Chemical compositions, antifungal and antioxidant activities of essential oil and various extracts of Melodorum fruticosum L. flowers

Identification and field verification of an aggregation pheromone from the white-spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

The white-spotted flower chafer (WSFC), Protaetia brevitarsis Lewis, is native to East Asia. Although their larvae are considered a potential resource insect for degrading plant residues, producing protein fodder, and processing to traditional medicine, adult WSFCs inflict damage to dozens of fruit and economic crops. The control of the WSFC still relies heavily on pesticides and the inefficient manual extraction of adults. Here, we report the identification and evaluation of the aggregation pheromone of WSFCs. From the headspace volatiles emitted from WSFC adults, anisole, 4-methylanisole, 2-heptanone and 2-nonanone were identified as WSFC-specific components. However, only anisole and 4-methylanisole elicited positive dose-response relationship in electroantennography tests, and only 4-methylanisole significantly attracted WSFCs of both sexes in olfactometer bioassays and field experiments. These results concluded that 4-methylanisole is the aggregation pheromone of WSFCs. Furthermore, we developed polyethylene vials as long-term dispensers of 4-methylanisole to attract and kill WSFCs. The polyethylene vial lures could effectively attracted WSFCs for more than four weeks. Pheromone-based lures can be developed as an environmentally friendly protocol for monitoring and controlling WSFC adults.

Phytochemical characterization and inhibition of Candida sp. by the essential oil of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antifungal potential of the essential oil of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. against Candida strains. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was assessed by the microdilution method using the essential oil at a concentration range of 8192 to 8 μg/mL. The minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture in solid medium. The ability of the essential oil to modulate the activity of antifungals was determined in wells treated simultaneously with the oil at a subinhibitory concentration (MFC/16) and fluconazole (FCZ). The fungal morphology was analyzed by microscopy. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify the chemical composition. The essential oil presented an CI₅₀ of 11.24 and 1.45 μg/mL, which was found to potentiate the effect of FCZ against Candida albicans. On the other hand, this combined treatment resulted in antagonism against Candida tropicalis and no evident modulation against Candida krusei was observed. The essential oil significantly inhibited hyphae growth. However, with a MFC ≥ 16,384 μg/mL, it is assumed that it has a fungistatic action. The antifungal properties demonstrated in this study might be related to the presence of sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, and the interaction between them. In conclusion, Baccharis trimera showed promising anti-Candida effects, in addition to potentiating the activity of FCZ against Candida albicans, affecting its morphological transition. Therefore, this species constitutes a source of chemical compounds with the potential to be used in the combat of fungal infections.

Melodamide A from Melodorum fruticosum - Quantification using HPLC and one-step-isolation by centrifugal partition chromatography

Melodamide A, a phenolic amide from the leaves of Melodorum fruticosum Lour., has previously shown pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. In order to rapidly isolate larger quantities for biological testing, a fast, one-step isolation method by centrifugal partition chromatography was developed within this study. Fractionation of the dichloromethane extract was performed with a two-phase solvent system consisting of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water (3:7:5:5, v/v), leading to the isolation of melodamide A with a purity of >90% and a yield of 6.7 w% within 32 min. The developed method can also be used in dual mode for the enrichment of further constituents like flavonoids or chalcones. In order to support the centrifugal partition chromatography method development, additionally, a high-performance liquid chromatography method was established and validated to determine quantities of melodamide A in plant material and crude extracts. Analysis of M. fruticosum leaves and a dichloromethane extract obtained from this plant material showed a total melodamide A content of 0.19 ± 0.008 and 8.9 ± 0.249 w%, respectively.

Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Functions of Human Neutrophils by Constituents of Melodorum fruticosum Leaves

In an initial screening, the dichloromethane extract from the leaves of Melodorum fruticosum showed distinct inhibitory effects on the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in human neutrophils. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of this extract, to better understand which compounds might be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect. Phytochemical analysis led to the isolation of 12 known compounds and two new natural products, 5-hydroxy-6-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-4',7-dimethoxyflavanone (13) and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-4,6'-dimethoxychalcone (14). The influence of the isolated compounds on the production and release of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and adhesion molecules (CD62L and CD11b) in human neutrophils was evaluated. Three constituents, melodamide A, 2',4'-dihydroxy-4,6'-dimethoxychalcone, and 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone, showed significant inhibition of IL-8 release (IC₅₀ =6.6, 8.6, and 11.6 μm, respectively) and TNF-α production (IC₅₀ =4.5, 13.3, and 6.2 μm, respectively).

