Basil (Ocimum L.) species are used as medicinal plants due to their essential oils exhibiting specific biological activity. The present work demonstrated that both the variety and season/conditions of cultivation had a significant effect on (i) the produced amount (extraction yield), (ii) qualitative, as well as (iii) quantitative profile of basil essential oil. Among studied basil varieties, a new variety, 'Mánes', was characterized for the first time. Based on our quantitative evaluation of GC-MS profiles, the following chemotypes and average concentrations of a main component were detected in the studied basil varieties: 'Ohře', 'Lettuce Leaf', 'Purple Opaal', 'Dark Green' (linalool, 5.99, 2.49, 2.34, 2.01 mg/mL, respectively), and 'Mammolo Genovese', 'Mánes', 'Red Rubin' (eucalyptol, 1.34, 0.96, 0.76 mg/mL, respectively). At the same time, when considering other compounds identified in GC-MS profiles, all the studied varieties, except from 'Lettuce Leaf', were methyl eugenol-rich with a strong dependence of the eugenol:methyl eugenol ratio on the seasonal changes (mainly solar irradiation, but also temperature and relative humidity). More complex and/or variable (depending on the season and cultivation) chemotypes were observed with 'Lettuce Leaf' (plus estragole, 2.27 mg/mL), 'Dark Green' (plus eucalyptol, 1.36 mg/mL), 'Mammolo Genovese' (plus eugenol, 1.19 mg/mL), 'Red Rubin' (plus linalool and eugenol, 0.46 and 0.56 mg/mL, respectively), and 'Mánes' (plus linalool and eugenol, 0.58 and 0.40 mg/mL, respectively). When considering superior extraction yield (ca. 17 mL·kg-1, i.e., two to five times higher than other examined varieties) and consistent amounts (yields) of essential oil when comparing inter-seasonal or inter-year data (RSD and inter-year difference in mean yield values ˂2.5%), this new basil variety is very promising for use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

• Klíčová slova
• GC-MS analysis, basil varieties, essential oils, pot cultures, profiling,
• MeSH
• acyklické monoterpeny MeSH
• allylbenzenové deriváty MeSH
• anisoly analýza   MeSH
• bazalka pravá chemie   MeSH
• bazalka MeSH
• cyklohexanoly analýza   MeSH
• eugenol analogy a deriváty   analýza   MeSH
• eukalyptol MeSH
• listy rostlin chemie   MeSH
• monoterpeny analýza   MeSH
• oleje prchavé analýza   MeSH
• oleje rostlin analýza   MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí metody   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• acyklické monoterpeny MeSH
• allylbenzenové deriváty MeSH
• anisoly MeSH
• basil oil MeSH Prohlížeč
• cyklohexanoly MeSH
• estragole MeSH Prohlížeč
• eugenol MeSH
• eukalyptol MeSH
• linalool MeSH Prohlížeč
• methyleugenol MeSH Prohlížeč
• monoterpeny MeSH
• oleje prchavé MeSH
• oleje rostlin MeSH

While the inhalation of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (EO) is commonly approved for the treatment of mild respiratory infections, there is still a lack of data regarding the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of its vapours. The antibacterial activity of the three T. vulgaris EOs against respiratory pathogens, including Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes, was assessed in both liquid and vapour phases using the broth microdilution volatilisation (BMV) method. With the aim of optimising a protocol for the characterisation of EO vapours, their chemical profiles were determined using two headspace sampling techniques coupled with GC/MS: solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and syringe headspace sampling technique (HS-GTS). All EO sample vapours exhibited antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 512 to 1024 μg/mL. According to the sampling technique used, results showed a different distribution of volatile compounds. Notably, thymol was found in lower amounts in the headspace-peak percentage areas below 5.27% (HS-SPME) and 0.60% (HS-GTS)-than in EOs (max. 48.65%), suggesting that its antimicrobial effect is higher in vapour. Furthermore, both headspace sampling techniques were proved to be complementary for the analysis of EO vapours, whereas HS-SPME yielded more accurate qualitative results and HS-GTS proved a better technique for quantitative analysis.

