Anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity of the Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its main compound estragole: In vivo mouse models

Dietary anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicinal plants and its compounds in bovine mastitis associated impact on human life

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the most common bacterial mediated inflammatory disease in the dairy cattle that causes huge economic loss to the dairy industry due to decreased milk quality and quantity. Milk is the essential food in the human diet, and rich in crucial nutrients that helps in lowering the risk of diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The main causative agents of the disease include various gram negative, and positive bacteria, along with other risk factors such as udder shape, age, genetic, and environmental factors also contributes much for the disease. Currently, antibiotics, immunotherapy, probiotics, dry cow, and lactation therapy are commonly recommended for BM. However, these treatments can only decrease the rise of new cases but can't eliminate the causative agents, and they also exhibit several limitations. Hence, there is an urgent need of a potential source that can generate a typical and ideal treatment to overcome the limitations and eliminate the pathogens. Among the various sources, medicinal plants and its derived products always play a significant role in drug discovery against several diseases. In addition, they are also known for its low toxicity and minimum resistance features. Therefore, plants and its compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can serve better in bovine mastitis. In addition, the plants that are serving as a food source and possessing pharmacological properties can act even better in bovine mastitis. Hence, in this evidence-based study, we particularly review the dietary medicinal plants and derived products that are proven for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Moreover, the role of each dietary plant and its compounds along with possible role in the management of bovine mastitis are delineated. In this way, this article serves as a standalone source for the researchers working in this area to help in the management of BM.

Anti-oral streptococci and anti-biofilm properties of Etlingera pavieana essential oil and its bioactive compounds proposed for an alternative herbal mouthwash

Oral streptococci are the major group of bacteria in the oral cavity. Some of their species cause oral diseases that may lead to tooth loss and quality-of-life reduction, such as dental caries. One of prevention techniques to promote oral health is rinsing mouthwash after toothbrushing. This study aimed to determine the potential uses of local food, also remedy, plant in Thailand called Reaw-Horm or Etlingera pavieana for alternative herbal mouthwash. The essential oil from E. pavieana rhizome (Eo) is used for anti-streptococci including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus and anti-biofilm activities. The main components of Eo are methyl chavicol (MC) and trans-anethole (TA). The disk diffusion method showed the inhibition zone of Eo in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Eo and TA was >1.6 % v/v, and 0.4 % v/v of MC. Regarding anti-biofilm activities, MC showed nearly equal anti-biofilm formation of S. mutans and S. sobrinus, whereas Eo and TA acted toward S. sobrinus more than S. mutans biofilm. Sub-MIC killing effects on cells under biofilm were observed in Eo and MC. Therefore, MC was recommended as an active compound for anti-streptococci activities. Biocompatibility of Eo and MC were shown to be safe for epidermal cell lines. Herbal mouthwashes containing Eo were developed and had antioxidant and antimicrobial actions with established for 3 months. This study provides in vitro support on the use of herbal mouthwash with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities for dental caries prevention and well-being of individuals.

Bio-active compounds and major biomedical properties of basil (Ocimum basilicum, lamiaceae)

Due to the numerous health benefits and therapeutic properties, herbs and plant metabolites/extracts are gaining popularity. This is particularly evident in the current era of drug resistance and the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Ocimum basilicum, also known as basil, has been extensively studied for its pharmacological benefits, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound healing properties. As a result, this plant has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. Ocimum basilicum contains various bioactive chemical compounds, such as neryl acetate, 1,8-cineole, p-allylanisole, geraniol, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, and trans-α-bergamotene. The latest advancements in technology can be utilised to enhance the beneficial properties of raw Ocimum basilicum extract. This review compiles and presents the profile of phytocomponents and pharmacological properties of Ocimum basilicum. The findings presented here will contribute to further research on this remarkable herb, aiming to develop effective pharmaceutical solutions for various health issues in humans and animals.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential and GC-MS profiling of leaf extracts from Clerodendrum infortunatum L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Clerodendrum infortunatum L. is commonly distributed in tropical and subtropical countries and is widely used in the indigenous systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy. The plant has important uses in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders which includes asthma, cough, chest complaints, pain, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gastric ulcer, cancer, diabetes, skin diseases etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: Regarding the extensive healing properties of C. infortunatum in folk medicine, we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant and analyze its bioactive components.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sequential extracts were prepared from C. infortunatum leaves using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and water. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts were evaluated using membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation assays. Toxicity of the extracts was tested using brine shrimp lethality assay. GC-MS analysis has been carried out to analyze and characterize various bioactive constituents present in the plant.

