Volatile Components of the Kuromoji Essential Oil (Lindera umbellata Thunb.) and the Utilization for Touch Care Treatment.

The volatile components of kuromoji oil (Lindera umbellata Thunb.) obtained in Shizuoka Pref. were analyzed by GC/MS. Linalool, α-pinene, limonene, camphene, cis- and trans-dihydrocarvone, 1,8-cineol, 4-terpinenol, α-terpineol, piperitone, geranyl acetate, geraniol, and trans-nerolidol were identified as major components. Using enantio-MDGC-MS, the enantiomeric ratio ((R)-(-) vs (S)-(+)) of linalool in this oil was determined to be 67.8/32.2. Touch care treatment while sniffing this oil was done on cancer patients. We found that the relaxation effect persisted longer after the treatment compared to treatment without aroma.

Sensory-Based Identification of Aroma-Active Compounds in Hotpot Seasoning before and after Boiling.

Boiling, the most frequent edible way to hotpot seasoning (HS), exerts a significant impact on the aroma of HS. The present study employed, for the first time, a novel switchable system between GC-O-MS and GC×GC-O-MS (SGC/GC×GC-O-MS) to study the aroma compounds of HS and hotpot seasoning boiling liquid (HSBL). A total of 79 aroma compounds and 56 aroma-active compounds were identified. The aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was used to analyze the differences between the key aroma-active components in the HS and HSBL. The results showed that 13 aroma-active components were significantly affected by boiling, such as D-limonene, methional, and linalool. Moreover, a total of 22 key aroma-active components were identified through the odor activity values (OAVs) calculation. Of them, (E)-2-octenal (fatty) and linalool showed a significant difference, suggesting them to be the most critical aroma-active compounds in the HSBL, and HS, respectively. Finally, the correlation between key aroma-active compounds and the sensory properties of HS and HSBL was studied. These results demonstrated that the OAVs of key aroma-active compounds could characterize the real information of samples through bidirectional orthogonal partial least squares (O2PLS). The analysis results were consistent with the sensory evaluation results.

Chemical Constituents of the Essential Oil from Ecuadorian Endemic Species Croton ferrugineus and Its Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity.

Croton ferrugineus Kunth is an endemic species of Ecuador used in traditional medicine both for wound healing and as an antiseptic. In this study, fresh Croton ferrugineus leaves were collected and subjected to hydrodistillation for extraction of the essential oil. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer using a non-polar and a polar chromatographic column. The antibacterial activity was assayed against three Gram-positive bacteria, one Gram-negative bacterium and one dermatophyte fungus. The radical scavenging properties of the essential oil was evaluated by means of DPPH and ABTS assays. The chemical analysis allowed us to identify thirty-five compounds representing more than 99.95% of the total composition. Aliphatic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon trans-caryophyllene was the main constituent with 20.47 ± 1.25%. Other main compounds were myrcene (11.47 ± 1.56%), ß-phellandrene (10.55 ± 0.02%), germacrene D (7.60 ± 0.60%), and α-humulene (5.49 ± 0.38%). The essential oil from Croton ferrugineus presented moderate activity against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) with an MIC of 1000 µg/mL, a scavenging capacity SC50 of 901 ± 20 µg/mL with the ABTS method, and very strong antiglucosidase activity with an IC50 of 146 ± 20 µg/mL.

A Low Energy Approach for the Preparation of Nano-Emulsions with a High Citral-Content Essential Oil.

