Drying temperature effects in peppermint essential oil content and composition

Studies were conducted to show the effect of different temperatures in the drying process on the amount and quality of essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) The leaves were harvested in the Demeter Farmer, Botucatu, SP, Brazil in december, 1997. The leaves were dried at 40°C, 60°C and 80°C, until establishment of the weights. The essential oil was extracted by destilation in Clevenger apparatus and analysed by GC-MS. Higher drying temperature sharply decreased the essential oil content (% v/w) from 1.0% (40°C) to 0.14% (60°C) and 0.12% (80°C). Higher drying temperatures also affected the composition, decreasing the contents of 1,8 cineol and citronelal until 80°C, and increasing the contents of menthol and neomenthol until 60°C.

Content of essential oil of fennel seeds in two different stages of development

This experiment was carried out at Plant Production Sector, Agronomical Science College-Botucatu, S.P., Brazil, in March, 2000. The aim of this assay was to determine the yield of essential oil of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) in different stages of development. Essential oils were prepared by hydrodistillation from the seeds using of Clevenger apparatus. The water utilized for the extraction of essential oil was sufficient to cover 100 g of seeds and the mixture was distilled for three hours. The volume of essential oil in the graduated side -arm of Clevenger apparatus was observed. There were no significative difference statistic was observed (Tukey 5%) in percentage (v/m) of oil content, based on dry weight of green seeds compared with dry weight of mature seeds, when they were harvested in two different stages of development. There was significative difference statistic between data obtained of humidity content of green seeds when these were compared with mature seeds. These results shows that others specifics studies about adaptation of fennel in tropical conditions are necessary, because the obtained data were different of data described on literature.

Effect of growth regulators in citral content in lemongrass in different seasons (in Portuguese)

The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators in yield citral content in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf), in different seasons. The field experiment was conducted on Sao Manuel Experimental Farm, Agronomical Science College, Paulista Estatal University, Botucatu, Brazil, which soil was classified in alic yellon red latosol (Haplorthox). Plants were randommly assigned blocks to treatments with three repetitions. The experimental groups consisted of GA3 (50 and 100 mg.l-1);Ethrel (100 and 200 mgl-1); CCC (500 and 1000 mg.l-1); Alar 85 (1000 and 2000 mg.l-1); Accel (20 and 40 mg.l-1) and control group. Five applications of plant growth regulators were realized every other three months. After 40 days of each foliar spray, the plants were cut and determined the citral yield. The essential oils were extracted from leaf tissue by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. Samples of 250g of leaf and put in Clevenger apparatus with deionized water for 3h to determine the yield of essential oil. The citral content was analyzed by GC. In the present study the concentrations of plant growth regulators used did not increase citral content.

Anatomia foliar com ênfase nos tricomas secretores e análise cromatográfica do óleo essencial de Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)

Adult leaves of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) harvested during the time of budding had been used in the study of the leaf anatomy in the identification of the secretory structures. The material was fixed in FAA 50%, dehydrated in alcoholic series (ethyl), infiltrated in paraffin, sectioned at 13 mm, staining and later analyzed through optic microscopy. Also it was carried through a study in gaseous chromatography for attainment of the rude essential oil. Analyses of transversal sections of the leaf of Melissa officinalis, has identified the presence of two types of trichomes secretory: peltate and capitate, beyond the presence of trichome tector. Trichome capitate, identified in literature as (type I), presents variations in its morphology in relation to the cells number stalk and the head secretory cells number. The chromatographic analysis of the essential oil identified the presence of monoterpenes, in two major components, responsible for more than 87.8% of the relative composition in the rude oil, beyond sesquiterpenes in smaller proportions.

Toothbrushing with vegetable oil: a clinical and laboratorial analysis.

