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19 pages, 2921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison between Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil from Two Different Locations

by Borislava Lechkova, Niko Benbassat, Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Kalin Ivanov, Lyudmil Peychev, Zhivko Peychev, Stanislav Dyankov, Yoana Georgieva-Dimova, Krasimir Kraev and Stanislava Ivanova

Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091969 - 25 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1339

Abstract

Tanacetum parthenium L. (Asteraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long-standing historical use in traditional medicine. Recently Tanacetum parthenium L. essential oil has been associated with a promising potential for future applications in the pharmaceutical industry, in the cosmetics industry, and in [...] Read more.

Tanacetum parthenium L. (Asteraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long-standing historical use in traditional medicine. Recently Tanacetum parthenium L. essential oil has been associated with a promising potential for future applications in the pharmaceutical industry, in the cosmetics industry, and in agriculture. Investigations on the essential oil (EO) have indicated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and repellent activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of Bulgarian T. parthenium essential oil from two different regions, to compare the results to those reported previously in the literature, and to point out some of its future applications. The essential oils of the air-dried flowering aerial parts were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was evaluated using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was established that the oxygenated monoterpenes were the predominant terpene class, followed by the monoterpene hydrocarbons. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences between both samples were revealed. Camphor (50.90%), camphene (16.12%), and bornyl acetate (6.05%) were the major constituents in the feverfew EO from the western Rhodope Mountains, while in the EO from the central Balkan mountains camphor (45.54%), trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (13.87%), and camphene (13.03%) were the most abundant components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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13 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sandalwood Oils of Different Origins Are Active In Vitro against Madurella mycetomatis, the Major Fungal Pathogen Responsible for Eumycetoma

by Shereen O. Abd Algaffar, Stephan Seegers, Prabodh Satyal, William N. Setzer, Thomas J. Schmidt and Sami A. Khalid

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081846 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1569

Abstract

In the search for new bioactive agents against the infectious pathogen responsible for the neglected tropical disease (NTD) mycetoma, we tested a collection of 27 essential oils (EOs) in vitro against Madurella mycetomatis, the primary pathogen responsible for the fungal form of [...] Read more.

In the search for new bioactive agents against the infectious pathogen responsible for the neglected tropical disease (NTD) mycetoma, we tested a collection of 27 essential oils (EOs) in vitro against Madurella mycetomatis, the primary pathogen responsible for the fungal form of mycetoma, termed eumycetoma. Among this series, the EO of Santalum album (Santalaceae), i.e., East Indian sandalwood oil, stood out prominently with the most potent inhibition in vitro. We, therefore, directed our research toward 15 EOs of Santalum species of different geographical origins, along with two samples of EOs from other plant species often commercialized as “sandalwood oils”. Most of these EOs displayed similar strong activity against M. mycetomatis in vitro. All tested oils were thoroughly analyzed by GC-QTOF MS and most of their constituents were identified. Separation of the sandalwood oil into the fractions of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and alcohols showed that its activity is associated with the sesquiterpene alcohols. The major constituents, the sesquiterpene alcohols (Z)-α- and (Z)-β-santalol were isolated from the S. album oil by column chromatography on AgNO₃-coated silica. They were tested as isolated compounds against the fungus, and (Z)-α-santalol was about two times more active than the β-isomer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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14 pages, 1885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Essential Oils from Asteraceae Plants on Behavior and Selected Physiological Parameters of the Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid

by Paweł Czerniewicz, Hubert Sytykiewicz and Grzegorz Chrzanowski

Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071673 - 8 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1266

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs), including those from the Asteraceae plants, have been shown to have promising insecticidal activity against a wide range of insect pests. Understanding the mechanism of action of EOs is one of the studied aspects. The present study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.

Essential oils (EOs), including those from the Asteraceae plants, have been shown to have promising insecticidal activity against a wide range of insect pests. Understanding the mechanism of action of EOs is one of the studied aspects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils from Achillea millefolium, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Tagetes patula and Tanacetum vulgare on the settling and probing behavior of the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.). In addition, the effect of the oils on the activity of such enzymes as trypsin, pepsin and α- and β-glucosidase involved in the metabolism of proteins and sugars of the insects was examined. The leaf-choice bioassays demonstrated that the studied EOs limited aphid settling for at least 24 h after the treatment. The application of EOs also inferred with aphid probing behavior by reducing the total probing time and total duration of phloem sap ingestion. Aphids spent more time in the search phase due to an increase in the number and total duration of pathway phases. Moreover, the activity of the studied proteases and glucosidases significantly decreased in R. padi females exposed to the EOs. The enzyme inhibition varied depending on the applied oil and exposure time. Generally, the EOs with stronger deterrent activity also showed higher inhibitory effects. The results suggest that the tested EOs disrupt key digestive processes in R. padi which may be an important factor determining their aphicidal activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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24 pages, 3295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Essential Oil Compositions of Ambrosia acanthicarpa Hook., Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt., and Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby (Asteraceae) from the Owyhee Mountains of Idaho

by Kathy Swor, Ambika Poudel, Prabodh Satyal and William N. Setzer

Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061383 - 20 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1240

Abstract

As part of our interest in the volatile phytoconstituents of aromatic plants of the Great Basin, we have obtained essential oils of Ambrosia acanthicarpa (three samples), Artemisia ludoviciana (12 samples), and Gutierrezia sarothrae (six samples) from the Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho. Gas [...] Read more.

