A review on anti-inflammatory activity of monoterpenes

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of (R)-(-)-Carvone: Potential Roles of JNK1, Nrf2 and NF-κB

To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of (R)-(-)-carvone, we evaluated its ability to inhibit the signaling pathways involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). (R)-(-)-carvone significantly decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1phosphorylation, but not that of the other MAPKs, induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Although (R)-(-)-carvone significantly inhibited resynthesis of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)-α induced by LPS, it did not interfere with the canonical NF-κB activation pathway, suggesting that it may interfere with its transcriptional activity. (R)-(-)-carvone also showed a tendency to decrease the levels of acetylated NF-κB/p65 in the nucleus, without affecting the activity and protein levels of Sirtuin-1, the major NF-κB/p65 deacetylating enzyme. Interestingly, the nuclear protein levels of the transcription factor, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of its target,, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, also showed a tendency to increase in the presence of (R)-(-)-carvone. Taken together, these results suggest that the ability of (R)-(-)-carvone to inhibit JNK1 and to activate Nrf2 can underlie its capacity to inhibit the transcriptional activity of NF-κB and the expression of its target genes. This study highlights the diversity of molecular mechanisms that can be involved in the anti-inflammatory activity of monoterpenes.

Thuja occidentalis: An Unexplored Phytomedicine with Therapeutic Applications

BACKGROUND

The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has received global attention. Due to a lack of recommended treatment regimens, the world faced various limitations resulting in improper management of the disease. Phytomedicines have played a prominent role in the prevention of various epidemics and pandemics in the past.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we attempt to focus on safe and feasible use of Thuja occidentalis to manage and alleviate the panic of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, by strengthening an individual's immunity. The relevant information was collected from the web-based databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE, as well as other internet sources to review the applicability of T. occidentalis as a phytomedicine in managing respiratory infections and strengthening immunity.

CONCLUSION

As important phytomedicine, and antipsychotic, T. occidentalis possesses a plethora of immunological properties that can be used effectively in the management of viral respiratory infections and has the potential to prevent further progression of the disease. Importantly, this could be only a part of the approach for treatment during the current outbreak that should be considered along with other measures.

Assessment of The Effect of Thymbra capitata Ethanolic Extract on Galleria mellonella Hemolymph Antioxidant Enzymes

Conehead thyme (Thymbra capitata) is widely distributed in the countries of the Mediterranean region and used due to its medical properties. The antibacterial, antifungal, and strong antioxidant properties of T. capitata are known. The model organism Galleria mellonella is mostly preferred for immunological studies and for the study of human pathogens. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the ethanolic extract of T. capitata on the antioxidant defense of the hemolymph in G. mellonella larva. Solutions prepared with Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) from the dry matter obtained from ethanolic extract at doses between 2 mg mL-1 and 20 mg mL-1 were injected into G. mellonella larvae. According to our findings, T. capitata extract had no effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. However, it was determined that all doses between 10 to 20 mg mL-1 significantly reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities compared to the control groups. According to the results of our study, high doses of T. capitata extract had negative effects on G. mellonella antioxidant defense.

Chemical Diversity and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity in Needles Essential Oils of Four Pinus Species from Northwestern Himalaya, India

This work describes the study of the chemical profiling and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs) from four Pinus species (P. wallichiana, P. patula, P. roxburghii and P. gerardiana). The identification and quantification of EOs metabolites were performed by GC/MS, GC-FID and ¹³ C-NMR. The needles of P. wallichiana and P. gerardiana presented the highest oil yields (0.35 % and 0.36 %, respectively). Twenty-four constituents were characterized in among samples exhibiting 93.8-97.7 % of the total EOs. The components and yields of the targeted samples were varied according to the species. Major components of the oils were α-pinene (20.5-34.1 %), β-pinene (1.4-53.0 %), δ-3-carene (0.2-47.0 %), limonene (1.7-13.4 %), β-phellandrene (0.2-23.4 %), β-myrcene (1.8-7.2 %) and α-terpinolene (0.6-7.9 %). The extracted EOs showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which was close to the positive control, acarbose. This study showed that the EOs of Pinus species may be used as natural antidiabetic.

Identification and Characterization of Transcription Factors Involved in Geraniol Biosynthesis in Rosa chinensis

Fragrance is an important characteristic of rose flowers and is largely determined by the terpenes. Rose has a unique NUDX1 (NUDIX HYDROLASES 1)-dependent monoterpene geraniol biosynthesis pathway, but little is known about its transcriptional regulation. In this study, we characterized two China rose (Rosa chinensis) materials from the 'Old Blush' variety with contrasting aromas. We profiled the volatile metabolome of both materials, and the results revealed that geraniol was the main component that distinguishes the aroma of these two materials. We performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of the two rose materials, from which we identified the hydrolase RcNUDX1 as a key factor affecting geraniol content, as well as 17 transcription factor genes co-expressed with RcNUDX1. We also determined that the transcription factor RcWRKY70 binds to four W-box motifs in the promoter of RcNUDX1, repressing RcNUDX1 expression, based on yeast one-hybrid and transient dual-luciferase assays. These results provide important information concerning the transcriptional regulatory framework underlying the control of geraniol production in rose.

Essential Oil of Carvone Chemotype Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) Regulates Lipid Mobilization and Adipogenesis in Adipocytes

Obesity is characterized by an expansion of adipose tissue due to excessive accumulation of triglycerides in adipocytes, causing hypertrophy and hyperplasia, followed by hypoxia, alterations in adipocyte functionality, and chronic inflammation. However, current treatments require changes in lifestyle that are difficult to achieve and some treatments do not generate sustained weight loss over time. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of the essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) carvone chemotype on viability, lipid mobilization, and adipogenesis of adipocytes in two normal and pathological cellular models in vitro. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, a normal and a pathological model of obesity were induced, and then the cells were treated with L. alba carvone chemotype EO to evaluate cell viability, lipid mobilization, and adipogenesis. L. alba carvone chemotype EO does not decrease adipocyte viability at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 5 µg/mL; furthermore, there was evidence of changes in lipid mobilization and adipogenesis, leading to a reversal of adipocyte hypertrophy. These results could be due to effects produced by EO on lipogenic and lipolytic pathways, as well as modifications in the expression of adipogenesis genes. L. alba carvone chemotype EO could be considered as a possible treatment for obesity, using the adipocyte as a therapeutic target.