The dentifrices currently available in the marketplace contain many anticariogenic substances, fluoride and abrasives aimed to better clean the dental surface, remove dental plaque, improve salivary flow and its buffer capacity and reduce colonies of bacteria such as S. mutans, the causative agent of dental caries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of adequately removing dental plaque using an experimental almond oil dentifrice (Titoil) with no abrasives or antiplaque agents. This study was carried out with 80 volunteers, all of them 18-year-old recruits from the military training school of Araçatuba -- SP. Saliva sampling and dental plaque disclosing were undertaken both before and after 28 days of toothbrushing with a low abrasive dentifrice (Group 1: 40 volunteers) or with Titoil (Group 2: 40 volunteers). Statistical analysis of the results revealed that the experimental dentifrice (Titoil) did not interfere with salivary flow and reduced dental plaque more than the low abrasive dentifrice, improved the salivary buffer capacity and decreased salivary S. mutans (Caritest-SM) as much as regular dentifrices. It was concluded that if the dental industry replaces abrasive by vegetable oil in dentifrices, these will be more effective in maintaining oral health and will cause less dental abrasion.

Caracterização anatômica da folha de Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae) e perfil químico do óleo essencial

The objective of the work was to accomplish an anatomical and ultrastructural study of mature leaf of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) and analyze the essential oil through Gas Chromatography (GC). For the anatomical study, the material was fixed in FAA, followed bytheethyl dehydration and infiltration of the material in synthetic resin. For the ultrastructural study, the material was fixed and Kamovsky, dehydrated in acetone, dried to the critical point and metallized. For the analysis in GC, the essential oil it was obtained by steam distillation of leaves and analyzed by Gas Chromatography. Through the anatomical study it was observed that the faces of mesophyll are distinctly, the bulliform cells occupy the adaxial surface of the leaf and in the medium region are situated the biggest vascular bundles involved by sclerenchymatous hem with extensions reaching both epidermis. Between the biggest vascular bundles are observed three to five small vascular bundles, linkage only in the abaxial epidermis. Shortly, pointed and unicellular structures, called prickle-hair, had been observed inserted above the veins and micro-hair, that they consist of a long basal cell and an oval distal cell, that are located between the regions of vascular bundles. The chromatogram sample shows that the analyzed essential oil presented three majority components, responsible for 87% of the relative composition of the oil. These components are monoterpenos, justifying the strong smell of the essential oil.

Synergistic action of olive oil supplementation and dietary restriction on serum lipids and cardiac antioxidant defences

Caloric intake is higher than recommended in many populations. Therefore, enhancing olive oil intake alone may not be the most effective way to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the association of olive oil and dietary restriction on lipid profile and myocardial antioxidant defences. Male Wistar rats (180-200 g, n = 6) were divided into 4 groups: control ad libitum diet (C), 50% restricted diet (DR), fed ad libitum and supplemented with olive oil (3 mL/(kg-day)) (OO), and 50% restricted diet and supplemented with olive oil (DROO). After 30 days of treatments, OO, DR, and DROO groups had increased total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. DR and DROO animals showed decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. DROO had the lowest low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Total lipids and triacylglycerols were raised by dietary restriction and diminished by olive oil. OO rats had higher myocardial Superoxide dismutase and lower catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities than C rats. DR and DROO showed enhanced cardiac Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities from the control. Olive oil supplementation alone improved the lipid profile but was more effective when coupled with dietary restriction. There was a synergistic beneficial action of dietary restriction and olive oil on serum lipids and myocardial antioxidant defences.

Essential oil composition of Aloysia triphylla (L'Herit) Britton leaves cultivated in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil

The family Verbenaceae comprises about 175 genera and 2300 species, distributed in tropics and subtropics, mainly in temperate zone of southern hemisphere. The lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla (L'Herit) Britton) is a perennial, bushy plant originally from South America. The essential oil of this plant is used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery industry. Therapeutic properties include febrifuge, sedative, stomachical, diuretic, and antispasmodic activities. The present work aimed to identify the chemical composition of essential oil of Aloysia triphylla leaves. The study was done in Lageado Experimental Farm of the Department of Plant Production-Horticulture, Agronomical Sciences College, São Paulo State University Campus of Botucatu. Leaves of lemon verbena from Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden, were collected in the end of winter (September/2001). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, in Clevenger apparatus. 100 g of leaves were used in each extraction. Four extractions were performed during three hours. The essential oils of the leaves were analyzed in Gas Chromatography Mass spectrometry (CG-MS, Shimadzu, QP-5000), equipped with capillary column DB-5 (30 m × 0,25 mm × 0,25 mm), split 1/35, injector for 220 C°, detector for 230 C°, dragged by gas He (1,0 mL/min), with programmed temperature for 60 C° to 240 C°, 3 C°/min. The identification of the substances was held by comparison of their mass spectra with data of the CG-MS (Nist 62 lib), literature references and retention index of Kovats. The main constituents of essential oils were geranial (29.54 %), neral (27.01 %), limonene (15.93 %), geranyl acetate (4.0 %) and geraniol (3.96 %). This species possesses high quantity of monoterpenes and low quantity of sesquiterpenes.

Composition of coriander essential oil from Brazil

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual and herbaceous plant, belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native of southern Europe and western Mediterranean region, this herb is cultivated world widely. This species, rich in linalool, has potential using as source of essential oil and as a medicinal plant. It has been used as analgesic, carminative, digestive, depurative, anti-rheumatic and antispasmodic agent. Its fruits (commonly called seeds) are used for flavoring candies, in cookery, perfumery, beverage and in tobacco industry. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of the seed essential oil of this species grown in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Lageado Experimental Farm, Department of Plant Production, Agronomical Sciences College, São Paulo State University. The fruits were harvest 108 days after sowing. The essential oils were extracted by hydro distillation, in Clevenger apparatus. 50 g of fruits were used in each extraction. Three extractions were performed during three hours. The essential oils were analyzed in Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (CG-MS, Shimadzu, QP-5000), equipped with DB-5 capillary column (30 m × 0,25 mm × 0,25 mm), split 1/20, injector for 240 C°, detector for 230 C°, dragged by gas He (1,7 mL/min), with programmed temperature for 40 C° (5 min)-150 C°, 4 C°/min; 150 C°-280 C°, 8 C°/min. The identification of the compounds was made by comparison of their spectra of masses with data from CG-MS (Nist 62 lib), literature references and retention index of Kovats. The 18 most important components were identified and quantified. The main components of the oil were linalool (77.48 %), γ-terpinene (4.64 %), α-pinene (3.97 %), limonene (1.28 %), geraniol (0.64 %) and 2-decenal (0.16 %).

Bioatividade de plantas medicinais no controle de Sclerotinia isolado de Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni

The microorganism Sclerotinia was isolated from roots of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni in plantations in the northwest of Parana and submitted to the cultivation in the presence of extracts and vegetable balsams of Tarragon (Artemisia draconculus), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Manjerona (Origanum majorona), Mint citrata (Mintpiperita var. citrata), Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Andiroba (Carapa guanensis) and Copaíba (Copaifera reticulata Ducke). The first five oils were extracted by steam drags, after the drying of the vegetable in greenhouse with circulation of air at 45°C. The last two were used in natura. A suspension (100ìl) of fungus previously cultivated, was added to each plate. The results show that after 7 days of incubation the thyme oils 10ìl, purple basil 25ìl, manjerona 25ìl, mint citrata 50ìl, tarragon 50ìl were capable to inhibit the growth of Sclerotinia, while the andiroba oil only reached this result with 200ìl. The copaiba balsam, even in the concentration of 500ìl, was unable to inhibit the growth of the microorganism.