As part of our interest in the volatile phytoconstituents of aromatic plants of the Great Basin, we have obtained essential oils of Ambrosia acanthicarpa (three samples), Artemisia ludoviciana (12 samples), and Gutierrezia sarothrae (six samples) from the Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho. Gas chromatographic analyses (GC-MS, GC-FID, and chiral GC-MS) were carried out on each essential oil sample. The essential oils of A. acanthicarpa were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, including α-pinene (36.7–45.1%), myrcene (21.6–25.5%), and β-phellandrene (4.9–7.0%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons also dominated the essential oils of G. sarothrae, with β-pinene (0.5–18.4%), α-phellandrene (2.2–11.8%), limonene (1.4–25.4%), and (Z)-β-ocimene (18.8–39.4%) as major components. The essential oils of A. ludoviciana showed wide variation in composition, but the relatively abundant compounds were camphor (0.1–61.9%, average 14.1%), 1,8-cineole (0.1–50.8%, average 11.1%), (E)-nerolidol (0.0–41.0%, average 6.8%), and artemisia ketone (0.0–46.1%, average 5.1%). This is the first report on the essential oil composition of A. acanthicarpa and the first report on the enantiomeric distribution in an Ambrosia species. The essential oil compositions of A. ludoviciana and G. sarothrae showed wide variation in composition in this study and compared with previous studies, likely due to subspecies variation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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16 pages, 2941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Diversity of Wild-Growing and Cultivated Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L. s.l.) Originating from Poland

by Kavana Raj, Zenon Węglarz, Jarosław L. Przybył, Olga Kosakowska, Anna Pawełczak, Łukasz Gontar, Marta Puchta-Jasińska and Katarzyna Bączek

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010112 - 23 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1978

Abstract

Common valerian is a medicinal plant. The underground organs of this species are used as a mild sedative and sleeping aid. Poland is one of the largest producers of this raw material in Europe, with local cultivar ‘Lubelski’ as a primary cultivated form. [...] Read more.

Common valerian is a medicinal plant. The underground organs of this species are used as a mild sedative and sleeping aid. Poland is one of the largest producers of this raw material in Europe, with local cultivar ‘Lubelski’ as a primary cultivated form. Although valerian is the subject of more or less deliberate selection carried out by farmers, it is still genetically unstable. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of the ‘Lubelski’ cultivar originating from four regions of Poland (forms: L1–L4) in relation to wild-growing populations of the species. The plants were assessed in terms of the mass of underground organs and the content of valerenic acids and essential oils (EOs). The content of valerenic acids was determined using HPLC, whereas the content of EOs was determined using hydrodistillation. The composition of EOs was assessed using GC-MS GC-FID. The ploidy level of the analyzed objects was determined as well. Wild-growing populations (diploids) were characterized by lower masses of underground organs and lower contents of valerenic acid than cultivated forms (tetraploids). However, they produced higher contents of EOs. All the cultivated forms were strongly diversified with respect to the analyzed traits, including the mass of the roots (CV 49–75%), the content of valerenic acids (CV 18–55%), and the content of EOs (CV 28–57%). A total of 44 compounds were identified in the EOs. The dominant compound of both wild-growing populations and the ‘Lubelski’ forms were: α-fenchene, bornyl acetate, and valerenal. Among ‘Lubelski’ forms, the most interesting seems to be the L2 form, which was characterized by a relatively high yield and high content of valerenic acids and EOs. Thus, it appears to be a promising source of objects for further valerian cultivar improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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18 pages, 3416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Variation in Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Aniba canelilla (Lauraceae): A Reliable Source of 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane

by Ellen de Nazaré S. da Cruz, Luana de Sousa P. Barros, Bruna de A. Guimarães, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, José Guilherme S. Maia, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly do R. da Silva and Pablo Luis B. Figueiredo

Molecules 2023, 28(22), 7573; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28227573 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1303

Abstract

Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez essential oil has many biological activities due to its main compound 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (1N2F), followed by methyleugenol, a carcinogenic agent. This study analyzed the influence of seasonality on yields, antioxidant capacity, and 1N2F content of A. canelilla leaf and twig [...] Read more.

Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez essential oil has many biological activities due to its main compound 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (1N2F), followed by methyleugenol, a carcinogenic agent. This study analyzed the influence of seasonality on yields, antioxidant capacity, and 1N2F content of A. canelilla leaf and twig essential oils. Essential oils (EOs) were extracted with hydrodistillation and analyzed with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and a flame ionization detector. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the free radical scavenging method (DPPH). Chemometric analyses were carried out to verify the influence of climatic factors on the production and composition of EOs. 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane was the major constituent in A. canelilla EOs throughout the seasonal period (68.0–89.9%); methyleugenol was not detected. Essential oil yields and the 1N2F average did not show a statistically significant difference between the dry and rainy seasons in leaves and twigs. Moderate and significant correlations between major compounds and climate factor were observed. The twig oils (36.0 ± 5.9%) a showed greater antioxidant capacity than the leaf oils (20.4 ± 5.0%). The PCA and HCA analyses showed no statistical differences between the oil samples from the dry and rainy seasons. The absence of methyleugenolin in all months of study, described for the first time, makes this specimen a reliable source of 1N2F. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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19 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Properties, and Anti-Enzymatic Effects of Eucalyptus Essential Oils Sourced from Tunisia

by Sana Khedhri, Flavio Polito, Lucia Caputo, Vincenzo De Feo, Marwa Khamassi, Oumayama Kochti, Lamia Hamrouni, Yassine Mabrouk, Filomena Nazzaro, Florinda Fratianni and Ismail Amri

Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7211; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207211 - 21 Oct 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2757

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) from six Tunisian Eucalyptus species and to evaluate their anti-enzymatic and antibiofilm activities. The EOs were obtained through hydro-distillation of dried leaves and subsequently analyzed using GC/MS. The main [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to examine the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) from six Tunisian Eucalyptus species and to evaluate their anti-enzymatic and antibiofilm activities. The EOs were obtained through hydro-distillation of dried leaves and subsequently analyzed using GC/MS. The main class of compounds was constituted by oxygenated monoterpenes, particularly prominent in E. brevifolia (75.7%), E. lehmannii (72.8%), and E. woollsiana (67%). Anti-enzymatic activities against cholinesterases, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. Notably, the E. brevifolia, E. extensa, E. leptophylla, E. patellaris, and E. woollsiana EOs displayed potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (IC₅₀: 0.25–0.60 mg/mL), with E. lehmannii exhibiting lower activity (IC₅₀: 1.2 mg/mL). E. leptophylla and E. brevifolia showed remarkable α-amylase inhibition (IC₅₀: 0.88 mg/mL), while E. brevifolia and E. leptophylla significantly hindered α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ < 30 mg/mL), distinguishing them from other EOs with limited effects. Additionally, the EOs were assessed for their anti-biofilm properties of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacterial strains. The E. extensa EO demonstrated the main antibiofilm effect against E. coli and L. monocytogenes with an inhibition > 80% at 10 mg/mL. These findings could represent a basis for possible further use of Eucalyptus EOs in the treatment of human microbial infections and/or as a coadjutant in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and/or diabetes mellitus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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12 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Essential Oils into Nanoemulsions for Potential Therapeutic Applications: Assessment of Cytotoxicological Profiles

by Cristina Aguzzi, Diego Romano Perinelli, Marco Cespi, Laura Zeppa, Eugenia Mazzara, Filippo Maggi, Riccardo Petrelli, Giulia Bonacucina and Massimo Nabissi

Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6479; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186479 - 7 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), due to its bioactive compounds (terpenes and cannabinoids), has gained increasing interest in different fields, including for medical purposes. The evaluation of the safety profile of hemp essential oil (EO) and its encapsulated form (nanoemulsion, NE) is [...] Read more.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), due to its bioactive compounds (terpenes and cannabinoids), has gained increasing interest in different fields, including for medical purposes. The evaluation of the safety profile of hemp essential oil (EO) and its encapsulated form (nanoemulsion, NE) is a relevant aspect for potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effect of hemp EOs and NEs from cultivars Carmagnola CS and Uso 31 on three cell lines selected as models for topical and inhalant administration, by evaluating the cytotoxicity and the cytokine expression profiles. Results show that EOs and their NEs have comparable cytotoxicity, if considering the quantity of EO present in the NE. Moreover, cells treated with EOs and NEs showed, in most of the cases, lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared to Etoposide used as a positive control, and the basal level of inflammatory cytokines was not altered, suggesting a safety profile of hemp EOs and their NEs to support their use for medical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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10 pages, 904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Acute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum vulgare L. Essential Oil

by Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Niko Benbassat, Yoana Georgieva, Borislava Lechkova, Stanislava Ivanova, Kalin Ivanov, Velislava Todorova, Lyudmil Peychev, Zhivko Peychev and Petko Denev

Molecules 2023, 28(16), 6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28166155 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1774

Abstract

Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) is a plant with medicinal properties that has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anthelmintic, antispasmodic, and choleretic effects, for the treatment of diarrhea and digestive problems, and externally, as an insecticide in veterinary practices. [...] Read more.

Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) is a plant with medicinal properties that has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anthelmintic, antispasmodic, and choleretic effects, for the treatment of diarrhea and digestive problems, and externally, as an insecticide in veterinary practices. In the current study, we investigated, for the first time, the chemical profile and antioxidant activity of essential oil from a wild population of T. vulgare L. growing in Bulgaria. Common tansy essential oil (EO), which is rich in bicyclic monoterpenes, was obtained using hydrodistillation and characterized by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-seven compounds were identified in Bulgarian tansy EO. Among the major constituents were oxygenated monoterpenes, including compounds such as camphor (25.24%), trans-chrysantenyl acetate (18.35%), cis-verbenol (10.58%), thujone (6.06%), eucaliptol (5.99%), and α-campholenal (5.98%). The analysis results identified the essential oil from T. vulgare L. grown in the western Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria as the camphor chemotype. Furthermore, its antioxidant activity was analyzed using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method and was found to be 605.4 ± 49.3 µmol TE/mL. The essential oil was also tested for single-dose acute toxicity on Wistar rats and was found to be non-toxic by oral administration. The mean lethal dose by intraperitoneal administration was LD₅₀ i.p. = 14.9 g/kg body weight. The results of the conducted study can serve as a basis for the evaluation and subsequent exploration of other pharmacotherapeutic effects of the essential oil obtained from the inflorescences of the Bulgarian species T. vulgare L. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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17 pages, 2106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil

by Borislava Lechkova, Diana Karcheva-Bahchevanska, Kalin Ivanov, Velislava Todorova, Niko Benbassat, Nadya Penkova, Pepa Atanassova, Lyudmil Peychev, Petar Hrischev, Zhivko Peychev, Dimitar Terziev and Stanislava Ivanova

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 4906; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28134906 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2097

Abstract

Background: Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (T. parthenium) is an aromatic perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, also known as feverfew. It is widely distributed in various regions of Europe and other parts of the world. The plant has a rich [...] Read more.

Background: Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (T. parthenium) is an aromatic perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, also known as feverfew. It is widely distributed in various regions of Europe and other parts of the world. The plant has a rich background in the traditional medicine of many nations and has been used as a remedy for fever, pain, inflammation, asthma, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, etc. Methods: GC–MS analysis was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the isolated essential oil (EO). Using the method proposed by Litchfield and Wilcoxon, the average lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the EO on Wistar rats was determined for two routes of administration: oral (p.o.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.). The subacute toxicity of the EO was also tested by oral administration of a daily dose of 1.0 g/kg body weight (BW) for 28 days. The toxicity of the EO was evaluated by observing and evaluating changes in behavior, body weight, basic hematological and serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes of the internal organs. Results: Thirty-seven volatile organic compounds representing 94.58% of the total oil composition were tentatively detected in the obtained T. parthenium EO. The dominant compounds were camphor (45.47%), trans-chrisantenyl acetate (21.65%), camphene (9.48%), and cis-isogeraniol (5.42%). The results showed that the EO was not toxic when administered in acute oral doses. The acute mean lethal dose for intraperitoneal administration was LD₅₀ i.p. = 2.13 g/kg BW. In the subacute study involving administration of an oral dose of EO for 28 days, there were a number of changes in the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the blood compared with the control group of animals. However, no symptoms of toxicity, changes in the body weight of the rats, death, or pathological changes in the histological indicators of the examined organs—brain, heart, stomach, liver, spleen and kidney—were found. Extrapolating the results obtained from the rat experiments, we can state that the EO is safe for use in doses below 1 g/kgBW for a period not exceeding one month. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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17 pages, 4174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microscopic Droplet Size Analysis (MDSA) of “Five Thieves’ Oil” (Olejek Pięciu Złodziei) Essential Oil after the Nebulization Process

by Wojciech Smułek, Maciej Jarzębski, Marek Ochowiak, Magdalena Matuszak, Jan Kaczorek, Jerzy Stangierski, Jarosław Pawlicz, Paweł Drobnik, Piotr T. Nowakowski, Joanna Dyrda-Muskus, Grzegorz Fiutak, Mieczysław Gorzelak, Sirsendu S. Ray and Kunal Pal

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4368; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114368 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 1852

Abstract

Nowadays, due to a higher resistance to drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medicaments, new ways of fighting pathogens are intensively studied. The alternatives for synthesized compositions are natural products, most of which have been known in natural medicine for a long time. One of [...] Read more.

