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Abstract: d, l-Tryptophan as the precursor of melatonin and Achillea millefolium L. as the plant cell tissue were used in order to force the plant enzymatic system to enhance the production of melatonin. The biotransformation protocol was performed by adding the precursor to the freshly chopped plant material suspended in water and stirred at room temperature in total darkness. The melatonin content was evaluated by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. The precursor-treated sample gave at least six times (345ng/gfresh plant) the melatonin amount usually produced in young plants of A. millefolium L. (50ng/gfreshplant). The present study shows that, in principle, adding a specific precursor to a suitable freshly chopped plant material can significantly enhance a secondary metabolite production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The essential oil and solid phase micro extraction (SPME) samples of Bupleurum fruticosum micropropagated plants were analysed by GC and GC–MS and compared with those obtained from the leaves and the stems of field-grown parent plants. The main constituents of the essential oil of the micropropagated plants were β-phellandrene (61%), sabinene (13%), terpinen-4-ol, tricyclene and bicyclogermacrene (3%). Regarding to the field-grown B. fruticosum plants, the leaf essential oil showed the same major components detected in the micropropagated plants, while the stem oil showed γ-terpinene (50%) and α-phellandrene (18%) as the most important constituents. Furthermore, SPME analyses were carried out in order to show for the first time a complete investigation on the volatile organic constituents of the micropopagated and field-grown B. fruticosum parent plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of several crude extracts and pure saponins, astraverrucins I–VI, from the aerial parts of Astragalus verrucosus were investigated by the disc diffusion method. Antimycotic activity was observed on more polar extracts, but only one saponin showed an appreciable activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aerial parts of Genista pichisermolliana Valsecchi (Fabaceae), an endemic plant of Sardinia, were extracted in Soxhlet apparatus and purified by several chromatographic methods. The new compound alpinumisoflavone 4′-O-glucopyranoside (6) was isolated together with nineteen flavonoids, p-coumaric methylester and d-pinitol, while no alkaloids were detected. All the chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Since flavonoids represent the main constituents of this plant, the total flavonoid content was determined according to the Italian Pharmacopoeia IX Ed. method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Phytochemical and morphological surveys were combined in two Rosemary hybrids. • The leaf aroma profiles characterized specifically each hybrid. • The leaf essential oils varied in fresh and dried samples in both hybrids. • The leaf glandular trichomes resulted useful for the discrimination of the hybrids. The profile of volatile organic compounds (VOC), the composition of the essential oils (EOs) and the micromorphology of the leaf trichomes were investigated in two rosemary hybrids, Salvia×mendizabalii (Sagredo ex Rosúa) Roma-Marzio & Galasso (S × m) and Salvia x lavandulacea (de Noé) Roma-Marzio & Galasso (S × l). The phytochemical analysis highlighted the dominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons in both aroma profiles (65.8 % in S × m and 77.9 % in S × l , respectively), although they displayed different main compounds except for α-pinene (28.2 % in S × m and 24.5 % in S × l). In S × m the EOs extracted from both fresh and dried leaves exhibited camphor (29.7 % and 25.9 %, respectively), α-pinene (21.0 % and 18.2 %, respectively) and 1,8-cineole (11.1 % and 13.6 %, respectively) as major compounds. Noteworthy is the occurrence of β-pinene (2.6 %) in the EO dried samples, whereas sabinene and limonene were exclusive of the fresh samples. In S × l the EOs from the fresh and dried leaves shared the same main compounds: camphor (24.0 % and 27.5 %, respectively), myrcene (14.9 % and 14.8 %, respectively) and α-pinene (13.1 % and 12.2 %, respectively). The micro-morphological observations on leaves proved the occurrence of non-glandular dendritic hairs with smooth cuticle in both hybrids. The glandular trichomes include three main morphotypes: peltate, short capitate and medium-long capitate. The peltate and the short capitates are common to both hybrids, however in the peltate the number of the head secreting cells is different, eight in S × m and sixteen in S × l. The medium-long capitate occurs exclusively on the leaf adaxial side of S × m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatiles of different pomegranate plant parts were extracted using headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed for the first time by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and flame ionization detector (GC-FID). All the data were submitted to multivariate statistical analysis evidencing many differences amongst the selected plant parts. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most abundant class in the aroma of leaves and in all the flower organs where the main constituents were β-caryophyllene, ( E , E )-α-farnesene and trans -α-bergamotene. Stem aroma showed similar content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpenes with α-humulene as main compound. The aroma of all aril parts showed high amount of non-terpenes with the prevalence of aldehydes and esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of volatiles emitted in vivo from different plant parts of P. cerasifera and P. cerasifera ‘Pissardii’ were collected during the entire biological cycle of the plant growth and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after solid phase micro-extraction (SPME). All the data were submitted to multivariate statistical analysis evidencing many differences amongst the selected plant parts and growth stages. A total of 136 compounds were identified corresponding to 90.1–99.6% of the whole aroma profile of cherry plum samples. Non-terpenes were the most abundant class of constituents present in the volatile emission of all analyzed samples. In particular, the aroma of both fruit stages was mainly characterized by alcohols and esters in different amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The volatile composition of ten fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties was investigated during two successive growing seasons under temperate climatic conditions in Central Italy. The freshly plant inflorescences were hydrodistilled and the essential oils (EOs) were characterized by GC–MS. In addition, the composition of the aroma emitted spontaneously from the freshly plant inflorescences were analysed by SPME-GC–MS. The EO yields of eight dioecious (Carmagnola, C.S., Red Petiole, Pop 1, Pop 2, Pop 3, Pop 4, Pop 5) and two monoecious (Codimono and Felina 34) cultivars ranged from 0.11 to 0.25% (w/w) and showed a significant production of α-pinene (3–20%), β-pinene (1–8%), E-ocimene (1–10%), myrcene (8–45%) and terpinolene (0.12–22%). The monoterpene composition was useful to distinguish the monoecious cultivars from the dioecious ones. β-Caryophyllene (7–28%), α-humulene (3–12%), and caryophyllene oxide (2–6%) were the main sesquiterpenes. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was present in traces in the EOs of only two dioecious cultivars cultivated in 2005. Cannabinol (CBN) was not detected in the essential oils, while the no-hallucinogenous cannabidiol (CBD) was found as typical volatile constituent in several analysed cultivars. These findings were also confirmed by the headspace GC–MS analysis carried out on the same samples. The analysed EOs obtained from fibre hemp varieties cultivated in Central Italy were characterized by an interesting and specific terpene composition with a legal and safe cannabinoid content. They were obtained from freshly plant inflorescences, which usually represent a waste material from C. sativa L. fibre varieties. The present study strengths the hypothesis to grow hemp as a multi-use crop through a complete utilization of the plant material using inflorescences to produce essential oils as natural flavour and fragrance additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • New insights regarding the mechanisms and processes involved in S. dolomitica drought adaptation are provided. • Moderate drought decreased growth, leaf water potential and stomatal conductance, while increased deyhdrin gene expression. • Severe drought decreased net photosynthesis and transpiration rate. • Drought increased sesquiterpene production by modulating gene expression of key enzymes of terpenoid biosynthesis. • Moderate drought can ameliorate secondary metabolites production and water-management practices in S. dolomitica. Abstract Sage is an important medicinal and aromatic plant. While Salvia officinalis and S. miltiorrhiza have been widely studied, little information regarding S. dolomitica exists, although it has recently attracted attention due to its anti-plasmodial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the performance and metabolic profile of this species in response to two drought treatments (moderate or severe) relative to well-watered control plants. Changes in growth and ecophysiological traits, as well as in bioactive and volatile compounds and essential oil production were determined. Given that terpenoids are the most representative class of secondary metabolites, the gene expression of key enzymes of terpenoid biosynthesis was also investigated. Moderate drought stimulated a decline in leaf water potential, growth and stomatal conductance, as well as an increase in deyhdrin expression. Serious stress symptoms occurred only in severe drought-stressed plants, where a decline in net photosynthesis and transpiration