Chemical Variability and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Leaf Essential Oil from Algerian Sahara

The chemical composition of 71 oil samples from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L., harvested in three provinces: Naâma (Western Algeria), Béchar and Adrar (Algerian Sahara), was investigated by GC-FID, GC/MS and 13CNMR. In total, 52 compounds were identified accounting for 88.8 % to 99.9 % of the total composition. The chemical composition of the oils was largely dominated by monoterpenes, with 1,8-cineole (9.7-70.2 %), camphor (0.3-31.0 %) being the major compounds followed by borneol (0.3-21.0 %), α-pinene (4.5-14.5 %), β-pinene (0.1-12.0 %), linalool (0.7-9.9 %) and verbenone (up to 11.1 %) which was present only in the samples harvested in Adrar. All compositions (71 samples) were submitted to statistical analysis. Combination of hierarchical clustering dendrogram and principal component analysis suggested the existence of three groups (one of these being subdivided into two sub-groups) which were distinguished on the basis of 1,8-cineole, camphor and verbenone contents. Four essential oil samples, containing 1,8-cineole and/or camphor as main components, exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against lipoxygenase, with IC50 values in the range 93 to 155 μg/mL.

Serum levels of adiponectin differentiate generalized lipodystrophies from anorexia nervosa

PURPOSE

The differential diagnosis of lipodystrophy involves other disorders characterized by severe fat loss and may be sometimes challenging. Owing to the rarity of lipodystrophy, it is relevant to search for tools and assays that differentiate it from other diseases that may mimic it. We conducted a study on leptin and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin serum concentrations in a series of patients diagnosed with lipodystrophy and compared them with those found in anorexia nervosa, one of the illnesses that may be cause of a missed diagnosis of lipodystrophy.

METHODS

Leptin and HMW adiponectin serum concentrations were measured in six patients diagnosed with generalized lipodystrophy (GL), six with progeroid syndromes (PS), 13 with familial partial lipodystrophy type 1 (FPLD1, Kobberling syndrome), 10 with familial partial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2, Dunnigan syndrome), 18 with acquired partial lipodystrophy (APL) and 12 affected by anorexia nervosa (AN). Measurements were compared to those obtained in 12 normal weight healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Serum leptin concentrations were reduced to a similar degree in GL, PS and AN, proportionally to the extent of fat loss. Serum concentrations of HMW adiponectin were found extremely low in patients with GL and PS, while comparable to normal weight subjects in patients with AN.

CONCLUSION

Serum HMW adiponectin can be regarded as a useful tool to discriminate between generalized lipodystrophy syndromes (including PS) and AN.

Inheritance and Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Aromatic Compounds from Clementine (Citrus × clementina Hort. ex Tan.) and Sweet Orange (C. × sinensis (L.) Osb.) Fruit Essential Oils

Despite their importance in food processing, perfumery and cosmetics, the inheritance of sweet orange aromatic compounds, as well as their yield in the fruit peel, has been little analyzed. In the present study, the segregation of aromatic compounds was studied in an F1 population of 77 hybrids resulting from crosses between clementine and blood sweet orange. Fruit-peel essential oils (PEOs) extracted by hydrodistillation were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection. Genotyping by sequencing was performed on the parents and the hybrids. The resulting "clementine × sweet blood orange" genetic map consists of 710 SNP markers distributed in nine linkage groups (LGs), representing the nine citrus chromosomes, and spanning 1054 centimorgans. Twenty quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, explaining between 20.5 and 55.0% of the variance of the major aromatic compounds and PEO yield. The QTLs for monoterpenes and aliphatic aldehydes predominantly colocalized on LGs 5 and 8, as did the two QTLs for PEO yield. The sesquiterpene QTLs were located on LGs 1, 3, 6 and 8. The detection of major QTLs associated with the synthesis of aliphatic aldehydes, known for their strong aromatic properties, open the way for marker-assisted selection.

Extinction Risk Assessment and Chemical Composition of Aerial Parts Essential Oils from Two Endangered Endemic Malagasy Salvia Species

Seven essential oil samples of two endemic species of Malagasy sage, Salvia sessilifolia Baker and Salvia leucodermis Baker, were investigated via GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR spectrometry. In total, 81compounds were identified accounting for 93.5% to 98.7% of the total composition. The main constituents for the both species were (E)-β-caryophyllene (29.2% to 60.1%), myrcene (1.2% to 21.7%), α-humulene (5.2% to 19.7%), (E)-nerolidol (0.8% to 15.5%) and caryophyllene oxide (1.4% to 10.8%). Ethnobotanical survey of 46 informants revealed that decoctions of leafy twigs and chewed leaves were usually used. Due to the repeated fires, over-harvesting and grazing, the populations of S. sessilifolia and S. leucodermis are drastically fragmented. These risk factors led to threats to the habitats of the target species. Salvia sessilifolia Baker and Salvia leucodermis Baker are proposed to be classified as endangered species.