Nowadays, due to a higher resistance to drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medicaments, new ways of fighting pathogens are intensively studied. The alternatives for synthesized compositions are natural products, most of which have been known in natural medicine for a long time. One of the best-known and intensively investigated groups are essential oils (EOs) and their compositions. However, it is worth noting that the method of application can play a second crucial part in the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity. EOs possess various natural compounds which exhibit antimicrobial activity. One of the compositions which is based on the five main ingredients of eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and lemon is named “five thieves’ oil” (Polish name: olejek pięciu złodziei) (5TO) and is used in natural medicine. In this study, we focused on the droplet size distribution of 5TO during the nebulization process, evaluated by the microscopic droplet size analysis (MDSA) method. Furthermore, viscosity studies, as well as UV-Vis of the 5TO suspensions in medical solvents such as physiological salt and hyaluronic acid, were presented, along with measurements of refractive index, turbidity, pH, contact angle, and surface tension. Additional studies on the biological activity of 5TO solutions were made on the P. aeruginosa strain NFT3. This study opens a way for the possible use of 5TO solutions or emulsion systems for active antimicrobial applications, i.e., for surface spraying. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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13 pages, 1518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Constituents in Essential Oil from Leaves of Withania adpressa Coss. Ex Exhibit Potent Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties against Clinically-Relevant Pathogens

by Mohammed Bourhia, Abdullah A. Alyousef, Ghizlane Doumane, Hamza Saghrouchni, John P. Giesy, Lahcen Ouahmane, Fatiha EL Gueddari, Yazeed A. Al-Sheikh and Mourad A. M. Aboul-Soud

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2839; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062839 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Withania adpressa Coss. ex is a plant used in traditional medications. Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the essential oil from leaves of Withania adpressa Coss ex. (EOW) were investigated. EOW was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus, and its volatile compounds were characterized [...] Read more.

Withania adpressa Coss. ex is a plant used in traditional medications. Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of the essential oil from leaves of Withania adpressa Coss ex. (EOW) were investigated. EOW was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus, and its volatile compounds were characterized by GC-MS. Antioxidant potency was determined using DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Antibacterial effects were determined vs. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumonia; while its antifungal efficacy was determined vs. Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum using the disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration bioassays. A chromatographic analysis showed that EOW contained eight phytochemical compounds constituting 99.14% of the total mass of oil. Caryophyllene (24.74%), Longifolene (21.37%), δ-Cadinene (19.08%), and Carene (14.86%) were predominant compounds in EOW. The concentrations required to inhibit 50% of free radical (IC50) values of antioxidant activities of EOW were 0.031 ± 0.006 mg/mL (DPPH), 0.011 ± 0.003 mg/mL (FRAP), and 846.25 ± 1.07 mg AAE/g (TAC). Inhibition zone diameters of EOW vs. bacteria were 18.11 ± 0.5 mm (E. coli), 17.10 ± 0.42 mm (S. aureus), 12.13 ± 0.31 mm (K. pneumoniae), and 11.09 ± 0.47 mm (S. pneumoniae), while MIC values were 51 ± 3, 47 ± 5, 46 ± 3 and 31 ± 1 µg/mL, respectively. Inhibition zone diameters of EOW vs. fungi were 31.32 ± 1.32, 29.00 ± 1.5, 27.63 ± 2.10, and 24.51 ± s1.07 mm for A. flavus, C. albicans, F. oxysporum, and A. niger, respectively. MIC values were 8.41 ± 0.40, 28.04 ± 0.26, 9.05 ± 0.76, and 22.26 ± 0.55 µg/mL, respectively. Importantly, the highest dose of EOW (1 mg/mL) showed negligible (~5%) cytotoxicity against MCF-12, a normal human epithelial cell line derived from the mammary gland, thus underscoring its wide safety and selectivity against tested microbes. To sum it up, EOW has exhibited promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which suggests potential to abrogate antibiotic resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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27 pages, 11864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gymnosperms of Idaho: Chemical Compositions and Enantiomeric Distributions of Essential Oils of Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Pinus contorta, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Thuja plicata

by Kathy Swor, Prabodh Satyal, Ambika Poudel and William N. Setzer

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2477; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062477 - 8 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2029

Abstract

Conifers are of great economic value in terms of lumber production, important for construction and other uses such as pulp and paper. They are also important sources of essential oils. Conifer species have been vital to the ethnobotany and traditional herbal medicine of [...] Read more.

