Phytotherapy Research 2002-03-01

Chemical composition and biological activity of the volatiles of Anthemis melampodina and Pluchea dioscoridis.

Mary H Grace

Index: Phytother Res. 16(2) , 183-5, (2002)

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Abstract

The volatile fractions obtained by hydrodistillation of the fresh leaves of Anthemis melampodina and Pluchea dioscoridis were analysed by GC-MS technique. Of 38 components identified in the volatile oil of A. melampodina, santolinatriene was the major component (27.33%). The oil was characterized by a high percentage of monoterpene hydrocarbons (49.94%) while sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes represented only 7.41% and 11.43% of the oil. 36 components were identified in the volatile oil of P. dioscoridis. Farnesol was the major component (16.50%) accompanied by a high percentage of sesquiterpene alcohols. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes (26.43%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (39.43%) represented the main constituents in the oil. P. dioscoridis showed a marked mosquito larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens (LC(50) 71.86 ppm), while A. melampodina was moderately active (LC(50) 139.42 ppm).Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.