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Metabolic engineering leads to plant productivity by inducing engineered nanoparticles in the metabolites biosynthesis pathway. In the present study, β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles (β-CDNPs) were synthesized, and their physical and chemical structure was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Afterward, we used β-CDNPs with 0, 10, 50, 100 mg/L concentrations for foliar application of the aerial parts of basil (Ocimum basilicum L c.v. Keshkeni luvelou). GC-MS was used to identify compounds. β-CDNPs foliar application with a concentration of 50 ppm stimulated growth and significantly improved the growth indexes. In the presence of β-CDNPS, phenylpropanoids concentration, phenol content, and flavonoids total content in the aerial parts of basil showed a significant difference (P ≤ 5%) compared to the control group. According to molecular analysis, eugenol O-methyltransferase (EOMT) and chavicol O-methyltransferase (CVOMT) genes expression in methyl eugenol and methyl chavicol biosynthesis pathways were significantly improved when treated with 50 ppm concentration compared to the control. Basil may show antioxidant activity when treated with different concentrations of β-CDNPs, in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, β-CDNPS may act as an inducer with their stimulating, maintaining the basil phenylpropanoids as a bio-elicitor with the potential of free radical scavenging to enhance the basil’s therapeutic and nutritional properties.

Essential oils (EOs) have drawn growing attention due to an increased risk of chemical contamination upon the application of synthetic fungicides to post-harvest fruits. This experiment investigated the antifungal activity of seven EOs at different concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μL mL−1 against the fungus Botrytis cinerea in two methods of liquid and vapor phase. Besides the chemical analysis of the EOs by GC–MS, minimum fungicidal concentration, minimum inhibitory concentration, and the release of cellular material were investigated. The dominant compound in rosemary EO is camphene (33.8%), whereas 1–8 cineole (67.61%) was found to be most abundant in Eucalyptus. Cumin contained cumin aldehyde (27.14%), peppermint EO contained menthol (28.27%), and the most common compound in tarragon EO was methyl chavicol (78.74%). Limonene (63.27%) was the predominant compound in lemon EO. The highest percentage of compounds in savory EO was carvacrol (50.33). The results showed that the vapor phase was consistently more effective in fungal growth than the liquid phase effect. Savory and peppermint EOs were very influential on the growth of B. cinerea at relatively low concentrations due to the presence of dominant compounds such as menthol (28.27%) and carvacrol (50.34%). According to the comparison of the data on inhibition percentage with the control group, there was a significant enhancement in the entire liquid and vapor phases by increasing EO concentration. Generally, factors such as plant species, application method, and concentration affect EOs antifungal activity. It is concluded that the EO mechanism against B. cinerea might be due to its effect on cell membrane permeability according to the electrolytes’ leakage. Therefore, these EOs as natural antimicrobial compounds seem to be effective in preventing gray mold contamination instead of synthetic preservatives, which have several established adverse effects.

Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) commonly known as Sweet Basil is an aromatic plant having a controversial carcinogenic effect and is also used in the food industry. This study was designed to evaluate the chemical constituent by the chemometrics-assisted-GCMS and the antioxidant activity of the O. basilicum L. herb gathered from Sivas. Twenty-one ingredients representing 92.30% of the total oil were identified in the essential oil of O. basilicum L. The major ingredients were noted as methyl eugenol 52.97%, α-cubebene 10.82%, and spathenole 6.92%. The results were compared with other studies on the content of the O. basilicum L. plant. DPPH and β-carotene-Linoleic acid assays revealed considerable antioxidant activity of methyl eugenol-rich O. basilicum essential oil, which is lower than standard BHT, and higher than standard methyl eugenol. Multivariate curve resolution-alternative least squares (MCR-ALS) which is an iterative method was used for resolving the overlapped and embedded peaks. The results of this study show that chromatographic methods combined with MCR-ALS analysis techniques can be useful for a comprehensive, rapid, and specific analysis of complex natural products such as O. basilicum essential oils. In recent studies, the carcinogenic effects of methyl chavicol and methyl eugenol, the dominant active ingredients of O. basilicum L. were pointed.

The Ocimum basilicum essential oil (EO) was evaluated for its biological effect on M. domestica. Characterization of O. basilicum EO revealed the presence of methyl chavicol (70.93%), linalool (9.34%), epi-α-cadinol (3.69 %), methyl eugenol (2.48%), γ-cadinene (1.67%), 1,8-cineole (1.30%) and (E)-β-ocimene (1.11%). The basil EO and its constituents methyl chavicol and linalool caused the neuronal response in female adults of M. domestica. Adult female flies showed reduced preference to food source laced with basil EO and methyl chavicol. Substrate treated with EO and methyl chavicol at 0.25% caused an oviposition deterrence of over 80%. The ovicidal effect was high in O. basilicum EO (EC50 9.74mg/dm3) followed by methyl chavicol (EC50 10.67mg/dm3) and linalool (EC50 13.57mg/dm3. On contact toxicity, adults exposed to EO (LD50 10.01 μg/adult) were more susceptible than to methyl chavicol and linalool (LD50 13.62 μg/adult and LD50 43.12 μg/adult respectively). EO and its constituents methyl chavicol and linalool induced the detoxifying enzymes Carboxyl esterase (Car E) and Glutathione S – transferases (GST)

Due to the potential of phytochemicals as therapeutic agents, there is increased interest in plant compounds with this biological activity, such as the essential oils of medicinal and aromatic plan...

Chemical composition and bioactivities including bacterial and fungal resistance of the essential oils extracted from leaves of Piper betle L. (T) and Cleistocalyx operculatus L. (V) and aerial parts of Ageratum conyzoides L. (H) were investigated. The components presenting in the essential oils of the natural sources were analysized by a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Molecular docking simulation was utilised to support an antimicrobial mechanism of the essential oil compounds on Candida albicans fungus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. This was based on the inhibition of the extracted compounds onto the microbial proteins, i.e. 4ESW and P0C0C7, respectively. There are 32 compounds identified in total in the three essential oils. The most effective inhibitors are the following: (i) chavicol acetate (T3), eugenol acetate (T11) and eugenol (T4) found in Piper betle L.; (ii) precocene II (H10) and precocene I (H6) found in Ageratum conyzoides L.; and (iii) caryophyllene oxide (V15) and cis-Lanceol (V19) found in Cleistocalyx operculatus L.. The overall antifungal and antibacterial capability of the investigated essential oils given indirect justification via their average inhabitability towards the two proteins accords with the order Piper betle L. Ageratum conyzoides L. Cleistocalyx operculatus L.. The results suggest these as promising natural sources for antimicrobial remedies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of foliar application of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (control, 2.5% and 5% aqueous MLE, 2.5% and 5% ethanolic MLE) and/or benzyladenine (control, 50, 100 and 200 ppm BA) on the growth, fruit and oil yield and its main components and chemical constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Mill.) plants. The obtained results revealed that treated fennel plants with MLE and/or BA resulted in a significant increase in the vegetative growth, number of umbels/plant, fruit and oil yield per plant and feddan as well as total carbohydrates in fruits, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in leaves compared to untreated plants. Generally, the application of moringa leaf extracts was more effective than BA treatments. The individual treatment of aqueous MLE at 5% or BA at 100 ppm gave the best results of the previous mentioned characteristics followed by 5% ethanolic MLE or 50 ppm BA compared to the control and the rest of tested individual ones. The highest values of all studied parameters were obtained by using 5% aqueous or ethanolic MLE combined with 100 ppm BA. The increments were 91.1% and 85.3% in fruit yield/feddan, 52.5% and 46.3% in volatile oil percentage and 192.4% and 172.0% in oil yield/feddan, respectively over the control. The G.C. analysis of the volatile oil showed that the major component of volatile oil was methyl chavicol (estragole) with concentration range from 77.5% to 87.3%. The minor compounds were myrcene and limonene. The best treatment for decreasing the concentration of methyl chavicol (77.5%), which is undesirable component in fennel oil resulted from the combination of 5% aqueous MLE plus 100 ppm BA. Therefore, it could be recommended that spraying fennel plants with 5% aqueous MLE plus 100 ppm BA for obtaining higher vegetative growth, fruit and oil yield.

