Chemical composition and larvicidal activities of the Himalayan cedar, Cedrus deodara essential oil and its fractions against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

Exploring the Larvicidal and Repellent Potential of Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani) Tar against the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato)

This study investigated the potential acaricidal and repellent effects of tar obtained from the Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) against the brown dog tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Latreille (Acari: Ixodidae). The goal was to find an alternative, safe, and effective way to eliminate ticks. Tar is traditionally extracted from cedar trees in the Antalya region of Türkiye. The composition of the tar is primarily characterized by a diverse mixture of terpenes, with β-himachalene (29.16%), α-atlantone (28.7%), ar-turmerone (8.82%), longifolene-(V4) (6.66%), α-himachalene (5.28%), and β-turmerone (5.12%) emerging as the predominant constituents. The toxic effects of tar on tick larvae were studied through larval immersion tests (LIT), and its repellent activity was evaluated using a new larval repellent activity test (LRAT). The results revealed significant acaricidal effects, with mortality rates of 77.7% and 82.2% for the Konyaalti and Kepez strains of the brown dog tick, respectively, in response to a 1% concentration of tar. LC50 and LC90 values were determined as 0.47% and 1.52% for the Kepez strain and 0.58% and 1.63% for the Konyaalti strain, respectively. When comparing the repellent effect of tar to the widely used synthetic repellent DEET, repellency rates of up to 100% were observed. As a result, this study establishes, for the first time, the larvicidal and repellent effects of C. libani tar on ticks.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities and Acute Toxicity of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oils

The essential oils yield of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis was different. C. ambrosioides gave a relatively higher yield (2.1 ± 0.1%), while that of C. atlantica was low (1.0 ± 0.1%) and that of E. camaldulensis was lower (0.75 ± 0.1% of dry matter). The active ingredients of the essential oils and some of their biological effects were also determined. The characterization of their chemical compositions showed that the three essences have different chemical profiles: C. atlantica was richer in sesquiterpenes (β-Himachalene (54.21%) and γ -Himachalene (15.54%)), C. ambrosioides was very rich in monoterpene peroxides and monoterpenes (α-Terpinene (53.4%), ascaridole (17.7%) and ρ-Cymene (12.1%)) and E. camaldulensis was very rich in monoterpene compounds and monoterpenols (p-cymene (35.11%), γ-Eudesmol (11.9%), L-linalool (11.51%) and piperitone (10.28%)). The in vitro measurement of antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) reduction assay showed a significant performance of the eucalyptus oil and average performance of the other two (C. atlantica and C. ambrosioides). The in vitro bio-test for their antimicrobial effects showed that the antibacterial activity differed depending on the essential oil and the concentration used, and that their bactericidal efficacy was similar or superior to that of synthetic antibiotics. The toxicity test on rats revealed that the LD50 of the three essential oils was 500 mg/kg body weight, which classifies them as category four cytotoxic natural products at high doses.

Lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils fromPiper capitarianumYunck andPiper krukoffiiYunck onPlutella xylostellaL

Plutella xylostella (L.) is responsible for considerable vegetable crop losses in the metropolitan region of Manaus, Brazil. In recent decades, essential oils have been investigated as an alternative to synthetic insecticides. The genusPiperis widely distributed in Amazonia and essential oils from these plants have insecticidal properties. This study describes the chemical composition of the essential oils fromPiper capiterianumandPiper krukoffiias well as the lethal and sublethal effects onP. xylostella. The phytotoxicity of the oils on the host plant was also evaluated. Globulol was the major constituent of theP. krukoffiioil ando-cymene was the major constituent of theP. capitarianumoil. The oil fromP. capiterianumexhibited greater toxicity to larvae and eggs. This oil also presented greater repellant action, feeding deterrence and mild phytotoxicity to the host plant (Brassicae oleraceae). The findings suggest that this oil can be used in the preparation of a formulated insecticide for the management ofP. xylostellain different development phases. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of this oil on crops under field conditions as well as non-target organisms and determine the cost-benefit ratio of a product formulated withP. capitarianumoil.

