Cypress terpenes in sawfly larva of Susana cupressi (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Tenthredinoidea)

Several sawfly species (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) possess larval stages with oesophageal diverticula in which plant compounds are sequestered and used for defence against predators. These organs are present in the larvae of Susana (Tenthredinidae) but remain poorly studied. Here, the aim was to analyse the diverticula extract of Susana cupressi by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to better understand the ecology of this species. The foliage of the hostplant (Cupressus sempervirens), as well as the larval foregut, midgut, and haemolymph were also analysed. Complementary data were gathered by morphological observations, bioassays using ants, and genetic analyses to identify the studied Susana species. Altogether, 48 terpenes were identified, 30 being sesquiterpenes. The terpenes were generally detected in the foliage, but also in the diverticula, foregut, and midgut, whereas none of them in the haemolymph. The main compounds were alpha-cedrene, alpha-fenchene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinyl acetate, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, cedrol, delta 3-carene, epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene, germacrene D, limonene, sabinene, and terpinolene. The chemical profiles of these 13 compounds were significantly correlated between foliage-diverticula, diverticula-foregut and foregut-midgut, but not correlated for the three remaining possible comparisons. Alpha-pinene decreased and germacrene D increased from the foliage to the diverticula, which may reflect a specific sequestration of the latter terpene and its known deleterious effects on insects. We conclude that larvae of S. cupressi, similarly to those of diprionids, are well defended against predatory attacks by sequestering and regurgitating hostplant terpenes, including germacrene D.

Artemisia spp.: An Update on Its Chemical Composition, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profiles

Artemisia plants are traditional and ethnopharmacologically used to treat several diseases and in addition in food, spices, and beverages. The genus is widely distributed in all continents except the Antarctica, and traditional medicine has been used as antimalarial, antioxidant, anticancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agents. This review is aimed at systematizing scientific data on the geographical distribution, chemical composition, and pharmacological and toxicological profiles of the Artemisia genus. Data from the literature on Artemisia plants were taken using electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Selected papers for this updated study included data about phytochemicals, preclinical pharmacological experimental studies with molecular mechanisms included, clinical studies, and toxicological and safety data. In addition, ancient texts and books were consulted. The essential oils and phytochemicals of the Artemisia genus have reported important biological activities, among them the artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone, with antimalarial activity. Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the most famous Artemisia spp. due to its use in the production of the absinthe drink which is restricted in most countries because of neurotoxicity. The analyzed studies confirmed that Artemisia plants have many traditional and pharmacological applications. However, scientific data are limited to clinical and toxicological research. Therefore, further research is needed on these aspects to understand the full therapeutic potential and molecular pharmacological mechanisms of this medicinal species.

Extraction, Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Artemisia and Their Biological Significance: A Review

Diverse medicinal plants such as those from the genus Artemisia have been employed globally for centuries by individuals belonging to different cultures. Universally, Artemisia species have been used to remedy various maladies that range from simple fevers to malaria. A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrated that 80% of the global population is highly reliant on herbal medicine for their primary healthcare. WHO recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) for the treatment of global diseases such as malaria. Artemisinin is a bioactive compound derived from Artemisia annua leaves. It is a sesquiterpene endoperoxide with potent antimalarial properties. This review strives to instill natural products to chemists and others in diverse fields with a heterogeneous set of knowledge compiled from multifaceted researchers and organizations in literature. In particular, the various Artemisia species and effective extraction, isolation, and characterization methodologies are discussed in detail. An in-depth investigation into the literature reveals that divergent species of Artemisia exhibit a vast array of biological activities such as antimalarial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. There is substantial potential for bioactive compounds from Artemisia to provide significant relief from differing human ailments, but more meticulous research in this field is needed.

Essential Oils as a Feed Additives: Pharmacokinetics and Potential Toxicity in Monogastric Animals

Essential oils (EOs) are now a hot topic in finding modern substitutes for antibiotics. Many studies have shown positive results and confirmed their high antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Deservedly, there is an attempt to use EOs as a substitute for antibiotics, which are currently limited by legislation in animal breeding. Given the potential of EOs, studies on their fate in the body need to be summarized. The content of EO's active substances varies depending on growing conditions and consequently on processing and storage. Their content also changes dynamically during the passage through the gastrointestinal tract and their effective concentration can be noticeably diluted at their place of action (small intestine and colon). Based on the solubility of the individual EO's active substances, they are eliminated from the body at different rates. Despite a strong antimicrobial effect, some oils can be toxic to the body and cause damage to the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tissues. Reproductive toxicity has been reported for Origanum vulgare and Mentha arvensis. Several publications also address the effect on the genome. It has been observed that EOs can show both genoprotective effects (Syzygium aromaticum) and genotoxicity, as is the case of Cinnamomum camphor. This review shows that although oils are mainly studied as promising antimicrobials, it is also important to assess animal safety.