(Lamiaceae)

Anthelminthic and antimicrobial effects of hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica L.) growing in Southern Kazakhstan

The Stachys L. genus has been widely used in traditional medicine in many countries throughout the world. The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and bioactivity of the hydroethanolic extract (50% v/v) obtained by ultrasonication from the aerial flowering parts of Stachys sylvatica L. (SSE) collected in Almaty region (Southern Kazakhstan). According to RP-HPLC/PDA analysis the leading metabolites of the SSE belonged to polyphenols: chlorogenic acid and its isomers (2.34 mg/g dry extract) and luteolin derivatives (1.49 mg/g dry extract), while HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS-based qualitative fingerprinting revealed the presence of 17 metabolites, mainly chlorogenic acid and its isomers, flavonoid glycosides, and verbascoside with its derivatives. GC-MS analysis of the volatile metabolites showed mainly the presence of diterpenoids and fatty acid esters. A reduction in the viability of nematodes Rhabditis sp. was obtained for the SSE concentration of 3.3 mg/mL, while 11.1 mg/mL showed activity comparable to albendazole. The SSE exhibited higher activity against Gram-positive (MIC = 0.5-2 mg/mL) than Gram-negative bacteria and yeast (MIC = 8 mg/mL), exerting bactericidal and fungicidal effects but with no sporicidal activity. The SSE showed some antiviral activity against HCoV-229E replicating in MRC-5 and good protection against the cytopathic effect induced by HHV-1 in VERO. The SSE was moderately cytotoxic towards human cervical adenocarcinoma (H1HeLa) cells (CC50 of 0.127 mg/mL after 72 h). This study provides novel information on the SSE extract composition and its biological activity, especially in the context of the SSE as a promising candidate for further antiparasitic studies.

Stachys Species: Comparative Evaluation of Phenolic Profile and Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential

This study aimed to investigate the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of six Romanian Stachys species: S. officinalis, S. germanica, S. byzantina, S. sylvatica, S. palustris, and S. recta. The LC-MS/MS method was used to analyze the polyphenolic profile, while the phenolic contents were spectrophotometrically determined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the following methods: DPPH, FRAP, nitrite-induced autooxidation of hemoglobin, inhibition of cytochrome c-catalyzed lipid peroxidation, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The in vitro antimicrobial properties were assessed using agar-well diffusion, broth microdilution, and antibiofilm assays. Fifteen polyphenols were identified using LC-MS and chlorogenic acid was the major component in all the samples (1131.8-6761.4 μg/g). S. germanica, S. palustris, and S. byzantina extracts each displayed an intense antiradical action in relation to high contents of TPC (6.40 mg GAE/mL), flavonoids (3.90 mg RE/mL), and caffeic acid derivatives (0.89 mg CAE/mL). In vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were exhibited towards Candida albicans, Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, with the most intense efficacy recorded for S. germanica and S. byzantina when tested against S. aureus. These results highlighted Stachys extracts as rich sources of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacies and important perspectives for developing phytopharmaceuticals.

Chemistry and Bioactivity of Croton Essential Oils: Literature Survey and Croton hirtus from Vietnam

Using essential oils to control vectors, intermediate hosts, and disease-causing microorganisms is a promising approach. The genus Croton in the family Euphorbiaceae is a large genus, with many species containing large amounts of essential oils, however, essential oil studies are limited in terms of the number of Croton species investigated. In this work, the aerial parts of C. hirtus growing wild in Vietnam were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 141 compounds were identified in C. hirtus essential oil, in which sesquiterpenoids dominated, comprising 95.4%, including the main components β-caryophyllene (32.8%), germacrene D (11.6%), β-elemene (9.1%), α-humulene (8.5%), and caryophyllene oxide (5.0%). The essential oil of C. hirtus showed very strong biological activities against the larvae of four mosquito species with 24 h LC₅₀ values in the range of 15.38-78.27 μg/mL, against Physella acuta adults with a 48 h LC₅₀ value of 10.09 μg/mL, and against ATCC microorganisms with MIC values in the range of 8-16 μg/mL. In order to provide a comparison with previous works, a literature survey on the chemical composition, mosquito larvicidal, molluscicidal, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial activities of essential oils of Croton species was conducted. Seventy-two references (seventy articles and one book) out of a total of two hundred and forty-four references related to the chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils of Croton species were used for this paper. The essential oils of some Croton species were characterized by their phenylpropanoid compounds. The experimental results of this research and the survey of the literature showed that Croton essential oils have the potential to be used to control mosquito-borne and mollusk-borne diseases, as well as microbial infections. Research on unstudied Croton species is needed to search for species with high essential oil contents and excellent biological activities.