Southern pine beetles (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) and symbiotic fungi are associated with mass mortality in stands of Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea Morelet). This study provides a 12.7-year assessment of semiochemical mediation between southern pine beetle and Caribbean pine in relation to concentrations of 4-allylanisole (estragole, methyl chavicol) and monoterpenes measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in different seasons in premontane and coastal pine stands of Belize and Guatemala. Individual trees and stands with >2.5% (relative mass %) of 4-allylanisole in the xylem oleoresin exhibited significantly less beetle-induced mortality than those with P. caribaea may intensify in the future.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most important crops with essential oils as well as polyphenols, phenolics, flavonoids and phenolic acids. This annual plant belongs to mint family, and indigenous to tropical regions. Basil leaves also has tremendous pharmaceutical benefits and it is common to use in rice, meat, stews and soups. Traditionally, it has been used in kidney problems, as a haemostyptic in childbirth, earache, menstrual irregularities, arthritis, anorexia, treatment of colds and malaria. Basil has been shown positive effects against viral, fungal, bacterial and some infections. Basil leaves have been used in treatment of fevers, coughs, flu, asthma, bronchitis, influenza and diarrhea. Basil Seed Mucilage, commonly known as basil seed gum. Basil seed mucilage can be considered as thickening, stabilizing, fat substitute, texurizer, surface-active and emulsifying hydrocolloid. The most important pharmacological uses of basil are anti-cancer activity, radioprotective activity, anti-microbial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory activity, anti-stress activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-pyretic activity, anti-arthritic activity, anti-oxidant activity, as a prophylactic agent and in cardiovascular disease.

One of the diseases that can be transmitted by flies is diarrhea. Green betel leaf contains essential oils, chavicol, arecoline, phenol, and tannins which function as plant-based insecticides. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of green betel leaf extract (Piper betel) as a plant-based insecticide on the number of mortality of house flies (Musca domestica). The research was an experimental study used After Only Design used the One Way Anova test with a 95% confidence level. The samples used were 360 ​​house flies. Each treatment of 30 house flies with 4 repetitions and used three concentrations of green betel leaf extract (25%, 50%, 75%). The study was conducted at the Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratory of Health Polytechnic Tanjungpinang, while the location of the fly collection was at the Tokojo Garbage Collection Station in Bintan Regency. The number of mortality of house flies at a concentration of 25% was 81 heads (67.5%), 50% concentrations were 93 heads (77.5%), and at a concentration of 75% were 103 heads (85.83%). There was an effect of green betel leaf extract on the mortality of house flies (p-value 0.0001

Synthetic insecticides applied to control Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) can have negative impacts on environment and human health. Botanical essential oils can be sources of organic molecules with biocontrol potential and advantages, such as minor impacts on the selection of resistant pest insects and low toxicity to humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the biocontrol action of essential oils from Brazilian species and methyl chavicol compounds on the development and metabolism of S. frugiperda. Essential oils of Eremanthus erythropappus (Asteraceae), Ocimum selloi, Hyptis suaveolens, and Hyptis marrubioides (Lamiaceae) were distilled by the steam distillation method and analyzed by gas chromatograph techniques. The essential oils were incorporated into an artificial diet (at 1, 2, and 4 mg mL-1) and offered to S. frugiperda caterpillars. Larvae of S. frugiperda at 48 h of age were fed an artificial diet containing the major constituent of O. selloi (methyl chavicol). The major compounds of the essential oils were methyl chavicol for O. selloi, α-bisabolol for E. erythropappus, bicyclogermacrene for H. suaveolens, and β-thujone for H. marrubioides. O. selloi caused 100% mortality in S. frugiperda larvae at a concentration of 1 mg mL-1 after 48 h. H. marrubioides essential oil caused 100% mortality in larvae at a concentration of 4 mg mL-1 after 48 h. O. selloi and H. marrubioides inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in 72.87% and 81.69% of larvae, respectively. O. selloi presented the highest toxicity to S. frugiperda and the lowest inhibition of AchE. Methyl chavicol was lethal to all larvae within 24 h at a concentration of 0.92 mg mL-1 of diet. Methyl chavicol showed the best insecticidal activity and potential to be used as a natural insecticide to control S. frugiperda.

Prunus mume is a traditional ornamental plant, which owed a unique floral scent. However, the diversity of the floral scent in P. mume cultivars with different aroma types was not identified. In this study, the floral scent of eight P. mume cultivars was studied using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and organic solvent extraction (OSE), combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 66 headspace volatiles and 74 endogenous extracts were putatively identified, of which phenylpropanoids/benzenoids were the main volatile organic compounds categories. As a result of GC-MS analysis, benzyl acetate (1.55–61.26%), eugenol (0.87–6.03%), benzaldehyde (5.34–46.46%), benzyl alcohol (5.13–57.13%), chavicol (0–5.46%), and cinnamyl alcohol (0–6.49%) were considered to be the main components in most varieties. However, the volatilization rate of these main components was different. Based on the variable importance in projection (VIP) values in the orthogonal partial least-squares discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA), differential components of four aroma types were identified as biomarkers, and 10 volatile and 12 endogenous biomarkers were screened out, respectively. The odor activity value (OAV) revealed that several biomarkers, including (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, pentyl acetate, (E)-cinnamaldehyde, methyl salicylate, cinnamyl alcohol, and benzoyl cyanide, contributed greatly to the strong-scented, fresh-scented, sweet-scented, and light-scented types of P. mume cultivars. This study provided a theoretical basis for the floral scent evaluation and breeding of P. mume cultivars.

In this study, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil (EO) in response to different Fe sources (Fe-arginine, Fe-glycine, and Fe-histidine nano-complexes and Fe-EDDHA) were examined. EO samples were predominantly constituted by the phenylpropanoid methyl chavicol (53–89.5%). Application of Fe nano-complexes significantly increased the occurrence and concentration of sesquiterpenes, while decreased the content of oxygenated monoterpenes. Antioxidant activity of basil EOs was evaluated using free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, Nitric oxide, H2O2 and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances scavenging assays, and in all assays the highest and the lowest activities were recorded in basils supplied with Fe-histidine nano-complex (1.02, 1.62, 2.21, 3.22 mg mL-1) and control (3.89, 4.89, 5.52, 6.79 mg mL-1), respectively. Fe-histidine nano-complex was the most effective treatment to inhibit fungal (C. albicans: 0.058 mg mL-1; A. niger: 0.066 mg mL-1), Gram-negative (E. coli: 0.181 mg mL-1; S. typhimurium: 0.163 mg mL-1) and Gram-positive (B. subtilis: 0.033 mg mL-1; S. aureus: 0.002 mg mL-1) growth. In conclusion, application of iron nano-complexes significantly altered biological and pharmacological characteristics of basil EOs. Our results are quite encouraging since EOs exhibited potent antioxidant effect and antimicrobial activities.

The Verbascum L. genus (Scrophulariaceae) is rich in phenols, flavonoids, and iridoid glycosides, which have been used extensively in traditional medicine. This study aimed to examine the association between genetics and metabolomics of V. songaricum populations (VSPs), collected from different geographical regions of Iran for further breeding and exploitation programs. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis showed a significant difference among the twelve studied VSPs, which were classified into five main groups based on an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic and principal coordinate analysis. Ninety-six bands were produced by fourteen ISSR primers, among which 92.7% of them were polymorphic at the species level. The essential oils were analyzed by means GC–FID and GC–MS and five main chemotypes, including docosane (I), methyl chavicol (II), methyl eugenol (III), β-damascenone (IV), and α-bisabolol (V) were characterized. HPLC–PDA–MS was further used to detect and to measure the phenolic compounds and harpagoside content in methanolic extract of VSPs. The main compounds identified in the VSPs extracts were rutin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, salicylic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, 2, 5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and harpagoside. Cluster analysis based on phytochemical data divided VSPs into nine groups. Subsequently, data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis to identify the correlation between genetic and metabolic diversity. The phytochemical data as the dependent variable showed significant association with bands obtained from molecular data. The high variation observed in essential oils, phenolics, and harpagoside among the VSPs establish a good potential to select the best genotype in breeding projects.