Insecticidal effects of a novel polyherbal formulation (HF7) against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Plant secondary metabolites represent the most efficient and convenient method to control and overcome environmental pollution and insecticidal resistance. This study explored the mosquitocidal activity of the combined extract of seven plants, (HF7) extracted using a Soxhlet extractor against Culex pipiens under laboratory conditions. Exposure of the 3rd instars of Cx. pipiens to HF7 hexane extract resulted in LC₅₀:114.5 μg/mL and LC₉₀:117.0 μg/mL values after 24 h. The ovicidal activities of hexane extract against Cx. pipiens eggs were 21.6%, 48.3%, and 71.6% at 187.5, 93.7, and 46.88 μg/mL, respectively. HF7-treated larvae showed the formation of irregular blebbing of epithelial cells toward the lumen and sloughing into the gut lumen. HF7 extract resulted in 100% adulticidal mortality at the concentration of 3.7 mg/test tube after 30 min of exposure. The IC₅₀ of HF7 extract was 97.03 µg/ml against larvae, at which nuclear and morphological changes were observed. The spectroscopy spectrum of HF7 hexane extract disclosed the presence of 57 different secondary metabolites, among which the dominant compound was eugenol (32.3%). HF7 hexane extract could serve as a botanical insecticide for controlling Cx. pipiens and potentially other mosquito species.

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don: A review of traditional use, phytochemical composition and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don (Family: Pinaceae) is a medicinal tree traditionally important and well mentioned in traditional system of medicine of India, Pakistan, China, Korea etc. for its use in the management of skin diseases, microbial infections, joint disorders, asthma, kidney stones, ulcer, brain disorders and immunological disorders.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

This review provides an insight into the information available regarding traditional uses, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and, pharmacological profiling of C. deodara crude extract, its isolated compounds and, fractions, to explore its potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Various databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, ACS, Wiley, Web of Science, Springer Link and, PubMed were used to collect all the appropriate information available in previously published literature related to this plant. Besides, other official electronic sources viz. Encyclopedia Britannica and Northern Regional Center, Botanical Survey of India, theplantlist.org. and relevant book chapters and books were also explored.

RESULTS

C. deodara is a popular medicinally active tree, traditionally used in the form of decoction, syrup, oil, powder, and extract alone or in combination with other herbs for the management of different ailments viz. asthma, ulcers, bone fractures, sprains rheumatism, boils, leprosy, etc. Phytochemical studies reported 105 chemical constituents from different parts of the plant, most of them belong to a class of terpenoids and flavonoids. Crude extracts, essential oils, fractions, and isolated compounds of C. deodara exhibited some important pharmacological activities including anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antiurolithiatic, antiarthritic and, antiasthmatic.

CONCLUSION

Present article delivers in-depth information on botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. C. deodara has been in practice among indigenous people of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Korea, China, Nigeria and Russia and 28 different ethnicities for the management of approximately 40 diseases. Bioactive compounds particularly cedrin, himachalol, himachalene and atlantone are recognized as key constituents for observed pharmacological activities of C. deodara. However, further in-depth studies involving bio-guided fractionation, isolation, identification using advanced techniques to afford some new therapeutically active phytoconstituents in the management of different diseases. Preliminary pharmacological investigations on different extracts and fractions of C. deodara partially validated its traditional claims in different ailments such as skin diseases, asthma, neurological disorders, arthritis, microbial infections, gastric disturbances, and inflammation. However, immediate attempts are required to establish its mechanism of action, efficacy, dosage range, and safety in combating different pathological states.

Cabbage Production in West Africa and IPM with a Focus on Plant-Based Extracts and a Complementary Worldwide Vision

In urban and peri-urban areas in West Africa, the cabbage Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) is protected using repeated high doses of synthetic insecticides. After a brief description of available IPM components, this paper presents a literature review focused on the botanical extracts that have been experimented with at the laboratory or in the field in West Africa against major cabbage pests. The literature reviewed mentions 19 plant species from 12 families used for cabbage protection in the subregion. The species most used are Azadirachta indica, Capsicum frutescens, Ocimum gratissimum and Ricinus communis. An overview of the world literature showed that a total of 13 plant species belonging to 8 families used to control cabbage pests are reported from the rest of Africa, and 140 plant species belonging to 43 families from the rest of the world. The most commonly used and tested plant species against insect pests in the three geographical areas considered is A. indica.

