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Article

Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract

by
Hazem S. Hasan
1,
Ashok K. Shakya
2,*,
Hala I. Al-Jaber
3,*,
Hana E. Abu-Sal
3 and
Lina M. Barhoumi
3
1
Department of Plant Production and Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan
2
Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
3
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt 19117, Jordan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2023, 28(10), 4238; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104238
Submission received: 29 April 2023 / Revised: 18 May 2023 / Accepted: 18 May 2023 / Published: 22 May 2023
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Abstract

:
In this article, we present the first detailed analysis of the hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO) of the inflorescence heads of Echinops polyceras Boiss. (Asteraceae) from the flora of Jordan, offering observations at different growth (pre-flowering, full-flowering and post-flowering) stages. Additionally, we investigated the methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant material at the full flowering stage in order to determine its inhibitory activity in terms of COX and protein denaturation and evaluate its antimicrobial effects against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Performing GC/MS analysis of HDEO, obtained from the fresh inflorescence heads at the different growth stages, resulted in the identification of 192 constituents. The main class of compounds detected in these three stages comprised aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which amounted to 50.04% (pre-flower), 40.28% (full-flower) and 41.34% (post-flower) of the total composition. The oils also contained appreciable amounts of oxygenated terpenoids, primarily sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids. The pre-flowering stage was dominated by (2E)-hexenal (8.03%) in addition to the oxygenated diterpene (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.54%). The full-flowering stage primarily contained (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.84%), β-bisabolene (7.53%, SH) and the diterpene hydrocarbon dolabradiene (5.50%). The major constituents detected in the HDEO obtained at the post-flowering stage included the oxygenated sesquiterpenoid intermedeol (5.53%), the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (E)-caryophyllene (5.01%) and (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (4.47%). The methanolic extract obtained from air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras displayed more COX-2 inhibition than COX-1 inhibition at a concentration level of 200 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a capacity to inhibit protein denaturation that was comparable with respect to the activity of diclofenac sodium and displayed moderate levels of antimicrobial activity against both bacterial species. The current results demonstrate the need to perform further detailed phytochemical investigations to isolate and characterize active constituents.

1. Introduction

The Asteraceae family, commonly known as Compositae, is among the largest families in the plant kingdom, with almost 1620 genera and 23,600 species distributed in almost all habitats worldwide, except underwater. Plants belonging to this family are commonly described as herbs, shrubs and trees. Echinops, one of the genera belonging to this family, is known to comprise approximately 120–130 distinct species [1,2,3]. Echinops plants, described as perennials, annuals and biennials, are known to grow wild in Eastern and Southern Europe, including the Mediterranean region, as well as in North Africa, the Afrotropical realm and the continent of Asia [1,4].
Several species of the Echinops genus have been long used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many ailments, primarily those illnesses related to inflammation, pain and fever [5,6]. Members of this genus have been extensively utilized in Ethiopia to treat of various ailments such as migraine, heart pain, diarrhea, hemorrhoid and intestinal worms [7]. In Ethiopian herbal medicine, chewing the roots of Echinops kebericho is prescribed to alleviate stomachache in humans, while roots decoction is employed to cure intestinal diseases in cattle [8]. Additionally, the flower heads and roots of many Echinops species find use in Arabian, Cameroonian, Chinese and Indian folk medicine to treat renal disorders and kidney stones [9], reduce asthma attacks [10], stimulate milk secretion [11], and alleviate sexual disability [12]. This wide range of bioactivities has been basically attributed to the wide spectrum of secondary metabolites, including the common members of this genus, i.e., terpenoids, sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids and thiophenes [1,13].
There are three Echinops species reported to grow wild in the flora of Jordan. These include Echinops polyceras Boiss., Echinops spinosissimus Turra. and Echinops glaberrimus DC. [14]. E. polyceras Boiss (Synonym: E. blancheanus Boiss., E. spinosus auct. non L.) is the most common species reported to grow wild in the flora of Jordan. This plant is commonly known as globe thistle. This species can best be described as a perennial, spiny, hairy plant that is 60–100 cm long. The leaves are long, dissected with spiny segments; their flower heads are spherical, spiky, 4–5 cm in diameter and characterized by their pale blue color. In the Arab region, primarily in Jordan, this plant is known as “chouk el Jemel” and is known to grow wild in waste places and hills of Irbid, Jarash, Al-Salt, Amman, Madaba, Al-Karak, and Al-Tafila. Flowering occurs during the period extending from July to October [13]. The plant is also reported to grow wild in the Mediterranean neighboring countries including Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Saudi Arabia, as well as those located along the coast of the North African coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
E. polyceras has been applied in the folk medicine of many cultures in order to treat a wide variety of ailments. In the Mediterranean region, a decoction prepared from the roots is used to treat renal diseases and kidney stones [9]. In Saudi Arabia, the plant is used for the treatment of gastric pain, indigestion and spasmolytic problems [15]. In Algeria, the plant has been described as finding use in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and prostatism [16]. Previous phytochemical screening studies performed on this species revealed its richness in different classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids and quinolone alkaloids [1,17]. Despite the importance of this species, a thorough literature survey revealed that the plant has not previously been investigated in Jordan, neither for its phytochemical constituents (volatile and nonvolatile secondary metabolites) nor its bioactivity potentials. Accordingly, the current study aims to identify the chemical profile of the hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO), obtained from the inflorescence heads of Jordanian E. polyceras, at different growth stages. In addition, we report on the determination of COX-1 and COX-2, in addition to the protein denaturation inhibitory activities and the antimicrobial potential of the methanolic extract (EPM) obtained from the aerial portions of E. polyceras.

