Investigation of the Essential Oil's Phytochemical Profile in Pulicaria gnaphaloides Grown in Rangeland Ecosystems (Fars Province, Darab County, Iran)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Natural Engineering Department, Darab Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Shiraz University, Ira

2 Assistant Professor of Plant Production Department, Darab Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Shiraz University, Ira

3 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Jahrom University

‎10.22052/deej.2025.256075.1089

Abstract

Introduction: Pulicaria gnaphaloides (Vent.) Boiss, locally known as "Alaf Heizeh," is a medicinal plant prevalent in arid natural ecosystems. This species frequently colonizes disturbed and degraded lands, roadsides, dry riverbeds, and loose soils at the foothills of arid to semi-arid mountainous regions within the Irano-Turanian floristic zone. Fars Province serves as a significant habitat for P. gnaphaloides, making data collection on its distribution across the province highly valuable.
Previous studies highlight the diverse medicinal properties of P. gnaphaloides, including anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, disinfectant, and antifungal activities. In the traditional medicine of southern Iran, its extract is historically used as a suppository to alleviate constipation. Furthermore, topical application of an aqueous extract (decoction) from this plant acts as an insect repellent, specifically noted for its efficacy against flea bites.
Given its broad traditional uses and documented biological activities, this research aims to investigate and characterize the phytochemical properties of the essential oil derived from Pulicaria gnaphaloides (Vent.) Boiss cultivated in the rangeland ecosystems of Darab County, Fars Province.
Materials and Methods: Initially, the natural habitats of Pulicaria gnaphaloides (Vent.) Boiss within Darab County were identified and mapped through a field survey. For each identified area, elevation (height above sea level), latitude, and longitude were recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device (Vista model, Taiwan). Given the high density and abundance of P. gnaphaloides in the Fasarood area of Darab, soil samples were collected from this specific habitat. Physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, including acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and elemental composition, were subsequently analyzed.Fresh leaves of the plant were collected from the determined habitats. To prevent degradation, the collected plant material was shade-dried at a temperature range of 10-20 degrees Celsius. For essential oil extraction, 100 grams of crushed flowering branches were subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus for 3 hours. This process was conducted in the medicinal plants laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Darab. The essential oil was separated from the distillation column using a specialized syringe. The collected essential oil was then dehydrated by treating it with anhydrous sodium sulfate, weighed, and the essential oil yield percentage was calculated using a standard formula. After dehydration, the essential oil was stored in a sealed glass container at 4 degrees Celsius in a refrigerator until further analysis. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the essential oil compounds was performed using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Results and Discussion: The extraction and analysis of the essential oil from Pulicaria gnaphaloides (Vent.) Boiss collected from various habitats within Darab County resulted in the identification of 37 distinct chemical compounds. The essential oil yield percentage exhibited minimal variation across these habitats, averaging approximately 0.3%. The predominant chemical compounds identified in the essential oil of P. gnaphaloides across the investigated habitats were: Eudesma-4(15),7-dien-1-β-ol (20.58%), Caryophylla-4(14),8(15)-dien-5β-ol (16.68%), Terpinen-4-ol (8.40%), p-Cymene (2.48%), trans-Cadina-1(2),4-diene (2.53%), and Spathulenol (2.25%).This study reveals that the essential oil of P. gnaphaloides is a rich natural source of Eudesma and Caryophylla derivatives. This finding suggests the plant's significant potential as a valuable natural resource for pharmaceutical and related industries. The isolation and commercial extraction of compounds such as Eudesma from P. gnaphaloides essential oil could present substantial economic benefits, including potential for significant profits and foreign exchange generation for domestic stakeholders. Such endeavors could also contribute to reducing reliance on imported compounds, thereby curtailing currency outflows from the country.
The identification of P. gnaphaloides as a source of these valuable compounds underscores the importance of further research into its phytochemical profile. Promoting the large-scale cultivation of this plant and optimizing essential oil extraction techniques could significantly bolster domestic industries. Moreover, the export of P. gnaphaloides essential oil or its refined derivatives could contribute substantially to strengthening Iran's economy by diversifying its export portfolio and adding value to its natural resources.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. Abbas Azimi, R., Sefidkan, , Jamzad, Z., & Bakshi Khaniki, Gh. )2006(. Identification of chemical compositions of essential oils of Vitex species in Iran. Iranian Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 22(1), 27-33. [In Persian].
  2. https://ijmapr.areeo.ac.ir/article_114997_15094198ac7f92bcc11aed3ba5666bad.pdf?lang=en
  3. Adams, R. (2007). Identification of essential oil components by gas chromatography/ mass spectroscopy. Allured Publishing Corporation, Illinois, USA, 1–804.
  4. Ali, M.S., Jahangir, M., & Ahmad, V.U. (1999). Chemical constituents of Pulicaria gnaphalodes. Natural Product Sciences, 5(3), 134-137. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO199903041126307.page
  5. Alli, E., Mahmoodi, R., Kazminia, M., Hazrati, & Azarpi, F. (2017). Plant essential oils as natural medicinal compounds: a review article. Journal of Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences 75(7), 480-489. [In Persian].
  6. Amjad, L., Noori, A., Ranjbar, M., & Rezaeizadeh, G. (2023). The chemical analysis and insecticidal activity of Francoeuria undulata essential oil on German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica). Journal of Entomological Society of Iran, 42(3), 195-203.‏ [In Persian]. https://jesi.areeo.ac.ir/article_128101_b135b9104d392e21d027364750635396.pdf?lang=en
  7. Aparicio, S., Alcalde, R., Davilla, M. J., Garcia, B., & Leal, J. M. (2007). Properties of 1,8-Cineole: A Thermophysical and Theorethical Study, Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 111(12), 3167-3177. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp067405b
  8. Ardoni, F., & Khani, A. (2015). The lethal effect of the ethanolic extract of the desert flea beetle on the red flour bug, the first conference on medicinal plants and herbal medicines.
  9. Asghari, G., Zahabi, F., Eskandarian, A., Yousefi, H., & Asghari, M. (2014). Chemical composition and leishmanicidal activity of Pulicaria gnaphalodes essential oil. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy, 1(4), 27-33. https://www.rjpharmacognosy.ir/article_6334_0a4481ff29487ef32351aa2e0f1af5d0.pdf
  10. Bashi, D. S., Ghani, A., & Asili, J. (2013). Essential oil composition of Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent.) Boiss. growing in Iran. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 16(2), 252-256.‏ https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060X.2013.794036
  11. Batooli, H. (2001). Study of medicinal and industry plants of Kashan area. Abstract proceeding of national conference on medicinal plants.Tehran, February 12-14: 90-87. [In Persian].
  12. Bigdeloo, M., Hadian J., & Nazeri, V., (2017). Composition of essential oil compounds from different populations of Thymus caramanicus Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 7, 95-98. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214786117303315
  13. Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (1995). Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Journal of applied bacteriology, 78(3), 264-269. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.1995.tb05025.x
  14. Cristina Figueiredo, A., Barroso, J.G., Pedro, L.G., & Scheffer, J.J.C. (2008). Factors affecting secondary metabolite production in plants: volatile components and essential oils. Flavor and Fragrance Journal, 23(4), 213-226. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.1875
  15. Dubaie, A.S., & El-Khulaidi, A.A. (2005). Medicinal and aromatic plants in Yemen deployment-components of effective-uses. Ebadi Center for Studies and Publishing Sana’a -Yemen pp: 127
  16. EL-Kamali, H. H., Yousif, M. O., Ahmed, O. I., & Sabir, S. S. (2009). Phytochemical analysis of the essential oil from aerial parts of Pulicaria undulata (L.) Kostel from Sudan. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, (4), 6. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1469&context=ebl
  17. Firuznia, A., Khazaei, S., Doostzadeh, F., & Jafarnejad, A. (2018). Identification of chemical constituents of essential oils and investigation of antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of Pulicaria dysenterica and Pulicaria gnaphalodes (Vent.) from North Khorasan Province, First International Congress of Chemistry and Nanochemistry from Research to Technology, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd Branch.