Identification and Functional Characterization of Tissue-Specific Terpene Synthases in Stevia rebaudiana

In addition to the well-known diterpenoid steviol glycosides, Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia) produces many labdane-type diterpenoids and a wide range of mono- and sesquiterpenoids. However, biosynthesis of mono- and sesquiterpenoids in Stevia remains unknown. Here we analyzed the extracts of Stevia leaves, flowers, stems, and roots by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and putatively identified a total of 69 volatile organic compounds, most of which were terpenoids with considerably varied quantities among the four tissues of Stevia. Using Stevia transcriptomes, we identified and functionally characterized five terpene synthases (TPSs) that produced major mono- and sesquiterpenoids in Stevia. Transcript levels of these Stevia TPSs and levels of corresponding terpenoids correlated well in Stevia tissues. Particularly, the root-specific SrTPS4 and SrTPS5 catalyzed the formation of γ-curcumene/zingiberene/β-sesquiphellandrene and α-longipinene/β-himachalene/himachalol as multifunctional sesqui-TPSs, respectively. Most of the SrTPSs were highly responsive to various environmental stresses in a tissue-specific manner. Taken together, our results provide new insights into how Stevia produces diverse terpenoids to confer differential responses to various environmental factors in each tissue.

Impregnation of pectin-cedarwood essential oil nanocapsules onto mini cotton bag improves larvicidal performances

The use pesticide is one of the indispensable means to combat mosquito borne diseases. However, the repeated use of synthetic pesticides has induced resistance in the vector pest along with undesirable impact on the environment. The biodegradability, non-persistent and user’s safety are the root cause to prefer plant-derived pesticides to synthetic ones. The botanical based pesticides tend to degrade rapidly under the influence of several environmental factors. For the feasible application as pesticides, the plant products are formulated either as liquid or as purely solid. Despite well-established formulation technology in pesticide delivery, their handling trouble is being ignored. There is difficulty in liquid formulation of pesticide products, as they are prone to splashing and spillage, resulting in contamination, wastage and direct exposure to skin; whereas a solid formulation tends to produce dust. In the present work, cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) essential oil embedded pectin nanocapsules were produced. The nanocapsules were characterized according to their morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability. Furthermore, the nanocapsules were impregnated onto mini cotton tea bags to be employed as RTU (ready to use) formulation for treating the breeding sites of mosquitoes. The larvicidal activity of the bags treated with pectin-cedar wood nanocapsules was assessed against malaria vector, Anopheles culicifacies and 98% mortality was recorded till 4 weeks, this suggests its potential and hassle free applications in controlling mosquito vector.

Cedrus deodara (Bark) Essential Oil Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells by Inhibiting Nuclear Factor kappa B

AIMS

The aim of this study is to explore essential oil from the bark of Cedrus deodara (CDEO) as an potential anticancer agent.

BACKGROUND

The frontline drugs against cancer in clinical settings are posing challenges of resistance and other detrimental side-effects. This has led to the exploration of new anticancer chemical entities from natural sources, particularly plant-based products such as essential oils that serve as vast repositories of pharmacologically active substances for combating cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to isolate and characterize the essential oil from the bark of Cedrus deodara (CDEO) and evaluate its potential as an anticancer agent and delineate the possible underlying mechanism of action.