Extraction and purification of α-pinene; a comprehensive review

Extensive use of α-pinene in cosmetics, and medicine, especially for its antioxidant/antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties, and also as a flavoring agent, has made it a versatile product. α-Pinene (one of the two pinene isomers) is the most abundant terpene in nature. When extracting α-pinene from plants and, to a lesser extent, fruits, given that its purity is essential, purification methods should also be used as described in this study. Also, an attempt has been made to describe the extraction techniques of α-pinene, carried out by conventional and novel methods. Some disadvantages of conventional methods (such as hydrodistillation or solvent extraction) are being time consuming, low capacity per batch and being labor intensive and the requirement of trained operators. Most novel methods, such as supercritical fluid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, can reduce the extraction time, cost, and energy compared to conventional methods, and, in fact, the extraction and preservation efficiency of α-pinene in these methods is higher than conventional methods. Although the above-mentioned extraction methods are effective, they still require rather long extraction times. In fact, advanced methods such as green and solvent-free ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction are much more efficient than microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction because the extraction efficiency and separation of α-pinene in these methods are higher; furthermore, no solvent consumption and maximum extraction efficiency are some crucial advantages of these techniques. However, the application of some novel methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, in industry scale is still problematic because of their intricate design data.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Properties of Arbutus unedo L. and Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oils

The objectives of this work were to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties of Arbutus unedo L. and Laurus nobilis L. EOs. The antioxidant effects were estimated using four complementary methods. In addition, the anti-diabetic activity was assessed by targeting three carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, namely α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase. The anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase effects were evaluated by testing the inhibitory potential of both plants on lipo-oxygenase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), respectively. The antimicrobial activity of these oils was evaluated using disc-diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) tests. The chemical composition of L. nobilis essential oil (EO) was dominated by eucalyptol (36.40%), followed by α-terpineole (13.05%), α-terpinyl acetate (10.61%), linalool (10.34%), and northujane (5.74%). The main volatile compounds of A. unedo EOs were decenal (13.47%), α-terpineol (7.8%), and palmitic acid (6.00%). L. nobilis and A. unedo EOs inhibited α-amylase with IC₅₀ values of 42.51 ± 0.012 and 102 ± 0.06 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, both oils inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 1.347 ± 0.021 µg/mL and IC₅₀ = 76 ± 0.021 µg/mL) and lipase (IC₅₀ = 21.23 ± 0.021 µg/mL and IC₅₀ = 97.018 ± 0.012 µg/mL, respectively). In addition, L. nobilis EO showed an anti-AChE activity (IC₅₀ = 89.44 ± 0.07 µg/mL) higher than that of A. unedo EO (IC₅₀ = 378.57 ± 0.05 µg/mL). Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro assays showed that L. nobilis significantly inhibits (IC₅₀ = 48.31 ± 0.07 μg/mL) 5-lipoxygenase compared to A. unedo (IC₅₀ = 86.14 ± 0.05 μg/mL). This was confirmed in vivo via a notable inhibition of inflammation recorded after 6 h of treatment in both plants at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The microbiological results revealed that EOs from both plants inhibited the growth of all tested organisms except P. aeruginosa, with the highest antimicrobial effect for L. nobilis. The results of these tests showed that these two plants possess remarkable biological and pharmacological properties, explaining their medicinal effects and suggesting them as promising sources of natural drugs.

Antibiofilm Activities of Borneol-Citral-Loaded Pickering Emulsions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in Physiologically Relevant Chronic Infection Models

Phytochemicals are promising antibacterials for the development of novel antibiofilm drugs, but their antibiofilm activity in physiologically relevant model systems is poorly characterized. As the host microenvironment can interfere with the activity of the phytochemicals, mimicking the complex environment found in biofilm associated infections is essential to predict the clinical potential of novel phytochemical-based antimicrobials. In the present study, we examined the antibiofilm activity of borneol, citral, and combinations of both as well as their Pickering emulsions against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vivo-like synthetic cystic fibrosis medium (SCFM2) model, an in vitro wound model (consisting of an artificial dermis and blood components at physiological levels), and an in vivo Galleria mellonella model. The Pickering emulsions demonstrated an enhanced biofilm inhibitory activity compared to both citral and the borneol/citral combination, reducing the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values up to 2 to 4 times against P. aeruginosa PAO1 and 2 to 8 times against S. aureus P8-AE1 in SCMF2. In addition, citral, the combination borneol/citral, and their Pickering emulsions can completely eliminate the established biofilm of S. aureus P8-AE1. The effectiveness of Pickering emulsions was also demonstrated in the wound model with a reduction of up to 4.8 log units in biofilm formation by S. aureus Mu50. Furthermore, citral and Pickering emulsions exhibited a significant degree of protection against S. aureus infection in the G. mellonella model. The present findings reveal the potential of citral- or borneol/citral-based Pickering emulsions as a type of alternative antibiofilm candidate to control pathogenicity in chronic infection. IMPORTANCE There is clearly an urgent need for novel formulations with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, but while there are plenty of studies investigating them using simple in vitro systems, there is a lack of studies in which (combinations of) phytochemicals are evaluated in relevant models that closely resemble the in vivo situation. Here, we examined the antibiofilm activity of borneol, citral, and their combination as well as Pickering emulsions (stabilized by solid particles) of these compounds. Activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in in vitro models mimicking cystic fibrosis sputum and wounds as well as in an in vivo Galleria mellonella model. The Pickering emulsions showed drastically increased antibiofilm activity compared to that of the compounds as such in both in vitro models and protected G. mellonella larvae from S. aureus-induced killing. Our data show that Pickering emulsions from phytochemicals are potentially useful for treating specific biofilm-related chronic infections.

The Amomum tsao-ko Essential Oils Inhibited Inflammation and Apoptosis through p38/JNK MAPK Signaling Pathway and Alleviated Gentamicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

The clinical application of gentamicin may lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), and the nephrotoxicity of gentamicin is related to the pathological mechanism of several oxidative and inflammatory cytokines. Plant-derived essential oils have good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to clarify the protective effect of Amomum tsao-ko essential oils (AOs) on gentamicin-induced AKI in rats and its possible mechanism. The rat AKI model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin. After 14 days of oral AO treatment, the renal function and pathological changes of the kidney tissues were evaluated, and the level of kidney tissue oxidative stress was detected. The content of inflammatory cytokines was measured by ELISA. The expression of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38, NF-κB, caspase-3, and Bax/Bcl-2 proteins were estimated by Western blot analysis. The results showed that taking AO reduced the contents of serum urea and creatinine in AKI rats and improve the pathological changes and oxidative stress of the kidney tissue in rats. At the same time, AO reduced inflammation and apoptosis during AKI by regulating the MAPK pathway. The data show that AO has a protective effect on the kidneys and may be a potential drug for treating kidney injury.