Correspondence between the Compositional and Aromatic Diversity of Leaf and Fruit Essential Oils and the Pomological Diversity of 43 Sweet Oranges (Citrus x aurantium var sinensis L.)

Orange (Citrus x aurantium var sinensis) is the most widely consumed citrus fruit, and its essential oil, which is made from the peel, is the most widely used in the food, perfume, and cosmetics industries. This citrus fruit is an interspecific hybrid that would have appeared long before our era and would result from two natural crosses between mandarin and pummelo hybrids. This single initial genotype was multiplied by apomictic reproduction and diversified by mutations to produce hundreds of cultivars selected by men essentially based on phenotypic characteristics of appearance, spread of maturity, and taste. Our study aimed to assess the diversity of essential oil composition and variability in the aroma profile of 43 orange cultivars representing all morphotypes. In agreement with the mutation-based evolution of orange trees, the genetic variability tested with 10 SSR genetic markers was null. The oils from peels and leaves extracted by hydrodistillation were analyzed for composition by GC (FID) and GC/MS and for aroma profile by the CATA (Check All That Apply) method by panelists. Oil yield varied between varieties by a factor of 3 for PEO and a factor of 14 for LEO between maximum and minimum. The composition of the oils was very similar between cultivars and was mainly dominated by limonene (>90%). However, small variations were observed as well as in the aromatic profile, with some varieties clearly distinguishing themselves from the others. This low chemical diversity contrasts with the pomological diversity, suggesting that aromatic variability has never been a selection criterion in orange trees.

Composition and Chemical Variability of the Essential Oil from Aerial Parts of Cladanthus scariosus, an Endemic Species to the Moroccan High Atlas

Cladanthus scariosus (Ball) Oberpr. & Vogt is endemic to Moroccan High Atlas. It is known under the vernacular names Irezghi or Irezgui. Three essential oil samples have been isolated from aerial parts and analyzed by combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques [gas chromatography (GC) in combination with retention indices (RI), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and ¹³ C-NMR spectroscopy]. The compositions of oil samples were dominated by monoterpenes: α-pinene sabinene, and terpinen-4-ol. Chamazulene and dihydrochamazulene isomers as well as various hemiterpene esters and analogs have been identified. To evidence a chemical variability, statistical analysis performed on 13 oil sample compositions allowed partitioning into three groups, mainly differentiated by their contents of sabinene, camphor, borneol, terpinen-4-ol, and germacrene D.

A Validated 1H NMR Method for the Quantitation of 5-Hydroxymethyl-2(5H)-Furanone, a Valuable Chemical Intermediate, In a Dichloromethane Extract of Helleborus lividus subsp: Corsicus Leaves from Corsica

An experimental procedure using ¹H NMR was developed and validated to quantify 5-hydroxymethyl-2(5H)-furanone, a valuable chemical synthon ((S)-enantiomer), in a dichloromethane extract of Helleborus lividus subsp. corsicus leaves. This method, using vanillin as the internal standard, exhibited a perfect linearity of measurements (R ² = 1) associated with very good accuracy (relative errors comprised between -1.62% and 4.25%) and precision (reproducibility 30.51 mg ± 0.4%). The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation have been measured at 0.14 mg and 0.59 mg, respectively. The experiment time is very short since a single analysis is at the minute level. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2(5H)-furanone accounted for nearly 85% in the dichloromethane extract of H. lividus subsp. corsicus leaves (1.7% of the mass of fresh leaves). This plant represents an important and natural source of (S)-5-hydroxymethyl-2(5H)-furanone (main enantiomer; determined using a GC chiral analysis).

