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Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is of great importance due to its medicinal properties and industrial uses. However, as in most plants, physiological and biochemical changes occur in turmeric plants subjected to saline conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and antioxidant response of turmeric plants, and the yield and composition of turmeric essential oil under saline stress. The study was greenhouse-based, and 180 days old turmeric plants were treated with 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl solutions for 130 days. Plants grown under high NaCl concentrations showed significantly reduced shoot length and shoot and rhizome biomass accumulation. Large amounts of proline accumulated in the leaves at 150 mM NaCl. Lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde content increased with salinity in both leaves and rhizomes. Antioxidant enzymes showed greater activity in the leaves of plants exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Salinity altered the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil in the rhizomes. A total of 114 compounds were identified in the essential oil, with the main compounds from the sesquiterpenes class. Sesquiterpenes can constitute a secondary antioxidant system which can assist the primary antioxidant defense system to maintain the levels of hydrogen peroxide in cells at concentrations sub-lethal to turmeric plants. In addition, the presence of rhizomes has a mitigating effect on salt stress in this species due to the antioxidant activity of the essential oil present in the rhizomes.

Epidemiological evidence indicates that plant antioxidants activity can treat or help to prevent the development of various diseases. One species with great potential as an antioxidant is Curcuma longa. However, different extraction techniques can influence isolated chemical compounds. This study investigated chemical composition and antioxidant activity of two rhizome extracts of C. longa: hydroethanolic, obtained by exhaustion (HECLex); and dried by a spray dryer (HECLsd). The phytochemical composition was evaluated by GC/MS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Total phenolic compounds and soil analyses were performed. The main components of HECLex were ar-turmerone, γ-curcumene, α-turmerone, and β-sesquiphellandrene. The main components of HECLsd were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-bis([trimethylsilyl]oxy)propyl ester, verrucarol, and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether. HECLsd had significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant capacity compared with HECLex. In conclusion, processes of the preparation of C. longa rhizomes alter the chemical components and consequently their biological activity.

The present study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil from Garcinia gardneriana (Planchon & Triana) Zappi leaves and fruits, and to determine its acaricidal activity on Rhipicephalus microplus by larval packet test and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti by larval immersion test. The chemical analysis of the essential oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes in bacupari leaves and fruits, and α-cedrene, α-chamigrene, α-trans-bergamotene, and β-curcumene as major compounds. Essential oil from leaves of G. gardneriana presented acaricidal activity on R. microplus (LC50 = 4.8 mg/mL; LC99 = 10.8 mg/mL) and larvicidal effect on A. aegypti (LC50 = 5.4 mg/mL; LC99 = 11.6 mg/mL), whereas essential oil from the fruits of G. gardneriana showed LC50 = 4.6 mg/mL and LC99 = 8.9 mg/mL against R. microplus and LC50 = 6.4 mg/mL and LC99 = 13.9 mg/mL against A. aegypti. These results thus demonstrate the potential acaricidal and larvicidal activity of essential oil of G. gardneriana, offering new perspectives for the realization of bioassays from this essential oil.

Turmeric or curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) is a Zingiberaceae whose essential oil and coloring pigments obtained from the rhizome have been widely used in the food industry and medicine. This study aimed to extract and identify the chemical compounds found in C. longa essential oil from rhizomes collected in six different locations of Brazil. The oil extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation technique, using a Clevenger- type apparatus. The chemical constituents were identified by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical cluster analysis (cluster)were done for the obtained data; and the composition of the studied accesses was verified. Three groups of chemotypes were obtained: group I was formed by the accesses of Campo Grande / Indígena-MS, Mara Rosa-GO, Campo Grande-MS and Perobal-PR, and had Ar-turmerone as its main compound; group II, formed by the access of Santa Tereza do Oeste-PR, presented α-costol and α-Phellandrene as the predominant compounds; and group III, the access of Holambra-SP, differed from the others regarding its essential oil chemical composition whose main agents were Curlone, Zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, Humulene epoxide II, cis-α-trans-Bergamotol. The predominant chemical class in all accesses was hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (Santa Tereza do Oeste-PR and Holambra-SP) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (the others). This study evidenced the formation of three chemotypes

The chemical composition of Gallesia integrifolia fruits essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger apparatus was investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, the cytotoxicity activity against human tumor cell lines MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (large cell lung carcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), and non-tumor PLP2 (porcine liver primary cells) as well as the anti-inflammatory action was proposal. The compounds were predominantly organosulfates (2,8-dithianonane, dimethyl trisulfide, and lenthionine). Anti-inflammatory activity that provides 50% inhibition of nitric oxide production (55 µg/mL) of essential oil of the fruits. It also presents cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (GI50 = 66 µg/mL), NCI-H-460 (GI50 = 147 µg/mL), HeLa (GI50 = 182 µg/mL) and HepG2 (GI50 = 240 µg/mL). The essential oil is more active in tumor cells than in non-tumor cells and the GI50 values for essential oil reported in our work support future studies. The authors thank Universidade Paranaense, UniCesumar, Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019) and to national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for R.C. Calhelhas contract, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil (CAPES) -finance code 001-, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), and Fundação Araucária for the financial support and the fellowship. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Myrcianthes pungens (Myrtaceae) is a native tree to Brazil known as guabijú. In our study, we described the chemical composition of the essential oil from M. pungens dried leaves, the antioxidant activity by different methods and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chemical identification was done by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer and antibacterial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method. The leaf essential oil presented hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (42.6%) as its main chemical class whose major compounds were β-caryophyllene (11.7%) and 1,8-cineole (10.1%). The best antioxidant protection was from 57.5 to 63.3% of β-carotene. The highest antibacterial activity was against S. aureus (MIC of 78.12 µg/mL). This value was 2.56-fold lower than the positive streptomycin control. M. pungens is a promising source of natural molecules with potential study for the development of pharmacological, cosmetic and food products.

This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of Gallesia integrifoliaessential oil from fruits, leaves, and flowers against Aedes aegyptilarvae and pupae. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sulfur compounds represented 95 to 99% of the essential oil from fruits, leaves, and flowers. Essential oil major compounds were 2,8-dithianonane (52.6%) in fruits, 3,5-dithiahexanol-5,5-dioxide (38.9%) in leaves, and methionine ethyl ester (45.3%) in flowers. The essential oils showed high activity against larvae, and low for pupae withLC99.9of 5.87 and 1476.67μg/mL from fruits; 0.0096 and 348.33 μg/mL from leaves and 0.021and 342.84 μg/mL from flowers, respectively. The main compound with insecticide activity is probably n-ethyl-1,3-dithioisoindole, from isoindole organothiophosphate class, found in greater amount in flower and leaf essential oil. The great insecticide activity of G. integrifoliaessential oil suggests that this product is a natural insecticide.

The search for natural sources to control microorganisms is of interest in food production. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Psidium cattleianum leaves. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and identified by GC-MS. The predominant class of compounds was sesquiterpenes (47.6%) and the major compounds were trans-β-caryophyllene (14.7%), 1,8-cineole (11.7%) and ɣ-muurolene (5.6%). The antimicrobial activity was carried out by microdillution technique against eight fungi and eight bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.17 to 11.25 mg mL-1 for fungi, and from 1.40 to 16.87 mg mL-1 for bacteria. The highest activities were against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), and Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) with potential to prevent foodborne diseases.