Oil wastes as unconventional substrates for rhamnolipid biosurfactant production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI

Oil wastes were evaluated as alternative low-cost substrates for the production of rhamnolipids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa LBI strain. Wastes obtained from soybean, cottonseed, babassu, palm, and corn oil refinery were tested. The soybean soapstock waste was the best substrate, generating 11.7 g/L of rhamnolipids with a surface tension of 26.9 mN/m, a critical micelle concentration of 51.5 mg/L, and a production yield of 75%. The monorhamnolipid RhaC10C10 predominates when P. aeruginosa LBI was cultivated on hydrophobic substrates, whereas hydrophilic carbon sources form the dirhamnolipid Rha2C10C10 predominantly. © 2005 American Chemical Society and American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Composição do óleo essencial de rubim (Leonurus sibiricus L. - Lamiaceae)

The essential oils are found in a great number of Lamiaceae family species, but few researches were carried out on this subject. This work had as a goal to identify the Leonurus sibiricus L. (rubim) essential oil composition. Rubim leaves and flowers in infusion are able to avoid vomit, diarrhea, and are also indicated in cold, cough, bronchitis and rheumatisms cases. In order to know what are the phytochemical compositions involved, it was used the gas chromatography techniques with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as methodology. The results showed 70% volatility compound by trans-cariophylene, alpha-humulene and germacrene-D. Other substances like gamacadinene, beta-bourborene and alpha-copaene were found like compounds of this essential oil species.

Effects of olive oil and its minor constituents on serum lipids, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism in cardiac muscle

Recent lines of evidence suggest that the beneficial effects of olive oil are not only related to its high content of oleic acid, but also to the antioxidant potential of its polyphenols. The aim of this work was determine the effects of olive oil and its components, oleic acid and the polyphenol dihydroxyphenylethanol (DPE), on serum lipids, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism on cardiac tissue. Twenty four male Wistar rats, 200 g, were divided into the following 4 groups (n = 6): control (C), OO group that received extra-virgin olive oil (7.5 mL/kg), OA group was treated with oleic acid (3.45 mL/kg), and the DPE group that received the polyphenol DPE (7.5 mg/kg). These components were administered by gavage over 30 days, twice a week. All animals were provided with food and water ad libitum The results show that olive oil was more effective than its isolated components in improving lipid profile, elevating high-density lipoprotein, and diminishing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Olive oil induced decreased antioxidant Mn-superoxide dismutase activity and diminished protein carbonyl concentration, indicating that olive oil may exert direct antioxidant effect on myocardium. DPE, considered as potential antioxidant, induced elevated aerobic metabolism, triacylglycerols, and lipid hydroperoxides concentrations in cardiac muscle, indicating that long-term intake of this polyphenol may induce its undesirable pro-oxidant activity on myocardium. © 2006 NRC Canada.

Reguladores vegetais na produção de biomassa e teor de óleos essenciais em Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, em diferentes épocas do ano

The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators in biomass production and essential oil yield content in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf), in different seasons. The experiment was conducted on São Manuel Experimental Farm, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, UNESP - Botucatu. Which plants were randomly assigned into blocks to treatments with three repetitions. The treatments consisted of GA3 (50 and 100 mg L-1); Ethrel (100 and 200 mg L-1); CCC (500 and 1000 mg L-1); Alar 85 (1000 and 2000 mg L-1); Accel (20 and 40 mg 0L-1) and control. Four applications of plant growth regulators were realized every three months. After 40 days of each foliar spray, the plants were cut to determine the fresh weight and essential oil yield. The application of plant growth regulators did not increase the biomass production, showing difference among collect periods when the major production was detected at the fourth collect (summer). The greatest essential oil yield was found at the second collect (winter). In the present study, the used concentrations of plant growth regulators did not increase biomass neither essential oil yield.

P3L-3 Viscosity measurement of Newtonian liquids using the complex reflection coefficient

This work presents the implementation of the ultrasonic shear reflectance method for viscosity measurement of Newtonian liquids using wave mode conversion from longitudinal to shear waves and vice-versa. The method is based on measuring the complex reflection coefficient (magnitude and phase) at a solid-liquid interface. Viscosity measurements were made in the range from 1 to 3.5MHz at 22.5°C for automotive oil (SAE40) and at 15°C for olive oil. Moreover, measurements of the olive oil were also conducted in the range from 15 to 30°C at 3.5MHz. The experimental results agree with those provided by a rotational viscometer. © 2006 IEEE.