Chemical composition and bioactivity of different oregano (Origanum vulgare) extracts and essential oil

Chemical composition and effect of essential oils of Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare on adults and ovigerous masses of Pseudosuccinea columella

Fasciolosis is a worldwide distribution zoonosis that causes great damage in ruminant breeding and has the aquatic mollusc Pseudosuccinea columella as an intermediate host. Synthetic molluscicides are the most used for control; however, they are harmful to fauna and flora. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils from Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, and terpene carvacrol, on adult molluscs and eggs of P. columella. Analysis of EO volatile components was carried out on a gas chromatograph equipment coupled with mass spectrometry selective detector. The studied components were diluted in concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm, and it was observed that O. vulgare at concentrations of 60, 80 and 100 ppm, carvacrol at the concentrations of 80 and 100 ppm, and T. vulgaris at a concentration of 80 ppm led to 100% mortality of molluscs. All concentrations the substances tested showed 100% ovicidal activity.

Oregano Essential Oil in Livestock and Veterinary Medicine

With a growing global concern over food safety and animal welfare issues, the livestock and veterinary industries are undergoing unprecedented changes. These changes have not only brought challenges within each industry, but also brought unprecedented opportunities for development. In this context, the search for natural and safe products that can effectively replace traditional veterinary drugs has become an important research direction in the fields of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. Oregano essential oil (OEO), as a natural extract, is gradually emerging in the fields of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine with its unique antibacterial, antioxidant, and multiple other biological activities. OEO not only has a wide antibacterial spectrum, effectively fighting against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, but also, because of its natural properties, helps us to avoid traditional veterinary drugs that may bring drug residues or cause drug resistance problems. This indicates OEO has great application potential in animal disease treatment, animal growth promotion, and animal welfare improvement. At present, the application of OEO in the fields of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine has achieved preliminary results. Studies have shown that adding OEO to animal feed can significantly improve the growth performance and health status of animals and reduce the occurrence of disease. At the same time, pharmacokinetic studies in animals show that the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes of OEO in animals shows good bioavailability. In summary, oregano essential oil (OEO), as a substitute for natural veterinary drugs with broad application prospects, is gradually becoming a research hotspot in the field of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. In the future, we look forward to further tapping the potential of OEO through more research and practice and making greater contributions to the sustainable development of the livestock and veterinary industries.

Application of Common Culinary Herbs for the Development of Bioactive Materials

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties, can be considered viable candidates for nanotechnology applications, in particular for the phytosynthesis of metal nanoparticles. The present work aims to evaluate the potential application of hyssop and oregano for the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, as well as to evaluate the biological activities of their extracts and obtained nanoparticles (antioxidant potential, as well as cell viability, inflammation level and cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts HFIB-G cell line studies). In order to obtain natural extracts, two extraction methods were applied (classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction), with the extraction method having a major influence on their composition, as demonstrated by both the total phenolic compounds (significantly higher for the microwave-assisted extraction; the oregano extracts had consistently higher TPC values, compared with the hyssop extracts) and in terms of individual components identified via HPLC. The obtained nanoparticles ware characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with the lowest dimension nanoparticles being recorded for the nanoparticles obtained using the oregano microwave extract (crystallite size 2.94 nm through XRD, average diameter 10 nm via TEM). The extract composition and particle size also influenced the antioxidant properties (over 60% DPPH inhibition being recorded for the NPs obtained using the oregano microwave extract). Cell viability was not affected at the lowest tested concentrations, which can be correlated with the nitric oxide level. Cell membrane integrity was not affected after exposure to classic temperature hyssop extract-NPs, while the other samples led to a significant LDH increase.

Screening and selection of essential oils for an intranasal spray against bovine respiratory pathogens based on antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antibiofilm activities

Introduction

The rise in antibiotic resistant pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) poses a serious challenge, particularly to the beef feedlot industry, as they currently depend on antibiotics to prevent BRD to mitigate the financial burden (approx. $1 billion annual loss) inflicted by BRD-associated high mortality and morbidity in feedlot cattle. Thus, there is an impetus need for the development of antimicrobial alternative strategies against BRD. This study aimed to screen and select candidate essential oils (EOs) for the development of an intranasal EO spray that can inhibit BRD pathogens and promote microbiota-mediated respiratory health.

Methods

The effects of selected EOs (ajowan, cinnamon leaf, citronella, grapefruit, fennel, and thyme) on a bovine nasopharyngeal microbiota culture were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The microbiota culture was enriched by incubating nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from finishing beef heifers in brain heart infusion broth with and without EOs (0.025%, v/v). These EOs were then also evaluated for their immunomodulatory effects on bovine turbinate (BT) cells by analyzing the concentrations of 15 cytokines and chemokines in cell culture after 24 h incubation. The crystal violet assay was done to assess the antibiofilm activity of EOs against Escherichia coli UMN026 strain. Finally, 15 EOs were screened for their antiviral activity against the bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1) using BT cells and a fluorescence-based method.

Results

Ajowan, fennel, and thyme resulted in a moderate reduction of overall nasopharyngeal microbiota growth with significant alterations of both alpha and beta diversity, and the relative abundance of predominant bacterial families (e.g., increasing Enterobacteriaceae and decreasing Moraxellaceae) compared to the control (p < 0.05). Co-incubation of BT cells with selected EOs resulted in minimal alterations in cytokine and chemokine levels (p > 0.05). Ajowan, thyme, fennel, and cinnamon leaf exhibited antibiofilm activity at concentrations of 0.025 and 0.05%. Reduction of BVDV-1 replication in BT cells was observed with thyme (strong), and ajowan and citronella (moderate) at 0.0125% concentration.

Discussion

Accordingly, ajowan, thyme, fennel, cinnamon leaf, and citronella EOs were selected for further development as an intranasal EO spray to prevent and control of BRD pathogens in feedlot cattle.