METHODS

Cedrus deodara essential oil from bark (CDEO) was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC/MS for vital constituents. Further, in vitro cytotoxic potential was measured by MTT assay against a panel of cancer cell lines. The apoptosis-inducing potential of CDEO was analyzed by mitochondrial membrane potential loss (ΔΨm) and nuclear fragmentation assay. Besides, wound healing assay and colonogenic assay were employed to check the anti-metastatic potential of CDEO. Molecular docking approaches were employed for target identification, while immuno-blotting was carried out for target validation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The major components identified were 2-(tert-Buyl)-6-methyl-3-(2- (trifluoromethyl) benzyl)imidazo [1,2-a]pyridine (26.32 %);9- Octadecenoic acid (8.015 %); Copaene (5.181 %);2-(4-Methoxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl) -3-methyl-2H- benzo[g]indazole(4.36 %) and 9(E),11(E)- Conjugated linoleic acid (4.299 %). Further, potent in vitro cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 11.88 μg/ ml and 14.63 μg/ ml in colon cancer cell lines of HCT-116 and SW-620, respectively. Further, a significant and dose-dependent decrease in colony formation, cell migration, induction of ROS formation and loss in ΔΨm was observed. Additionally, major compounds identified were chosen for ligandprotein binding interaction studies to predict the molecular targets in colon cancer. It was observed that compounds such as 9-Octadecenoic acid;4H-1- Benzopyran-4-one, 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,7- dimethoxy; 2-(4-Methoxy-2,6-dimethylphenyl) -3-methyl-2H-benzo [g]indazole and 2-Bornanol,5-(2,4- dinitro phenyl) hydrazono have a prominent binding affinity with NF-κB. This was also further validated by immuno-blotting results wherein CDEO treatment in colon cancer cells led to the abrogation of NFκB, and the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax): B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 ratio was up-regulated leading to enhanced cleaved caspase 3 formation and subsequent apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These results unveil CDEO inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells, which can be attributed to the abrogation of the NFκB signaling pathway.

Insecticidal properties and chemical composition of Piper aduncum L., Lippia sidoides Cham. and Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi essential oils against Plutella xylostella L

In the laboratory, were evaluated the effects (residual contact and feeding deterrence) of the essential oils from the leaves of Piper aduncum, Lippia sidoides and Schinus terebinthifolius, as well as eleven selected constituents and binary blends of oils in different proportions against 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.). The Piper oil demonstrated the greatest toxicity (LC50 = 0.31 µL/mL) and feeding deterrence (DC50 = 1.08 µL/mL) between oils tested. Dillapiole (LC50 = 1.01 µL/mL; DC50 = 1.10 µL/mL) and carvacrol (LC50 = 6.03 µL/mL; DC50 = 0.075 µL/mL) demonstrated the greatest toxicity and feeding deterrence between constituents tested, respectively. Based on the fractional effects indices for the blends, a synergistic interaction was found for the blend of the Lippia and Schinus oils at a proportion of 75 and 25%, respectively. The present findings indicate that this blend could be used in the control of P. xylostella, as the literature reports populations resistant to the active ingredient in the positive control, Premio®. Further studies are needed for the development of a new botanical insecticide based on the active ingredients in oils from L. sidoides and S. terebinthifolius to improve efficiency, stability and the cost-benefit in the control of P. xylostella.

Review on essential oils, chemical composition, extraction, and utilization of some conifers in Northwestern Himalayas

Essential oils (EOs) are regarded as alternative therapeutic agents for many diseases. In phytotherapy research areas, it is now well reported that conifers are the rich source of EOs. This review aims to update information on the biological sources and the best extraction processes of the significant constituents along with the traditional and therapeutic properties of the EOs from selected conifers of Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya. In the present review, ten conifer species of high values have been selected. Results from several studies suggest that the conifers contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, ketones, alcohols, and esters, which are used in medicines, food products, and cosmetics as well as other commercial and industrial products. Traditionally, the EOs from the conifers have been reported to be used against fever, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and asthma. The pharmacological studies suggest that these EOs can be used as antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, and astringent agents. It is, therefore, concluded that the EOs from the conifers might be one of the promising tools for the treatment of various diseases. Extensive research is required to ascertain the efficacy of the EOs from unstudied conifers.

