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The work focuses on the phytochemical and biological study (antimicrobial activity) of the essential oil (EO) from the underground parts ofCymbopogon schoenanthus, collected from the cultural park of Ahaggar in southern Algeria. The extraction of the essential oil gives a yield of more than 4 ml per 100 g of dry matter (gdm). Chromatographic analysis of the essential oil of this species shows a richness in monoterpenes (59.7%) with a predominance of piperitone (50.25%) and secondarily α-elemol (11.06%). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil, tested on six microorganisms, shows a strong antifungal and antibacterial action. This bioactivity is mainly due to the richness of this essence in piperitone known for its effectiveness against microbial agents. The limit test of toxicity shows that a dose of 2 g of essential oil/kg of body weight is not toxic.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the essential oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. (C. schoenanthus) from Burkina Faso in terms of cytotoxic activity against LNCaP cells, derived from prostate cancer, and HeLa cells, derived from cervical cancer. Antioxidant activities were evaluated in vitro. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Thirty-seven compounds were identified, the major compounds being piperitone (49.9%), δ-2-carene (24.02%), elemol (5.79%) and limonene (4.31%). EO exhibited a poor antioxidant activity, as shown by the inhibition of DPPH radicals (IC50 = 1730 ± 80 µg/mL) and ABTS+. (IC50 = 2890 ± 26.9 µg/mL). Conversely, EO decreased the proliferation of LNCaP and HeLa cells with respective IC50 values of 135.53 ± 5.27 µg/mL and 146.17 ± 11 µg/mL. EO also prevented LNCaP cell migration and led to the arrest of their cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Altogether, this work points out for the first time that EO of C. schoenanthus from Burkina Faso could be an effective natural anticancer agent.

NMR-based metabolic profiling of polar extracts of somatic embryogenic and organogenic cultures of the medicinal plant Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. proximus were studied. Regeneration through somatic embryogenesis was done on media containing 2,4-D and BAP while organogenesis was achieved on media containing NAA and BAP. Fifty-two metabolites were identified in embryogenic calli (EC), organogenic calli (OC), regenerated embryogenic shoots (ES), and organogenic shoots (OS). Chemometrics and cluster analysis were used to depict the correlation between the groups investigated. Metabolic profiles revealed unique metabolites in ES (serine and lactate) and in OS (2-hydroxyisobutyrate, tyrosine, histamine and homoserine). Quantitative differences as manifested by relative concentrations through heat map and fold change analyses were significant in the following comparisons: calli type, embryogenic tissues, organogenic tissues, and shoot type. In a comparison of calli types, proline, asparagine and arginine were upregulated in EC and sucrose was upregulated in OC. When comparing embryogenic tissues, monosaccharides were upregulated in EC, while proline, pyroglutamate and 4-aminobutyrate were upregulated in ES. Upon comparison of organogenic tissues, trigonelline increased by 17-fold in OS; however, monosaccharides were upregulated in OC. Finally, when comparing shoot types, 4-aminobutyrate, betaine and proline were upregulated in ES, while mono- and disaccharides were upregulated in OS. The embryogenic system was characterized by accumulation of stress related metabolites (proline); however, glycolate was identified only in the organogenesis system. The present work contributes to the understanding of the metabolic characteristics and differences between the two regeneration systems as manifested by profiles of EC, OC, and their regenerated shoots. Metabolic characteristics of two regeneration systems (somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis) of Cymbopogon schoenanthus were examined using NMR-based profiles of calli and their regenerated shoots, revealing clear qualitative and quantitative differences between the two systems at the studied developmental stages.