In Vitro Viability Tests of New Ecofriendly Nanosystems Incorporating Essential Oils for Long-Lasting Conservation of Stone Artworks

The study explores the application of natural biocides (oregano essential oil and eugenol, directly applied in solutions or encapsulated within silica nanocapsules) for safeguarding stone cultural heritage from biodeterioration, using green algae (Chlorococcum sp.) and cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya sp.) as common pioneer biodeteriogens. Core-shell nanocontainers were built for a controlled release of microbicidal agents, a safe application of chemicals and a prolonged efficacy. The qualitative and quantitative evaluations of biocide efficiency at different doses were periodically performed in vitro, after six scheduled intervals of time (until 100 days). The release kinetics of composite biocide-embedding silica nanocapsules were characterized by the UV-Vis spectroscopy technique. Data showed both promising potential and some limitations. The comparative tests of different biocidal systems shed light on their variable efficacy against microorganisms, highlighting how encapsulation influences the release dynamics and the overall effectiveness. Both the essential oils showed a potential efficacy in protective antifouling coatings for stone artifacts. Ensuring compatibility with materials, understanding their differences in biocidal activity and their release rates becomes essential in tailoring gel, microemulsion or coating products for direct on-site application.

A Comprehensive Review of Essential Oils and Their Pharmacological Activities in Neurological Disorders: Exploring Neuroprotective Potential

Numerous studies have demonstrated essential oils' diverse chemical compositions and pharmacological properties encompassing antinociceptive, anxiolytic-like, and anticonvulsant activities, among other notable effects. The utilization of essential oils, whether inhaled, orally ingested, or applied topically, has commonly been employed as adjunctive therapy for individuals experiencing anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, pain, and cognitive impairment. The utilization of synthetic medications in the treatment of various disorders and symptoms is associated with a wide array of negative consequences. Consequently, numerous research groups across the globe have been prompted to explore the efficacy of natural alternatives such as essential oils. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on the pharmacological properties of essential oils and their derived compounds and the underlying mechanisms responsible for these observed effects. The primary emphasis is on essential oils and their constituents, specifically targeting the nervous system and exhibiting significant potential in treating neurodegenerative disorders. The current state of research in this field is characterized by its preliminary nature, highlighting the necessity for a more comprehensive overlook of the therapeutic advantages of essential oils and their components. Integrating essential oils into conventional therapies can enhance the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment regimens for neurodegenerative diseases, offering a more holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted nature of these conditions.

Essential Oils Produce Developmental Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos and Cause Behavior Changes in Zebrafish Larvae

Essential oils have gained significant popularity in various industries due to their biological properties, but their potential toxic effects on living organisms have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lemongrass, thyme, and oregano essential oils on zebrafish embryos and larvae as animal models. Embryos were exposed to different concentrations of essential oils, and various endpoints were assessed, including epiboly, mortality (LC50), morphometry, and behavioral changes. All three essential oils reduced epiboly, affecting embryonic development. LC50 values were calculated for lemongrass (3.7 µg/mL), thyme (14.4 µg/mL), and oregano (5.3 µg/mL) oils. Larvae exposed to these oils displayed morphological defects, including growth reduction, spinal deformation, pericardial edema, eye size reduction, and reduced swim-bladder inflation. Morphometric analysis confirmed reduced larval length at higher oil concentrations. Essential-oil exposure altered zebrafish larval swimming behavior, with lemongrass oil reducing dark-cycle activity and oregano oil increasing light-cycle activity, suggesting neurodevelopmental toxicity. These findings illustrate the adverse effects of these oils on zebrafish embryos and larvae and reveal essential-oil toxicity, indicating careful use should be considered, particularly during pregnancy.

A review of the bioactive properties of Mongolian plants, with a focus on their potential as natural food preservatives

Consumers have recently preferred food that is easy to make and of excellent quality, as well as food that is safe, natural, and minimally processed, but has a longer shelf life. Food deteriorates over time as a result of microbiological, chemical, or physical changes. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal and food plants have long been recognized for their biological activity to protect plants. These bioactivities are designed to increase the shelf life of food while inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The use of natural plant food preservatives containing bioactive compounds as health-promoting agents is particularly intriguing. Furthermore, due to their effectiveness against food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, natural plant-origin antimicrobial compounds have been investigated as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial compounds for preserving food quality. This review focused on the plant composition and properties that can be utilized as a natural food preservative, as well as the possibilities of using Mongolian medicinal plants.

Larvicidal activity in vitro of essential oils against Cochliomyia hominivorax

Cochliomyia hominivorax, from the family Calliphoridae, is responsible for causing most myiases in domesticated animals in Brazil. As alternatives to conventional treatments, essential oils (EOs) could possibly be used as natural control of ectoparasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of EOs from Salvia sclarea L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula hybrida Reverchon, Citrus bergamia Risso, Citrus paradisi L., Juniperus virginiana L., Copaifera reticulata Ducke, Illicium verum Hook f., Pelargonium roseum, Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt, Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud, Eugenia caryophyllus Spreng, Cinnamomum cassia Presl, Thymus vulgaris L. and Origanum vulgare L. against third-instar larvae of C. hominivorax. To evaluate the mortality rate, filter paper tests were performed at different concentrations and verified after 24 h and 48 h. Essential oils of T. vulgaris, O. vulgare and I. verum induced 100% mortality in the screening test, and their main active components (thymol, carvacrol and anethol, respectively) were also tested alone. In this new test, lethal concentrations (LC50) after 24 h and 48 h, respectively, were 407.1 and 314.2 µg.cm-² for T. vulgaris, 540.9 and 253.8 µg.cm-² for O. vulgare, 314.2 µg.cm-² (after 48 h) for I. verum, 255.6 and 102.3 µg.cm-² for thymol, 970.5 and 931.1 µg.cm-2 for carvacrol and 559.4 µg.cm-2 (after 48 h) for anethol. These results showed the potential of these EOs and their main components for development of ectoparasiticides for veterinary use, especially T. vulgaris EO and thymol.

Essential Oils and Their Combination with Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bacteriocins to Improve the Safety and Shelf Life of Foods: A Review

The use of plant extracts (e.g., essential oils and their active compounds) represents an interesting alternative to chemical additives and preservatives applied to delay the alteration and oxidation of foods during their storage. Essential oils (EO) are nowadays considered valuable sources of food preservatives as they provide a healthier alternative to synthetic chemicals while serving the same purpose without affecting food quality parameters. The natural antimicrobial molecules found in medicinal plants represent a possible solution against drug-resistant bacteria, which represent a global health problem, especially for foodborne infections. Several solutions related to their application on food have been described, such as incorporation in active packaging or edible film and direct encapsulation. However, the use of bioactive concentrations of plant derivatives may negatively impact the sensorial characteristics of the final product, and to solve this problem, their application has been proposed in combination with other hurdles, including biocontrol agents. Biocontrol agents are microbial cultures capable of producing natural antimicrobials, including bacteriocins, organic acids, volatile organic compounds, and hydrolytic enzymes. The major effect of bacteriocins or bacteriocin-producing LAB (lactic acid bacteria) on food is obtained when their use is combined with other preservation methods. The combined use of EOs and biocontrol agents in fruit and vegetables, meat, and dairy products is becoming more and more important due to growing concerns about potentially dangerous and toxic synthetic additives. The combination of these two hurdles can improve the safety and shelf life (inactivation of spoilage or pathogenic microorganisms) of the final products while maintaining or stabilizing their sensory and nutritional quality. This review critically describes and collects the most updated works regarding the application of EOs in different food sectors and their combination with biocontrol agents and bacteriocins.