Investigation of Chemical Compounds and Evaluation of Toxicity, Antibacterial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Three Selected Essential Oils and Their Mixtures with Moroccan Thyme Honey

Throughout history, honey has been used to treat various diseases. The present work examined and assessed the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of Moroccan thyme honey and its association with essential oils from three selected plants: Origanum vulgare L.; Mentha spicata L.; Eucalyptus globulus L. The chemical composition of the essential oils was studied, and preliminary toxicity, in vitro anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial tests were conducted. Then the anti-inflammatory effect was determined by applying carrageenan and an experimental trauma-induced paw edema test in rats. The essential oils were rich in phytochemicals and showed significant antibacterial activity against four selected ATCC bacterial strains. The results revealed the significant anti-inflammatory potential of honey and mixtures with essential oils and indicated higher efficiency of mixtures compared to honey alone. It can be concluded that the mixtures of honey and essential oils have advantageous anti-inflammatory effects and may be used for treating different types of inflammation in humans after certain clinical trials.

Unravelling the Therapeutic Potential of Nano-Delivered Functional Foods in Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract is one of the most concerning public health issues, as it can lead to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), some of which are more detrimental than others. Chronic respiratory diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. The conventional drug therapies for the management and treatment of CRDs only address the symptoms and fail to reverse or recover the chronic-inflammation-mediated structural and functional damage of the respiratory tract. In addition, the low efficacy and adverse effects of these drugs have directed the attention of researchers towards nutraceuticals in search of potential treatment strategies that can not only ameliorate CRD symptoms but also can repair and reverse inflammatory damage. Hence, there is a growing interest toward investigating the medicinal benefits of nutraceuticals, such as rutin, curcumin, zerumbone, and others. Nutraceuticals carry many nutritional and therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity properties, and usually do not have as many adverse effects, as they are naturally sourced. Recently, the use of nanoparticles has also been increasingly studied for the nano drug delivery of these nutraceuticals. The discrete size of nanoparticles holds great potential for the level of permeability that can be achieved when transporting these nutraceutical compounds. This review is aimed to provide an understanding of the use of nutraceuticals in combination with nanoparticles against CRDs and their mechanisms involved in slowing down or reversing the progression of CRDs by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling pathways.

Walking around the Autonomous Province of Trento (Italy): An Ethnobotanical Investigation

The Trentino-South Tyrol region is a special statute region of northeastern Italy. This territory is of particular interest for its morphology, flourishing vegetation, and history, having been a meeting area among different civilizations. Hence, Trentino is characterized by an ethnic plurality and a rich ethnobotanical knowledge, even if the available information is fragmentary, widely dispersed, and often guarded in oral popular culture. To fill this gap, in the present work 200 subjects were interviewed using an ethnobotanical survey. The resulting 817 citations referred to 64 native species, used either for human or animal health or for domestic purposes. As a second step, for each plant exploited for medicinal purposes, local importance was evaluated by calculating their relative frequency of citation. Moreover, the main traditional preparations were discussed. Among them, the most cited and exploited ones are Achillea millefolium, Arnica montana, Hypericum perforatum, Malva sylvestris, Pinus mugo, and Satureja montana, for which a deeper analysis has been performed. Lastly, the ethnobotanical knowledge of the plants growing in this territory will add a piece to the mosaic of traditional medicine in Italy and may lay the foundation for a nature-aided drug discovery process.

Review of phytomedicine, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacological activities of Cymbopogon genus

The Cymbopogon genus belongs to the Andropoganeae family of the family Poaceae, which is famous for its high essential oil concentration. Cymbopogon possesses a diverse set of characteristics that supports its applications in cosmetic, pharmaceuticals and phytotherapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize and connect the evidence supporting the use of phytotherapy, phytomedicine, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, pharmacological activities, and quality control of the Cymbopogon species and their extracts. To ensure the successful completion of this review, data and studies relating to this review were strategically searched and obtained from scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier. Approximately 120 acceptable reviews, original research articles, and other observational studies were included and incorporated for further analysis. Studies showed that the genus Cymbopogon mainly contained flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which were the pivotal pharmacological active ingredients. When combined with the complex β-cyclodextrin, phytochemicals such as citronellal have been shown to have their own mechanism of action in inhibiting the descending pain pathway. Another mechanism of action described in this review is that of geraniol and citral phytochemicals, which have rose and lemon-like scents and can be exploited in soaps, detergents, mouthwash, cosmetics, and other products. Many other pharmacological effects, such as anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer have been discussed sequentially, along with how and which phytochemicals are responsible for the observed effect. Cymbopogon species have proven to be extremely valuable, with many applications. Its phytotherapy is proven to be due to its rich phytochemicals, obtained from different parts of the plant like leaves, roots, aerial parts, rhizomes, and even its essential oils. For herbs of Cymbopogon genus as a characteristic plant therapy, significant research is required to ensure their efficacy and safety for a variety of ailments.

Menthone supplementation protects from allergic inflammation in the lungs of asthmatic mice

To screen potent terpenoid compounds against allergic inflammation in vitro and in vivo, five terpenoid compounds including menthone, farnesol, oridonin, β-escin and lupeol, were first selected to compare their anti-allergic inflammation potential using mouse lung mast cells in vitro. Among five selected terpenoid compounds, just menthone treatment decreased TNF-α/IL-10 secretion ratios in lipopolysaccharide -stimulated mast cells in vitro. As a result, menthone was further chosen to treat ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice by gavage for 5 weeks. There were six groups including dietary control (DC group, 0 mg menthone/kg b.w./day), 8 (ML group), 40 (MM group) as well as 200 mg menthone/kg b.w./day (MH group) by gavage, positive control (PC group, 3 mg dexamethasone/kg b.w. by gavage before OVA challenge) and non-treatment control (NTC group, normal mice without treatment) in the experiment. Changes of inflammatory mediators, cell distribution, Th1/Th2 and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion as well as relative gene expression amounts of six receptors related to allergic inflammation in the lungs and airways were measured. The results showed that middle menthone supplementation (40 mg menthone/kg b.w./day) in vivo decreased protein and eotaxin, but increased Th1 cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Menthone supplementation inhibited eosinophilia, mast cell degranulation, chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 3 (CC receptor 3) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 1 (CXC receptor 1) gene expression amounts in the lungs, but restored the percentage of monocytes/macrophages. Our results suggest that menthone supplementation may alleviate allergic asthma through regulating airway allergic inflammation, protein overproduction, eosinophils infiltration, Th1/Th2 immune balance, CC receptor 3 and CXC receptor 1 gene expression amounts in the lungs but restoring the percentage of monocytes/macrophages in allergic asthmatic mice.

Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Compounds Obtained from Monoterpenes or Their Derivatives: Synthesis and Properties

Directed transformation of available natural compounds with native biological activity is a promising area of research in organic and medicinal chemistry aimed at finding effective drug substances. The number of scientific publications devoted to the transformation of natural compounds and investigations of their pharmacological properties, in particular, monoterpenes and their nearest derivatives, increases every year. At the same time, the chemistry of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds has been actively developed since the 1950s after the news that the benzimidazole core is an integral part of the structure of vitamin B₁₂. At the time of writing this review, the data on chemical modifications of monoterpenes and their nearest derivatives leading to formation of compounds with a nitrogen-containing heterocycle core have not been summarized and systematized in terms of chemical transformations. In this review, we tried to summarize the literature data on the preparation and properties of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds synthesized from monoterpenes/monoterpenoids and their nearest derivatives for the period from 2000 to 2021.