The purpose of this study was to see if Cymbopogon schoenanthus aerial extract (CSA extract) could reduce the corrosion of aluminum brass in acid cleaning solutions in the distillation plant. For this assessment, measurements of weight loss and polarization technique have all been used. We discovered that at 250 ppm, the efficiency of CSA extract was excellent (97%). Polarization assessments confirmed that the organic compounds in CSA extract were effective mixed-type corrosion inhibitors. HPLC and FTIR analysis were used to explore the key chemical components of CSA extract. CSA extract caused the corrosion process to have a higher energy barrier. Observations of SEM and FT-IR spectra confirmed that CSA extract prevents corrosion attacks at the aluminum brass’s surface.

lt;bgt;Background and Objective:lt;/bgt; Medicinal plants have been known to cure many diseases due to the presence of active bio constituents, the goal of this study to detect and evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial activity of some Sudanese medicinal plants.lt;bgt;Materials and Methods:lt;/bgt; Methanolic extracts of the following types of local medicinal plantslt;igt;Artemisia herba-albalt;/igt;,lt;igt; Cyperus rotunduslt;/igt;,lt;igt; Cymbopogon schoenanthuslt;/igt;sblt;igt;lt;/igt;sp.lt;igt; Proximuslt;/igt;,lt;igt; Trigonella foenum-graecumlt;/igt;,lt;igt; Nigella sativalt;/igt;,lt;igt; Hyphaene thebaicalt;/igt;,lt;igt; Nauclea latifolialt;/igt; andlt;igt;Ziziphus spina-christilt;/igt; were tested against eight types of bacteria that were isolated from the same plants as their pollutants. Cup-plate method was used and then the inhibition zone of each plant was measured and compared with the inhibitory zone of some antibiotics used for the same isolates.lt;bgt;Results:lt;/bgt; Methanol extracts of some plant species showed antibacterial activity against most of the studied bacterial species.lt;igt;Cymbopogon schoenanthuslt;/igt;ssp.lt;igt; Proximuslt;/igt;showed antibacterial activity against most isolated bacterial species in comparison with commercial antibiotics used.lt;bgt;Conclusion:lt;/bgt; According to the findings of this research, severalmedicinal plants have efficacy and effect on certain types of bacteria and are superior or comparable to certain types of antibiotics. When compared to the other medicinal plants used in this studylt;igt;, Cymbopogon schoenanthuslt;/igt;sbsp.lt;igt;proximuslt;/igt;has the highest activity on most types of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as the superiority of some antibiotics.

Plants have long been used as herbal medicines in many countries. However, microbial contamination of these medicines may affect human health. In the present study fifteen medicinal plants namely, Acacia nilotica ssp. nilotica, Trigonella foenum-greacum, Nigella sativa, Hyphaene thebaica, Nauclea latifola, Cyperus rotundus, Cymbopogon schoenanthus spp, proximus, Artemisia herba-alb, Cassia acutifolia, Solenostemma argel, Tamarindus indica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Lepidium sativum, Foeniculum vulgare and Coriandrum sativum were evaluated for their fungal contamination. The pour plate method was used to cultivate serially diluted portions of the medicinal plant material investigated. The colonies of fungi were identified morphologically according to form and pigment. They were observed microscopically through Lactophenol cotton bluestaining. The identified fungal isolates were consist of three fungal species, the most dominant fungi were Aspergillus nigar and Aspergillus flavus. Penicillium ssp is least one. The total fungal counts ranged from 00x101 cfu/g (Cymbopogon schoenanthus spp.proximus, Trigonella foenum-greacum, Artemisia herba alb, Lepidium satinum , Nigella sativa Cassia acutifolia and Naucle latifola) to 11x105cfu/g (Cyperus rotundus).. The highest total fungal load was found in Cyperus rotundus The levels of contamination varied greatly between the commercially available plant samples investigated.

In this study, the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) incorporation on in vitro propagation, metabolic profiling, and production of the bioactive compound, proximadiol, in the medicinally important herb Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. proximus has been investigated. The propagation approaches involved both somatic embryogenesis and direct organogenesis. All studied concentrations (10–400 µM) have significantly improved somatic embryogenesis at different developmental stages, as indicated by higher numbers of somatic and mature embryos as well as the embryogenic shoots. In contrast, the studied concentrations have negatively affected organogenic shoot and root regeneration. Metabolic profiling of polar extracts from the direct regenerated shoots was analyzed based on NMR measurements. The results showed that 200 µM MeJA increased production of trigonelline by tenfold. However, the concentrations of several amino acids including alanine were decreased. Based on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) data, proximadiol concentrations significantly decreased with 10 and 100 µM MeJA. Proximadiol production improved by using 200 µM MeJA, although the data were non-significant. Our findings suggested that, while the addition of MeJA to embryogenic calli improved somatic embryo induction, maturation, and germination, it suppressed organogenic shoot and root formation. MeJA at a particular concentration (200 µM) enhanced the accumulation of trigonelline and osmoprotectant amino acids, while their effect on proximadiol production was statistically non-significant.