Conifers are of great economic value in terms of lumber production, important for construction and other uses such as pulp and paper. They are also important sources of essential oils. Conifer species have been vital to the ethnobotany and traditional herbal medicine of many different Native American groups. The objective of this work was to obtain and analyze the essential oils of several conifer species (Abies lasiocarpa, Picea engelmannii, Pinus contorta, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Thuja plicata) growing in Idaho. The foliar essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and then analyzed by gas chromatographic methods, including GC-MS, GC-FID, and chiral GC-MS. The essential oils were obtained in varying yields from 0.66% up to 4.70%. The essential oil compositions were largely dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenoids. The chiral monoterpenoids were generally rich in the (−)-enantiomers for members of the Pinaceae, but the (+)-enantiomers predominated in the Cupressaceae. The essential oil compositions obtained in this work are qualitatively similar, but quantitatively different, to previously reported compositions and confirm and complement the previous reports. However, this is the first comprehensive analysis of the chiral terpenoid components in these conifer species. Additional research on essential oils of the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae is needed to describe the chemical profiles, chemical compositions, and enantiomeric distributions more reliably in the various species and infraspecific taxa of these two families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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14 pages, 2752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Myrcene Salvages Rotenone-Induced Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy

by Sheikh Azimullah, Richard L. Jayaraj, Mohamed Fizur. Nagoor Meeran, Fakhreya Y. Jalal, Abdu Adem, Shreesh Ojha and Rami Beiram

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020685 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2909

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in motor deficits. The exact etiology of PD is currently unknown; however, the pathological hallmarks of PD include excessive production of reactive oxygen species, enhanced [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in motor deficits. The exact etiology of PD is currently unknown; however, the pathological hallmarks of PD include excessive production of reactive oxygen species, enhanced neuroinflammation, and overproduction of α-synuclein. Under normal physiological conditions, aggregated α-synuclein is degraded via the autophagy lysosomal pathway. However, impairment of the autophagy lysosomal pathway results in α-synuclein accumulation, thereby facilitating the pathogenesis of PD. Current medications only manage the symptoms, but are unable to delay, prevent, or cure the disease. Collectively, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy play crucial roles in PD; therefore, there is an enormous interest in exploring novel bioactive agents of natural origin for their protective roles in PD. The present study evaluated the role of myrcene, a monoterpene, in preventing the loss of dopaminergic neurons in a rotenone (ROT)-induced rodent model of PD, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Myrcene was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg, 30 min prior to the intraperitoneal injections of ROT (2.5 mg/kg). Administration of ROT caused a considerable loss of dopaminergic neurons, subsequent to a significant reduction in the antioxidant defense systems, increased lipid peroxidation, and activation of microglia and astrocytes, along with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Rotenone also resulted in impairment of the autophagy lysosomal pathway, as evidenced by increased expression of LC3, p62, and beclin-1 with decreased expression in the phosphorylation of mTOR protein. Collectively, these factors result in the loss of dopaminergic neurons. However, myrcene treatment has been observed to restore antioxidant defenses and attenuate the increase in concentrations of lipid peroxidation products, pro-inflammatory cytokines, diminished microglia, and astrocyte activation. Myrcene treatment also enhanced the phosphorylation of mTOR, reinstated neuronal homeostasis, restored autophagy-lysosomal degradation, and prevented the increased expression of α-synuclein following the rescue of dopaminergic neurons. Taken together, our study clearly revealed the mitigating effect of myrcene on dopaminergic neuronal loss, attributed to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and favorable modulation of autophagic flux. This study suggests that myrcene may be a potential candidate for therapeutic benefits in PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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22 pages, 1777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clove Essential Oil and Its Main Constituent, Eugenol, as Potential Natural Antifungals against Candida spp. Alone or in Combination with Other Antimycotics Due to Synergistic Interactions

by Anna Biernasiuk, Tomasz Baj and Anna Malm

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010215 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4171

Abstract

The occurrence of candidiasis, including superficial infections, has recently increased dramatically, especially in immunocompromised patients. Their treatment is often ineffective due to the resistance of yeasts to antimycotics. Therefore, there is a need to search for new antifungals. The aim of this study [...] Read more.

The occurrence of candidiasis, including superficial infections, has recently increased dramatically, especially in immunocompromised patients. Their treatment is often ineffective due to the resistance of yeasts to antimycotics. Therefore, there is a need to search for new antifungals. The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal effect of clove essential oil (CEO) and eugenol (EUG) towards both reference and clinical Candida spp. strains isolated from the oral cavity of patients with hematological malignancies, and to investigate their mode of action and the interactions in combination with the selected antimycotics. These studies were performed using the broth microdilution method, tests with sorbitol and ergosterol, and a checkerboard technique, respectively. The CEO and EUG showed activity against all Candida strains with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range of 0.25–2 mg/mL. It was also found that both natural products bind to ergosterol in the yeast cell membrane. Moreover, the interactions between CEO and EUG with several antimycotics—cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, silver nitrate and triclosan—showed synergistic or additive effects in combination, except nystatin. This study confirms that the studied compounds appear to be a very promising group of phytopharmaceuticals used topically in the treatment of superficial candidiasis. However, this requires further studies in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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10 pages, 2764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variability in the Chemical Composition of Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC. Essential Oils Growing in the Brazilian Amazon

by Jamile Silva da Costa, Jofre Jacob da Silva Freitas, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly R. da Silva, José Guilherme S. Maia and Pablo Luis B. Figueiredo

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8975; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248975 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC. is known as “insulin plant” because local communities use the infusions of various organs empirically to treat diabetes. The leaves of seven specimens of Myrcia sylvatica (Msy-01 to Msy-07) were collected in the Brazilian Amazon. Furthermore, the essential [...] Read more.

Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC. is known as “insulin plant” because local communities use the infusions of various organs empirically to treat diabetes. The leaves of seven specimens of Myrcia sylvatica (Msy-01 to Msy-07) were collected in the Brazilian Amazon. Furthermore, the essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and their chemical compositions were submitted to multivariate analysis (Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis). The multivariate analysis displayed the formation of four chemical profiles (chemotypes), described for the first time as follows: chemotype I (specimen Msy-01) was characterized by germacrene B (24.5%), γ-elemene (12.5%), and β-caryophyllene (10.0%); chemotype II (specimens Msy-03, -06 and -07) by spathulenol (11.1–16.0%), germacrene B (7.8–20.7%), and γ-elemene (2.9–7.6%); chemotype III (Msy-04 and -05) by spathulenol (9.8–10.1%), β-caryophyllene (2.5–10.1%), and δ-cadinene (4.8-5.6%); and chemotype IV, (Msy-02) by spathulenol (13.4%), caryophyllene oxide (15.0%), and α-cadinol (8.9%). There is a chemical variability in the essential oils of Myrcia sylvatica occurring in the Amazon region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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17 pages, 23022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition, Phytotoxic and Antibiofilm Activity of Seven Eucalyptus Species from Tunisia

by Sana Khedhri, Flavio Polito, Lucia Caputo, Francesco Manna, Marwa Khammassi, Lamia Hamrouni, Ismail Amri, Filomena Nazzaro, Vincenzo De Feo and Florinda Fratianni

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8227; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238227 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2340

Abstract

This study was carried out to characterize the chemical composition of the essential oils from seven Eucalyptus species (E. griffithsii, E. hemiphloia, E. lesouefii, E. longicornis, E. pyriformis, E. viminalis, and E. wandoo), as well [...] Read more.