and an increase in endogenous abscisic acid was observed. Both drought stress conditions led to modulate the expression of some genes involved in biogenic volatile organic compound and essential oil biosynthesis and metabolic profile. In particular, drought induced an increase in sesquiterpene production, a class of terpenoids that is important in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, controlled drought, in addition to water savings during cultivation, can be applied to improve the production of secondary metabolites in S. dolomitica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils obtained from six species of Helichrysum ( H. archimedeum C. Brullo & Brullo, H. errerae Tineo, H. hyblaeum Brullo, H. orientale (L.) Vaill., H. panormitanum Tineo ex Guss. subsp. panormitanum, H. serotinum subsp. picardii (Boiss. & Reut.) Galbany, L. Sáez & Benedí) grown in Italy were analyzed by GC-MS. One hundred seventeen components were identified representing 90.1–98.5% of the total chemical composition, mainly characterized by sesquiterpenes and monoterpene compounds. All the analyzed oils showed a monoterpene content ranging from 7.8% ( H. serotinum subsp. picardii ) to 50.9% ( H. errerae ), while sesquiterpene compounds ranging from 28.5% ( H. errerae ) to 77.9% ( H. archimedeum ). α-pinene (39.6% H. hyblaeum and 32.0% H. errerae , respectively), β-caryophyllene (23.8%, H. panormitanum subsp. panormitanum ), β-selinene (20.8%, H. archimedeum ) and β-eudesmol (19.1%, H. orientalis and 17.2% H. orientale , respectively) were the main constituents. This is the first report on the essential oil composition of H. archimedeum , H. errerae, H. hyblaeum , H. panormitanum subsp. panormitanum , H. serotinum subsp. picardii . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on different essential oil composition paralleling different genotypes, Juniperus deltoides was recently segregated from Juniperus oxycedrus . Despite a clear phytochemical and molecular differentiation, J. deltoides resulted not clearly morphologically discernible from J. oxycedrus , so that it was defined as a cryptospecies. Italy represents the contact zone of their distribution, but the ranges of the two species are not sufficiently known, due to unsatisfactory morphological characterisation. To further complicate the picture, a third closely related species (ecotype), J. macrocarpa , occurs all across the Mediterranean coasts. After a preliminary phytochemical analysis to ascertain the (chemo-)identities of the studied populations, we performed a morphometric investigation to test the degree of morphological distinctiveness among the taxa. According to our analysis, some character (e.g. leaf mucro length, leaf width, seed-cone size and seed size) resulted useful to discriminate these cryptic taxa. Finally, based on these characters, an extensive revision of herbarium specimens allowed us to redefine the distribution pattern of the investigated species in the Central Mediterranean area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile fractions and essential oils from Rhus coriaria fruits collected in four locations in Sicily (Italy) were characterized by GC–FID and GC–MS analysis. Monoterpenes were identified as the main class of constituents in volatiles spontaneously emitted by sumac fruits collected in two of the four sites (42.1–59.9% in ‘CNS’ and ‘CIN’ respectively), while non terpenic compounds predominated in the other two (46.1–52.8% in ‘MR’ and ‘CG’, respectively). The EO composition were characterized by high amount of non terpenic compounds (from 27.5 to 55.1%), followed by sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. p -anisaldehyde was the main constituent both in volatiles emitted by ‘CG’ sample and in its essential oil (28.4 and 20.8%, respectively). The comparison between the EOs obtained from the Sicilian samples differed from the EO obtained from sumac fruits purchased on the Jordanian market, even though a similar composition were evidenced with Turkish samples reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origanum vulgare (oregano) and Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) were traditionally employed as natural remedies for infected wounds and skin injuries where Staphylococcus aureus is mainly involved. The first aim of this study was to investigate oregano and manuka essential oils (EOs) chemical compositions and evaluate their antibacterial activity (MIC, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) against fourteen S. aureus wild strains. The second aim was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of oregano and manuka EOs mixed in different combination (FIC, Fractional Inhibitory Concentration) with an improved chequerboard technique. This allowed to avoid the usual uncertainty in the determination of MIC and FIC values and to obtain a more precise interpretation of FIC indexes (FICIs). Moreover, FICIs were discussed on the basis of a novel interpretation method to evaluate the synergistic/antagonistic effect of EOs mixtures. The most representative compounds in oregano EO were Carvacrol (65.93%), p -Cymene (9.33%) and γ-Terpinene (5.25%), while in manuka EO were Leptospermone (31.65%), cis -Calamenene (15.93%) and Flavesone (6.92%). EOs presented MIC values ranging from 1:2048 to 1:4096 v/v and FIC values ranging from 0.125 to 1. According to our interpretation, a synergistic effect (34.68%), a commutative effect (15.32%) and an indifferent effect (50.00%) and no antagonistic effect were observed. Conversely, according to two previously proposed FICI interpretation models, 1.80% synergistic effect could be observed and, respectively, 98.20% indifferent effect or 48.20% additive effect and 50.00% indifferent effect. As practical results, oregano and manuka EOs may be an effective alternative to chemotherapic drugs in staphylococcal infections and useful tools to enhance food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Helichrysum Miller is a source of many bioactive metabolites commonly used in traditional medicine. In particular, Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt shows activities as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and in the control of anxiety disorder. Biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites is a defense mechanism of plants and it is strictly influenced by the surrounding environmental conditions. In this study, drought was imposed on H. petiolare (HEL008 clone CREA-Sanremo collection) to understand the effect of water stress on the dynamics of plant biomass and secondary metabolites production, and the morphological and physiological mechanisms involved in plant responses. H. petiolare was cultivated for 34 days under three water regimes: 100% of container capacity (CC, control), 50% CC (moderate water stress), and 0% CC (severe water stress). Plant growth traits, leaf water potential, gas exchange parameters, phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity changes were determined twice a week, while the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and essential oils (Eos) at the end of the trial. Severe water stress dramatically reduced aerial and root dry weight, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, leaf water potential, water use efficiency (WUE, A / E ), transpiration rate ( E ), stomatal conductance ( gs ), net photosynthetic rate ( A ) and antioxidant activity. Moderate water stress induced only slight changes and led to an increase of WUE at the end of the experiment. The total amount of VOCs and Eos was not affected by water stress while their quality changed. Moderate water stress increased the main constituents of both VOCs, i.e. the monoterpene hydrocarbons, and Eos, i.e., the oxygenated sesquiterpenes. In conclusion, this H. petiolare cultivation under the applied moderate drought condition could lead to a double benefit i.e., water-saving irrigation practice and high quality metabolite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aroma fingerprints of seven endemic Sardinian populations of Genista species ( Genista bocchierii , Genista arbusensis , Genista cadasonensis , Genista corsica , Genista morisii , Genista pichisermolliana , Genista sulcitana ) were defined for the first time in order to investigate the relationship between their chemotaxonomic classification and discriminating volatiles. It is the first time that the inter-species compositional variations of non-terpenoidic constituents and target volatiles such as linalool, limonene, 2,6-nonadienal, 2-pentylfuran, ( E )-2-(2-pentenyl)-furan, ß -caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide were related by Principal Components Analysis to the actual chemotaxonomic classification of the selected Sardinian Genista species. Although they are not considered marketable aromatic plants, these original results have shown the potential role of volatiles not only as new further important chemotaxonomic markers of Genista species, but also as potential ecological factors in the chemodiversity of some endemic Mediterranean Genista or, more in general, in vegetation changes and reforestation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main constituents of essential oil (EO) of Origanum syriacum L. collected from cultivated and growing wild in Sinai, Egypt were identified and determined by GC–MS. The antimicrobial activity of these essential oils against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains was studied. The antimycotic activity of these EOs was also evaluated against eight fungal strains isolated from different sources. Forty-six compounds were identified in the EO of both samples, dominated by carvacrol in cultivated type. Thymol, γ-terpinene, linalool and 4-terpineol were the most represented constituents in O. syriacum plants collected from wild populations. Both EOs showed antibacterial activity with varying magnitudes, while EO from cultivated O. syriacum showed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibition zone of 32 ± 4.0 mm. Both EOs showed good antifungal activity against all fungal strains. O. syriacum EO from cultivated plants showed the lowest MIC 0.25 mg/L with Aspergillus fumigates clinical strain isolated either with Aspergillus flavus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ten of the most known and used commercial essential oils (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L., Citrus bergamia Risso, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Origanum majorana L., Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Satureja montana L., Thymus vulgaris L. ct. carvacrol, Thymus vulgaris L. ct. thymol) were tested against six bacteria strains Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus xylosus and Escherichia coli, responsible for mastitis in animals. The best results were achieved by S. montana, T. vulgaris ct. thymol and O. vulgare. Two binary mixtures of essential oils (EOs) were prepared of S. montana and T. vulgaris ct. thymol (ST) and of S. montana and O. vulgare (SO). The ST mixture exhibited the best inhibitory activity against all the tested bacterial strains. Two artificial mixtures of carvacrol/thymol (AB) and carvacrol/thymol/p-cymene (CD) were prepared and tested against all of the bacterial strains used. The results exhibited a general reduction of the inhibitory activity of mixture AB, although not reaching the inhibition of the ST and SO mixtures. However the mixture CD presented an apparent strong inhibition against S. aureus and S. sciuri. The EO mixtures and the mixture CD represent promising phytotherapic approaches against bacteria strains responsible for environmental mastitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The EU project Nutra-Snack established an integrated scientific and technological framework to introduce conventional and new biotechnologies into the nutraceutical industry. The purpose was to promote novel ready-to-eat snacks enriched with natural antioxidant/radical-scavenging compounds. Enhancement of valuable compounds production in plant cells and in vitro cultures were achieved by different elicitation strategies, and exhaustive metabolites profiling obtained by high-resolution analytical techniques. Finally, innovative enzyme-based biosensors were developed for food products functional activity and safety properties assessment. This review provides an overview of the technologies selected, integrated and tested in NUTRA-SNACK and recent literature strengthening integrated approaches in modern food process manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six weld genotypes (Reseda luteola L.) were evaluated for their agronomic characteristics in a 4-year field study carried out under rainfed condition in Central Italy in order to point out productive potential and the best harvest time to maximise yield of dye. Good agronomic performances were observed with an overall dry yield of about 40 g per plant and an estimated dry yield per hectare of 2.8 tons. Differences were found among the six accessions and some of them withstanded well to drought conditions experienced in drier growing seasons. The harvest of plants during flowering or during beginning of fruit ripening did not affect overall dry yield (40 and 45 g per plant at flowering and fruit maturity, respectively). The luteolin amount (expressed in mg g−1 dry weight) was affected by climatic conditions as experienced in two different growing seasons (1993 and 1994) and by the plant phenological stages at harvest being luteolin most abundant in the dryest year and in plants harvested during flowering. Genetic variability existed for the luteolin content in leaves plus reproductive structures (inflorescences and fruits) that varied from 13.6 to 28.7 mg g−1 dry weight in the six accessions tested in 1994. The dry powder from leaves and reproductive structures was used in the dyeing of cotton, wool and silk yarns. Good and bright yellow colours were observed using a ratio 30:100 (weight/weight) of weld on the textile materials. Separated weld organs showed different dyeing capacities being the leaves, inflorescences and fruits the most effective ones. Weld showed a progressive decrease in resistance to fading going from cotton, to the other kind of yarns. Finally, all dyed specimens exhibited good resistance to light and wash fastness making the use of weld a viable alternative to synthetic yellow dyes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• For a greener agriculture, exploiting crop residues is of the utmost importance. • Hemp produced for seed and fibre is a multi-purpose crop, whose flowers are discarded. • A blend of flowers from 2 industrial hemp cultivars was used to produce artisanal beer and liqueur. • The balsamic enrichment of the beer headspace did not alter the overall beer-flavour. • The liqueur retained more hemp-derived compounds in its aroma bouquet. Cannabis sativa L. is a multi-purpose crop, traditionally used for fibre and seed production, whose