Chemical Variability and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Leaf Essential Oil from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei (De Wild. & T. Durand) Engl. & Diels

The chemical variability and the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf essential oil from Ivorian Isolona dewevrei were investigated for the first time. Forty-seven oil samples were analyzed using a combination of CC, GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C-NMR, thus leading to the identification of 113 constituents (90.8-98.9%). As the main components varied drastically from sample to sample, the 47 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical cluster and principal components analyses. Three distinct groups, each divided into two subgroups, were evidenced. Subgroup I-A was dominated by (Z)-β-ocimene, β-eudesmol, germacrene D and (E)-β-ocimene, while (10βH)-1β,8β-oxido-cadina-4-ene, santalenone, trans-α-bergamotene and trans-β-bergamotene were the main compounds of Subgroup I-B. The prevalent constituents of Subgroup II-A were germacrene B, (E)-β-caryophyllene, (5αH,10βMe)-6,12-oxido-elema-1,3,6,11(12)-tetraene and γ-elemene. Subgroup II-B displayed germacrene B, germacrene D and (Z)-β-ocimene as the majority compounds. Germacrene D was the most abundant constituent of Group III, followed in Subgroup III-A by (E)-β-caryophyllene, (10βH)-1β,8β-oxido-cadina-4-ene, germacrene D-8-one, and then in Subgroup III-B by (Z)-β-ocimene and (E)-β-ocimene. The observed qualitative and quantitative chemical variability was probably due to combined factors, mostly phenology and season, then harvest site to a lesser extent. The lipoxygenase inhibition by a leaf oil sample was also evaluated. The oil IC50 (0.020 ± 0.005 mg/mL) was slightly higher than the non-competitive lipoxygenase inhibitor NDGA IC50 (0.013 ± 0.003 mg/mL), suggesting a significant in vitro anti-inflammatory potential.

Chemical Variability of Moroccan Myrtle Oil

Thirty-three oil samples isolated from aerial parts of Myrtus communis L. harvested in seven localities, from Northern to Central Morocco, have been analyzed by combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The 33 compositions have been subjected to statistical analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Two groups have been differentiated on the basis of their myrtenyl acetate and α-pinene contents and each one was sub-divided in two sub-groups according to the contents of 1,8-cineole and linalool. The compositions of our 33 myrtle oil samples may be named as follow by their main components: sub-group IA (13/33): α-pinene/1,8-cineole/linalool; sub-group IB (6/33): 1,8-cineole/α-pinene; sub-group IIA (10/33): 1,8-cineole/myrtenyl acetate; sub-group IIB (4/33): myrtenyl acetate.

New Compounds from the Roots of Corsican Calicotome Villosa (Poir.) Link.: Two Pterocarpans and a Dihydrobenzofuran

Three new compounds, a dihydrobenzofuran (coumaran) derivative (compound 1) and two pterocarpans (compounds 2 and 3) were isolated from a root extract of Calicotome villosa growing wild in Corsica. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS/MS as 2-(1-methylethenyl)-5-hydroxy-6-carbomethoxy-2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, 4,9-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-2-dimethylallylpterocarpan, and 4,9-dihydroxy-3′,3′-dimethyl-2,3-pyranopterocarpan.

Composition and Intraspecific Chemical Variability of Leaf Essential Oil of Laggera pterodonta from Côte d'Ivoire

The chemical composition of 44 leaf oil samples of Laggera pterodonta (DC.) Sch.Bip. ex Oliv. (Asteraceae) from Côte d'Ivoire was investigated, using combination of chromatographic (GC-FID) and spectroscopic (GC/MS, ¹³ C-NMR) techniques. Two oil samples chosen according to their chromatographic profiles were submitted to column chromatography and all fractions of CC were analyzed by GC-FID, GC/MS and ¹³ C-NMR. In total, 83 components accounting for 96.5 to 99.4 % of the whole chemical composition were identified. Significant variations were observed within terpene classes: monoterpene hydrocarbons (0.4-22.7 %), oxygenated monoterpenes (32.9-54.9 %), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (18.6-38.3 %) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (3.5-38.4 %). Thus, the 44 compositions were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Two groups were differentiated according to their composition. All the samples contained 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene, α-humulene and (E)-β-caryophyllene among the main components. Other components were present at appreciable contents and allowed differentiation of two groups: sabinene and germacrene D for Group I; 10-epi-γ-eudesmol and eudesm-7(11)-en-4α-ol for Group II. All the samples collected in Eastern Côte d'Ivoire constituted Group I, while samples collected in the Central area of the country constituted Group II.