• Klíčová slova
• antimicrobial activity, broth microdilution, headspace analysis, respiratory infections, thyme, vapour phase,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky chemie   izolace a purifikace   farmakologie   MeSH
• Haemophilus influenzae účinky léků   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
• mikroextrakce na pevné fázi * MeSH
• oleje prchavé chemie   izolace a purifikace   farmakologie   MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus účinky léků   MeSH
• Streptococcus pyogenes účinky léků   MeSH
• Thymus (rostlina) chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• oleje prchavé MeSH

Extensive traditional use of medical plants leads to research dealing with chemical composition of essential oils. The aim of this work was evaluation of quality of the essential oil and extending of the knowledge about chemical composition of essential oil from ribwort (Plantago lanceolata L.) and proportional representation of compounds. Extractions of essential oils from samples of ribwort were performed by hydrodistillation. GC-MS and GC-FID techniques were used for investigation of the qualitative and semi-quantitative content of aromatic compounds in the essential oils, respectively. Major aroma constituents of ribwort leaves were groups of fatty acids 28.0-52.1 % (the most abundant palmitic acid 15.3-32.0 %), oxidated monoterpenes 4.3-13.2 % (linalool 2.7-3.5 %), aldehydes and ketones 6.9-10.0 % (pentyl vinyl ketone 2.0-3.4 %) and alcohols 3.8-9.2 % (1-octen-3-ol 2.4-8.2 %). In relative high amount were identified apocarotenoids (1.5-2.3 %) which are important constituents because of their intense fragrant. The importance is in potential manufacture control of feedstocks before producing of food supplements.

• Klíčová slova
• Essential oil, GC-FID, GC-MS, Hydrodistillation, Plantago lanceolata L.,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Helichrysum faradifani (Asteraceae) is a perennial shrub growing in rocky and sandy places of Madagascar. The plant is used in the Malagasy traditional medicine as a wound-healing agent, disinfectant and for the treatment of syphilis, diarrhea, cough and headache. In the present work, we analysed the chemical composition of the essential oil distilled from the aerial parts of H. faradifani by GC-MS and evaluated its insecticidal activity against 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae of the lymphatic filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus by acute toxicity assays. The most sensitive were 2nd instar (LC50 = 85.7 μL L-1) larvae. For the 3rd and 4th instar larvae, the estimated LC50 were 156.8 and 134.1 μL L-1, respectively. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (51.6%) were the major fraction of the essential oil, with the bicyclic α-fenchene (35.6%) as the predominant component. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (34.0%) were the second major group characterising the oil, with γ-curcumene (17.7%) as the most abundant component.

• Klíčová slova
• Culex quinquefasciatus, GC-MS, Helichrysum faradifani, St. Louis encephalitis; essential oil, insecticidal activity,
• MeSH
• Culex účinky léků   MeSH
• Helichrysum chemie   MeSH
• insekticidy chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• komáří přenašeči účinky léků   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   MeSH
• monoterpeny analýza   chemie   MeSH
• nadzemní části rostlin chemie   MeSH
• oleje prchavé chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty chemie   MeSH
• seskviterpeny analýza   chemie   MeSH
• testy akutní toxicity MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Madagaskar MeSH
• Názvy látek
• insekticidy MeSH
• monoterpeny MeSH
• oleje prchavé MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty MeSH
• seskviterpeny MeSH

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, commonly known as lemongrass, is a member of the Poaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including South Asia. The species is renowned for its diverse applications in culinary arts, perfumery, and traditional medicinal practices. This study aimed to characterize the essential oil (EO) composition of lemongrass and evaluate its biological properties. The EO was extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and its chemical profile was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major constituents identified were neral (35.5 ± 0.6%) and geranial (36.0 ± 0.4%), which together constitute the primary isomers of citral. The antioxidant activity, assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, was moderate compared to the Trolox standard. Similarly, the EO exhibited weak tyrosinase inhibition activity. However, the EO exhibited significant herbicidal and insecticidal effects with no observed ecotoxicological risks. These findings highlight lemongrass EO as a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides.

• Klíčová slova
• Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, GC/MS, antioxidant, biological activity, chemical composition, environmental safety, essential oil, herbicidal, hydrodistillation, pesticidal activity,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Bacterial diseases are a global problem that threatens human health and cause many deaths each year. The alarming rise in bacterial resistance to modern antimicrobials is particularly concerning. In practice, this necessitates increasing the dosage of antimicrobial agents, posing a potential risk of adverse effects on human health. Additionally, the development of antibiotic resistance is one of the main factors contributing to the ever-growing costs of the global healthcare system. For these reasons, natural and safe antimicrobial agents are increasingly sought after. In this study, the antibacterial activity of 31 different essential oils (EOs) was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The most effective EOs were further tested both individually and in dual combinations. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) were determined to reveal synergistic effects, suggesting potential practical applications. The main bioactive compounds of the EOs with the highest inhibitory activity were identified and quantified using GC-MS/MS analysis. Of the tested EOs, seven demonstrated a strong antimicrobial effect against E. coli, most notably oregano (MIC 128 µg/mL) and the thyme/oregano combination (MIC 64 µg/mL, FIC 0.75), while thirteen were effective against S. aureus, most notably oregano and garlic (MIC 128 µg/mL),and the pelargonium/garlic combination (MIC 32 µg/mL, FIC 0.375). The pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries are promising fields for the application of these safe and natural antimicrobial agents, offering a new range of solutions to combat serious bacterial pathogens.

• Klíčová slova
• Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, essential oil/GC-MS/MS, fractional inhibitory concentration, minimal inhibition concentration,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• Escherichia coli účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
• oleje prchavé * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• oleje rostlin * farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus účinky léků   MeSH
• synergismus léků MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky * MeSH
• oleje prchavé * MeSH
• oleje rostlin * MeSH

The fruits of Amomum kravanh, Citrus hystrix and Piper nigrum 'Kampot' are traditionally used as spices in Cambodian cuisine. In this study, the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) and supercritical CO2 extracts from all three species was determined using GC-MS, with two columns of different polarity (HP-5/DB-HeavyWAX). Differences between the chemical profile of the EOs and CO2 extracts were observed for all species. The greatest difference was detected in A. kravanh EO containing mainly eucalyptol (78.8/72.6%), while the CO2 extract was rich in fatty acids (13/55.92%) and long-chain alkanes (25.55/9.54%). Furthermore, the results for the CO2 extract of this species differed, where tricosane (14.74%) and oleic acid (29.26%) were the main compounds identified when utilizing the HP-5 or DB-HeavyWAX columns, respectively. Moreover, the EO and CO2 extract from P. nigrum 'Kampot' fruits and the CO2 extract from C. hystrix fruit peel, containing respective amounts 34.84/39.55% (for EO) and 54.21/55.86% (for CO2 extract) of β-caryophyllene and 30.2/28.9% of β-pinene, were isolated and analyzed for the first time. Generally, these findings suggest that supercritical CO2 could potentially be used for the extraction of all three spices. Nevertheless, further research determining the most efficient extraction parameters is required before its commercial application.

• Klíčová slova
• GC-MS analysis, essential oil, spice, supercritical fluid extraction,
• MeSH
• Amomum * chemie   MeSH
• Citrus * MeSH
• oleje prchavé * chemie   MeSH
• oleje rostlin chemie   MeSH
• oxid uhličitý chemie   MeSH
• Piper nigrum * chemie   MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty chemie   MeSH
• superkritická fluidní chromatografie * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• oleje prchavé * MeSH
• oleje rostlin MeSH
• oxid uhličitý MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty MeSH