2. Results

2.1. GC/MS Analysis

The results for the GC/MS analysis of the essential oils obtained from E. polyceras inflorescence heads at the different growth stages are shown in Table 1. Figure 1 indicates the different classes of volatile principles detected at the different growth stages in the analyzed essential oils. GC/MS chromatograms are available in Supplementary Figures S1–S3.

2.2. Bioactivity Results

2.2.1. COX-1, COX-2 and Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Activity

The methanolic extract obtained from the air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras (EPM) was investigated for its capacity to inhibitory effects against COX-1, COX-2 and protein denaturation. Results are shown in Table 2.

2.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

The EPM extract was assayed for its antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 2.

3. Discussion

GC/MS analysis of the HDEO obtained from the inflorescence parts of E. polyceras collected at the different growth stages resulted in the identification of a total of 192 compounds (Table 1). Figure 2 reveals the different classes of compounds detected at the different growth stages. The results of this analysis revealed simple nonterpenic aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives (AH&D) to be the main class that dominated the composition in all growth stages.
During the pre-F stage, HDEO contained good amounts of oxygenated diterpenes (OD, 14.05%) in addition to AH&D (50.04%). The primary individual constituents detected in this stage included (2E)-hexenal (8.03%), (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.54%), hexadecanoic acid (4.61%), n-hexanol (4.06%), n-nonanal (3.47%), 3-α-14,15-dihydro-manool oxide (3.43%) and heptacosane (2.53%). Additionally, aromatic compounds were detected in appreciable amounts (9.48%) and were represented mainly by 2-pentyl furan (6.32%).
During the full-flowering and post-flowering stages (full-F, post-F, respectively), AH&D had the highest contribution to both essential oils composition but was detected at slightly lower concentration levels as compared to what occurred at the pre-F stage (40.28%, 41.38%, respectively). The major chemical constituents detected in the EO at the full-F stage were (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.84%), β-bisabolene (7.53%), dolabradiene (5.50%), intermedeol (4.14%) and tricosanal (3.78%). The principal compounds detected during the post-F stage were intermedeol (5.53%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.01%), (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (4.47%), caryophyllene oxide, (3.27%) linalool (3.13%) and hexadecanoic acid (2.04%).
Via a thorough investigation of the literature, it was revealed that the essential oil composition of the flowering heads of E. polyceras had never previously been investigated before. Previous studies concentrated on evaluating the constituents of the essential oils extracted from the roots of most Echinops species, including E. polyceras [18]. Recently, the study of Belabbes et al. [18] identified 5-(but-1-yn-3-enyl)-2,2’bithiophene and α-terthienyle (54.4 and 26.3%, respectively) as the primary constituents of the essential oil extracted from the roots of E. spinousus from Algeria. These two compounds were also detected in the essential oil obtained from the roots of E. spinousus of Tunisian origin (21.334%, 18.024%., respectively) [19]. These studies confirm that the essential oils extracted from different plant organs can have quite different compositions. Other factors can also affect the essential oil composition, including harvesting time, extraction method, soil type and many other environmental factors.
The chemical compositions of the essential oils of other Echinops species were investigated [20,21,22,23,24,25]. In these studies, the essential oils were extracted from a variety of different organs including the roots and aerial organs (stems, leaves, flowers, tubers). Table 4 summarizes the results of these studies and compares them to our current investigation [20,21,22,23,24,25]. These data shown in Table 4 reveal great qualitative and quantitative differences between the constituents of the EOs among the different Echinops species. It was noticed that some chemical constituents were common to all species, including 1,8-cineole, E-caryophyllene, caryophellene oxide and hexadecanoic acid.
In the current study, the methanolic extract (EPM) obtained from the air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras was investigated for its COX-1, COX-2 and protein denaturation inhibitory effects in addition to its antimicrobial potential against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The preliminary screening results indicated that the extract displayed more COX-2 inhibition than COX-1 inhibition. The percentage inhibition of COX-2 was 96.4% and 99.0% at 200 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL EPM concentration levels, respectively. The standard drug used, celecoxib, produced an 88.6% inhibition under the same experimental conditions. It has been widely reported that the COX-1 enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of the constitutional prostaglandins that are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the stomach lining and kidney functions. The inhibition of COX-1 produced certain side effects such as bleeding and ulceration. In this study, it was observed that EPM extracted at a concentration level of 200 μg/mL inhibited only 65.0% of COX-1 enzyme, while the standard reference compound SC-560 (5 ng/mL) inhibited 50.2% COX-1. These findings suggest that fractionation of the extract is required to explore the selective COX-2 activity of the isolated compounds.
Moreover, the EPM extract displayed moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive S. aureus. The extract showed weak antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative E. coli (Figure 1), with lower levels of activity than those observed for the extract obtained from the E. polyceras from Saudi Arabia [26].

4. Materials and Methods

4.1. Plant Material

The plant material was collected from the area surrounding Al-Balqa Applied University, (32′02′11″76″ N; 35′43′43″82″ E), Al-Salt governorate, Jordan, during the summer season of the year 2021. The inflorescence heads of the plant material were collected at the pre-flowering (pre-F), full-flowering (full-F) and post-flowering (post-F) stages. The taxonomic identity of the plant was confirmed by Prof. Dr. Hala I. Al-Jaber, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan. A voucher specimen (No: Ast/Ep/2021) was deposited at the herbarium of the Faculty of Science (Natural Products Laboratory Herbarium), Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan.

4.2. Hydro-Distillation and Extraction of Essential Oils

Essential oils (EOs) were extracted from fresh inflorescence heads of E. polyceras at different growth stages and according to the procedure described in the literature [27,28]. Briefly, a 300 g sample of fresh inflorescence heads collected at each flowering stage was coarsely powdered and then subjected to hydro-distillation for 3 h in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The obtained essential oil (HDEO) from each growth stage was extracted (twice) with GC-grade n-hexane, dried using anhydrous MgSO4, and then stored in amber glass vials at 4 °C until analysis was performed.

4.3. GC-MS Analysis

GC/MS analysis was done according to the procedure previously described in the literature [29,30]. The analysis was performed on a Shimadzu QP2020 GC-MS equipped with GC-2010 Plus (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan) with a split–splitless injector, utilizing a DB5-MS fused silica column (5% phenyl, 95% polydimethylsiloxane, 30 m × 0.25 mm, 25 µm film thickness). Briefly, a linear temperature program was used to separate the different components. The oven temperature was set to 50 °C for 1 min, after which temperature programming was applied at 7 °C/min. The heating rate started from 50 °C (initial temperature) to 280 °C (final temperature); this was then held at 280 °C for 10 min, and the total run time was 44 min. The injector temperature was 260 °C with a split ratio of 20:1; an injection volume of 1 µL; a carrier gas: helium (flow rate 1.50 mL/min); and a flow control mode: pressure, 88.3 kPa. MS source temperature/detector temperature: 240 °C; interface temperature: 250 °C; ionization energy (EI): 70 eV; scan range 35–500 amu; scan speed 1666. The solvent cut was 3 min, while these data were acquired in 4.5 min. These data were collected using Windows-based Lab-Solution GC-MS version 4.45SP1 Software. The mass spectra of isolated components were compared to those reported in ADAMS-2007 and NIST 2017 mass spectrometry libraries. To confirm the identified compound, a comparison was performed between reported values and relative retention indices (RRI) with reference to n-alkanes (C8–C30) in addition to these data published in the literature [31].

4.4. Preparation of the Alcoholic Extract

The alcoholic extract was prepared according to the procedure described in the literature with slight modifications [27,32]. Air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras (20 g) were ground down to fine powder and then soaked in methanol (400 mL) at room temperature (3 × 24 h). The solvent was then evaporated under reduced pressure at 55 °C. The obtained methanol extract (EPM, 2.2479 g; yield: 11.24%) was then used for bioactivity screening.

4.5. COX-1 and COX-2 Inhibitory Activity

To evaluate the COX activity and to judge the NSAID activity of the methanolic extract (EPM), a COX-1 inhibitory screening assay kit containing SC-560 as standard (Fluorometric, ab204698, Abcam, Tokyo, Japan) and COX-2 inhibitor screening kit (Fluorometric, ab283401, Abcam, Tokyo, Japan) containing celecoxib as standard were used as per the instruction provided with the kit without any modification [33,34,35]. Two different concentrations of the EPM extract were prepared for initial screening in the supplied buffer. The buffer solution was used as a control.

4.6. Inhibition of Protein Denaturation

The procedure described in [35,36], was used to estimate the inhibition of protein denaturation with slight modifications. Different solutions were prepared for the assay, including the test solution (EPM extract), test control, product control and standard solution. All solutions were prepared using a buffer with pH 6.3. These prepared samples were kept at 37 °C for 20 min; then, they were incubated at 50 °C for another 20 min. The absorbance was measured at 416 nm using a synergy HTC multimode reader (Viotek, Winooski, VT, USA). Absorbance measurements were performed after all samples had cooled down. The percent inhibition of protein denaturation was calculated using the given formula:
Percent Inhibition = 100 − (   A b s   o f   t e s t   s o l u t i o n − A b s   o f   P r o d u c t   c o n t r o l A b s   o f   T e s t   c o n t r o l × 100 )

4.7. Antimicrobial Activity

Gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 6538) and Gram-negative (E. coli ATCC 8739) bacteria were used to assess the antibacterial activity of the EPM extract and moxifloxacin (standard drug) according to the procedure described in the literature [34]. Nutrient agar was added to a sterile Petri disc (9 cm, diameter). The plates were inoculated with bacterial culture using sterilized cotton swaps. Subsequently, 6 mm wells were created with sterilized 6 mm surgical punches. The wells were filled with 60 µL of extract solution (5000, 2500 or 1250 µg/mL) and moxifloxacin standard solution (40 µg/mL). A 5% DMSO solution was used as a control. The plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Duplicate runs of each experiment were produced.

4.8. Statistical Analysis

The results obtained in the present study are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). For the statistical analysis of the experimental data, Graph-Pad Prism 5 (Graph-Pad Software, San Diego, CA, USA) was used.

5. Conclusions

This is the first study to report on the chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oil obtained from the inflorescence heads of Jordanian E. polyceras at different growth stages. When comparing our current results with those reported in the literature, it can be concluded that the essential oil obtained from flowering heads of E. polyceras had a quite different composition than that obtained from the roots. The EO was rich in chemical constituents such as (6E,10E)-Pseudo phytol, dolabradiene, isoamyl dodecanoate, intermedeol, β-bisabolene, linalool, (E)-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerol, β-elemene, hexaxecanoic acid and iso-longifolol. The methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of E. polyceras showed significant COX-1, COX-2 and protein denaturation inhibitory activities, but moderate antimicrobial activity, against S. aureus and E. coli. The current results of this study encourage researchers to undertake further detailed phytochemical investigations of the alcoholic extract in order to isolate and characterize its active constituents.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/molecules28104238/s1. Figure S1: GC-MS analysis of GC-MS analysis of essential oil during pre-flowering stage of E. polyceras inflorescence; Figure S2: GC-MS analysis of essential oil during full-flowering stage of E. polyceras inflorescence; Figure S3: GC-MS analysis of essential oil during full-flowering stage of E. polyceras inflorescence.

Author Contributions

H.I.A.-J. and A.K.S. conceived and designed the experiments; H.S.H., H.I.A.-J. and A.K.S. performed the experiments; H.I.A.-J., A.K.S., H.S.H., H.E.A.-S. and L.M.B. analyzed the data; H.I.A.-J. and A.K.S. wrote the paper; H.I.A.-J. and A.K.S. edited the final manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data will be provided upon request.

Acknowledgments

We thank the Deanship, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa University, Al-Salt, Jordan and Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan for providing the necessary facilities.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Molecules 28 04238 g001 550
Figure 1. Different classes of compounds detected in the HDEOs of E. polyceras from Jordan collected at different growth stages viz. Pre-F: pre-flowering, Full-F: full-flowering and Post-F: post-flowering.
Figure 1. Different classes of compounds detected in the HDEOs of E. polyceras from Jordan collected at different growth stages viz. Pre-F: pre-flowering, Full-F: full-flowering and Post-F: post-flowering.
Molecules 28 04238 g001
Molecules 28 04238 g002 550
Figure 2. Antibacterial activity of EPM extract: well 1:5000 µg/mL; well 2:2500 µg/mL; well 3:1250 µg/mL, and moxifloxacin (well 4:40 µg/mL) against S. aureus (left) and E. coli. (right). Control (5% DMSO) is marked “C”.
Figure 2. Antibacterial activity of EPM extract: well 1:5000 µg/mL; well 2:2500 µg/mL; well 3:1250 µg/mL, and moxifloxacin (well 4:40 µg/mL) against S. aureus (left) and E. coli. (right). Control (5% DMSO) is marked “C”.
Molecules 28 04238 g002
Table
Table 1. GC/MS analysis of the HDEO obtained from inflorescence heads of fresh E. polyceras at different growth stages.
Table 1. GC/MS analysis of the HDEO obtained from inflorescence heads of fresh E. polyceras at different growth stages.
NoRI expRI TheorCompoundClass% Composition
PFFFPost-F
18468413-methyl-Pentanol AH&D0.093.00-
2850850(2E)-Hexenal AH&D8.03--
3851853(3E)-Hexenol AH&D--0.23
4861862(2E)-HexenolAH&D0.96-0.15
5865870n-Hexanol AH&D4.06-0.86
6865867(2Z)-Hexenol AH&D-0.08-
7884888Ethyl pent-4-enoate AH&D-0.27-
88868894-HeptanolAH&D-0.15-
98888922-Heptanone AH&D0.13--
10898895(4Z)-HeptenalAH&D-0.13-
11899900n-Nonane AH&D0.14--
12904902Heptanal AH&D0.430.100.03
13916916(2E,4E)-Hexadienol AH&D0.122.660.01
149219232-methyl-4-Heptanone AH&D-0.59-
159329445-methyl-3-Heptanone AH&D-0.34-
169489433-methyl-Cyclohexanol AH&D-2.30-
179549523-methyl-Cyclohexanone AH&D-0.24-
18957954(2E)-Heptenal AH&D0.12-0.03
19963960Benzaldehyde AH&D--0.03
20968966n-Heptanol AH&D--0.03
21973973Hexanoic acid AH&D--0.05
229789791-Octen-3-ol AH&D--0.10
23984986(3E)-Octen-2-ol AH&D--0.05
249909882-Pentyl furan Ar6.32-0.15
259991002δ-2-Carene MH0.75-0.04
261004998n-Octanal AH&D0.14-0.10
2710121016(2E,4E)-Heptadienol AH&D--0.09
28102710213-methyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione AH&D--0.03
2910341031Eucalyptol OM--0.08
3010381035(3E)-Octen-2-oneAH&D--0.09
3110451042Benzene acetaldehyde Ar--0.05
3210551054Prenyl isobutyrate AH&D0.63-0.11
3310591054(2E)-Octen-1-al AH&D0.27-0.26
3410701068n-OctanolAH&D--0.92
3510821084(2Z)-Hexenal diethyl acetal AH&D--0.05
3610871086trans-Linalool oxide OM--0.07
37109010902-Nonanone AH&D--0.04
3810941090Isobutyl tiglate AH&D--0.41
39109510982-Nonanol AH&D0.11--
4011001096Linalool OM1.440.453.13
4111051100n-Nonanal AH&D3.470.272.17
4211111108cis-Rose oxide OM--0.20
4311161116(2E,4E)-Octadienol AH&D--0.16
4411241119trans-p-Mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol OM--0.08
45112711331-TerpineolOM--0.10
4611391140Nopinone OM--0.11
4711441144trans- p-Menth-2-en-1-olOM--0.10
4811471146trans-VerbenolOM--0.09
4911511154Camphor OM--0.23
5011551154(2E,6Z)-Nonadienal AH&D0.790.131.48
5111561153(3E,6Z)-Nonadienol AH&D--0.12
5211611157(2E)-Nonen-1-alAH&D1.850.172.63
5311671166(2Z)-Nonenol AH&D--0.38
5411721169n-NonanolAH&D0.12-0.36
5511761169Borneol OM--0.11
5611841177Terpinen-4-ol OM--0.38
5711891182p-Cymen-8-ol Ar--0.49
58119111922-DecanoneAH&D--0.04
5911991196γ-TerpineolOM0.450.231.09
6012021169SafranalOM--0.06
6112071201n-Decanal AH&D0.700.700.87
6212111208trans-PiperitolOM--0.14
6312151205Verbenone OM0.13-0.35
6412181229Nerol OM1.03-1.51
6512231219β-Cyclocitral OM0.24-0.33
6612251225Citronellol OM--0.36
6712301229(Z)-Ocimenone OM--0.30
6812401232exo-Fenchyl acetate OM--0.06
6912501252Geraniol OM--0.63
7012591263cis-Carvone oxide OM--0.07
7112641263(2E)-Decenal AH&D0.33-0.81
7212701269n-Decanol AH&D--0.30
7312811285Isobornyl acetate OM0.22-0.08
7412841285iso-Isopulegyl acetate OM--0.32
7512871285Bornyl acetate OM--0.14
7612911290Thymol Ar--0.15
7712971293(2E,4Z)-Decadienal AH&D0.16-0.28
7813001300n-Tridecane AH&D0.270.290.55
7913091306Undecanal AH&D0.320.190.27
8013131309p-vinyl-Guaiacol Ar--0.22
8113221321(2E,4E)-Decadienol AH&D0.780.591.67
8213311332Hexyl tiglate AH&D--0.08
8313371338δ-Elemene SH0.11-0.16
8413521359EugenolAr--0.12
8513631361γ-Nonalactone AH&D--0.17
8613671360(2E)-Undecenal AH&D-0.170.33
8713751370n-Undecanol AH&D--0.11
8813821376α-Copaene SH0.230.310.27
8913901390β-Elemene SH0.941.071.30
90139913999-Decenyl acetate AH&D--0.22
9114021400Tetradecane AH&D-0.230.10
9214101408Dodecanal AH&D0.220.240.03
9314141412dihydro-α-Ionone OM0.620.551.86
9414291419(E)-Caryophyllene SH3.102.455.01
9514341440trans-Nerone OM--0.04
9614371433β-Gurjunene SH0.230.110.07
9714391441Aromadendrene SH--0.05
9814491453Geranyl acetone OM0.180.130.32
9914611466(2E)-Dodecenal AH&D0.540.620.51
10014631454α-Humulene SH0.120.280.42
10114691470n-Dodecanol AH&D--0.12
102147914796-nonyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-Pyran-2-one AH&D0.760.302.71
10314821481methyl-γ-Ionone OS0.830.681.18
10414861488(E)-β-Ionone OS0.10-0.44
10514881492δ-Selinene SH-0.50-
10614931496Valencene SH0.430.330.20
10714971490β-Selinene SH0.150.27-
10814971492δ-SelineneSH--0.30
10915001500n-PentadecaneAH&D-0.350.18
11015031498α-Selinene SH0.100.310.40
11115071497Methyl p-tert-butylphenyl acetate Ar-0.12-
11215111505β-Bisabolene -7.530.52
11315131510Tridecanal AH&D0.39--
11415161512α-Alaskene SH0.370.170.62
11515221515Cubebol OS0.29-0.55
11615281523δ-Cadinene SH-0.760.12
11715431546Selina-3,7(11)-diene SH--0.09
11815611566Dodecanoic acid AH&D0.490.350.89
11915771566(3Z)-Hexenyl benzoateAr1.831.111.61
12015841580n-Hexyl benzoate Ar1.320.841.33
12115821590Caryophyllene oxideOS1.532.223.27
12216001600n-Hexadecane AH&D-0.440.11
12316041604Khusimone OS--0.11
12416151612Tetradecanal AH&D0.320.220.30
125162116192,(7Z)-Bisaboladien-4-ol OS--0.42
12616271632γ-Eudesmol OS--0.05
12716331637Caryophylla-4(12),8(13)-dien-5β-olOS--0.39
12816471650β-Eudesmol OS0.400.241.50
12916561653α-Eudesmol OS--0.31
13016571659Selin-11-en-4-α-ol OS-0.17-
13116651660neo-Intermedeol OS0.100.290.40
132166916637-epi-α-EudesmolOS0.230.300.40
13316731672n-TetradecanolOS0.361.110.47
13416771666Intermedeol OS4.194.145.53
13516811676Cadalene Ar-1.07-
136168816924-Cuprenen-1-ol OS0.150.180.36
13716911689Shyobunol OS--0.18
13817021700n-HeptadecaneAH&D0.230.560.54
13917171703(2E)-Tridecenol acetate AH&D1.590.861.83
14017211718Methyl eudesmate Ar-0.520.12
14117251723Methyl tetradecanoate AH&D-1.710.51
14217331729iso-LongifololOS0.411.950.90
14317461746γ-Costol OS-0.180.49
14417601774n-PentadecanolAH&D0.940.910.60
1451766176712-hydroxy-(Z)-Sesquicineole OS--0.08
14617951796Ethyl tetradecanoate AH&D--0.10
14718021800n-Octadecane AH&D-0.470.12
14818061808Eudesm-11-en-4-α, 6-α-diol OS-0.700.04
14918191817(2E,6E)-Farnesoic acid OS0.290.610.16
15018311829Isopropyl tetradecanoate AH&D0.56-0.52
15118431845Isoamyl dodecanoate AH&D2.501.861.83
15219011900n-NonadecaneAH&D0.260.240.34
15319211930Ambrettolide AH&D0.21-0.18
15419261921Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester AH&D1.261.441.99
15519641960Hexadecanoic acid AH&D4.610.532.04
15619841974DolabradieneAr2.625.501.48
15719962000n-Eicosane AH&D0.200.180.19
15820012003Hexadecyl acetate AH&D0.240.570.18
15920121989Manoyl oxide OD0.400.900.20
16020172017Phyllocladene SH--0.02
16120242024Isopropyl hexadecanoate AH&D0.310.370.27
1622033201013-epi-Manool oxide OD--0.06
1632060206013-epi-Manool OD-0.310.05
16420702043?(6E,10E)-Pseudo phytol OD7.547.844.47
16520872077n-Octadecanol AH&D--0.07
16620942085Methyl linoleate AH&D0.450.590.64
16721012100n-Heneicosane AH&D0.820.980.84
16821112116Laurenan-2-oneOD0.260.400.31
16921272128Methyl stearateAH&D-0.350.26
17021342133Linoleic acid AH&D1.091.370.60
17121392142Oleic acid AH&D0.290.140.13
17221432149AbienolOD0.15-0.14
17321652173Linoleic acid ethyl esterAH&D--0.08
174218021891-Docosene AH&D--0.28
17521812196Ethyl octadecanoate AH&D0.38--
17621942198Ugandensidial OD0.850.810.43
17721952200n-Docosane AH&D0.770.670.39
17822092209Octadecanol acetate AH&D0.100.180.05
17922322223Sclareol OD0.12-0.11
18022832269Sandaracopimarinol OD0.990.700.93
181230022973-α-hydroxy-Manool OD0.32-0.08
18223022300n-TricosaneAH&D1.381.661.41
183233523383-α-14,15-dihydro-Manool oxide OD3.432.601.53
18424062400n-TetracosaneAH&D0.290.460.31
18525022500n-PentacosaneAH&D1.181.330.78
18625352531TricosanalAH&D0.793.780.65
18725972600HexacosaneAH&D0.121.080.14
18827022700HeptacosaneAH&D2.531.561.60
18928032800Octacosane AH&D0.190.410.13
19028152790SqualeneAH&D-0.27-
19129032900NonacosaneAH&D-0.62-
19231013101UntriacontaneAH&D--0.09
Monoterpene hydrocarbons (MH)0.75-0.04
Oxygenated monoterpenes (OM)4.311.3612.35
Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (SH)5.7814.089.53
Oxygenated sesquiterpenes (OS)8.8812.7617.22
Diterpene hydrocarbons (DH)2.625.501.48
Oxygenated diterpenes (OD)14.0513.568.34
Aromatics (Ar)9.483.664.24
Aliphatic hydrocarbons & their derivatives (AH&D)50.0440.2841.34
Total Identified 95.9191.2094.50
Table
Table 2. COX-1 and COX-2 and protein denaturation inhibitory effects of EPM extract.
Table 2. COX-1 and COX-2 and protein denaturation inhibitory effects of EPM extract.
% Inhibition (Mean ± SD)
COX-1COX-2Protein Denaturation
EPM: (200 µg/mL)64.98 ± 2.5596.37 ± 0.85-
EPM: (400 µg/mL)-98.97 ± 0.45-
SC-560 (5 ng/mL)50.17 ± 1.25--
Celecoxib * -88.63 ± 2.20-
EPM (250 µg/mL)--64.34 ± 2.83
Diclofenac sodium (250 µg/mL)--68.75 ± 1.05
* (5× dilution, as instructed), n = 3.
Table
