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Ravenia spectabilis Engl. belongs to the family Rutaceae is known to possess several biologically active phytomolecules. This study was planned to investigate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the leaf essential oil of R. spectabilis. The hydrodistillation of fresh leaves of R. spectabilis gave 0.19 ± 0.02% essential oil. The resulting essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Altogether, thirty-one constituents forming 97.6 ± 1.72% of the total oil composition were identified. Major components of the oil were sabinene (60.8 ± 0.36%), α-pinene (5.4 ± 0.30%), myrcene (4.8 ± 0.25%), δ-3-carene (4.7 ± 0.62%) and β-pinene (4.3 ± 0.17%). The in-vitro antimicrobial potential of the oil was examined against eight human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. The essential oil showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and Candida kefyr. This is the first report on R. spectabilis leaf essential oil composition and its antimicrobial activity. The essential oil could be a promising natural source of sabinene and antimicrobial for developing new phytotherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia pallens Wall. ex DC, commonly known as davana, is cultivated in India for extraction of its essential oil (DO). In this study, DO collected from thirteen locations (DO1-DO13) and those extracted from six different phenophases and different plant parts were investigated using GC-FID and GC-MS. Altogether, 84 constituents were identified, forming 81.0–96.2% of the total oil composition. Major components of the oils were cis-davanone (17.4–65.1%), bicyclogermacrene (4.0–22.0%), cis-methyl jasmonate (0.4–8.5%), β-eudesmol (0.3–6.6%), davana ether isomer (0.5–6.1%), trans-ethyl cinnamate (1.4–6.1%), and germacrene D (0.1–4.7%). Among all tested oils, the DO10, having low cis-davanone content (27.5%), was found more potent against test microorganisms. The oils collected from different locations showed variations in their physical properties, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity. Based on the yield and cis-davanone content, the flower bud and full-flowering stages could be suitable for harvesting good quality oil in north Indian plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop elite mutant in Mentha piperita having morphotype and oil content of Mentha arvensis, and oil quality of M. piperita. The dormant runner of menthol rich genotype MPK-5 were subjected to different doses of γ- irradiation (10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 Gy) at a dose rate of 55 Gy/min to induce the genetic variability for herb and oil yield as well as oil quality. A wide spectrum of variability for agro-morphological traits, herb yield, and quality profile was observed among the mutants. The developed and selected superior mutants viz. MPK-5(1) and MPK-5(3) have a mean herb yield potential of 23.923 and 21.503 Kg/9 m2; mean oil yield of 92.953 and 80.047 ml/plot; mean menthol content of 69.012% and 69.160% with mean menthofuran content of 1.554% and 0.531%, respectively. Mutational breeding through γ- irradiation is considered complementary to the conventional breeding method, to broaden the spectrum of genetic variability. The developed and selected mutants namely viz. MPK-5(1) and MPK-5(3) identified as promising mutants, based on herb yield, oil yield, and essential oil quality, could be used as a parental line for exploitation in hybridization program/recombinant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of the senescent leaves of Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae). The hydrodistilled essential oil of the leaves was analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was assessed against human and plant pathogenic microorganisms by disc diffusion, microdilution broth and poison food techniques. A total of forty-six constituents, representing 90.9% of the total oil composition were identified. Major constituents of the oil were limonene (29.1%), (E)-caryophyllene (15.7%), caryophyllene oxide (8.8%), caryophylla-4(12),8(13)-dien-5-ol (6.5%), (E)-nerolidol (4.0%), α-cadinol (3.4%), and muurola-4,10(14)-dien-1-β-ol (2.5%). The chemical composition of the examined essential oil was quite different from those reported earlier. The essential oil showed significant inhibition of human pathogenic bacteria (MIC: 0.065–0.261 mg/mL) and plant pathogenic fungi, namely Curvularia lunata (86.02%) and Fusarium chlamydosporum (82.80%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation deals with the genetic divergence, correlation, and path coefficient study for the six characters among sixty-two accessions of Ammi visnaga L. grown during two consecutive years, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, in India. Morphological variability was detected for stem and umbel color from center reddish to pink during vegetative growth. In this study, high genetic co-variance (GCV) and high heritability with maximum genetic advance (GA), and high mean percentage were noticed for biological yield and harvest index and seed yield. These