Analysis of the Antibacterial Properties of Compound Essential Oil and the Main Antibacterial Components of Unilateral Essential Oils

Plant essential oils are widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics, and other fields because of their bacteriostatic properties and natural sources. However, the bacteriostatic range of unilateral essential oils is limited, and compound essential oil has become an effective way to improve the antibacterial properties of unilateral essential oils. In this study, based on the analysis of the antibacterial properties of Chinese cinnamon bark oil and oregano oil, the proportion and concentration of the compound essential oil were optimized and designed, and the antibacterial activity of the compound essential oil was studied. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of Chinese cinnamon bark oil was higher than that of oregano oil. The compound essential oil prepared by a 1:1 ratio of Chinese cinnamon bark oil and oregano oil with a concentration of 156.25 ppm showed an excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The GC-MS results showed that cinnamaldehyde was the main antibacterial component of Chinese cinnamon bark essential oil, and carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil were the main antibacterial components.

Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Different types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the advancements in targeted therapies, there is still a need for a safer, highly efficient approach to preventing and treating cutaneous malignancies. Spices have a rich history dating back thousands of years and are renowned for their ability to enhance the flavor, taste, and color of food. Derived from various plant parts like seeds, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers, spices are important culinary ingredients. However, their value extends beyond the culinary realm. Some spices contain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are known for their significant biological effects. These compounds have attracted attention in scientific research due to their potential health benefits, including their possible role in disease prevention and treatment, such as cancer. This review focuses on examining the potential of spice-derived phenolic compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents for managing skin cancers. By compiling and analyzing the available knowledge, this review aims to provide insights that can guide future research in identifying new anticancer phytochemicals and uncovering additional mechanisms for combating skin cancer.

Carvacrol Improves Vascular Function in Hypertensive Animals by Modulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, has diverse biological activities, highlighting its antioxidant and antihypertensive capacity. However, there is little evidence demonstrating its influence on vascular regeneration. Therefore, we evaluated the modulation of carvacrol on endothelial repair induced by endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in hypertension. Twelve-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were treated with a vehicle, carvacrol (50 or 100 mg/kg/day), or resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day) orally for four weeks. Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as the normotensive controls. Their systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly through the tail cuff. The EPCs were isolated from the bone marrow and peripherical circulation and were quantified by flow cytometry. The functionality of the EPC was evaluated after cultivation through the quantification of colony-forming units (CFU), evaluation of eNOS, intracellular detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and evaluation of senescence. The superior mesenteric artery was isolated to evaluate the quantification of ROS, CD34, and CD31. Treatment with carvacrol induced EPC migration, increased CFU formation and eNOS expression and activity, and reduced ROS and senescence. In addition, carvacrol reduced vascular ROS and increased CD31 and CD34 expression. This study showed that treatment with carvacrol improved the functionality of EPC, contributing to the reduction of endothelial dysfunction.

Nanoencapsulation of oregano essential oil using cellulose nanocrystals extracted from hazelnut shell to enhance shelf life of fruits: Case study: Pears

This study aimed to investigate the potential application of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from an agricultural waste for encapsulation of oregano essential oil (OEO) and subsequently their use for coating to improve the shelf life of pears as a model. By hydrolyzing hazelnut shell cellulose under the optimum conditions, high crystalline CNCs with a zeta potential of -67.8 ± 4.4 mV and a diameter of 157 ± 10 nm were produced. Different concentrations of OEO (10-50 % w/w) were incorporated into CNCs and characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM. OEO containing 50 % CNC with the highest EE and LC was selected for coating. Pears were coated with gluten containing 0.5, 1.5 and 2 % encapsulated OEO (EOEO) and pure OEO and stored for 28 days. Physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties of the pears were examined. Microbial analysis showed that EOEO2% was more effective in controlling microbial growth than controls and pure OEO, and a 1.09 Log reduction in bacterial count was recorded on day 28 of storage when compared to control. It was concluded that CNCs produced from an agricultural waste and loaded on an essential oil could be used to extend the shelf life of pear and potentially other fruits.

Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity

Several natural compounds have been explored as immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Amongst them, hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant found in olive products, and endemic medicinal plants have attracted the scientific community’s and industry’s interest. We investigated the safety and biological activity of a standardised supplement containing 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol synthesized using genetically modified Escherichia coli strains and equal amounts (8.33 μL) of essential oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Salvia fruticosa and Crithmum maritimum in an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study. The supplement was given to 12 healthy subjects, aged 26–52, once a day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood was collected at three-time points (weeks 0, 8 and follow-up at 12) for analysis, which included full blood count and biochemical determination of lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and liver function panel. Specific biomarkers, namely homocysteine, oxLDL, catalase and total glutathione (GSH) were also studied. The supplement induced a significant reduction in glucose, homocysteine and oxLDL levels and was tolerated by the subjects who reported no side effects. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels and liver enzymes remained unaffected except for LDH. These data indicate the supplement’s safety and its potential health-beneficial effects against pathologic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease.

Phytochemical Composition and Insight into Antibacterial Potential of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil from Saudi Arabia Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

In Saudi Arabia, Origanum vulgare is widely disseminated. In the present work, we used GC-MS analysis to identify the components of Origanum vulgare essential oil. The disc diffusion assay was used to assess the essential oil’s in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial efficacy against many microbial proteins, including tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), DNA gyrase, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), was further evaluated using molecular docking. Eighteen compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis, which constituted 99.81% of the total essential oil content. Terpinen-4-ol (34.3%), Beta-Terpineol (16.96%), 3-Epimoretenol (11.84%), and Alpha-Terpineol (3.86%) were the main substances identified. According to the antibacterial investigation, the inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus was 8 mm and 6 mm against Escherichia coli. High affinities were found between 3-Epimoretenol and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) compared to positive controls (Clorobiocin, SCHEMBL2181345); the affinity values were −8.3 Kcal/mol and −9.2, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that Origanum vulgare essential oil can be used as a nutraceutical to treat infectious diseases.