Ocimum species are herbaceous plants with great medicinal importance. Various tissues of the plants are being used in folk remedies for a variety of purposes. The pharmacologically active natural products present in essential oils in the Ocimum species belong to two major classes of natural compounds, viz. phenylpropanoids and terpenoids. In the present study, the essential oils from the inflorescence, leaf, and stem tissues of four major Ocimum species were hydro-distilled and analyzed. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry profiling to unravel the phytomolecules and compositional quantification showed the occurrence of distinct tissue-based variability of phytomolecules. Phenylpropanoids such as eugenol and methyl chavicol were specifically found in the tissues of O. sanctum, O. gratissimum, and O. basilicum, respectively, whereas O. kilimandscharicum was distinct in possessing a terpenoid phytomolecule camphor predominantly in its tissues. The study also analyzed the uniqueness of the distribution of phytochemical constituents of essential oil in Ocimum species in tissue- and species-specific manner. Leaves were the major site of accumulation of essential oil, whereas inflorescence and stem also contained essential oil constituents albeit in low quantities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration and chemical composition of the essential oil the leaves of basil cultivars and hybrids cultivated in different cropping seasons: dry season and rainy season. The variables evaluated were the content and composition of essential oils in the two seasons. The essential oil content ranged from 0.66% to 3.21% in the dry season and from 0.80% to 4.20% in the rainy season. The major compounds found among the genotypes were linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, geranial, eugenol, and methyl (E)-cinnamate, defining the formation of five groups in each season, classified in the following chemotypes: methyl chavicol (Group 1), citral (neral+geranial) (Group 2), methyl cinnamate (Group 3), linalool (Group 4), and intermediate linalool (Group 5). All the traits evaluated had heritability (h²) greater than 95% and high CVg/CVe ratio values. The cropping season affected the content and chemical compositions of basil essential oil.

In this study, the effect of operational conditions on the extraction of clove leaves using CO2 on eugenol yield and content was investigated. The conditions used in the supercritical extraction with CO2 included temperatures of 40, 50, and 60 °C and pressures of 150, 185 and 220 bar. The highest yield (1.08 wt%) and highest eugenol content were obtained at 40 °C and 220 bar. The main components identified in the clove extract were eugenol (29.73%), chavicol (13.31%), n-pentacosane (11.66%), hexacosanal (11.37%), and vitamin E (9.30%). The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities by the DPPH and FRAP methods, and quantification of the phenolic compounds was done by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The best results among the conditions were obtained at the lowest pressure and temperature, 150 bar and 40 °C. The Sovova model satisfactorily described the extraction kinetics in all the studied conditions.

The continuous use of synthetic anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) has resulted in the increased resistance, which is why alternative methods are being sought, such as the use of natural products. Plant essential oils (EOs) have been considered as potential products for the control of GINs. However, the chemical composition and, consequently, the biological activity of EOs vary in different plant cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of EOs from cultivars ofOcimum basilicumL. and that of their major constituents againstHaemonchus contortus.The EOs from 16 cultivars as well the pure compound linalool, methyl chavicol, citral and eugenol were used in the assessment of the inhibition ofH. contortusegg hatch. In addition, the composition of three cultivars was simulated using a combination of the two major compounds from each. The EOs from different cultivars showed mean Inhibition Concentration (IC50) varying from 0.56 to 2.22 mg/mL. The cultivar with the highest egg-hatch inhibition, Napoletano, is constituted mainly of linalool and methyl chavicol. Among the individual compounds tested, citral was the most effective (IC500.30 mg/mL). The best combination of compounds was obtained with 11% eugenol plus 64% linalool (IC500.44 mg/mL), simulating the Italian Large Leaf (Richters) cultivar. We conclude that different cultivars ofO. basilicumshow different anthelmintic potential, with cultivars containing linalool and methyl chavicol being the most promising; and that citral or methyl chavicol isolated should also be considered for the development of new anthelmintic formulations.

Malvaviscus arboreus Cav., commonly known as Sleeping Hibiscus, is a plant species that belongs to the family Malvaceae with ornamental, culinary, and ethnomedical importance. This medicinal herb was reported to exhibit noteworthy antioxidant, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and anti-infective activities attributed to the presence of a variety of phytochemicals. In this work, the volatile compositions of the leaves and flowers of M. arboreus were studied and compared for the first time using the headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. Overall, 39 components were identified, comprising 36 from the leaves and 11 from the flowers, with an evident greater contribution of oxygenated compounds (89.54% in leaves and 89.35% in flowers) to their total volatiles. Phenolic ethers (41.64%) and ketones (21.57%) were the major chemical groups emitted by the flowers, while ketones (27.40%) and carboxylic acids (18.16%) dominated the volatile blends of the leaves. Anethole (32.32%), methyl isobutenyl ketone (19.18%), and methyl chavicol (9.32%) were the most abundant floral volatiles, whereas acetic acid (18.16%) was the major constituent given off by the leaves, followed by 2-cyclohexenone (9.60%) and anethole (7.39%). Additionally, from a biosynthetic point of view, the floral volatiles of M. arboreus showed the prevalence of phenylpropanoids/benzenoids (41.64%); however, fatty acid derivatives (54.30%) predominated among those produced by the leaves. The obtained results revealed noteworthy qualitative and quantitative variations in M. arboreus leaves and flowers' headspace volatiles that would help complement our phytochemical knowledge on this limitedly studied plant. Resumen. Malvaviscus arboreus Cav., comúnmente conocida como “Sleeping Hibiscus”, es una especie vegetal que pertenece a la familia Malvaceae con importancia ornamental, culinaria y etnomédica. Se ha reportado que esta hierba medicinal exhibe actividades antioxidantes, citotóxicas, hepatoprotectoras y antiinfecciosas notables que se atribuyen a la presencia de una variedad de fitoquímicos. En este trabajo se estudiaron las composiciones volátiles de las hojas y flores de M. arboreus y fueron comparadas utilizando la técnica de cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas (GC-MS). En total, se identificaron 39 componentes comprendiendo 36 de las hojas y 11 de las flores, con un evidente mayor aporte de compuestos oxigenados (89,54% en hojas y 89,35% en flores). Los éteres fenólicos (41,64%) y cetonas (21,57%) fueron los principales grupos químicos emitidos por las flores, mientras que las cetonas (27,40%) y los ácidos carboxílicos (18,16%) dominaron las mezclas volátiles de las hojas. Anetol (32,32%), metil isobutenil cetona (19,18%) y metil chavicol (9,32%) fueron los volátiles florales más abundantes, mientras que el ácido acético (18,16%) fue el principal componente desprendido por las hojas, seguido de la 2-ciclohexenona. (9,60%) y el anetol (7,39%). Adicionalmente, desde el punto de vista biosintético, los volátiles florales de M. arboreus mostraron la prevalencia de fenil propanoides/benzenoides (41,64%); sin embargo, los derivados de ácidos grasos (54,30%) predominaron entre los producidos por las hojas. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron variaciones cualitativas y cuantitativas notables en los volátiles de las hojas y flores de M. arboreus que ayudarán a complementar nuestro conocimiento fitoquímico en esta planta estudiada hasta ahora de forma limitada.