auspicious traits would possibly be governed by additive gene effects, which could help select the best genotypes using an appropriate breeding strategy for crop improvement. The highest positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient was recorded for the number of umbels correlated between biological yields and seed yield. On the other hand, the path coefficient study revealed that the harvest index has the maximum direct contribution followed by biological yield, number of primary branches, and umbels on the seed yield. Results clearly showed variation in important economic traits could facilitate selection for further genetic improvement in A. visnaga genotypes. In this study, several unique accessions were identified that might be exciting genotypes for the genetic modification of the different morphometric characters in the hybridization program. The accession no. AV-45 was having the highest carotol (66.1 %), followed by AV-7 carotol (66.0 %). Therefore, these accessions can be further exploited for commercial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity, bactericidal mechanism of action, killing kinetics and anti-inflammatory activity of Isodon melissoides (Benth.) H. Hara essential oil. The gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of carvacrol (45.4%), p-cymene (11.6%) and thymol (11.3%) as major constituents of the oil. The oil displayed broad spectrum significant antibacterial activity (MIC: 0.13–8.33 ppm; MBC: 0.13–>33.34 ppm) against test strains. The oil exhibited a time and dose-dependent bactericidal effect. The oil disrupted the cell membrane by changing the cell membrane permeability. The essential oil significantly decreased the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced inflammation in HaCaT cells without any cytotoxic effect. I. melissoides essential oil can be a promising alternative antimicrobial agent for the control of methicillin resistant staphylococci and other pathogenic bacteria tested, and also useful for the topical anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, antimicrobial activity of the essential oil (EO) and extracts of Himalayan-thyme (Thymus linearis Benth.) was evaluated against nine pathogenic microbial strains using disc diffusion and microdilution broth assays. The chemical composition of the EO was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The molecular mechanism of action of the EO was investigated against three pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis) and three fungal strains (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis) using the assays of protein leakage, and DNA and RNA leakage through the membrane. Major components of the EO were thymol (54.9%), γ-terpinene (16.6%) and p- cymene (5.2%). The EO showed broad-spectrum potent antibacterial and antifungal activity (MIC 240–990 µg/mL) against test strains. The EO damaged cell membranes and altered cell membrane permeability of test microorganisms. The EO showed a time- and dose-dependent bactericidal and fungicidal effect. It could act as a promising antimicrobial agent due to its short killing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W. Watson, commonly known as lemongrass, is a member of Cymbopogon genus renowned for their highly prized essential oils for flavor and fragrance industries. A field experiment was conducted to standardize the postharvest storage practices for a prevalent high oil yielding cultivar 'Krishna' of lemongrass during 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 under open field, shade, and ventilated room; up to 10 days after harvest. Results revealed significantly higher essential oil content (1.14%) for freshly distilled herb as compared to stored herbs under different condition.The highest geranial and neral ratio (1.45 to 1.58) recorded in essential oil i.e. distilled at first day of harvest (T1) as compared to 1.37 to 1.44 in essential oil i.e. distilled at 10th day of harvest (T10). In conclusion, C flexuosus should preferably be distilled as fresh i.e. same day of harvest for higher yield of quality essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils extracted from the leaves, inflorescence, whole aerial-parts and root of patchouli [Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.] were analyzed and compared using GC-FID and GC-MS. Altogether thirty-four constituents, representing 86.9–97.7% of the total oil compositions, were identified. Major constituents of the oils of aerial-parts (leaves, inflorescence and whole aerial-parts) were patchouli alcohol (42.2–57.7%), α-bulnesene (9.0–15.2%), α-guaiene (6.4–17.9%), seychellene (3.4–6.9%), pogostol (0.3–5.0%) and (E)-caryophyllene (2.1–3.6%). However, the root oil was characterized by higher amount of pogostone (70.2%), norpatchoulenol (5.3%) and β-pinene (4.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was framed to assess the essential oil yield and quality of four varieties of palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats. var. motia Burk, viz. Trishna, Tripta, PRC-1 and CIMAP-Harsh under the salt affected soil with intervention of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The essential oil yield (7.04-12.70 g kg-1 fresh biomass) and geraniol yield (5.71-10.56 g kg-1 fresh biomass) were significantly affected by the variety, soil type and AMF inoculation. Altogether, twenty-eight constituents, representing 96.90-99.43% of the total oil compositions were identified using Gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionisation detection and GC-mass spectrometry techniques. Major constituents of the oils of different varieties were geraniol (76.73-83.28%), geranyl acetate (6.60-13.06%), linalool (0.90-3.00%), (2E,6Z)-farnesol (0.80-3.00%), geranial (0.30-2.03%), myrcene (0.54-2.00%), (E)-β-ocimene (0.43-1.95%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.30-1.30%) and geranyl hexanoate (0.31-1.20%). Significantly higher essential oil and geraniol yields were observed in var. Tripta due to AMF intervention (Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus aggregatum). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comminution and distillation time are two important factors, which affect the essential oil yield and/or composition of aromatic plants significantly. To find out the suitable comminution process and optimum distillation time for isolation of essential oil fromAcorus calamusL., an experiment was conducted. The comminuted rhizomes (sliced and powdered) were hydrodistilled for different durations and their yields and compositions were compared. Distillation of uncomminuted rhizome for 8 hours gave 2.37% of essential oil. However, in comminuted rhizomes, yield varied from 2.27 to 6.60% under different distillation durations. The resulting essential oils were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. Twenty-seven constituents, representing 94.7–97.2% of the total oil compositions were identified. Major constituents of the oils were (Z)-asarone (84.8–91.2%), and (E)-asarone (2.5–5.2%). The comminution and distillation time showed noteworthy effect on the essential oil yield; however, they showed no major change on the essential oil composition ofA. calamus. It was concluded that powdering of dried rhizomes and effecting distillation for 4 hours are appropriate parameters for extracting maximum essential oil fromA. calamusat laboratory scale.ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHERCopyright of Journal of Essential Oil Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find out the influence of harvesting height on essential oil yield and composition, threeOcimumspecies viz.O. basilicumL.,O. kilimandscharicumGuerke andO. tenuiflorumL., were harvested at different heights in foothills agroclimatic conditions of north India. Three cut heights viz. top 1/3rd; top 2/3rd and whole plant were carried for the experiment in respective species and their chemotypes. The essential oil yield was reported to be higher in top 1/3rd harvested part of studiedOcimumspp. Altogether, 86 constituents, representing 89.2 - 99.9 % of the essential oil composition were identified by GC(RI) and GC-MS. Monoterpenoids (4.4 -90.4 %) and phenylpropanoids (61.4 -88.9 %) were the major class of constituents distributed in studiedOcimumspp. Significant variations in essential oil yield and composition, in terms of the content of marker constituents, were observed due to different harvesting heights in studiedOcimumspp. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of combined use of farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers on biomass and essential oil yields, chemical and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen of soil grown with peppermint (Mentha piperita) in a hilly region, Bageshwar, India. Combined application of both farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers increased the biomass and oil yields of peppermint compared to sole inorganic fertilizers treatments. The treatments receiving both farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizers improved the soil organic carbon and total N from initial value of 3.9 to 7.0 g kg-1soil and 0.27 to 0.58 g kg-1soil, respectively. A significant improvement has been noticed in soil respiration, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen compared to inorganic fertilizer alone. Moreover, different proportions of inorganic fertilizers with farm yard manure had significant variation on available major soil nutrients. A significant correlation coefficient (r= 0.41* to 0.98**) was observed between yields and soil properties. The quality of essential oil was good and acceptable for the market. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Essential oils isolated fromArtemisia gmeliniiWeb. ex Stechm,Artemisia roxburghianaBess. var.purpurascens(Jacq.) Hook andArtemisia maritimaL. were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).Artemisia gmelinii,A. roxburghianaandA. maritimayielded 1.43%, 0.77–0.90% and 1.67% essential oil, respectively. In all, ninety-two constituents, representing 95.6–99.1% of the total oil compositions of differentArtemisiaspp., were identified. Major constituents ofA. gmeliniioil were artemisia ketone (40.7%),cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (21.3%), 1,8-cineole (11.0%) and pinocarvone (8.9%). The oil ofA. roxburghianacontained borneol (2.1–18.5%), α-thujone (0.2–13.1%), artemisia alcohol (5.2–11.6%), β-eudesmol (5.0–11.6%), eucarvone (2.0–8.9%), caryophyllene oxide (3.5–8.8%), 1,8-cineole (3.2–8.1%),cis-sabinene hydrate (4.5–7.1%),cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (0.2–5.4%) and terpinen-4-ol (2.2–5.2%) as main constituents. However, the oil ofA. maritimawas rich in thujones (α-thujone 72.1%, β-thujone 8.4%). The oils of the investigatedArtemisiaspp. showed considerable variations in their chemical compositions compared with earlier reports. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Vermicompost (VC) produced from distillation waste of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), farmyard manure (FYM) produced from animal excreta mixed with pine needle (Pinussp.), and biofertilzer (Azotobacter) were utilized for this experiment. The plant growth attributes, biomass, and oil yield of geranium were significantly increased with integrated nutrient supply, and maximum increase was found in T8treatments (N100P60K60+ 5t VC). Soil organic carbon (Corg) significantly increased by 4.2% to 81.8% in T4and T8treatments, respectively, over the control. Data obtained on total nitrogen (Nt) and available N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) clearly showed that the integrated nutrient supply considerably improved the soil health and sustainability. The soil respiration and microbial biomass C (Cmic) and N (Nmic) were increased by the manures according to the application rate. The Cmicaccounted for 1.8 to 2.7% of the soil Corgcontent and microbial N accounted for 3.9 to 5.8 % of Ntunder different treatment combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survey and collection was done during the year 2005 and 2006 to collect accessions and domesticate at experimental farm at Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Centre, Purara. A field experiment was conducted during 2005-2009 to evaluate the 18 accessions of Indian Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) collected from western Himalaya region of Uttarakhand. All the accessions collected were screened for herb yield and essential oil yield. The highest herb yield was recorded in 'OV7' (926.40 gm) followed by 'OV4' and 'OV9' with 671.40 and 635.00 gm, respectively. The essential oil yield was found to be highest in accession 'OV7' (1.83 ml). The 'OV4' accession dominated by thymol as the major compound yielded 1.40 ml followed by 'OV9' with carvacrol as major compound yielding 1.26 ml. The result of the experiment evaluated accession 'OV7' for high herb and essential oil yield. While accessions 'OV4' and 'OV9' can be domesticated as high thymol and carvacrol rich lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the process of distillation, the hydrophilic part of the essential oil dissolves in the aqueous distillate that is generally considered waste and discarded. The decanted (main essential oil) and hydrophilic (recovered essential oil) fractions of peppermint (Mentha piperita cv Kukrail) and spearmint (Mentha spicata cv MSS-5) essential oils were investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The decanted essential oils of spearmint and peppermint were richer in monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons compared to the recovered essential oils. In peppermint, oxygenated monoterpenes (82.85-85.59%), especially alcohols, were higher in recovered essential oil (58.22%) than decanted essential oil (41.03%). Similarly, in spearmint, the percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes was higher in recovered essential oil (83.08%) than decanted oil (59.84%). The recovered and decanted essential oils of both Mentha species demonstrated low to moderate antimicrobial activity against five bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of intercropping of fodder crops on growth and yield attributes of the essential oil-yielding multi-harvest aromatic plant geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Her. ex. Ait) under field conditions during 2005-2007. In addition aggressivity, land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER) and land use efficiency % (LUE%) as an index of intercropping advantage were determined to assess the resource use efficiency of intercropping systems. The main crop geranium was intercropped with oat (Avena sativa L.) and berseem or Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrum L.) in different combinations. All crops were also grown in pure stands. The study indicated that the growth and yield of geranium was affected at first harvest compared to sole. But the second harvest in different intercropping systems compared to sole did not affect biomass and oil yield of geranium. Intercrops produced bonus yields over and above that of geranium. The resource use efficiency values were higher in intercropping systems over sole geranium. The study clearly showed that geranium-based intercrop treatments might provide the highest total yield as well as resource use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]