TRP channels and monoterpenes: Past and current leads on analgesic properties

The activation of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels expressed by sensory neurons is essential to the transduction of thermal and mechanical sensory information. In the setting of chronic inflammatory conditions, the activation of the melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8), the TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and the TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is correlated with pain hypersensitivity reactions. Monoterpenes, among which pulegone and menthol, a major class of phytocompounds present in essential oils of medicinal plants, are known modulators of those TRP channels activity. In the present review, we correlate the monoterpene content of plants with their historical therapeutic properties. We then describe how monoterpenes exert their anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesia effects through modulation of TRP channels activity. Finally, we discuss the importance and the potential of characterizing new plant extracts and reassessing studied plant extracts for the development of ethnopharmacology-based innovative treatments for chronic pain. This review suggests that monoterpene solutions, based on composition from traditional healing herbs, offer an interesting avenue for the development of new phytotherapeutic treatments to alleviate chronic inflammatory pain conditions.

Lichen Planopilaris: The first biopsy layer microbiota inspection

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is a lymphatic disease affecting the scalp that is characterized by a chronic and destructive inflammation process, named as ‘cicatricial alopecia’ in which the hair follicles are targeted and may involve predominantly lymphocytes or neutrophils. Scalp and biopsy layers have never been used to investigate microbial community composition and its relative taxa abundances in LPP. We sought to examine the significant taxa of this chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, together with inspect the existing connections with metabolic pathways featuring this microbial community. We used a multilevel analysis based on 16S rRNA marker sequencing in order to detect OTU abundances in pathologic/healthy samples, real time PCR for measuring the levels of IL-23 interleukin expression and urinary metabolomics to find out volatile organic metabolites (VOMs). By using a linear regression model, we described peculiar taxa that significantly differentiated LPP and healthy samples. We inspected taxa abundances and interleukin mRNA levels and the Microbacteriaceae family resulted negatively correlated with the IL-23 expression. Moreover, starting from 16S taxa abundances, we predicted the metabolic pathways featuring this microbial community. By inspecting microbial composition, sample richness, metabolomics profiles and the relative metabolic pathways in a cohort of LPP and healthy samples we deepened the contribution of significant taxa that are connected to inflammation maintenance and microbiota plasticity in LPP pathology.

Natural Compounds: A Hopeful Promise as an Antibiofilm Agent Against Candida Species

The biofilm communities of Candida are resistant to various antifungal treatments. The ability of Candida to form biofilms on abiotic and biotic surfaces is considered one of the most important virulence factors of these fungi. Extracellular DNA and exopolysaccharides can lower the antifungal penetration to the deeper layers of the biofilms, which is a serious concern supported by the emergence of azole-resistant isolates and Candida strains with decreased antifungal susceptibility. Since the biofilms' resistance to common antifungal drugs has become more widespread in recent years, more investigations should be performed to develop novel, inexpensive, non-toxic, and effective treatment approaches for controlling biofilm-associated infections. Scientists have used various natural compounds for inhibiting and degrading Candida biofilms. Curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, terpinen-4-ol, linalool, geraniol, cineole, saponin, camphor, borneol, camphene, carnosol, citronellol, coumarin, epigallocatechin gallate, eucalyptol, limonene, menthol, piperine, saponin, α-terpineol, β-pinene, and citral are the major natural compounds that have been used widely for the inhibition and destruction of Candida biofilms. These compounds suppress not only fungal adhesion and biofilm formation but also destroy mature biofilm communities of Candida. Additionally, these natural compounds interact with various cellular processes of Candida, such as ABC-transported mediated drug transport, cell cycle progression, mitochondrial activity, and ergosterol, chitin, and glucan biosynthesis. The use of various drug delivery platforms can enhance the antibiofilm efficacy of natural compounds. Therefore, these drug delivery platforms should be considered as potential candidates for coating catheters and other medical material surfaces. A future goal will be to develop natural compounds as antibiofilm agents that can be used to treat infections by multi-drug-resistant Candida biofilms. Since exact interactions of natural compounds and biofilm structures have not been elucidated, further in vitro toxicology and animal experiments are required. In this article, we have discussed various aspects of natural compound usage for inhibition and destruction of Candida biofilms, along with the methods and procedures that have been used for improving the efficacy of these compounds.

Effect of Oregano Essential Oil Combined with Live and Killed Newcastle Disease Vaccines on Immune Response in Broilers Chicks in Erbil, Iraq: A Comparative Study

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of oregano essential oil supplementation at the concentration of 50 mL/1000L of drinking water on immune response and growth performance in broiler chickens. A total of 390 one-day-old Rose chickens were housed together in six experimental boxes (n=65 each), including non-vaccinated groups and non-vaccinated oregano treated groups. Group A: vaccinated with LaSota vaccine via eye drop at 5-, 15-, and 28-day-old adding oregano essential oil in drinking water 1 day post-vaccination. Group B: vaccinated with LaSota vaccine via eye drop at 5-, 15-, 28-day-old only without oregano essential oil. Group C: vaccinated with inactivated Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine at 5-day-old via subcutaneous (SC) injection one dose adding oregano essential oil in drinking water 1 day post-vaccination for 3 days. Group D: vaccinated with inactivated ND vaccine at 5-day-old via SC injection one dose only without oregano essential oil. Group E: non-vaccinated as the control group. Group F: non-vaccinated and adding oregano essential oil for 3 days in drinking water as the control group. The effect of oregano essential oil in drinking water combined with two forms of live and killed ND virus vaccines on the immune responses and serum proteins was investigated in broiler chickens. The results showed the significant effect of oregano on the immune response of chicks in groups D and C that were vaccinated with the killed vaccine at 23- and 33-day-old. Based on the findings, a peak was recorded at 38-day-old with a significant difference (P<0.05) in vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups, as well as a significant increase in 38-day-old for group C (P<0.05), compared to other groups regarding the oregano effects on the immune response of groups. In addition, an increase in the serum protein was significantly different (P0.05) in the vaccinated broiler chicks, and serum globulin showed a quantitative increase in the vaccinated broiler chicks, compared with non-vaccinated groups. However, the results showed that the effect of oregano was non-significantly different (P>0.05) and it had no beneficial effect on growth performance. The results of this study showed the effects of commercial Oregano supplementation (50 mL/1000L drinking water), which increased serum total protein, including globulin, and provoked the best immunological response to ND vaccinations in broiler chickens. More research is needed to develop a state that may beneficially affect the health and uniformity of chickens.

Antibacterial and Oxidative Stress-Protective Effects of Five Monoterpenes from Softwood

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) affect the quality of indoor air. Terpenes and especially monoterpenes are the main molecules emitted from softwood material (coniferous species), which is widely used in construction. The corneal epithelium is one of the first human membranes to encounter VOCs in the air. Moreover, the industrial use of pleasant-scented monoterpenes in cosmetics, food, and detergents exposes people to monoterpenes in their daily lives. In the present study, the health effective properties of five monoterpenes from softwood were tested; cytotoxicity and oxidative stress-protective effects of α- and β-pinenes, R- and S-limonene, and 3-carene were tested in a human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell model system and with two additional in vitro antioxidant tests: oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging. Antibacterial efficacies were tested with two bioluminescent bacterial biosensor strains (Escherichia coli K12+pcGLS11 and Staphylococcus aureus RN4220+pAT19) and with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test against Escherichia coli. Only very high concentrations of monoterpenes (0.3–0.5 mg/mL) demonstrated cytotoxicity against HCE cells. Contrary to the original hypothesis, monoterpenes did not exhibit strong antioxidant properties in tested concentrations. However, biosensors and MIC tests indicated clear antibacterial activities for all tested monoterpenes.

Tuning Geraniol Biosynthesis via a Novel Decane-Responsive Promoter in Candida glycerinogenes

Geraniol is a rose-scented monoterpene with significant commercial and industrial value in medicine, condiments, cosmetics, and bioenergy. Here, we first targeted geraniol as a reporter metabolite and explored the suitability and potential of Candida glycerinogenes as a heterologous host for monoterpenoid production. Subsequently, dual-pathway engineering was employed to improve the production of geraniol with a geraniol titer of 858.4 mg/L. We then applied a synthetic hybrid promoter approach to develop a decane-responsive hybrid promoter based on the native promoter P_GAP derived from C. glycerinogenes itself. The hybrid promoter was able to be induced by n-decane with 3.6 times higher transcriptional intensity than the natural promoter P_GAP. In particular, the hybrid promoter effectively reduces the conflict between cell growth and product formation in the production of geraniol. Ultimately, 1194.6 mg/L geraniol was obtained at the shake flask level. The strong and tunable decane-responsive hybrid promoter developed in this study provides an important tool for fine regulation of toxic terpenoid production in cells.

Insights into the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Cytotoxic Activities of Pistacia lentiscus Bark and Phytochemical Profile; In Silico and In Vitro Study

Foodborne infections and antibiotic resistance pose a serious threat to public health and must be addressed urgently. Pistacia lentiscus is a wild-growing shrub and has been utilized for medicinal applications as well as for culinary purposes. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of P. lentiscus bark in vitro, as well as the phytochemical composition, are the focus of this inquiry. The bark extract of P. lentiscus showed significant antimicrobial activity in experiments on bacteria and yeast isolated from human and food sources. The exposure time for the complete inhibition of cell viability of P. aeruginosa in the extracts was found to be 5% at 15 min. Phytochemical inquiry of the methanol extract demonstrates the existence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, triterpenes, and alkaloids. Deep phytochemical exploration led to the identification of methyl gallate, gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-glucoside, and Quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside. When tested using the DPPH assay, the methanol extracts of P. lentiscus bark demonstrated a high free radical scavenging efficiency. Further, we have performed a molecular modelling study which revealed that the extract of P. lentiscus bark could be a beneficial source for novel flavonoid glycosides inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Taken together, this study highlights the Pistacia lentiscus bark methanol extract as a promising antimicrobial and antiviral agent.

Chronic Inflammation in Non-Healing Skin Wounds and Promising Natural Bioactive Compounds Treatment

Chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of chronic wounds and is tightly coupled to immune regulation. The dysregulation of the immune system leads to continuing inflammation and impaired wound healing and, subsequently, to chronic skin wounds. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune system, the involvement of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species, the complication of bacterial infections in chronic wound healing, and the still-underexplored potential of natural bioactive compounds in wound treatment. We focus on natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities and their mechanisms of action, as well as on recent wound treatments and therapeutic advancements capitalizing on nanotechnology or new biomaterial platforms.

Chemical characterization and bioactive potential of Thymus×citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. preparations for anti-acne applications: Antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory and safety profiles

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Thymus × citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. is an interspecific hybrid between Thymus pulegioides and Thymus vulgaris, known for its pharmacological activities as diaphoretic, deodorant, antiseptic and disinfectant, the last mostly related with its antimicrobial activity. The folk use of other extracts, as hydrolates, have also been disseminated, as regulators of oily skin with anti-acne effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to evaluate the anti-acne potential of two Thymus x citriodorus (TC) preparations, the essential oil (EO) and the hydrolate, to be used as active ingredients for skin applications. Specifically, we intend to validate their anti-acne potential by describing their activity on acne related bacteria, bacterial virulence, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, and biocompatibility on inflammatory cells. Additionally, we aimed to report their ecotoxicity under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), thus focusing not only on the consumer, but also on environmental safety assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against C. acnes, S. aureus and S. epidermidis was evaluated. Minimum lethal concentration (MLC) was also determined. The effect on C. acnes biofilm formation and disruption was evaluated with crystal violet staining. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated on LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7), by studying nitric oxide (NO) production (Griess reagent) and cellular biocompatibility through MTT assay. In-vitro NO and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging potential were also evaluated. The ecotoxicity was evaluated using Daphnia magna acute toxicity assays.

RESULTS

EO presented direct antimicrobial activity, with visual MICs ranging from 0.06% for S. epidermidis and C. acnes to 0.125% for S. aureus. MLCs were higher than the obtained MICs. Hydrolate revealed visual MIC only for C. acnes. TC essential oil was effective in preventing biofilm formation and disrupting preformed biofilms even at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Hydrolate showed a more modest anti-biofilm effect. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, TC hydrolate has a higher cellular biocompatibility. Still, both plant preparations were able to inhibit at least 50% of NO production at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Both EO and hydrolate have poor anti-oxidant activities. Regarding the ecotoxicity, TC essential oil was classified under acute 3 category, while the hydrolate has proved to be nontoxic, in accordance to the GHS.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the anti-acne value of different TC preparations for different applications. TC hydrolate by presenting higher biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory potential and the ability to modulate C. acnes virulence, can be advantageous in a product for everyday application. On the other hand, EO by presenting a marked antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory activities, still with some cytotoxicity, may be better suited for application in acute flare-ups, for short treatment periods.

Menthone Inhalation Alleviates Local and Systemic Allergic Inflammation in Ovalbumin-Sensitized and Challenged Asthmatic Mice

Menthone is rich in Mentha × Piperita L. essential oil and it has anti-inflammatory properties; research shows that it is useful, via percutaneous absorption, in treating inflammation-related diseases. However, anti-allergic inflammatory effects of volatile menthone have not yet been used to treat allergic asthma, in vivo. We hypothesized that menthone inhalation may have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects in patients with allergic asthma. Therefore, in our study, menthone inhalation was used to treat ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and challenged asthmatic mice. Allergic inflammation mediator changes in the lungs and airways, sera, splenocytes, and peritoneal macrophages of the mice were measured. Relative expression amounts of six receptor genes related to allergic inflammation of the lungs and airways were quantitated using a two-step real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results showed that menthone inhalation increased serum OVA-specific IgG2a/IgG1 and IgG2a/IgE ratios, increased Th1-type cytokine production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and decreased nitric oxide, protein, and eotaxin levels. Menthone inhalation inhibited mast cell and eosinophil degranulation, and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 3 (Ccr3) gene expression amounts, but (relatively) increased Th1 cytokine secretion by splenocytes. Our results evidence that menthone inhalation alleviates local and systemic allergic inflammation in asthmatic mice.

A critical review of cannabis in medicine and dentistry: A look back and the path forward

Introduction

In the last two decades, our understanding of the therapeutic utility and medicinal properties of cannabis has greatly changed. This change has been accompanied by widespread cannabis use in various communities and different age groups, especially within the United States. With this increase, we should consider the potential effects of cannabis–hemp on general public health and how they could alter therapeutic outcomes.

Material and Methods

The present investigation examined cannabis use for recreational and therapeutic use and a review of pertinent indexed literature was performed. The focused question evaluates “how cannabis or hemp products impact health parameters and do they provide potential therapeutic value in dentistry, and how do they interact with conventional medicines (drugs).” Indexed databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE) were searched without any time restrictions but language was restricted to English.

Results

The review highlights dental concerns of cannabis usage, the need to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS), cannabinoid receptor system, its endogenous ligands, pharmacology, metabolism, current oral health, and medical dilemma to ascertain the detrimental or beneficial effects of using cannabis–hemp products. The pharmacological effects of pure cannabidiol (CBD) have been studied extensively while cannabis extracts can vary significantly and lack empirical studies. Several metabolic pathways are affected by cannabis use and could pose a potential drug interaction. The chronic use of cannabis is associated with health issues, but the therapeutic potential is multifold since there is a regulatory role of ECS in many pathologies.

Conclusion

Current shortcomings in understanding the benefits of cannabis or hemp products are limited due to pharmacological and clinical effects not being predictable, while marketed products vary greatly in phytocompounds warrant further empirical investigation. Given the healthcare challenges to manage acute and chronic pain, this review highlights both cannabis and CBD‐hemp extracts to help identify the therapeutic application for patient populations suffering from anxiety, inflammation, and dental pain.

Ethnoveterinary Uses of Certain Yemeni Plants: A Review of the Scientific Evidence

Livestock is an important and integral component of agriculture production in Yemen and contributes 28% of the total agricultural production income. Research in the field of Yemeni ethnoveterinary medicine is limited to a few studies. Therefore, our work aims to substantiate scientifically the ethnoveterinary use of some documented plant species based on a literature review of their bioactivities and toxicological properties. Searching the scientific literature has revealed various pharmacological activities that may support the claimed healing activities of 11 out of 14 plant species for some of their ethnoveterinary utilization. This comprises the use of Aloe spp. latex for constipation, worms, boils, and wounds; Boswellia sacra underbark for wounds and its oleo-gum resin for mastitis; Soqotraen Boswellia species as an insect repellent; Cissus rotundifolia for stomach pain; Cyphostemma digitatum as an appetite stimulant; Psiadia punctulate for bone fracture; Pulicaria undulata as an insect repellent; combinations of Aristolochia bracteolate with Sorghum bicolor grains for bloating; Rumex nervosus and salt for eye pimples; and Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds with Hordeum vulgare grains for constipation. Some plants were found to demonstrate various toxic effects in in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. The local administration of Calotropis procera latex was also reported to induce an intense inflammatory response. It can be concluded that our work has provided valuable scientific information on the biological and toxic activities of some Yemeni ethnoveterinary remedies that could be utilized for the benefit of farmers to ration the use of these remedies and avoiding their toxicity.

Fenchone Derivatives as a Novel Class of CB2 Selective Ligands: Design, Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Therapeutic Potential

A series of novel cannabinoid-type derivatives were synthesized by the coupling of (1S,4R)-(+) and (1R,4S)-(−)-fenchones with various resorcinols/phenols. The fenchone-resorcinol derivatives were fluorinated using Selectfluor and demethylated using sodium ethanethiolate in dimethylformamide (DMF). The absolute configurations of four compounds were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The fenchone-resorcinol analogs possessed high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. One of the analogues synthesized, 2-(2′,6′-dimethoxy-4′-(2″-methyloctan-2″-yl)phenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol (1d), had a high affinity (K_i = 3.51 nM) and selectivity for the human CB2 receptor (hCB2). In the [³⁵S]GTPγS binding assay, our lead compound was found to be a highly potent and efficacious hCB2 receptor agonist (EC₅₀ = 2.59 nM, E_(max) = 89.6%). Two of the fenchone derivatives were found to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Molecular-modeling studies elucidated the binding interactions of 1d within the CB2 binding site.

BODIPY Conjugates as Functional Compounds for Medical Diagnostics and Treatment

Fluorescent dyes absorbing and emitting in the visible and near-IR regions are promising for the development of fluorescent probes for labeling and bio-visualization of body cells. The ability to absorb and emit in the long-wavelength region increases the efficiency of recording the spectral signals of the probes due to the higher permeability of the skin layers. Compared to other fluorescent dyes, BODIPYs are attractive due to their excellent photophysical properties-narrow absorption and emission, intense fluorescence, simple signal modulation for the practical applications. As part of conjugates with biomolecules, BODIPY could act as a biomarker, but as therapeutic agent, which allows solving several problems at once-labeling or bioimaging and treatment based on the suppression of pathogenic microflora and cancer cells, which provides a huge potential for practical application of BODIPY conjugates in medicine. The review is devoted to the discussion of the recent, promising directions of BODIPY application in the field of conjugation with biomolecules. The first direction is associated with the development of BODIPY conjugates with drugs, including compounds of platinum, paclitaxel, chlorambucil, isoxazole, capsaicin, etc. The second direction is devoted to the labeling of vitamins, hormones, lipids, and other biomolecules to control the processes of their transport, localization in target cells, and metabolism. Within the framework of the third direction, the problem of obtaining functional optically active materials by conjugating BODIPY with other colored and fluorescent particles, in particular, phthalocyanines, is being solved.

Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lipophilic Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin and Camellia Oil Combination in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Cells

Combination drug therapy has become an effective strategy to control inflammation. Lipophilic grape seed proanthocyanidin (LGSP) and camellia oil (CO) have been independently investigated to show anti-inflammatory effects, but their synergistic anti-inflammatory effects are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of LGSP and CO. The anti-inflammatory activity of LGSP and CO individual or in combination on RAW264.7 cells was detected by MTT assay, Griess reagent, RT-PCR, 2′,7′-dichlorfluoroescein diacetate and Western blot analysis. The combined treatment of LGSP with CO (20 μg/mL and 1 mg/mL) synergistically suppressed the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and ROS. Further studies showed that the synergistic effect was attributed to their suppression of the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Overall, our findings demonstrate the potential synergistic effect between LGSP and CO in LPS-induced inflammation.

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. leaf extracts prevent inflammatory responses via inhibition of the JAK/STAT axis in RAW264.7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl. (C. obtusa) has been used as folk medicine in East Asia and has been reported to alleviate inflammatory diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory effects of C. obtusa remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Although the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of natural products have been studied for decades, it is still important to identify the potential anti-inflammatory effects of natural sources. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanism of C. obtusa leaf extracts.

MATERIAL &METHODS

The cell viability was determined by MTT and crystal violet staining. NO production in the supernatant was measured using Griess reagent. The cell lysates were analyzed by immunoblotting and RT-qPCR. Secreted cytokines were analyzed using ELISA kit and cytokine array kit. mRNA expression from the GSE9632 database set. Z-scores were calculated for each gene and visualized by heat map.

RESULTS

Among the extracts of C. obtusa obtained with different extraction methods, the 99% ethanol leaf extract (CO99EL) strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and Janus kinase/signaling transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) phosphorylation in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, CO99EL strongly inhibited LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-27, and C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-1 production and directly inhibited LPS-induced JAK/STAT phosphorylation in RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that CO99EL significantly prevents LPS-induced macrophage activation by inhibiting the JAK/STAT axis. Therefore, we suggest the use of C. obtusa extracts as therapeutic approach for inflammatory diseases.

Thymol and carvacrol supplementation in poultry health and performance

BACKGROUND

Thymol and carvacrol as natural essential oils and phenol compounds are components derived from some medicinal plants, such as thyme and oregano species.

OBJECTIVES

The increasing demands in organic and healthy meat and egg consumption in human society have made it necessary to consider alternative natural compounds for the replacement of chemical compounds in poultry production. The chemical compounds can remain in meat and eggs and cause complications in human health. Therefore, these natural compounds can be fed with a higher safety in poultry production with specific effects. In this regard, the role of thymol and carvacrol as natural compounds in the poultry production has been discussed in the review.

METHODS

In this study, by searching for keywords related to thymol and carvacrol in poultry production in Google Scholar database, the articles related to different aspects of the biological effects of these two phytogenes in poultry production were selected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A review of previous studies has shown that thymol and carvacrol possess a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, modulating of immunity response and regulating of the gut microbial population. Also, in meat type chickens can promote growth and influence feed utilization. The beneficial effect of this compound was evaluated in hepatic toxicity and demonstrated as a hepatoprotective compound in chickens. Furthermore, these compounds can affect the behavior of layers and influence egg composition, eggshell thickness, and the sensory quality of eggs.

CONCLUSION

It seems that with the increasing demand for healthy protein products, these compounds can be used to improve performance as a substitute alternative for chemical compounds in healthy poultry farms.

Anti-Hyperalgesic Properties of Menthol and Pulegone

Context: Menthol, the main monoterpene found in Mentha piperita L. (M. piperita) is known to modulate nociceptive threshold and is present in different curative preparations that reduce sensory hypersensitivities in pain conditions. While for pulegone, a menthol-like monoterpene, only a limited number of studies focus on its putative analgesic effects, pulegone is the most abundant monoterpene present in Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi (C. nepeta), a plant of the Lamiaceae family used in traditional medicine to alleviate rheumatic disorders, which counts amongst chronic inflammatory diseases.

Objectives: Here, we analyzed the monoterpenes composition of C. nepeta and M. piperita. We then compared the putative anti-hyperalgesic effects of the main monoterpenes found, menthol and pulegone, in acute inflammatory pain conditions.

Methods:C. nepeta and M. piperita extracts were obtained through pressurized liquid extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of menthol or pulegone was evaluated by measuring the secretion of the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. The in vivo anti-hyperalgesic effects of menthol and pulegone were tested on a rat inflammatory pain model.

Results: Pulegone and menthol are the most abundant monoterpene found in C. nepeta (49.41%) and M. piperita (42.85%) extracts, respectively. In vitro, both pulegone and menthol act as strong anti-inflammatory molecules, with EC50 values of 1.2 ± 0.2 and 1.5 ± 0.1 mM, respectively, and exert cytotoxicity with EC50 values of 6.6 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.2 mM, respectively. In vivo, 100 mg/kg pulegone exerts a transient anti-hyperalgesic effect on both mechanical (pulegone: 274.25 ± 68.89 g, n = 8; vehicle: 160.88 ± 35.17 g, n = 8, p < 0.0001), thermal heat (pulegone: 4.09 ± 0.62 s, n = 8; vehicle: 2.25 ± 0.34 s, n = 8, p < 0.0001), and cold (pulegone: 2.25 ± 1.28 score, n = 8; vehicle: 4.75 ± 1.04 score, n = 8, p = 0.0003). In a similar way, 100 mg/kg menthol exerts a transient anti-hyperalgesic effect on both mechanical (mechanical: menthol: 281.63 ± 45.52 g, n = 8; vehicle: 166.25 ± 35.4 g, n = 8, p < 0.0001) and thermal heat (menthol: 3.65 ± 0.88 s, n = 8; vehicle: 2.19 ± 0.26 s, n = 8, <0.0001).

Conclusion: Here, we show that both pulegone and menthol are anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic monoterpenes. These results might open the path towards new compound mixes to alleviate the pain sensation.

Efficacy of Oregano Essential Oil Extract in the Inhibition of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Osteoclastogenesis Using RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophage Cell Line—An In-Vitro Study

Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterias are predominate in periapical infections. The bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) initiates the process of inflammation and periapical bone resorption. Usage of various medicaments retards or inactivates the bacterial endotoxin (LPS). However, the results are not highly effective. In recent years, owing to antimicrobial resistance, the shift from conventional agents to herbal agents has been increased tremendously in research. Keeping this in mind, the present study was formulated to evaluate the efficacy of oregano essential oil in inhibiting bacterial LPS- induced osteoclastogenesis. Four different concentrations (0 ng/mL, 25 ng/mL, 50 ng/mL, and 100 ng/mL) of oregano essential oil extract were added into 96-well culture plate. Under light microscope, quantification of osteoclast cells was performed. One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test was carried out on SPSS v21. A significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the osteoclast was observed in the experimental groups compared to no oregano essential oil extract (control). A dose-dependent significant reduction (p < 0.001) in osteoclast formation was observed among the experimental groups, with lesser osteoclast seen in group IV with 100 ng/mL of oregano essential oil extract. Thus, it can be concluded that oregano essential oil extract can be utilized as a therapeutic agent that can target bacterial LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis. However, randomized controlled studies should be conducted to assess the potential use of this extract in the periapical bone resorption of endodontic origin.

Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A Review

Conventional cancer treatments have shown several unfavourable adverse effects, as well as an increase in anticancer drug resistance, which worsens the impending cancer therapy. Thus, the emphasis is currently en route for natural products. There is currently great interest in the natural bioactive components from medicinal plants possessing anticancer characteristics. For example, clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) (Family Myrtaceae) is a highly prized spice that has been historically utilized as a food preservative and for diverse medical uses. It is reckoned amongst the valued sources of phenolics. It is indigenous to Indonesia but currently is cultivated in various places of the world. Among diverse active components, eugenol, the principal active component of S. aromaticum, has optimistic properties comprising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is a musky oil that is mainly obtained from clove. It has long been utilized all over the world as a result of its broad properties like antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Eugenol continues to pique investigators’ interest because of its multidirectional activities, which suggests it could be used in medications to treat different ailments. Anticancer effects of eugenol are accomplished by various mechanisms like inducing cell death, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis on several cancer cell lines. Besides, eugenol might be utilized as an adjunct remedy for patients who are treated with conventional chemotherapy. This combination leads to a boosted effectiveness with decreased toxicity. The present review focuses on the anticancer properties of eugenol to treat several cancer types and their possible mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil prepared during different plant phenophases on THP-1 macrophages

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common Gram-negative bacterium associated with nosocomial respiratory infections. Lavender essential oil is mainly used in aromatherapy, but it has several pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Furthermore, it possesses antifungal and antibacterial activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils may depend on the composition and the ratio of the compounds. The constitution of the essential oils extracted from the different stages of flowering period varies, which makes it plausible that the collection time of the flowers influences the anti-inflammatory effects. Different types of essential oils reduce inflammation acting similarly by modulating the activity and action of the NFκB signalling pathway, which is the major regulator of the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

Lavender essential oils were distilled from lavender plant cultivated in Hungary and the flowers were harvested at the beginning and at the end of flowering period. The experiments were carried out on THP-1 human monocyte/macrophage cell line as in vitro cell culture model for monitoring the effects of lavender essential oils and the main compound linalool on P. aeruginosa LPS stimulated inflammation. The mRNA and protein levels of four pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNFα were determined by Real Time PCR and ELISA measurements. The effects of essential oils were compared to the response to two NFκB inhibitors, luteolin and ACHP.

RESULTS

Linalool and lavender essential oil extracted from plants at the beginning of flowering period were successful in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production following LPS pretreatment. In case of IL-8 and IL-1β lavender oil showed stronger effect compared to linalool and both of them acted similarly to NFκB inhibitors. Pretreatments with linalool and lavender essential oil/beginning of flowering period prevented pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared to LPS treatment alone. Although lavender essential oil/end of flowering period decreased IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 mRNA expression in case of LPS pretreatment, it was not capable to reduce cytokine secretion.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results it has been proven that lavender essential oil extracted at the beginning of flowering period is a potent inhibitor of the synthesis of four pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-β and TNFα of THP-1 cells. This supports the relevance of the collection of the lavender flowers from early blooming period for essential oil production and for the utilization as an anti-inflammatory treatment.

Apiaceae Essential Oils: Boosters of Terbinafine Activity against Dermatophytes and Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effectors

Dermatophyte infections represent an important public health concern, affecting up to 25% of the world's population. Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes are the predominant dermatophytes in cutaneous infections, with a prevalence accounting for 70% of dermatophytoses. Although terbinafine represents the preferred treatment, its clinical use is hampered by side effects, drug-drug interactions, and the emergence of resistant clinical isolates. Combination therapy, associating terbinafine and essential oils (EOs), represents a promising strategy in the treatment of dermatophytosis. In this study, we screened the potential of selected Apiaceae EOs (ajowan, coriander, caraway, and anise) to improve the antifungal activity of terbinafine against T. rubrum ATCC 28188 and T. mentagrophytes ATCC 9533. The chemical profile of EOs was analyzed by gas chromatography. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of EOs/main compounds were determined according to EUCAST-AFST guidelines, with minor modifications. The checkerboard microtiter method was used to identify putative synergistic combinations of EOs/main constituents with terbinafine. The influence of EOs on the viability and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α) was determined using an ex vivo human neutrophils model. The binary associations of tested EOs with terbinafine were found to be synergistic against T. rubrum, with FICI values of 0.26-0.31. At the tested concentrations (6.25-25 mg/L), EOs did not exert cytotoxic effects towards human neutrophils. Anise EO was the most potent inhibitor of IL-1β release (46.49% inhibition at 25 mg/L), while coriander EO displayed the highest inhibition towards IL-8 and TNF-α production (54.15% and 54.91%, respectively). In conclusion, the synergistic combinations of terbinafine and investigated Apiaceae EOs could be a starting point in the development of novel topical therapies against T. rubrum-related dermatophytosis.

Mollusc-Derived Brominated Indoles for the Selective Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase: A Computational Expedition

Inflammation plays an important role in different chronic diseases. Brominated indoles derived from the Australian marine mollusk Dicathais orbita (D. orbita) are of interest for their anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluates the binding mechanism and potentiality of several brominated indoles (tyrindoxyl sulfate, tyrindoleninone, 6-bromoisatin, and 6,6′-dibromoindirubin) against inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenases-1/2 (COX-1/2) using molecular docking, followed by molecular dynamics simulation, along with physicochemical, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic (pk), and toxicokinetic (tk) properties. Molecular docking identified that these indole compounds are anchored, with the main amino acid residues, positioned in the binding pocket of the COX-1/2, required for selective inhibition. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation based on root mean square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analyses showed that these natural brominated molecules transit rapidly to a progressive constant configuration during binding with COX-1/2 and seem to accomplish a consistent dynamic behavior by maintaining conformational stability and compactness. The results were comparable to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved selective COX inhibitor, aspirin. Furthermore, the free energy of binding for the compounds assessed by molecular mechanics–Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM–PBSA) confirmed the binding capacity of indoles towards COX-1/2, with suitable binding energy values except for the polar precursor tyrindoxyl sulfate (with COX-1). The physicochemical and drug-likeness analysis showed zero violations of Lipinski’s rule, and the compounds are predicted to have excellent pharmacokinetic profiles. These indoles are projected to be non-mutagenic and free from hepatotoxicity, with no inhibition of human ether-a-go–go gene (hERG) I inhibitors, and the oral acute toxicity LD₅₀ in rats is predicted to be similar or lower than aspirin. Overall, this work has identified a plausible mechanism for selective COX inhibition by natural marine indoles as potential therapeutic candidates for the mitigation of inflammation.