This study was carried out to characterize the chemical composition of the essential oils from seven Eucalyptus species (E. griffithsii, E. hemiphloia, E. lesouefii, E. longicornis, E. pyriformis, E. viminalis, and E. wandoo), as well as their phytotoxic and antibacterial activities. The essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS and the potential in vitro phytotoxicity was evaluated against germination and radical elongation of Raphanus sativus, Lolium multiflorum, and Sinapis arvensis seeds. The antibiofilm activity was studied against both Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria. The inhibition of biofilm formation and its metabolism was determined at different times. Eucalyptol was the most abundant component in all essential oils studied (ranging from 40.8% for E. lesouefii EO to 73.6% for E. wandoo) except for that of E. pyriformis where it was present but at 15.1%. E. pyriformis was the most active against both germination and radical elongation of S. arvensis. The action of all essential oils proved to be highly effective in inhibiting the bacterial adhesion process of the five strains considered. In light of these results, these essential oils could have potential applications both in the agricultural and health fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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20 pages, 7666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neocinnamomum caudatum Essential Oil Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in RAW 264.7 Cells by Inhibiting NF-κB Activation and ROS Production

by Sudipta Jena, Asit Ray, Omprakash Mohanta, Prabhat Kumar Das, Ambika Sahoo, Sanghamitra Nayak and Pratap Chandra Panda

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8193; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238193 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

Neocinnamomum caudatum (Lauraceae) plant is used in the traditional system of medicine and is considered a potential source of edible fruits, spices, flavoring agents and biodiesel. The leaves, bark and roots of the species are used by local communities for the treatment of [...] Read more.

Neocinnamomum caudatum (Lauraceae) plant is used in the traditional system of medicine and is considered a potential source of edible fruits, spices, flavoring agents and biodiesel. The leaves, bark and roots of the species are used by local communities for the treatment of inflammatory responses, such as allergies, sinusitis and urinary tract infections. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the molecular mechanism through which this plant exerts its anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of the current research was to characterize the chemical constituents of bark (NCB) and leaf (NCL) essential oil of N. caudatum and to elucidate its anti-inflammatory action in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation were further subjected to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major constituents in bark essential oil identified as β-pinene (13.11%), α-cadinol (11.18%) and α-pinene (10.99%), whereas leaf essential oil was found to be rich in β-pinene (45.21%), myrcene (9.97%) and α-pinene (9.27%). Treatment with NCB and NCL at a concentration of 25 µg/mL exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity by significantly reducing LPS-triggered nitric oxide (NO) production to 45.86% and 61.64%, respectively, compared to the LPS-treated group. In the LPS-treated group, the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, decreased after treatment with essential oil, alleviating the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. The essential oil also inhibited the production of intracellular ROS and attenuated the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with NCB also reduced nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/p65 translocation and elevated the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in LPS-induced macrophages. The present findings, for the first time, demonstrate the anti-inflammatory potential of both bark and leaf essential oils of N. caudatum. The bark essential oil exhibited a significantly more important anti-inflammatory effect than the leaf essential oil and could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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16 pages, 3396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of EOs vs. Antibiotics on E. coli Strains Isolated from Drinking Waters of Grazing Animals in the Upper Molise Region, Italy

by Chiara Aquilano, Ligia Baccari, Claudio Caprari, Fabio Divino, Francesca Fantasma, Gabriella Saviano and Giancarlo Ranalli

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8177; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238177 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1517

Abstract

The health and safety of grazing animals was the subject of microbiological monitoring on natural source of drinking waters in the upper Molise region, Italy. Surface water samples, on spring-summer season, were collected and submitted to analyses using sterile membrane filtration, cultural medium, [...] Read more.

The health and safety of grazing animals was the subject of microbiological monitoring on natural source of drinking waters in the upper Molise region, Italy. Surface water samples, on spring-summer season, were collected and submitted to analyses using sterile membrane filtration, cultural medium, and incubation. The level of environmental microbial contamination (Total viable microbial count, yeasts and fungi) and faecal presence (Total and faecal coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonellae spp.) were carried out. By the selective microbiological screening, twenty-three E. coli strains from drinking waters were isolated and submitted to further studies to evaluate antibiotic resistance by antibiograms vs. three animal and two diffuse human antibiotics. Furthermore, after a fine chemical characterization by GC and GC-MS, three Essential Oils (EOs) of aromatic plants (Timus vulgaris, Melaleuca alternifolia, Cinnamomun verum) aromatograms were performed and results statistically compared. The effects of EOs vs. antibiotics on E. coli strains isolated from drinking waters showed a total absence of microbial resistance. In our experimental conditions, even if some suggestions will be further adopted for better managements of grazing animals, because the health and safety represent a guarantee for both animals and humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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16 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oils from Vietnamese Asteraceae for Environmentally Friendly Control of Aedes Mosquitoes

by Tran Minh Hoi, Prabodh Satyal, Le Thi Huong, Dang Viet Hau, Tran Duc Binh, Dang Thi Hong Duyen, Do Ngoc Dai, Ngo Gia Huy, Hoang Van Chinh, Vo Van Hoa, Nguyen Huy Hung and William N. Setzer

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7961; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227961 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

Mosquitoes, in addition to being a biting nuisance, are vectors of several pathogenic viruses and parasites. As a continuation of our work identifying abundant and/or invasive plant species in Vietnam for use as ecologically friendly pesticidal agents, we obtained the essential oils of [...] Read more.