Identification and Quantitation of Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids in Ilex aquifolium L. Leaf Extracts Using 13C and 1H-NMR Spectroscopy

Leaves of Ilex aquifolium L. have been used for their therapeutic properties. In previous studies, components contained in the leaves were first isolated by various chromatographic techniques. Then, quantitation of oleanolic and ursolic acids, which are responsible for the biological and therapeutic activities of the plant, was performed by HPLC, HPTLC, and somewhat by GC-MS. Our objective was to develop a simple method that allows the identification of compounds contained in the leaves of Corsican I. aquifolium and to quantify ursolic and oleanolic acids. Leaves were successively extracted with hexane and dichloromethane. The extracts were chromatographed on silica gel and the fractions of column chromatography submitted to 13C-NMR analysis, following a computerized method developed in the laboratory. 13C-NMR allowed the identification of various triterpenes including ursolic acid and oleanolic acid. Quantitation of both acids was achieved, for the first time, by 1H-NMR after validation of the method (accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantitation). Ursolic and oleanolic acids accounted for 55.3% and 20.8% of the dichloromethane extract, respectively. This represents 1.3% and 0.5% of the mass of dried leaves. 1H-NMR spectroscopy appeared as a powerful tool for a rapid quantitation of biologically active compounds from I. aquifolium.

Genetic, morphological and chemical investigations reveal the genetic origin of Pompia (C. medica tuberosa Risso & Poiteau) - An old endemic Sardinian citrus fruit

Citrus fruits have been introduced to the Mediterranean area from Asia for centuries and spontaneous crosses have generated several hybrid forms, some of which have had agricultural or industrial success while others have remained niche food or ornamental products, or have disappeared. Pompia (C. medica tuberosa Risso & Poiteau) is an old endemic citrus fruit from Sardinia of unknown genetic origin. Initial phenotypic and molecular characterizations revealed a high degree of similarity with lemon (C. limon (L.) Burm.) and citron (C. medica L.). To identify the ancestors of Pompia, 70 citrus species of the Citrus genus were genotyped with 36 codominant molecular markers (SSR and InDel) of nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes. Diversity analysis and allelic comparisons between each citrus species at each locus indicated that Pompia resembles lemon and limonette of Marrakech, i.e. the result of a cross between sour orange (C. aurantium L.) and citron, where citron was the pollinator. Two Italian citron varieties were identified as potential male parents, i.e. Diamante and Common Poncire. However, we were unable to differentiate varieties of sour oranges because varietal diversification in this horticultural group resulted from DNA sequence variations that SSR or InDel markers could not reveal. Rhob el Arsa and Poncire de Collioure were found to be two synonyms of Pompia. Pompia appeared to be equally distinct from citron, lemon and sour orange based on the overall analysis of the fruit, leaf and seed phenotype, and juice chemical composition. At the leaf level, the Pompia essential oil (EO) composition is close to that of citron whereas the zest is much closer to that of sour orange.

Chemical Composition of Needle, Cone, and Branch Oils From Vietnamese Pinus cernua

Conifers are well represented in Vietnam where a new pine species has been recently discovered in Son La province: Pinus cernua, synonym P. armandii ssp. xuannhaensis. The compositions of needle, cone, and branch oils have been investigated by gas chromatography (retention index), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Myrcene (47.0%) was the main component of needle oil, followed by β-pinene (28.4%) and α-pinene (12.5%). Branch oil also contained myrcene (32.8%), α-pinene (17.9%), β-pinene (9.8%), and a high content of limonene (20.0%). Finally, cone oil displayed α-pinene (44.1%) beside myrcene (11.5%), β-pinene (8.1%), and limonene (5.8%).

Identification and Quantitative Determination of Resin Acids from Corsican Pinus pinaster Aiton Oleoresin Using 13 C-NMR Spectroscopy

Twenty-three resin samples have been obtained by tapping from individual Pinus pinaster adult trees grown in Corsica and submitted to acido-basic partition. Identification and quantitative determination of resin acids has been carried out using ¹³ C-NMR spectroscopy following a method developed by our group. The main components were dehydroabietic acid (up to 37.6 %), levopimaric acid (up to 35.5 %) and abietic acid (up to 24.7 %). A lignan, pinoresinol, has been identified in some samples. Within the 23 compositions, submitted to k-means analysis and Principal Component Analysis, two clusters have been perfectly differentiated, whose compositions were dominated by dehydroabietic acid (Group I, M=23.5 %, SD=6.3) and levopimaric acid (Group II, M=21.2 %; SD=6.2), respectively. Both compositions have been observed in the three locations of harvest.

Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Santolina africana Jord. et Fourr. Aerial Part Essential Oil from Algeria: Occurrence of Polyacetylene Derivatives

The chemical composition of 18 oil samples of Santolina africana isolated from aerial parts at full flowering, collected in three locations in eastern Algeria was determined by GC(RI), GC/MS and ¹³C-NMR analysis. The major components were: germacrene D, myrcene, spathulenol, α-bisabolol, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, cis-chrysanthenol, capillene, santolina alcohol, camphor, terpinen-4-ol and lyratol. The chemical composition appeared homogeneous and characterized by the occurrence of four derivatives which exhibited a conjugated alkene dialkyne moiety. They were identified for the first time in an essential oil from S. africana. The collective oil sample exhibited moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant activities whereas the anti-inflammatory activity presented a real potential. IC₅₀ value of Santolina africana essential oil (0.065 ± 0.004 mg/mL) is 5-fold higher than IC₅₀ value of NDGA used as positive control.

New trans-β-bergamotene derivatives in the root and the flower essential oils of Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H. Rob. from Côte d'Ivoire

Root and flower essential oils of Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H. Rob. (Synonym Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.) (Asteraceae) collected in Southern Côte d'Ivoire was investigated using a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The root oil composition was dominated by trans-β-bergamotene (20.7%), β-elemene (19.0%), cyperene (10.6%), germacrene A (7.1%) and β-pinene (3.8%), whereas γ-humulene (31.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (17.0%), trans-β-bergamotene (7.7%), β-pinene (7.5%) and (E)-β-farnesene (6.0%) were the major components of flower oil. Two new compounds bearing the trans-β-bergamotene framework were identified: trans-β-bergamotenone and (E)-trans-β-bergamotenol.

Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of 12 Essential Oils on chromobacterium violaceum and Specific Action of cis-cis-p-Menthenolide from Corsican Mentha suaveolens ssp. Insularis

Quorum sensing (QS) is a bacterial communication mechanism used to express various survival or virulence traits leading to enhanced resistance. Chromobacterium violaceum is a commonly used strain that highlights anti-QS action of bioactive substances. Here, we wanted to see if 12 selected essential oils (EO) could exert anti-QS activity. We measured the sublethal minimal QS inhibitory concentration (MQSIC) by assessing violacein production of C. violaceum along with bacterial growth. To confirm the QS disruption, we also proceed to surface bacterial observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We showed that cis-cis-p-menthenolide extracted and isolated from a plant endemic to occidental Mediterranean Sea islands, Mentha suaveolens ssp. insularis, acts as an inhibitor of violacein production and biofilm formation. Measured MQSIC was much lower than the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC): 0.10 mg·mL-1 vs. 3.00 mg·mL-1. Moreover, disturbance of QS-related traits was confirmed by the degradation of C. violaceum biofilm matrix. There is a clear structure⁻activity relationship between cis-cis-p-menthenolide and anti-QS activity. Indeed, its isomer molecule (mintlactone) exerts a poor anti-QS action. These results indicate that inhibition of violacein production and biofilm formation by cis-cis-p-menthenolide might be related to a disruption in the QS mechanism.

Composition and Chemical Variability of Root Bark oil from Ivoirian Cleistopholis patens

The chemical composition of root bark oil of Cleistopholis patens (Benth.) Engl. & Diels from Côte d'Ivoire was determined by GC (in combination with retention indices), GC-MS and 13C NMR. The contents of the major compounds varied drastically from sample to sample: patchoulenone (0–70.5%), β-pinene (0–51.9%), bornyl acetate (0.5–31.2%), α-pinene (0.2–25.7%), juvenile hormone III (0.3–22.2%) and β-elemol (0–18.8%). Three chemical compositions may be differentiated, dominated by i) patchoulenone, ii) β-pinene and α-pinene, iii) juvenile hormone III, accompanied by bornyl acetate or β-elemol. 13C NMR data of patchoulenol (3-patchoulen-5- exo-ol) are reported.

Chemical composition of the essential oils from the aerial parts of two Malagasy endemic species (Apiaceae): Billburttia capensoides Sales & Hedge and Billburttia vaginoides Sales & Hedge

The chemical composition of twenty-five essential oil samples from the aerial parts of two Malagasy endemic species Billburttia capensoides Sales & Hedge and B. vaginoides Sales & Hedge, were investigated for the first time. Based on chromatographic profiles, three selected samples were investigated using GC(RI), GC-MS and ¹³C NMR. The content of the main components varied drastically from sample to sample: p-mentha-1,3,8-triene (0.2-52.7%), terpinolene (2.8-40.7%) and dill apiole (0.0-22.2%). Statistical analysis of the 25 oil compositions allowed the distinction of two well-differentiated groups. Samples of group I contained mainly p-mentha-1,3,8-triene while the Group II was dominated by terpinolene and dill apiole.