In Brazil, Rhipicephalus sanguineus resistance to some pyrethroids have been detected, motivating research on new phyto-insecticides such as essential oil from Tetradenia riparia leaves (EOL) and flower buds (EOFB). The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation (3h) and identified by GC/MS. In addition, a multivariate exploratory analysis was done to determine the analysis of the major compounds (PCA). The bioassays on R. sanguineus larvae were done by immersion test at different EO concentrations which ranged from 50,000 to 0.47 mg/mL (v/v). The action mechanism of EOs were determined by bioautographic method evaluating the inhibitory potential on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The EO yield in leaves was 0.29±0.22 (%) and in flower buds 0.38±0.17 (%). The class projections showed oxygenated sesquiterpenes (43.62%) and diterpenes (15.60%) in EOFB, and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (26.44%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (16.44%) in EOL. Four components presented a greater distancing of mass flow: fenchone (11.57 and 6.01 %), α-cadinol (12.21 and 13.69 %), 14-hidroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (8.56 and 15.38 %), and caryophyllene oxide (1.32 and 4.50 %) in EOL and EOFB, respectively. The lethal concentrations (LCs) to kill R. sanguineus larvae were (LC50: 2.18±0.24 and LC99.9: 9.98±0.10 mg/mL) for EOL, and (LC50: 5.36±2.50 and LC99.9: 20.12±0.54 mg/mL) for EOFB. The action mechanism of EOs by bioautographic methods indicated an inhibition of 0.70 mg/mL (EOL) and 1.40 mg/mL (EOFB) on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE). Therefore, this species can be considered promising to be part of the chemical larvicides to control this ectoparasite

Brazil has one of the largest commercial cattle herds in the world, which naturally coexist with an enormous number of parasitic species. Southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, is among these species, interfering with animal productivity and causing losses to the beef and dairy cattle sector. The use of chemical acaricides in the control of this mite has resulted in the emergence of resistant populations. In this sense, alternative control measures using plants as sources of botanical acaricides have shown to be effective. Eugenia pyriformis Cambess is a Brazilian plant with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity; however, there are no reports on its acaricidal activity in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal and larvicidal potential of E. pyriformis leaf essential oil (EO) on southern cattle tick at different stages of the reproductive cycle. E. pyriformis leaves were collected and dried, and had their EO extracted by hydrodistillation (3h) using a modified Clevenger apparatus. Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 32 compounds belonging to the sesquiterpene class were identified: hydrocarbons (17.98%) and oxygenated forms (81.96%), with spathulenol (43.65%) and caryophyllene oxide (12.17%) as the most common. The EO was evaluated by the Adult Immersion Test at the concentrations (500.00 to 3.12mg/mL) in which the following parameters were measured: mortality of females (%), hatchability of eggs (%), and product efficiency (%). Larvae were assessed by the Larval Packet Test at concentrations ranging from 25.00 to 0.00004mg/mL. Lethal concentrations (LC) required for killing 50 and 99.9% of adult females and larvae were determined using Probit analysis. LC50 and LC99.9 of EO were 0.06 and 24.60mg/mL and 1,208.80 and 2,538mg/mL for larvae and adult females, respectively. Action of the EO in the free-living cycle of R. (B.) microplus larvae was another parameter assessed. To this end, the larvae were deposited in pots containing Brachiaria decumbens and, after migration to the leaf apex, a solution containing LC99.9 (24.60mg/mL) of the EO was sprayed. After 24h, 72.25% of the larvae had died, indicating stability of the EO when subjected to uncontrolled temperature and humidity conditions. The mechanism of action through which the EO killed the larvae and adult females was investigated by the Bioautographic Method, which showed inhibition of 3.15mg/mL of the EO on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. The results found in the present experiment indicate that E. pyriformis essential oil is an alternative in the control of southern cattle tick in the larval (parasitic) and free-living cycle (non-parasitic) stages under field conditions. RESUMO: O Brasil dispõe de um dos maiores rebanhos bovinos comerciais do mundo, sendo natural que junto a esse rebanho, coexista uma enorme quantidade de espécies parasitárias; dentre estes o carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus que interfere na produtividade animal, causando prejuízos à pecuária de corte e leite. A utilização de acaricidas químicos no controle deste ácaro tem causado o surgimento de populações resistentes e neste sentido, controles alternativos utilizando plantas como fontes de acaricidas botânicos têm se mostrado eficazes. Eugenia pyriformis Cambess é uma planta brasileira com atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana, entretanto não há relatos da atividade acaricida. O objetivo do presente estudo consistiu na avaliação do potencial acaricida e larvicida do óleo essencial das folhas de E. pyriformis sobre o carrapato bovino nos diferentes estágios do ciclo reprodutivo. As folhas foram coletadas, secas e o OE extraído por hidrodestilação (3 horas) em aparelho Clevenger modificado. A análise química foi realizada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM) sendo identificados 32 compostos, pertencentes à classe sesquiterpenos: hidrocarbonetos (17.98%) e oxigenados (81.96%); tendo como majoritários o spathulenol (43,65%) e caryophylene oxide (12,17%). O OE foi avaliado pelo teste de imersão de adultos nas concentrações (500,00 a 3,12mg/mL) onde foram mensurados os parâmetros: mortalidade das fêmeas (%), eclodibilidade dos ovos (%) e eficiência do produto (%). As larvas foram avaliadas pelo teste de imersão larval (Larval Packet Test) nas concentrações que variaram de 25,00 a 0,00004mg/mL. Foram determinadas as concentrações letais (CLs) necessárias para matar 50 e 99,9% das fêmeas adultas e das larvas utilizando a análise de Probitos. As CL50 e CL99,9 do OE foram (0,06 e 24,60mg/mL) para as larvas e (1.208,80 e 2.538mg/mL) para as fêmeas adultas, respectivamente. Outro parâmetro avaliado em nossa pesquisa foi mensurar a ação do OE no ciclo de vida livre das larvas de R.(B.) microplus; onde as larvas foram depositadas em vasos com Brachiaria decumbens e após migração destas para o ápice das folhas, foi aspergido solução contendo a CL99,9 (24,60mg/mL) do OE. Após 24 horas, 72,25% das larvas morreram indicando que houve estabilidade do OE quando submetido a condições de temperatura e umidade não controladas. O mecanismo de ação pelo qual o OE matou as larvas e fêmeas adultas foi investigado pelo método bioautográfico, indicando uma inibição de 3,15mg/mL do óleo essencial sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). Os resultados encontrados no presente experimento indicaram que o óleo essencial de E. pyriformis é uma alternativa no controle do carrapato bovino no estágio larval (parasitário) e no ciclo de vida livre (estágio não parasitário) em condições de campo.

