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The present study was conducted to elucidate the composition, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity of Daucus carota subsp. gummifer essential oil. Aerial parts of the plants were hydrodistilled and the oil analyzed by GC and GC–MS. The oil was characterized by high contents of monoterpenes (83.9%), the major compounds being geranyl acetate (37.0%) and α-pinene (30.9%). The daucane sesquiterpene, carotol, was also found in relatively high amounts (11.0%). For the antifungal activity, minimal inhibitory and minimal lethal concentrations (MIC and MLC, respectively) were determined against several pathogenic fungi strains. The oil was particularly active against dermatophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans, with MIC values ranging from 0.32 to 0.64 μL/mL. Concerning the anti-inflammatory potential, the oil demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production in both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered macrophages and microglia cells. NO scavenging activity was also assessed using the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl- d , l -penicillamine and a significant effect was disclosed. To assure that the bioactivity of the oil was achieved without detrimental effects to cells, the toxicity of D. carota subsp. gummifer oil was investigated using the MTT assay in several mammalian cell lines: macrophages (Raw 264.7), keratinocytes (HaCat), hepatocytes (HepG2) and microglia (N9). Interestingly, we detected a cytotoxic effect only for the highest concentrations of the oil, thus assuring a safe toxicological profile at bioactive concentrations. These results advise that D. carota subsp. gummifer essential oil should be explored as a natural source of antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs with potential application both at the peripheral and central nervous system levels, thus supporting in vivo studies focused in the management of dermatophytosis and/or inflammatory-related diseases.

As part of our ongoing study on the valorization of aromatic plants, the present study was designed to elucidate the composition, scavenging potential, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity of Margotia gummifera essential oils. Umbels were submitted to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and the oils were analyzed by GC and GC–MS. For the anti-inflammatory activity, an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages was used and the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production was quantified through the Griess reagent, in the presence of the essential oil or its main compounds. NO scavenging potential was assessed using an NO donor and the cytotoxicity was evaluated on macrophages, keratinocytes and alveolar epithelial cells. The oils were characterized by high contents of monoterpene hydrocarbons, being the major compounds myrcene (20.4–23.0%) and sabinene (21.0–23.5%). The oil, myrcene and sabinene significantly inhibited NO production without affecting cell viability and showed a very effective NO scavenging potential, sabinene being the most active compound. These results suggest that M. gummifera essential oil, sabinene and myrcene should be explored as a natural source of new antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs for the development of food supplements, nutraceuticals or plant-based medicines.

Lavandula L. and Thymus L. comprise several relevant species for the food, cosmetic, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the traditional medicinal use of L. stoechas and T. herba-barona and the lack of scientific studies on their biological activities, the present study was designed to elucidate the composition and antifungal activity of their essential oils against fungi responsible for human infections as well as the anti-inflammatory potential and their cytotoxicity on a macrophage cell line. Moreover, the antifungal activity against fungi responsible for food contamination is also reported. Flowering parts of the plants were submitted to hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus and the oils were analysed by GC and GC–MS. The minimal inhibitory and minimal lethal concentrations of the oils against fungi strains were determined using a macrodilution broth method. For the anti-inflammatory activity, an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages was used and the inhibition of nitric oxide production quantified. Assessment of the oils cytotoxicity was performed using the MTT reduction assay. L. stoechas essential oil was rich in fenchone (37.0%) and camphor (27.3%) while T. herba-barona oil showed high amounts of two phenols, carvacrol (54.0%) and thymol (30.2%). The latter was the most active oil against the tested fungi but evidenced high cytotoxicity on macrophages. L. stoechas was active against dermatophyte strains and showed potential anti-inflammatory activity at concentrations without affecting cell viability. These results support the use of L. stoechas in the development of phytopharmaceuticals or food supplements/nutraceuticals for the management of dermatophytosis and/or inflammatory-related diseases. Regarding T. herba-barona, it can be used as a preservative in storage products, due to its ability to inhibit Aspergilllus growth.

Lavanders (Lavandula spp.) are aromatic plants with high industrial and commercial value, used in food industry, perfumery and pharmaceutical preparations. Micropropagation can be used for large-scale multiplication of essential oil producing plants thus avoiding an overexploitation of natural resources. This work aims to develop a reliable protocol for the in vitro propagation of Lavandula pedunculata and to evaluate the potential of these plants for essential oil production with industrial application. In vitro cultures were established on media with different concentrations of benzyladenine. Trichome morphology was examined by SEM and their secretion analyzed by histochemical tests. Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oils and trichomes of in vitro plants were compared with those of field-growing plants. Best propagation rates were achieved with 0.25 mg/l BA. Rooting occurred without treatment with auxins thus preventing callus growth. Trichomes and essential oils of the in vitro propagated plants were similar to those of the parent plants. Two chemotypes were characterized: 1,8-cineole/camphor type and fenchone type. Since trichomes and essential oils of L. pedunculata micropropagated plantlets are identical to those produced by field-growing plants, in vitro cultures can be used for essential oil production without affecting natural resources. Moreover, the quality of the essential oils is assured and this protocol can be further applied to the propagation of selected chemotypes for industrial purposes.