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The aerial parts essential oils of six Nepeta species (N. prostrata, N. saturejoides, N. sessilifolia, N. fissa, N. betonicifolia and N. ucranica) were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. In the oils of two populations of N. prostrata, 1,8-cineole (49.8%–51.1%) was main constituent. Epoxy-alloaromadendrene (42.5%) was major compound in the oil of one population of N. saturejoides and α-humulene (25.4%), and caryophyllene oxide (19.7) were major components of the second population. In the oils of two populations of N. sessilifolia, n-octadecanol (17%–19%) and caryophyllene oxide (5.8%–16%) were main constituents, while α-pinene (32.5%) and spathulenol were major components of the third population. In the essential oils of three populations of N. fissa, caryophyllene oxide (16.1%–33.5%) was major compound, but each population had particular compound such as carvacrol, (E)-caryophyllene or spathulenol with remarkable amount. Tetradecanal (55.5%) and trans-muurola-4(14),5-diene (46.2%.) were main components in the oils of N. betonicifolia and N. ucranica, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids and essential oils (EOs) are the primary variables that influence the quality of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Soil toxicity to cadmium (Cd) is the main environmental issue facing fennel, and priming methods like soil amendments and nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly utilized to deal with it. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of biochar (BC) and selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) on fennel plants in Cd-contaminated soils. The pot experiment was conducted with Cd stress at 0, 10, and 20 mg kg−1 soil, BC at 5% (v/v), and foliar-spraying Se NPs at 40 mg L−1 as a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) at a greenhouse condition in 2022. The findings demonstrated that Cd toxicity significantly decreased plant performance, while BC and Se NPs enhanced it. Without BC and Se NPs, Cd toxicity at 20 mg kg−1 soil decreased biological yield (39%), seed yield (37%), EO yield (32%), and monounsaturated fatty acids (14%), while increased saturated fatty acid (26%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (40%) of fennel. The main EO profile was anethole (65.32–73.25%), followed by limonene (16.12–22.07%), fenchone (5.57–6.83%), and estragole (2.25–3.65%), which mainly were oxygenated monoterpenes. The combined application of BC and Se NPs improved the yield, EO production, and fatty acid profile of fennel plants under Cd stress, increasing the plants' resistance to Cd toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achillea filipendulina is a native aromatic plant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This research aimed to determine and compare the essential oil content and composition of different populations of this plant in farm condition. Seeds provided by the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran were sown in a field experiment over two years. Essential oils from the aerial parts of all populations, at full flowering stage, were obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The oil yields ranged from 0.13% to 1.20%. Twenty-six compounds were identified with 1,8-cineole (2.0–73.5%), santolina alcohol (14.2–35%) and borneol (0.6–20.4%) as major components. Cluster analysis divided all accessions into two clusters. The main compounds in cluster 1 (two populations) were santolina alcohol, borneol, cis-chrysanthenyl acetate, bornyl acetate and α-pinene. The oils in Cluster 2 contained borneol, cis-chrysanthenyl acetate and high amount of 1,8-cineole (22.6–73.5%) as main components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focused on the essential oil concentration and aroma profile in different parts of wild Pycnocycla aucherana Decne from Iran during two years 2017 and 2018. Plant samples of P. aucherana were collected from HajiAbad area located in Hormozgan province, Iran at reproductive stage on June 7, 2017 and 2018. Essential oil isolation was done by hydro-distillation method for 3 hours. For the qualification and quantification of components, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was applied. Results showed that the averages of essential oil percentage of shoot and leaf (SL) and seed in the first and second year were (0.13, 0.23%) and (0.4, 0.3%) respectively. The main chemotype was namely α-phellandrene (5.96-16%), p-cymene (3.07-27.4%), Limonene (0.72-6.80%), p-cadinene (0.8-4.33%), Spathulenol (1.90-8.64%), Elemol (0.3-6.69%), β-eudesmol (0.8-9.27), and Bulnesol (0.91-3.40%). The highest amount of α-phellandrene (16%) and p-cymene (27.4%) was observed in the seed and (SL) of essential oils in the first year respectively. Elemol and Elemicin content increased during the second year in the seed of essential oils with amount of (6.69 %) and (25.69 %), respectively. Overall, the results showed that the geographic origin greatly influenced the chemical composition of P. aucherana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, aroma profile variation among five population from different parts of Pimpinella tragium and its subspecies were evaluated. According to obtained results, the main chemical component of Pimpinella tragium Vill. in (Khoy) was germacrene D in seed with amount of (51.80%). In Pimpinella tragium Vill. (Ghoshchi), the predominant compound included trans-dictamnol (25.30%) in inflorescence, in addition, in the root part geijerene (26.70%) was the major constituent. Pimpinella tragium Vill. (Tabriz-Ahar), in inflorescence sabinine (36.30%), was introduced as the major compound. In the subspecies of Pimpinella tragium Vill. (Mazandaran), in inflorescence, sabinine (37.10%) was identified as the major constituent as well. In Pimpinella tragium (Alvand-Hamedan) germacrene D (43.5%) was identified in inflorescence as the major compound. In general, it seems that the high value of the essential oil composition within and among Pimpinella tragium and subspecies population could provide useful information for conservation and selection of cross-parents in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus of Ferula belongs to the family Apiaceae, and many Ferula plants are used as traditional Chinese medicines. Ferula plants were initially identified as early as the "Newly Revised Materia Medica" written in the Tang Dynasty (AD 659), and several of them are also recognized as the traditional medicines of the Uygur, Kazakh, and Mongolian. Ferula plants are distributed in China, Russia, India, Africa, Central Asia, and other places. Currently, the chemical components derived from Ferula plants are mainly coumarins, sesquiterpenes, and volatile oils. Ferula plants can exhibit diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-allergy, analgesia, relieving cough, anticoagulation, and anti-tumor. Therefore, this article summarized the domestic research conducted on the genus Ferula, appropriately combines the research status of the foreign genus Ferula, and describes the chemical composition, biological activity, toxicity issues, and Q-marker prediction. In addition, all the related studies about the genus Ferula are summarized by analyzing the various databases such as CNKI, Wanfang data, PubChem and SciFinder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils of the air-dried aerial parts of Teucrium orientale L. collected from 11 different localities which obtained by hydro-distillation were investigated. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The oil yields were 0.03-0.20% (w/w), based on dry weight. Forty-four components, representing 91.0-99.5% of the oils, were identified. The results showed that there is a significant difference in yields, chemical compositions and concentrations of essential oils obtained from different geographical regions. However, there are main and common compounds such as caryophyllene oxide (3.72 to 23.60%), Ecaryophyllene (1.03 to 39.36%), germacrene D (0.95 to 29.7%), spathulenol (1.98 to 11.11%), ß-cubebene (1.31 to 24.64%), d-cadinene (1.14 to 4.90%), hexadecanoic acid (0.47 to 32.60%), a-cubebene (0.53 to 11.37%) and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (0.34 to 10.56%) that are found in all essential oils. According to the cluster analysis, the populations were placed in three clusters. Percentages of hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (10.6%) and humulene epoxide II (6.8%) were considerably higher in cluster 1 compared to other clusters. Percentages a-cubebene, ß-cubebene and hexadecanoic acid were considerably highest in cluster 2 with means of 7.2%, 11.9% and 20.4% respectively. Populations of cluster 3 were rich sources of E-caryophyllene (29.4%), germacrene D (16.1%) and bicyclogermacrene (3.4%) compared to other clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta binaludensis Jamzad is an endemic and rare perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which grows in a limited area in Binaloud Mountain in northeast of Iran. In this study to evaluate the diversity of 20 populations (localities) of N. binaludensis and the influence of environmental factors on essential oil (EO) content and composition, the plant aerial parts were collected at the full flowering stage. The plant materials dried in shade and subjected to hydro-distillation for obtaining their EOs. Analysis of the EO was carried out using GC and GC/MS. The oil yields were varied from 1.2 to 4.9%. Classification of populations was made based on EO compounds. The results of mean comparison between populations belong to different habitats showed that the populations of Darood and Friezy with average values of 4.91 and 1.2% had the highest and lowest EO yield, respectively. Twenty-two compounds were identified in the oils with 1,8-cineol (25.4–59.0%), 4aα,7α,7aα-nepetalactone (13.8–55.1%), myrcene (2.3–5.5%) and p-cymene (1.1–5.7%) as the main components. Result of correlation analysis showed that the oil yield was positively correlated with precipitation and negatively with temperature. In addition, 1,8-cineole was positively and nepetalactone was negatively correlated with altitude. Cluster analysis by Ward method categorized the populations into two groups. The major compound of the oils in cluster 1 was nepetalactone (with an average of 37.9%), while the oils in cluster 2, contained higher percentage of 1,8-cineole (52–59%). Most of the populations in cluster 2, were originated from high, cold, rainy, and steep areas. Highlights: By increasing the altitude, changes in growth and essential oil composition of the plant are observed Result of correlation analysis showed that essential oil yield was positively correlated with precipitation, and negatively with temperature. In the present study the populations with high-amount of nepetalactone and 1,8 cineole were identified, The populations of cluster 2 with higher amount of 1,8-cineole, were growing in the high altitude, cold, rainy and sloping areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the combined effects of chemical, biological and organic fertilizers on several features of Satureja khuzistanica. As an aromatic plant with medicinal properties, endemic to Iran, S. khuzistanica was studied for essential oil (EO%) and composition. Spanning for two growing seasons (2017–2019), the experiments involved 13 nutritional treatments, ie, (a) control (C), (b) nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK; 50‐25‐25 Kg ha−1), (c) cattle manure (CM30; 30 ton ha−1), (d) CM60 (60 ton ha−1), (e) CM30 + NPK, (f) CM60 + NPK, (g) vermicompost (V5, 5 ton ha−1), (h) V5 + NPK, (i) Glomus mosseae (GM), (j) Glomus Intra (GI), (k) sulphur (S0; 0 Kg ha−1) + thiobacillus (T), (l) S250 + T (sulphur: 250 Kg ha−1,) and (m) V5 + T. At full flowering stage, samples were taken from aerial segments of plants in all treatment groups. After shade‐drying, the samples were hydro‐distillated to obtain essential oil (EO) and were then evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The interaction between year and fertilizer, as two treatments, had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) on the oil percentage, oil constituents and essential oil yield (EO.Y) of S. khuzistanica. GM and S0 + T caused the highest oil percentage in the first (3.7%) and second year (3.9%), respectively. V5 + NPK and V5 + T resulted in a substantial rise in EO.Y in the first (30.4 kg ha−1) and second year (64.3 kg ha−1), respectively. Carvacrol was highest in the first (92.1%) and second year (95.2%), as a result of using V5 + T and NPK treatments, respectively. Biological and vermicompost fertilizers not only improved the amount of EO but also enhanced its quality and aroma, as reflected in the constituents of the EO. The GI treatment and the V5 + NPK treatment led to high amounts of K in the branches. Meanwhile, high S contents were measured in the branches in response to the V5 and the S250 + T treatments. These findings suggested that biofertilizers and organic fertilizers can benefit the cultivation of S. khuzistanica because, when combined together, they can enhance the percentage and phenolic compounds in the EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the world, different parts of most Satureja species are traditionally used to control a wide range of human diseases. The pharmacological and ethnomedical properties of most Satureja species have been evaluated; however, there is no document on the morphological and essential oil (EO) profile of the plants concerning environmental variations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the variability and correlation of morphological traits and EO compositions of 30 Satureja populations (from 10 species) in various climates of Iran. The plants were collected at the flowering stage in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) in 2018 and were evaluated based on multivariate analysis. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) results showed significant differences in morphological traits as well as EO composition in different populations. The redundancy analysis (RDA) showed EO profiles were significantly affected by maximum and minimum temperature and humidity, while changes in morphological characteristics were more related to a maximum temperature, humidity, average maximum temperature, and minimum temperature. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that among 29 morphometric traits, only seven significantly changed the EO quality, and also RDA identified the number of the main branch and vegetative leaf width as the main responsible traits representing the changes in EO profile. According to the significant effects of climatic parameters on morphological and phytochemical compounds of Satureja species, selecting effective environmental factors in the habitats to access the more elevated amount of active substances and desired morphological traits can help breeders to grow and cultivate suitable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to study the essential oil (EO) variation of Dracocephalum moldavica L. under different phenological stages. The EO yield was highest in the flowering stage, followed by floral budding, fruit set, and vegetative stages. Twenty-three components in EOs were identified by GC-MS and quantified using GC-FID. Geranyl acetate (31–50 %), geranial (16–27 %), geraniol (12–13.4 %) and neral (10.67–17.30 %) were four main constituents. Antifungal assays of EO through mycelial growth inhibition percentages (MGI %) with four concentrations (0, 250, 500, and 750 µl/l) showed concentration-dependent responses. EOs showed the high potential of antifungal activity with ID50 values of (89–145), (27–88) and (183–339) µl/l and ID90 values of (667–1293), (509–1296), and (389–866) µl/l for Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, and Trichoderma harzianum respectively. EO of D. moldavica showed considerable promise as a natural bio-preservative and bio-antifungal agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the essential oil and forage quality optimizer (EFO) apparatus to improve oils, while preserving forage quality and digestibility for the first time. Prangos ferulacea L. Lindl aerial parts were collected and used for the essential oil, forage quality, and digestibility analysis. Effects of temperature treatments (60, 75 and 90 °C) at EFO method on essential oil were compared to steam distillation. After the oil extraction, the nutrient compositions were measured and compared with the samples of before extracting. The results showed a significant increase in the content of essential oil in 75 °C compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). Also, the quality and the digestibility of fodder were as follows: SD method < before the essential oil extraction < the EFO innovative method (75 °C). Therefore, temperature of 75 °C in EFO was concluded as the optimum temperature, for increasing both of the quality and quantity of oil as well as preserving the quality and digestibility of forage. It is suggested that the EFO can be tested to obtain a more qualitative essential oil and forage that can be exploited in the pharmaceutical and animal food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satureja is one of the important medicinal and aromatic genus of the Lamiaceae family due to the high valuable phenolic compounds, such as carvacrol and thymol, which is produced by the plants. It is considered as an important potential source of nutrient and valuable components thus, can serve to control some diseases such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer and cytotoxic effects. Essential oil and their constituents obtained from Satureja, have several applications as natural agents in maintaining the proper qualifications of food. The present review discusses on the ethnobotany, essential oil, aroma profile, agronomy, molecular studies and pharmacological activities accomplished so far. This assessment is mostly focusing to be responsible for related data on the phytochemical of Satureja species, with highlighting on aroma profile of the essential oil, providing information aimed at choosing the powerful accessions with the greatest aroma profiles and pharmacological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the variation of four thyme species for aerial parts biomass, essential oil content and composition, a study was carried out in Zagheh, Rangeland, Khoramabad, Iran. Seeds of four species of Thymus pubescens Boiss. & Kotschy ex Celak., Thymus daenensis Celak. Thymus daenensis subsp. lancifolius (Celak.) Jalas and Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. & Hohen. were collected from their natural habitat in Lourestan province, Iran. Seeds sown in Jiffy pots in glasshouse in September 2016 and the seedlings were transferred to the field in October 2016 using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Each unit of the experiment consists of 40 plants in two rows with 50 cm distance between rows and 50 cm between plants within rows. Data were collected for aerial parts biomass, morphological traits and essential oil percentages over two years 2017-2018. The essential oils of all samples were obtained by hydrodistillation, in flowering stage and the essential oil components were identified using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Considerable variation was found between species for fresh and dry weight of aerial parts biomass, plant height, root length and essential oil content. The mean values of aerial parts biomass, crown diameter and essential oil in T. daenensis were higher than other species. For the root length, the higher value was obtained in T. pubescens. The lower and higher essential oil content with average values of 1.53% and 1.95% were obtained in T. pubescens and T. daenensis subsp. lancifolius, respectively. The results indicated that the major components in the essential oil were carvacrol (5.8, 18.5, 42.4 and 33.5%) and thymol (78.9, 51.9, 36.19 and 42.7%) for T. daenensis, T. kotschyanus, T. daenensis subsp. lancifolius and T. pubescens, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta binaludensis Jamzad is an endemic and rare perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family which grows in a limited area in Binaloud Mountain in northeast of Iran. In order to study the effect of drying methods on its essential oil content and composition, the aerial parts were collected in flowering stage from its habitat at altitude of 2650 m above sea level in July 2018. Seven drying methods as sun drying, shade drying, oven drying at 30oC, 40oC and 50oC and microwave drying (180W and 360W) were applied in three replications. The essential oils of all samples were obtained using a Clevenger type apparatus during 3 h. The essential oils were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA (CRD) with three replications and mean comparison were made using the Tukey method. The highest oil yield was obtained in oven drying 50 °C (2.16%) followed by shade drying (1.96%). In contrast, the lowest values of essential oil content, 1.09 and 0.65%, were obtained in sun drying and microwave 360W, respectively. Twenty-four compounds were identified in the essential oils of N. binaludensis with various drying methods with neptalactone (23.1-54.0%), 1,8-cineol (25.5-51.0%) and myrcene (2.0-4.0%) as major components. The highest percentage of 1,8-cineole (51%) was obtained from sample dried in oven 50 °C, while, the highest amount of neptalactone (54.0%) was obtained from sample dried by the microwave 180 W. The results demonstrated that drying the aerial parts of N. binaludensis in the shade and oven 50oC are the best optimal methods to obtain the highest oil yield, while drying in microwave at 180 W is recommended to enhance higher neptalactone content in the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of essential oils in six accessions of Achillea biebersteinii Afan., transferred from the natural habitats in various townships of Kurdistan province, Iran to the cultivated conditions, were analyzed by GC/MS. Twenty-nine components were identified, of which the main constituents of the essential oil of A. biebersteinii Afan. contained 1,8-cineole (17-34%), Bornyl acetate (0.7-39%), and p-cymene (2.2-19.2%). The cultivated accessions produced more 1,8-cineole