Characterization of aromatic compounds and biological activities of essential oils from Tunisian aromatic plants

Is Camphor the Future in Supporting Therapy for Skin Infections?

The aim of this review is to present the potential application of camphor-a bicyclic monoterpene ketone-in the prevention of skin infections. Skin diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by prolonged symptoms that significantly diminish the quality of life. They affect the dermis, the epidermis, and even subcutaneous tissue. They very often have a bacterial or fungal background. Therapy for dermatological skin disorders is difficult and long-term. Therefore, it is important to find a compound, preferably of natural origin, that (i) prevents the initiation of this infection and (ii) supports the skin's repair process. Based on its documented anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-acne, anesthetic, strengthening, and warming properties, camphor can be used as a preventative measure in dermatological infectious diseases and as a component in medical and cosmetic products. This work discusses the structure and physicochemical properties of camphor, its occurrence, and methods of obtaining it from natural sources as well as through chemical synthesis. The use of camphor in industrial preparations is also presented. Additionally, after a detailed review of the literature, the metabolism of camphor, its interactions with other medicinal substances, and its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi involved in skin diseases are discussed with regard to their resistance.

New Isoflavones with Antioxidant Activity Isolated from Cornulaca monacantha

In the course of phytochemical and chemotaxonomical investigations of Cornulaca monacantha (Amaranthaceae), two new isoflavones, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (1) and 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (2) were isolated from the fresh aerial parts of C. monacantha among with three known compounds named vanillic acid (3), N-cis-feruloyltyramine (4) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (5). Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including one- and two-dimensional NMR and HR-ESI-MS techniques. The isolated compounds exhibited interesting antioxidant activity determined by DPPH, ABTS and TAC tests.

Rosmarinus plants: Key farm concepts towards food applications

Rosmarinus species are aromatic plants that mainly grow in the Mediterranean region. They are widely used in folk medicine, food, and flavor industries and represent a valuable source of biologically active compounds (e.g., terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids). The extraction of rosemary essential oil is being done using three main methods: carbon dioxide supercritical extraction, steam distillation, and hydrodistillation. Furthermore, interesting antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antileishmanial, anthelmintic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and antiamnesic effects have also been broadly recognized for rosemary plant extracts. Thus the present review summarized data on economically important Rosmarinus officinalis species, including isolation, extraction techniques, chemical composition, pharmaceutical, and food applications.