Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Identification and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Australian Myrtles and Their Antioxidant Activities

Phenolic compounds, present in plants, provide substantial health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which enhance cardiovascular and cognitive well-being. Australia is enriched with a wide range of plants with phytopharmacological potential, which needs to be fully elucidated. In this context, we analyzed leaves of aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), and cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) for their complex phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was applied for screening and characterizing these Australian myrtles' phenolic compounds and the structure-function relation of phenolic compounds. This study identified 145 and quantified/semi-quantified 27 phenolic compounds in these Australian myrtles. Furthermore, phenolic contents (total phenolic content (TPC), total condensed tannins (TCT), and total flavonoids (TFC)) and antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts from the leaves of Australian myrtles were quantified. Aniseed myrtle was quantified with the highest TPC (52.49 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g) and total antioxidant potential than other selected myrtles. Catechin, epicatechin, isovitexin, cinnamic acid, and quercetin were quantified as Australian myrtles' most abundant phenolic compounds. Moreover, chemometric analysis further validated the results. This study provides a new insight into the novel potent bioactive phenolic compounds from Australian myrtles that could be potentially useful for functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications.

Effects of dietary water-soluble extract of rosemary supplementation on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella

This study was conducted to explore the effect of dietary supplementation of water-soluble extract of rosemary (WER) on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), and evaluate the anticoccidial activity of WER. 360 1-d-old Chinese indigenous male yellow-feathered broiler chickens were randomly allocated to six groups: blank control (BC) group and infected control (IC) group received a basal diet; positive control (PC) group, received a basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg diclazuril; WER100, WER200, and WER300 groups received a basal diet containing 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg WER, respectively. On day 21, all birds in the infected groups (IC, PC, WER100, WER200, and WER300) were orally gavaged with 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) of 8 × 104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella, and birds in the BC group were administrated an aliquot of PBS dilution. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 200 mg/kg WER increased the average daily gain of broilers compared to the IC group from days 22 to 29 (P < 0.001). The anticoccidial index values of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg WER were 137.49, 157.41, and 144.22, respectively, which indicated that WER exhibited moderate anticoccidial activity. Compared to the IC group, the groups supplemented with WER (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) significantly lowered fecal oocyst output (P < 0.001) and cecal coccidia oocysts, alleviated intestinal damage and maintained the integrity of intestinal epithelium. Dietary supplementation with WER significantly improved antioxidant capacity, elevated the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A, and diminished inflammation within the cecum, particularly at a dosage of 200 mg/kg. The results of this study indicated that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg WER could improve broiler growth performance and alleviate intestinal damage caused by coccidiosis.

Rosemary: Unrevealing an old aromatic crop as a new source of promising functional food additive-A review

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is one of the most famous spice plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family as a remarkably beautiful horticultural plant and economically agricultural crop. The essential oil of rosemary has been enthusiastically welcome in the whole world for hundreds of years. Now, it is wildly prevailing as a promising functional food additive for human health. More importantly, due to its significant aroma, food, and nutritional value, rosemary also plays an essential role in the food/feed additive and food packaging industries. Modern industrial development and fundamental scientific research have extensively revealed its unique phytochemical constituents with biologically meaningful activities, which closely related to diverse human health functions. In this review, we provide a comprehensively systematic perspective on rosemary by summarizing the structures of various pharmacological and nutritional components, biologically functional activities and their molecular regulatory networks required in food developments, and the recent advances in their applications in the food industry. Finally, the temporary limitations and future research trends regarding the development of rosemary components are also discussed and prospected. Hence, the review covering the fundamental research advances and developing prospects of rosemary is a desirable demand to facilitate their better understanding, and it will also serve as a reference to provide many insights for the future promotion of the research and development of functional foods related to rosemary.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of petroleum ether fraction of Rosmarinus officinalis