and bornyl acetate than those of the natural habitats, while the highest amount of p-cymene was found in A. biebersteinii Afan., collected from natural habitats. The essential oils were characterized by the highest amount of 1,8-cineole (24.9-37.9%), bornyl acetate (13.7-26.9%), and p-cymene (2.7-9%) in all cultivated accessions. When transferred to the field conditions, the accession Khan gorge of Baneh City was demonstrated as the best in terms of 1,8-cineole, and the accession Booein village of Baneh produced the largest amount of bornyl acetate. The accessions from Janevareh village and Ney village in Marivan city had the largest amount of p-cymene in both fields and in both years of cultivation. The results of the study of the pharmaceutical ingredients, extracted from cultivated conditions and natural habitats, could be very important for the next stages of cultivation and domestication of A. biebersteinii Afan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix dactylifera L., is a monocotyledonous tree belonging to the family Arecaceae or Palmaceae. In Iranian traditional medicines, the distilled water from the date palm spathe is used as tonic, sedative and calmative herbal medicine. In this study, for the first time, the essential oil content and composition of spathe from seven date palm varieties, Phoenix dactylifera L. (var. Mozafati) (male and female trees), Zahedi, Hallilehie, Piarom, and Keroot, Mordasangh, Medjool) growing in Bam, South of Iran, were determined by means of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. The results showed a significant difference between the weight of spathe per tree, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield of different varieties at P<0.01. Comparison of mean values showed the highest essential oil percentage (0.21 %, 0.20 % and 0.15 %) were obtained from Piarom, Zahedi and Mozafati varieties, respectively. Seventeen compounds were identified in the essential oils with 3,4-dimethoxy toluene (55.2-70.7 %), p-methyl anisol (4.5-28.5 %) and 2,6-dimethoxy toluene (9.0-19.9 %) as main components. These compounds have anti-paroxysm effects or may prevent the advance stage of Alzheimer. Cluster analysis showed that the Medjool variety was separated from other varieties. Imported varieties from other regions of Iran (Zahedi, Piarom, Hallilehie and Mordasangh) were set into one group and the inherent varieties (Keroot, Mozafati) were set into another group. The results showed that the varieties from one geographical region had a close or relatively the same essential oil compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus L.) is an abundant resource with huge phytochemical and agronomic potentials. Their variation in response to agronomic techniques needs to be explored. Field studies were laid out to assess plant density and nitrogen fertilizer (N) effects on blessed thistle plant height, branches number (m-2), vegetative variables and RGR (relative growth rate), CGR (crop growth rate), LAR (leaf area ratio), NAR (net assimilation rate), as growth variables along with blessed thistle essential oil content, yield and compositions in two growing seasons. A three replicated factorial combination of plant densities (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 plants m-2) and N levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) in a randomized complete-block design were conducted. Addition of 100 kg N ha-1with 15-20 plants m-2caused a significant increase in vegetative and growth variables. Although the essential oil content declined by 28 and 39 % as N rate level rose from 0 to 150 kg ha-1, essential oil yield peaked at 40-80 kg N ha-1 in both years. The GC and GC/MS analysis showed that eicosane was the dominant component of the essential oil (31-65 %), followed by isopropyl hexadecanoate (5.7-9.2 %), octadecane (3.5-10.5 %) and cryptomerione (3.1-7.1 %) which presented variations across the treatments. Application of N resulted in a decrease in the eicosane and an increase in the proportion of isopropyl hexadecanoate, octadecane and cryptomerione. It can be concluded that optimizing agronomic management techniques could be an effective approach to improve growth, essential oil content and composition of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present work, the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from dried flowering aerial parts of Teucrium hircanicum L. (Labiatae) originated from ten wild populations in Iran was analyzed by a GC-FID and GC/MS system. The oil yields varied from 0.04% to 0.1%. A total of thirty-two compounds representing 67.6–97.7% of the oil were identified. The essential oil was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarpons (E)-α-bergamotene (17.5–86.9%) and (E)-β-farnesene (0.5–21.4%). Of the total identified compounds, sesquiterpene hydrocarpons (36.1–89.7%) were included the greatest essential oil fraction in all the populations, followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (2.2–21.6%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (0.0–14.4%) and monoterepene hydrocarbons (0.0–9.5%). Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to distinguish any geographical variations, indicating that the clustering of populations is related to their geographic origin. According to the GC/MS analysis, two chemotypes consisting of (E)-α-bergamotene and (E)-α-bergamotene-(E)-β-farnesene were identified in the populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold plasma is known as a novel nonthermal processing method for decontamination of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs); however, there are little research studies about its effects on active ingredients of these plants. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of low‐pressure cold plasma (LPCP) treatments (1, 3, and 5 min) on the essential oil (EO) content and composition of lemon verbena leaves. The EO content was determined using hydro‐distillation, and the composition of the extracted EOs was quantified using gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques. The results showed that by increasing the LPCP treatment duration, the EO content was reduced from 1.2 to 0.9 (% v/w). The highest content of monoterpene hydrocarbons (e.g., limonene) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (e.g., spathulenol and globulol) was also observed in LPCP‐treated ones, whereas the oxygenated monoterpenes (e.g., citral) content of control was measurably higher than those treated with LCPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild pistachio species, Pistacia khinjuk Stocks, is the non-preferred host plant of common psyllid, Aganoscena pistaciae, the key pest of cultivated pistachios, P. vera L. in many Asian countries. P. khinjuk essential oil (EO) was obtained from leaf samples via hydro-distillation. EO chemical composition was identified by GC and GC-MASS. Forty compounds out of 48 total compounds were identified in oil. The major constituents of EO were myrcene (18.7 %), α-eudesmol (12.3 %), β-eudesmol (9.3 %), 1,7-di-epi-β-cedrene (7.3 %), bicyclogermacrene (5.6 %) and δ-eudesmol (4.9 %). Insecticidal activity of EO and pure myrcene, as the major EO constituent, were separately determined through contact bioassay tests against the psyllid eggs and nymphs. Both EO and myrcene caused approximately equal mortalities of 30-45 % on eggs and 65-90 % on nymphs. This is the first report about the insecticidal activity of P. khinjuk essential oil against A. pistaciae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical composition of the hydrodistilled essential oils of the inflorescence and seed Pimpinella khayamii were determined by GC and GC/MS at two consecutive years. The yields of inflorescence and seed oil were 1.1%, 1.9% and 1.0% and 1.6% w/w in first and second year, respectively. There were twenty eight and twenty four compounds inflorescence and seed oil in first year that changed to twenty nine and twenty one compounds in second year. They account for 68.4%, 91.0% and 88.4%, 94.3% of inflorescence and seed total oil in first and second year, respectively. Main components in inflorescence were pregeijerene (6.3% and 13.8%), α-ecophene (9.6% and 9.4%), β-cubebene (11.0% and 9.8%) and (E)-β-farnesene (6.3% and 8.1%) in first and second year, respectively. Major constituents of seed oils were pregeijerene (8.4% and 32.2%) and (E)-β-farnesene (42.1% and 31.2%) in first and second year, respectively. Study of antimicrobial effects was done by disk diffusion method. The results of analysis of variation showed that there was significant difference (a< 0.01) between treatments in all designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foliage essential oils (obtained by hydro-distillation) of male and female plants ofJuniperus communisL. subsp.hemisphaerica, collected from wild habitat were estimated in three different seasons (spring, summer and autumn). The highest essential oil content was obtained from male plants in spring (3.40%). GC and GC/MS analysis of foliage oils showed that the monoterpenes (77.1–88.7%) were the major groups of compounds, followed by amount of sesquiterpenes (4.3–6.3%). The major constituent of the both male and female foliage oils in spring and autumn wasα-pinene. In the samples collected during summer, essential oil was dominated byα-pinene (48.8%) and sabinene (44.5%) for male and female plants, respectively. The concentration ofα-pinene in the foliage oils from the male plants was higher than in the oils from the female plants. In the present experiment, the variations chemical composition of essential oil were mainly due to the differences in type of the foliage (extracted from male or female plant) and harvest season. In conclusion, foliage ofJ. communisL. subsp.hemisphaericafor obtaining higher essential oil content (3.40%),α-pinene (61.69%) and limonene (13.56%) should be collected from male plant during the spring season (or at the flowering stage). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Changes in essential oils ( EOs) content and composition of lemon verbena leave at different packaging methods (packaged with air, nitrogen, or under vacuum) and during storage period (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 months) were determined. All the samples were hydrodistilled every 2 months during storage for EO content evaluation. EO composition was determined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that by extending the storage period in all packaging methods, EO content was significantly decreased. Parallel to the increase in the storage duration in all packaging methods, citral content was decreased, whereas the amounts of limonene and 1,8-cineole were increased. Packaging of lemon verbena leaves with nitrogen preserved the highest EO content during 8 months of storage and achieved the desired amounts of citral, limonene, and 1,8-cineole. This investigation also showed camphene may be a useful marker for the indication of storage duration of lemon verbena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality control of essential oils is an important topic in industrial processing of medicinal and aromatic plants. In this paper, the performance of Fuzzy Adaptive Resonant Theory Map (ARTMAP) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) algorithms are compared in the specific task of quality classification of Rosa damascene essential oil samples (one of the most famous and valuable essential oils in the world) using an electronic nose (EN) system based on seven metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors. First, with the aid of a GC-MS analysis, samples of Rosa damascene essential oils were classified into three different categories (low, middle, and high quality, classes C1, C2, and C3, respectively) based on the total percent of the most crucial qualitative compounds. An ad-hoc electronic nose (EN) system was implemented to sense the samples and acquire signals. Forty-nine features were extracted from the EN sensor matrix (seven parameters to describe each sensor curve response). The extracted features were ordered in relevance by the intra/inter variance criterion (Vr), also known as the Fisher discriminant. A leave-one-out cross validation technique was implemented for estimating the classification accuracy reached by both algorithms. Success rates were calculated using 10, 20, 30, and the entire selected features from the response of the sensor array. The results revealed a maximum classification accuracy of 99% when applying the Fuzzy ARTMAP algorithm and 82% for LDA, using the first 10 features in both cases. Further classification results explained that sub-optimal performance is likely to occur when all the response features are applied. It was found that an electronic nose system employing a Fuzzy ARTMAP classifier could become an accurate, easy, and inexpensive alternative tool for qualitative control in the production of Rosa damascene essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damask rose cultivated for essential oil production mainly used in perfume industry. Due to the highly perishable flowers, post-harvest handling of the flowers prior to oil extraction would be considered as a key point in rose essential oil production. Evaluating the effects of various storage conditions on the yield and quality of the Damask rose essential oil (EO), the petals were stored under three conditions included packaging in LDPE and poly-film PET/EVOH/LDPE bags and immersing inside the water containers at room temperature (RT) or refrigerator (4 °C) for 1–3 days (short-term storage). Throughout the prolonged handling (for 7, 14 and 21 days), packed petals using the PET/EVOH/LDPE bags were evaluated under frozen, active and passive MAP as well as RT conditions. Essential oils produced by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Petal storage using the poly-film bags at RT for 1 day and also water handling at 4 °C for 2–3 days exhibited the higher EO content and quality, with the yields of approximately the same, 19% and 23% (v/w) higher oil, respectively, relative to those from unstored petals. Moreover, frozen-stored petals qualified for the higher content and better characteristics of the oil for all the durations of the prolonged storage. The results provide a reference material for interested groups such as producers, consumers who are concerned about rose oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate interrelationship of some morpho-physiological traits and oil yield of Dracocephalum moldavica L. an experiment was conducted in the form of split factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications in a greenhouse and field conditions. Results indicated a significant and high correlation of flowering shoots yield and oil percentage with oil yield under given conditions. The most direct effect in these conditions was related flowering shoots yield