Composition and Chemical Variability of Essential Oils Isolated from Aerial Parts of Cassytha filiformis from Côte d'Ivoire

The essential oils isolated from aerial parts of Cassytha filiformis L. harvested in five locations of Côte d'Ivoire were analyzed by GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C-NMR. The oils were dominated by sesquiterpene derivatives and the content of the main components varied substantially from sample to sample: (E)-β-caryophyllene (1.5-34.9%), bicyclogermacrene (1.0-25.8%), α-humulene (0.5-22.0%), spathulenol (1.0-18.5%) and germacrene D (6.6-16.6%). Two compositions could be distinguished: (i) bicyclogermacrene, germacrene D, spathulenol (2/5 samples) and (ii), (E)-β-caryophyllene, α-humulene (3/5 samples).

Chemical Composition of Laurencia obtusa Extract and Isolation of a New C15-Acetogenin

A new C₁₅-acetogenin, sagonenyne (20), exhibiting an unusual single tetrahydropyran ring was isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of Laurencia obtusa collected on the Corsican coastline. Its structure was established by detailed NMR spectroscopic analysis, mass spectrometry, and comparison with literature data. Twenty-three known compounds were identified in the same extract by means of column chromatography steps, using a ¹³C-NMR computer aided method developed in our laboratory. In addition to sesquiterpenes, which represent the main chemical class of this extract, diterpenes, sterols, and C₁₅-acetogenins were identified. The crude extract was submitted to a cytotoxicity assay and was particularly active against THP-1 cells, a human leukemia monocytic cell line.

Composition and Variability of Leaf Oil fromMonodora Crispata-13C NMR Identification of Heat-sensitive Compounds

The composition of four samples of essential oil isolated from the leaves of individual Monodora crispata trees growing wild in an Ivorian forest (Adiopodoumé) were investigated by a combination of chromatographic (GC(RI)) and spectrometric (GC-MS,13C NMR) techniques. In total, fifty-seven compounds accounting for 92.3–98.7% of the whole composition were identified. These oils were characterized by the preeminence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and the content of the main components varied substantially from sample to sample. Two samples were largely dominated by germacrene D (67.3% and 76.3%, respectively), a third sample was represented by germacrene D (28.3%), germacrene C (14.3%), δ-elemene (12.1%) and β-elemene (9.3%) and the fourth sample was characterized by 3-dimethylallylindole (15.1%), germacrene D (12.0%) and cyperene (7.8%).13C NMR spectroscopy was particularly efficient for the identification of heat-sensitive compounds.

Composition and Variability of Leaf Oil from Monodora crispata - ¹³C NMR Identification of Heat-sensitive Compounds

The composition of four samples of essential oil isolated from the leaves of individual Monodora crispata trees growing wild in an Ivorian forest (Adiopodoum6) were investigated by a combination of chromatographic (GC(RI)) and spectrometric (GC-MS, "C NMR) techniques. In total, fifty-seven compounds accounting for 92.3-98.7% of the whole composition were identified. These oils were characterized by the preeminence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and the content of the main components varied substantially from sample to sample. Two samples were largely dominated by germacrene D (67.3% and 76.3%, respectively), a third sample was represented by germacrene D (28.3%), germacrene C (14.3%), δ-elemene (12.1%) and β-elemene (9.3%) and the fourth sample was characterized by 3-dimethylallylindole (15.1%), germacrene D (12.0%) and cyperene (7.8%). C NMR spectroscopy was particularly efficient for the identification of heat-sensitive compounds.

Chemical composition of Ivorian Artabotrys insignis leaf oil. Combined analysis including 13C NMR, to quantify germacrene A and β-elemene

The chemical composition of leaf essential oil from Artabotrys insignis Engler & Diels collected from Cote d'Ivoire was determined by GC(FID), GC-MS and ¹³C NMR. The main compounds were β-elemene (66.8%) and germacrene A (17.1%). The true content of germacrene A/β-elemene was obtained by combining GC(FID) and ¹³C NMR data.

Ziziphora tenuior L. essential oil from Dana Biosphere Reserve (Southern Jordan); Chemical characterization and assessment of biological activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC RELEVANCE

Ziziphora tenuior L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant in Jordan, which is included in various antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant and wound healing preparations. It is used for the treatment of cough, stomach ache, dysentery, fever, uterus infection, gut inflammation and painful menstruation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oil of Z. tenuior originated from southern Jordan and its antifungal effects against several yeasts. Concomitantly, the mechanisms behind the anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans were also disclosed. Since the Z. tenuior traditional uses are related with inflammatory-associated conditions, the putative anti-inflammatory activity of the oil was also unveiled. Importantly, the potential toxicity of pharmacologically active concentrations was screened in different types of mammalian cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Z. tenuior essential oil, isolated by hydrodistillation, was analyzed by gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Antifungal activity was evaluated against yeasts, dermatophytes and Aspergillus strains. Germ tube inhibition and biofilm formation assays were evaluated using C. albicans. Assessment of cell viability was made by the MTT assay using different types of mammalian cells, including hepatocytes, keratinocytes and macrophages. The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of the oil was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide production using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages.