The presented study examines the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the petroleum ether fraction of Rosmarinus officinalis (PEF-RO), which was obtained via 75 % ethanol extraction followed by petroleum ether extraction. The obtained fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro antioxidant activity of PEF-RO was investigated using various assays, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) free radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. A total of 82 chemical components were successfully identified, totaling 10.06 % of PEF-RO content. The identified components consisted of 24 hydrocarbons, 14 ketones, 16 alcohols, 4 phenols, 14 esters, and 10 other compounds. Notably, verbenone (2.4377 %), vitamin A (0.6854 %), trans-geraniol (0.5998 %), linolenic acid (0.5713 %), and 1,8-eucalyptol (0.5323 %) were the most abundant compounds, and there are many trace components in PEF-RO. PEF-RO's IC50 values of DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging were determined as 0.36 mg/mL and 0.19 mg/mL, respectively. FRAP-method was employed to measure the total antioxidant energy of PEF-RO, which displayed good antioxidant activity. The obtained data provides the foundation for the comprehensive development and utilization of Rosmarinus officinalis.

Remnants from the Past: From an 18th Century Manuscript to 21st Century Ethnobotany in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy)

BACKGROUND

This project originated from the study of an 18th century manuscript found in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy) which contains 200 plant-based medicinal remedies. A first comparison with published books concerning 20th century folk medicine in the Valley led to the designing of an ethnobotanical investigation, aimed at making a thorough comparison between past and current phytotherapy knowledge in this territory.

METHODS

The field investigation was conducted through semi-structured interviews. All data collected was entered in a database and subsequently processed. A diachronic comparison between the field results, the manuscript, and a 20th century book was then performed.

RESULTS

A total of 109 interviews were conducted and the use of 103 medicinal plants, belonging to 46 families, was noted. A decrease in number of plant taxa and uses was observed over time, with only 42 taxa and 34 uses reported in the manuscript being currently known by the people of the valley. A thorough comparison with the remedies in the manuscript highlighted similar recipes for 12 species. Specifically, the use of agrimony in Valle Imagna for the treatment of deep wounds calls back to an ancient remedy against leg ulcers based on this species.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results of this study allow us to outline the partial passage through time fragments of ancient plant-based remedies once used in the investigated area.

A Bioactive Compound-Loaded Zinc-Aminoclay Encapsulated, Pickering Emulsion System for Treating Acne-Inducing Microbes

Acne is a common skin condition caused by the growth of certain bacteria. Many plant extracts have been investigated for their potential to combat acne-inducing microbes, and one such plant extract is microwave-assisted Opuntia humifusa extract (MA-OHE). The MA-OHE was loaded onto zinc-aminoclay (ZnAC) and encapsulated in a Pickering emulsion system (MA-OHE/ZnAC PE) to evaluate its therapeutic potential against acne-inducing microbes. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize MA-OHE/ZnAC PE with a mean particle diameter of 353.97 nm and a PDI of 0.629. The antimicrobial effect of MA-OHE/ZnAC was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which contribute to acne inflammation. The antibacterial activity of MA-OHE/ZnAC was 0.1 and 0.025 mg/mL to S. aureus and C. acnes, respectively, which were close to naturally derived antibiotics. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of MA-OHE, ZnAC, and MA-OHE/ZnAC was tested, and the results showed that they had no cytotoxic effects on cultured human keratinocytes in a range of 10-100 μg/mL. Thus, MA-OHE/ZnAC is suggested to be a promising antimicrobial agent for treating acne-inducing microbes, while MA-OHE/ZnAC PE is a potentially advantageous dermal delivery system.

Combined Effects of Domestication and Extraction Technique on Essential Oil Yield, Chemical Profiling, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

We aimed at comparing the effects of domestication and extraction technique on the chemical profiling and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (ROEO). This was isolated from wild (WR) and cultivated rosemary (CR) using microwave-assisted extraction (ME) and Clevenger hydrodistillation (CH). Domestication was the main variability source in ROEO constituents, while yield was equally determined by domestication and extraction techniques. Our results revealed important variations, owing to domestication and isolation technique, in terms of ROEO yield (1.10–2.85%), major compounds: α-pinene (14.07–42.03%), camphene (2.26–8.19%), β-pinene (0.35–3.76%), α-terpinene (0.55–2.92%), p-cymene (1.22–4.18%), limonene (0.64–2.79%), 1,8-cineole (31.73–40.72%), β-myrcene (2.09–3.2%), linalool (0.22–1.94%), camphor (12.12–19.66%), borneol (0.53–1.67%), and α-terpineol (1.46–7.45%) as well as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC, 6.17–15.50 μg/mL), and antioxidant activity (IC50, 2.61–8.58 mg/mL). WR performed better in terms of yield, limonene, cineole, camphor, MIC, and IC50, while the remaining compounds were better expressed in CR. ME displayed high records of ROEO traits except for limonene, camphor, and verbenone (better expressed in CH). Principal component analysis confirmed the obtained findings via the separation of WR, CR, and techniques through the first two components (over 93% of data variability). In conclusion, R. officinalis domestication results in differentiated effects on ROEO traits, fostering a better accumulation of some compounds but reducing yield of other compounds and therefore antioxidant along with antimicrobial activity. ME could be recommended as a green method for ROEO isolation since it was more efficient in terms of the investigated ROEO traits.

