Allelopathic effects of essential oils

What is it about?

The potential allelopathic effects of the essential oils of Sinapis arvensis L. aerial part was appraised in vitro. The inhibitory effect of the essential oils at 0, 2.5, 5 and 10% (w/v) on germination and seedling growth of two cultivated medicinal plants, Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), Cardaria draba (Lepidium draba L.) and two weeds, redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) and dandelion (Taraxicum officinale) was check. Sinapis arvensis L. essential oils influenced all four test plants equally, with 2.5, 5 and 10% decreasing seed germination and shoot length. This allelopathic effect of this herb may be related to the presence of allelochemicals, including benzyl isothiocyante, cubenol, 1- butenyl isoithiocyanate and dimethyl trisulfide.

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Why is it important?

The search of biologically active component of plants has always been great interest to scientists looking for new sources of practical for herb-based medicines, food supplements, pharmaceuticals and health products.