and oil percentage which was also evident in stepwise regression. Traits including plant height, number of sub-branches, proline and soluble carbohydrates also directly or indirectly affected on flowering shoots yield and oil percentage. In factor analysis, two factors of morphological traits and yield in greenhouse conditions and three factors of morphological, yield, and oil yield in farm conditions confirmed 92.85 and 93.06% of total variance, respectively. Generally, reinforcing the first factor which justified the most variances among the data especially total chlorophyll, number of flowers and sub-branches, and leaf area can accelerate the flowering shoots yield, oil percentage and finally improve oil yield. Despite reduction in the oil percentage due to an increase in the amount of proline and soluble carbohydrates, these two traits through improving morphological traits in low humidity conditions can be useful in accelerating flowering shoots yield and finally oil yield. Thus, regarding flowering shoots yield (it also includes oil percentage), it is suggested to improve D. moldavica oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of zinc nutritional treatments (1 and 2 mg kg-1 in soil application and 1 and 3 g L-1 in foliar application) and moisture regimes (2, 4 and 8 days irrigation intervals) on growth parameters and essential oil of costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita L.), a pot experiment was conducted. Growth characteristics were significantly decreased as irrigation intervals were increased. Moreover, essential oil content and yield were significantly increased and reduced under water deficit, respectively. Zinc had an additive effect on growth parameters, essential oil content and yield. Oxygenated monoterpenes (especially carvone) were appointed as the most principle class of essential oil constituents. Regardless of zinc nutrition, the highest and the lowest carvone content were observed in 4 and 8 irrigation intervals, respectively. Zinc had also, additive effect on carvone content. The results showed that the effects of zinc and moisture regimes on oil composition appear to be variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: The world production and consumption of essential oils and perfumes are increasing very fast. Lippia citriodora H.B.K. is an herbal species mainly used as a spice and medicinal plant. Endogenous levels as well exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGR) could affect essential oil production and chemical compositions. Experimental: To study the effect of exogenous application of pgr on chemical composition and volatile oil content of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora H.B.K.), an experiment was conducted based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Experimental treatments included distillated water (positive Control), without treatment (negative Control), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (2mgL-1), 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) (2mgL-1) and IAA + BAP (2mgL-1). The hydro-distillated essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Results: More than 23 volatile components have been characterized as constituents of L. citriodora oil. Neral, geranial, 1,8-cineole and limonene were the major compounds of the essential oil from lemon verbena. Neral significantly increased by exogenous application of IAA + BAP (2mgL-1), whereas 1,8-cineole significantly increased by IAA (2mgL-1). Recommended applications/industries: Citral (geranial + neral) is a valuable flavor and scent reagent that is used in food and perfume industries. Generally, exogenous application of IAA, IAA+BAP and distilled water can increase medicinal and nutritional values of L. citriodora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bunium comprised 14 species in Iran, two of them (B. wolfi and B. lurestanicum) are endemic. Among these species, only B. persicum is famous and used in medicinal and nutrition industries. In this research, the essential of five Iranian Bunium species, named B. lurestanicum, B. microcarpum, B. badghayzi, B. wolffi and B. carioides were studied. At first, different parts of these plants were collected from their habitats; if possible the plant parts were separated and then dried. The dried plant materials were subjected to hydro-distillation for obtaining the essential oils. The oils were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography, using flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. Fifteen compounds were identified in the oil of leaves, flowers and fruits (seeds) of B. lurestanicum at the end of flowering stage. Germacrene D (25.1%), E- caryophyllene (11.6%) and bicyclogermacrene (11.5%) were the main components. 23 components were characterized in the oil of the leaves and flowers of B. microcarpum. Elemicine (21.7%), germacrene D (12.7%), (Z)-β-ocimene (12.2%), limonene (11.8%) and β-pinene (9.6%) were the main constituents. 23 components were characterized in the oil of flower and seed of B. wolffi. Germacrene D (30.1%), β-selinene (11.6%) and β-pinene (8.1%) were the main constituents. 16 components were characterized in the oil of the leaves and flowers of B. badghayzi. β-sesquiphellandrene (32.8%), germacrene D (21.3%), germacrene B (14.5%) and E-caryophyllene (7.5%) were the main constituents. 13 compounds were identified in the seed oil of B. carioides with β-sesquiphellandrene (24.2%), germacrene D (13.5%) and germacrene B (13.1%) as main components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the chemical composition of essential oils from twenty-three wild populations ofAchillea biebersteiniiAfan., growing wild in different parts of Iran, were determined by means of gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. Based on the dry weight of samples, the oil content of studied populations varied from 0.44% (Nenor) to 1.62% (Golool) with an average value of 0.81%. In total, twenty-five compounds were identified in the essential oil of all samples corresponding about 92.5–99.1% of the chemical composition. All essential oils were characterized by a high amount of monoterpenoid compounds (99.1–99.2%), especially oxygenated ones (48.5–90%), which were almost dominant in all cases and with a trace amount of sesquiterpenes (0–0.3%). 1,8-Cineole (6.5–68.3%) was generally found as the principal component of most essential oils, followed byp-cymene (1.4–38.6%). The noticeable point of present study was the occurrence of nepetalactones chemotypes in plants of theNepetaspecies. These compounds were detected in the essential oils of fourteen of twenty-three populations, which were mostly at least one of the three major components (4.3–43.3%) too. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the essential oil content and composition of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. at different phenological stages including vegetative, floral budding, full flowering (leaves, stems and flowers) and fruit set were studied by means of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectometry (GC-MS). All oil samples from different plant parts and phenological stages were mostly made up of monoterpenoid compounds (88.6 - 99.6%), especially oxygenated ones (52.4 - 82.4%). The oil of the vegetative stage contained high amounts of limonene, 4aα-7β-7aα-nepetalactone, p-cymene and 1,8-cineole. The major constituents in the flower budding stage oil were found to be limonene, 1,8-cineole and 4aα-7β-7aot-nepetalactone. In the oil of the fruit set stage, γ-terpinene, p-cymene and cis-chrysanthenyl acetate were the predominant constituents. On the other hand, the most important compounds from the stem oil were 4aα-7α-7aα-nepet- alactone, 1,8-cineole, 4aα-7β-7aα-nepetalactone and camphor. 