Effect of nitrogen concentration of the nutrient solution on the volatile constituents of leaves of Salvia fruticosa Mill. in solution culture

Essential oils from hydroponically cultivated Salvia fruticosa were analyzed by GC-MS techniques. Three different levels of nitrogen (100, 150, and 200 mg/L) were used in the nutrient solution for the cultivation, using the nutrient film technique. A total of 79 compounds were identified, and qualitative and quantitative differences have been observed between the samples collected at full bloom (flowering stage) and at the end of the seed formation stage. 1,8-Cineole, beta-caryophyllene, and viridiflorol were the predominant constituents in most cases. 13-epi-Manool was identified by using GC parameters and mass spectrum fragmentation pattern, whereas labd-7,13-dien-15-ol, a labdane type diterpene, was identified for the first time in the genus Salvia, using GC parameters and an authentic sample. The results obtained from GC-MS analyses were submitted to chemometric analysis.

Chemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Halimium voldii

Volatile constituents and a hexane extract of the leaves of Halimium voldii Kit Tan, Perdetzoglou & Raus, sp. nova, were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Thirty compounds were identified in the essential oil of Halimium representing 88.7% of the oil composition. The main components were nonanal (12.8%), dodecane (10.6%), Z-caryophyllene (8.2%), gamma-muurolene (10.9%), delta-cadidene (3.5%), caryophyllene oxide (5.1%), beta-eudesmol (3.6%) and manoyl oxide (5.5%). Thymol was identified in the hexane extract as the main compound. A labdane diterpene ent-labd-7, 13 (E)-dien, 15-ol was detected by its mass spectra fragmentation pattern and its structure was determined by spectroscopic methods and its optical rotation. The essential oil and the hexane extract were assayed for their antimicrobial activity against gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria.

An interpopulation study of the essential oils of Cistus parviflorus L. growing in Crete (Greece)

The composition of the essential oils of nine populations of Cistus parviflorus L., from Crete (Greece) and their interpopulation variability, were investigated by GC-MS. 114 compounds were identified representing an average of 85-96% of oil composition. Labdane diterpenes were detected and identified in the essential oils of Cistus parviflorus L. for the first time. The results obtained from GC-MS analysis of the volatile oils were submitted to principal component and chemometric cluster analysis. Two main chemotypes (clusters) were differentiated; the first of West Crete and the second of East Crete. Carvacrol, caryophyllene oxide, alpha-epi-cadinol, abietatriene, 4-epi-dehydroabietol, dehydro abietol, cis-ferruginol and manoyl oxide mixture of isomers are the main constituents, while oxygenated sesquiterpenes as well as diterpenes have been found in high percentage composition.

Essential oils and hexane extracts from leaves and fruits of Cistus monspeliensis. Cytotoxic activity of ent-13-epi-manoyl oxide and its isomers

Essential oils and hexane extracts from Cistus monspeliensis L. leaves and fruits were analysed by GC-MS. Manoyl oxide and its isomers, 3 beta-hydroxy-manoyl oxide, 3 beta-hydroxy-13-epi-manoyl oxide, as well as 3 beta-acetoxy-13-epi-manoyl oxide were detected for the first time in C. monspeliensis L. Ent-13-epimanoyl oxide was isolated from the hexane extract of leaves and its structure was determined using spectroscopic methods. In vitro cytotoxic activity of ent-13-epi-manoyl oxide and mixtures of manoyl oxide isomers at 10(-4) M concentrations ranged from 11.1 to 32.2% of the activity for a vinblastine control evaluated against nine leukemic cell lines. The results showed that the manoyl oxide isomer mixtures as well as ent-13-epi-manoyl oxide exhibited a slight growth inhibiting activity.

Chemical analysis and antimicrobial studies on three species of Ferulago from Greece

The chemical composition of the essential oils of the flowering parts and of the hexane extracts of the leaves, of three species of the genus Ferulago (Apiaceae) from Greece, i.e., F. thyrsiflora, F. sylvatica and F. nodosa, was analysed by GC and GC-MS. Manoyl oxide isomers and lupanine, were identified in the hexane extracts of F. thyrsiflora. Dillapiole, was identified in all hexane extracts. Ent-3 beta-hydroxy-13-epi-manoyl oxide was identified and isolated from the essential oil of F. thyrsiflora. All these compounds are new reports for the genus Ferulago and are useful chemotaxonomic markers. Chemical data of F. thyrsiflora is presented for the first time. The essential oils and the extracts were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.

Analysis of labdane-type diterpenes from Cistus creticus (subsp. creticus and subsp. eriocephalus), by GC and GC-MS

The qualitative and quantitative analysis of labdane-type diterpenes of the hexane extracts and of the essential oils of the leaves, fruits and resin "Ladano", of Cistus creticus subsp. creticus and Cistus creticus subsp. eriocephalus, have been carried out by GC and GC-MS analysis using two capillary chromatographic columns, i.e., HP-5MS and CP-Wax. The methanolic extract of the fruits of C. creticus subsp. creticus was examined and seven labdane diterpenes were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods. Data on the investigation of labdane diterpenes by GC and GC-MS is limited and most of them have never been analysed by this method. The results obtained by this analysis could be useful for identifying them in crude plant extracts. Manoyl oxides were studied further for the percentage content of their isomers. The hexane extracts of the two subspecies as well as the manoyl oxide isomers isolated from the methanolic extract of the fruits of C. creticus subsp. creticus, were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Global numerical differences of these C. creticus subspecies, based on labdane diterpenes content in the hexane extracts as well as in the essential oils, were established by statistical methods. Phenotypic differences are discussed.

Chemical and antibacterial studies of two Helichrysum species of Greek origin

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Helichrysum stoechas ssp. barrelieri and H. taenari was analysed by GC and GC/MS. From the thirty-nine identified constituents representing the 73.87% and 87.41% of the two oils, respectively, beta-elemene, beta-caryophyllene, geraniol, and camphene were the major components. Furthermore, it was found that the oils exhibited significant antibacterial activity against six Gram (+/-) bacteria.

Chemical and biological studies on two Helichrysum species of Greek origin

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Helichrysum amorginum and H.italicum were analysed with GC and GC/MS. From the twenty-five identified constituents representing the 89.98% and 82.06% of the two oils respectively, geraniol, geranyl acetate, neryl acetate, and nerolidol were the major components. Furthermore, it was found that the oils exhibited definite antibacterial activity against the six tested Gram (+/-) bacteria.