The study explores the antioxidant activity, volatile chemical profile and antifungal potential of Pimenta dioica leaf essential oil (EO) against toxin producing Aspergillus flavus. GC–MS analysis of EO revealed the presence of 41 compounds with eugenol (54%), as the major compound followed by myrcene (16.0%) and chavicol (12.5%). It exhibited the strong antioxidant activity with IC(50) value of 19.40 µg/ml and polyphenolic content of 526.9 mg g(−1) gallic acid equivalent. The aflatoxin producing IISRaf1strain from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) was identified by 18S rRNA sequencing as Aspergillus flavus (MH345939). MIC of P. dioica leaf EO against A. flavus was found to be at 0.04%. The changes in hyphae growth and architecture after treatment with EO were observed under light microscopy. Antifungal compounds eugenol which got separated at the particular spot caused the clear zone at the TLC plate by agar overlay bioassay. The mode of action of antifungal activity of EO was recorded in terms of its effect on ergosterol content of plasma membrane and malate dehydrogenases activity (MDH) of A. flavus. Thus P. dioica leaf EO might be viable alternative as plant based preservative in perspective on its antioxidant, antifungal activity and efficacy in food system. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13197-020-04756-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The study evaluated the chemical profile, antimicrobial activity and toxicity of essential oils (EOs) of C. citratus, O. basilicum and A. rosaeodora. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation, the chemical profile was determined using the physicochemical parameters and the chemical composition was obtained by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The toxicity assay followed the Artemia salina Leach bioassay. To perform the antimicrobial activity, the Disc Diffusion technique and the Mueller Hinton Broth Dilution (MH) technique were used. The physicochemical parameters of the EOs showed satisfactory results. The major chemical composition of the EO of A. rosaeodora presented linalool (93.60%), the EO of C. citratus exhibited geranial (43.96%) and EO of O. basilicum found methyl chavicol. All EOs in this study had LC50 between 582 mg L-1 and 282 mg L-1. The antimicrobial activity of EO C. citratus demonstrated inhibition halos for S. aureus of 25 mm and 25 mm for E. coli, EO of O. basilicum exhibited inhibition halo of 18 mm for E.coli and 20 mm for S. aureus and EO of A. rosaeodora presented 11 mm for E. coli and 15 for S. aureus. As the values of MIC and MBC found, the EO of O. basilicum presented a more effective inhibitory action against S. aureus. It was concluded that the observed biological potentials encourage the application potentials in the efficiency of the control of pathogenic microorganisms.

Environmental stresses might alter the activity of antioxidant defense system and both quantity and quality of the essential oil constituents in aromatic plants. In the current study, a greenhouse experiment was designed to assess the influence of cold stress on total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging, antioxidant and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzymes activity and content of phenylpropanoid compounds in Ocimum basilicum L. The genes expression levels of chavicol O-methyl transferase (CVOMT), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), eugenol synthase 1 (EGS1) and eugenol O-methyl transferase (EOMT) were also investigated. Results revealed the highest TPC, TFC and DPPH at 4 °C for 12 h. Positive significant correlation was observed between TFC and DPPH, as well as TPC and PAL enzyme activity. The highest activity of superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase was recorded in 4 °C for 48 h, while this treatment caused the highest reduction in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. In plants exposed to 10 °C for 48 h, the contents of methyleugenol and methylchavicol was positively associated with the expression levels of EGS1 and EOMT. A positive correlation was also found between C4H expression and eugenol, methyleugenol and methylchavicol contents under 4 °C for 12 h.

Currently essential oils are increasingly used as natural insecticides because of the adverse effects on human health and environmental pollution of synthetic insecticides. The aim of this study is to perform the encapsulation of Ocimum basilicum L. essential oils by freeze-drying technique using binary mixtures maltodextrins and acacia gum to investigate their insecticidal activity against three insect pests of stored-products Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum by direct contact and ingestion toxicity effects. Essential oils were obtained by solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and conventional hydro-distillation (HD) methods. Chemical composition of essential oils analysed by GC-MS indicated that the major components were linalool (43.5% for SFME and 48.4% for HD) followed by methyl chavicol (13.3% for SFME and 14.3% for HD) and 1,8-cineole (6.8% for SFME and 7.3% for HD). The toxic effects results, confirm that O. basilicum essential oils capsules were highly effective against R. dominica than S. oryzae, except for T. castaneum which was insensitive. The toxicity against adults of R. dominica varied between (LD50 = 0.20 g/kg for SFME-EEO, LD50 = 0.25 g/kg for HD-EEO) and (LD50 = 0.32 g/kg for SFME-EEO, LD50 = 0.37 g/kg for HD-EEO) by direct contact and ingestion effect, respectively. These results lead us to consider such essential oils capsules as providing a richer source of natural insecticide agents for food preservation.

As one of the last places where coffee grows spontaneously, the Harenna forest (Ethiopia) is the origin of the coffee analysed in this study. The analysis of the volatile emission of each processing phase evaluates the chemical fingerprint of the reactions taking place at each stage, leading to the final aroma. The green beans mainly emit non-terpene esters and alkanes. Once the roasting begins, monoterpenes are the main class until 160 °C: at this point, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine prevails in the headspaces, as main product of the Maillard reactions. This compound, with its sweet and nut-like aroma, is also detected in the brewed coffee. The shed silverskins are rich in methyl chavicol and retain the monoterpenes on the beans: as these compounds are important aroma contributors, the removal of the silverskins prior to roasting seems non-advisable. The grinding of the samples breaks the matrices and leads to drastic changes in the volatile emissions.

In order to evaluate the quali-quantitative traits of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) when intercropped with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in different cropping patterns and under PGPR application, a two-years field experiment (2015 and 2016) was arranged as factorial design based on randomized complete blocks (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor consisted of six cropping patterns including sole cropping of fennel, sole cropping of common bean, and different intercropping ratios of fennel to common bean (1:1, 2:2, 3:2, 4:2), whereas the second factor included the application and non-application of PGPR. The results showed that the highest seed yields of common bean (2474.83 kg ha−1) and fennel (2730.08 kg ha−1) were produced with sole cropping combined under PGPR application. The fennel essential oil (EO) and seed oil (fixed oil) content in all intercropping patterns were higher than those in sole cropping. Furthermore, under PGPR application, the seed yield, EO content, EO yield, fixed oil content and oil yield of fennel increased by 20.9, 16.4, 39.3, 10.3 and 33.3 %, respectively, compared with control. Based on the chemical analysis of fennel EO, the main constituents were (E)-anethole (73.71–81.10%), fenchone (3.44–6.18%), limonene (3.49–5.82%) and methyl chavicol (4.06–7.22%). The major fatty acids in fennel fixed oil were oleic (77.17–82.90%), linoleic (6.50–8.97%) and palmitic acids (3.25–6.80%). The highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) and (E)-anethole were obtained with intercropping ratios (fennel to common bean) of 2:2 and 3:2 under PGPR application, respectively. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratio (1.32) was obtained with intercropping ratio of 3:2 under PGPR application. Our findings showed that the intercropping ratio of 2:2 and 3:2 upon PGPR biofertilization may be suggested to farmers instead of sole cropping for enhancing the fennel EO and fixed oil quali-quantitative composition.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a widespread cultivated aromatic herb in the world. Information about both morphological and phytochemical characterization is very important prior to beginning of any breeding project. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate diversity of sweet basil accessions in cold tolerance, essential oil yield and essential oil compositions. The average of cardinal temperatures for seed germination were 7.9 (Tb) 21.7 (To) and 35.5 °C (Tc) and for germination rate were 7.9 (Tb) 25.7 (To) and 39.7 °C (Tc). Cumulative temperature response index (C-CTRI) was used to identify cold-tolerant accessions and based on C-CTRI, Pishva I and Zahedan II were the most cold-tolerant accessions. There was wide variation for herbage yield and contributing traits of sweet basil in two sites. The highest herbage yield was observed in Isfahan III and Birjand I at the normal and salinity conditions. Salinity decreased herbage yield, but increased essential oil content in all accessions. The highest essential oil content was recorded in Malayer and Birjand I at the normal and salinity conditions. Methyl chavicol (25.7–93.0%) was the main constituents of the essential oils among sweet basil accessions. We found four chemotypes based on the presence or absence of oil components: (1) high methyl chavicol (>80%) like Reunion basils, (2) medium methyl chavicol plus linalool like European basils, (3) high methyl chavicol (70–80%) along with neral, geranial, or linalool (all of them around 10%), and (4) medium methyl chavicol plus neral and geranial. Considering the yield and quality traits, Birjand I was significantly superior accession over studied accessions and thus, it has good potential for the cultivation and production of methyl chavicol rich essential oil.

