Scandiceae tribe (Apiaceae Lindley 1836, subfam. Apioideae) species – potential resources of biologically and pharmacologically active secondary biomolecules

Ispitani su hemijski sastav i biološka aktivnost šest samoniklih vrsta iz tribusa Scandiceae (familija Apiaceae): Anthriscus sylvestris, Anthriscus cerefolium, Chaerophyllum bulbosum, Chaerophyllum hirsutum, Chaerophyllum temulentum i Scandix pecten-veneris. LC-MS-MS analizom ekstrakata identifikovano je više desetina sekundarnih biomolekula iz klasa flavonoida, fenilpropenskih kiselina, lignana i kumarina. GC-MS analiza pružila je uvid u sastav volatilnih komponenti i njihov hemosistematski značaj. Potvrđeno je da sve ispitivane vrste imaju umereno antioksidantno, antiinflamatorno i antiproliferativno dejstvo.Chemical composition and biological activity of six wild-growing species from Scandiceae tribe (Apiaceae family) – Anthriscus sylvestris, Anthriscus cerefolium, Chaerophyllum bulbosum, Chaerophyllum hirsutum, Chaerophyllum temulentum and Scandix pecten-veneris – was examined. By LC-MS-MS analysis, a large number of secondary biomolecules was identified in extracts, including flavonoids, phenylpropenic acids, lignans and coumarins. GC-MS analysis provided insight into volatile components composition and chemosystematic significance. All investigated species exhibited moderate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity

Karakterizacija sirodezmina izolovanih iz fitopatogene gljive Leptosphaeria maculans

The pathogenicity of phytopathogenic fungi is associated with phytotoxins, especially with their chemical nature and quantity. Sirodesmins are phytotoxins from the epipolythiodioxopiperazines group, produced by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, which are a cause of blackleg and stem canker in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The aim of this work was to obtain a detailed chemical profile of sirodesmins in five fungal isolates (four from Vojvodina, Serbia, and one from the Centre for Agricultural Research, Rothamsted, UK). Sirodesmins showing different phytotoxicity on treated cotyledons of cv. Quinta were separated and detected by thin layer chromatography in all analysed isolates (L.m, C-3, St-5 and S-11) except K-113, which neither contained sirodesmin congeners nor did it exhibit activity. By use of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometer, it was possible to identify total of 10 sirodesmins, together with their precursor-phomamide. It was found that the dominant epipolythiodioxopiperazines of the investigated L. maculans isolates were sirodesmin PL, sirodesmin C, and their de-acetylated derivatives.Patogenost fitopatogenih gljiva povezana je sa fitotoksinima, a naročito sa njihovom hemijskom prirodom i količinom. Sirodezmini su fitotoksini iz grupe epipolitiodioksopiperazina, koje proizvodi gljiva Leptosphaeria maculans, uzročnik suve truleži korena i raka stabla uljane repice. Cilj ovog rada bila je detaljna hemijska karakterizacija sirodezmina u pet izolata gljiva (četiri iz Vojvodine i jedan iz Velike Britanije, Centar za poljoprivredna istraživanja, Rothamsted). Kod svih ispitivanih izolata (L. maculans, C-3, St-3, S-11), osim K-113 (koji nije sadržao sirodezmine niti pokazivao aktivnost) tankoslojnom hromatografijom su razdvojeni i detektovani sirodezmini koji su pokazali različitu fitotoksičnost na tretiranim kotiledonima sorte Quinta. Primenom tečne hromatografije visoke efikasnosti, kuplovane sa tandemskim masenim spektrometrom, bilo je moguće identifikovati ukupno 10 sirodezmina, kao i njihov prekursor - fomamid. Utvrđeno je da su dominantni epipolitio-dioksopiperazini ispitivanih izolata L. maculans sirodezmin PL, sirodezmin C i njihovi deacetilovani derivati

Essential-oil composition of parsley and celery conventionally and organically grown in Vojvodina

