In vitro Antifusarial Activity of a Tar Extracted from the Juniperus phoenicea L. Wild in Southwest of Algeria

Abstract

The biological activities of medicinal plants have been recognized for centuries. Among them, Juniperus phoenicea is very commonly used for its medicinal virtues (respiratory, hepatic and renal infections). Its wood is used for heating and manufacture of coal and its vegetable tar is used to treat certain cases of eczema. The aim of the present study is focused on the evaluation of the in vitro antifungal activity of a tar extracted from Juniperus phoenicea L. The physicochemical analysis was performed first; then, the evaluation of antifusarial activity of the Juniperus phoenicea L. was carried out by using the dilution and the direct contact method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results of the physicochemical analysis show a density value of 1.10, a refraction index of about 1.5112, an acid pH (4.02) and the dries matter ratio of 36, 34% for the tested tar. The antifungal activity of the tar under study against six strains of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis (FOA; S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) revealed that Juniperus phoenicea L. tar has a great antifungal activity against all the investigated strains. The antifungal activity results reveal that the fungal growth was inhibited by the tar. S3 proved to be the most sensitive strain with a minimal inhibition concentration value of 0.006 mg/ml. The present study indicates that Juniperus phoenicea L. tar has antifungal activity against the different tested fungal strains.

Comparative Chemical and Biological Analysis of Wood and Tar Essential Oils from Cedrus atlantica and Juniperus oxycedrus in Morocco

“…Higher yields have been reported by different authors, 1.703%, 1.20%, 11.0% and 2.0%, respectively. 64,65,66,67 However, Loizzo et al reported 0.68% yield. 15 The yield of essential oil extraction from Cedrus atlantica wood was 4.03%, surpassing some previously reported results in the literature.…”

“…67 J. oxycedrus EO derived from aerial parts contains compounds such as α-pinene and β-cedrene and phenols like guaiacol and cresol. 15,79 The tar of J. oxycedrus contains αpinene, γ-cadinene, and germacrene D. 65 Notably, the EO displays a higher concentration of alcohols compared to the oil distilled from empyreumatic (tar) oil. 78 Furthermore, the chemical compositions of J. oxycedrus essential oils vary across different regions, resulting in distinct majority compounds.…”

Phytochemical characterization of forest leaves extracts and application to control apple postharvest diseases

“…Their lipophilic nature allows infiltrating and disrupting fungal cell membranes, causing leakage and ultimately celling death 100 , 101 . Sesquiterpenes (α-cedrene and β-caryophyllene) inhibit crucial fungal enzymes and metabolic pathways 102 . Phenolic compounds (thymol and carvacrol) are wielding their potent antioxidant properties to neutralize ROS generated by phytopathogens.…”

Insights on Juniperus phoenicea Essential Oil as Potential Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Antioxidant Candidate

“…The species' wide geographic distribution allows for a tremendous amount of genetic variability [17]. In folk medicine, this plant is considered a remedy that is commonly used in many countries for the treatment of diarrhea, bronchitis, rheumatism, acute gonococcal infection, eczema, hemorrhoids, dysmenorrheal, sunstroke, and depurative disinfectant [18,19]. The leaves of J. phoenicia are used against bronco-pulmonary disease and as a diuretic, whereas the berries are used to calm the crises of all types of coughs and as an oral hypoglycemic agent [20].…”