Biological Activities of Carlina Oxide Isolated from the Roots of Carthamus caeruleus

Abstract

Background: Carthamus caeruleus belongs to the Asteraceae family. The roots are traditionally used as healing agents. They help to heal burns and treat skin diseases. They are also used against joint inflammation and are very effective against diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome for cancer patients. Objectives: The purpose of this work was i) to study the chemical composition of i) the essential oil and hydrosol extract of Carthamus caeruleus, ii) to isolate the major component of both extracts and iii) to evaluate their antioxidant, antifungal and insecticidal activities. Methods: The essential oil and hydrosol extract obtained from the roots were studied by GC and GC/MS. The antioxidant activities were performed using two different methods i) Radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ii) the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), using BHT as a positive control. Whereas, the antifungal activity of the essential oil and Carlina oxide was investigated against plant fungi. The fumigation toxicity of C. caeruleus essential oil besides Carlina oxide was evaluated against adults of Bactrocera oleae better known as the olive fly. Results: The essential oil and hydrosol extract were mainly represented by acetylenic compounds such as carline oxide and 13-methoxy carline oxide. Carlina oxide was isolated and identified by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic means. The results showed that Carlina oxide presented interesting antioxidant and antifungal properties, while C. caeruleus root essential oil had better insecticidal activity. Furthermore, Carlina oxide has demonstrated promising in vivo antifungal activity to control infection of apples by Penicillium expansum. Conclusion: Carlina oxide can be used as a natural food preservative and alternative to chemical fungicides to protect stored apple against Penicillium expansum.