Origanum heracleoticum Essential Oils: Chemical Composition, Phytotoxic and Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Activities

Many studies have demonstrated the herbicidal effects of several essential oils and their possible use as substitutes for chemical herbicides. Several enzymes play a very significant role in seed germination: among these, α-amylase could be involved in essential oil phytotoxic processes. The aims of this study were to compare the chemical composition of the essential oils of two ecotypes of O. heracleoticum growing in Cilento (Southern Italy) and to study their possible use as natural herbicide using Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis and Lolium multiflorum seeds. Moreover, a possible inhibitory activity on the α-amylase enzyme extracted from germinating seeds was evaluated as a possible mechanism of action. Both oils, characterized by GC-MS, belonged to a carvacrol chemotype. The alpha-amylase activity was determined using DNSA (dinitrosalicylic acid) assay quantifying the reducing sugar produced. Furthermore, the essential oils demonstrated phytotoxicity at the highest dose tested, and an inhibitory effect on α-amylase, probably correlated with the phytotoxic effects, was registered. The oils showed interesting phytotoxic and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities, which deserve to be further investigated.

Essential Oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. virens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Ietsw. Grown in Portugal: Chemical Diversity and Relevance of Chemical Descriptors

Origanum vulgare L. is a well-known aromatic and medicinal plant, whose essential oil (EO) has recognised flavouring and medicinal properties. In this study, Origanum vulgare subsp. virens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Ietsw. EOs, isolated from accessions grown in experimental fields, were evaluated. The plant material was grown from rooted cuttings or nutlets (fruits), originally collected in 20 regions in mainland Portugal and harvesting for EO isolation was performed in two years. EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, for EO quantification and identification, respectively. EO yields ranged from <0.05-3.3% for rooted cuttings, with oregano samples obtained in Portalegre and Alandroal, respectively. Ninety-one compounds were identified, mainly grouped in oxygen-containing monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons. EO agglomerative cluster analysis evidenced two main clusters, with the first subdivided into four subclusters. From the obtained data, the putative O. vulgare subsp. virens chemotypes are carvacrol, thymol and linalool, with γ-terpinene, p-cymene, cis- and trans-β-ocimene also contributing as these EOs chemical descriptors. The comparison between the present data and a survey of the existing literature on Portuguese O. vulgare reinforces the major variability of this species' EOs and emphasises the importance of avoiding wild collections to obtain a defined chemical type of crop production of market relevance.

Effect of the Addition of Selected Herbal Extracts on the Quality Characteristics of Flavored Cream and Butter

Herbs have been used for centuries in order to enrich food as preservatives, flavorings, and medicinal agents. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the addition of selected herbal extracts (dried leaves of Thymus vulgaris L., Origanum vulgare L., Satureja hortensis L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Ocimum basilicum L.) on selected parameters of fermented flavored cream (counts of starter culture bacteria and pH value) and the resulting flavored butter (water content, water distribution, butter plasma pH, butter fat acidity, and oxidative stability), preceded by a study of the activity of the herbal extracts against starter lactic acid bacteria determined using the well diffusion method. The extracts did not inhibit the starter lactic acid bacteria at a fixed level. The presence of the herbal extracts contributed to a shorter fermentation course and influenced the counts of starter culture bacteria during fermentation and refrigerated storage (at 5 °C) for 21 days. The extract additives did not affect the water content or the degree of its dispersion, the butter plasma pH, or the butter fat acidity. The positive effect of the rosemary and thyme extract addition was only noted when analyzing the oxidative stability of the milk fat of the butter.

Study of the effect of treatment with aqueous extracts by oregano and wild basil on raw poultry meat

The effect of treatment with aqueous antioxidant extracts of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare L.) in refrigerated storage of raw poultry meat was studied. Physicochemical analyzes of meat samples were performed - total protein, ash, fat, dry matter, cooking loss and pH value in dynamics. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the protein profile were determined. The microorganisms’ growth rate in meat during storage at 4°C for a period of 14 d was monitored. After the 7th d, the total number of mesophilic microorganisms in the meat samples increased to 7.00 log cfu/g, which is indicative of decay. A significant increase in pH value was observed after 14 d of storage, but there were no significant changes in total protein content and protein profile. In all meat samples, the amounts of MDA on days 7 and 14 were significantly below the thresholds indicated in the literature. Experimental groups treated with extracts showed lower values for MDA content compared to the control, which is an indication of certain inhibition of lipid oxidation processes in meat.

Potency of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extracts on growth performance in poultry

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of phytobiotics combination of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata water extracts (FOA) mixed into the feed of broiler and specific-pathogen-free chickens as an alternative to Antibiotics Growth Promoter (AGP). Performance, intestinal bacteria characteristic, and oocysts of Eimeria spp. in feces were measured and compared with the AGP-added group. The first experiment in broiler chickens compared FOA, Zinc Bacitracin (ZB, as an AGP group), and negative control. On day 28, FOA group and ZB group showed significantly higher body weight than the control group (P < 0.05). The FCR of ZB group was better than FOA group. However, FOA group displayed better microbiota profile than ZB group and negative control, with more Lactobacillus spp. and Bacillus spp., and less Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from intestines. The second experiment in specific-pathogen-free chickens showed the anticoccidial effect of FOA addition to reduce the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) from live coccidia vaccine. FOA group and Amprolium group showed OPG reduction (82.53% and 92.02%, respectively) after 7 days of treatment. In conclusion, the combination of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extract can function as an AGP replacement in feed.

Protective Effect of Natural Antioxidants on Reducing Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

The clinical application of cisplatin is limited by its adverse events, of which nephrotoxicity is the most commonly observed. In a cisplatin-induced pathological response, oxidative stress is one of the upstream reactions which inflicts different degrees of damages to the intracellular material components. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also one of the early signaling molecules that subsequently undergo a series of pathological reactions, such as apoptosis and necrosis. This review summarizes the mechanism of intracellular ROS generation induced by cisplatin, mainly from the consumption of endogenous antioxidants, destruction of antioxidant enzymes, induction of mitochondrial crosstalk between the endoplasmic reticulum by ROS and Ca²⁺, and destruction of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system in the endoplasmic reticulum, all of which result in excessive accumulation of intracellular ROS and oxidative stress. In addition, studies demonstrated that natural antioxidants can protect against the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, by reducing or even eliminating excess free radicals and also affecting other nonredox pathways. Therefore, this review on the one hand provides theoretical support for the research and clinical application of natural antioxidants and on the other hand provides a new entry point for the detailed mechanism of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, which may lay a solid foundation for the future clinical use of cisplatin.

Essential oils of four wild plants inhibit the blood seeking behaviour of female Aedes aegytpi

Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito is an important vector of many disease-causing pathogens. An effective way to escape from these mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. In the current study, essential oils of Lepidium pinnatifidum, Mentha longifolia, Origanum vulgare, and Agrimonia eupatoria were evaluated for their repellent potential against Ae. aegypti females. Essential oils were extracted using steam distillation from freshly collected aerial parts of the plants and tested against 4-5 day old females of Ae. aegypti through the human bait technique for repellency and repellent longevity assays. The chemical composition of extracted essential oils was explored by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oils of L. pinnatifidum, M. longifolia, O. vulgare, and A. eupatoria at a dose of 33 μg/cm² showed 100%, 94%, 87%, and 83% mosquito repellent activity, respectively. Furthermore, M. longifolia and O. vulgare essential oils exhibited 100% repellency at a dose of 165 μg/cm², whereas A. eupatoria essential oil showed 100% repellency only at 330 μg/cm². In the time-span bioassay, M. longifolia and O. vulgare essential oils showed protection against Ae. aegypti bites for 90 and 75 min, respectively whereas both A. eupatoria and L. pinnatifidum were found active for 45 min. Phenylacetonitrile (94%), piperitone oxide (34%), carvacrol (20%) and α-pinene (62%) were the most abundant compounds in L. pinnatifidum, M. longifolia, O. vulgare and A. eupatoria essential oils, respectively. The current study demonstrates that M. longifolia and O. vulgare essential oils possess the potential to be used as an alternative to synthetic chemicals to protect humans from mosquito bites.

Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil Formulated as Polymeric Micelles Drug Delivery Systems

This study presents phytochemical characterization and biological evaluation of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) formulated as polymeric micelles drug delivery systems as a possible non-invasive approach for the management of skin tags. GC-MS analysis of Romanian OEO revealed the identification and quantification of 43 volatile compounds (thymol and carvacrol being the main ones). The antioxidant activity was shown by four consecrated methods: CUPRAC, ABTS, ORAC and DPPH. OEO was incorporated by micellar solubilization into a binary hydrogel based on a Pluronic F 127/L 31 block-copolymers mixture. The pH, consistency, spreadability, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the OEO-loaded poloxamer-based binary hydrogel (OEO-PbH) were investigated. OEO-PbH was skin compatible in terms of pH and exhibited adequate spreadability and consistency. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the tested OEO were similar to those obtained for the formulation, lower (2.5 µg/mL) for yeast and higher (40-80 µg/mL) for Gram-negative bacilli. As keratinocytes are among main components of skin tags, an in vitro evaluation was conducted in order to see the effect of the formulation against HaCaT human keratinocytes. OEO-PbH decreased HaCaT cells migration and proliferation and elicited a cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effect in a dose- and time-dependent manner. No harmful effect on the viability of dendritic cells (DCs) was detected following the incubation with different concentrations (0-200 µg/mL) of the 5% formulation. Treatment in inflammatory DCs (+LPS) indicated a decrease in cytokine production of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-23 but no significant effect on IL-10 in any of the tested concentrations.

Essential Oil Microemulsions Inactivate Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria on Iceberg Lettuce during 28-Day Storage at 4 °C

The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activities of essential oil-based microemulsions in the wash water against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas fluorescens on Iceberg lettuce. Evaluated wash microemulsions included oregano oil, lemongrass oil, and cinnamon oil, along with a plant-based emulsifier for improved solubility. Iceberg lettuce was inoculated for 2 min with E. coli O157:H7 (6.0 log CFU/g) or P. fluorescens (6.0 log CFU/g) and then dip-treated in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control, 50 ppm chlorine, 3% hydrogen peroxide treatment or a 0.1%, 0.3%, or 0.5% microemulsion solution. Treated leaves were stored at 4 °C, and analyzed for surviving bacteria on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. Efficacies of the antimicrobials were concentration and storage-time dependent. There was a 1.26−4.86 log CFU/g reduction in E. coli O157:H7 and significant reductions (0.32−2.35 log CFU/g) in P. fluorescens during storage at days 0−28 (p < 0.05). The 0.1% oregano oil microemulsion resulted in the best visual appeal in Iceberg leaves inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and showed better improvement in the quality of the Iceberg leaves inoculated with spoilage bacteria P. fluorescens. The results suggest that 0.5% cinnamon and 0.3% oregano oil treatments have the potential to provide natural, eco-friendly, and effective alternatives to chemicals for the decontamination of leafy greens, eliminating E. coli O157:H7 and P. fluorescens.

Hypoglycemic effect of rosmarinic acid-rich infusion (RosCE) from Origanum vulgare in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Origanum vulgare, known for its medicinal value, is officially accepted in many countries. The flowers and leaves are used globally in homeopathy. In Brazilian folk medicine, O. vulgare has been used to treat diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the hypoglycemic activity of an infusion extract (RosCE) of commercially available O. vulgare leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of RosCE resulted in the reduction of blood glucose levels after the first day of treatment, compared to the diabetic control group. These results showed that RosCE displays hypoglycemic activity, which may be due to the combined effect of rosmarinic acid, and other minor compounds. Reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection was used to identify and quantify the major constituents of RosCE. This study presents evidence that supports the folkloric use of O. vulgare for the treatment of hyperglycemia, confirming the use of its infusion as an antidiabetic herbal medicine.

Microencapsulation of oregano essential oil by spray-drying using maltodextrin: gum arabic blends

The effect of processing parameters on microencapsulation of oregano essential with maltodextrin:gum arabic using a disk atomiser spray-dryer was evaluated. By means of response surface methodology, the feed flow rate and inlet air temperature were optimised. Powder yield, moisture content, essential oil retention, and antioxidant activity of microparticles were evaluated. The best conditions to produce microencapsulated oregano essential oil were 0.6 L h−1 for feed flow rate and 200 °C for inlet air temperature. With this combination a microencapsulated powder with 89.8% powder yield, 2.1% moisture content, 92.1% essential oil retention, 76 s solubilisation time, 12.9 g of water/100 g of dry matter, 0.3371 g mL−1 bulk density, 0.5826 g mL−1 tapped density, and 8.2 μm of average particle size was produced. The microencapsulation of oregano essential oil preserves the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of its bioactive compounds.

In-Depth Study of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil: Towards Understanding the Antibacterial Target Mechanism and Toxicological and Pharmacological Aspects

Questions have been raised apropos the emerging problem of microbial resistance, which may pose a great hazard to the human health. Among biosafe compounds are essential oils which captured consumer draw due to their multifunctional properties compared to chemical medication drugs. Here, we examined the chemical profile and the mechanism(s) of action of the Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TVEO) against a Gram-negative bacterium Salmonella enterica Typhimurium ATTCC 10028 (S. enterica Typhimurium ATTCC 10028) and two Gram-positive bacteria Staphyloccocus aureus ATCC 6538 (S. aureus ATCC 6538) and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19117 (L. monocytogenes ATCC 19117). Findings showed that TVEO was principally composed of thymol, o-cymene, and γ-terpinene with 47.44, 16.55, and 7.80%, respectively. Molecular docking simulations stipulated that thymol and β-sesquiphellandrene (a minor compound at 1.37%) could target multiple bacterial pathways including topoisomerase II and DNA and RNA polymerases of the three tested bacteria. This result pointed plausible impairments of the pathogenic bacteria cell replication and transcription processes. Through computational approach, the VEGA quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model, we revealed that among twenty-six TVEO compounds, sixteen had no toxic effects and could be safe for human consumption as compared to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs (ciprofloxacin and rifamycin SV). Assessed by the SwissADME server, the pharmacokinetic profile of all identified TVEO compounds define their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties and were assessed. In order to predict their biological activity spectrum based on their chemical structure, all TVEO compounds were subjected to PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) online tool. Results indicated that the tested compounds could have multiple biological activities and various enzymatic targets. Findings of our study support that identified compounds of TVEO can be a safe and effective alternative to synthetic drugs and can easily combats hazardous multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Chia Seed Mucilage Edible Films with Origanum vulgare and Satureja montana Essential Oils: Characterization and Antifungal Properties

Films made with mucilage obtained from defatted chia seeds and incorporated with oregano (Origanum vulgare) and savory (Satureja montana) essential oils (0.1,1.0 and 1.5% v/v) were prepared to evaluate their physical, optical, mechanical and antifungal properties as well as their microstructure. The use of different types of essential oils (oregano or savory) only had a significant effect on the light transmittance, total color difference (∆E) and antifungal activity of the films. However, the kind of essential oil was not significant for the physical, optical and mechanical properties of the films. Increasing concentrations of essential oils up to 1.5% v/v led to a decrease in tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB). Antifungal properties significantly increased with the incorporation of essential oils (p < 0.05). The antifungal activity of the chia mucilage films incorporated with O. vulgare and S. montana essential oil was screened by agar disc-diffusion assay against five mold strains commonly found in foods. Films containing 0.1% v/v of essential oils were not active, whereas films containing 1.0 and 1.5% v/v were very effective at inhibiting the growth of the tested mold strains (38.01–77.66%). Scanning electron microscopy showed that incorporation of essential oils caused some heterogeneity in the films and the surface displayed no pores or cracks as well as a better integration of oregano EO in the polymeric network. The results pointed out that the incorporation of oregano and savory essential oils as a natural antimicrobial agent has appreciable potential for the development of films as active packaging to control mold contamination and increase food safety.

The Effect of the Use of Essential Oils in the Feed of Bee Families on Honey Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity

Honey is a natural food with pharmacological properties. The present study was focused on the use of essential oils in the supplementary feeding of bee families for three weeks (spring). The purpose was to monitor the effect of essential oils (basil, thyme, juniper, cloves, mint, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary) on the chemical components of the resulting honey. The honey sampling period was carried out before the administration of essential oils in the supplementary feed of the bee families, after the administration of essential oils in the bee feed, respectively, after the first harvest (rapeseed). The honey samples were subjected to chemical analysis to determine humidity, impurities, ash, pH, acidity, total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (FC), reducing sugar content and antioxidant activity. In addition, the antimicrobial activity against nine strains was tested. We found out that all the essential oils used had a positive effect on the chemical composition of honey, especially the essential oil of oregano, mint, thyme, cinnamon. Experimental variants in which juniper and clove essential oil were introduced reduced the acidity of honey by 28.12% and 35.48%, respectively. Ash content varies between 0.23% and 0.46%, impurities content between 4.11% and 9.11%, while the values for pH were between 3.42 and 4.03. As for the TPC, they have increased considerably in all experimental variants to which essential oil has been added, compared to the batch fed only with sugar syrup, the highest value being recorded for the sample treated with cinnamon after the third harvest (163.94 mg/100 g). The FC values vary between 8.41–44.36 mg/100 g, depending of the treatment applied and the period of harvesting. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the results highlighted that the essential oils present in the diet of bees produced honey with antimicrobial effect increased after two weeks after administration.

Multifunctional poly(vinyl alcohol) films using cellulose nanocrystals/oregano and cellulose nanocrystals/cinnamon Pickering emulsions: Effect of oil type and concentration

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films with high transparency, UV-barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were prepared using oregano essential oil (OEO) and cinnamon essential oil (CEO) Pickering emulsions. The effect of Pickering emulsion type and concentration on the PVA film properties was studied. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were used as a natural stabilizer to prepare OEO and CEO Pickering emulsions. Both emulsions showed spherical droplets with diameters of 155-291 nm, zeta potential of -36.2 to -49.6 mV, minimum inhibition concentration of 6.25-12.5 μL/mL, and inhibition zone of 40-65 mm, depending on oil type. Morphology and FTIR analysis showed that OEO and CEO Pickering emulsions were compatible with the PVA matrix. The UV-transmittance of PVA films decreased from 77.3% to 30.4% and 2.0% without sacrificing the transparency after adding OEO and CEO Pickering emulsions, respectively. Antimicrobial results showed that E. coli was more sensitive to CEO, while S. aureus was sensitive to OEO Pickering emulsion. PVA/CEO film displayed higher properties than PVA/OEO film.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of phytonutrients as antibiotic substitutes in poultry feed

