To investigate the effect of vermicompost, N fertilizer and their integration on growth, biological and essential yields oil and its components in two populations (Varamin and Isfahan), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the field of Isfahan Medicinal Plants Research Center in 2016. Fertilizer treatments including 100% urea, vermicompost 33.3 and urea 66.6%, vermicompost 66.6 and urea 33.3%, 100% vermicompost and control treatment (without fertilizer) as the first factor and Varamin and Isfahan populations as the second factor were selected. The results showed that the interaction effects of nitrogen fertilizer and populations on all studied traits were significant. In both populations, nitrogen fertilizer improved height, biological and essential oil yields, content of essential oil compounds (d-Carvone and its yield, α-phellandrene and linalool; except p-Cymene and Limonene in Isfahan population). Since in medicinal plants, the quantity (biological yield) and quality (essential oil and d-Carvone; the most important ingredient and the highest amount of essential oil in this experiment), 66.6% vermicompost + 33.3% urea in Varamin population, was the best treatment in the experiment. In addition an in the direction of human health and sustainable agriculture, it is possible to reduce 33% of chemical fertilizers application and pollution; however, in terms of other essential oil contents (α-phellandrene, Linalool and p-Cymene), 100% vermicompost fertilizer treatment was superior in Isfahan population.

Background: Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis protozoan, is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Although metronidazole and tinidazole are the only approved drugs for treatment, drug-resistant cases of infection are on the rise. The aim of the study was the evaluation of antitrichomonal potential of Piper nigrum and limonene. The phytochemical profile of P. nigrum oil was also investigated. Methods: The parasites were treated in vitro with essential oil and different extracts of P. nigrum seed and limonene using microtiter plate method. The oil analysis of P. nigrum was also evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assay of P. nigrum oil and limonene were screened on Vero cell line by MTT method.Results: The tested P. nigrum fractions were able to kill 100% of Trichomonas trophozoites at MLC concentration and reduce the trophozoite viability at sub-MLC and lower concentrations. After 48 hours exposure, the most potent fraction was the n-hexane extract with MLC of 78 µg/ml and followed by the essential oil and methanol extract with MLC of 156 µg/ml, limonene (MLC=1250 µg/ml), and then, aqueous extract with MLC value of 25 mg/ml. Also according to cytotoxicity assay, P. nigrum oil was less toxic to Vero cell than limonene, with a selectivity index of 13.2 and 2.04, respectively. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated the trichomonacidal potential of P. nigrum. Thus, P. nigrum fractions can be considered promising antiprotozoal agents and the basis for further development to discover new phytochemicals compounds.

Vitex L. (250 species) is a large tropical genus with a few temperate species. Examining the morphological characters of leave, stem, corolla and calyx together, with the micro-morphological observations, revealed the occurrence of four species in the flora of Iran. These species are V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, V. trifolia and V. pseudo-negundo. In this research, four species of Vitex were collected in flowering stage from their natural habitats. Hydro-distillation method was used to obtaining the essential oils. Essential oils components were identified by capillary GC and GC/MS. In the oil of V. agnus-castus, the main components of essential oil were monoterpenoids (82.8%) with 1,8-cineole (18.5%), a-pinene (17.8%) and limonene (15.7%) as major components. In the oil of V. pseudo-negundo, the main components of the essential oil were sesquiterpenoids (50.7%) which have the highest amount in comparing with other species and include a-guaiene (14.2%), germacrene D (11/6%) and a-cadinol (10%). Also the monoterpenoids of the oil of this species were a-pinene (10.3-24.5%), limonene (4.4-12.8%) and 1,8-cineole (10.9%). In the oil of V. negundo the major components were monoterpenoids (66.6%), among them 1,8-cineole (20.8%) and a-pinene (18.8%) were the main components. In the oil of V. trifolia, the major components were monoterpenoids (67.1%) and the main constituents were identified as sabinene (24.6%) and a- pinene (23.9%). 1,8-cineole was not found in the oil of this species. b-caryophyllene was identified at higher percentage (10.5%) in the oil of V. trifolia.