Phytochemical composition of the essential oil of different populations of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl

Objective:To examine the chemical variability in inflorescences of wild populations of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl(S.lavandulifolia)collected throughout two provinces(lsfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary),Southwest Iran.Methods:The essential oils of S.lavandulifolia Vahl from seven locations were obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results:The results revealed that distinct differences in the content of compounds depending on region of sample collection.The main constituents of the essential oils wereα-thujone(0.3%-32.3%),α-pinene(trace to 37.3%),myrcene(0.5%-15.9%),β-phellandrene(1.1%-37.9%),germacrene D(0.4%-11.3%),△-cadinene(trace to 11.6%)and 1,4-methano-1 H-indene(trace to 10.1%).Conclusions:The results of the present study indicated that essential oil components of S.lavandulifolia Vahl can be varied with genetic(ecotype),environmental conditions and geographic origin,In general,the essential oils of various populations of S.lavandulifolia Vahl were rich in monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids.

Isolation and Identification of the Major Chemical Components Found in the Upper Parts of Teucrium Pofium Plants Grown in Khuzestan Province of Iran

Teucrium polium is a dwarf sub-shrub usually 30-60 cm high with many branches, which is fairly distributed throughout Iran, with its flowering being season mainly from April to July. The plant was collected during its flowering season in Baghmalek region in the North-East of Khuzestan province, Iran. After the identification of the genus, species and variety of the plant, the dried whole plant （flowers, fruits and the leaves） was steam distilled with different methods. The isolated essential oil was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and stored at 4-6 ℃. Analysis of the essential oil was carried out by GC-MS technique. At least 10 major components were identified （3-carene/α-pinene, β-phellandrene, limonene, germacrene, β-bourbonene, β-caryophylene, γ-muurolene, γ-elemene, spathulenol, β-eudesmol） （totally 97.02%）. Also, successive TLC and column chromatography of the essential oil resulted in the separation of four fractions. Based upon 1^H NMR, IR and mass spectra, the fractions with Rf=0.12 and 0.93 were determined as gualol and a mixture of α-pinene, β-phellandrene and limonene, respectively.

Antioxidant and chemical properties of essential oil extracted from blend of selected spices

Objective:To investigate the chemical properties of essential oil extracted from blends of selected Nigerian spices as well as its antioxidant protective potentials against free radical in vitro.Methods:Essential oil was extracted from selected spices blend consisting of Monodora myristica,Myristica fragrans,Tetrapleura tetraptera,and Aframomum sceptrum using a Clevenger type apparatus.Oil obtained was subjected to phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis as well as analyzed for antioxidant activity which covers for 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl,nitric oxide scavenging activities and reducing property.Results:Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis revealed over 50 compoundfs withα-phellandrene being the most predominant compound(27.32%),which was followed by(-)-β-bourbonene(15.78%)and 5-(1-methylethyl)-α-phellandrene(11.80%).Phytochemical analysis showed high flavonoid content and a lower phenolic content.The oil showed a dose like dependent effect on the1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl and nitric oxide scavenging activities,these activities increased with increasing concentration.The same was also observed for the reducing power properties of the oil.Conclusions:The antioxidant activities exhibited by the essential oil in vitro signify its protective potential against free radicals.The chemical constituents,α-phellandrene in particular and the studied phytochemicals may be responsible for these effects.However,in vivo study is needed to further authenticate this potency.