Total Synthesis of γ-Alkylidenebutenolides, Potent Melanogenesis Inhibitors from Thai Medicinal Plant Melodorum fruticosum

A hitherto unreported member of γ-alkylidenebutenolides in Melodorum fruticosum (Annonaceae), (4 E)-6-benzoyloxy-7-hydroxy-2,4-heptadiene-4-olide, named as isofruticosinol (4) was isolated from the methanol extract of flowers, along with the known related butenolides, namely, the (4 Z)-isomer (3) of 4, melodrinol (1), and its (4 E)-isomer (2). To unambiguously determine the absolute configuration at the C-6 position in these butenolides, the first total syntheses of both enantiomers of 2-4 were achieved over 6-7 steps from commercially available D- or L-ribose (D- and L-5). Using the same protocol, both enantiomers of 1 were also synthesized. Based on chiral HPLC analysis of all synthetic compounds ( S- and R-1-4), all naturally occurring butenolides were assigned as partial racemic mixtures with respect to the chiral center at C-6 (enantiomeric ratio, 6 S/6 R = ∼83/17). Furthermore, the melanogenesis inhibitory activities of S- and R-1-4 were evaluated, with all shown to be potent inhibitors with IC₅₀ values in the range 0.29-2.9 μM, regardless of differences in the stereochemistry at C-6. In particular, S-4 (IC₅₀ = 0.29 μM) and R-4 (0.39 μM) showed potent inhibitory activities compared with that of reference standard arbutin (174 μM).

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Metabolites of Diaporthe spp. Isolated from Flowers of Melodorum fruticosum

Fifty-two strains of endophytic fungi were isolated from flowers of the medicinal plant Melodorum fruticosum. Seven genera were identified including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Greeneria and Nigrospora. All strains were cultured for 30 days and further macerated in ethyl acetate solvent for 3 days. The obtained fungal extracts were examined for antibacterial activity using agar disc diffusion against nine pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Vibrio cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus. Forty-three fungal extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one tested pathogen. The antioxidant properties of all extracts were also investigated by DPPH scavenging assay. Sixteen extracts displayed high antioxidant capacity (IC₅₀ ranging from 10 to 50 µg/mL) when compared to the gallic acid and trolox standards (IC₅₀ of 12.46 and 2.55 µg/mL, respectively). The crude extracts of Diaporthe sp. MFLUCC16-0682 and Diaporthe sp. MFLUCC16-0693 exhibited notable antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Analysis of chemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry suggested that the observed antibacterial activity of the two Diaporthe spp. was possibly due to the presence of abienol, 4-methoxy stilbene, phenethyl cinnamate and 2Z,6Z-farnesal, while their potential antioxidant activity could be attributed to phenolic compounds, such as benzene acetaldehyde, benzyl benzoate, salicylaldehyde, benzoin and benzyl cinnamate. The results suggest that the genus Diaporthe is a potential source of metabolites that can be used in a variety of applications.

Fungal Endophytes: an Alternative Source for Production of Volatile Compounds from Agarwood Oil of Aquilaria subintegra

Fungal endophytes are microorganisms that are well-known for producing a diverse array of secondary metabolites. Recent studies have uncovered the bioprospecting potential of several plant endophytic fungi. Here, we demonstrate the presence of highly bioactive fungal endophytic species in Aquilaria subintegra, a fragrant wood plant collected from Thailand. Thirty-three fungal endophytic strains were isolated and further identified to genus level based on morphological characteristics. These genera included Colletotrichum, Pestalotiopsis, Fusarium, Russula, Arthrinium, Diaporthe and Cladosporium. All strains were cultured on potato dextrose broth for 30 days prior to partitioning with ethyl acetate. The volatile compounds of all extracts were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Four strains-Arthrinium sp. MFLUCC16-0042, Colletotrichum sp. MFLUCC16-0047, Colletotrichum sp. MFLUCC16-0048 and Diaporthe sp. MFLUCC16-0051-produced a broad spectrum of volatile compounds, including β-agarofuran, α-agarofuran, δ-eudesmol, oxo-agarospirol, and β-dihydro agarofuran. These compounds are especially important, because they greatly resemble those originating from the host-produced agarwood oil. Our findings demonstrate the potential of endophytic fungi to produce bioactive compounds with applications in perfumery and cosmetic industries. Antioxidant activity of all extracts was also evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays. The ethyl acetate extract of Diaporthe sp. MFLUCC16-0051 demonstrated superior antioxidant capacity, which was comparable to that of the gallic acid standard. Our results indicate that the MFLUCC16-0051 strain is a resource of natural antioxidant with potential medicinal applications.

Evaluating the Effects of Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation on Antifungal and Radical Scavenging Activities of Oliveria decumbens and Chaerophyllum macropodum Essential Oils

In this study, radical scavenging and antifungal activities of Chaerophyllum macropodum and Oliveria decumbens essential oils (EOs) extracted with microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were evaluated in comparison with the same EOs extracted by conventional hydrodistillation (HD). The final EO yields that were obtained using HD (after 150 min) and MAHD (after 45 min) were 1.72 and 1.67% for C. macropodum and 8.10 and 7.91% for O. decumbens, respectively. There were no significant differences between the final EO yields extracted with HD and MAHD, but MAHD could significantly reduce the duration of the extraction operation. Average rates of EO accumulation (grams per minute) with MAHD were at least three times higher than with HD. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of EOs indicated that there were no significant differences between the composition of EOs extracted by HD and MAHD. Both plants showed high radical scavenging activity, with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 0.430 to 0.431 mg/mL for C. macropodum and 0.142 to 0.146 mg/mL for O. decumbens. Antifungal activity was performed against six fungal species, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium chrysogenum, Trichoderma harzianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, and Paecilomyces variotii. A. niger and A. oryzae were the most resistant fungi, and T. harzianum was the most susceptible. Evaluation of MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration values showed that the O. decumbens EOs were very active against all the tested fungi, which can be attributed to the high amounts of oxygenated terpenes in the EO content. Therefore, MAHD as a fast extraction technique did not have any adverse effects on chemical composition, radical scavenging activity, and antifungal activity of C. macropodum and O. decumbens EOs.

Phytochemical Analysis, Biological Activity, and Secretory Structures of Stachys annua (L.) L. subsp. annua (Lamiaceae) from Central Italy

Stachys annua subsp. annua, well-known in central Italy as 'stregona annuale', is an annual, small, slightly-scented herb, commonly found in fields and uncultivated areas in almost all regions of Italy. In folk medicine, its aerial parts were used as anti-catarrhal, febrifuge, tonic, and vulnerary. In the present work, the chemical composition of the flowering aerial parts was studied. The hydrodistilled volatile oil, analysed by GC/MS, showed sesquiterpenoids as the major fraction (42.5%); phytol (9.8%), germacrene D (9.2%), and spathulenol (8.5%) were the most abundant constituents. The volatile oil was assayed for antioxidant and cytotoxic activity by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and MTT methods. The cytotoxicity results against HCT116, A375, and MDA-MB 231 human tumor cell lines were significant, with IC50 values of 23.5, 37.2, and 41.5 μg/ml, respectively, whereas the antioxidant power was negligible. The EtOH extract was composed mainly of three glycosidic flavonoids, namely 7-{[2-O-(6-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy}-5,8-dihydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (1), 7-{[6-O-acetyl-2-O-(6-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy}-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,8-dihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (2), and 7-{[6-O-acetyl-2-O-(β-D-allopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy}-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-5,8-dihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (3). On the contrary, iridoids, considered chemotaxonomic markers of the genus Stachys, were absent in this species. Finally, the morphological and histochemical survey showed that glandular trichomes were composed of two main types, i.e. peltate type A and capitate types B and C giving positive response for both lipids and polyphenols.

Essential Oils from Five Species of Annonaceae from Vietnam

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves of five species of Annonaceace grown in Vietnam were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main constituents of Artabotrys hongkongensis Hance were the sesquiterpenes spathulenol (13.1%), β-caryophyllene (6.6%), γ-elemene (6.3%) and δ-cadinene (6.3%). β-Caryophyllene (12.1%), bicycloelemene (11.2%) and bicyclogermacrene (11.6%) were the predominant components of the oil of Melodorum fruticosum Lour, whereas the oil of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula Hort was comprised mainly of β-caryophyllene (30.0%), α-zingiberene (21.7%), aromadendrene (15.2%) and β-selinene (9.1%). The main constituents of Fissistigma maclurei Merr. were germacrene D (26.1%), α-terpinene (8.2%), spathulenol (10.0%), and bicyclogermacrene (6.6%), while α-santalene (14.3%), β-caryophyllene (6.3%), terpinen-4-ol (6.3%), caryophyllene oxide (5.7%), trans-α-bergamotene (5.3%) and allo-ocimene (5.3%) were identified in significant quantity from Fissistigma rufinerve (Hook.f. & Thomson) Merr.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel essential oil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Excel (family Euphorbiaceae) stem bark is used in Cameroon by Baka pygmies as a remedy for wound healing and tetanus.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To characterize the chemical composition and to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of the plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil was extracted from the stem bark by dynamic head space and by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC and GC-MS analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the basis of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal-fungicidal concentration (MBC-MFC) by the micro and macrodilution methods. The following bacteria and fungi were used: Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 3584, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida albicans LM 450, Trichophyton mentagrophytes LM 230, Trichophyton rubrum LM 237, Microsporum canis LM 324.

RESULTS

The hydrodistillation afforded 0.06% (dry weight basis) of pale yellow oil. Thirty-eight compounds representing 90.69% were identified. The major component (36.40%) was found to be (E)-isoelemicin, identified by comparison of its (1)H-NMR experimental data, with literature data. The oil showed good antibacterial activity against Clostridium Sporogenes, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes with MIC ranging from 13.5 to 126 μg/ml. A weak antifungal activity (MIC 250 μg/ml) was found against Trichophyton rubrum, only.

CONCLUSIONS

The antimicrobial activity and the chemical composition of Phyllanthus muellerianus stem bark essential oil are reported for the first time.