New Insights into the Chemical Composition, Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokine Inhibition Profile of Davana (Artemisia pallens Wall. ex DC.) Essential Oil and cis‐Davanone in Primary Macrophage Cells

Abstract

Artemisia pallens Wall. ex DC., popularly known as davana, has gained considerable attention because of its unique fragrance, high economic value, and pharmacological properties. The compositional complexity of davana essential oil (DO) has been a challenge for quality control. In this study, the chemical profile of DO was developed using polarity‐based fractionation and a combination of gas chromatographic (GC‐FID), hyphenated chromatographic (GC/MS), and spectroscopic (Fourier‐Transform Infra‐Red, 1D, 2D‐Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) techniques. The analysis led to the identification of ninety‐nine compounds. Major components of the DO were cis‐davanone (D3, 53.0 %), bicyclogermacrene (6.9 %), trans‐ethyl cinnamate (4.9 %), davana ether isomer (3.4 %), spathulenol (2.8 %), cis‐hydroxy davanone (2.4 %), and trans‐davanone (2.1 %). The study led to identifying several co‐eluting novel minor components, which could help determine the authenticity of DO. The rigorous column‐chromatography led to the isolation of five compounds. Among these, bicyclogermacrene, trans‐ethyl cinnamate, and spathulenol were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic methods for the first time from DO. Pharmacological profile revealed that the treatment of DO and D3 inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in primary macrophages without any cytotoxic effect after administration of their effective concentrations. The result of this study indicates the suitability of DO and D3 for further investigation for the treatment of chronic skin inflammatory conditions.

Neuroinflammation and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potentials of a Spiroketal‐Enol Ether Polyyne Isolated from Artemisia pallens Wall. ex DC

“…A significant change in the percentage of the live cell population was not observed (P<0.05) at 10, 30, and 100 μM of D6 when compared with normal cells (Figure 4). Previously, the essential oil and cis ‐davanone derived from the aerial parts of Artemisia pallens , [15] and rutin [33] did not exhibit any cytotoxic potential in primary macrophage cells at 10 times higher concentrations than therapeutic concentrations.…”

“…[2,[5][6][7][8] The traditional and industrial significance of davana has led researchers to investigate its chemical constituents and biological activities. [2,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Recently, davana oil was investigated from India to explore its chemical complexity and diversity due to the location of growing, and the endogenous factors. The studies led to the identification of ninety-nine components, mainly represented by tetrahydrofuran-type sesquiterpene ketones, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoid esters, and sesquiterpene alcohols.…”

“…The studies led to the identification of ninety-nine components, mainly represented by tetrahydrofuran-type sesquiterpene ketones, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoid esters, and sesquiterpene alcohols. [15] The essential oil and cisdavanone contents were found to change with variations in the harvesting stage, plant parts, and locality. [16] Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis are characterized by chronic inflammation and altered neurotransmission and activation of glial cells, the resting macrophages in the brain are linked to neuroinflammation.…”

“…The traditional and industrial significance of davana has led researchers to investigate its chemical constituents and biological activities [2,7–17] . Recently, davana oil was investigated from India to explore its chemical complexity and diversity due to the location of growing, and the endogenous factors.…”

“…Recently, davana oil was investigated from India to explore its chemical complexity and diversity due to the location of growing, and the endogenous factors. The studies led to the identification of ninety‐nine components, mainly represented by tetrahydrofuran‐type sesquiterpene ketones, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoid esters, and sesquiterpene alcohols [15] . The essential oil and cis ‐davanone contents were found to change with variations in the harvesting stage, plant parts, and locality [16]…”