Serevenia buxifolia is an evergreen citrus plant and has attracted considerable attention due to its bioactive components and biological activities. In the present study, the essential oil (EO) from S. buxifolia cultivated in Vietnam was demonstrated to exhibit the in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-hemolysis, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Briefly, the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the leaf EO of S. buxifolia was composed of 33 components, with the main constituents being β-carypphyllene (32.5%), and elixene (9.8%). The extracted oil possessed a fairly high free radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), with an IC50 value of 190.7 μg/mL compared with positive control, α-tocopherol, IC50 value of 42.6 μg/mL. The EO also exhibited thrombolytic activity: the percentage of inhibition was found to be 70.75% at 100 μL, in comparison with 87.2% for the positive control, streptokinase. For hemolytic activity, the percentage of inhibition of the EO was from 27.4% to 59.6% at concentrations from 10 to 100 μg/mL, respectively. The results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity indicated that the EO of S. buxifolia leaves effectively protects the heat-induced denaturation, with an IC50 value of 40.25 μg/mL. The EO also exhibited antidiabetic potential, with IC50 values of 87.8 and 134.9 μg/mL against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. It is noteworthy that the potent biological activities of the obtained S. buxifolia oil increased in a dose-dependent manner. The results achieved show that the EO of S. buxifolia leaves can be a potential source for oxidative stress, inflammatory, and diabetic management.

• Klíčová slova
• GC/MS, Serevenia buxifolia, biological activity, essential oil,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Many indigenous plants of the Philippines, including essential oil-bearing species, remain phytochemically and pharmacologically unexplored. In this study, the chemical composition of leaf essential oils (EOs) hydrodistilled from Litsea leytensis (Lauraceae) and Piper philippinum (Piperaceae) was determined using dual-column (HP-5MS/DB-WAX)/dual-detector gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. Caryophyllene oxide (15.751/16.018%) was identified as the main compound in L. leytensis EO, followed by β-caryophyllene (11.130/11.430%) and α-copaene (9.039/9.221%). Ishwarane (25.937/25.280%), nerolidol (9.372/10.519%) and 3-ishwarone (6.916/2.588%) were the most abundant constituents of P. philippinum EO. Additionally, the in vitro growth-inhibitory activity of the EOs in the liquid and vapour phases against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using the broth microdilution volatilisation assay. Although the results showed no anti-staphylococcal effect, the presence of various bioactive compounds in both EOs suggests their potential future use in industrial applications.

• Klíčová slova
• GC-MS, Lauraceae, Piperaceae, essential oil, hydrodistillation, volatile compounds,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Essential oils (EOs) from Indian spices like Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (small green cardamom), Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (clove), Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (cinnamon quills), and Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C. H. Eberm (Indian bay leaves) exhibit a broad spectrum range of biological activity including antibacterial and antifungal activity. Yet, there is a lack of data regarding the antimicrobial activity of their formulations. Also, the link between the antimicrobial effect of individual EO with their chemical composition and molecular interaction with bacterial pathogens has not been systematically explored. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical characterization of EOs and to bridge the gap between them through in-silico molecular interactions. The antibacterial activity of EOs of four different spices and their formulations against foodborne pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated using the disc volatilization method. The chemical profile of the individual EO was determined through GC-MS analysis and molecular interactions of identified major components with bacterial proteins were carried out through molecular docking studies. All EOs and their formulations exhibited antibacterial activity ranging from 5.92 to 24.55 mm and 11-23.52 mm, respectively. Among all EOs, cinnamon and formulation C (cardamom: cinnamon- 2:1) exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The composition of the EOs included sesquiterpenes, monoterpenoids, monoterpenes, and, phenylpropanoids such as (E)-cinnamaldehyde, δ-cadinene, α-copaene, eugenol, caryophyllene, eugenol acetate, methyl eugenol, menthadiene, eucalyptol, α-terpinyl acetate, and sabinene. Furthermore, docking study revealed that the abundant compounds from cinnamon EO mainly α-copaene and δ-cadinene had a high binding affinity towards the bacterial essential proteins which increases the bacterial susceptibility towards cinnamon EO. The selected EOs and their formulations were systematically analysed and they were effective against foodborne pathogens. The current findings suggest the application of these EOs against food pathogens with further research.

• Klíčová slova
• Antibacterial activity, Disc diffusion, Essential oil, Foodborne pathogens, GC-MS analysis, Molecular docking,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH