Micropropagation of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

Multiple shoots were induced from shoot tips and nodal segments of a 12-year-old tree of Cinnamomum camphora on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with BA and kinetin. The nodal segments from the in vitro developed plantlets could be induced again to produce a large number of harvestable shoots. Harvested shoots were rooted in vitro in WPM supplemented with activated charcoal (AC) and IBA. The plantlets were transferred to thermocol cups after which they were replanted into polybags and then to field. These plants survived with over 90% success under field conditions and exhibited vigorous growth. This system could be utilized for large-scale multiplication of C. camphora by tissue culture.     

Discovery of a New Class of Inhibitors of Vaccinia Virus Based on (−)‐Borneol from Abies sibirica and (+)‐Camphor

A series of the bornyl ester/amide derivatives with N‐containing heterocycles were designed and synthesized as vaccinia virus (VV) inhibitors. Bioassay results showed that among the designed compounds, derivatives 6 , 13 , 14 , 34 , 36 and 37 showed the best inhibitory activity against VV with the IC₅₀ values of 12.9, 17.9, 3.4, 2.5, 12.5 and 7.5 μm , respectively, and good cytotoxicity. The primary structure–activity relationship (SAR) study suggested that the combination of a saturated N‐heterocycle, such as morpholine or 4‐methylpiperidine, and a 1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane scaffold was favorable for antiviral activity.     

Variation of Salvia fruticosa Essential Oils on the Island of Crete (Greece)

The essential oil content and composition of Salvia fruticosa (Greek sage) plants growing wild in 20 localities scattered on the island of Crete are studied. The results of our analyses have shown a noticeable variation in the essential oil content (ranging from 1.1 up to 5.1 %) and the amount of the four main oil components: 1,8-cineole (22.7 ? 64.2% of total oil), α-thujone (1.0 ? 19.2%) β-thujone (0.9 ? 25.6%) and camphor (0.8 ? 30.3%). Discriminant analysis revealed that the variation pattern of the essential oil content and the amount of the four main oil components is geographically related, following a W → E direction. Plants grown in Western Crete show a lower essential oil content and their oils are characterised by the predominance of 1,8-cineole. On the other hand, those collected from Eastern Crete exhibit higher values in essential oil content and their oils, besides 1,8-cineole, are rich in α- and β-thujone or camphor. Our findings are further discussed in relation to literature data.     

Mechanism of monoterpene volatilization in Salvia mellifera

Monoterpene volatilization in Salvia mellifera is primarily dependent on the vapor pressures of the terpenes as they are influenced by temperature, the humidity of the air surrounding the leaf and the surface area of oil present on the leaf.