Francis Perineau

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) Essential Oil: Analysis of Chemical Constituents, Bacteriostatic and Fungistatic Properties

ABSTRACT The composition of the essential oil of flowering catnip (Nepeta cataria L., Lamiaceae) was analyzed by means of GC/MS. Besides the already known nepetalactones 4aα, 7α, 7aα-nepetalactone; 3,4β-dihydro-4aα, 7α, 7aα-nepetalactone; 4aα, 7α, 7aβ-nepetalactone and β-caryophyllene, five new constituents were identified: dimethyl-3,7 oxa-1 bicyclo [3,3,0] oct-2-ene, piperitone, thymol methyl ether, hexenyl benzoate and humulene oxide. The essential oil of two samples of the plant, collected at two different stages of development, was compared as to their nepetalactone content. The oil samples and a hexane extract were subjected to microbiological tests (five bacteria and seven fungi) and compared to natural compounds known for their antimicrobiological activities.

Chemical Analysis, Bacteriostatic and Fungistatic Properties of the Essential Oil of Elecampane (Inula helenium L.)

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of the Elecampane (Inula helenium L.) oil was analyzed by means of GC/MS. Besides the already known alantolactones (alantolactone (52.4%) and isoalantolactone (33.0%)), additional fifteen minor constituents were also identified in the oil. The essential oil sample and a hexane extract were subjected to microbiological screening against five bacteria and seven fungi and these results were compared to natural compounds known for their antimicrobial activities.

Chemical Analysis, Bacteriostatic and Fungistatic Properties of the Essential Oil of the Atoumau from Martinique (Alpinia speciosa K. Schum.)

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of oils obtained from different plant parts (root, stem, leaf, flower) of Alpinia speciosa originating from Martinique were analyzed by GC/MS. The leaf oil is compared to oils obtained from diverse georgraphic origins. It was found to possess some similarities to an oil of Amazonian origin. The oils extracted from different plant parts were found to have the same major component (terpinen-4-ol) present in 10–50% concentration. The oils of the stem and the flower were devoid of monoterpene hydrocarbons but contained large amounts of sesquiterpenoids. All of these oils were found to be rich in terpene alcohols. In addition to the known constituents of A. speciosa oil, 15 novel compounds were also characterized. The antimicrobial activity of leaf oils was quantified on five bacteria and six fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be around 2,000 ppm for both the fungi and the Gram + bacteria. This concentration is higher for the Gram—bacteria.

Volatile components of violet leaves

Abstract Volatile components of violet leaves were extracted with 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane as well as hexane and analysed using GC, GC-MS and GC-FTIR. Quantitatively, the yields of leave solids varied greatly according to the experimental parameters. Qualitatively, the chemical composition differs with respect to the solvent used. More than 100 compounds were separated, of which 23 compounds have been identified, representing 95% of the total; 1-dodecanol, pentadeca-5,10-dien-1-ol, pentadec-5-en-1-ol, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene and octadeca-9,12-dienoic acid are reported as violet leaf volatiles for the first time.

GC/MS Analysis of Star Anise Oil

ABSTRACT The oil of star anise was examined by a combination of GC/MS and retention times. Quantitative data for twenty-seven of the thirty-six compounds identified is presented.

The Chemical Composition of Lovage Headspace and Essential Oils Produced by Solvent Extraction with Various Solvents

ABSTRACT Using GC/MS and GC/FTIR, the chemical composition of the headspace of lovage root has been examined. It was found to contain 20 compounds of which β-phellandrene (16.47%), citronellal (12.84%) and ligustilide (20.91%) were found to be the major components. The chemical composition of a series of essential oils produced from concretes made from a range of solvents of differing polarities were also examined. The compositions of the oils, in which 28 compounds were characterized, were compared to each other and to an oil produced by hydrodistillation. The main compound characterized in each of the oils was ligustilide. It was found that the oil produced by first extraction with 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifiuoro-ethane (CFC-113) prior to steam distillation had the best yield and possessed the most desired aroma.

Chemical Composition of the Fruit and Leaf Oil of Polyalthia suaveolens Engl, et Diels

ABSTRACT The essential oils (fruits and leaves) of Polyalthia suaveolens from Gabon were subjected to GC/MS analysis. Twenty-five compounds representing ca. 99.5% of the total oils were identified. The major compounds were α-humulene (34.2%) and β-caryophyllene (32.8%) for the leaf oil and myrcene (34.3%) for the fruit oil.

Analysis of the Essential Oil of Pectis elongata Kunth. from Martinique. Evaluation of Its Bacteriostatic and Fungistatic Properties

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of the essential oil of Pectis elongata from Martinique was analyzed for the first time by GC/MS. The major components were found to be neral (15.65–27.47%), geranial (24.56–40.15%) and geranic acid (5.00–19.88%), the levels of which depended on the state of maturity of the plant and its collection site. The biostatic activity of the oil and two solvent extracts from the leaves was evaluated against five bacterial and six fungal strains. The oil showed higher activity than the extracts towards both the bacterial and fungal strains with an MIC of 0.5 mg/mL when screened against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis.

GC/MS and GC/FTIR Analysis of the Essential Oil of Celery Seed

ABSTRACT A steam-distilled essential oil first extracted with 1,1,2-tri-chloro-l,2,2-trifluorethane (CFC-113) from celery seeds (Apium graveolensL.) has been separated by distillation and column chromatography. It was then subjected to analysis with GC/MS and GC/FTIR. More than 50 compounds could be detected, 27 of which have been identified.

Extraction of Essential Oils. Part III. Two-Stage Production of the Oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

ABSTRACT Although lavender oil generally is produced by steam distillation of the harvested flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia, the use of a two-stage production method was examined. First, the flowering tops were extracted with 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (CFC-113) to yield a concrete. The concrete then was steam distilled to produce an oil of higher yields. GC/MS analysis showed that the oil produced in this way was richer in sesquiterpenes than a steam distilled oil. Seventy-three compounds, representing 81.8% of the total essential oil, were identified. The remaining 18.2% was comprised mainly of compounds with molecular weights greater than 220.