4aα-7α-7aα-nepetalactone, limonene, 1,8-cineole and cis- p-menth-2-en-l-ol were found in high concentration in the oil of leaves, whereas 4aα-7α-7aα-nepetalactone, 4aα-7β-7aα-nepetalactone, limonene and p-cymene were present in large amounts in the oil of flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal activity of different concentrations of Thymus kotschyanus and Carum copticum essential oils (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µL/L) on mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium digitatum under in vitro condition were investigated. Also, the preservative property of various concentrations of these essential oils (0, 250 and 500 µL/L) to maintenance quality parameters of "Rish Baba" table grape were studied. Chemical compositions of the essential oils were also determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Major compounds found in essential oils from T. kotschyanus and C. copticum were carvacrol (28.54%) and thymol (63.18%), respectively. The results of in vitro assay showed that T. kotschyanus and C. copticum essential oils in 300–500 µL/L concentration completely inhibited the mycelial growth of B. cinerea and P. digitatum. Also, at the end of the storage period, all the applied concentration of essential oils reduced disease severity compared to control fruit. The application of essential oil did not affect the berry shrinkage and rachis browning. However, essential oil treatment showed high preservative effect on weight loss, appearance, flavor, berry browning, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity (TA) and TSS/TA of treated fruits. Therefore, essential oils may be used as an alternative for the synthetic chemicals for control of postharvest phytopathogenic fungi, and in turn to fulfill consumer requirements for more natural and healthy fruits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Postharvest disease of perishable fruits such as table grape renders heavy losses during transit and storage. Use of chemical fungicides such as SO2 generator pads are basic means of controlling postharvest diseases of table grape. Public awareness about chemical residues in food and interest to use of organic crops intended search to find a new safe alternatives to synthetic fungicides. The main reason for examine the possibility use of essential oils are they plant origins, safe, no side‐effect and their acceptability for consumers. Consequently, recently the interest to use of essential oils to preserve of fruits and vegetables has increased. The goal of this research was to examine the possibility use of T. kotschyanus, C. copticum essential oils to maintain postharvest quality of table grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskia abrotanoides Karel is a wild growing plant in Iran and has been used in traditional Iranian herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate chemical composition and fumigant toxicity of the essential oil from P. abrotanoides against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Dry flowering aerial parts of the plant were subjected to hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus. The composition of the essential oil was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC mass spectrophotometry. Twenty-four compounds representing 98.8% of total oil were identified. The predominant components in the oil were camphor (28.38%) and 1,8-cineole (23.18%). Fumigant toxicity was tested against 1- to 7-day-old adults of S. oryzae and T. castaneum with five replications at 25 ± 1°C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity in dark conditions. The mortality was increased with concentrations of 32, 161, 322, 483 and 645µl/l air and with exposure time from 2 to 15 h. The lowest concentration (32 µl/l air) of the oil induced 100% mortality of S. oryzae and T. castaneum after 15 and 8 h exposure, respectively. The oil at 322 µl/l air caused 100% mortality for S. oryzae and T. castaneum within 13 and 7 h exposure, respectively. At 645 µl/l air, the LT50 values (lethal time for 50% mortality) were 8 and 2.84 h for S. oryzae and T. castaneum, respectively. In the probit analysis, LC50 values (lethal concentration for 50% mortality) showed that T. castaneum (LC50 = 11.39µl/l) was more susceptible than S. oryzae (LC50 = 18.75 µl/l). The essential oil of P. abrotanoides can play an important role in stored grain protection and reduce the need for the same, and also the risks associated with the use of synthetic insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aerial parts of Satureja hortensis, cultivated in Iran (Research Station of Alborz, Karaj), were collected at the full-flowering stage and dried by three different drying methods (sun-drying, shade-drying and oven-drying at 45°C). The essential oils of every treatment were obtained by hydro-distillation of the aerial parts. In addition, the essential oil of shade-dried sample was obtained by two other distillation methods (water- and steam-distillation and direct steam-distillation). The oils were analyzed by capillary GC and GC–MS. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between oil yield (w/w) of the oven-dried sample (1.06%) compared to shade-dried (0.94%) and sun-dried (0.87%). The oil content of the shade-dried sample, obtained by hydro-distillation, was higher (0.94%) than that of the steam-distilled (0.27%). Twenty-three components were identified in the oil of S. hortensis in the different drying methods, including carvacrol (46.0–48.1%) and γ-terpinene (37.7–39.4%) as main components. Seventeen compounds were characterized in the oils of different distillation methods, including carvacrol (12.3–46%) and γ-terpinene (37.7–70.4%). Although the drying methods had no significant effect on oil composition of S. hortensis, the distillation changed the percentage of main components sharply (significant at 1%). The steam-distillation method produced the lowest amount of carvacrol and highest amount of γ-terpinene. The results showed that extraction by hydro-distillation gave the best results for S. hortensis, based on oil yield and carvacrol percentage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aerial parts of Satureja sahandica Bornm. were collected in three stages of plant growth (at the beginning of full and end of flowering stage) from Ghazvin province in the north of Iran. The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of the plant material. The oils were analyzed by capillary GC and GC/MS. The highest oil yield was obtained at the beginning of flowering (3.30% w/w), then the oil content decreased to 2.28% at full flowering stage and more decreased (1.65%) at the end of flowering. Twenty-three compounds were identified in the oil of S. sahandica at the beginning of flowering with γ-terpinene (42.3%), thymol (34.6%) and p-cymeue (11.7%) as main components. Twenty-three constituents were characterized in the oil of full flowering stage with p-cymene (30.2%), thymol (29.6%) and γ-terpinene (27.7%) as major components. Twenty-seven compounds were identified in the oil at the end of flowering with p-cymene (58.1%), thymol (19.3%) and γ-terpinene (9.3%) as main components. The results showed, the percentage of p-cymeue was increased in the oil of Satureja sahendica with growth of the plant and during flowering period and the percentage of thymol and T-terpinene have been reduced. So, harvesting of Satureja sahendica can be commented at the beginning of flowering because of higher oil content and percentage of thymol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation from the stems/leaves, inflorescences and seeds of Pimpinella tragioides (Boiss.) Benth. et Hook. The oil yields of stems/leaves, inflorescence and seed oils were 0.15%, 0.79% and 2.49% w/w, respectively. Thirteen constituents in the stem plus the leaf oil, 13 constituents in the inflorescence oil and 15 constituents in the seed oil were identified. The major constituent in the stem/leaf oil and inflorescence oil was trans-α-bergamotene (77.1% and 70.3%, respectively), whereas the major constituent of the seed oil was pregeijerene (87.0%). Nonadecane (8.6%) and isoacarone (15.1%) were the other major constituents in the stem/leaf and inflorescence oils, respectively. Only two trace compounds of P. tragioides (β-caryophyllene and bicyclogermacrene) were common between the stem/leaf, inflorescence and seed oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Essential oil composition of 4 Hemp cultivars in different growth stages were compared. • Highest essential oil content was obtained for Fed17 at flowering stage (0.86 %). • Main compounds were E-caryophyllene, α-humulene and Z-caryophyllene. • The ratio of sesquiterpene to monoterpene showed a decrease during developing plants. • Flowering and seeding stages of hemp are recommended for high amount of β-pinene and 1,8-cineole. Essential oil of Cannabis sativa L. is a valuable bio-product due to its versatility, particularly in terms of its commercial values and potential applications in medicine, cosmetics and bio-pesticide. In this study, the effect of different stages of plant growth on essential oil yield and composition of four hemp varieties, (two monoecious non-native (Fedora 17 and its progeny) and two dioecious native (Fars and Yazd) samples) were investigated. The plant materials, consist of foliage in vegetative stage, inflorescent of flower in flowering stage and inflorescent of seeds in seeding stage were subjected to hydro-distillation. The essential oils were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oil yields varied from 0.40 % (Fedora17) to 0.65 % (Yazd). Interaction of cultivar and growth stage showed Fed17−2 at vegetative (0.86 %) and Fed17 at flowering stage (0.20 %), had the most and least oil content, respectively. Twenty-nine compounds were identified representing 81.9%–99.5% of the essential oils. The most abundant sesquiterpenes in the oils were E- caryophyllene (16.40 %–44.70 %), α-humulene (4.1 %–15.1 %) and Z- caryophyllene (2.4 %–10.7 %), while the major monoterpenes were (0.4–24.9 %), β-pinene (4.6–24.3 %) and 1,8-cineole (0.8 %–9.3 %) in all growth stages and cultivars. The ratio of sesquiterpenes to monoterpenes were found to decrease during the developing plants. In conclusion, there was no significant difference between mean oil yields of native and non-native samples, but non-native samples produced the highest oil yield in vegetative stage. E -caryophyllene was found at the highest percentage in the oils of non-native samples at vegetative stage. For all samples, the essential oils at vegetative stage contained much lower production of monoterpenes than flowering stage. In addition, to obtain the highest amount of β-pinene and 1,8-cineole, the flowering and seeding stages of hemp are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Stentonia nudicaulis Boiss., collected from Takab (western Iran), was examined by GC and GC/MS. Fifty-seven components were characterized. The main components were βsesquiphellandrene (25.3%), hexyl butyrate (15.7%), patchouli alcohol (10.3%), 8-cedren-13-ol (4.1%) and ϒ-eudesmol (3.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A water-distilled oil produced from the aerial parts of Diplotaenia cachrydifolia of Iranian origin was analyzed by combination of GC and GC/MS. Twenty-six components were identified, which approximately constituted 99.5% of the oil. The major constituents were limonene (30.4%), (Z)-β-ocimene (11.6%), elemicin (15.0%), dill apiole (12.5%) and (E)-isoelemicin (15.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-distilled volatile from the aerial parts of Pycnocycla aucherana and P. musiformis of Iranian origin was analyzed by a combination of GC and GC/MS. Twenty and 23 components were identified, which approximately constituted 99.9% of the oil of P. aucherana and P. musiformis, respectively. The major constituents of P. aucherana oil were p-cymene (44.7%), α-phellandrene (25.0%), β-phellandrene (11.7%), spathulenol (5.6%) and guaiol (5.1%), while the main constituents of the oil of P. musiformis were thymol (53.5%), α-pinene (10.7%), bornyl acetate (4.2%), limonene (3.8%) and (Z)-β-ocimene (3.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dragonhead is an annual, herbaceous, balm-scented and spicy aromatic member of the family Lamiaceae. We examined effects of different sources of nitrogen on the content and composition of essential oils in two genotypes of dragonhead in two regions of Iran. The sources of nitrogen used were 100% urea (70kg N ha−1), 75% urea (52.5kg N ha−1)+25% Azocompost (3.85tonha−1), 50% urea (35kg N ha−1)+50% Azocompost (7.77tonha−1), 25% urea (17.5kg N ha−1)+75% Azocompost (11.55tonha−1), and 100% Azocompost (15.55tonha−1). Optimal yield and content of essential oil at both locations for both genotypes were obtained by applying 50% urea+50% Azocompost. Geraniol, geranial, and geranyl acetate were the most abundant compounds. For both genotypes and both locations, application of 50% urea+50% Azocompost increased levels of geraniol and geranial, and application of Azocompost alone increased levels of geranyl acetate. Overall, we conclude that the application of 50% urea with 50% Azocompost is recommended for optimising the content and composition of essential oils in dragonhead. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Essential oil of Carum copticum cultivated in Iran was obtained by hydrodistillation and supercritical (CO2) extraction (SFE) methods. The oils were analysed by capillary gas chromatography, using flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra (EI, 70 eV). The effects of different parameters, such as pressure, temperature, modifier volume and extraction time, on the supercritical fluid extraction of C. copticum oil were investigated. The results showed that, under pressure of 30.4 MPa, temperature 35 °C, methanol 0% and dynamic extraction time of 30 min, the method was most selective for the extraction of thymol. Eight compounds were identified in the hydrodistilled oil. The major components of C. copticum were thymol (49.0%), γ-terpinene (30.8%), p-cymene (15.7), β-pinene (2.1%), myrcene (0.8%) and limonene (0.7%). However, by using supercritical carbon dioxide under optimum conditions, only three components constituted more than 99% of the oil. The extraction yield, based on hydrodistillation was 2.8% (v/w). Extraction yield based on the SFE varied in the range of 1.0–5.8% (w/w) under different conditions. The results show that, in Iranian C. copticum oil, thymol is a major component. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]