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) are aromatic umbelliferous plants widely used as spices in the human diet due to the presence of essential oils. The chemical composition of the essential oils of aromatic plants can vary depending on the geographical origin, type of soil and agricultural practices [1,2].                In the present study, the influence of location (type of soil) and agricultural practices on the chemical composition of essential oils of parsley and celery leaf was investigated. The samples of both organically and conventionally grown plants were collected from different locations in the province of Vojvodina. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and then subjected to GC-MS analysis. Identification of chemical constituents was based on a comparison of their retention indices and mass spectra with spectral libraries and literature data. The main components of the essential oils obtained from parsley leaves were 1,3,8-menthatriene (22.8-50.9%), myristicin (12.8-36.8%), β-phellandrene (14.1-29.0%), and β-myrcene (1.4-12.7%). Celery leaf essential oils were mainly composed of β-phellandrene (41.7-72.6%), limonene (10.2-31.1%), and β-pinene (4.8-19.3%). The results obtained showed that there was no significant difference in the qualitative composition between the samples from different locations as well as between those grown in the conventional or organic way. On the other hand, the relative amount of particular compounds significantly varied between the samples in general, thus the correlation between their content and cultivation conditions or soil type could not be established.                In conclusion, the way of production has no specific effect on the qualitative composition of parsley and celery essential oils, although it can affect the relative quantity of their constituents

In vitro Evaluation of Acaricidal Efficacy of Selected Essential Oils against Dermanyssus gallinae

Intensification of poultry production has been associated with an increase in parasite prevalence and adaptation of an invasive external parasitic species, such as the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae). The studies of biological efficacy (contact and fumigant) and level of toxicity to mites indicated that the external application of essential oils (EOs) can be an alternative to acaricides. In this study, the results of acaricidal efficacy of eight selected EOs - Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Laurus nobilus L., Mentha x piperita L., Mentha spicata L., Ocimum basilicum L., Salvia officinalis L., Satureja montana L. and Thymus vulgaris L. are presented. Their chemical profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The acaricidal efficacy of EOs (6% concentration) was tested on adult mites over 10 days in laboratory conditions using the Petri-dish method, through direct exposure for 1 min (contact toxicity) and subsequent exposure for 1 h (residual toxicity). The most effective EO in direct exposure-contact, after 48 h of observation, was S. montana (100% toxicity), while the greatest residual effect was observed in T. vulgaris (11% toxicity). The obtained results showed high efficacy of the EOs against the mites through direct contact and thus their great acaricidal potential. However, the activity was lost with subsequent exposure, indicating the absence of prolonged effect. Possible ways to overcome this problem are discussed further in this paper. In any case, the present study confirmed the acaricidal potential of herbal medicines that can be used in the integrated control of poultry red mite

Determination of residues of sulfonylurea herbicides in soil by using microwave-assisted extraction and high performance liquid chromatographic method

A modified method for the analysis of nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron and prosulfuron was developed and validated by using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection in the ultraviolet region (HPLC-UV-DAD). The most important experimental parameters of extraction procedure and HPLC-UV-DAD technique were optimised in respect to those sulfonylurea herbicides. High recoveries of the microwave-assisted extraction were obtained by using a dichloromethane-acetonitrile mixture (2:1 volume ratio) acidified with acetic acid (0.8 vol.%) with the addition of urea. The mean recoveries at three spiking levels ranged from 97.47 to 98.76% for nicosulfuron, 97.88 to 99.17% for rimsulfuron and from 97.91 to 99.83% for prosulfuron. The limits of detection of nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron and prosulfuron were 0.95, 0.91 and 0.89 mu g kg(-1), respectively. The accuracy of the developed method was confirmed by HPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry parallel analyses. The developed method was used to investigate the dissipation dynamics of sulfonylurea herbicides in the real field trials in Vojvodina Province, Serbia. The obtained half-lives were 0.05, 0.23 and 0.15 days for recommended dose application of nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron and prosulfuron, respectively. Low residues and short half-life in soil suggested that the risk to sensitive rotational crops after application of those sulfonylurea herbicides is low when they are used in the appropriate dosages

Therapeutic efficiency of essential oils against Helicobacter pylori infections

Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium found in the stomach, is the cause of more than 90% of duodenal and 80% of gastric ulcers, and the major risk factor for gastric carcinoma and primary gastric lymphoma. Antibiotic therapy for treating H. pylori infections, the only available in current medical practice, has multiple disadvantages: lack of efficacy, development of resistance, adverse effects, and possible recurrence of the disease. Furthermore, the treatment is often associated with gastrointestinal side effects [1]. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of new antimicrobial therapeutic agents, more efficient against H. pylori, preferably of natural origin. Good candidates for that purpose are the volatile compounds present in essential oils. Due to the complexity of their composition, bacteria rarely develop resistance toward them [2]. Here, we reported the results of the efficacy of various essential oils, and their mixtures, against H. pylori. The highest in vitro activity was shown by Satureja hortensis, Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum essential oils. Furthermore, their binary and ternary mixtures exhibited notably higher antimicrobial activities [3]. The activity of the binary mixture of S. hortensis and O. vulgare subsp. hirtum essential oils (2MIX) was confirmed by an in vivo study in a mouse model, where changes in H. pylori colonization were detected by PCR and histological analyses of gastric samples. Furthermore, 2MIX show neither in vitro nor in vivo toxicity and do not have any immunomodulatory or allergic effect [4]

In Vitro Anthelmintic Efficacy of Essential Oils of Citrus medica L. and Citrus sinensis L. against Sheep Gastrointestinal Nematodes

The management of infections caused by sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) is a challenging task due to the development of anthelmintic resistance on commercial drugs. The urgency of the situation justifies the search for alternatives, which includes plant essential oils (EOs). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of two EOs, Citrus medica L. and Citrus sinensis L. by using the egg hatch test (EHT). For both tested EOs, EHT was performed at eight concentrations: 50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025 and 0.0125 mg/mL. The positive control was thiabendazole at the two lowest concentrations used for tested samples, and the negative controls were 3% (v/v) Tween 80 and distilled water. Both tested samples showed ovicidal potential against sheep GINs with inhibition of egg hatchability varied from 12.3-95.0% and 14.7-86.3% for EOs of C. medica and C. sinensis, respectively. For the positive control, results varied from 95.0-96.3%, for the 3% Tween 9.0-14.7%, and distilled water 4.0-4.7%. The chemical composition of EOs was determined by GC-MS. The results showed that the main ingredients of C. medica EO were limonene (75 58%), β-pinene (11 57%), and γ-terpinene (8.66%), and of C. sinensis were limonene (96.13%), trans-limonene oxide (1.31%) and cislimonene oxide (1.21%). The obtained results suggest that the plant members of genus Citrus have an anthelmintic potential that origin from a high percentage of limonene, and may play important role in the future approaches designed for nematode control in animals. Further in vivo studies should be performed to confirm these findings

Chemical Composition of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Essential Oil and its Anthelmintic Properties against Sheep Gastrointestinal Nematodes

The development and spread of anthelmintic resistance to commercial drugs represent a major problem in veterinary medicine, which justifies the search for alternatives. Within that context, sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a well-known medicinal plant that has been cultivated for centuries due to its healing properties. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the sage essential oil and to evaluate its anthelmintic properties against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Chemical characterization was done by GC-MS analyses, and the anthelmintic potential of tested samples was evaluated by in vitro egg hatch test in a concentration range of 0.0125-50 mg/mL. The most represented identified compounds were α-thujone (38.76%), camphor (19.75%) and 1,8-cineole (8.40%), camphene (5.36%) and α-humulene (4.15%) out of a total of 27 identified compounds. The ovicidal activity of sage essential oil, reflected in the inhibition of egg hatchability of the eggs of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes, varied from 15.0-89.0% depending on the used concentration, with a calculated IC50 value of 0.53 mg/mL. The obtained results indicate that the compounds from sage essential oil posess high anthelmintic properties and should be tested in further in vivo studies. Sage essential oil could find application in veterinary medicine in the context of the development of new natural anthelmintic agents for the control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes, which could have high significance from economic point of view

Anthelmintic Potential of Coriander Essential Oil (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its Chemical Composition

Razvoj antihelmintičke rezistencije kod gastrointestinalnih nematoda ovaca na komercijalne antihelmintike je doveo do ogromnih ekonomskih gubitaka u mnogim delovima sveta. Zbog toga se aktivno traga za novim održivim strategijama za kontrolu ovih parazita, koje uključuju i primenu različitih alternativa poput biljnih etarskih ulja. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio odrediti hemijski sastav etarskog ulja korijandera (Coriander sativum L.) i ispitati njegov antihelmintički potencijal protiv gastrointestinalnih nematoda ovaca. Kvalitativna i semikvantitativna hemijska karakterizacija etarskog ulja izvršena je primenom gasne hromatografije kuplovane sa masenospektrometrijskom detekcijom (GC-MS analize). Antihelmintički potencijal etarskog ulja je ispitan pomoću in vitro testa izleganja larvi (EHT), koji je sproveden pri osam različitih koncentracija ispitanog ulja (50; 12,5; 3,125; 0,781; 0,195; 0,049; 0,025 i 0,0125 mg/mL). Pri tome je za pozitivnu kontrolu korišćen tiabendazol u koncentracijama 0,025 i 0,0125 mg/mL, a za negativnu emulgator 3% Tween 80 v/v i destilovana voda. GC-MS analizama je otkriven bogat hemijski sastav ispitanog ulja, pri čemu je pronađeno ukupno 17 različitih sastojaka od čega je 15 identifikovano, iz različitih hemijskih grupa. Dominantan sastojak je bio linalool (84,53%) uz γ-terpinen (5,04%), kamfor (3,26%) i α-pinen (2,88%). Rezultati EHT su pokazali visok antihelmintički potencijal ulja korijandera sa inhibicijom izleganja larvi odnosno ovicidnim efektom od 29,0-88,7% u zavisnosti od koncentracije, uz dobijenu IC50 koncentraciju od 0,04 mg/mL i jasan dozno-zavisni efekat (R2=0,90). Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na moguću ulogu korijandera u budućim terapijskim pristupima infekcijama izazvanih gastrointestinalnim nematoda ovaca, nakon daljih in vivo ispitivanja i studija toksičnosti. U svakom slučaju, i ova studija je potvrdila mogući značaj botaničkih antihelmintika u održivoj kontroli nematoda kod životinja i borbi protiv antihelmintičke rezistencije.The development of resistance in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes to commercial anthelmintics has led to huge monetary losses in many parts of the world. Therefore, new sustainable strategies for the control of these parasites are being actively sought, among which are included various alternative options such as plant essential oils. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the coriander (Coriander sativum L.) essential oil and to evaluate its anthelmintic potential against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. Qualitative and semi-quantitative chemical characterization of the essential oils was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The anthelmintic potential of the essential oil was evaluated using the in vitro egg hatch test (EHT), which was performed at eight different concentrations of the tested oil (50; 12.5; 3.125; 0.781; 0.195; 0.049; 0.025 and 0.0125 mg/mL). Thiabendazole at concentrations of 0.025 and 0.0125 mg/mL was used as a positive control, and emulsifier 3% Tween 80 v/v and distilled water as negative controls. GC-MS analysis revealed the rich chemical composition of the tested oil, where a total of 17 different ingredients were found of which 15 were identified, from different chemical groups. The dominant ingredient was linalool (84.53%) with γ-terpinene (5.04%), camphor (3.26%) and α-pinene (2.88%). EHT results showed a high anthelmintic potential of the coriander oil with an inhibition of egg hatchability i.e. ovicidal effect of 29.0-88.7% depending on the used concentration, with the obtained IC50 concentration of 0.04 mg/mL and a clear dose-dependent effect (R2=0.90). The obtained results indicate the possible role of coriander in future therapeutic approaches to infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep, after further in vivo studies and toxicity studies. In any case, this study is another confirmation of the possible importance of botanical anthelmintics in the sustainable control of nematodes in animals and in combating anthelmintic resistance