Natural inhibitors for acetylcholinesterase and autophagy modulators as effective antagonists for tau and β-amyloid in Alzheimer's rat model

Background: Phytochemicals have amazing biological effects in relation to age-related illnesses and are increasingly being studied in clinical trials. The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the aqueous extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) and Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) and their combinations as tau and β-amyloid antagonists in an Alzheimer's rat model. Methods: AlCl₃ and D-galactose (150 & 300 mg/kg) were used to create the Alzheimer's neuroinflammation rat model. The animals were subsequently given the two extracts and their combinations (500 mg/kg) along 15 days. The cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, tau & amyloid neuroproteins, acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase neurotransmitters, proinflammatory cytokines, LC3 as an autophagy marker, computational analysis, and morphological alterations were all assessed. Results: When compared to the conventional donepezil and normal groups, the treated groups showed a significant improvement in all calculated parameters. The cortex and hippocampus have a better morphological appearance. In silico analysis found that these extracts may have an affinity for and impede the activity of some proteins thought to be essential regulators of disease progression. Conclusion: Rosemary and Saffron extracts by the power of their constituents were able to alleviate the neurotoxicity of AlCl₃ & D-galactose and regulate the natural autophagy process.

Healthy adults supplemented with a nutraceutical formulation containing Aloe vera gel, rosemary and Poria cocos enhances the effect of influenza vaccination in a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The study objective was to examine the role of a formulation, UP360, containing rosemary and Poria cocos extracts and Aloe vera gel powder, in healthy adults on supporting immune function with influenza vaccination. A 56-day randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study consisted of a 28-day pre-vaccination period, an influenza vaccination on Day 28 and a 28-day post-vaccination period. Men and women ages 40-80 who had not yet been vaccinated for the flu were randomized to UP360 or Placebo (n = 25/group). At baseline, Days 28 and 56, blood lymphocyte populations, immunoglobulins (Ig), and cytokines were measured, and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires administered. The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS)-24 was completed daily by participants to measure incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTIs). In the post-vaccination period, TCR gamma-delta (γδ+) cells, known as γδ T cells, increased with UP360 supplementation compared to Placebo (p < 0.001). The UP360 group had a 15.6% increase in influenza B-specific IgG levels in the post-vaccination period (p = 0.0006). UP360 significantly increased the amount of circulating glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) from baseline at Day 28 (p = 0.0214), an enzyme that is important for neutralizing free radicals. While UP360 supplementation initially decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA in the pre-vaccination period, IL-1RA levels were increased in the post-vaccination period (p ≤ 0.0482). Levels of IL-7 increased from baseline at Day 56 with UP360 supplementation (p = 0.0458). Despite these changes in immune markers, there were no differences in URTI symptoms or QoL between UP360 and Placebo. These results suggest UP360 supplementation was beneficial in eliciting a healthy, robust immune response in the context of vaccination. No changes in subjective measures of URTI illness or QoL demonstrated that participants' QoL was not negatively impacted by UP360 supplementation. There were no differences in clinical chemistry, vitals or adverse events confirming the good safety profile of UP360. The trial was registered on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ISRCTN15838713).

Utilizing of the Common Dehydrating Techniques to obtain maximum benefit from the Protein and mineral Composition of rosemary leaves for Spice and Herbal Tea Production

In the study, we examined in detail the effect of dehydrating using natural drying in the shade, convection drying, and microwave drying, which are the most widely used techniques, especially for tea and spices, both in practice and in theory, on the protein, and mineral composition of rosemary leaves. Also, we determined the color parameters, which are the reason for the selection because it creates the allure for spices. In microwave drying at 600 W, we obtained results close to fresh rosemary in all color parameters, especially brightness and greenness. Although natural drying, which does not have any energy and investment costs, is the second-best method in terms of color, 50 °C, which is the most common drying technique in the market, caused significant color losses affecting the commercial value of the product. We reached the closest protein and P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and contents to fresh products in dried ones at 600 W. In contrast, in K only, the highest measurement was at 200 W. Strikingly, we observed dramatic losses reducing the benefit obtained from the product regarding protein and almost all nutrients in both convective and natural drying techniques, the most common methods in practice.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. hexane extract: phytochemical analysis, nanoencapsulation, and in silico, in vitro, and in vivo anti-photoaging potential evaluation

A shift towards natural anti-aging ingredients has spurred the research to valorize traditionally used plants. In this context, Rosmarinus officinalis L. was evaluated for its photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling properties. GC/MS and LC-ESI-HRMS based phytochemical profiling of rosemary leaves hexane extract resulted in the identification of 47 and 31 compounds, respectively and revealed rich content in triterpenoids, monoterpenoids and phenolic diterpenes. In vitro assays confirmed the antioxidant, anti-aging, and wound healing potential of rosemary extract along with a good safety profile, encouraging further development. A systematic molecular modelling study was conducted to elucidate the mechanistic background of rosemary anti-aging properties through the inhibitory effects of its major constituents against key anti-aging targets viz. elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. Development of rosemary extract lipid nanocapsules-based mucoadhesive gels was performed to improve skin contact, permeation, and bioavailability prior to in vivo testing. The developed formulae demonstrated small particle size (56.55–66.13 nm), homogenous distribution (PDI of 0.207–0.249), and negatively charged Zeta potential (− 13.4 to − 15.6). In UVB-irradiated rat model, topical rosemary hexane extract-loaded lipid nanocapsules-based gel provided photoprotection, restored the antioxidant biochemical state, improved epidermal and dermal histological features, and decreased the level of inflammatory and wrinkling markers. The use of rosemary hexane extract in anti-aging and photoprotective cosmeceuticals represents a safe, efficient, and cost-effective approach.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in Preclinical In Vivo Models of Inflammation

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in preclinical in vivo models of inflammation. A search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with related keywords. The inclusion criteria were inflammation, plant, and studies on rats or mice; while, the exclusion criteria were reviews, studies with in vitro models, and associated plants. The predominant animal models were paw edema, acute liver injury, and asthma. Rosemary was more commonly used in its entirety than in compounds, and the prevalent methods of extraction were maceration and hydrodistillation. The most common routes of administration reported were gavage, intraperitoneal, and oral, on a route-dependent dosage. Treatment took place daily, or was single-dose, on average for 21 days, and it more often started before the induction. The most evaluated biomarkers were tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The best results emerged at a dose of 60 mg/kg, via IP of carnosic acid, a dose of 400 mg/kg via gavage of Rosmarinus officinalis, and a dose of 10 mg/kg via IP of rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinus officinalis L. showed anti-inflammatory activity before and after induction of treatments.

Can the essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.) protect rats infected with itraconazole-resistant Sporothrix brasiliensis from fungal spread?

INTRODUCTION

Itraconazole is the first-choice option to treat human and animal sporotrichosis. However, the emergence of itraconazole-resistant strains has encouraged research on new active antifungals. Among them, the essential oil of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Linn., Lamiaceae) has shown antifungal activity in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

Assessing, for the first time, the effectiveness of rosemary essential oil in vivo in experimental cutaneous sporotrichosis, as well as its chemical composition and action mode.

METHODS

Itraconazole-resistant Sporothrix brasiliensis was inoculated in the left foot pad of 30 Wistar rats, which were randomized (n=10) for treatment with saline solution (control, CONT), itraconazole (ITRA, 10 mg/kg) and rosemary oil (ROSM, 250 mg/kg) for 30 days at an oral dose of 1 mL, daily. Clinical evolution, histopathology and fungal burden were investigated. GC-MS was used for chemical analysis; sorbitol protection and ergosterol effect were used to evaluate the action mechanism of rosemary oil.

RESULTS

ROSM was the only group evolving to skin lesion remission, lack of edema and exudate, and mild-to-absent yeast cells. Rosemary oil delayed fungal spreading and protected systemic organs, mainly liver and spleen. The ROSM group presented lower fungal load than that observed for the CONT and ITRA groups (p<0.05). Antifungal action took place at complexation level after ergosterol application. Most compounds were 1,8-cineole/eucalyptol (47.91%), camphor (17.92%), and α-pinene (11.52%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings have evidenced that rosemary oil is a promising antifungal to treat sporotrichosis, since it protects systemic organs from fungal spread.

Novel Spray Dried Algae-Rosemary Particles Attenuate Pollution-Induced Skin Damage

The present study investigated the effect of spray-dried algae-rosemary particles against pollution-induced damage using ex-vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). For this, the complexation of hydroalcoholic rosemary extract with Chlorella (RCH) and Spirulina (RSP) protein powders was conducted. The process efficiency and concentration of rosmarinic acid (RA), carnosic acid (CA), and carnosol (CR) phenolic compounds of both products were compared. The RSP spray-dried production was more efficient, and RSP particles presented higher CR and CA and similar RA concentrations. Therefore, spray-dried RSP particles were prioritized for the preparation of a gel formulation that was investigated for its ability to mitigate pollution-induced skin oxinflammatory responses. Taken altogether, our ex-vivo data clearly demonstrated the ability of RSP gel to prevent an oxinflammatory phenomenon in cutaneous tissue by decreasing the levels of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4HNE-PA) and active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as by limiting the loss of filaggrin induced by DEE exposure. Our results suggest that the topical application of spirulina-rosemary gel is a good approach to prevent pollution-induced skin aging/damage.

Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Carnosic Acid and Carnosol in Standardized Rosemary Extract and the Effect on the Disease Activity Index of DSS-Induced Colitis

Rosemary extract (RE) is an approved food preservative in the European Union and contains dietary phytochemicals that are beneficial for gastrointestinal health. This study investigated the effects of RE on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and also determined the pharmacokinetics of dietary phytochemicals administered to mice via oral gavage. Individual components of rosemary extract were separated and identified by LC–MS/MS. The pharmacokinetics of two major diterpenes from RE, carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CL), administered to mice via oral gavage were determined. Then, the effect of RE pre-treatment on the disease activity index (DAI) of DSS-induced colitis in mice was investigated. The study determined that 100 mg/kg RE significantly improved DAI in DSS-induced colitis compared to negative control. Sestrin 2 protein expression, which increased with DSS exposure, was reduced with RE treatment. Intestinal barrier integrity was also shown to improve via fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran administration and Western blot of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), a tight junction protein. Rosemary extract was able to improve the DAI of DSS-induced colitis in mice at a daily dose of 100 mg/kg and showed improvement in the intestinal barrier integrity. This study suggests that RE can be an effective preventative agent against IBD.

Spray-Dried Structured Lipid Carriers for the Loading of Rosmarinus officinalis: New Nutraceutical and Food Preservative

Rosemary, an aromatic herb with significant antioxidative activity, is frequently used as food preservative and a source of nutraceuticals. Its antioxidant effect is mainly related to the presence of phenolic compounds, molecules considerably unstable and prone to irreversible physicochemical changes when exposed to external agents. We here proposed the loading of rosemary into structured lipid systems to improve its physicochemical properties. Four formulations were prepared using the same amount of rosemary lyophilized extract. The lipid phase was composed of stearic acid and oleic acid, and the aqueous phase, a varying combination of drying carriers (whey protein concentrate or gum Arabic) and surfactant (Poloxamer 188). The formulations were sonicated, spray-dried, and the obtained powders were characterized regarding the density (0.18 g/mL to 0.26 g/mL), particle size distribution (7 µm and 52 µm), and water solubility (29% to 48%). The antioxidant activity was determined by applying ABTS•+ radical-scavenging assay and the results expressed per gram of lyophilized extract (150.6 μmol Trolox/g to 376.4 μmol Trolox/g), with a significantly lower/higher result seen for formulations containing gum Arabic and a higher concentration of Poloxamer. The prepared systems may have potential applications as preservative in foodstuff and as nutraceutical.