Globally, there is increasing demand for safe poultry food products free from antibiotic residues. There is thus a need to develop alternatives to antibiotics with safe nutritional feed derivatives that maximize performance, promote the intestinal immune status, enrich beneficial microbiota, promote health, and reduce the adverse effects of pathogenic infectious microorganisms. With the move away from including antibiotics in poultry diets, botanicals are among the most important alternatives to antibiotics. Some botanicals such as fennel, garlic, oregano, mint, and rosemary have been reported to increase the poultry's growth rate and/or feed to gain ratio. Botanicals' role is assumed to be mediated by improved immune responses and/or shifts in the microbial population in the intestine, with the elimination of pathogenic species. In addition, modulation of the gut microbiota resulted in various physiological and immunological responses and promoted beneficial bacterial strains that led to a healthy gut. There is thus a need to understand the relationship between poultry diets supplemented with botanicals and good health of the entire gastrointestinal tract if we intend to use these natural products to promote general health status and production. This current review provides an overview of current knowledge about certain botanicals that improve poultry productivity by modulating intestinal health and reducing the negative impacts of numerous pathogenic bacteria. This review also describes the efficacy, negative effects, and modes of action of some common herbal plants applied in poultry as alternatives to reduce the use of antibiotics.

Essential oils as anticancer agents: Potential role in malignancies, drug delivery mechanisms, and immune system enhancement

Cancer retains a central place in fatality rates among the wide variety of diseases known world over, and the conventional synthetic medicaments, albeit used until now, produce numerous side effects. As a result, newer, better, and safer alternatives such as natural plant products, are gravely required. Essential oils (EOs) offer a plethora of bioactivities including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, therefore, the use of EOs in combination with synthetic drugs or aromatherapy continues to be popular in many settings. In view of the paramount importance of EOs and their potential bioactivities, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the interconnection between EOs and cancer treatment. In particular, the current review presents an updated summary of the chemical composition of EOs, their current applications in cancer treatments based on clinical studies, and the mechanism of action against the cancer cell lines. Similarly, an overview of using EOs in aromatherapy and enhancing immunity during cancer treatment is provided. Further, this review focuses on the recent technological advancements such as the loading of EOs using protein microspheres, ligands, or nanoemulsions/nanoencapsulation, which offer multiple benefits in cancer treatment via site-specific and target-oriented delivery of drugs. The continuing clinical studies of EOs implicate that their pharmacological applications are a rewarding research area.

Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil Prevents Behavioral and Oxidative Stress Changes in the Scopolamine Zebrafish Model

Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum has been used as medicinal herbs promoting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activities. We investigated the protective effects and the mechanism of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum essential oil (OEO) on cognitive impairment and brain oxidative stress in a scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of cognitive impairment. Our results show that exposure to Sco (100 µM) leads to anxiety, spatial memory, and response to novelty dysfunctions, whereas the administration of OEO (25, 150, and 300 µL/L, once daily for 13 days) reduced anxiety-like behavior and improved cognitive ability, which was confirmed by behavioral tests, such as the novel tank-diving test (NTT), Y-maze test, and novel object recognition test (NOR) in zebrafish. Additionally, Sco-induced brain oxidative stress and increasing of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were attenuated by the administration of OEO. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were used to elucidate the OEO composition, comprising thymol (38.82%), p-cymene (20.28%), and γ-terpinene (19.58%) as the main identified components. These findings suggest the ability of OEO to revert the Sco-induced cognitive deficits by restoring the cholinergic system activity and brain antioxidant status. Thus, OEO could be used as perspective sources of bioactive compounds, displaying valuable biological activities, with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of New Black Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Varieties Grown in Vietnam

Some physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of three varieties of black cherry tomato (Indigo Rose, OG, F1:001) grown in Vietnam were investigated. The results showed that the two varieties OG and F1:001 have roughly the same size with weight, height, diameter, geometric diameter and surface area ranging from 21.62 to 22.25 g, 25.69 to 26.40 mm, 24.46 to 25.11 mm, 24.86 to 25.53 mm and 19.47 to 20.51 cm², respectively. Meanwhile, the Indigo variety is twice as large with the corresponding parameters as 45.2 g, 48.03 mm, 55.18 mm, 52.69 mm and 87.20 cm². All three varieties are in a spherical shape with sphericity and aspect ratios ranging from 96.72 to 109.69% and 0.951 to 1.149, respectively. The variety of OG contained higher levels of bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanin, not only in the skin but also in the outer tissue. Six anthocyanin compounds were identified in the two varieties of OG and Indigo Rose while only four anthocyanin compounds were found in the variety of F1:001. Among them, two new compounds (delphinidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)-glucoside and delphinidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)-glucoside-arabinoside) were discovered in all three varieties. The finding of this study will be a basis for consumers to better understand the nutritious properties of black cherry tomatoes grown in Vietnam, thereby promoting the need to grow and consume this beneficial fruit. The study also provides the important physicochemical parameters of black cherry tomatoes, which are the initial basis for fruit preservation and processing.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Pimienta dioica and Origanum vulgare essential oils on gastrointestinal nematodes from sheep and cattle

The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro nematicide activity of the allspice (Pimienta dioica) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oils (EOs) on eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) from ruminant. The EOs were obtained by hydro-distillation of previously dehydrated plant material. In the in vitro evaluation, the egg hatching and larval mobility of Haemonchus contortus and Cooperia spp. of sheep and cattle, respectively, were determined. EOs at concentrations of 20.2-252.3 µg µL^-1 with serial dilutions were used, also a negative control (distilled water + Tween 20) and Thiabendazol (77 µg µL^-1) and Levamisole (120 µg µL^-1) as a positive control to eggs and larvae, respectively, were placed on microplates. The results were analyzed with the PROBIT procedure. PPEO showed ovicidal effect in vitro test, with lethal doses 99 (LD₉₉) of 0.56-4.19 µg µL^-1, while oregano essential oil (OREO) was shown to be a larvicidal activity with doses of LD₉₉ of 0.15-6.60  L^-1. The results confirm that P. dioica and O. vulgare EOs have ovicidal and larvicidal capacity against GIN in vitro test.

Oregano Essential Oil Micro- and Nanoencapsulation With Bioactive Properties for Biotechnological and Biomedical Applications

Due to the preservative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and therapeutic properties of oregano essential oil (OEO), it has received an emerging interest for biotechnological and biomedical applications. However, stability and bioactivity can be compromised by its natural volatile and hydrophobic nature, and by external factors including light, heat, or oxygen. Therefore, micro- and nanoencapsulation are being employed to guarantee oregano oil protection from outside aggressions and to maximize its potential. Oregano oil encapsulation is an interesting strategy used to increase its stability, enhance its bioactivity, and decrease its volatility. At the same time, the versatility that micro- and nanocarriers offer, allows to prepare tailored systems that can provide a controlled and targeted release of the encapsulated principle, influence its bioactive activities, or even provide additional properties. Most common materials used to prepare these carriers are based on lipids and cyclodextrins, due to their hydrophobic nature, polymers due to their versatility in composition, and hybrid lipid-polymer systems. In this context, recently developed micro- and nanocarriers encapsulating oregano oil with applications in the biotechnological and biomedical fields will be discussed.

Exploration of Productivity, Chemical Composition, and Antioxidant Potential of Origanum vulgare L. Grown at Different Geographical Locations of Western Himalaya, India

Origanum vulgare L., the most complex and variable species of the genus Origanum, is used to cure various diseases in the traditional medicinal system. In the current investigation, O. vulgare was collected from its natural origin and further multiplied for two years at the experimental farm of DIBER field station, Auli, and afterwards, it was grown at three different altitudes, i.e., DIBER field station of Auli (2744 m), Pithoragarh (1524 m), and Haldwani (412 m), under natural field conditions. The essential oil was extracted using the Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by GC/MS and GC/FID. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content in the methanolic extracts of all the cultivations were estimated by using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, aluminium chloride reagent, and Folin–Denis methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the essential oils and extracts of all the cultivations was also estimated by DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power methods. The highest amount of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins was obtained in the Pithoragarh cultivation. Thymol was the major component in all the essential oils contributing 38.81% (Auli), 52.83% (Pithoragarh), and 31.86% (Haldwani) of the total oil. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by oregano oil of Pithoragarh cultivation, followed by Auli and Haldwani, respectively. The alcoholic extract of Pithoragarh cultivation had the highest antioxidant activity. The study infers that the plant demonstrated good results in terms of fresh weight, oil yield, antioxidant potential, and EO composition when grown at higher altitudes.

Dietary supplementation of essential oils and lysozyme reduces mortality and improves intestinal integrity of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis

The objective of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of essential oils (EO; comprised of thymol and carvacrol) and lysozyme on experimental NE in broiler chickens. A total of 320 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: no-challenge control (NC), NC + C. perfringens challenge (CC), CC + 120 mg/kg of EO, CC + 100 mg/kg of lysozyme, and CC + 120 mg/kg of EO + 100 mg/kg of lysozyme. The results showed that EO or lysozyme decreased the mortality, alleviated the gut lesions, inhibited the liver Enterobacteriaceae carriage, and increased the villus height of the ileum compared with CC (p < .05), although the proliferation of C. perfringens in the ileum was not inhibited (p > .05). Moreover, EO or lysozyme was found to decrease the ileal concentration of sialic acid and the Mucin2 mRNA expression (p < .05). However, the blend of EO and lysozyme did not display significant effect on the NE-associated mortality or gut damage in contrast with CC (p > .05). In conclusion, these findings suggest the similar protective effects of EO and lysozyme in NE-associated mortality and intestinal impairment, but their blend did not exhibit ameliorative effect.

Combined Effect of Impregnation with an Origanum vulgare Infusion and Osmotic Treatment on the Shelf Life and Quality of Chilled Chicken Fillets

The scope of this work is the study of a combined process including a dipping step into an oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) infusion (OV) followed by osmotic treatment of chicken fillets at 15 °C. Chicken fillets were immersed in an osmotic solution consisting of 40% glycerol and 5% NaCl with (OV/OD) and without (OD) prior antioxidant enrichment in a hypotonic oregano solution. A comparative shelf life study of all the samples (untreated, OD and OV/OD treated) was then conducted at 4 °C in order to assess the impact of this process on the quality and shelf life of chilled chicken fillets. Microbial growth, lipid oxidation and color/texture changes were measured throughout the chilled storage period. Rates of microbial growth of pretreated fillets were significantly reduced, mainly as a result of water activity decrease (OD step). Rancidity development closely related to off odors and sensory rejection was greatly inhibited in treated fillets owing to both inhibitory factors (OD and OV), with water-soluble phenols (OV step) exhibiting the main antioxidant effect. Shelf life of treated chicken fillets exhibited a more than three-fold increase as compared to the untreated samples based on both chemical and microbial spoilage indices, maintaining a positive and pleasant sensory profile throughout the storage period examined.

Liposome Permeability to Essential Oil Components: A Focus on Cholesterol Content

Encapsulation in liposomes has been an efficient strategy to improve the stability of sensitive bioactive compounds such as essential oils (EOs). However, the stability of liposomal formulations remains a key parameter controlling the delivery of encapsulated ingredients. Cholesterol (Chol) modulates the membrane properties conferring stability to the lipid bilayer. Thus, the Chol content in the liposome formulations encapsulating EO components should be carefully chosen. In this work, various liposome formulations differing by Chol content (DPPC:Chol 100:10; 100:25; 100:50; 100:75; 100:100) were exposed to a series of 22 EO components at DPPC/EO 100/25. The formulations were characterized for their final composition and their permeability to the hydrophilic fluorophore, sulforhodamine B (SRB), was monitored. Results showed that the Chol content experimentally determined for the various formulations (above 10% Chol) was below the theoretical weighed Chol. Among the tested components, 13 molecules displayed a significant permeabilizing effect on 10% Chol membranes. Most of these possess a hydroxyl group. The EO induced permeability was dependent on the Chol content which affects the membrane phase: their effect was reduced upon increasing Chol content keeping five EOs components effective at 40% Chol. The EO's effect was also linked to the hydrophobicity of the molecule. Hence, the DPPC:Chol ratio of the formulation is chosen considering the structure of the compound, its hydrophobicity and its effect on the permeability at different Chol content: a formulation comprising 40% Chol is suggested for highly hydrophobic molecules whereas a formulation with higher Chol content could be selected for less hydrophobic compounds.