  18. Gandomi, H., Abbaszadeh, S., Rahimikia, E., & Shariatifar, N. (2015). Volatile organic compound from Pulicaria gnaphalodes and the antibacterial and antifungal properties of its essential oil and aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 39(6): 2129–2134. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.12456
  19. Ghorbanpour, P., Mahmoudi Sarvestani, M., & Norouzi Masir, M. (2014). Investigation of seasonal changes in secondary metabolites of the medicinal plant Myrtus communis in some habitats of Khuzestan province, Master's thesis, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, 225 p.
  20. Hanbali, F. E., Akssira, M., Ezoubeiri, A., Mellouki, F., Benherraf, A., Blazquez, A. M., & Boira, H. (2005). Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil of Pulicaria odora Journal of ethnopharmacology, 99(3), 399-401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.01.012
  21. Hosseini, M. S., Mohammadi, S., & Jahromi, A. E. (2018). Inducing resistance reaction of orange against blue mold Pencillium italicum using the essential oil of Francoeuria undulata (L.) Lack. Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. 34(3), 430-42. https://ijmapr.areeo.ac.ir/article_116998_60bc59f66d614acc9c7ad73516650f5b.pdf
  22. Jamzad, Z. (2009). Thyme and Savory of Iran. Institute of Forest and Rangelands. Tehran, p 172
  23. Juz Fazeli, N., Salehi Surmaghi, M., & Amin, G. (2001). Analysis of plant essential oils by GC-MS method, PhD thesis, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 80 p.
  24. Liu, L.L., Yang, J.L. & Shi, Y.P. (2010). Phytochemicals and biological activities of Pulicaria Chemistry & Biodiversity, 7: 327-49. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200900014
  25. Mahmoodi, A. (2017). Individual ecology of medicinal plant Otostegia persica (Bornm.) Boiss in the pastures of Darab city (Fars)., The 7th National Conference of Medicinal Plants and Sustainable Agriculture. [In Persian].
  26. Mothana, R.A., Gruener, T.R., Bednarski, P.G., & Lindequist, U. (2009). Evaluation of the in vitro anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of some Yemeni plants used in folk medicine. Pharmazie, 64, 260-268.
  27. Mozaffarian, V. (2000). Flora of Yazd. Yazd Publication, 642p. [In Persian].
  28. Mozaffarian, V. (2008). Flora of Ilam. Farhange Moaser Publication, Tehran, 936p. [In Persian].
  29. Nikzad, A., Sharafzadeh, Sh., Alizadeh A., Amiri B., & Bazrafshan F. (2020). Variability in Essential Oil Constituent, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Ecotypes of Zataria multiflora from Iran. Journal of Essential Oil-Bearing Plants. Taylor and Francis group, 22(6), 1435-1449. https://doi.org/10.1080/0972060X.2020.1713221
  30. Omidbaigi, R. (2005). Production and Processing of medicinal plants. Tehran University. 283 P.
  31. Shariatifar, N., Kamkar, A., Shams Ardakani, M., Mishaghi, A., Jamshidi, A., & Jahedkhaniki, G. (2012). Quantitative and qualitative investigation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of hayza grass. Afogh Danesh, a quarterly of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, period 7(4), 35-46.
  32. Shariatifar, N., Kamkar, A., ShamseArdekani, MR., Misagi, A., Akhonzade, A., & Jamshidi, AH. (2014). Composition and antioxidant activities of Iranian Pulicaria gnaphalodes essential oil in Soybean oil. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 27(4): 807-12.
  33. Valizadeh, J., Bagheri A., Valizadeh J., & Mirjalili M.H. (2015). Phytochemical investigation of Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal in natural habits of Sistan and Baluchestan. Province of Iran. Iranian Journal of medical and aromatics plants, 31(3), 406-417. https://ijmapr.areeo.ac.ir/article_101792_fd897d6488c2cab43cda4806783e6b45.pdf?lang=en
  34. Zarin, P., Ghahremaninejad, F. & Maassoumi, A.A. (2010). Systematic of genera Pulicaria and Platycheteae Boiss. From tribe Inuleae s.str (Asteraceae) in Iran. Taxonomy and Biosystematics, 1, (2), 27-44. [In Persian]. https://tbj.ui.ac.ir/article_17366_ef3a4714ecb3f391216b017269faa181.pdf?lang=en
  35. Zendehdel, M., Fallah, R., Baghbanzadeh, A., Pourrahimi, M., Shariatifar, N., & Garavand, S. (2013). Effect of intracerebroventricular injection of aqueous extract and essential oil of Pulicaria gnaphalodes on PTZ-induced seizures in male rat. Physiology and Pharmacology, 17(1), 94-100. https://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-867-en.pdf
Desert Ecosystem Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 45
April 2025
Pages 89-105

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics