Essential oil composition and biological activities of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Miller) needles collected from different Tunisian regions

The aim of this research was to investigate the variation regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of needles essential oils (EOs) of P. halepensis. Chemical profiles demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) variability among the different EOs. The main identified compounds were caryophyllene (48.77 +/- 2.26), phenyl isovalerate (22.22 +/- 2.26), beta-myrcene (15.55 +/- 5.65) and alpha-pinene (14.52 +/- 2.26). Further, it was shown that EO from Tabouba (Tab) displayed the highest DPPH scavenging (IC50 = 73.03 mg/mL), anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 23.29 mu g/mL) and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities (IC50 = 254.45 mu g/mL). While Elmahres (Elm) exhibited the most potent ABTS radical's inhibition (IC50 = 197.87 mg/mL). For the cytotoxic capacities, Kettana (Ket) was the most efficient against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 value better than doxorubicin used as positive control. Obtained results suggest that EO of P. halepensis could be used as a source of bioactive compounds.

Automated summary

This research aimed to investigate the variation in the chemical composition and biological activities of P. halepensis needle essential oils. The study found significant variability among the different oils, with caryophyllene, phenyl isovalerate, beta-myrcene, and alpha-pinene being the main identified compounds. It was also demonstrated that the oil from Tabouba exhibited the highest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activities.