RESULTS

Each of the tested extracts showed significant (p < 0.05) in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Sequential ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the strongest membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation activities with IC50 values of 331.3, 308.3 and 279.2 μg/mL for heat and hypotonicity induced membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation assays, respectively. Sequential methanol extract also exhibited strong activity in heat and hypotonicity induced membrane stabilization and protein anti-denaturation assays with IC50 values of 371.5, 331.6 and 284.6 μg/mL, respectively. The extracts demonstrated a range of toxicity in the brine shrimp lethality assay with LC50 values of 51.4, 59.7, 47.3, 37.1, 68.1 and 77.3 μg/mL for n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and water extracts respectively. The GC-MS analysis of direct n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts detected 32 different compounds. The major compounds (> 5%) were phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, estragole, methyl stearate, lanosterol, 9-methoxybicyclo[6.1.0]nona-2,4,6-triene, benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) 4 hydroxy methyl ester, 22,23-dibromostigmasterol acetate, 3-methyl-4-(phenylthio)-2-prop-2-enyl-2,5-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxide, benzenemethanol, α-methyl-α-propyl- and 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study revealed that C. infortunatum is rich with diverse bioactive phytoconstituents and the scientific evidences support the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant.

Antimicrobial and Other Pharmacological Properties of Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae

Since ancient times, various scientists and doctors have utilized different herbs to heal diseases. Due to the rise in drug resistance and the negative effects of chemosynthetic drugs, researchers and the general public around the world have become more interested in medicinal herbs and plant metabolites/extracts. This is due to its non-toxicity and its several health benefits when used to treat diseases in clinical and medical settings. Ocimum basilicum is one such plant, possessing a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, steroids and glycosides, as well as complex pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing and antiviral properties. The results of many studies on Ocimum basilicum plant extracts are collected and presented in this review. The plant extracts have excellent potential to be used as medicinal raw materials, and exhibit an extensive variety of therapeutic capacities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)-A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Biotechnological Development

An urgent demand for natural compound alternatives to conventional medications has arisen due to global health challenges, such as drug resistance and the adverse effects associated with synthetic drugs. Plant extracts are considered an alternative due to their favorable safety profiles and potential for reducing side effects. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a valuable plant resource and a potential candidate for the development of pharmaceutical medications. A single pure compound or a combination of compounds exhibits exceptional medicinal properties, including antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses, antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, antifungal properties, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic potential, neuroprotective qualities, and anticancer properties. The plant contains various phytochemical constituents, which mostly consist of linalool, eucalyptol, estragole, and eugenol. For centuries, community and traditional healers across the globe have employed O. basilicum L. to treat a wide range of ailments, including flu, fever, colds, as well as issues pertaining to digestion, reproduction, and respiration. In addition, the current research presented underscores the significant potential of O. basilicum-related nanotechnology applications in addressing diverse challenges and advancing numerous fields. This promising avenue of exploration holds great potential for future scientific and technological advancements, promising improved utilization of medicinal products derived from O. basilicum L.

Enhanced Natural Strength: Lamiaceae Essential Oils and Nanotechnology in In Vitro and In Vivo Medical Research

The Lamiaceae is one of the most important families in the production of essential oils known to have a wide spectrum of biological activity. Recent research has highlighted the dermatological capabilities of various Lamiaceae essential oils, which appear to offer potential in free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activity. Some have also been extensively studied for their tissue remodeling and wound-healing, anti-aging, anti-melanogenic, and anti-cancer properties. Certain Lamiaceae essential oils are promising as novel therapeutic alternatives for skin disorders. This potential has seen substantial efforts dedicated to the development of modern formulations based on nanotechnology, enabling the topical application of various Lamiaceae essential oils. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the utilization of various essential oils from the Lamiaceae family over the past decade. It offers an overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the use of these oils as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, wound-healers, anti-aging agents, anti-melanogenic agents, and anticancer agents, both alone and in combination with nanoparticles. Additionally, the review explores their potential applicability in patents regarding skin diseases.

Optimization of the Extraction Conditions of Bioactive Compounds from Ocimum basilicum Leaves Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction via a Sonotrode

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves are rich in bioactive compounds that present therapeutic benefits for human health. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is frequently used to obtain phenolic compounds from plants/herbal sources. However, few works have developed multi-variable studies to find the optimal conditions to extract the maximum amount of compounds, especially when applied to UAE via a sonotrode. The purpose of this work was to perform a multi-variable study by employing a Box-Behnken design to collect the highest active compound content from Ocimum basilicum leaves. The efficacy of the design was endorsed by ANOVA. The studied parameters for UAE via a sonotrode were the ethanol/water ratio, amplitude, and time. The analyzed responses were the rosmarinic acid, the sum of phenolic acids, and the sum of phenolic compounds content. The optimal conditions were found to be 50% ethanol/water, 50% amplitude, and 5 min. Twenty bioactive compounds were identified by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS when the extract was collected by applying the optimal conditions. Ocimum basilicum may be appreciated as a valuable source of important bioactive substances for pharmaceutical use.

Determination of Chemical Composition and Investigation of Biological Activities of Ocimum basilicum L

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of Ocimum basilicum L., as well as to evaluate the antibacterial, antidiabetic, dermatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, and the EOs and aqueous extracts of O. basilicum. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against bacterial strains, Gram-positive and Gram-negative, using the well diffusion and microdilution methods, whereas the antidiabetic activity was assessed in vitro using two enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. On the other hand, the dermatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities were studied by testing tyrosinase and lipoxygenase inhibition activity, respectively. The results showed that the chemical composition of O. basilicum EO (OBEO) is dominated by methyl chavicol (86%) and trans-anethol (8%). OBEO exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, demonstrated by considerable diameters of the inhibition zones and lower MIC and MBC values. In addition, OBEO exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 = 50.51 ± 0.32 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 39.84 ± 1.2 μg/mL). Concerning the anti-inflammatory activity, OBEO significantly inhibited lipoxygenase activity (IC50 = 18.28 ± 0.03 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract (IC50 = 24.8 ± 0.01 μg/mL). Moreover, tyrosinase was considerably inhibited by OBEO (IC50 = 68.58 ± 0.03 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract (IC50 = 118.37 ± 0.05 μg/mL). The toxicological investigations revealed the safety of O. basilicum in acute and chronic toxicity. The finding of in silico analysis showed that methyl chavicol and trans-anethole (main compounds of OBEO) validate the pharmacokinetics of these compounds and decipher some antibacterial targets.

Mechanisms of Actions Involved in The Antinociceptive Effect of Estragole and its β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Animal Models

(1) Background: estragole is a monoterpene found in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, which can be used for several pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of estragole (Es) and its β-cyclodextrins inclusion complex (Es/β-CD). (2) Methods: the effects of Es and Es/β-CD on the central nervous system (CNS) were evaluated through open field and rota-rod assays, and the antinociceptive effect in formalin models, abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid, hot plate, tail flick test and plantar mechanical hyperalgesia. (3) Results: Es and Es/β-CD showed no alterations on the CNS evaluated parameters and the results suggested there was an antinociceptive action in the formalin, abdominal writhing, hot plate, tail flick tests and plantar mechanical hyperalgesia, proposing the involvement of the nitric oxide, glutamatergic signaling pathways, cyclic guanosine monophosphate and vanilloid pathways. (4) Conclusion: the results suggest that Es and Es/β-CD have a promising antinociceptive potential as a possible alternative for the pharmacological treatment of pain, also showing that the encapsulation of Es in β-cyclodextrins probably improves its pharmacological properties, since the complexation process involves much lower amounts of the compound, contributing to better bioavailability and a lower probability of adverse effect development.

The Role of Moringa Leaf Extract as a Plant Biostimulant in Improving the Quality of Agricultural Products

Ensuring high-quality agricultural products has become important in agriculture since society’s standard of living has risen. Meanwhile, Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract (MLE) has been used as a plant biostimulant to improve product quality. The effectiveness of MLE is associated with its beneficial components, consisting of nutrients, phytohormones, secondary metabolites, amino acids, and bioactive compounds. Previous studies have been carried out to find the effects of MLE application on the quality of different crops, including basil, kale, spinach, maize, radish, brinjal, pepper, tomato, grape, strawberry, and more. The results are generally positive concerning physical, nutritional, and chemical qualities. This review comprises recent findings regarding MLE application as a plant biostimulant to increase quality attributes, with its underlying mechanism.

The 7-Hydroxyflavone attenuates chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by targeting inflammatory pathway

Vincristine and paclitaxel are widely used chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of brain tumors, breast cancer, leukemia, lymphomas, and malignant solid tumors. Though, these drugs are associated with some severe adverse effects including peripheral neuropathic pain. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the 7-Hydroxyflavone (7HF) were evaluated in the mice using thermally- and chemically-induced nociception, naloxone antagonistic test, and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. Initially, the in-vitro cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitory assays were carried out. Peripheral neuropathic pain was induced in the Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by administration of paclitaxel (4 mg/kg) and vincristine (200 µg/kg) on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, respectively. The protective effect of 7HF was assessed against the chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in the rats. Moreover, the expression of the inflammatory mediators in the spinal cord was investigated through RT-PCR. In addition, a computational study was performed to find the potential therapeutic targets and the binding mechanism of 7HF. The 7HF caused concentration-dependent inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LOX, it attenuated the nociceptive pain, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and the development of mechanical and cold allodynia, and hyperalgesia dose-dependently without causing motor coordination deficit. Likewise, the 7HF decreased the vincristine-induced increased expression of different inflammatory mediators including COX-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). The computational study showed the effective interactions of 7HF with the binding sites of NF-κB, COX-2, and 5-LOX, exert its inhibitory activities. These findings reveal that the 7HF has anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neuropathic potentials.

Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells of Hippophae rhamnodies L., Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf, and Ocimum basilicum L. Essential Oils

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer types with current deficient and aggressive treatment options, but various studied alternative therapies are able to efficiently contribute to its management. Essential oils (EOs) contain valuable compounds, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, which might serve as effective solutions in CRC prophylaxis or treatment. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activity of essential oils derived from Hippophae rhamnoides (Hr_EO), Cymbopogon citratus (Cc_EO), and Ocimum basilicum (Ob_EO) species on HT-29 and Caco-2 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. The main compounds identified by GC-MS analysis were estragole (Hr_EO, Ob_EO), alpha- and beta-citral (Cc_EO). All tested EOs exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on both cell lines by reducing the cell viability, especially in the case of Cc_EO, where at 75 µg/mL the viability percentages reached the values of 62.69% (Caco-2) and 64.09% (HT-29), respectively. The nuclear morphology evaluation highlighted significant dysmorphologies on both lines after their treatment with EOs at 75 µg/mL.

Essential Oil Blends: The Potential of Combined Use for Respiratory Tract Infections

This study investigated the potential efficacy of 369 commercial essential oil combinations for antimicrobial, anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory activity with the aim of identifying synergy among essential oils commonly used in combination by aromatherapists for respiratory purposes. Essential oil combinations were assessed for their antimicrobial activities using a panel of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and yeast strains associated with respiratory tract infections. The antimicrobial activity was measured by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of microbial growth. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) was calculated to determine the antimicrobial interactions between the essential oils in the combination. The toxicity of the essential oil combinations was tested in vitro using the brine shrimp lethality assay, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells and A549 lung cancer cell lines. In addition, an inflammatory response was evaluated measuring nitric oxide production. The essential oils, when in combination, demonstrated an increased antimicrobial effect, a reduction in toxicity and provided improved anti-inflammatory outcomes. Five distinct combinations [Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) in combination with Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) in combination with Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Origanum marjorana (marjoram) in combination with M. alternifolia, Myrtus communis (myrtle) in combination with M. alternifolia and Origanum vulgare (origanum) in combination with M. alternifolia] were found to be the most promising, demonstrating antimicrobial activity, reduced cytotoxicity and improved anti-inflammatory effects. With the increased prevalence of respiratory tract infections and the growing antimicrobial resistance development associated with antimicrobial treatments, this study provides a promising complementary alternative for the appropriate use of a selection of essential oil combinations for use in the respiratory tract.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Volatile Oils: Fennel and Cumin Inhibit Neutrophilic Inflammation via Regulating Calcium and MAPKs

Neutrophilic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or psoriasis, exert a huge burden on the global health system due to the lack of safe and effective treatments. Volatile oils from terrestrial plants showed impressive therapeutic effects against disorders of the skin, digestive system, lungs, liver, metabolism, and nervous system. However, their effect on the immune system and neutrophil function is still elusive. Fennel, cumin, marjoram, lavender, caraway, and anise are the common nutraceuticals that are widely used in the Mediterranean diet. The volatile oils of these herbs were screened for various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. Several oils showed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) fruits' volatile oils significantly suppressed the activation of human neutrophils, including respiratory burst and the degranulation induced by formyl peptide receptor agonists fMLF/CB and MMK1 in the human neutrophils (IC₅₀, 3.8–17.2 µg/ml). The cytotoxic effect and free-radical scavenging effects (ABTS, DPPH) of these oils did not account for the observed effects. Both fennel and cumin volatile oils significantly shortened calcium influx recovery time and inhibited phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, and ERK) expression. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of these oils revealed the presence of estragole and cuminaldehyde as the major components of fennel and cumin volatile oils, respectively. Our findings suggested that cumin and fennel, common in the Mediterranean diet, hold the potential to be applied for the treatment of neutrophilic inflammatory diseases.

Hepatorenal protective efficacy of flavonoids from Ocimum basilicum extract in diabetic albino rats: A focus on hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities

Plant derived phytochemical therapy is a bright candidate for treatment of diabetes and its associated complications. Ocimum baslicum is used as an anti-diabetic traditional medicine. Hence, the present study investigated the effect of Hail Ocimum extract (HOE) and its total flavonoids (HOETF) against hepatorenal damage in experimental diabetes induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. Diabetic animals were co-treated daily with HOE, HOETF or metformin (MET) as a standard anti-diabetic drug for four weeks. Compared to controls, HFD/STZ-treatment lead to significant increases in fasting blood glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels. Furthermore, diabetic rats had elevated hepatic (ALT and ALP) and kidney functions (urea and creatinine) biomarkers together with disturbed lipid profile and decreased PPAR-γ gene expression. Higher levels of hepatic and renal LPO and NO paralleled with lower levels of GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR) after HFD/STZ treatment. Additionally, noteworthy inflammatory and apoptotic responses were evident in both organs of diabetic rats as witnessed by augmented levels of TNF-α, IL-1b and Bax levels with declined levels of Bcl-2. Moreover, histological examination of hepatic, renal and pancreatic tissues validated the biochemical findings. On contrary, co-treatment of diabetic animals with HOE or HOETF could decrease glucose and insulin levels together with improvement of lipid markers and alleviation of hepatorenal dysfunction, oxidative injury, inflammatory and apoptotic events. Conclusively, HOE or HOETF could be a promising complementary therapeutic option for the management of diabetic hepatorenal complication owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; anti-apoptotic properties.