Volatile profile, aroma-active compounds and odor activity values of the shade-dried aerial parts of basil (Ocimum basilicum) were investigated. Basil samples used under the study were provided from Iran and Turkey. Volatile compounds were isolated using a purge and trap extraction system and analyzed by gas chromatography olfactometry. A total of 50 volatile compounds of which 29 originated from Iranian and 32 were of Turkish origin were determined. Terpenes were present at the overwhelmingly highest levels, followed by alcohols and aldehydes. Of the terpenes, methyl chavicol was the main compound of both samples. The aroma-active compounds of basils were investigated by using aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) for the first time. The application of AEDA revealed 18 aroma-active compounds, including terpenes (10), aldehydes (3), ketone (1), phenol (1), alcohol (1), and unknown compounds (2) were detected. Linalool and methyl chavicol had the greatest flavour dilution (FD) factors in both samples, amounting to 2048 and 1024, respectively. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.

Medicinal and aromatic crops are economically important because they are sources for secondary metabolites such as essential oils (EOs) and polyphenolic compounds. High biomass yields are obtained by conventional chemical fertilizers, whereas the production of EOs is more influenced by elicitors that act on secondary metabolic pathways. The objective of the field trials was to evaluate the effects of biologic and conventional fertilizers (biosolids: 40 and 20 t ha−1, organic: 600 kg ha−1, microorganisms (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF): 60 kg ha−1, chemical NPK 20-20-20: 300 kg ha−1) on plant growth, EO chemical profile and yield, and physiology of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The two sweet basil cultivars (varieties) used were the green-leafed ‘Aromat de Buzau’ and the purple-leafed ‘Violet de Buzau’. The greatest increases in fresh yields compared with unfertilized plants, 116% and 68% increases for the ‘Aromat de Buzau’ and ‘Violet de Buzau, respectively, were obtained from the conventionally (chemical) fertilized plants. The 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatment increased the EO content of the ‘Aromat de Buzau’ by 30%, while the AMF and organic treatments increased the EO content of the ‘Violet de Buzau’ by 21%. The major constituents of ‘Aromat de Buzau’, methyl chavicol and β-linalool, were increased by 4 and 17% with the AMF and organic treatments, respectively. Eucalyptol and δ-guaiene concentrations in the EO were higher in the 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatment, while τ-cadinol and γ-cadinene were higher in the 20 t ha−1 biosolids treatment. For ‘Violet de Buzau’, the AMF treatment led to an increase of β-linalool, limonene, and (+)-camphor, and decreased the concentration of methyl chavicol. The organic treatment increased the concentrations of limonene, (+)-camphor, terpinene-4-ol, and β-caryophyllene, and decreased the concentration of methyl chavicol. The highest concentration of methyl chavicol was observed in the chemical fertilizer treatment. The 20 and 40 t ha−1 biosolids treatments led to highest yields of eucalyptol, (+)-camphor, terpinene-4-ol, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and τ-cadinol. The results demonstrated that conventional fertilizers can increase fresh yield while biological fertilizers positively alter the EO composition, leading to increased crop quality.

Chemical analysis of the bark from four Hyrcanian forest species, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Alnus subcordata, Gleditsia caspica and Parrotia persica were performed, and their total phenol contents, and antioxidant and chelating activities were evaluated. The greatest total phenol content (TPhC), 54.3% in dry extract, was detected in P. fraxinifolia bark and the lowest one in G. caspica bark with 4.5%. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in the radical-scavenging assay against DPPH radicals in bark acetone extracts of P. fraxinifolia, A. subcordata, G. caspica and P. persica were 0.17, 0.21, 13.35, 0.19 mg ml−1, respectively. In the metal-chelating activity system, G. caspica extract demonstrated significant activity. Pterocarya fraxinifolia, A. subcordata and P. persica bark acetone extracts revealed a high potential for inhibition of DPPH radicals due to high amounts of phenolics. Superior health benefits can be expected from the compounds syringol, 4-vinylguaiacol, tyrosol, chavicol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, vanillin, rheosmin and acetophenone. Gleditsia caspica was found to have significant chelating activity due to isoeugenol.

Since the desires for nanoparticle (NP) applications in agriculture increase, their green and sustainable synthesis has attracted more attention. Zinc nanoparticles are among the most commonly used NPs in agriculture. The present study was planned to determine the variations in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in response to green synthesized zinc-amino nano complexes. Zinc-glutamine [Zn (Gln)2], zinc-glycine [Zn (Gly)2] and zinc-arginine [Zn(Arg)2] were synthesized via ultrasonic irradiations and their effects were evaluated on vegetative growth, chemical composition and antioxidant activity of sweet basil in comparison to the Zn-EDTA fertilizer. Zinc-arginine produced the biggest amount of vegetative growth and essential oil yield. The predominant component in sweet basil was methyl chavicol. Sweet basil plants that were supplied with [Zn(Arg)2] had the highest zinc concentration in the shoots. Rosmarinic acid was the predominant phenolic compound in all of the plants that had received treatments. According to the obtained results, the low doses of high effective green synthesized zinc nano-complex could be substituted with the traditional zinc fertilizer to improve the pharmaceutical properties of sweet basil plant.

Betle leaf (Piper betle L.) essential oil and catechu nut (Areca catechu L.) extracts have been known to be able to inhibit biofilm formation of S. mutans. This research aimed to characterize the chemical compounds of betle leaf esssential oil, screen the phytochemicals in catechu nut ethanol extract, and assess the inhibitory potential of betle and catechu in chewy candy on biofilm formation by S. mutans. The experiment included preparation of extracts and chemical characterization of the raw materials, formulation of chewy candy, measurement of biofilm inhibition, and sensory evaluation of the candy. In vitro examination for inhibitory potency of betle and catechu chewy candy against biofilm formation S. mutans ATCC 31987 was performed in adhesion phase (4 hours) and active accumulation phase (18 hours). Antibacterial assay was performed in BHI broth media on microplate 96 wells. Crystal violet 0.5% was used to stain the biofilm and Optical Density (OD) was measured at λ 450 nm. The GC-MS analysis detected 32 compounds in the essential oil of betle leaf. The Betle leaf essential oil contained chavicol acetate, isoeugenol, chavibetol acetate, chavicol, and allylcatechol 3.4-diacetate, while catechu nut ethanol extract contained flavonoids and tannins. The components were possibly the inhibitory agents of S. mutans biofilm formation. Chewy candy containing 0.8% betle leaf essential oil and 2.3% catechu nut extract had effective inhibitory potential for S. mutans biofilm formation. Inhibition during adhesion phase was 74.5±0.7%, while that for accumulation phase was 60.8±1.8%. Sensory analysis suggests that the candy was slightly liked by the panelists (5±2).

