Abstract
The chemical components of tarbush (Flourensia cernua) leaves were fractionated by extracting successively with hexanes, diethyl ether, and ethanol. Volatile profiles of each fraction were identified by using GC-MS. The hexanes fraction contained mostly monoterpenoids, while the ethanol fraction volatiles were primarily sesquiterpenoids. Crude fractions were tested for activity against fungi, algae, and termites. Application of as little as 1 μg of the essential oil from the hexanes fraction was sufficient to provide visible antifungal activity in bioautography assays. The diethyl ether fraction showed selective activity against the cyanobacterium responsible for the 2-methylisoborneol-induced off-flavor sometimes associated with catfish farming operations. All three fractions exhibited a high degree of antitermite activity.
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Tellez, M., Estell, R., Fredrickson, E. et al. Extracts of Flourensia cernua (L): Volatile Constituents and Antifungal, Antialgal, and Antitermite Bioactivities. J Chem Ecol 27, 2263–2273 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012283005014
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012283005014