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Abstract: The compositions of the essential oils of three Jordanian Salvia species, S. lanigera and S. spinosa from a desert climate, and S. syriaca from a Mediterranean habitat, were studied. All three oils are rich in monoterpene derivatives (68–73%). S. lanigera and S. spinosa showed a very high content of thymol, 54.9% and 68.9%, respectively. The main constituents of S. syriaca were thymol, α-pinene and isobornyl acetate (15.5%, 12.6% and 12.0%, respectively). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The essential oils and the volatiles emitted in vivo by flowers, leaves and bracts of Lamium purpureum, L. hybridum, L. bifidum, L. amplexicaule (Lamiaceae) were analyzed by GC-MS and SPME, respectively. All the essential oils were characterized by their high contents of germacrene D. In L. purpureum (35.4%), L. hybridum (39.0%) and L. bifidum (34.9%), it was the main compound, while in L. amplexicaule (28.9%), the main constituent was trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (41.1%). The SPME analyses showed a pattern typical of volatiles for both the different species and the single plant parts analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of the Turkish endemism Stachys aleurites (Lamiaceae) has been studied. The main constituents were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons: β-caryophyllene (33.7%), bicyclogermacrene (14.5%) and germacrene D (9.6%). The main monoterpene was α-pinene (8.4%). Some chemotaxonomical considerations have been provided. [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]

A new acylated quercetin glycoside, quercetin 3-O-(2-t-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), together with the known 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactic acid (2) were isolated from Ranunculus lanuginosus leaves and identified on the basis of detailed spectral analysis, including 2D-NMR spectrometry and ESI-MS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Turkish endemic species Centaurea isaurica (Asteraceae) has been studied for the first time to afford 10 known compounds. Identification by mean of spectroscopic techniques revealed the presence of β-sitosterol 3-glucoside, protocatechuic acid, scopoletin, chlorogenic acid, jacein, centaurein, kaempferol-3-glucoside, quercetin 3-glucoside, arctiin and janerin. Its taxonomical classification is still uncertain being placed either in the Section Pseudoseridia or Cheirolepis. The secondary metabolites isolated in this investigation, janerin in particular, seem to suggest its placement in Section Pseudoseridia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The composition of the essential oils of leaves and fruits of Myrtus communis from Italy has been studied. Differences between plants collected in different habitats have been educed. The main diversities in the composition of the essential oils of the leaves between the two habitats centered on α-pinene and limonene, which were identified in greater amounts in plants living on calcareous soil, while linalool, linalyl acetate and trans-myrtanol acetate were detected in higher percentages on siliceous soil. Furthermore, the different olfactory perceptions noted for plants growing in the two habitats were clarified by mean of SPME. Among the volatiles emitted in vivo by the plants, the percentages of α-pinene, limonene and 1,8-cineole were considerably lower in the leaves of plants growing on siliceous soil than to those emitted by the leaves of plants from calcareous soil. On the other hand, β-caryophyllene duplicated its percentage and β-elemene passed from 0 to 17.2% in plant growing on calcareous soil. Also the volatiles emitted in vivo by the fruits showed very similar patterns. In all the samples, trans-myrtanol acetate has been identified for the first time as a natural constituent of an essential oil of Myrtus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bioassay-guided fractionation by 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test of polar extracts of some Italian Aconitum species (A. napellus subsp. tauricum, A. napellus subsp. neomontanum, A. paniculatum, A. vulparia) led to the isolation of 13 flavonol glycosides: quercetin 3-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-β-(2″-acetyl)galactopyranoside (8), kaempferol 3-O-β-(2″-acetyl)galactopyranoside-7-O-α-arabinopyranoside (9), quercetin 3-O-β-(2″-acetyl)galactopyranoside-7-O-α-arabinopyranoside (10), quercetin 3,7-di-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (11), kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (12) and quercetin 3-O-β-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (13). Their antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by measuring free radical scavenging activity by DPPH test and the coupled oxidation of β-carotene and linoleic acid assay. The results showed that 5 is the most active compound in the DPPH free-radical scavenging test (IC50 1.9 μM) while in the coupled oxidation of β-carotene and linoleic acid assay compound 1 has the highest inhibitory ratio after 1 h (58.9%). Some structure–activity relationships on the AA were obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

From the aerial parts of Centaurea horrida Bad. (Asteraceae) 25 compounds (two pentacyclic triterpenes, one sterol glucoside, five quinic acid derivatives, one phenolic acid, and 16 flavonoids) were isolated and characterized. The evolutionary meaning of the isolated flavonoids is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Twenty new pregnane glycosides were isolated from the whole plant of Caralluma negevensis. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D-(1H, 13C, 13C DEPT, TOCSY, ROESY) and 2D-NMR experiments (DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, HOHAHA) as well as ESI-MS analysis. Pregnane glycosides were tested for their cytotoxic and genotoxic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new kaurane diterpene dimer, 15-oxozoapatlin-13α-yl-10′α,16′α-dihydroxy-9′α-methyl-20′-nor-kauran-19′-oic acid γ-lactone-17′-oate (1), together with the known 13-hydroxy-15-oxozoapatlin (2), 10α,13α,16α,17-tetrahydroxy-9α-methyl-15-oxo-20-nor-kauran-19-oic acid γ-lactone (3), 2α,10α,13α,16α,17-pentahydroxy-9α-methyl-15-oxo-20-nor-kauran-19-oic acid (19,10)-lactone (4), 3α,10α,13α,16α,17-pentahydroxy-9α-methyl-15-oxo-20-nor-kauran-19-oic acid γ-lactone (5), and 1β,16α,17-trihydroxy-ent-kaurane (6) were isolated from the leaves of Parinari campestris and identified on the basis of detailed spectral analysis, including 2D NMR spectrometry and ESI-MS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Twenty-seven new pregnane glycosides were isolated from the whole plant of Caralluma dalzielii, and their structures elucidated from extensive 2D NMR analysis as well as ESI-MS experiments. All isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity on J774.A1, HEK-293, and WEHI-164 cell lines. Moderate to high potency of cytotoxicities were found in almost all tested compounds, confirming the significant cytotoxic activity of pregnane glycosides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content of flowers, leaves, and roots of Anchusa strigosa (Boraginaceae) was analysed by ESI–LC–MS. Six PAs, including two new natural compounds, were detected, characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and quantified in each plant organ. The results indicated that the highest total concentration of PAs was in the leaves (23.63mg/g of dried part), followed by the flowers (19.77mg/g), and finally by the roots (1.80mg/g). All PAs isolated were subjected to Spodoptera exigua and Pieris brassicae larvae. Feeding activity by both herbivore species using a bioassay was inhibited up to circa 75% depending on PA and applied concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The essential oils of three species of Phlomis from Turkey, Phlomis leucophracta, Phlomis chimerae and Phlomis grandiflora var. grandiflora have been studied. The main constituents of P. leucophracta essential oil were β-caryophyllene (20.2%), α-pinene (19.2%) and limonene (11.0%). This species also contained three diterpene derivatives, 15-isopimaradiene, manoyl oxide and epi-13-manoyl oxide that summed 1.4%. In P. chimerae the principal compounds were β-caryophyllene (31.6%), α-pinene (11.0%), germacrene D (6.1%), limonene (5.5%) and linalool (4.7%). In P. grandiflora var. grandiflora, germacrene D (45.4%), β-caryophyllene (22.8%) and bicyclogermacrene (4.9%) were among the principal derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chemical composition of volatile fraction, fixed oil and tegumental waxes of the seeds of two Helianthus annuus L. cultivars (Carlos and Florom 350) were examined by GC and GC–MS. Many qualitative and/or quantitative differences were observed. α-Pinene, cis-verbenol and β-gurjunene were in both the main volatiles but with significant quantitative differences; moreover, Florom oil was characterized by a greater variety of constituents. The fixed oil and the waxes composition showed a general qualitative homogeneity, for both cultivars, even though marked quantitative differences were observable. The data obtained could be useful for the correct identification of the cultivars. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four phenylpropanoids, forsythoside B 1, lysionotoside 2, verbascoside 3, betonyoside F 4, an iridoid, verminoside 5, seven flavonoids, compounds 6–12, and two betaine derivatives 13 and 14 were isolated from the aerial parts of Ballota undulata. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by high resolution NMR and ESI-MS. The antioxidant activity of all compounds was determined by measuring free radical scavenging activity by TEAC test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The seasonal variations of the composition of the essential oil of Artemisia verlotiorum leaves have been analyzed by ion-trap GC-EIMS and GC-CIMS. Twelve samples have been collected, one for each month of the year. The main components identified were: 1,8-cineole, germacrene D, β-thujone, β-caryophyllene, borneol, camphor, and myrcene. Qualitative and quantitative have been observed for some compounds. With the exception of November, 1,8-cineole was the main component of the essential oil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The methanolic extract of leaves of Michelia figo Spreng. (Magnoliaceae), as well as several purified fractions, showed a concentration-dependent vasorelaxing effect on aortic rings endothelium-deprived and pre-contracted by norepinephrine (NE). For further pharmacological investigation on the mechanism of action, the fraction S4 was selected, since it showed the best vasodilator properties.The pharmacological effect was not produced through the stimulation of cyclooxygenase, adenyl cyclase, or guanylyl cyclase, since selective inhibitors did not prevent the fraction S4-induced effects. Moreover, the vasorelaxing effect of the fraction was resistant to the block of nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels.The fraction S4 (10−4 g/ml) produced a shift towards the right of the concentration–contractile response curve to NE, in normal conditions, and the shift was more evident in Ca2+-free Tyrode solution, suggesting an action on intracellular Ca2+-channels.The vasodilator action of fraction S4 on NE pre-contracted rings was not prevented by cyclopiazonic acid (blocker of Ca2+/ATPase), which excludes a role for mechanisms involving the storage of Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.The reduction of the contraction elicited by caffeine, an opener of ryanodine-sensitive receptors, suggests that the fraction S4 of Michelia figo leaves could produce the vasorelaxing response by the blockade of ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The essential oils of two endemic Centaurea species from Turkey, C. mucronifera and C. chrysantha, collected in the same habitat, have been studied. The main compounds of the former were germacrene D (29.3%), β-eudesmol (17.4%) and β-caryophyllene (7.3%), while in the latter germacrene D (27.4%), caryophyllene oxide (9.5%) and bicyclogermacrene (5.4%) were detected among its major constituents. The two species produced many similar compounds in their essential oils that could be justified by the similar ecological conditions of their habitat, but also many differences were found that could confirm their taxonomic separation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two new megastigmane glycosides (1 and 2) and two new flavone glycosides (3 and 4) were isolated from the methanol extract of the whole plant of Caralluma negevensis Zohary (Asclepiadaceae). The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized as (9R)-2β,9-dihydroxymegastigma-4,7-dien-3-one-9-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), 2β,9-dihydroxymegastigma-4-en-3-one 9-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), luteolin 3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside-4′-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), and luteolin 3′,4′-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4). The structures of the isolated compounds were established on the basis of spectral evidence and chemical transformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The RAPD technique and phytochemical analysis, based on the investigation of flavonoid composition, were used to study Aconitum vulparia, A. paniculatum, A. napellus subsp. tauricum (from two different localities), and A. napellus subsp. neomontanum.Twenty primers were screened for the genetic analysis and 14 were selected providing 51 polymorphic bands. The phenogram based on UPGMA clustering of Jaccard coefficient revealed a clear division between yellowish and blue Aconitum plants and inside this second group A. paniculatum is clearly separated from all populations belonging to A. napellus group. Also the flavonoid profile well characterise all species and subspecies under study. [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]

Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) is a plant principally used in the traditional medicine of oriental Marocco as antihypertensive remedy (J. Ethnopharmacol., 58 (1997), 45). The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible direct cardiovascular action of the plant and to investigate its mechanism of action. In aortic preparations with intact and functional endothelial layer, pre-contracted with KCl 20 mM or norepinephrine 3 μM, the crude aqueous and methanolic extracts of the plant roots, as well as purified fractions elicited a vasodilator action. Nevertheless, the vasodilator activity was not present in aortic rings without endothelial layer. In aortic rings with intact endothelial layer, the vasorelaxing effect was abolished by L-NAME, a NO-biosynthesis inhibitor, and ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. Furthermore, potassium channel blockers (TEA, 4-aminopyridine, quinine, but not glybenclamide) antagonized the vasodilator action of the purified fraction F1W of U. dioica. The same fraction produced a marked decrease of inotropic activity, in spontanoeusly beating atria of guinea-pig, and a marked, but transient, hypotensive activity on the blood pressure of anaesthetized rats. It is concluded that U. dioica can produce hypotensive responses, through a vasorelaxing effect mediated by the release of endothelial nitric oxide and the opening of potassium channels, and through a negative inotropic action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gentiana kokiana Perr. et Song. is a plant employed in the traditional medicine of Tuscany (Italy) as antihypertensive remedy. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible vascular action of the plant and to investigate its mechanism of action. The methanolic extract of roots showed an endothelium-independent vasodilator activity in aortic rings pre-contracted by norepinephrine (NE) 3 μM and a marked depression of the contracturant responses induced by KCl and caffeine, and by NE, both in Tyrode solution and Ca2+-free Tyrode solution. An action on the Ca2+-extracellular influx was discarded, while release or uptake mechanisms of the sarcoplasmic reticulum were hypothesized. However, the incapacity of cyclopiazonic acid (20 μM), a blocker of Ca2+/ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, to reduce the vasodilator action of the extract allowed to exclude the involvement of such a mechanism. A possible involvement of the ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels is suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The extracts of four rare plants found on the islands of Sicily, Vulcano and Marettimo, Southern Italy, were screened for their inhibitory effect on the production of leukotriene B4 by 5-lipoxygenase in intact cells. The methanol extracts of pods of Cytisus aeolicus and aerial parts of Thymus richardii were the most active extracts, inhibiting almost completely the leukotriene B4 production at 200 and 50 μg/ml, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The essential oils obtained from fifteen relevant and commonly used plants belonging to Cruciferae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Apiaceae, and Zingiberaceae were screened using an in vitro model of peroxynitrite-induced tyrosine nitration. Almost complete inhibition of 3-nitrotyrosine formation (91% at 300 μg/ml) was achieved only with the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Laurus nobilis. 1,8-Cineol, accounting for a 50% of this essential oil, which resulted as inactive in this model, thus evidencing a major role for the minor volatile compounds present in the leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In our screening program for antioxidants with DPPH radical scavenging activity we tested several flavonoids isolated from the leaves of Licania licaniaeflora (Chrysobalanaceae family) and identified by spectroscopic evidence, particularly with 1H and 13C NMR. All the isolated compounds exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity: quercetin derivatives showed the strongest action, while the flavanone 8-hydroxy-naringenin and kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside had the lowest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]