Ocimum basilicum L. exhibits a great variety of cultivars grown for various purposes. The aim of this research was to analyse the chemical composition of 85 O. basilicum accessions cultivated throughout the world using gas chromatography (GC/FID and GC/MS). All accessions were previously categorized into six morphotypes based on 24 morphological traits: True basil, Small-leaf, Lettuce-leaf, Purple basil A, Purple basil B and Purple basil C morphotype. A total of 77 volatiles were observed, with seven of them being in concentrations higher than 10% in at least one accession (1,8-cineole, linalool, linalool acetate, methyl chavicol, eugenol, trans-methyl cinnamate, trans-α-bergamotene). Based on the essential oil composition of 85 O. basilicum accessions, we propose the intraspecific characterization of O. basilicum into five chemotypes: (A) High-linalool, (B) Linalool/trans-α-bergamotene, (C) Linalool/methyl chavicol, (D) Linalool/trans-methyl cinnamate and (E) High-methyl chavicol chemotype. Groups based on morphological and biochemical traits do not necessarily coincide with one another. Due to great morphological and biochemical diversity, both morphological and chemical characterizations are crucial for the effective management of germplasm collections to facilitate the use of the accessions in future breeding programs.

The present study aims at finding out the optimum parameters for the extraction of components from Betel leaves possessing medicinal applications using ethanol solvent by Soxhlet apparatus. The optimum conditions for the extract were calculated based on the extract yield by varying four parameters: material quantity (A: 2â4âg), solvent quantity (B: 250â300âml), mantle temperature (C: 65â75 °C) and extraction time (D: 1â3 hours) and optimized using a four factor three level BoxâBehnken response surface design (BBD) coupled with desirability function methodology. Results showed that temperature and extraction time had significant effect on yield of extract. Optimum conditions for highest yield of extract (10.94%) are as follows: material quantity (2âg), solvent quantity (281.4âml), temperature (72 °C) and time (3 hours). The extract at the maximum yield condition was analyzed for phytocomponents by FTIR and GCâMS. The results indicated the presence of Hydroxy chavicol (69.46%), 4-Chromanol (24%) and Eugenol (4.86%), which possess wide application including as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and antithrombotic, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Keywords: Betel leaves, BoxâBehnken response surface design (BBD), Phytocomponents, Antioxidants

The differences in pungency of “sirih” imply the probable occurrence of several variants of Piper betle L. in Malaysia. However, the metabolite profiles underlying the pungency of the different variants remain a subject of further research. The differences in metabolite profiles of selected Malaysian P. betle variants were thus investigated, specifically, the leaf aqueous methanolic extracts and essential oils were analyzed via 1H-NMR and GC-MS metabolomics, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the 1H-NMR spectral data showed quantitative differences in the metabolite profiles of “sirih melayu” and “sirih india” and revealed an ambiguous group of samples with low acetic acid content, which was identified as Piper rubro-venosum hort. ex Rodigas based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. The finding was supported by PCA of two GC-MS datasets of P. betle samples obtained from several states in Peninsular Malaysia, which displayed clustering of the samples into “sirih melayu” and “sirih india” groups. Higher abundance of chavicol acetate was consistently found to be characteristic of “sirih melayu”. The present research has provided preliminary evidence supporting the notion of occurrence of two P. betle variants in Malaysia based on chemical profiles, which may be related to the different genders of P. betle.

Through recent years, using halloysite (Hal) as a carrier for many materials has achieved great consideration. Consequently, For that reason, we aimed at using Hal as a carrier for proline (Pro) (Pro-Hal) to improve the efficiency of Pro at alleviating salinity effects.. For this purpose, Hal (50 mg L−1), Pro (50 mg L−1) and Pro-Hal (25 and 50 mg L−1) were applied on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants under salt stress (50 and 100 mM) conditions and agronomic, physiological and biochemical properties particularly essential oil components were investigated. The present findings of the study revealed that Pro-Hal particularly at 25 mg L−1 is the best concentration of the treatments favoring for plant performance. The treatment enhanced agronomic traits, photosynthetic pigments (chl a, b and carotenoid), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, Pro content, antioxidant enzymes activities (APX,SOD and GP) and methyl chavicol, as the major component of sweet basil essential oil and decreased electrolyte leakage (EL), MDA and H2O2 contents under salinity. The obtained results revealed improved efficiency of Pro in Pro-Hal NPs form through improved performance of sweet basil under salinity. To conclude, Hal could be efficaciously used as a carrier for biostimulants like Pro to aid basil plants in coping with salt stress.

Indian basil i.e. Ocimum basilicum L., an important essential oil yielding plant, is used in high-grade perfumes, flavoring, dental and oral products. A methyl chavicol-rich, high essential oil yielding variety of Indian basil CIM-Saumya, released by the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, India, has immense industrial potential due to the occurrence of two important aromatic components, i.e. methyl chavicol (62.5–77.6%) and linalool (14.4–34.1%). The Ocimum being highly cross-pollinated and seed propagated, produce heterogeneous progeny thereby restricting its commercial application. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to produce a large number of genetically and chemically uniform plants of this improved variety CIM-Saumya for the first time using nodal explants. Multiple shoot cultures developed on Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) supplemented with BA ( N 6 -benzyladenine, 2.67 μM) and these shoots were further transferred to half strength MS medium supplemented with NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid, 0.27 μM) for rhizogenesis. These plantlets were maintained under in vitro conditions for more than three years. The established plantlets were successfully shifted in a glasshouse and finally in the field. Flow cytometry, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, were employed to evaluate genetic similarity amongst micro-clones and the mother plant. In all, 28 primers (18 RAPD and 10 ISSR) generated 178 distinct, monomorphic and reproducible bands. Head space gas chromatography showed the similarity in the qualitative profile of 11 major volatile constituents. These results clearly demonstrated that the developed protocol can be efficiently utilized to generate genetically and chemically uniform population of an industrially important variety CIM-Saumya.

The constituents of essential oils isolated by hydro-distillation of the aerial parts of six Ocimum species were examined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Highest percentage of essential oils (dry weight basis) was found in O. kilimandscharium (2.47 %) and lowest in O. tenuiflorum green type (0.65 %). On fresh weight basis, the percentage of essential oils was highest in O. b. var. glabratum (0.76 %) and lowest in O. viride (0.001 %). A total of eight major components were identified. The oil of O. b. var. basilicum contained, as main components, methyl chavicol and linalool. Major compound in O. b. var. pilosum was methyl chavicol; in O.b. var. glabratum, O. b. var. thyrsiflora and O. b. var. difforme was linalool; β cedrene and linalool in O. b. var. purpurascens; methyl chavicol in O. citriodorum; camphor and 1,8-cineole in O. kilimandascharium; β bisabolene and 1,8-cineole in O. viride; eugenol in O. tenuiflorum, and eugenol and methyl eugenol in O. gratissimum.

This study aimed to evaluate the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus intraradices N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) inoculation and salinity effect on qualitative and quantitative changes in tarragon yield. Treatments included inoculation, and non-inoculation of AMF, and five salinity levels of irrigation water (with the electrical conductivity of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 dS m-1). The results showed the plant height, SPAD value, number of leaves, dry mass of leaves and shoot per plant were reduced under salinity condition. The various levels of salinity decreased the content of tarragon essential oil and some its components consist of α-pinene, limonene, Z-ocimene, E-ocimene, and methyl chavicol while, it increased the content of bornyl acetate, eugenol, methyl eugenol, caryophyllene, germacrene, and α-farnesene. AMF inoculation without salinity had the greatest positive effect on the evaluated traits of tarragon. Also, it improved the morpho-physiological traits under salinity due to alleviation of the harmful effects of salinity. Although the essential oil content was reduced with the AMF inoculation, the methyl chavicol amount was increased by the AMF inoculation under salinity condition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the essential oil extracted from fresh leaves of Pimenta racemosa in the improvement of fermented fish flour producing technology. Essential oil of Pimenta racemosa was extracted by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was determined by GC and GC/MS. Different types of fermented fish flours from Lesser African Threadfin (Galeoides decadactylus) were produced by the modification of the traditional processing technology and the introduction of a step of essential oil adjunction during the process. Three different essential oil concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μL g−1) were investigated. Physicochemical, microbiological and nutritional analyzes were performed in order to evaluate the quality of the fermented fish flour produced. Results obtained revealed that the essential oil of Pimenta racemosa investigated has a chemical composition characterized by the presence of myrcene (25.1%), chavicol (7.5%) and eugenol (51.1%). Fermented fish flour produced have a good nutritional potential. However, on the microbiological level, only samples produced by adjunction of essential oil have a low level of microbial contamination, with an absence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Holy basil is a perennial plant belongs to lamiaceae family. In order to evaluate the effect of foliar application of zinc on essential oil content and composition of holy basil, an experiment was conducted at research farm, based on randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications. The treatments were nano zinc chelate (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/l) and zinc sulfate (1 and 1.5 g/l) fertilizers. Zinc content, glandular trichomes number, glandular trichomes size, essential oil content, yield and composition were measured at full bloom stage. The results showed that the effect of foliar application of zinc fertilizers on all measured traits were significant (p≥0.01). The highest and lowest values of zinc and essential oil content were obtained in plants sprayed with 1.5 g/l nano zinc chelate and control, respectively. Moreover, eugenol, 1,8-cineole and methyl chavicol were the most oil components of all treatments at both harvests. Other main compounds of essential oil were ocime...