Table 3. Antimicrobial activity of EPM extract against S. aureus and E. coli.
Table 3. Antimicrobial activity of EPM extract against S. aureus and E. coli.
Sample NameInhibition Zone (mm)
S. aureusE. coli
EPM extract (5000 µg/mL)1512
EPM extract (2500 µg/mL)1210
EPM extract (1250 µg/mL)10None
Moxifloxacin (40 µg/mL)2613
n = two measurements; diameter of well = 6 mm.
Table
Table 4. Comparative studies on the chemical composition of the HDEO obtained from the roots, different aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers, tubers) of several Echinops species from different origins around the world and the current study.
Table 4. Comparative studies on the chemical composition of the HDEO obtained from the roots, different aerial parts (stems, leaves, flowers, tubers) of several Echinops species from different origins around the world and the current study.
ConstituentsCurrent StudyE. Spinousus [19]E. Ilicifolius [20]E. grijsii [21]E. latifolius [22]E. kebericho [23]E. kebericho [8]E. ritro [24] E. graecus [25]E. ellenbeckii [25]
PFFFPst FRLFRRAPTuRInflInflLSFR
(2E)-Hexenal8.03----------21.4-----
𝛽-Pinene-------3.9215.563.62-t-----
1,8-Cineole1.440.453.130.321-0.1-5.5619.63-tr16.3-----
β-Phellandrene---0.413----0.1510.84- -----
(Z)-𝛽-Ocimene----0.1--5.0118.440.83rtt-----
Linalool--0.080.54916.458.60.91.542.74--9.85.6----
Geraniol--0.63-8.317.4-----t-----
p-Cymene------0.9--0.140.112.1t----
Camphor--0.230.8620.1-0.6-1.500.16tr2.66.5---tr
Intermedeol4.194.145.53--------------
(E)-Caryophyllene3.102.455.012.736---3.843.58-1.7----2.300.23
β-Bisabolene-7.530.52----0.46--0.1----4.40-
Caryophyllene oxide1.532.223.275.217---3.530.820.409.7--4.932.26-1.01
γ-Cadinene---27.224-2.321.52----------
(6E,10E)-Pseudo phytol7.547.844.47--------------
Dolabradiene2.625.501.48--------------
n-Dodecane----0.210.914.5-----t0.520.110.900.06
Nerol1.03-1.51-2.65.4-----t-----
n-Hexadecanoic acid4.610.532.04-36.23.37.8----2.6----7.10
Dehydrocostus lactone---------41.83-------
Germacrene B---------5.38----
Tridecane0.270.290.55---0.2---tr--0.570.111.500.10
AP: aerial parts, L: leaves; S: stem; PF: pre-flower; FF: full flower; F: flower; Infl: Inflorescence; Tu: tubers; Pst-F: post-flower; AP: Aerial Part; R: root.
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Hasan, H.S.; Shakya, A.K.; Al-Jaber, H.I.; Abu-Sal, H.E.; Barhoumi, L.M. Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract. Molecules 2023, 28, 4238. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104238

AMA Style

Hasan HS, Shakya AK, Al-Jaber HI, Abu-Sal HE, Barhoumi LM. Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract. Molecules. 2023; 28(10):4238. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104238

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hasan, Hazem S., Ashok K. Shakya, Hala I. Al-Jaber, Hana E. Abu-Sal, and Lina M. Barhoumi. 2023. "Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract" Molecules 28, no. 10: 4238. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104238

APA Style

Hasan, H. S., Shakya, A. K., Al-Jaber, H. I., Abu-Sal, H. E., & Barhoumi, L. M. (2023). Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract. Molecules, 28(10), 4238. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104238

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