Chemometric Analysis Based on GC-MS Chemical Profiles of Three Stachys Species from Uzbekistan and Their Biological Activity

The chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of Stachys byzantina, S. hissarica and S. betoniciflora growing in Uzbekistan were determined, and their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity were assessed. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 143 metabolites accounting for 70.34, 76.78 and 88.63% of the total identified components of S. byzantina, S. hissarica and S. betoniciflora, respectively. Octadecanal (9.37%) was the most predominant in S. betoniciflora. However, n-butyl octadecenoate (4.92%) was the major volatile in S. byzantina. Benzaldehyde (5.01%) was present at a higher percentage in S. hissarica. A chemometric analysis revealed the ability of volatile profiling to discriminate between the studied Stachys species. The principal component analysis plot displayed a clear diversity of Stachys species where the octadecanal and benzaldehyde were the main discriminating markers. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing power (FRAP), chelating and phosphomolybdenum (PBD). Moreover, the ability of the essential oils to inhibit both acetyl/butyrylcholinesterases (AChE and BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase was assessed. The volatiles from S. hissarica exhibited the highest activity in both the ABTS (226.48 ± 1.75 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g oil) and FRAP (109.55 ± 3.24 mg TE/g oil) assays. However, S. betoniciflora displayed the strongest activity in the other assays (174.94 ± 0.20 mg TE/g oil for CUPRAC, 60.11 ± 0.36 mg EDTA equivalent (EDTAE)/g oil for chelating and 28.24 ± 1.00 (mmol TE/g oil) for PBD. Regarding the enzyme inhibitory activity, S. byzantina demonstrated the strongest AChE (5.64 ± 0.04 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g oil) and tyrosinase inhibitory (101.07 ± 0.60 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g) activity. The highest activity for BChE (11.18 ± 0.19 mg GALAE/g oil), amylase inhibition (0.76 ± 0.02 mmol acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g oil) and glucosidase inhibition (24.11 ± 0.06 mmol ACAE/g oil) was observed in S. betoniciflora. These results showed that EOs of Stachys species could be used as antioxidant, hypoglycemic and skincare agents.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Three Stachys Species (Lamiaceae) from Romania

Three species of Stachys genus (S. byzantina, S. officinalis, S. sylvatica) were investigated in the present study in terms of aromatic profile and total polyphenol content, as well as antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) was used for exploration of the herbal alcoholic extracts. Using statistical analysis, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total phenolic chemical fingerprints were compared in order to describe differences and identify putative signature traits of the three Stachys species. The results showed that the analyzed Stachys extracts have a total polyphenol content being between 197 ± 0.27 mg GAE/g for S. sylvatica and 232 ± 43 mg GAE/g for S. officinalis. The antioxidant activity was between 444 ± 58 mM Trolox/g (S. sylvatica) and 602 ± 75 mM Trolox/g (S. officinalis). The volatile compounds identified were mostly sesquiterpenes, followed by monoterpenes and secondary compounds. The most abundant in all three species was germacrene D (21.9% 28–25.2%). The multivariate analysis demonstrated the potential of using plant tissue VOC profiles to discriminate between different Stachy species, with a total of 31 VOCs being identified from all three species. Although there were strong similarities among the three species’ VOC profiles, distinctions can be made using chemometric analysis. The microbiological results showed an antimicrobial capacity of all three extracts, especially on Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to increasing consumers’ understanding regarding the health benefits of these Stachy species, this investigation contributes to defining and preserving a precious genetic and cultural-historical biodiversity.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Stachys pilifera Benth

Stachys pilifera Benth is an endemic species of Stachys family found in Iran with a wide application as an herbal tea. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the aerial parts of S. pilifera. Essential oil (EO) composition analysis showed that cis-Chrysanthenyl acetate (24.9%), viridiflorol (18.3%), trans-Caryophyllene (9.8%), caryophyllene oxide (4.6%), α-terpineol (3.3%) and linalool (3.1%) were the most abundant components. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the EO showed a higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) than Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica). The antioxidant activity of EO was studied using DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. IC50 for the DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene/linoleic acid tests were 23.2, 28.7 and 16.1 µg/mL, respectively, that it was higher than the results for BHT (P ≤ 0.05). The cytotoxic activity of the EO was evaluated using HT29 and HUVEC cells and it was observed that by increasing in EO concentration from 0.026 to 19.4 ug/mL, the viability of the cells for HT29 and HUVEC reduced to 6.8 and 7.1%, respectively. The results from this study suggest the possibility to use the essential oils from S. pilifera Benth as a natural preservative in processed or packaged food due to its high antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

Composition and bioactivity of essential oil from Stachys macrostachya (Wend.) Briq

Stachys species belonging to Lamiaceae family have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical compositions and antibacterial, anti-tyrosinase activities of the essential oil of Stachys macrostachya. The essential oil was prepared by hydrodistillation method using a Clevenger-type apparatus and chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography (GC). The antibacterial activity of essential oil was performed by the disc diffusion and microdilution broth method against five Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity was evaluated by minor modifications of Masuda's method. According to the results of GC analyses, twenty-three compounds were identified representing 91.9% of the total volatile composition. The main compounds were germacrene D (12.2%), globulol (10.9%), α-pinene (9.7%), and valencene (7.6%). The present study showed that the tested essential oil of S. macrostachya exhibited antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC 62.50 μg/mL) and tyrosinase inhibition activity (IC50 22.86 ± 0.82 μg/mL). These results suggest that the essential oil could be exploited as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents of this bacterium as well as tyrosinase inhibitors.

Anti-Candida Activity of Essential Oils from Lamiaceae Plants from the Mediterranean Area and the Middle East

Extensive documentation is available on plant essential oils as a potential source of antimicrobials, including natural drugs against Candida spp. Yeasts of the genus Candida are responsible for various clinical manifestations, from mucocutaneous overgrowth to bloodstream infections, whose incidence and mortality rates are increasing because of the expanding population of immunocompromised patients. In the last decade, although C. albicans is still regarded as the most common species, epidemiological data reveal that the global distribution of Candida spp. has changed, and non-albicans species of Candida are being increasingly isolated worldwide. The present study aimed to review the anti-Candida activity of essential oils collected from 100 species of the Lamiaceae family growing in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. An overview is given on the most promising essential oils and constituents inhibiting Candida spp. growth, with a particular focus for those natural products able to reduce the expression of virulence factors, such as yeast-hyphal transition and biofilm formation. Based on current knowledge on members of the Lamiaceae family, future recommendations to strengthen the value of these essential oils as antimicrobial agents include pathogen selection, with an extension towards the new emerging Candida spp. and toxicological screening, as it cannot be taken for granted that plant-derived products are void of potential toxic and/or carcinogenic properties.

Essential Oils of Lamiaceae Family Plants as Antifungals

The incidence of fungal infections has been steadily increasing in recent years. Systemic mycoses are characterized by the highest mortality. At the same time, the frequency of infections caused by drug-resistant strains and new pathogens e.g., Candida auris increases. An alternative to medicines may be essential oils, which can have a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Rich in the essential oils are plants from the Lamiaceae family. In this review are presented antifungal activities of essential oils from 72 Lamiaceae plants. More than half of these have good activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) < 1000 µg/mL) against fungi. The best activity (MICs < 100) have essential oils from some species of the genera Clinopodium, Lavandula, Mentha, Thymbra, and Thymus. In some cases were observed significant discrepancies between different studies. In the review are also shown the most important compounds of described essential oils. To the chemical components most commonly found as the main ingredients include β-caryophyllene (41 plants), linalool (27 plants), limonene (26), β-pinene (25), 1,8-cineole (22), carvacrol (21), α-pinene (21), p-cymene (20), γ-terpinene (20), and thymol (20).

Taxonomical and Phytochemical Characterisation of 10 Stachys Taxa Recorded in the Balkan Peninsula Flora: A Review

The genus Stachys is one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae, and it comprises about 300 species. Some species are highly polymorphic, with a number of infraspecific taxa. The aim of the present review is to summarise the available knowledge on 10 taxa belonging to the Balkan Peninsula flora (S. alpina L., S. germanica L., S. menthifolia Vis., S. obliqua Waldst. Et Kit., S. officinalis (L.) Trevis., S. palustris L., S. recta L. subsp. recta, S. recta L. subsp. subcrenata (Vis.) Briq., S. salviifolia Ten., and S. sylvatica L.) in order to enable insight into the identified biologically active substances and their possible application in intrageneric differentiation.

Chemical composition, cytotoxic effect and antimicrobial activity of Stachys koelzii Rech.f. essential oil against periodontal pathogen Prevotella intermedia

Prevotella intermedia is associated with periodontal diseases and endodontic infections. Periodontitis can be suppressed by utilizing the antiseptics, which target the infectious bacteria. The member of Stachys sp. has been used traditionally in the form of decoction or infusion for management of infectious diseases. The subject of this article was to evaluate the chemical composition, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of Stachys koelzii essential oil and its main components against Prevotella intermedia. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis were used to determine the chemical composition. The antimicrobial effects of S. koelzii essential oil was evaluated by micro-broth dilution assay. Time kill curve assays, leakage of cytoplasmic materials and anti-biofilm effects were determined. Its cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT assay. Essential oil with main components of α-pinene, trans-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole inhibited P. intermedia with MIC and MBC values of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL. Its biofilm formation was higher than α-pinene, followed by trans-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole. Essential oil and its main components increased the leakage of cytoplasmic components. Essential oil showed cytotoxic effect on HeLa cell lines with IC₅₀ 0.06 mg/mL. The cytotoxic effect of α-pinene on healthy cell lines was higher than essential oil. S. koelzii essential oil can be used in mouthwash formulations and its efficacy should be evaluated in large clinical studies.

Plants from Lamiaceae family as source of antifungal molecules in humane and veterinary medicine

This work aimed to review the main plants of Lamiaceae family with activity against pathogenic fungi of medical and veterinary interest. Published studies in the main international databases between January 2002 and June 2016 showed that 55 botanical species belonging to 27 genus presented antifungal activity in different forms of extractions, mainly essential oils. Pathogenic fungi of Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Malassezia spp., Cryptococcus spp., Sporothrix spp., Microsporum spp., Trichophyton spp. and Epidermophyton spp. genus were in vitro sensitive to several plants of Lamiaceae family. Chemical molecules isolated were described as promising use as antifungals in mycoses, highlighting estragole, 1,8-cineole, terpineol-4, γ-terpinene, among others. However, it should be alert to need of universal standardization in the laboratories tests with natural products.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive activity of an essential oil recipe consisting of the supercritical fluid CO2 extract of white pepper, long pepper, cinnamon, saffron and myrrh in vivo

This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of essential oil recipe (OR) in rodents. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inflammatory models of dimethylbenzene (DMB)-induced ear vasodilatation and acetic acid-induced capillary permeability enhancement in mice whereas the antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhes and hot plate test methods in mice. Additionally, the chemical composition of OR has been also analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). 37 compounds, representing 74.42% of the total oil content, were identified. β-Selinene (7.38%), aromadendrene (5.30%), β-elemene (5.22%), cis-piperitol (5.21%), cis-β-guaiene (4.67%), ylangene (3.70%), 3-heptadecene (3.55%), δ-cadinene (3%) and β-cadinene (2.87%) were found to be the major constituents of the oil. Oral pretreatment with OR (62.5-1000 mg/kg) not only decreased the DMB-induced ear vasodilatation but also attenuated capillary permeability under acetic acid challenge in mice. OR significantly reduced the writhing number evoked by acetic acid injection. All test samples showed no significant analgesic activity on the hot plate pain threshold in mice. These data demonstrated that the OR inhibits inflammatory and peripheral inflammatory pain. These results may support the fact that the essential oil of traditional Hui prescription played a role in the inflammation of stroke.

Phytochemical and biological studies of Stachys species in relation to chemotaxonomy: a review

The genus Stachys is comprised of about 300 species spread throughout the world, hence representing one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae. Several Stachys species have been exploited in traditional medicine as astringent, wound-healing, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-nephritic and anti-inflammatory agents. Moreover, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of some Stachys species are documented. Iridoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and diterpenoids are reported as secondary metabolites of different species of this genus. The aim of the present review is to summarize and to highlight the recent advances in current knowledge on Stachys species and to compile reports of chemical constituents isolated from the genus Stachys over the past decades, together with their structural features, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships. Diversity of chemical constituents is discussed in relationship with current Stachys infrageneric taxonomy, classification and relationships with systematically close genera.