Mosquitoes, in addition to being a biting nuisance, are vectors of several pathogenic viruses and parasites. As a continuation of our work identifying abundant and/or invasive plant species in Vietnam for use as ecologically friendly pesticidal agents, we obtained the essential oils of Blumea lacera, Blumea sinuata, Emilia sonchifolia, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Sphaeranthus africanus; analyzed the essential oils using gas chromatographic techniques; and screened the essential oils for mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The most active larvicidal essential oils were B. sinuata, which was rich in thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether (29.4%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (19.7%), α-pinene (8.8%), germacrene D (7.8%), and α-humulene (4.3%), (24-h LC₅₀ 23.4 and 29.1 μg/mL) on Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, and Emilia sonchifolia, dominated by 1-undecene (41.9%) and germacrene D (11.0%), (24-h LC₅₀ 30.1 and 29.6 μg/mL) on the two mosquito species. The essential oils of P. hysterophorus and S. africanus were also active against mosquito larvae. Notably, B. sinuata, P. hysterophorus, and S. africanus essential oils were not toxic to the non-target water bug, Diplonychus rusticus. However, E. sonchifolia essential oil showed insecticidal activity (24-h LC₅₀ 48.1 μg/mL) on D. rusticus. Based on these results, B. sinuata, P. hysterophorus, and S. africanus essential oils appear promising for further investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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21 pages, 3062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oils from Vietnamese Traditional Medicinal Plants

by Nguyen Huy Hung, Pham Minh Quan, Prabodh Satyal, Do Ngoc Dai, Vo Van Hoa, Ngo Gia Huy, Le Duc Giang, Nguyen Thi Ha, Le Thi Huong, Vu Thi Hien and William N. Setzer

Molecules 2022, 27(20), 7092; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27207092 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3588

Abstract

Essential oils are promising as environmentally friendly and safe sources of pesticides for human use. Furthermore, they are also of interest as aromatherapeutic agents in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been evaluated as an important [...] Read more.

Essential oils are promising as environmentally friendly and safe sources of pesticides for human use. Furthermore, they are also of interest as aromatherapeutic agents in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been evaluated as an important mechanism. The essential oils of some species in the genera Callicarpa, Premna, Vitex and Karomia of the family Lamiaceae were evaluated for inhibition of electric eel AChE using the Ellman method. The essential oils of Callicarpa candicans showed promising activity, with IC₅₀ values between 45.67 and 58.38 μg/mL. The essential oils of Callicarpa sinuata, Callicarpa petelotii, Callicarpa nudiflora, Callicarpa erioclona and Vitex ajugifolia showed good activity with IC₅₀ values between 28.71 and 54.69 μg/mL. The essential oils Vitex trifolia subsp. trifolia and Callicarpa rubella showed modest activity, with IC₅₀ values of 81.34 and 89.38, respectively. trans-Carveol showed an IC₅₀ value of 102.88 µg/mL. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed on the major components of the studied essential oils to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of potential inhibitors. The results obtained suggest that these essential oils may be used to control mosquito vectors that transmit pathogenic viruses or to support the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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18 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Compositional Differences between Dukkah and Za’atar via SPME-GCMS and HPLC-DAD

by Mohamed S. Sedeek, Sherif M. Afifi, Mai K. Mansour, Mariam Hassan, Fathy M. Mehaya, Ibrahim A. Naguib, Mohammed A.S. Abourehab and Mohamed A. Farag

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6471; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196471 - 1 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2251

Abstract

Interest in plant-based diets has been on the rise in recent years owing to the potential health benefits of their individual components and the notion that plant-based diets might reduce the incidence of several diseases. Egyptian dukkah and Syrian za’atar are two of [...] Read more.

Interest in plant-based diets has been on the rise in recent years owing to the potential health benefits of their individual components and the notion that plant-based diets might reduce the incidence of several diseases. Egyptian dukkah and Syrian za’atar are two of the most historic and famous Middle Eastern herbal blends used for their anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic effects. Headspace SPME-GCMS and HPLC-DAD were adopted for characterizing the aroma profile and phenolic compounds of both herbal blends, respectively. Further, vapor-phase minimum inhibitory concentration was employed for assessing each blend’s antibacterial potential, while their antioxidant potential was estimated via in vitro antioxidant assays. SPME headspace analysis indicated the abundance of ethers and monoterpene hydrocarbons, while HPLC revealed the presence of several phenolics including rosmarinic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin. Biological investigations affirmed that vapor-phase of the tested blends exhibited antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, while the antioxidant potential of the blends was investigated and expressed as Trolox (125.15 ± 5.92 to 337.26 ± 13.84 μM T eq/mg) and EDTA (18.08 ± 1.62 to 51.69 41 ± 5.33 μM EDTA eq/mg) equivalent. The presented study offers the first insight into the chemical profile and biological activities of both dukkah and za’atar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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18 pages, 373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Chemical Compounds and Investigation of Biological Properties of Matricaria chamomilla Essential Oils, Honey, and Their Mixture

by Ahmed Qasem, Hamza Assaggaf, Domenico Montesano, Zineb Khalil, Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli, Aicha EL Baaboua, Nasreddine El Omari, Naoual El Menyiy, Saad Bakrim, Ryan A. Sheikh, Mohammed Merae Alshahrani, Ahmed Abdullah Al Awadh, Gokhan Zengin, Abdelhakim Bouyahya and Hanae Naceiri Mrabti

Molecules 2022, 27(18), 5850; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185850 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3183

Abstract

This exploratory investigation aimed to determine the chemical composition and evaluate some biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, of Matricaria chamomilla L. essential oils (EOs). EOs of M. chamomilla were obtained by hydrodistillation and phytochemical screening was performed by [...] Read more.