Summary A foundational study assessed effects of biochemical pathway introduction into poplar to produce eugenol, chavicol, p‐anol, isoeugenol and their sequestered storage products, from potentially available substrates, coniferyl and p‐coumaryl alcohols. At the onset, it was unknown whether significant carbon flux to monolignols vs. other phenylpropanoid (acetate) pathway metabolites would be kinetically favoured. Various transgenic poplar lines generated eugenol and chavicol glucosides in ca. 0.45% (~0.35 and ~0.1%, respectively) of dry weight foliage tissue in field trials, as well as their corresponding aglycones in trace amounts. There were only traces of any of these metabolites in branch tissues, even after ~4‐year field trials. Levels of bioproduct accumulation in foliage plateaued, even at the lowest introduced gene expression levels, suggesting limited monolignol substrate availability. Nevertheless, this level still allows foliage collection for platform chemical production, with the remaining (stem) biomass available for wood, pulp/paper and bioenergy product purposes. Several transformed lines displayed unexpected precocious flowering after 4‐year field trial growth. This necessitated terminating (felling) these particular plants, as USDA APHIS prohibits the possibility of their interacting (cross‐pollination, etc.) with wild‐type (native plant) lines. In future, additional biotechnological approaches can be employed (e.g. gene editing) to produce sterile plant lines, to avoid such complications. While increased gene expression did not increase target bioproduct accumulation, the exciting possibility now exists of significantly increasing their amounts (e.g. 10‐ to 40‐fold plus) in foliage and stems via systematic deployment of numerous ‘omics’, systems biology, synthetic biology and metabolic flux modelling approaches.

Agastache rugosa is an important medicinal and aromatic crop cultivated in East Asia and an ornamental in other temperate regions. The factors influencing the diversity of volatile profiles in this and many other aromatic plants remain largely undiscovered. In this study, a relationship between the age of mother plants and the volatiles profile of the progeny was investigated using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, both in plants cultivated conventionally for three years and in vitro shoot cultures. The essential oil contains a major phenylpropanoid methyl chavicol (estragole) as well as minor mono- and sesquiterpenoids but the composition is very variable. The variability of composition in the progeny was indeed different in plants obtained from seeds coming from one-, two- and three-year old parents but also between young (one-year-old) and older (two- and three-year-old) plants. The quantitative variation among individuals was mainly in the content of methyl chavicol (from ca. 1% up to over 90%), menthone/isomenthone pair in leaves (from traces to 59%), and additionally pulegone (traces to 51%) in inflorescences. Limonene was least variable averaging between 8% and 25%. The variability tended to decrease and the proportion of methyl chavicol increased along with the age of parent plants. Two- and three-year-old plants were also producing higher yields of essential oil with average of 2.1% and 2.6%, respectively, compared with 1.2–1.9% in one-year old plants. In conclusion, the comparative analysis of essential oil and headspace revealed that volatile organic compounds profile of A. rugosa was dependent on the age of parent plants.

Coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.) is mainly cultivated for its fruits and/or leaves, which are used for different purposes such as food, drugs, and spice as both a fresh and dried herb. To determine the effect of drying methods on essential oil of coriander, the stem and leaves of an Iranian landrace of coriander were dried in sunlight, shade, mechanical ovens (40 and 60 °C), microwave oven (500 and 700 W), and by freeze–drying. The essential oils were analyzed using GC-FID and GC/MS. The highest essential oil yield was obtained from freeze–dried tissue followed by the shade–dried sample. In total, 39 components were determined in the essential oils from fresh and dried coriander. The main components were decanal (0–37.5%), cis -phytol (1.0–34.1%), 1-tetradecanol (trace – 31.7%), 2 E -dodecenal (8.3–17.2%), dodecanal (0.5–14.8%), n -decanol (0.5–14.8%), trans -2-undecen-1-ol (trace – 12.9%), 2 E -decenal (0–11.3%), 1-eicosanol (0–6.4%), and methyl chavicol (0–6.0%). The percentages of decanal and n -decanol in the oil, however, decreased significantly when the plant material was dried in the oven at 60 °C or microwaved. The percentages of 1-tetradecanol, 1-eicosanol, and cis -phytol increased significantly when the plant tissue was dried in the oven at 60 °C or microwaved. Generally, the drying of coriander in freeze–drying is most suitable and can be recommended for high–oil yield.

The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. finds an extensive use in food-flavour, fragrances and cosmetics. In order to explore promising genotypes of Ocimum basilicum for quality production of essential oils, a field experiment was conducted to assess the productivity and essential oil quality of two accessions of Ocimum basilicum (OB-1G and OB-5P) in comparison of an existing prevalent variety of Ocimum basilicum (CIM-Soumya) in the subtropical agroclimatic conditions of north India. Yield and quality attributed were assessed in different harvesting stages (half bloom, full bloom, and seed setting stages) of two cropping seasons (spring-summer and rain-autumn). Significant variations in respect of the essential oil content, fresh herb yield, essential oil yield, methyl chavicol content and methyl chavicol yield were noticed among the investigated O. basilicum taxa. Methyl chavicol (56.1–89.7%) and linalool (1.0–33.7%) were the major constituents of the essential oils. The essential oils of O. basilicum accessions possessed significantly higher content of methyl chavicol (OB-1G: 80.7–89.7%; OB-5P: 81.6–88.9%) as compared with check variety (CIM-Soumya: 56.1–67.6%). Consequently, Significantly higher methyl chavicol yield (96.8 kg ha −1 ) was found in OB-1G, followed by 91.3 kg ha −1 in OB-5P; with lowest (84.9 kg ha −1 ) in check variety. All examined taxa produced significantly higher methyl chavicol at full bloom stage in rain-autumn cropping season as compared with spring-summer season. Moreover, the accessions, OB-1G and OB-5P produced 14.0% and 7.5% more methyl chavicol, respectively as compared with the check variety.

