Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils of Five IranianBuniumSpecies (B. lurestanicum, B. microcarpum, B. badghayzi, B. wolffiandB. carioides)

Abstract

The genus Bunium comprised 14 species in Iran, two of them (B. wolfi and B. lurestanicum) are endemic. Among these species, only B. persicum is famous and used in medicinal and nutrition industries. In this research, the essential of five Iranian Bunium species, named B. lurestanicum, B. microcarpum, B. badghayzi, B. wolffi and B. carioides were studied. At first, different parts of these plants were collected from their habitats; if possible the plant parts were separated and then dried. The dried plant materials were subjected to hydro-distillation for obtaining the essential oils. The oils were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography, using flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. Fifteen compounds were identified in the oil of leaves, flowers and fruits (seeds) of B. lurestanicum at the end of flowering stage. Germacrene D (25.1 %), Ecaryophyllene (11.6 %) and bicyclogermacrene (11.5 %) were the main components. 23 components were characterized in the oil of the leaves and flowers of B. microcarpum. Elemicine (21.7 %), germacrene D (12.7 %), (Z)-β-ocimene (12.2 %), limonene (11.8 %) and β-pinene (9.6 %) were the main constituents. 23 components were characterized in the oil of flower and seed of B. wolffi. Germacrene D (30.1 %), β-selinene (11.6 %) and β-pinene (8.1 %) were the main constituents. 16 components were characterized in the oil of the leaves and flowers of B. badghayzi. β-sesquiphellandrene (32.8 %), germacrene D (21.3 %), germacrene B (14.5 %) and E-caryophyllene (7.5 %) were the main constituents. 13 compounds were identified in the seed oil of B. carioides with β-sesquiphellandrene (24.2 %), germacrene D (13.5 %) and germacrene B (13.1 %) as main components.

A comparative study of essential oil constituents, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of the different organs of four species of the genus bunium

“…The oils isolated by hydro‐distillation from the fruits of B cylindricum , B paucifolium , B persicum and B wolffii were pale yellow to colourless, and the levels of the average yields were recorded 0.79%, 0.16%, 2.42% and 1.80% (w/w) respectively based on dry weights (Table 2). These results are in close conformity with previous findings on B persicum (0.5 to 1.6 and 2.5%) and B wolffii (1.90%) from other regions 6,8,28 . Sefidkon et al 13 reported that the fruits of B cylindricum and B rectangulum had the highest content of essential oils among plant organs.…”

“…Several studies analysing the essential oils of the fruits of B persicum from various regions and populations have mostly reported γ ‐terpinene (39.7%‐41.9%), γ ‐ terpinen‐7‐al (37.2%) and cumin aldehyde (37.1%) as the main components 2,33 . Sefidkon et al 6 reported 23 compounds in the essential oils of flowers and fruits of B wolffii with germacrene D (30.1%), β ‐ selinene (11.6%) and β ‐ pinene (8.1%) as main constituents. There are similarities and differences among the above‐cited reports and the present study (Table 3).…”

“…The obtained distillate was extracted using acetone as the solvent and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. The essential oils were stored at −20°C 6,17,18 …”

“…Cakilcioglu et al 4 reported that the roots and cormes of B paucifolium are used in the treatment of urinary inflammation. Previous studies revealed that some species of Bunium have high contents of essential oils with notable antioxidant activity 1,5,6 . One of the most important species of this genus is B persicum with the local name of zire‐Kermani, whose seeds (fruits) are consumed widely in the pharmaceutical and food industries 7 .…”

“…Analyses of the essential oils of seeds of B paucifolium from different regions of Iran showed that dill apiole and germacrene D are the main compounds 14 . Sefidkon et al 6 reported 23 components in the essential oils of flower and seed of B wolffii ; germacrene D, β ‐selinene and β ‐pinene were its main constituents.…”