This exploratory investigation aimed to determine the chemical composition and evaluate some biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, of Matricaria chamomilla L. essential oils (EOs). EOs of M. chamomilla were obtained by hydrodistillation and phytochemical screening was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activities were tested against different pathogenic strains of microorganisms by using disc diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The antidiabetic activity was performed in vitro using the enzyme inhibition test. The antioxidant activity of EOs was tested using the free radical scavenging ability (DPPH method), ferrous ion chelating (FIC) ability, and β-carotene bleaching assay. The anti-inflammatory effects were tested in vivo using the carrageenan-induced paw edema method and in vitro using the inhibition of the lipoxygenase test. The analysis of the phytochemical composition by GC-MS revealed that camphor (16.42%) was the major compound of EOs, followed by 3-carene (9.95%), β-myrcene (8.01%), and chamazulene (6.54%). MCEO, honey, and their mixture exhibited antioxidant activity against the DPPH assay (IC₅₀ ranging from 533.89 ± 15.05 µg/mL to 1945.38 ± 12.71 µg/mL). The mixture exhibited the best radical scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ of 533.89 ± 15.05 µg/mL. As antidiabetic effect, EO presented the best values against α-glucosidase (265.57 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and α-amylase (121.44 ± 0.05 μg/mL). The EOs and honey mixture at a dose of 100 mg/kg exhibited a high anti-inflammatory effect, with 63.75% edema inhibition after 3 h. The impact of EOs on the studied species showed an excellent antimicrobial (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (22.97 ± 0.16 mm)), antifungal (Aspergillus niger (18.13 ± 0.18 mm)) and anti-yeast (Candida albicans (21.07 ± 0.24 mm) effect against all the tested strains. The results obtained indicate that the EOs of M. chamomilla could be a potential drug target against diabetes, inflammation and microbial infections; however, further investigations to assess their bioactive molecules individually and in combination are greatly required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

16 pages, 3410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Size Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Essential Oil Molecules-Loaded Nanoliposomes

by Katya M. Aguilar-Pérez, Dora I. Medina, Roberto Parra-Saldívar and Hafiz M. N. Iqbal

Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5728; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175728 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2806

Abstract

Nanoliposomes, bilayer vesicles at the nanoscale, are becoming popular because of their safety, patient compliance, high entrapment efficiency, and prompt action. Several notable biological activities of natural essential oils (EOs), including fungal inhibition, are of supreme interest. As developed, multi-compositional nanoliposomes loaded with [...] Read more.

Nanoliposomes, bilayer vesicles at the nanoscale, are becoming popular because of their safety, patient compliance, high entrapment efficiency, and prompt action. Several notable biological activities of natural essential oils (EOs), including fungal inhibition, are of supreme interest. As developed, multi-compositional nanoliposomes loaded with various concentrations of clove essential oil (CEO) and tea tree oil (TTO) were thoroughly characterized to gain insight into their nano-size distribution. The present work also aimed to reconnoiter the sustainable synthesis conditions to estimate the efficacy of EOs in bulk and EO-loaded nanoliposomes with multi-functional entities. Following a detailed nano-size characterization of in-house fabricated EO-loaded nanoliposomes, the antifungal efficacy was tested by executing the mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) test using Trichophyton rubrum fungi as a test model. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) profile of as-fabricated EO-loaded nanoliposomes revealed the mean size, polydispersity index (PdI), and zeta potential values as 37.12 ± 1.23 nm, 0.377 ± 0.007, and −36.94 ± 0.36 mV, respectively. The sphere-shaped morphology of CEO and TTO-loaded nanoliposomes was confirmed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The existence of characteristic functional bands in all tested counterparts was demonstrated by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Compared to TTO-loaded nanoliposomes, the CEO-loaded nanoliposomes exhibited a maximum entrapment efficacy of 91.57 ± 2.5%. The CEO-loaded nanoliposome fraction, prepared using 1.5 µL/mL concentration, showed the highest MGI of 98.4 ± 0.87% tested against T. rubrum strains compared to the rest of the formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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14 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Markers and Pharmacological Characters of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil from Palestine

by Nidal Jaradat, Mohammed Hawash, Mohammad Qadi, Murad Abualhasan, Aseel Odetallah, Ghfran Qasim, Reem Awayssa, Amna Akkawi, Ibtesam Abdullah and Nawaf Al-Maharik

Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5721; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175721 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3032

Abstract

Pelargonium graveolens leaves are widely used in traditional medicine for relieving some cardiovascular, dental, gastrointestinal, and respiratory disorders. They are also used as food and tea additives in Palestine and many other countries. Consequently, this investigation aimed to describe the chemical markers, cytotoxic, [...] Read more.

Pelargonium graveolens leaves are widely used in traditional medicine for relieving some cardiovascular, dental, gastrointestinal, and respiratory disorders. They are also used as food and tea additives in Palestine and many other countries. Consequently, this investigation aimed to describe the chemical markers, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, metabolic, and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes inhibitory characteristics of P. graveolens essential oil (PGEO) from Palestine utilizing reference methods. There were 70 chemicals found in the GCMS analysis, and oxygenated terpenoids were the most abundant group of the total PGEO. Citronellol (24.44%), citronellyl formate (15.63%), γ-eudesmol (7.60%), and iso-menthone (7.66%) were the dominant chemical markers. The EO displayed strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 3.88 ± 0.45 µg/mL) and weak lipase and α-amylase suppressant effects. Notably, the PGEO displayed high α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy compared with Acarbose, with IC₅₀ doses of 52.44 ± 0.29 and 37.15 ± 0.33 µg/mL, respectively. PGEO remarkably repressed the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), even more than Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin, and strongly inhibited Candida albicans compared with Fluconazole. The highest cytotoxic effect of the PGEO was noticed against MCF-7, followed by Hep3B and HeLa cancer cells, with IC₅₀ doses of 32.71 ± 1.25, 40.71 ± 1.89, and 315.19 ± 20.5 µg/mL, respectively, compared with doxorubicin. Moreover, the screened EO demonstrated selective inhibitory activity against COX-1 (IC₅₀ = 14.03 µg/mL). Additionally, PGEO showed a weak suppressant effect on COX-2 (IC₅₀ = 275.97 µg/mL). The current research can be considered the most comprehensive investigation of the chemical and pharmacological characterization of the PGEO. The results obtained in this study demonstrate, without doubt, that this plant represents a rich source of bioactive substances that can be further investigated and authenticated for their medicinal potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils II)

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