Publication Cover
Natural Product Research
Formerly Natural Product Letters
Volume 29, 2015 - Issue 3
266
Views
21
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Effect of bioclimatic area on the composition and bioactivity of Tunisian Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils

, , , , , , & show all
Pages 213-222 | Received 06 Jun 2014, Accepted 03 Jul 2014, Published online: 07 Aug 2014
 

Abstract

The chemical composition of eight Tunisian Rosmarinus officinalis L. populations (A–H) from different bioclimatic areas has been examined by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. The essential oils are characterised by high amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes (58.2–71.7%) followed by monoterpene hydrocabons (15.1–26.7%). 1,8-Cineole, camphor, α-pinene and borneol are the main representative components. The antioxidant activity was investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric reducing ability power assay and β-carotene bleaching test. Samples showed antiradical activity by inhibiting DPPH radical with IC50 values ranging from 375.3 to 592.8 μg mL− 1 for samples F and A, respectively. Sample A also showed the most promising activity in β-carotene bleaching test (IC50 of 31.9 μg mL− 1). The essential oils were also screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity. Sample G showed the highest activity against AChE (IC50 of 64.7 μg mL− 1) while sample D (IC50 of 29.5 μg mL− 1) exhibited the most potent activity against BChE.

Acknowledgements

The GC and GC-MS analyses were performed at the ‘C.S.I.A.S.’ of the University ‘Federico II’, Napoli. The assistance of the staff is gratefully appreciated.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.