Introduction: One of plants that may have therapeutic potential is the Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng, also known as camel grass. Aim: This review aims to investigate and gather comprehensive information about camel grass plants and their potential to be developed into a nanotechnology drug delivery system. Methods: This review examined a variety of online literature. Results: It was found that camel grass contains essential oil such as piperitone. Piperitone is efficacious as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, in addition to other properties . The development of camel grass essential oil into lipid-based nanotechnology preparations can improve its bioavailability, solubility, and stability, thereby improving its potential effectiveness.

In the present study, volatiles from different organs (leaves, roots, and spikelets) of Cymbopogon schoenanthus L. Spreng were investigated. The samples were collected from Oued Sbaa, El-Menia (Alg...

Promoting ecological and organic agriculture (including livestock) requires biological resources and alternatives. Cymbopogon schoenanthus is a sudano-sahelian grass species whose crude leaf essential oils, in addition to their antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial and acridifuge or acridicide properties, can be an alternative to chemical insecticides in preventing pests and diseases that limit crops productivities. This study tests the agronomic performances of Cymbopogon schoenanthus grown under three doses of compost. Stumps collected from the Park W of Niger were transplanted to the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of University of Abomey-Calavi in the Southern Benin. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with treatments (0 ton per hectare (i.e., control), 5 tons per hectare and 10 tons per hectare of compost) in four replicates. Plants responses to the compost application throughout traits such as heights, number of tillers per plant, number of flowering tillers and dry aerial biomass production, were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA using STATISTICA 9.0. The results show significant responses of the aerial organs of C. schoenanthus to organic fertilization (p

Dengue is an important vector-borne infectious disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti in the tropics and subtropics. While synthetic chemicals have been used to control mosquitoes, an increase in their use in agricultural and public health domains has led to the development of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Hence, there is an increasing interest in biological insecticides as alternatives to synthetic insecticides, as part of insecticide resistance management strategies. The aim of the current study was to assess the bioactivity of essential oils from six (06) aromatic plants Cymbopogon giganteus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Lippia multiflora, and Ocimum americanum against Ae. aegypti larvae and adults. Larvicidal and adulticidal bioassays were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard methods using field-collected Ae. aegypti from 1200 Logements and Tabtenga, two localities of Ouagadougou. The Rockefeller-susceptible strain was used as control. The essential oil of Lippia multiflora was the most toxic against Ae. aegypti larvae with 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 73.51 and 79.18 ppm for 1200 Logements and Tabtenga populations, respectively. This essential oil also had the most effective adulticidal activity against Ae. aegypti from both 1200 Logements (LC50 = 0.47%) and Tabtenga (LC50 = 0.51%). The essential oil of O. canum was less toxic against the larvae and adults of Ae. aegypti, whereas the essential oils of other plants tested had intermediate activity against either the larvae or adults. No significant difference in susceptibility was observed between field mosquitoes and the Rockefeller-susceptible strain based on insecticide resistance ratios. The results suggest that all the tested essential oils exhibited toxicity against larvae and adults of Ae. aegypti and can therefore be used as biological and ecofriendly insecticides for dengue vector control. However, field evaluations of formulations and further research on the essential oils for potential toxicology toward non-target organisms are necessary.

The specific activity of U-238 and Th-232, as well as K-40 radionuclides, in twenty-nine investigated medicinal herbs used in Egypt has been measured using a high-purity germanium (HP Ge) detector. The measured values ranged from the BDL to 20.71 ± 1.52 with a mean of 7.25 ± 0.54 (Bq kg−1) for uranium-238, from the BDL to 29.35 ± 1.33 with a mean of 7.78 ± 0.633 (Bq kg−1) for thorium-232, and from 172 ± 5.85 to 1181.2 ± 25.5 with a mean of 471.4 ± 11.33 (Bq kg−1) for potassium-40. Individual herbs with the highest activity levels were found to be 20.71 ± 1.52 (Bq kg−1) for uranium-238 (H4, Thyme herb), 29.35 ± 1.33 (Bq kg−1) for thorium-232 (H20, Cinnamon), and 1181.2 ± 25.5 (Bq kg−1) for potassium-40 (H24, Worm-wood). (AACED) Ingestion-related effective doses over the course of a year of uranium-238 and thorium-232, as well as potassium-40 estimated from measured activity concentrations, are 0.002304 ± 0.00009 (minimum), 0.50869 ± 0.0002 (maximum), and 0.0373 ± 0.0004 (average)(mSv/yr). Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), absorbed gamma dose rate (Doutdoor, Dindoor), gamma representative level index (I), annual effective dose (AEDtotal), external and internal hazard index (Hex, Hin), and excess lifetime cancer risk were determined in medicinal plants (ELCR). The radiological hazards assessment revealed that the investigated plant species have natural radioactivity levels that are well within the internationally recommended limit. This is the first time that the natural radioactivity of therapeutic plants has been measured in Egypt. In addition, no artificial radionuclide (for example, 137Cs) was discovered in any of the samples. Therefore, the current findings are intended to serve as the foundation for establishing a standard safety and guideline for using these therapeutic plants in Egypt. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. PNURSP2022R173 This work was funded by Princess Nourah bint, Abdulrahman University, Research Supporting Project number (PNURSP2022R173) Princess Nourah bint, Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The side effects prediction is a regulatory requirement prior the effective use of a new product as drug or pesticide constituent is allowed. The handling hazards of Cymbopogon schoenanthus essential oils (CSEO) were determined by investigating their acute and subacute toxicities as well as irritancy potential for eye and skin in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. In mice, the essential oils did not induce mortality at the limit single dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w., meaning that the test product estimated LD50 is 5000 mg/kg b.w. In the 28 days sub-acute oral toxicity study in rats, there was no mortality observed for all tested doses in both sex. Furthermore, besides body weight gain that slightly dropped, there was no significant difference observed in food and water consumption, relative organs weight, and blood biochemical proi¬le in test animals, compared to the control. No eye irritant reaction was shown in the rabbits exposed to CSEO. To assess dermal irritation, rabbits were dermally exposed to CSEO for 4 h. The results showed that no adverse reactions such as erythema and edema were observed throughout the test. Based on these i¬ndings, CSEO do not cause either oral toxicity up to 28 days in repeated administration, nor dermal and eye irritation, and seems to be safe for animal in the study conditions. These results constitute a new scientific support for the safe use of C. scheonanthus essential oils as alternatives to synthetic pesticides. However, for further clinical relevance of the results and complete toxicological profile elucidation, toxicity studies must be extended to long term toxicity test as subchronic and chronic toxicities, reprotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity investigations. Key words: Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Wistar rat, essential oils, sub-acute toxicity, blood chemistry, naturel insecticide.

The essential oils (EOs) of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) collected from six regions of the vast Algerian Sahara were analyzed for their chemical compositions by GC and GC-MS and tested for their an...

In the present research, the toxicity, antifeedant activity and biological effects of ethanolic leaves extract of four medicinal plants named Eucalyptus rostrata, Dodonea viscosa, Rhyza stricta and Cymbopogon schoenanthus were evaluated on 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae of H. armigera under laboratory condition. The results showed that values of LC50 in mg of different plant extracts in mg/100ml of the larval diet can be arranged in an ascending order as follows: Dodonea 7.23 > Cymbopogon 12.59 > Rhazya 14.52 > Eucalyptus 29.42 mg/100ml diet (the least LC50 is more toxic than the higher one). All the tested extracts had antifeedant and starvation effects against the 2nd, 3rd, 4th instar larvae. D. viscose extract possesses the least antifeedant effect even of their higher toxicity. There was clear relation between the percent of starvation and antifeedant of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instar. All extracts were nearly the same in their effect on the biotic potential; of the insect, and possess latent effect when tested against 2nd instar larvae, the value of LC 50 of the extract was added to the diet, extracts increased larval duration, deformation between pupae and adult stages, moths sterility, increased as decreasing in females egg production. Other effects were noticed, reduction in percentage of pupation and moths emergence. The plant extracts can be arranged ascending according to percentage of their sterility effects as follows: C. schoenanthus < E. rostrata < R. stricta < D. viscose. All extracts cause disruption on the biology and physiology of the insect, and all extract induced percentages of deformation between pupal and moth stages. The ethanolic extract of the plant leaves of the tested plans may be used for control H. armigera in combination with other methods in the integrated program in order to decrease the buildup of the resistance and protect the environment from chemical pollution.

Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. proximus is a medicinal grass, the source of sesquiterpene proximadiol and is well known in folk medicine as renal antispasmodic. The effect of growth regulators, different sugar types, methyl jasmonate and vitamins on de novo organogenesis from seed cultures was studied. Among different concentrations of NAA and BA, 4 mg/l NAA in combination with 0.5 mg/l BA produced 100% callus induction. Both 1.0 and 4.0 mg/l NAA in combination with 0.5 mg/l BA yielded the highest number of shoots. High concentration of sucrose 6% was efficient in root induction from organogenic shoots. Sugar types at a constant concentration of 3% had a significant effect on raising shoot numbers. Different concentrations of methyl jasmonate, biotin and Ca-pantothenate showed a decline in de novo shoot induction, but root formation frequency and numbers were significantly improved with all concentrations used. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 28(2): 147-160, 2018 (December)

International audience; Currently, the fight against red bugs, a pest of the cotton plant, is limited to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides. Many of the products used are persistent and their high toxicity to human health and the environment is of concern. In the search for alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides, the aim of this research work was to evaluate the insecticidal potential of aqueous emulsions based on the essential oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) against Dysdercus voelkeri, one of the redoubtable pests of cotton plant in Togo. Aqueous emulsions at different concentrations were used in phytosanitary treatments on cotton crop compared to vulgarized binary insecticides (lambdacyhalothrin/profenofos 15/300 gha-1 and cypermethrin/acetamiprid 36/8 gha-1). D. voelkeri counts on target plants of each elementary plot revealed that the highest dose of the emulsion (6%) of C. schoenanthus essential oil and the control (vulgarized insecticide) were more effective with low bug population densities of 7.14 } 1.46 and 4.86 } 1.84 bugs/plant, respectively. On the contrary, the other doses (4 and 2%) of emulsions based on C. schoenanthus essential oil had in their plots respectively 39.57 } 5.81 and 45.28 } 3.92 bugs/plant and the control (55.71 } 5.23 bugs/plant). Health analysis of the young cotton bolls that fell under the cotton plants revealed that the highest dose of the emulsion (6%) and the control reduced stings by 71.40 and 72.33 % respectively, compared to the control. Stings reduction rates in plots with treatments of 4 and 2% of the emulsion were low with rates of 55.32 and 22.83 %, respectively. These results clearly show that the aqueous emulsion formulated and tested in the study can significantly reduce attacks of these pests. This study shows the possibility of using the essential oil of C. schoenanthus as a raw material in the formulation of biopesticide as an alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides in the control of cotton plant red bugs in Togo.; Currently, the fight against red bugs, a pest of the cotton plant, is limited to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides. Many of the products used are persistent and their high toxicity to human health and the environment is of concern. In the search for alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides, the aim of this research work was to evaluate the insecticidal potential of aqueous emulsions based on the essential oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) against Dysdercus voelkeri, one of the redoubtable pests of cotton plant in Togo. Aqueous emulsions at different concentrations were used in phytosanitary treatments on cotton crop compared to vulgarized binary insecticides (lambdacyhalothrin/profenofos 15/300 gha-1 and cypermethrin/acetamiprid 36/8 gha-1). D. voelkeri counts on target plants of each elementary plot revealed that the highest dose of the emulsion (6%) of C. schoenanthus essential oil and the control (vulgarized insecticide) were more effective with low bug population densities of 7.14 ± 1.46 and 4.86 ± 1.84 bugs/plant, respectively. On the contrary, the other doses (4 and 2%) of emulsions based on C. schoenanthus essential oil had in their plots respectively 39.57 ± 5.81 and 45.28 ± 3.92 bugs/plant and the control (55.71 ± 5.23 bugs/plant). Health analysis of the young cotton bolls that fell under the cotton plants revealed that the highest dose of the emulsion (6%) and the control reduced stings by 71.40 and 72.33 % respectively, compared to the control. Stings reduction rates in plots with treatments of 4 and 2% of the emulsion were low with rates of 55.32 and 22.83 %, respectively. These results clearly show that the aqueous emulsion formulated and tested in the study can significantly reduce attacks of these pests. This study shows the possibility of using the essential oil of C. schoenanthus as a raw material in the formulation of biopesticide as an alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides in the control of cotton plant red bugs in Togo.

L’alternariose de la tomate est une maladie cryptogamique dévastatrice dans les zones maraichères du Burkina Faso. Tous les organes de la plante (tiges, feuilles, fruits) sont attaqués, entrainant une baisse importante du rendement et une dépréciation de la qualité de la production. Dans la présente étude, quatre huiles essentielles de plantes aromatiques locales (Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Lippia multiflora, Ocimum americanum, et Ocimum basilicum) ont été testées, pour évaluer leurs propriétés d'inhibition sur la croissance radiale du mycélium d’un isolat pathogène de Alternaria sp. Le test in vitro des doses de 100%, 50%, 10%, 5% et 1% a montré que toutes ces huiles essentielles possèdent une activité antifongique sur ledit isolat. Les taux d’inhibition des huiles essentielles sur la croissance du champignon étudié vont de 25,96% à 100%. La meilleure inhibition a été enregistrée avec l’huile essentielle de Cymbopogon schoenanthus, de Ocimum basilicum et de Lippia multiflora pour les concentrations supérieures à 1%. Il ressort donc de cette étude que trois huiles essentielles, stoppent la croissance mycélienne de l’isolat pour des doses allant de 5% à 100%. Ces huiles (Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Ocimum basilicum et Lippia multiflora) pourraient être utilisées pour la mise au point de phytopesticides afin d'atténuer l’utilisation intensive et hasardeuse des pesticides.Mots clés: Alternariose, activité antifongique, plante aromatique, tomate. English Title: Effects of four essential oils on radial mycelial growth of an isolate of Alternaria sp. in Burkina Faso Early blight of tomato is a devastating cryptogamic disease in the vegetable gardens in Burkina Faso. All plant’s organs (stems, leaves, fruits) are attacked causing a significant decrease in the yield and a depreciation of the quality of the production in the field. In the present study, four essential oils of aromatic plants (Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Lippia multiflora, Ocimum americanum, and Ocimum basilicum) were tested to evaluate the inhibition properties of these oils on the radial growth of the mycelium of an isolated pathogen of Alternaria sp. In vitro tests at doses of 100%, 50%, 10%, 5% and 1% showed that all these essential oils tested have antifungal activity on said strain. The inhibition rates of essential oils on the growth of the fungus studied range from 25.96% to 100%. The best inhibition was recorded with the essential oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Ocimum basilicum and Lippia multiflora for applied concentrations more than 1%. It therefore emerges from this study that three essential oils stop the mycelial growth of the isolate for doses ranging from 5% to 100%. These oils (Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Ocimum basilicum and Lippia multiflora) could be used for the development of phytopesticides in order to reduce the intensive and hazardous use of pesticides.Keywords: Early blight, antifungal activity, aromatic plant, tomato.

Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. (Poaceae) is an aromatic plant whose aerial parts and rhizome produced an essential oil with pleasant odor. A chemical variability has been observed depending of the countries where the plant grows wild, including Algeria. The chemical compositions of 24 oil samples isolated from plants harvested in Central Algeria have been investigated, to evidence homogeneity or chemical variability within a given area of harvest. Twenty of these were dominated by cis- and trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ols (22.6 %±3.6 and 14.3 %±1.7, resp.) beside four atypical compositions. Otherwise, aerial parts and rhizomes produced similar essential oils. Lastly, a fair antimicrobial activity was measured against Staphylococcus aureus strain, while the antioxidant potential was low.

The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity and biological properties of two traditional Saharian plants (Cymbopogon schoenanthus and Ziziphus lotus). The plant extracts were obtained by using a different combination of extraction methods (conventional vs. ultrasound-assisted) and solvents (water vs. ethanol:water (50:50, v/v)). The antioxidant profile, anti-inflammatory activity and impact on bacterial growth (foodborne and probiotic bacteria) of the obtained extracts were assessed. The plant species showed the hierarchically more important role in determining the biological properties of the extracts, followed by extraction solvent and extraction conditions. Conventional Z. lotus hydroethanolic extracts showed the highest total phenolic content (20.4 mg GAE/g), while Z. lotus ethanol extracts from ultrasound-assisted process presented the highest content of carotenoids (0.15 mg/g). In addition, ultrasound-assisted Z. lotus hydroethanolic extracts presented the highest in vitro radical scavenging activity, being 7.93 mmol Trolox/g. Multivariate analysis statistics (PCA) showed that both the extraction methodology and the solvent used strongly affected the bacterial growth. Z. lotus mainly decreased the growth rate of S. aureus and L. innocua. Interestingly, the aqueous extracts of this plant as well as those from C. schoenanthus, obtained by conventional extraction, significantly increased the growth rate and the maximal optical density of L. casei. Aqueous extracts of both Z. lotus and C. schoenanthus slightly influenced the growth of Bifidobacterium. Overall, the extracts of these plants showed selective activities with respect to pathogens and probiotic bacteria and may provide an advantage both in terms of antimicrobial and prebiotic activity.

It is a typical desert species (grass), containing aromatic oil which persists in the leaves for many years. The plant is found in South Asia and North Africa and grows in hard lands and usually grows in the company of other plants. It is found in all regions, including parts of Al-Rubb-al-Khali desert of Saudi Arabia, and is locally known as Ethkher, Eskhabar or Hashma. Ethkher from Hijaz (a region in west Saudi Arabia) is called Hurmi and is described as the 2nd best by Ishaq bin Imran, and the one that grows in coastal Africa as the worst. Dymock et al., however, mentioned Andropogon laniger as the species called Izkhir or Ethkher. Dioscorides described that the best kind grows in Arabia, that has an odor like roses when rubbed between the hands, and a pungent taste. Arabian and Persian authors identify Ethkher or Idkhir as Schoenus of the Greeks and Romans, as hot and dry, lithotriptic, diuretic, carminative and emmenagogue. They recommend it to be boiled in wine as a diuretic. Ground into a paste it is said to be a good application for abdominal swellings. Added to purgatives, it is administered in rheumatism; the flowers are used as hemostatic. Hippocrates mentioned the emmenagogue property in the treatise on the diseases of women. Phytochemical screening of the plant shows the presence of alkaloids and/or nitrogen bases, flavonoids, sterols and/or triterpenes, tannins and volatile oils. Daily oral administration of C. schoenanthus extract produced significant diuretic activity and prevented glycolic acid-induced nephrotoxicity, and kidney stone formation in rats. Daily oral dose of ethanol extract to ICR mice for 2-weeks resulted in a significant antistress effect, with a significant decrease in serum corticosterone and increase in cerebral cortex levels of DA and NE.

Objective: To better investigate the protective role of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and Cymbopogon schoenanthus (CS) extract against the potassium dichromate (PDC)-induced oxido-nitrosative nephrotoxic insult in the experimental rat model. Methods: Thirty male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups: The 1st group served as control; the 2 nd was injected with a single dose of PDC (15 mg/kg b.w i.p .); the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th groups were respectively treated with BCAAs, CS, and their combination for 15 d prior to induction of renal insult via PDC single dose (15 mg/kg b.w s.c .). The experimental period was terminated in all groups 2 d after induction of renal insult. The harvested kdney samples were divided for biochemical assays and histological examination. Results: The PDC-induced nephrotoxic effect caused a depletion of renal oxidative scavengers glutathione, superoxide dismutase with consequent lipo-oxidative cellular membrane deterioration manifested by a rise in malonaldehyde, oxidized glutathione, myeloperoxidase and the concomitant increase in inflammatory response elements tumor necrosis factor α, nitric oxide, and interleukin 1 β. Moreover, the comet assay and increased 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine proved an accelerated apoptotic DNA fragmentation. These local renal changes were met with global altered blood biochemistry. The BCAAs and CS or their compiled administration showed an ameliorative effect against PDC-induced nephrotoxic in a synergistic pattern. Conclusions: Both BCAAs and CS or their combined administration afford potential competitors against renal insult induced by polyvalent anion pollutants in experimentally studied animals model. As a route for novel drug discovery, further investigation should be attempted to optimize their augmenting reno-protecting potential.

The objective of this study was to investigate the content of essential elements in medicinal plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Five different medical plants (mahareeb (Cymbopogon schoenanthus), sheeh (Artemisia vulgaris), harjal (Cynanchum argel delile), nabipoot (Equisetum arvense), and cafmariam (Vitex agnus-castus)) were collected from Madina city in the KSA. Five elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Se were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fe levels were the highest and Se levels were the lowest in all plants. The range levels of all elements in all plants were as follows: Fe 193.4–1757.9, Mn 23.6–143.7, Zn 15.4–32.7, Se 0.13–0.92, and Cu 11.3–21.8 µg/g. Intakes of essential elements from the medical plants in infusion were calculated: Fe 4.6–13.4, Mn 6.7–123.2, Zn 7.0–42.7, Se 0.14–1.5, and Cu 1.5–5.0 µg/dose. The calculated intakes of essential elements for all plants did not exceed the daily intake set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These medicinal plants may be useful sources of essential elements, which are vital for health.

Introduction: A number of plant species, including Cymbopogon schoenanthus, are traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases. C. schoenanthus is currently, traded in the Saudi markets, and thought to have medicinal value. This study aimed at investigating the biological activities of C. schoenanthus against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and to identify its chemical ingredients. Materials and methods: The inhibitory effects of water extracts of C. schoenanthus essential oils were evaluated against ten isolates of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar well diffusion and dilution methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assayed using the Broth microdilution test on five of the ten isolates. The death rates were determined by the time kill assay, done according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The chemical composition of the essential oils of the plant was performed using GC/MS. Results: The C. schoenanthus essential oil was effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) S. aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The essential oil was not effective against Staphylococcus saprophyticus at the highest concentration applied of >150 μg/ml. The MIC values were as follows: 9.37 μg/ml for E. coli 4.69 μg/ml for S. aureus (MRSA), 2.34 mg/ml for MSSA and 2.34 μg/ml for K. pneumoniae. The time-kill assay indicated that there was a sharp time dependent decline in K. pneumoniae counts in the presence of the oil. This is in contrast to a gradual decline in the case of S. aureus under the same conditions. The eight major components of the essential oil were: piperitone (14.6%), cyclohexanemethanol (11.6%), β-elemene (11.6%), α-eudesmol (11.5%), elemol (10.8%), β-eudesmol (8.5%), 2-naphthalenemethanol (7.1%) and γ-eudesmol (4.2%). Conclusion: The results of the present study provide a scientific validation for the traditional use of C. schoenanthus as an antibacterial agent. Future work is needed to investigate and explore its application in the environmental and medical fields. In addition, to evaluating the efficacy of the individual ingredients separately to better understand the underlying mechanism.