| Abstract
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The essential oil of Anemopsis californica (Nutt.) Hook. and Arn. root was examined. Alpha-pinene (0.15%), cymene (0.14%), limonene (0.16%), 1,8-cineole (0.34%), myrtenol (1.48%), anethole (1.03%), piperitone (0.40%), thymol (4.19%), methyleugenol (59.28%) and elemicin (2.66%) were identified. This is the first published report of myrtenol, anethole, and elemicin in Anemopsis root tissue. Seventeen populations of New Mexico Anemopsis were examined for chemical variability of specific, abundant compounds: elemicin, methyleugenol, thymol, and piperitone. Southern New Mexico populations accumulate the highest concentrations of methyleugenol. Growth under cultivated conditions appears to have no negative impact on the chemical composition of New Mexico Anemopsis. Analysis of tissue recollected at selected sites after three years reveals the stability of chemical profiles within a population, as well as the retention of unique chemical profiles between populations. The climate in much of New Mexico is favorable for oil accumulation in Anemopsis root tissue. Optimal environmental conditions for essential oil production in Anemopsis are 12 to 16 °C and less than 25 cm of annual rainfall. Therapeutic doses of A. californica essential oil and its abundant compounds inhibit the growth of human uterine (AN3CA) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells in vitro. Thymol had the greatest inhibitory effect against both uterine and cervical cell lines. In a second assay for anti-cancer activity, Anemopsis root oils inhibited the growth of SGS 1modified yeast strains. A series of light microscope images of Anemopsis leaf and root tissue reveals the presence of oil containing cells associated with the vascular bundle. SEM of root tissues reveals tightly compacted layers of ruptured specialized cells clinging to the periphery of the vascular tissue, as well as images of spherical oil droplets inside of intact specialized cells. An examination of cultural herb use demonstrates how examining traditional medical practices can provide greater understanding of the beliefs and behaviors people have with regards to their health. This type of study is an important tool for reducing the numbers of people that will develop or die from cancer over the course of a lifetime.
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