Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils from native species of the ‘Campos de Cima da Serra’ region, South Brazil

Chemical composition of five essential oils and their antioxidant and in vitro and in vivo antifungal activities against Alternaria alternata in tomato crop

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of essential oils from A. gratíssima, O. basilicum, S. microphylla, T. riparia, and T. vulgaris and their antioxidant and antifungal activities against Alternaria alternata strains. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the major components of the essential oils were terpenes. The essential oils of S. microphylla and T. riparia showed higher antioxidant activities than the others. The essential oils of S. microphylla and T. riparia inhibited the growth of the fungus at 3.10 and 6.05 µL/mL, respectively. The essential oil of T. riparia inhibited 93.9% of the growth of the fungus and showed the highest in vivo efficiency in severity reduction (76.2%). We conclude that the essential oil of T. riparia shows promising antifungal activity and is an environmentally safe alternative for controlling fungal diseases in vegetables.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of the inhibitory effect of the Cunila lythrifolia Benth aerial parts on abdominal pain and some digestive enzymes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Cunila lythrifolia Benth. (Lamiaceae) commonly named "poleo de monte" is a Mexican plant known since pre-Hispanic times because of the properties of its aerial parts to treat respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, for postpartum care, and as an aphrodisiac.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To obtain preclinical evidence of the pharmacological properties of C. lythrifolia on abdominal pain and some digestive enzymes, as well as its chemical composition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The preclinical safety of a decoction was evaluated by the Lorke method in mice. The antinociceptive effect was assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice, and the mechanism of action was explored by the co-administration of naloxone. Additionally, the inhibition of the lipase and α-amylase was carried out using a colorimetric assay to calculate the percentage of inhibition. The isolation of specialized metabolites was carried out using chromatographic techniques, and characterization was established with MS, NMR, and chiroptical analysis. The volatile components of the aerial parts were identified by GC-MS analysis of the essential oils, and by HSPM coupled with GC-MS. An analytical method by UHPLC was validated under the guidelines of the ICH, for the quantification of 1.

RESULTS

The LD50 of the aqueous extract is higher than 5 g/kg. The decoction and the essential oil have an antinociceptive effect at 100 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. The essential oil was active against the lipase enzyme (96-76 % of inhibition). The isolated compounds from the decoction were linarin (1), 7-O-[2-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside] (2), lithospermic acid (3), rosmarinic acid (4), and citrusin C (5). Compound 1 showed an antinociceptive effect at 316 mg/kg. A UHPLC method was validated for the quantification of 1 in three different batches. The volatiloma analysis revealed that menthofuran (10), β-caryophyllene (22), spathulenol (31), and caryophyllene oxide (32) are the major constituents in the aerial parts. (±)-cunildone (27) a new menthofuran derivative was isolated from the essential oil of the fresh aerial parts.

CONCLUSION

The results of these studies demonstrate the preclinical safety and validate the traditional use of C. lythrifolia as an antinociceptive agent. Contribute to the chemical identification of the species and to the quality control and establish a method for quantitative analysis of the plant. Overall promoting the rational use and quality control of C. lythrifolia.

Vacuum fractional distillation of Cunila galioides Benth. essential oil: chemical composition and biological activities of raw oil and its fractions

This work aimed to rectify Cunila galioides essential oil and evaluate the raw oil and the fractions' antifungal, allelopathic, and antioxidant activities. The results showed that the raw essential oil and the bottom fraction were primarily composed of linalyl propionate (42.9 wt.% and 60.2 wt.%). The top fraction was composed mainly of limonene (45.7 wt.%). The antioxidant activity changed with the radical and the fraction. The bottom had a weaker antifungal effect than the raw oil and the top. Nevertheless, the essential oil and the fractions had a similar antifungal activity at 0.50 % v/v and higher. Similar behavior was observed for the allelopathic tests. No difference occurred between the raw oil and the fractions, with reduced germination percentages and speed at 0.25 % v/v and complete inhibition at 0.50 % v/v. The oil can be rectified, and the fractions may be used without harming their biological activity.