cultivation is permitted in Europe for varieties complying with the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol 0.2% threshold. To face the need for a more sustainable agriculture system, the circularization of the crop industries is of the utmost importance. For hemp, the present study proposes the use of flowers, normally regarded to as crop residues, as further exploitable by-products. A French, 'Futura 75', and a Ukrainian, 'Uso 31', cultivar flowers were used for the extraction of the essential oil (EO) and as flavouring agents of two artisanal alcoholic beverages (a beer and a liqueur). The compositions of the EOs and the beverage headspaces were characterized by GC–MS, then subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. The enrichment of the flavour bouquet was more evident for the liqueur, which retained more hemp-derived compounds. The beer maintained its volatile aroma compounds profile, slightly enriched with more balsamic notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myrtle-leaved orange, or chinotto, is a Chinese lesser-known citrus, nowadays cultivated in all the Mediterranean area of Italy. Its fruits are traditionally used in the confectionary and beverage industries: the former mainly uses the unripe fruits, while the juice of the ripe ones is the core ingredient of the well-known Italian soft drink "Chinotto". In the present work, the compositions of several accessions of chinotto fruit peel essential oils (EOs) have been analysed by GC-MS: in particular, i) fresh specimens from Savona (Liguria, Italy) at different ripening stages, as well as a dried ripe one; ii) two accessions from Pisa (Tuscany, Italy), of which one native and one transplanted from Savona. A comparison of the analysed samples with literature reported EO compositions has been performed by means of multivariate statistical analysis. The aim was to assess the influence of both the ripening stage and the geographical area of collection on the EO, assessing which factor influenced it the most. The ripening stage influence on the EO composition was found to be less significant compared to the geographical area of growth of the specimens. The statistical analyses, indeed, evidenced a proximity in the compositions obtained from the different ripening stages, whereas greater differences were evidenced for samples at the same ripening phase, but coming from different regions. Image 1 • The influence of provenience and ripening on Chinotto EO composition was evaluated. • The results were compared to published studies to broaden the sampling population. • Analytical methods and chemometrics were coupled to evidence existing patterns. • The most influencing parameter was the geographical area of origin of the specimen. • The ripening stage was less impacting on the EO compositions from the same area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile components emitted from different organs of Viburnum tinus L., collected during various developmental stages, were analysed by solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and identified by GC-MS. More than 90% of the identified fraction was represented by non-terpenes in both young and adult leaves (94.2% and 94.3%, respectively), as well as in fruits of different ages: unripe and ripe (red and black) (93.1%, 90.6% and 90.9%, respectively). This latter class was also the predominant one in Viburnum crushed fruits (pericarp and seeds), even though with low amount (67.0%). (Z)-3-hexanol acetate was the main compound in all the leaf samples and red fruits, while apiol (40.9%) was the most abundant in unripe fruits and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol (52.8%) in black ripe fruits. On the contrary, the crushed fruits were characterized by decanal (12.0%) and n -hexanol (8.2%). Bud and flower emissions highlighted a good percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes (80.0% and 75.0%, respectively) mainly represented by (E)-β-ocimene (76.5% and 72.1%, respectively). The stem composition was characterized by non-terpenes (34.6%) followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (29.0%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (17.6%). Image 1 • Aroma profile from shoot system of laurustinus. • Monoterpene compounds characterized the volatile composition of flowers. • Increase of alcohol percentage with ripening in each leaf and fruit samples. • Total ester percentages decreased with ripening both in leaves and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative therapies with new drugs are needed because the clinical efficacy of conventional chemotherapy is often reduced due to collateral effects. Many natural products of plant origin, including essential oils (EOs) have proved to be effective in prevention and therapy of several diseases such as bacterial infections, chronic diseases and cancer. In the present study, we investigated some biological activities of EOs extracted from seven plants: Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia somalensis, Thymus vulgaris, Achillea millefolium, Helichrysum italicum, Pistacia lentiscus, Myrtus communis. In particular, we evaluated the cytotoxic and genotoxic activity using the cytochalasin B-blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN) in human peripheral lymphocytes, cytotoxicity in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line (A2780), and the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity using a yeast strain expressing the human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Our results show that most EOs can have a strong cytotoxic and a slight/moderate genotoxic effect on human peripheral lymphocytes, and also a pronounced cytotoxic effect in A2780 cells. In addition, some EOs seem to have a marked antiestrogenic activity that could potentially perturb the estrogen-dependent tissues. • Evaluation of cyto-genotoxic and anti-estrogenic activity of seven essential oils. • EOs analyzed are moderately genotoxic on human peripheral lymphocytes. • Some EOs induce cytotoxicity on peripheral lymphocytes and A2780 human cell line. • Some EOs interact with the human ERα resulting in a marked antiestrogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptogenic (or doubtfully native) species could have relevant implications in biogeography and in nature conservation. Bupleurum fruticosum is native in Sicily, Sardinia, and Liguria, whereas the single Tuscan population is considered cryptogenic. Given its pharmacological activity, several studies investigated the essential oil composition of this species, but an analysis of geographic pattern of the chemical composition was never performed. In the present study, the essential oil composition of the Tuscan population was investigated for the first time, and a comparison with other populations from literature was performed in order to provide useful data to disentangle its cryptogenic status. Our results highlight a major similarity of plants from Tuscany with geographically distant populations from Portugal and France, whereas other Italian populations show a very different chemical composition. These results do not support a native status of Tuscan population, suggesting an ancient human introduction. Our analysis also revealed a high percentage of (Z)-β-ocimene in stems of plants from Tuscany. • α-pinene and β-pinene are the two most abundant compounds in the Tuscan population of Bupleurum fruticosum. • Essential oils profile of Tuscan population of Bupleurum fruticosum is very different from those of geographically closer populations. • Results do not support a native origin of Bupleurum fruticosum in Tuscany. • The importance to specify sampling season and the sampled organs in comparative phytochemical studies (chemosystematics) is stressed. • The importance to specify season and the sampled organs in comparative phytochemical studies (chemosystematics) is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nemo's Garden® underwater biospheres are a green, alternative agriculture system. • Underwater basil did not show micromorphological changes of the leaf indumentum. • Relevant differences were detected in the essential oil and head space compositions. • More photosynthetic pigments and polyphenols were produced in the underwater plants. • Basil seems well adapted: studies on other species are needed to evaluate a scale-up. The need for alternative cultivation methods is urgent for regions of the world where cultivable land is scarce: underwater areas are unexploited and vast. Nemo's Garden® Project aims at creating a green and alternative agriculture system: its biospheres are underwater greenhouses, developed for areas where plants growth is difficult in terrestrial conditions, due to climate change. Basil was chosen as model plant to study its phytochemical, physiological, and micromorphological parameters, in comparison with the same plants grown in terrestrial conditions in the Sanremo Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (CREA-Centro di Ricerca Orticoltura e Florovivaismo) greenhouse. While the micromorphological analyses showed no detectable differences between control and biospheres samples, the phytochemical investigations evidenced a switch of the essential oil chemotype from methyl eugenol/linalool to methyl eugenol, respectively. The headspaces were also different: sesquiterpenes dominated the biospheres samples, whereas oxygenated monoterpenes accounted for half the control sample emission. Differences also emerged in the physiological investigation: total chlorophyll, total carotenoids and total polyphenols were present in higher amounts in the biospheres samples, with a 31.52% and 13.3% increase in the antioxidant activity and polyphenols content, respectively. Basil was well adapted in the biosphere environment, whose influence should be studied in different species to assess the viability of an industrial scale-up of the Nemo's Garden®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]