Pectis elongata is found in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil. It is considered a lemongrass due to its citric scent. The remarkable citral content and the wide antimicrobial properties and bioactive features of this terpene make this essential oil (EO) eligible for several industrial purposes, especially in cosmetics and phytotherapics. However, to address the problems regarding citral solubility, nano-emulsification is considered a promising strategy thanks to its improved dispersability. Thus, in this paper we propose a low-energy approach for the development of citral-based nano-emulsions prepared with P. elongata EO. The plant was hydrodistillated to produce the EO, which was characterized with a gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometry. The nano-emulsion prepared by a non-heated water titrating (low-energy) method was composed of 5% (w/w) EO, 5% (w/w) non-ionic surfactants and 90% (w/w) deionized water and was analyzed by dynamic light scattering. Levels of citral of around 90% (neral:geranial-4:5) were detected in the EO and no major alteration in the ratio of citral was observed after the nano-emulsification. The nano-emulsion was stable until the 14th day (size around 115 nm and polydispersity index around 0.2) and no major alteration in droplet size was observed within 30 days of storage. Understanding the droplet size distribution as a function of time and correlating it to concepts of compositional ripening, as opposing forces to the conventional Ostwald ripening destabilization mechanism, may open interesting approaches for further industrial application of novel, low-energy, ecofriendly approaches to high citral essential oil-based nano-emulsions based on lemongrass plants.

Separation and enrichment of sibiskoside from Sibiraea angustat with magnetic surface dummy template molecularly imprinted polymers.

In this work, a novel strategy was developed for separation and enrichment of sibiskoside by dummy molecular imprinting technology and magnetic separation technology. The structural analogue geniposide was selected as the dummy template, using 4-vinylpyridine as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking agent, and acetonitrile as the porogen. The molecularly imprinted layer was formed on the surface of the magnetic carrier to prepare dummy template molecularly imprinted polymers (DMIPs) with a core-shell structure. The DMIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). The results of adsorption kinetics experiments and isothermal adsorption experiments showed that DMIPs can reach adsorption equilibrium in a short period of time and the maximum adsorption capacity can reach 14.67 mg/g. The imprinting factor was 2.08. Compared with the andrographolide, polydatin, arbutin, caffeic acid, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and quercetin, DMIPs have good adsorption capacity for the sibiskoside. And the reusability was better. After the adsorption of DMIPs, the purity of sibiskoside in the crude extracts from Sibiraea angustata increased to 78%. It provided a basis for the further development and utilization of Sibiraea angustata as well as the separation and enrichment of monoterpenes.

Bioactive Male-Produced Volatiles from Anastrepha obliqua and their Role in Attraction of Conspecific Females.

The study of insect semiochemicals, especially pheromones, is of fundamental importance for the development of strategies for controlling agricultural pests. In this study, volatile compounds involved in the communication between males and females of the fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae), for mating purposes were characterized to develop attractant formulations for females of this species. Extracts containing volatile compounds released by males of A. obliqua were obtained by the dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with an electroantennographic detector (GC-EAD) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty-one volatile compounds were identified in the aeration extracts of males. Five of them caused EAD responses from the antennae of females: 1-heptanol, linalool, (Z)-3-nonen-1-ol, (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol, and (Z,E)-α-farnesene. Six synthetic mixtures of these compounds, including the five-component blend and all possible four-component blends, were formulated in a biopolymer and used in behavioral bioassays conducted in the laboratory arena with conspecific virgin females. One blend of 1-heptanol, linalool, (Z)-3-nonen-1-ol, and (Z,E)-α-farnesene attracted more females than the collection of volatiles from virgin males used as control. The other mixtures were as attractive to A. obliqua females as the control treatment. This study indicates potential for use of these compounds in monitoring and control strategies for this pest.

Chemical Profile and Use of the Peat as an Adsorbent for Extraction of Volatile Compounds from Leaves of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L' Herit).

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from leaves of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L' Herit) were extracted by dynamic headspace using Porapak Q (HSD-P) as adsorbent and peat, a novel adsorbent in the extraction of plant volatiles, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization (GC/FID), and the results were compared with those obtained by hydrodistillation (HD). The yield volatiles changed with the extraction method. HD was more efficient for extracting linalool (11.19%) and citronellyl formate (9.41%). Citronellol (28.06%), geraniol (38.26%) and 6,9-guaiadiene (9.55%) and geranyl tiglate (8.21%) were the major components identified by dynamic headspace using peat (HSD-T), while citronellol (16.88%), geraniol (13.63%), 6,9-guaiadiene (16.98%) and citronellyl formate (6.95%) were identified by dynamic headspace using Porapak Q (HSD-P). Furthermore, this work showed, for the first time, that in natura peat is useful to extract VOCs from leaves of geranium.