This work has objectives to study the chemical composition of volatile extracts obtained from leaves of Polyalthia longifolia and Clausena anisata and to evaluate their ovicide and larvicide effects by fumigation against Sitotroga cerealella, as alternative to the pesticides of synthesis. The analyses of the extracts by GC-MS showed that the essential oil of P. longifolia contains 57 compounds representing 86.1% of oil and 26 compounds corresponding to 97.3% of the essential oil of C. anisata. The main compounds identified for the extract of P. longifolia are the β-Caryophyllene (24.5%), Allo-Aromadendrene (13.5%), the α-Zingiberene (9.4%), the α-Humulene (8.5%) and the α-Selinene (2.6%). The extract of C. anisata mainly composed of methyl chavicol (69.9%) is characterized by the presence of oxygenated monoterpens (1.4%), hydrogenated monoterpens (7.8%), hydrogenated sesquiterpens (16.2%), oxygenated sesquiterpens (1.7%) and of aromatic compounds (69.9%). The biological test results showed that the treatments by fumigation done with the essential oils reduce meaningfully (p

Significant variations are observed in the content and composition of the essential oils obtained from different Ocimum species based on their distinct morphological characters and harvesting seasons. Various germplasms of Ocimum basilicum grown in India were compared for the essential oil content and composition to identify the superior germplasm rich in desirable chemical components, such as methyl chavicol and eugenol, that could be exploited for commercial cultivation in western plains of India. The essential oils were extracted using hydro distillation and chemically characterized on Gas Chromatograph–mass spectrophotometer (GC–MS). Colour of the leaves varied from green to purple-green with bunchy, individual and intermediate type of panicles. Maximum oil per cent in leaf was observed in DOB-1 (0.70%), followed by DOB-5 (0.61%) at stage II. Leaves harvested at stage II gave higher essential oil yield than harvested at stage I. The content of methyl chavicol increased at full flowering (stage II), while content of Eugenol and methyl eugenol increased at onset of flowering (stage I). Majority of the germplasm were found to be rich in methyl chavicol, except DOB-4 which was rich in methyl cinnamate. The intensity of purple leaf colour was observed to be positively correlated in lines rich in methyl chavicol. Maximum methyl cinnamate (DOB-4) content, leaf size and average minimum plant height were found positively relationship. Such relationship has become a key factor field nose needs to be properly understood and superior lines DOB-1 and DOB-5 further used in improvement programme.

Volatile benzenoids, including methyl p-methoxybenzoate, p-anisaldehyde, and p-anisalcohol, are responsible for the sweet and characteristic fragrance of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica, Rosaceae) flowers. Although the full pathway of volatile benzenoid synthesis has yet to be elucidated, their chemical structures suggest that O-methyltransferases are present in loquat and function in the methylation of the para-OH groups. In the present study, we used RNA-sequencing to identify four loquat genes (EjOMT1, EjOMT2, EjOMT3, and EjOMT4) that encode O-methyltransferases. We found that EjOMT1 was highly expressed in floral tissues, with an expression pattern that coincided with changes in intracellular volatile benzenoids during flower development. Recombinant EjOMT1 protein expressed in Escherichia coli showed the highest activity towards guaiacol with a Km value of 35 μM. Furthermore, the protein also showed lesser activities towards guaiacol-type benzenoids including eugenol, isoeugenol, vanillin, and ferulic acid, in addition to much weaker activities towards catechol and p-hydroxybenzenoid derivatives. However, no activity was shown towards phenylpropenes without m-methoxy substitution, t-anol and chavicol. Taken together, our findings indicate that EjOMT1 has a broad substrate specificity towards compounds with both para-OH and meta-OCH3 groups, unlike previously characterized O-methyltransferases for volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.

ObjectiveTo carry out a phyto-chemical characterization of essential oil from Ocimum basilicum L. (O. basilicum) harvested in DR Congo and to assess the antioxidant potential of crude extracts with respect to the polarity for comparison reason.MethodsThe phyto-chemical characterization of essential oil produced by hydro-distillation was performed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis and the antioxidant potential evaluation by in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity method.ResultsA previously weighed amount of fresh leaves of O. basilicum produced 0.65% of essential oil that led to the identification of a set of 84.44% out of 99.98% as major compounds (> 1.5%). The chemo-type of this essential oil was linalool-methyl chavicol. Chemical components of oil were characterized by oxygenated aromatic hydrocarbons (46.00%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (26.75%). With respect to the amount of components, methyl chavicol also known as estragole (35.72%) constituted the very large quantity afterward linalool (21.25%) and then epi-α-cadinol (8.02%), α-bergamotene (6.56%), eugenol (4.60%), 1,8-cineole (4.04%), germacrene D (2.06%), thymol (1.64%), and (E)-citral (1.55%), respectively. Essential oil exhibited antioxidant potential and IC50 = (1.180 ± 0.015) mg/mL. Non-polar crude extracts yields were low compared to the one of polar extracts. Only methanol and ethyl acetate had considerably manifested antioxidant potential with IC50 values equal to (0.025 ± 0.013) mg/mL and (0.085 ± 0.012) mg/mL, respectively. As concerns to IC50 values, essential oil was less active than methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The methanol crude extract exhibited the highest activity. Non-polar extracts showed insignificant radical scavenging ability that did not allow assessing IC50 values. These results highlighted the occurrence of antioxidant potential compounds in polar media.ConclusionsEssential oil and crude extracts of O. basilicum growing in DR Congo can be advocated as natural sources of antioxidant potential compounds not only in food but also in pharmaceutical industries. The high antioxidant potential of polar crude extracts highlights antioxidant character of its composition particularly butyl stearate and rosmarinic acid we isolated and identified, respectively in the methanol crude extract.

The content and composition of the essential oils obtained from different Ocimum species varies widely based on the geographical location, growth stage and harvesting season. Hence, the variation in the essential oil content and chemical composition of the leaves and inflorescences of the different Ocimum species (Ocimum santum ‘Purple’, O. sanctum ‘Green’, O. basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum Land Race 1 & Land Race 2, Ocimum viride and Ocimum canum) growing in Western plains of India were determined for two harvesting seasons. The essential oil was extracted using hydro-distillation and chemical characterization was done on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Recovery of the essential oil ranged from 0.18% to 0.774% during pre-monsoon and 0.141–0.748% during post-monsoon. Amongst the seven Ocimum species studied, leaves recorded higher essential oil content compared with inflorescence in all species except in O. basilicum and O. canum. Further, essential oil content during post monsoon was lower compared with pre-monsoon harvest in all the species irrespective of the plant parts. Highest essential oil content was recorded in O. viride leaves (0.774%) followed by O. gratissimum LR1 leaves (0.641%) and the least was recorded in Ocimum canum leaves (0.18%). Amongst the different species analyzed, Ocimum gratisimum LR-1 was found to be the richest source of eugenol (53–89%) followed by O. santum ‘Purple’ and O. sanctum ‘Green’ and O. viride Ocimum gratisimum LR-2 was rich in methyl iso eugenol (40.26–53.21%). While, O. santum ‘Purple’ type contained considerable amount of methyl eugenol, which was absent in ‘Green’ type. O. basilicum analyzed in this study is methyl chavicol rich type (33.32–79.2%), but this compound was absent in other species. Ocimum canum was the only species rich in d-camphor (13.29–29%). The identified eugenol rich species of Ocimum were identified as cheap alternative sources of eugenol as compared with clove.

Plant red galangal (Alpinia purpurata K. Schum) is one of the many spices used as bio-pharmacy products which contain essential oil that is active as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Isolation of volatile oil from red galangal rhizome (Alpinia purpurata K. Schum) uses the method of water and steam distillation so as to get the rendemen 0.1062%, the density 0.9524 g/mL and the index of refraction by 1.4862. Results from GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) retrieved 30 compounds contained in red galangal rhizome oil with 10 major compounds i.e. 1,8-cineole (40.92%), acetyl chavicol (10.33%), cis β-farnesene (6.91%), 1-caryophillene (6.32%), 1-β-bisabolene (3.37%), β-elemene (3.23%), α-pinene (3.20%), β-sesquiphellandrene (2.32%), β-pinene (2.21%), and germacrene-D (1.90%). The inhibition test was done by agar diffusion method and different variations of concentration (1, 2, 3 and 4%) compared with ketoconazole 2% as positive controls and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as negative controls with an incubation period of 2x24 hours. The test results show that the essential oil of red galangal rhizome (Alpinia purpurata K. Schum) can inhibit the growth of the fungus Malassezia furfur with the inhibitory power on concentrations1, 2, 3 and 4% were 7.15 mm, 13.87 mm, 16.05 mm and 20.05 mm, respectively. As for comparison, ketoconazole 2% was used as positive (+) control that produces inhibitory zone 27.20 mm and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as negative control (-) which does not produce inhibitory zones. Keywords: Essential oil, red galangal rhizome (Alpinia purpurata K. Schum), Malassezia furfur