. We report here the chemical composition and innate immunomodulatory activity of these essential oils. Compositional analysis of the 16 samples of Juniper essential oils revealed similarities and differences between our analyses and those previously reported for essential oils from this species. Our studies represent the first analysis of essential oils isolated from the cones of four of these Juniper species. Several essential oil samples contained high levels of cedrol, which was fairly unique to three Juniper species from Kazakhstan. We found that these essential oils and pure (+)-cedrol induced intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization in human neutrophils. Furthermore, pretreatment of human neutrophils and N-formyl peptide receptor 1 and 2 (FPR1 and FPR2) transfected HL60 cells with these essential oils or (+)-cedrol inhibited agonist-induced Ca²⁺ mobilization, suggesting these responses were desensitized by this pretreatment. In support of this conclusion, pretreatment with essential oils from J. seravschanica cones (containing 16.8% cedrol) or pure (+)-cedrol inhibited human neutrophil chemotaxis to N-formyl peptide. Finally, reverse pharmacophore mapping predicted several potential kinase targets for cedrol. Thus, our studies have identified cedrol as a novel neutrophil agonist that can desensitize cells to subsequent stimulation by N-formyl peptide.     

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Stachys inflata Benth. from Iran

The chemical composition of a hydrodistilled oil of Stachys inflata Benth. growing wild in Iran was examined by GC/MS. Thirty-nine constituents were identified. The major components of the oil were germacrene-D (16.9%), bicyclogermacrene (16.6%), -pinene (11.3%), -phellandrene (9.8%), bicycloelemene (6.6%), -pinene (5.6%), and spathulenol (3.2%).     

Chemotaxonomy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ballota</Emphasis> Species

Sixteen taxa of Ballota were investigated by analyzing the contents of diterpenoid and flavonoid compositions, and the relationships were compared with their morphological properties. HPLC chromatograms of diterpenoids and flavonoids from acetone extracts of sixteen Ballota taxa revealed the presence of thirteen compounds. Isolated compounds from Ballota species were evaluated by the unweighted pair-group arithmetic average (UPGMA) clustering method. B. glandulosissima is distinct from all other taxa in the dendogram, and this species is morphologically different from other taxa by having a high number of glandular hairs. The second group is composed of B. saxatilis ssp. saxatilis and B. inaequidens; these two species are in close kinship as evidenced by their morphology (similar calyx shape). In the latter clusters at most, the affinities among taxa, as suggested by diterpenoid and flavonoid pattern, are only partially congruent with affinities based on other evidence. In general, morphologic, anatomic characters, distributions, and habitats are not concordant with the clusters. Also, no concordance was found between the sections, phylogenetic order [1], and those of the groups formed by cluster analyses.__________Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 3, pp. 242–244, May–June, 2005.     

GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil from the Oleoresin of Pistacia atlantica var. mutica

The oleoresin of Pistacia atlantica var. mutica, growing in different regions of Iran, is a popular naturally occurring chewing gum and has been used traditionally in the treatment of peptic ulcer. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil, obtained from steam distillation of the oleoresin of P. Atlantica var. mutica, has led to the identification and quantification of eleven terpenoids, -pinene (70%), -pinene (1.94%), 3-carene (0.2%), carveol (2.18%), epoxypinene (2.15%), limonene oxide (9%), myrtenol (5.31%), limonene (0.62%), citral (5.72%), -phellandrene (0.2%), and -myrcene (0.3%). The total amount of essential oil obtained was 22% v/w which is higher than any other species of the genus Pestacia.