Comparison of Chemical Composition between Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) Essential Oil and Hydrosol and Determination of the Deodorizing Effect.

Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a tree that grows throughout Japan. The components of kuromoji essential oil have antitumor and aromatherapy effects. However, the composition of the hydrosol, obtained as a by-product of the essential oil process, is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether kuromoji essential oil has a deodorizing effect. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of kuromoji essential oil and hydrosol, as well as evaluate the deodorizing effect of the former. The chemical composition of samples was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the deodorizing effect of Kuromoji essential oil was investigated with the detector tube method using ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and isovaleric acid. Linalool was the most abundant component in both the essential oil and hydrosol; however, its proportion was higher in the hydrosol (57.5%) than in the essential oil (42.8%). The hydrosol contained fewer chemical components, but higher proportions of trans-geraniol and ethanol. Moreover, the essential oil eliminated 50% of ammonia and 97.6% or more of isovaleric acid. Interestingly, linalool was soluble in the hydrosol and did not irritate the skin. This suggests that the hydrosol may be an effective foot care product.

Anti-psoriatic effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and its major components linalool and linalyl acetate.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lavender oil (LO) is an aromatic/essential oil extracted from Lavandula angustifolia and traditionally used as an aromatherapy massage oil due to its anti-inflammatory and wound healing property and also for providing the relief in other skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. However, LO has not been evaluated scientifically for psoriasis like skin inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed to investigate the LO and its major components linalool (L) and linalyl acetate (LA) against psoriasis like skin inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-psoriatic activity was done using Imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriasis like skin inflammation in BALB/c mice. Assessment of anti-psoriatic effect of LO, L and LA was done on the basis of change in ear thickness, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scoring at alternative day, CosCam scoring using skin analyzer equipped with SkinSys software, biochemical, immunohistochemical and histological investigations. Level of effectiveness against psoriasis was investigated by percent reduction in PASI scores, CosCam scores and level of Th-1 and Th-17 cell expressing cytokines, as compared to the diseased mice. RESULTS: Topical application of LO 10% showed 73.67% recovery in PASI and 87% in Th-17 cell-specific cytokines towards normal as compared to disease group. L and LA were identified as the major components of LO and favoured ligands for selected psoriasis targets. At 2% topical dose, L and LA showed 64% and 47.61% recovery in PASI scores, respectively. Both, L and LA showed significant recovery in Th-1 specific TNF-α and IL-1ß however, only L showed significant recovery of Th-17 cytokines (IL-17 and IL-22). In contrast to LA (which restored granulosis), L restored epidermal hyperplasia and parakeratosis toward the normal condition. On the other hand, L also reduced the expression of NF-κß, ccr6 and IL-17, while LA reduced the expression of NF-κß only. At 10% topical dose, LO was observed to be slight irritant while at 2% topical dose, L and LA were found non-irritant to the skin. CONCLUSION: This study proves the effectiveness of LO and its major phytoconstituents linalool and linalyl acetate against IMQ induced psoriasis like skin inflammation and provides the scientific evidence for topical use of lavender oil.

The characteristic smell emitted from two scale insects, Ceroplastes japonicus and Ceroplastes rubens.

The volatile components emitted from two scale insects, Ceroplastes japonicus and Ceroplastes rubens, were identified using GC-MS analysis. The major volatile components of the solvent extract from C. japonicus were α-humulene (35.8%) and δ-cadinene (17.0%), while those of C. rubens were ß-selinene (10.3%) and ß-elemene (5.1%). In GC/olfactometry, linalool, butyric acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, and vanillin were identified as the odor-active components of the extract from C. japonicus, in addition to trace amounts of trans-4,5-epoxy-(2E)-decenal, 4-methyl-(3E)-hexenoic acid, and phenylacetic acid. With regard to C. rubens, trans-4,5-epoxy-(2E)-decenal, 3-methylbutyric acid, and phenylacetic acid were identified as the odor-active components. Besides, decan-1,4-olide (γ-decalactone) with milky cherry-like note and 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylfuran-2(5H)-one (sotolone) with brown sugar-like note were also detected as the characteristic cherry-like sweet-and-sour note of these two scale insects. ABBREVIATIONS: GC: Gas chromatography; GC/O: gas chromatography/olfactometry.

Comparative Studies on Polysaccharides, Triterpenoids, and Essential Oil from Fermented Mycelia and Cultivated Sclerotium of a Medicinal and Edible Mushroom, Poria Cocos.

Poria cocos, an important medicinal and edible fungus, is well known in East Asia. The main active components are water-soluble polysaccharides (WPS) and triterpenoids. Due to the growing market demand, long cultivation period, and consumption of pine trunk during cultivation, alternative methods for producing P. cocos or its active components should be investigated. In this study, WPS, triterpenoids, monosaccharide composition, and essential oil in fermented mycelia and cultivated sclerotium were analyzed using UV spectrophotometry, HPLC, pre-column derivatization, and HS-GC/MS, respectively. Our results showed that the WPS and triterpenoids in mycelia are several times higher than those in sclerotium. Among the 62 compounds identified by HS-GC/MS analysis from the essential oil obtained from the fermentation media and a fresh external layer, the two main fragrances in common were linalool and methyl phenylacetate. Our results suggested that it is applicable to produce polysaccharides and triterpenoids by the fermentation of P. cocos, and a strategy to improve triterpenoid production in the fermentation process was proposed.

Sensory approach and chiral analysis for determination of odour active compounds from feijoa (Acca sellowiana).

The odour-active compounds of feijoa (Acca sellowiana), were isolated by Solvent-Assisted Flavour Evaporation (SAFE). By application of GC-O and the aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), nineteen odorants were detected. Volatile compounds with highest flavour dilution (FD) factor were quantified by internal standard and relative response factor. On the basis of the quantitative data and odour thresholds in water, odour activity values (OAV) were calculated. High OAVs were determined for ethyl butanoate, Z-3-hexenal, linalool and methyl benzoate responsible for the fruity, green, flowery and medicinal notes. A recombination assay and omission tests, showed the relevance of Z-3-hexenal, linalool and methyl benzoate as odour active compounds in feijoa aroma. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was used in order to verified linalool enantiomeric distribution in two feijoa varieties. R-linalool was the major configuration in both varieties. Quimba variety showed an enantiomeric ratio 75:25 while for Mammoth variety, linalool enantiomeric ratio was 95:5 (R:S).

Scenarios of Genes-to-Terpenoids Network Led to the Identification of a Novel α/ß-Farnesene/ß-Ocimene Synthase in Camellia sinensis.

Terpenoids play vital roles in tea aroma quality and plants defense performance determination, whereas the scenarios of genes to metabolites of terpenes pathway remain uninvestigated in tea plants. Here, we report the use of an integrated approach combining metabolites, target gene transcripts and function analyses to reveal a gene-to-terpene network in tea plants. Forty-one terpenes including 26 monoterpenes, 14 sesquiterpenes and one triterpene were detected and 82 terpenes related genes were identified from five tissues of tea plants. Pearson correlation analysis resulted in genes to metabolites network. One terpene synthases whose expression positively correlated with farnesene were selected and its function was confirmed involved in the biosynthesis of α-farnesene, ß-ocimene and ß-farnesene, a very important and conserved alarm pheromone in response to aphids by both in vitro enzymatic assay in planta function analysis. In summary, we provided the first reliable gene-to-terpene network for novel genes discovery.

Inhibition of GLUT2 transporter by geraniol from Cymbopogon martinii: a novel treatment for diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and identify the bioactive component from Cymbopogon martinii having GLUT2 transporter inhibitory activity - towards development of a novel strategy for treatment of diabetes mellitus. METHOD: Isolation of bioactive component was carried out using differential solvent extraction, HPTLC and HPLC, and identification was done by GC-MS. In-vitro studies on intestine, liver, kidney and in-vivo assessment by OGTT and long-term treatment on diabetic rats were carried out. KEY FINDINGS: Geraniol was isolated and identified as bioactive component. Intestinal glucose absorption demonstrated 60.28% inhibition of transport at 648.34 µm of geraniol. It was found to inhibit glucose release from liver on adrenaline challenge by 89.82% at 324.17 µm/ml. Kidney glycogen content doubled using 648.34 µm of geraniol as compared to control. Geraniol demonstrated 2.14 times higher renal glucose output than diabetic control. OGTT demonstrated prevention of postprandial spikes. Prolonged treatment for 60 days with 29.37 mm/kg B.W. twice a day of geraniol improved the lipid profile, HbA1C levels and renal parameters. In mRNA studies for 10 days, over expression of GLUT2 was prevented by geraniol. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of GLUT2 by geraniol has the potential to reduce hyperglycaemia and prevent secondary complications in diabetes.

Gamma rays induced acquisition of structural modification in chitosan boosts photosynthetic machinery, enzymatic activities and essential oil production in citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt).

Oligomers derived through irradiation of marine polysaccharides have generated a lot of interest of plant biologists as the application of these molecules has yielded positive results regarding various plant processes. To comprehend the previously established growth-promoting activity of irradiated chitosan (ICH) and to gain insight of the structure-property relationship, gamma rays induced structural changes were analyzed using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, to study the bioactivity of ICH samples a pot experiment was conducted on citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus) to access its response to foliar application of various levels (40, 60, 80 and 100 mg L-1) of ICH in terms of growth, physiological attributes and essential oil (EO) production. The application of ICH at 80 mg L-1(ICH-80) resulted in the maximum values of most of the attributes studied. Due to this treatment, the maximum improvement in the content (29.58%) and yield (90.81%) of EO in Cymbopogon winterianus were achieved. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that ICH-80 also increased the content of citronellal (14.81%) and geraniol (18.15%) of the EO as compared to the control.

Citral-induced analgesia is associated with increased spinal serotonin, reduced spinal nociceptive signaling, and reduced systemic oxidative stress in arthritis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal) is the main component of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf, an herb with analgesic properties. Arthritic pain is the main unpleasant component of rheumatoid arthritis. The pharmacological approaches used to treat arthritic pain are often accompanied by adjuvant drugs or non-pharmacological treatments, showing a constant need in identifying new efficient analgesic drugs. AIM OF THE STUDY: To test the hypothesis that citral, which is a monoterpenoid compound with therapeutic properties, reduces nociception, spinal pro-nociceptive and pro-inflammatory signaling, and systemic oxidative stress in arthritic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was administrated in the left knee joint of rats. Oral treatment with citral was performed during eight days and mechanical allodynia was monitored during the period of treatment to evaluate the analgesic effect of citral. We assessed the levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the lumbar dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DHSC) and the profiles of expression of the glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß), which is a 5-HT-regulated intracellular protein, and of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the DHSC. Plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed as an indicator of oxidative stress. RESULTS: Administration of CFA induced mechanical allodynia associated with reduced spinal GSK3ß phosphorylation, increased spinal SAPK/JNK phosphorylation, and increased plasma SOD levels. Oral administration of citral reversed mechanical allodynia, increased endogenous spinal 5-HT levels, reduced spinal SAPK/JNK phosphorylation, and reduced plasma SOD levels. CONCLUSION: Citral shows anti-nociceptive effects in an animal model of arthritic pain by modulating spinal nociceptive signaling.

Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in Marselan Wine by Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry, Quantitative Measurements, Aroma Recombination, and Omission Tests.

Key odorants of red wine made from the hybrid grapes of Marselan (Vitis vinifera L.) were isolated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and explored by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) analysis. Application of aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed 43 odor-active compounds, and 31 odorants among them were detected with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 9 to 2187. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF-MS) were exploited to quantitate the aroma-active compounds with FD ≥9. The identification indicated ß-damascenone as having the highest FD factors, followed by eugenol, 2,3-butanedione, citronellol, 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, phenethyl acetate, guaiacol, and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol. A total of 21 compounds were found to have odor activity values (OAVs) >1.0. Aroma reconstitution validation experiments showed a good similarity of blackberry, green pepper, honey, raspberry, caramel, smoky, and cinnamon aroma attributes between the original Marselan wine and the reconstructed wine. In addition, omission tests were carried out to further determine the contribution of odorants to the overall aroma.

Effect of pressure variation on the efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction of wild carrot (Daucus carota subsp. maritimus) extracts.

The present study was conducted to check the comparative qualities of essential oils prepared by hydrodistillation (HD) and supercritical fluid techniques. It constitutes the first attempt to investigate the chemical composition of Daucus carota subsp. maritimus extracts using supercritical fluid technology (SFE) as an environmentally clean innovative method of extraction. The effect of pressure on the nature of extractable substances from wild carrot has been performed at a constant temperature of 50 °C and two different pressures (100 and 300 bar). The experimental results showed that pressure had a significant enhancing effect on the fluid transport properties and therefore on yield values. The extraction yield increases from 1.167 to 2.986% while increasing pressure. The chemical compositions of the essential oils prepared by HD and SFE were analyzed on the basis of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Thus, we noticed that all analyzed samples were enriched in geranyl acetate and ß­bisabolene, and that the quantities of different identified substances were extremely sensitive to the extraction method and to the pressure variation in case of SFE.

Agro food by-products and essential oil constituents curtail virulence and biofilm of Vibrio harveyi.

Vibrio harveyi causes severe loss to the aquaculture industry due to its virulence, which is mediated by Quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation. In the current study, we have explored the anti-virulent properties and biofilm disruption ability of luteolin (extracted from coconut shell) and linalool against this important aquaculture pathogen. HPLC analysis of the methanolic extract of coconut shells revealed a single major peak which matched to the standard luteolin which was further elucidated by NMR studies. Further, luteolin and linalool were screened for their ability to inhibit biofilms and various quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of V. harveyi. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the two compounds was determined and the sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were able to inhibit biofilm formation. Both the compounds disrupted about 60-70% mature biofilms, which was also visually observed by light microscopy. Both linalool and luteolin exhibited a significant reduction in the production of EPS and alginate in the biofilms matrix of V. harveyi which was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Both compounds inhibited the swarming and swimming motility, the crucial quorum sensing (QS) mediated virulence of V. harveyi. The present study shows the presence of valuable polyphenolic compound like luteolin in coconut shells that are discarded as a waste. From the present study we envisage that luteolin and linalool can serve as potent anti-virulent agents to combat QS mediated infections against aquaculture pathogens.

Eight new biflavonoids with lavandulyl units from the roots of Sophora flavescens and their inhibitory effect on PTP1B.

In the course of studying the components from the roots of Sophora flavescens, eight new unusual biflavonoids consisting of a flavanone fused with a dihydrochalcone skeleton were isolated. These new chemical structures were elucidated by means of UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR and ECD spectroscopic data and a comparison of experimental ECD spectra with calculated ECD spectra. Some compounds were subjected to an antidiabetic bioassay on human recombinant PTP1B inhibition, and showed strong inhibitory activity.