The science of Aboriginal smoking ceremonies
Two researchers from the University of New England in Armidale, Australia, have investigated the traditional medicines used in Australian Aboriginal cultures using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID).1
Two researchers from the University of New England in Armidale, Australia, have investigated thetraditional medicines used in Australian Aboriginal cultures using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID).1
Eremophilia longifolia is one of the most significant of the traditional medicines used by Aboriginalpeople. Its traditional use involves smoldering the leaves over hot embers and then either breathingin the smoke or bodily exposure to the fumes to provide relief for respiratory complaints.
Nicholas Sadgrove, an ethnobotanist and lead author of the study, became interested instudying this area of research after growing up surrounded by Aboriginal culture. Historically,Aboriginal medicine has been believed to be entirely ritualistic, with minimal proveneffects. However, there are many who believe that it may not be the medicinethat is limited, but the science itself. Sadgrove told The Column: “Our research isstarting to demonstrate that standard methods are failing to fully capturemedicinal effects described previously by Aboriginal people. Typically, when weinvestigate these things we’re looking for an ‘active’ principle, perhaps a molecule,that can adequately perform all of the medicinal effects described anecdotally.”
The team collected Eremophilia longifolia specimens from a range of locations in westernNew South Wales, Australia. Essential oils (both non-pyrolysed and partially pyrolysed) were extracted from the samplesusing hydrodistillation and part-wet/part-dry distillation. For identification and quantification of the essential oils, GC–MSand GC–FID were used. Analysis with GC–MS enabled confirmation of the essential oils but the pyrolysed fraction wasn’tvolatile at the lower temperatures used in GC. GC–FID was more useful because it enabled the amount of pyrolysedmaterial in the sample to be quantified, relative to the essential oil. Both non-pyrolysed and partially pyrolysed oils werefound to have approximately three or more times greater antimicrobial activity when warmed incrementally.
The team concluded that their results provide the first known Western scientific justification for the Aboriginal smokingceremonies. Sadgrove added: “We have recently begun similar experiments with other species used for ‘smokingceremonies’ in Australian ethnobotany. We are starting to get results that demonstrate a potential ‘active’ principle, possibly amolecule. With fractionation and purification, our ‘active’ molecule will most likely appear in GC–MS due to its low molecularsize. In this particular case, GC–MS will go a long way toward helping us to identify this molecule.”
Reference
1. 1. N.J. Sadgrove and G.L Jones, J Ethnopharmacol.147(3), 638–44 (2013).
This story originally appeared in The Column. Click here to view that issue.
New Study Uses MSPE with GC–MS to Analyze PFCAs in Water
January 20th 2025Scientists from the China University of Sciences combined magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to analyze perfluoro carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in different water environments.
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ion used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
A Guide To Finding the Ideal Syringe and Needle
January 20th 2025Hamilton has produced a series of reference guides to assist science professionals in finding the best-suited products and configurations for their applications. The Syringe and Needle Reference Guide provides detailed information on Hamilton Company’s full portfolio of syringes and needles. Everything from cleaning and preventative maintenance to individual part numbers are available for review. It also includes selection charts to help you choose between syringe terminations like cemented needles and luer tips.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
Oasis or Sand Dune? Isolation of Psychedelic Compounds
January 20th 2025Magic mushrooms, once taboo, have recently experienced a renaissance. This new awakening is partially due to new findings that indicate the effects of psilocybin, and its dephosphorylated cousin psilocin may produce long lasting results for patients who might be struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hamilton Company has developed a methodology for the isolation and identification of 5 common psychedelic compounds used in the potential treatment of disease. The PRP-1 HPLC column resin remains stable in the harsh alkaline conditions ideal for better separations.