Volatile Components of Heartwood, Sapwood, and Resin From a Dated Cedrus brevifolia

In the present study, the heartwood and the sapwood of a thick wood disc from a dated Cedrus brevifolia trunk, and the resin were analyzed for their volatile components. All samples were subjected to headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. The main constituents were β-himachalene (22.2 %) in heartwood and (25.0 %) in sapwood, and α-pinene (37.8 %) in resin.

Insectifugal and insecticidal potentials of two tropical botanical essential oils against cowpea seed bruchid

Essential oils (EO) obtained from Xylopia parviflora root bark and Hoslundia opposita leaf via hydro distillation were analysed by GC-MS and evaluated for their insectifugal (repellent) and insecticidal activities against cowpea seed bruchid (Callosbruchus maculatus Fabricius), a cosmopolitan pest of cowpea seeds. X. parviflora was predominated by sesquiterpenes (59.57%), with the main compounds being β-himachalene (22.68%), 1,7,7,Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-ol (19.68%), β-elemene (14.41%), 5(1H)-Azulenone, 2,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,8-dimethyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-(85-cis)- (12.38%) and (-)-α-parasinsen (8.34%). The predominant compounds in H. opposita EO were 1,8-cineole (61.15%), followed by α-terpineol (16.81%) and β-phellandrene (13.25%). Percentage repellence at application rates of 0.66-1.32 μl/cm² (46.93-73.07%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of control (17.73%). RD₅₀ (repellence dose for 50% of treated adults) for H. opposita (0.43 μl/cm²) was not significantly different from the value for X. parviflora (0.60 μl/cm²). Although higher percentage of male mortality than female mortality was observed due to topical application of the EOs, the disparity was not significant. The results of correlation of the chemical groups of the EOs with the insectifugal activity indicate that the observed bioactivity was due to the synergistic effects of the chemical groups. The two EOs are therefore recommended for incorporation into bruchid protection schemes in the tropics.

A comparative toxic effect of Cedrus deodara oil on larval protein contents and its behavioral effect on larvae of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Cedrus deodara (deodar) is practically used, as insect repellent, in the northern areas of Pakistan but no data available therefore this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of deodar oil as an alternate of conventional insecticides against the larval pest stage of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), by feeding method. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of deodar oil as an alternate of conventional insecticides against the larval pest stage of mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), by feeding method. All tested chemicals showed efficacy against the pests. The LC₅₀ was determined by probit analysis and was found to be 3.41, 0.086 and 0.023% of larvae treated with deodar oil, Carbosulfan and Imidacloprid respectively The LC₅₀ treated larvae were subjected to the evaluation of protein activity, qualitatively and quantitatively. The protein level in tested insects was enhanced when treated with Imidacloprid, Carbosulfan and deodar oil. The electrophoretic profile of treated insects showed more bands in insects treated with Cedrus deodara oil. This electrophoretic profile appeared in 4, 5, 7 and 8 bands for tested chemicals including control. Antifeedant activity was observed for C. deodara as larvae were deterred to feed on the food found in the container.

Himalayan Aromatic Medicinal Plants: A Review of their Ethnopharmacology, Volatile Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities

Aromatic plants have played key roles in the lives of tribal peoples living in the Himalaya by providing products for both food and medicine. This review presents a summary of aromatic medicinal plants from the Indian Himalaya, Nepal, and Bhutan, focusing on plant species for which volatile compositions have been described. The review summarizes 116 aromatic plant species distributed over 26 families.

Deodarone Isomers in Cedrus atlantica Essential Oils and Tar Oils

Deodarone [2,2,6-trimethyl-6-(4-methylcyclohex-3-enyl)-tetrahydro-4-pyrone] is a sesquiterpene tetrahydro-γ-pyrone related to bisabolene and atlantone, first isolated from Cedrus deodora essential oil. With respect to the stereochemistry of the asymmetric carbons C4 and C8, two diastereoisomers may be distinguished. Identification and quantification of both diastereoisomers in wood and tar oils from C. atlantica has been achieved using 13C NMR spectroscopy, in combination with GC (polar column). The contents of (4 R.8 R)- and (4 R.8 S)-deodarone varied between 1.1–2.8% and 1.0–3.0%, respectively.