RESULTS

Oxygen-containing monoterpenes are the main oil compounds: pulegone (46.8%), p-menth-3-en-8-ol (12.5%), isomenthone (6.6%) and 8-hydroxymenthone (6.2%). The highest antifungal activity was against Cryptococcus neoformans, with a MIC value of 0.16µL/mL. The oil revealed an important inhibitory effect on germ tube formation with a filamentation inhibition rate higher than 80% at 0.16µL/mL. The amount of the attached biomass was reduced. Importantly, concentrations devoid of toxicity on several mammalian cell types still displayed anti-inflammatory activity (0.16 and 0.32µL/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings add significant information to the pharmacological activity of Z. tenuior, thus justifying and reinforcing the use of this plant in traditional medicine. Additionally, the antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of the oil at non-toxic concentrations, opens new avenues for its further exploitation, for instance in health-care product development.

Composition and Chemical Variability of the Cone Oil from Algerian Tetraclinis articulata

Very little is known about the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from cones of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (Cupressaceae). In continuation of our on-going work devoted to the valorisation of medicinal and aromatic plants from Tlemcen Province (North-Western Algeria), cones have. been harvested in eight locations (coastal township and highlands) and 40 oil samples have been isolated by hydrodistillation. Six oil samples were analyzed by a combination of chromatographic [GC(Retention indices)] and spectroscopic techniques (GC-MS, "C NMR). Then, the remaining 34 oil samples. were analyzed by [GC(RI)] and 13C NMR and the 40 compositions were submitted to statistical analysis. Essential oil yields varied substantially from sample to sample (0.17 to 1.13%, w/w). The cone oils consisted mainly of monoterpenes, with α-pinene (47.1-73.6%) and limonene (6.5-21.9%) being the main components. (E)--Caryophyllene and germacrene D were the major sesquiterpenes. Diterpenes, (Z) and (E)-biformene were identified for the first time-in T. articulata essential oil. PCA analysis of the data allowed the distinction of two groups, the second group being sub-divided into two sub-groups. Groups and sub-groups were differentiated with respect to their contents of a-pinene and limonene and, to a lesser extent, of sesquiterpenes.

Composition and Chemical Variability of the Cone Oil from Algerian Tetraclinis articulata

Very little is known about the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from cones of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (Cupressaceae). In continuation of our on-going work devoted to the valorisation of medicinal and aromatic plants from Tlemcen Province (North-Western Algeria), cones have been harvested in eight locations (coastal township and highlands) and 40 oil samples have been isolated by hydrodistillation. Six oil samples were analyzed by a combination of chromatographic [GC(Retention indices)] and spectroscopic techniques (GC-MS, 13C NMR). Then, the remaining 34 oil samples were analyzed by [GC(RI)] and 13C NMR and the 40 compositions were submitted to statistical analysis. Essential oil yields varied substantially from sample to sample (0.17 to 1.13%, w/w). The cone oils consisted mainly of monoterpenes, with α-pinene (47.1-73.6%) and limonene (6.5-21.9%) being the main components. (E)-β-Caryophyllene and germacrene D were the major sesquiterpenes. Diterpenes, ( Z) and ( E)-biformene were identified for the first time in T. articulata essential oil. PCA analysis of the data allowed the distinction of two groups, the second group being sub-divided into two sub-groups. Groups and sub-groups were differentiated with respect to their contents of α-pinene and limonene and, to a lesser extent, of sesquiterpenes.

Measurement and comparison of individual external doses of high-school students living in Japan, France, Poland and Belarus-the 'D-shuttle' project

Twelve high schools in Japan (of which six are in Fukushima Prefecture), four in France, eight in Poland and two in Belarus cooperated in the measurement and comparison of individual external doses in 2014. In total 216 high-school students and teachers participated in the study. Each participant wore an electronic personal dosimeter 'D-shuttle' for two weeks, and kept a journal of his/her whereabouts and activities. The distributions of annual external doses estimated for each region overlap with each other, demonstrating that the personal external individual doses in locations where residence is currently allowed in Fukushima Prefecture and in Belarus are well within the range of estimated annual doses due to the terrestrial background radiation level of other regions/countries.