Microorganism control in food has been a challenge due to the legislation restrictions of each country and the increase in the demand for food without chemical preservatives. Plant essential oils have antimicrobial action and are promising for the use in the food industry. Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the antimicrobial effect of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruit essential oil on minas frescal cheese. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The major identified compounds were hydrocarbon monoterpenes (57.0%), mainly: α-pinene (22.2%), limonene (17.0%), carvone (10.2%) and β-phellandrene (7.9%). The cheese was produced, the main microorganisms were isolated, and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined through broth microdilution test. The cheese samples were soaked. The pink pepper fruit essential oil was added to the cheese samples at the concentration of 20000 μL/mL superficially or to the micelle. S. terebinthifolius fruit essential oil was efficient to control minas frescal cheese microorganisms mainly when applied by superficial addition. The essential oil is a potential source of studies to develop applications for the control of microorganisms in cheese such as minas frescal. Further studies may exploit the impact of the essential oil in minas frescal cheese acceptability. El control de microorganismos en los alimentos ha sido un desafío dadas las restricciones de la legislación de cada país y la mayor demanda de alimentos sin la adición de conservantes químicos. Los aceites esenciales de plantas tienen acción antimicrobiana y son prometedores para su uso en la industria alimentaria. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar la composición química y efecto antimicrobiano del aceite esencial del fruto de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi en queso de minas frescal. El aceite esencial se extrajo mediante hidrodestilación y los compuestos químicos se identificaron mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Los principales compuestos identificados fueron los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (57,0%), siendo los principales: α-pineno (22,2%), limoneno (17,0%), carvona (10,2%) y β-felandreno (7,9%). Se elaboró el queso y se aislaron los principales microorganismos y se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria mediante la prueba de microdilución en caldo. Las muestras de queso se impregnaron con el aceite esencial del fruto de pimienta rosa a una concentración de 20000 μL/mL por adición superficial o agregado a la micela. El aceite esencial de los frutos de S. terebinthifolius resultó eficaz para el control de microorganismos del queso minas frescal, principalmente cuando se aplicó por adición superficial. El aceite esencial es una fuente potencial de estudios para el desarrollo de aplicaciones para el control de microorganismos en el queso fresco de minas. Los estudios futuros pueden explorar el impacto del aceite esencial en la aceptabilidad del queso minas frescal. O controle de microrganismos em alimentos tem sido um desafio face às restrições da legislação de cada país e pelo aumento da demanda de alimentos sem adição de conservantes químicos. Os óleos essenciais de plantas possuem ação antimicrobiana e são promissores para o uso na indústria de alimentos. O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar a composição química e o efeito antimicrobiano do óleo essencial do fruto de Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi em queijos minas frescal. O óleo essencial foi extraído por hidrodestilação, e os compostos químicos identificados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas. Os principais compostos identificados foram os hidrocarbonetos monoterpênicos (57,0%), sendo os principais: α-pineno (22,2%), limoneno (17,0%), carvona (10,2%) e β-felandreno (7,9%). O queijo foi produzido e os principais microrganismos foram isolados e determinada a concentração inibitória mínima através do teste de microdiluição em caldo. As amostras de queijo foram impregnadas com o óleo essencial do fruto da pimenta rosa na concentração de 20000 μL/mL por adição superficial ou adicionado à micela. O óleo essencial dos frutos de S. terebinthifolius foi eficiente para controle de microrganismos do queijo minas frescal principalmente quando aplicado por adição superficial. O óleo essencial é uma potencial fonte de estudos para o desenvolvimento de aplicações para o controle de microrganismos em queijos tipo minas frescal. Futuros estudos podem explorar o impacto do óleo essencial na aceitabilidade do queijo minas frescal.

Plantas como Plinia cauliflora, uma árvore nativa do Brasil, podem ser uma fonte natural de antioxidantes mais seguros, porém não há estudos sobre os efeitos das fases de desenvolvimento da planta sobre os óleos essenciais (OE) ou a atividade antioxidante. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antioxidante, a composição química e a produção de óleo essencial das folhas de P. cauliflora nas fases fenológicas vegetativa, floração e frutificação. Metodologia: a composição química foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa e a atividade antioxidante por três métodos in vitro. Resultados: o rendimento de óleo essencial das folhas foi o mesmo para as fases vegetativa, floração e frutificação. Os compostos de óleo essencial apresentam maior diversidade química nas fases de floração e frutificação. A maior atividade antioxidante foi obtida pelo sistema de co-oxidação β-caroteno/ácido linoléico. O óleo da fase vegetativa protege 40,6% de β-caroteno, enquanto os óleos das fases de floração e frutificação protegem apenas 27,5% e 14,5% de β-caroteno, respectivamente. A análise dos principais compostos evidenciou que a classe predominante foram dos sesquiterpenos de hidrocarbonetos com 67,0% (vegetativo), 66,1% (floração) e 59,4% (frutificação). Os principais compostos do OE nas fases vegetativa, floração e frutificação foram biciclogermacreno (17,0, 14,5 e 11,0%), germacreno D (16,9, 15,9 e 12,4%) e trans-cariofileno (9,2, 7,8 e 9,2%), respectivamente. Na fase vegetativa, destacaram-se o trans-2-hexenal (8,8%) e o óxido de cariofileno (5,4%). Conclusão: as folhas de P. cauliflora são desperdiçadas após a poda e o conhecimento de seu óleo essencial pode agregar valor à produção de jabuticaba no Brasil.

This experiment aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the acaricidal and larvicidal activities of essential oil (EO) and fractions from rose pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) lea...

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito and vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus making it a serious global health problem. We aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of La...