Quantification of taxanes in a leaf and twig extract from Taxus baccata L. using 13C NMR spectroscopy

In the course of our ongoing work on the chemical characterization of Taxus baccata L. growing wild in Corsica, we have developed and validated a method for direct quantification of taxane derivatives by (13)C NMR using 10-deacetylbaccatin III as reference compound and 1,6-hexanediol as internal standard. We have observed good accuracy (relative errors between 0.3% and 3.5%), linearity (R(2) = 0.999) and precision (reproducibility 8.5 mg ± 1.1%) of the measurements. The experimental procedure was applied to the quantification of six identified taxanes in a fraction of chromatography of a methanol extract of T. baccata leaves. This method can be applied to other compounds bearing the taxane skeleton.

Occurrence of Lily mottle virus on Lilium in Italy

Lily mottle virus (LMoV), a member of the genus Potyvirus, is one of the main viruses infecting lily. Symptoms on lily differ according to the susceptibility and sensitivity of different cultivars and hybrids. They range from leaf mottle or mosaic, vein clearing, chlorotic and yellow streaking, leaf curling, and necrotic spots, to milder forms of leaf symptoms. Plants may even be symptomless at some stages of growth. A varietal collection of Lilium from the early 1990s is held in Pistoia Province (Tuscany, Italy) and is composed of Asian hybrids obtained from intraspecific breeding of commercial cultivars. During a survey conducted from May to June 2010, several plants showing vein clearing, leaf mottle, leaf mosaic, and reddish brownish necrotic spots were observed. Leaf samples from 60 symptomatic or symptomless lily plants, belonging to 20 cultivars, were collected and tested for the presence of LMoV. Samples were assayed by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA and eight of them, belonging to four different cultivars, tested positive. Total RNA was extracted from 2 g of leaf tissue of every collected sample according to the protocol described earlier (3) and cDNA synthesis was performed with an iScript cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA). Samples were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and real-time PCR assays using primers LMoV1 (5'-GCAAATGAGACACTCAATGCTG-3') and LMoV2 (5'-CGTGCGTGAAGTAACTTCATAG-3') designed to amplify 651 bp of the coat protein (CP) gene of LMoV (1). Results obtained with RT-PCR and real-time PCR exactly matched those achieved with ELISA assay, and the eight positive samples showed amplicons of the expected size. PCR products from five infected samples were directly sequenced from both directions and submitted in GenBank (Accessions Nos. JQ655106 to JQ655110). Our isolates share more than 99% nucleotide identity among each other. Comparison with other LMoV-CP gene sequences present in GenBank showed nucleotide identities ranging from 93 to 94% with LMoV isolates from South Korea (GenBank Accession Nos. GQ150683 to GQ150686), China (GenBank Accession Nos. EU348826, AJ748256, AJ564636, and AJ564637), Australia (GenBank Accession No. JN127341), and Japan (GenBank Accession No. AB570195). To our knowledge, this is the first report of LMoV on Lilium in Italy where this virus was already reported to infect escarole (2). Considering the economic importance of Lilium production as a flowering plant in Pistoia Province, and in several other areas of Italy, the report of LMoV present on lilies suggests the use of healthy propagation material and the adoption of preventive measures to avoid its diffusion. References: (1) J.-H. Lim et al. Korean J. Microbiol. 45:251, 2009. (2) V. Lisa et al. Plant Dis. 86:329, 2002. (3) D. J. MacKenzie et al. Plant Dis. 81:222, 1997.

Chemical variability of the wood essential oil of Cedrus atlantica Manetti from Corsica

The composition of 48 samples of essential oil isolated from the wood of Cedrus atlantica growing in Corsica was investigated by GC (in combination with retention indices), GC/MS, and (13) C-NMR. Twenty-three compounds accounting for 73.9-96.0% of the oil composition were identified. The oils consisted mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons and sesquiterpenes, in particular α-pinene (5; up to 79.4%), himachalol (4; up to 66.2%), β-pinene (up to 21.4%), β-himachalene (2; up to 19.3%), γ-himachalene (3; up to 11.0%), and α-himachalene (1; up to 10.9%). The 48 oil compositions were submitted to k-means partitioning and principal-component analysis, which allowed the distinction of two groups within the oil samples. The composition of Group I (44% of the samples) was dominated by 5, while the samples of Group II (56% of the samples) contained mainly 4.