Basil produces important compounds for the industrial manufacture of medicines, cosmetics, and food that are obtained by conventional production techniques. In vitro cultivation has contributed to the increasing reliability of the production, and efficient isolation, of target compounds independent of seasonal factors. We sought to assess the effects of copper sulfate on seedling growth and the elicitation of chemical constituents of the essential oil of basil leaves cultivated in vitro. Basil seedlings were grown in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with 25 and 75 μM CuSO4, as well as in control treatments. Essential oils obtained from the hydrodistillation of dried leaves were subjected to GC–MS analysis. The GC–MS and PCA analyses indicated the presence of two predominant volatile groups: Phenylpropanoids (77.81%) in the 25 μM CuSO4 treatment, with eugenol and methyl eugenol as major components, with industrial and pharmacological importance; and Monoterpenes (69.72%), in the 75 μMCuSO4 treatment and control, subdivided into monoterpene hydrocarbons (19.36%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (50.36%), with 1,8 cineole and linalool as major components.MS medium enriched with 25 μM CuSO4 resulted in seedlings with longer and more numerous leaves, which would be important for oil extraction. That Cu concentration probably affected the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, which is triggered mainly under plant stress situations.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on the chemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Green’) using static headspace extraction. The basil was cultivated in vitro and ex vitro. The sowing was completed in trays, and the seedlings were transplanted to pots and grown in a protected environment for 180 d. For in vitro cultivation, the seeds were placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with growth regulators, sucrose, agar, and CuSO4 (at 0 μM [control], 25 μM, or 75 μM). Volatile organic compounds emitted from the excised leaves were collected by the static headspace technique, and identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-six compounds were identified in the leaves harvested from the plants cultivated in vitro, while 11 compounds were identified in the leaves sampled from the ex vitro plants. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the main compounds found in plants cultivated ex vitro. Phenylpropanoids predominated in the control and the 25 μM CuSO4 treatments. The main compounds found were methyl eugenol (52.03%) and eugenol (20.66%). For the 75 μM CuSO4 treatment, the major compounds detected were linalool (28.14%) and 1.8-cineole (15.7%). Volatile secondary metabolites of basil cultivated in vitro with CuSO4 were easily isolated and rapidly obtained. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and potential of using copper treatments to reduce the impact of seasonality on essential oil production.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to analyze antileishmanial activity of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf essential oil (EO) on promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, cytotoxicity in murine macrophages and sheep erythrocytes. The essential oil (EO) was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. The main and most abundant compounds were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (71.22%) such as trans-caryophyllene (7.87%), bicyclogermacrene (11.28%), and δ-cadinene (8.34%). The IC50 for promastigote and amastigote forms of L. amazonensis was 70 µg mL−1 and 6 µg mL−1, respectively. C. xanthocarpa EO was not cytotoxic for murine macrophages (CC50 1860 µg mL−1) and sheep erythrocytes (1.5%), presenting high selectivity index for protozoan (310). C. xanthocarpa EO induced effects on the morphology and ultrastructure of this parasite. The high activity for intracellular amastigote forms, low toxicity to murine macrophages, and erythrocytes, suggest that C. xanthocarpa EO is promising for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Tradescantia pallida is a herbaceous plant with promising compounds in its composition that can be applied in several areas such as agronomic, pharmaceutical and chemical. However, further studies on this plant are needed in order to characterise it phytochemically, pharmacologically and toxicologically. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify the unprecedented identification of its essential oil (EO) components. The EO extraction of T. pallida aerial parts was performed by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus (5 h), and the chemical analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The oxygenated sesquiterpene was the dominant class in EO composition and spathulenol (19.56%) was the principal identified compound, followed by caryophyllene oxide (18.84%), β-caryophyllene (13.65%) and α-copaene (6.08%). The chemical identification of sesquiterpene compounds (oxygenated and hydrocarbons) in EO contributes to the understanding of the biological activities evidenced by T. pallida reported by literature.

Several technologies have been developed to control Aedes aegypti, mainly studies on isolated plant molecules. The Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as pink pepper is a plant widely used in reforestation of degraded areas and its fruits are used as condiments. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential of essential oils (EOs) and fractions (FRs) obtained from fresh fruits and leaves of S. terebinthifolius. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation (2 hours), fractionated on a chromatographic column using as the stationary phase silica gel 60 (0.063-0.2mm), mobile phases: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol and chemically evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC/MS). EOs and FRs were tested against larvae of the third stage and pupae of Ae. aegypti by Immersion Test at concentrations ranging from 500.00 to 0.003 mg mL-1 (v/v). The hexane FRs obtained from fruits and leaves were the ones that showed the greatest activity on the larvae (LC99.9= 0.60 mg mL-1 and LC99.9 0.64 mg mL-1, respectively) and pupae (LC99,9 = 2.51 mg mL-1 and 2.61 mg mL-1, respectively). These results were confirmed by the anticholinesterase activity where the hexane (fruit and leaf) FRs presented the highest inhibitory potential on the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (0.156 mg mL-1 and 0.312 mg mL-1, respectively), suggesting the likely mechanism of action. The larvicidal potential can be explained by the presence of the major compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D in the hexane FRs, indicating in this way that they may replace or even act in synergisms with conventional chemical larvicides. In this way the present study opens the field for new researches, aiming the development of products with the compounds bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D, as an alternative in the control of this culicide. Diversas tecnologias têm sido desenvolvidas para o controle do Aedes aegypti, destacando pesquisas com moléculas isoladas de plantas. A Schinus terebinthifolius (Raddi) (Anacardiaceae), conhecida popularmente como pimenta rosa é uma planta muito utilizada no reflorestamento de áreas degradadas e seus frutos são utilizados como condimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o potencial dos óleos essenciais (OEs) e frações (FRs) obtidos dos frutos e folhas frescos de S. terebinthifolius. Os OEs foram obtidos por hidrodestilação (2 horas), fracionados em coluna cromatográfica utilizando como fase estacionária sílica gel 60 (0,063-0,2mm), fases móveis: n-hexano, diclorometano, acetato de etila e metanol e avaliados quimicamente por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG/EM). Os OEs e FRs foram testados frente a larvas do terceiro estádio e pupas do Ae. aegypti pelo Teste de Imersão em concentrações que variaram de 500,00 à 0,003 mg/mL (v/v). As FRs hexano obtidas dos frutos e folhas, foram as que apresentaram maior atividade sobre as larvas (CL99,9= 0,60 mg mL-1 e CL99,9 0,64 mg mL-1, respectivamente) e pupas (CL99,9= 2,51mg mL-1 e 2,61 mg mL-1, respectivamente). Estes resultados foram confirmados pela atividade anticolinesterase onde as FRs hexano (fruto e folha), foram as que apresentaram maior potencial inibitório sobre a enzima acetilcolinesterase (0,156 mg mL-1 e 0,312 mg mL-1, respectivamente), sugerindo desta forma o provável mecanismo de ação. O potencial larvicida encontrado pode ser explicado pela presença dos compostos majoritários biciclogermacreno e germacreno D nas FRs hexano, indicando desta forma, que estes possam vir a substituir, ou até mesmo agir em sinergismos com os larvicidas químicos convencionais. Desta forma o presente estudo abre campo para novas pesquisas, visando o desenvolvimento de produtos com os compostos bicyclogermacrene e germacrene D, como alternativa no controle deste culicídeo.

Laurus nobilis L., popularly known as laurel, is a tree belonging to the Lauraceae family, native to Asia. It has long been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatic disorders, and as a gastric stimulant. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of essential oils (EO) and fractions from laurel by column chromatography, and to evaluate their antifungal activity. The EO of L. nobilis leaves was obtained by hydrodistillation, and separated by column chromatography. Thirty-two EO constituents were identified, with 1,8-cineole and linalool comprising 40.14 and 15.69% of the total yield, respectively. The major constituents of the fractions (FR) were: α-terpinyl acetate (FR1: 52.65%), 1,8-cineole (FR2: 76.88%), 1,8-cineole (FR3: 84.24%), linalool (FR4: 67.26%), and linalool (FR5: 90.64%). Antifungal activity of EO and fractions were tested by a broth microdilution method, whereby minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined against several fungal organisms (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus gattii, and Cryptococcus neoformans). EO showed moderate inhibition of C. neoformans (MIC 0.62 mg/mL), and strongly inhibited of C. gattii (MIC 0.31 mg/mL). FR3 moderately inhibited C. neoformans (0.62 mg/mL), and strongly inhibited C. gattii (MIC 0.31 mg/mL). FR5 moderately inhibited strains of C. gattii and C. neoformans (MIC 0.62 mg/mL). Laurel´s EO and the fractions analyzed in this study were confirmed to have antifungal properties. However, further studies on toxicity of these substances and in vivo experiments are necessary to confirm the results presented herein. Key words: Laurus nobilis, antifungal, linalool, 1,8-cineole.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different doses of Sulphur on yield and chemical composition of parsley essential oil. Sulphur was applied at different dilutions in the centesimal scale ranging from 0c (control), 6, 12, 18, 24 to 30c. The experiment was carried out in the field, and for each treatment there were five replications, that is, five vases with one plant each. The evaluated parameters were: plant height (cm), fresh biomass of the aerial parts and root (g), yield and chemical composition of the essential oil. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results indicated that 12c dilution caused aerial part inhibition; there was an inhibitory effect on roots at 12 and 30c dilutions, and 6, 12 and 30 c dilutions inhibited fresh biomass when compared to the control (0c) and the other dilutions. Regarding EO yield, an increase in yield (%) at 18c (0.150 ± 0.01) and 30c (0.180 ± 0.01) dilutions occurred when compared to control (0c) (0.017 ± 0.01). The essential oil presented phenylpropanoids as the main class in its composition and apiole and myristicin as major compounds in all evaluated treatments. The 12c dilution allowed an increase in apiole (96.24%) and decrease in myristicin (3.76%). However, myristicin has an increase in treatments 6c (14.65%), 18c (10.46%), 24c (13.66%) and 30c (14.80 when compared to the control 0c (5.99%). In conclusion, a stimulating or inhibitory response occurred in the evaluated parameters depending on the utilized dilutions. The increase in apiole and myristicin is considered an economically important factor because they are substances utilized by the pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. Key words: Parsley, apiole, myristicin, phenylpropanoids, yield, dilutions.

O objetivo do presente trabalho consistiu na determinação do potencial antioxidante do óleo essencial das folhas de Campomanesia xanthocarpa. A técnica utilizada para a extração do óleo essencial foi a hidrodestilação utilizando o aparelho de Clevenger e a identificação da composição química do óleo essencial por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplado ao espectrômetro de massas. O potencial antioxidante foi mensurado pelos métodos de sequestro dos radicais livres do radical 2,2 difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH•), pelo sistema de co-oxidação β-caroteno/ácido linoleico e pelo método de redução do ferro (FRAP). Pela análise de cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas foram identificados 47 compostos, e a classe majoritária foram os sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonetos (46,80%) com os compostos majoritários biciclogermacreno (8,29%); globulol (5,67%); τ-murolol (5,59%); β-cariofileno (5,28%); germacreno D (5,03%); δ-cadineno (4,76%); τ-cadinol (4,51%) e linalol (4,17%). Os resultados encontrados para a atividade antioxidante pelo sistema de co-oxidação β-caroteno/ácido linoleico indicaram que o óleo essencial de C. xanthocarpa apresenta alto potencial antioxidante na concentração 1,00 mg/mL e potencial intermediário nas demais concentrações testadas. A atividade antioxidante do óleo essencial pelo método FRAP foi de 3,83 ± 1,99 µMol Fe+2/mg. Portanto, o óleo extraído das folhas de C. xanthocarpa apresentou potencial antioxidante pelo método de co-oxidação do beta-caroteno/ácido linoleico e FRAP, encorajando a inclusão desta espécie na lista dos antioxidantes naturais para aplicação na área de alimentos, cosmética e farmacêutica.

Objetivo: avaliar a atividade acaricida e larvicida do óleo essencial das folhas de Psidium rufum frente a fêmeas ingurgitadas e larvas de Rhipicephalus microplus. Metodologia: o óleo essencial das folhas frescas de P. rufum foi extraído por hidrodestilação (2h) e analisado por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). As atividades acaricida e larvicida foram realizadas pela técnica de imersão de adultos e imersão larval (Larval Paket Test) utilizando o óleo essencial nas concentrações de 300 a 0,001 mg/mL. Como controle positivo foi utilizado uma solução comercial (cipermetrina 15%; clorpirifós 25%; citronelal 1%) a 0,005%, e como controle negativo uma solução aquosa de polissorbato (80) a 2,0%. As concentrações letais (CL50 e CL99) foram determinadas pela análise de Probitos. Resultados: no óleo essencial, foram identificados 55 compostos, sendo a classe majoritária os sesquiterpenos hidrocarbonetos (70,07%), e como majoritários o 1,8-cineole (19,00%); seguido do α-longipinene (18,62%). Os resultados evidenciaram que o óleo essencial de P. rufum a 6.20 mg/mL foi efetivo para controlar 73% da eclodibilidade de ovos reduzindo a oviposição e o número de carrapatos adultos e larvas. A CL99 para as larvas foi 2,50 mg/mL, e para as fêmeas ingurgitadas CL99 de 513,57 mg/mL. Conclusão: o óleo essenciaL das folhas de P. rufum demonstrou potencial para controlar R. microplus no ciclo de vida que corresponde a fase larval, indicando tratar-se de uma planta promissora para o desenvolvimento e aplicação de produtos contra carrapatos bovinos.

Baccharis dracunculifolia, native to Brazil and the main source of “green propolis”, has been reported with several biological activities, and may be a source of bovine tick control substituting synthetic acaricides. Objective: to evaluate the in vitro and ex situ acaricidal activity of B. dracunculifolia leaf and flower essential oils against Rhipicephalus microplus. Methodology: the essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by a gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; the acaricidal activity of the essential oil was evaluated in vitro against adult females and against the egg hatchability; moreover, the acaricidal activity against tick larvae was evaluated in vitro and ex situ. Results: the major class of the essential oils was oxygenated sesquiterpene (55.1% leaves 50.4% flowers) and the main compounds were (21.5% leaves; 20.6% flowers) and spathulenol (21.8% leaves; 20.3% flowers). The essential oil at 500 mg/mL was effective to control egg hatchability with a reduction of egg laying capacity and decrease of number of adult ticks and larvae. The larvicidal activity of the essential oil had LC99.9 from 35 to 37 mg/mL by probit analysis, and the essential oil from 11 to 14 mg/mL presented 85 to 95% of treatment efficiency in the ex situ test. Conclusion: B. dracunculifolia leaf and flower essential oils are stable and have application potential to control bovine ticks. Baccharis dracunculifolia, originaria de Brasil, principal fuente de “propóleo verde”, ha sido reportada con varias actividades biológicas y puede ser una fuente de control de garrapatas bovinas en sustitución de insecticidas sintéticos. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad acaricida in vitro y ex situ del aceite esencial de hojas y flores de B. dracunculifolia contra Rhipicephalus microplus. Metodología: los aceites esenciales fueron extraídos por hidrodestilación y analizados por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas; la actividad acaricida de los aceites essenciales se evaluó in vitro contra hembras adultas y en la incubabilidad de huevos; también se evaluó in vitro y ex situ la acción acaricida sobre larvas de garrapatas. Resultados: la clase principal de aceites esenciales fue el sesquiterpeno oxigenado (55,1% hoja y 50,4% flor) y los compuestos principales fueron nerolidol (21,5% hoja; 20,6% flor) y espatulenol (21,8% hoja; 20,3% flor). El aceite esencial hasta 500 mg/mL fue eficaz en el control de la incubabilidad de los huevos con capacidad de oviposición reducida y reducción en el número de garrapatas adultas y larvas. La actividad larvicida del aceite esencial tuvo LC99.9 de 35 a 37 mg/mL por análisis probit y en la prueba ex situ, el aceite esencial de 11 a 14 mg/mL tuvo una eficacia de tratamiento de 85 a 95%. Conclusión: el aceite esencial de hoja y flor de B. dracunculifolia tiene estabilidad y potencial aplicación para el control de garrapatas bovinas. Baccharis dracunculifolia nativa do Brasil, principal fonte da “própolis verde”, tem sido reportada com diversas atividades biológicas, podendo ser uma fonte de controle do carrapato bovino em substituição aos acaricidas sintéticos. Objetivo: avaliar a atividade acaricida in vitro e ex situ do óleo essencial das folhas e das flores de B. dracunculifolia contra Rhipicephalus microplus. Metodologia: os óleos essenciais foram extraídos por hidrodestilação e analisados por cromatografia em fase gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas; a atividade acaricida dos óleos essenciais foi avaliada in vitro contra fêmeas adultas e na eclodibilidade dos ovos; ainda a ação acaricida sobre larvas do carrapato foram avaliadas in vitro e ex situ. Resultados: a classe majoritária dos óleos essenciais foi o sesquiterpeno oxigenado (55.1% folha e 50.4% flor) e os compostos principais foram nerolidol (21.5% folha; 20.6% flor) e spathulenol (21.8% folha; 20.3% flor). O óleo essencial a 500 mg/mL foi efetivo para controlar a eclodibilidade de ovos com redução da capacidade de oviposição e redução do número de carrapatos adultos e larvas. A atividade larvicida do óleo essencial teve CL99,9 de 35 a 37 mg/mL pela análise de probitos e no teste ex situ o óleo essencial de 11 a 14 mg/mL teve 85 e 95% de eficácia de tratamento. Conclusão: o óleo essencial da folha e flor de B. dracunculifolia tem estabilidade e potencial de aplicação para o controle de carrapatos bovinos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of rhizomes and the biochemical activity of Curcuma longa L. acclimatized plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and different substrates. The seedlings were produced in the laboratory using the tissue culture technique, in Murashige and Skoog culture medium. After 120 days, the seedlings were transplanted to pots in a greenhouse. Two types of substrates were used vermiculite and soil and vermiculite, commercial substrate, and vermicompost, with or without the addition of Rhizophagus clarus, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, or a combination of the two fungi. At the end of 240 days, the chemical composition of the essential oil of the rhizomes was evaluated and biochemical activity analysis was performed on the leaves. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the most prevalent, with the principal compounds being ar-turmerone and β-turmerone. AMFs in the soil and vermiculite substrate resulted in an increased production of compounds with emphasis on caryophyllene, α-curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-curcumene, cyclohexene, cubenol, β-santalol, α-acorenol, 7-epi-cis-sesquisabinene hydrate, 2,5-Octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester, and cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid. The opposite was true for the chemical composition of plants grown in substrates with more organic matter (vermiculite, commercial substrate, and vermicompost). AMFs also modified the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of the leaves. The free radical scavenging enzymes showed higher activity in plants exposed to AMFs in the substrate with soil and vermiculite. This was mainly true for catalase, the activity of which indicated stress; in this case, C. longa plants were smaller, less vigorous, and produced fewer rhizomes.

This experiment aimed to assess the development, yield and chemical composition of Petroselinum crispum essential oil (EO), popularly known as parsley under different levels of water stress deficit: 30 to 40% (moderate stress), 50 to 60% (severe stress) and control 0 to 10%. The plants were kept in a greenhouse to complete the cycle, harvested and measured for their biomass (g), development (cm), yield (%) and chemical composition of EO of aerial parts and root. The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation and the chemical analysis done by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In the control and moderate stress, greater development of the aerial part occurred without showing difference in the root development. A yield increase of EO extracted from the roots was verified when it was submitted to moderate stress, but there was no difference in the aerial part yield. The EO chemical composition was influenced by the different conditions of water deficit, producing 100% of apiole in moderate stress and control of aerial parts and roots. A different behavior was observed for severe stress, which presented three compounds (89.98% apiole, 6.53% β-sesquiphellandrene and 3.49% myristicin) in aerial parts, but four compounds were found for the root (88.40% apiole, 5.83% β-sesquiphellandrene, 3.61% myristicin and 2.16% elemicin). These results indicated that under greater water deficit, the plant produced other compounds besides apiole, probably as a defense mechanism. The results showed that there was influence of the water stress on the plant development as well as on the essential oil yield and chemical composition. Key words: Apiole, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), essential oil, water stress, parsley.

Lemon grass , Cymbopogon citratus Stapf, is an important aromatic plant used by industries that produce fragrances and aromas. This topic has been investigated very little in terms of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associations and the effects of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), in its metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the essential oil (EO) content and the chemical composition obtained from lemon grass cultivated with or without AMF Rhizophagus clarus inoculums under five levels of Pb in the soil. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for six months and consisted of a completely randomized design. A 5 × 2 factorial was used for five levels of Pb (0, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mg Pb kg −1 soil) and two levels of AMF inoculation (with or without R. clarus ) and five replicates, totaling 50 experimental units. The EO content was determined and the chemical composition analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The secondary metabolites were affected by the presence of Pb in the soil as well as by the AMF association, which altered the content and chemical composition of EO. The levels of 500 and 1000 mg Pb kg −1 soil together with AMF association increased EO content up to 0.69%. In total, 21 components of EO were identified, and along the increasing levels of Pb, the plant metabolism changed and altered the major components of EO. Without AMF inoculation, the major constituent of EO was citral, with concentrations ranging from 36.66 to 45.08% for the lowest levels of Pb. With AMF inoculation, EO was composed mainly of geranial, with concentrations ranging from 39.27 to 58.97% for all Pb levels. Without AMF inoculation, the concentrations of geranial ranged from 43.66 to 62.95% for the highest levels of Pb. High levels of citral and geranial are of great interest to the aroma and fragrance industry, and citral is a basic substance for the synthesis of vitamin A and ionone.

The essential oil of Petroselinum crispum was extracted by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The GC/MS method detected 31 constituents of the essential oil extracted from P. crispum, from which 26 were identified by the analysis. Phenylpropanoids were the major compounds, comprising 52.07% of the oil and consisting mainly of apiole (41.05%). The essential oil was subjected to classical chromatography and its four fractions (FR1, FR2, FR3 and FR4) showed acaricidal and larvicidal activity. The FR1 consists of myrcene (10.15%); limonene (9.72%); p-mentha-1,4,(8)-diene (20.99%) and p-mentha-1,5,8-triene (59.14%). The FR2 consists of ρ-cymen-8-ol (72.43%); α-terpineol (16.65%); trans-carveol (7.44%); citronellol (1.37%) and carveol (2.11%). The FR3 consists of myristicin (99.90%) and the FR4 of elemicin (1.87%); carotol (0.43%) and apiole (96.80%). Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99.9) of parsley’s essential oil on engorged female of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus were of 73, 400 μg/ml and of 109, 760 μg/ml, respectively. The values of LC50 and LC99.9 were 0.82 and 9.62 μg/ml, respectively for the fraction FR4. The larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti showed the best results in the fraction FR4, with values of LC50 and LC99.9 of 0.01 and 0.07 μg/ml, respectively. Results demonstrated that the parsley’s essential oil and its major compound apiole are potentially useful in the bio-control of R. (B.) microplus and A. aegypti. This work should support complementary studies to explore the use of the parsley’s essential oil in the bio-control of R. (B.) microplus and A. aegypti. Key words: Apiole, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, essential oil, parsley, Aedes aegypti, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, anticholinesterase.

The occurrence of mycorrhizal association with plant roots causes an increased absorption of water and improves soil nutrient uptake, mainly phosphorus (P), what also affects the plant metabolism. This work aimed to study the growth of plants of Mentha crispa L. and their essential oil (EO) content, cultivated with and without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation of Glomus etunicatum and Rhizophagus clarus under different levels of P. The treatments tested were 21 mg P dm −3 soil (low level) and 200 mg P dm −3 soil (high level) added to the initial soil inoculated or not with two AMF species at the beginning of the experiment in pots filled with 3.5 kg of fumigated soil for each pots. The experiment was performed in greenhouse using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial: 2 levels of P (Low and high) and AMF inoculation (with and without) with six repetitions. The density of spores and AMF root colonization, the plant fresh matter, and the content and composition of the EO of M. crispa were determined four months after transplantation. The density of AMF spores was not significantly affected by the P addition; however, the AMF root colonization decreased significantly when P was applied to the soil. The plant inoculated with G. etunicatum presented the highest root colonization (61%) at low P in the soil. The plants inoculated with R. clarus presented the highest production of fresh matter, shoot height and number of leaves when P was applied to the soil. The plants inoculated with G. etunicatum showed the highest EO content (0.98%) at low P in the soil. However, when P was applied to the soil, the EO content reduced to 0.09%. The EO chemical composition was not drastically affected by the treatments and 10 components were found, the main ones being limonene (3–19% of total EO composition) and carvone (72–86% of total EO composition).

This study, was to evaluate the acaricidal effect of the essential oil (EO) and fractions (FR) obtained from Laurus nobilis leaves on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Eight fractions were obtained, however FR1: sabinene (37.83%), β-pinene (13.50%), 1,8-cineole (12.66%), α-pinene (12.56%) and FR8: α-terpineol (79.19%) were highlighted as to the larvicidal potential when submitted by Larval Packet Test. The EO was tested by the Adult Immersion Test, at concentrations of 200.00; 100.00 and 50.00 µL/mL caused mortality of engorged females, egg mass reduction and hatching inhibition. Two fractions are shown to be efficient in controlling larvae FR8 (LC50 = 0.13 µL/mL, LC99 = 0.51 µL/mL) and FR1 (LC50 = 0.20 µL/mL, LC99 = 0.56 µL/mL). The fractionation of EO was determinant to elucidate which compounds were responsible for the larvicidal potential. This study opens new perspectives to direct new bioassays with the compounds obtained in the fractionation, since they present high potential on cattle tick larvae.

Gallesia integrifolia (Phytolaccaceae) is native to Brazil and has a strong alliaceous odor. The objective of this study was to identify the chemical composition of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and evaluate fungicidal activity against the main food-borne diseases and food spoilage fungi. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and identified by GC–MS. From 35 identified compounds, 68% belonged to the organosulfur class. The major compounds were dimethyl trisulfide (15.49%), 2,8-dithianonane (52.63%) and lenthionine (14.69%). The utilized fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, and Trichoderma viride. Minimal fungicidal concentration for the essential oil varied from 0.02 to 0.18 mg/mL and bifonazole and ketoconazole controls ranged from 0.20 to 3.50 mg/mL. The lower concentration of the essential oil was able to control P. ochrochloron, A. fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. ochraceus and T. viride. This study shows a high fungicidal activity of G. integrifolia fruit essential oil and can support future applications by reducing the use of synthetic fungicides.

Background The global resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) and the development of drug resistance, as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates, are a threat to TB control and have created a need for new and more effective anti-TB drugs. Aim The current study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity and activity of Tetradenia riparia essential oil (TrEO) and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone pure compound against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and susceptible and resistant clinical isolates. Methods The in vitro activities of TrEO and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone were determined by Resazurin Microtiter Assay Plate (REMA). The cytotoxicity was evaluated in murine peritoneal macrophages by Alamar Blue assay. The cytotoxic effects were expressed as median concentration cytotoxicity (CC50) and the selectivity index (SI) was calculated. Results TrEO and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone showed activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 62.5 µg/ml and 31.2 µg/ml, respectively. Both of them exhibited activities against resistant and susceptible M. tuberculosis clinical isolates with MIC values between 31.2 and 62.5 µg/ml. Cytotoxicity assays showed SI 1.9 and 7.9 for TrEO and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone, respectively. Conclusion These results revealed that TrEO isolated from leaves of T. riparia and the pure compound 6,7-dehydroroyleanone display good activity against M. tuberculosis clinical isolates, including MDR isolates, with low cytotoxicity to murine macrophages. The 6,7-dehydroroyleanone compound is a potential candidate for anti-TB drug.

Ocimum gratissimum L. or clove basil, belongs to the Lamiaceae family, has various desirable uses and applications. Beyond its aromatic, seasoning, and medicinal applications, this plant also has antimicrobial activity. This study was aimed at assessing the antifungal activity, yield, and composition of the essential oil (EO) of O. gratissimum. The species was cultivated in garden beds with dystrophic red latosol soil type containing high organic-matter content. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of dried leaves in a modified Clevenger apparatus, followed by determination of its content. Chemical characterization was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microbial activity was assessed using the broth microdilution method, by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), in order to compare the antimicrobial effect of EO in 10 isolates-Fusarium oxysporum f. sp tracheiphilum (CMM-0033), F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense (CMM-0813 and CMM-2819), F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici (CMM-1104), F. solani (CMM-3828), Rhizoctonia solani (CMM-3274), and Macrophomina phaseolina (CMM-2715, CMM-3875, CMM-3615, and CMM-3650). The EO was a highly effective inhibitor of the studied phytopathogenic fungi, with MICs varying from 31.25 to 125 µg/mL. F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici and R. solani were the most sensitive; both were inhibited at an MIC of 31.25 µg/mL. The EO content in the plant extract was 0.18%. Thirty chemical compounds were detected via GC-MS, with linalool (32.9%) being the major compound followed by 1,8-cineole (21.9%), both oxygenated monoterpenes. It can be concluded that clove basil EO is a highly effective antifungal agent, and therefore, a potential alternative for the control of plant pathogenic diseases.

Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd (Lamiaceae) species is native of South Africa, and in Brazil it was introduced as an exotic ornamental plant and is already well-adapted to the climatic conditions. Its oil presents a complex structure of monoterpenes, sesquiterpepnes and deterpepnes with antimicrobial, antimicrobiana, antinociceptive and acaricide activity against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The essential oil from fresh leaves of T. riparia cultivated in the southern region of Brazil, was obtained by hydrodistilation in different seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter), from september 2011 to august 2012 and was analyzed by GC-MS. The oils were utilized at the concentrations of 2.500, 1.000, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125 µg/mL and tested on larvae of the third development stage of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera, Culicidae) mosquito, utilizing the larval immersion test (LIT) for 24 h. The chemical composition showed that inside the class oxygenated sesquiterpene...

This study aimed at assessing the effect of using different sulphur dilutions in the yield and composition of essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil). Sulphur was applied at different dilution rates with a centesimal scale ranging from 0c (control), 6c, 12c, 24c, to 30c. The experiment was conducted in pots at open atmosphere for 5 months, using a weekly dosage of 250 ml of the different dilution rates. Parameters evaluated were: Yield of essential oil by hydrodistillation (g%) and chemical composition analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results confirmed the effect of sulphur dilutions in the yield and composition of basil essential oil. Both the 6c and the 12c dilution rates led to the highest yield of essential oil (0.15%) when compared to the control (0.08%) and to other dilution rates (P≤0.05). The major chemical components of essential oil changed as the sulphur increased, the concentration of linalol: 33.14%(12c); 30.92%(6c); 27.13%(30c); 23.86%(24c); 7.41%(0c) and eugenol: 33.11%(24c); 32.14%(12c); 28.57%(30c); 26.51%(6c) and 7.8%(0c); in comparison with the control (0c). Economically, the increase of linalol and engenol concentrations are considered important as the essential oil of basil with high concentration of linalool is highly prized in the international market. Key words: Essential oil, Ocimum basilicum, linalool, Eugenol, Sulphur, centesimal scale, dilutions.

Tetradenia riparia (Hochstetter) Codd belongs to the Lamiaceae family and it was introduced in Brazil as an exotic ornamental plant. A previous study showed its antimicrobial, acaricidal and analgesic activities. Two compounds were isolated from essential oil of T. riparia leaves and identified as 9 beta, 13 beta-epoxy-7-abietene (1), a new one, and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone (2), already reported for another plant. The structure of these compounds was determined by spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with literature data. The cytotoxic activities of the essential oil and compounds 1 and 2 were determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and by tumor cells MDA-MB-435 (human breast carcinoma), HCT-8 (human colon), SF-295 (human nervous system) and HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia). The essential oil and compound 1 showed high cytotoxic potential of the cell lines SF-295 (78.06% and 94.80%, respectively), HCT-8 (85.00% and 86.54%, respectively) and MDA-MB-435 (59.48% and 45.43%, respectively). Compound 2 had no cytotoxic activity. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), beta-carotene-linoleic acid system and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The inhibitory concentration (IC50 in mu g mL(-1)) for essential oil and compound 2 was, respectively 15.63 and 0.01 for DPPH; 130.1 and 109.6 for beta-carotene-linoleic acid and 1524 and 1024 for ABTS. Compound 1 had no antioxidant activity. By fractioning the oil, it was possible to identify two unpublished compounds: 1 with high cytotoxic potential and 2 with high antioxidant potential.

The seasonal variation of the chemical composition of the essential oil from fresh leaves of Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd grown in southern Brazil was analyzed by GC-MS, and the analgesic and antimicrobial activities of this oil were assayed. The yield of essential oil ranged from 0.17% to 0.26%, with the maximum amount in winter and the minimum in spring. The results obtained from principal components analysis (PCA) revealed the existence of high chemical variability in the different seasons. The samples were clearly discriminated into three groups: winter, autumn, and spring-summer. Samples collected during winter contained the highest percentages of calyculone (24.70%), abietadiene (13.54%), and viridiflorol (4.20%). In autumn, the major constituents were ledol (8.74%) and cis-muurolol-5-en-4-alpha-ol (13.78%). Samples collected in spring-summer contained the highest percentages of fenchone (12.67%), 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene (24.36%), and alpha-cadinol (8.33%). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes were predominant in all the samples analyzed. The observed chemovariation might be environmentally determined by a seasonal influence. The essential oil, when given orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg, exhibited good analgesic activity on acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, inhibiting the constrictions by 38.94% to 46.13%, and this effect was not affected by seasonal variation. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against the bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii, and Enterobacter cloacae, and the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans was assessed by the disc diffusion method and determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration. The results obtained, followed by measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), indicated that S. aureus, B. subtilis, and Candida albicans were the most sensitive microorganisms, showing largest inhibition, and the lowest MIC values varied from 15.6 to 31.2 microg/mL, 7.8 to 15.6 microg/mL, and 31.2 to 62.5 microg/mL, respectively.

Parsley [Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss] is regarded as an aromatic, culinary, and medicinal plant and is used in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. However, few studies with conflicting results have been conducted on the antimicrobial activity of parsley essential oil. In addition, there have been no reports of essential oil obtained from parsley aerial parts, except seeds, as an alternative natural antimicrobial agent. Also, microorganism resistance is still a challenge for health and food production. Based on the demand for natural products to control microorganisms, and the reevaluation of potential medicinal plants for controlling diseases, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and antibacterial and antifungal activities of parsley essential oil against foodborne diseases and opportunistic pathogens. Seven bacteria and eight fungi were tested. The essential oil major compounds were apiol, myristicin, and beta-phellandrene. Parsley essential oil had bacteriostatic activity against all tested bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica, at similar or lower concentrations than at least one of the controls, and bactericidal activity against all tested bacteria, mainly S. aureus, at similar or lower concentrations than at least one of the controls. This essential oil also had fungistatic activity against all tested fungi, mainly, Penicillium ochrochloron and Trichoderma viride, at lower concentrations than the ketoconazole control and fungicidal activity against all tested fungi at higher concentrations than the controls. Parsley is used in cooking and medicine, and its essential oil is an effective antimicrobial agent.

The herbaceous shrub Tetradenia riparia has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Recently, a study showed that T. riparia essential oil (TrEO) obtained in summer has antileishmanial effects, although these results could be influenced by seasonal variation. This study evaluated the activity of the TrEO obtained in different seasons against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, in vitro and in vivo. The compounds in the TrEO were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; terpenoids were present and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the majority compounds (55.28%). The cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) production were also tested after TrEO treatment. The TrEO from all seasons showed a 50% growth inhibitory concentration for promastigotes of about 15 ng/mL; at 30 ng/mL and 3 ng/mL, the TrEO reduced intracellular amastigote infection, independently of season. The TrEO from plants harvested in summer had the highest 50% cytotoxic concentration, 1,476 ng/mL for J774.A1 macrophages, and in spring (90.94 ng/mL) for murine macrophages. NO production did not change in samples of the TrEO from different seasons. The antileishmanial effect in vivo consisted of a reduction of the parasite load in the spleen. These results suggest that the TrEO has potential effects on L. (L.) amazonensis, consonant with its traditional use to treat parasitic diseases.