The use of chemometric modelling to determine chemical composition-antimicrobial activity relationships of essential oils used in respiratory tract infections

The antimicrobial effects of essential oils are commonly cited within aromatherapeutic texts for use in respiratory tract infections. These essential oils are inhaled or applied to the skin to treat infections and manage symptoms associated with these conditions. A limited number of these essential oils have been scientifically studied to support these claims, specifically, against respiratory pathogens. This study reports on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 49 commercial essential oils recommended for respiratory tract infections, and identifies putative biomarkers responsible for the determined antimicrobial effect following a biochemometric workflow. Essential oils were investigated against nine pathogens. Three essential oils, Amyris balsamifera (amyris), Coriandrum sativum (coriander) and Santalum austrocaledonicum (sandalwood) were identified as having greater activity (MIC value = 0.03-0.13 mg/ml) compared to the other essential oils investigated. The essential oil composition of all 49 oils were determined using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis and the GC-MS data analysed together with the antimicrobial data using chemometric tools. Eugenol was identified as the main biomarker responsible for antimicrobial activity in the majority of the essential oils. The ability of a chemometric model to accurately predict the active and inactive biomarkers of the investigated essential oils against pathogens of the respiratory tract was 80.33%.

Anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of aqueous extract and essential oil from leaves of Ocimum selloi Benth

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The population uses the aqueous extract as tea from leaves of Ocimum selloi Benth. (alfavaca) for pain and inflammation issues. This study is motivated by a lack of data about inflammation properties of O. selloi.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity, in mice models, of the aqueous extract (OSAE) and essential oil (OSEO) obtained from leaves of O. selloi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were evaluated for samples, although chemical composition was obtained by U-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS for OSAE and GC-MS for OSEO. OSAE and OSEO were tested orally at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg at the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw edema, also mechanical hyperalgesia, in mice.

RESULTS

Four glycosylated flavonoids and one organic acid were identified in OSAE, and nine substances in OSEO, the two majoritarian are E-anethole and methyl chavicol. Oral treatments with OSAE and OSEO significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced pleurisy in female Swiss mice, besides OSAE and OSEO significantly prevented paw edema (after 1, 2, and 4 h), mechanical hyperalgesia (after 3 and 4 h), and cold hyperalgesia 3 h after carrageenan model in male Swiss mice. The dose of 300 mg/kg of OSEO reduced cold hyperalgesia 4 h after carrageenan.

CONCLUSION

The results evidenced the anti-inflammatory, anti-edematogenic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-nociceptive potentials of both materials obtained from leaves of O. selloi, mainly OSAE, supporting the popular use of this species.

Bio-Mechanism Inhibitory Prediction of β-Sitosterol from Kemangi (Ocimum basilicum L.) as an Inhibitor of MurA Enzyme of Oral Bacteria: In vitro and in silico Study

Background

Dental caries is a widespread disease that causes dental tissue destruction and leads to local and general complications. Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Enterococcus faecalis take part in dental caries formation. Gram-positive bacteria have cell walls that consistof a thick layer of peptidoglycan which maintains the strength and rigidity of the bacteria, as well as bacteria guard from internal osmotic pressure. The biosynthesis of peptidoglycan involves many enzymes, including the Mur family, penicillin binding protein (PBP), and sortases.

Purpose

This research has the intention to screen and examine the antibacterial compound of edible plant Kemangi (Ocimum basilicum L.) in terms of how it fights against some oral pathogenic bacteria of E. faecalis ATCC 29212, S. mutans ATCC 25175, and S. sanguinis ATCC 10566.

Materials and Methods

The O. basilicum L. was macerated by several organic solvents to obtain the extracts, before then being purified using several combinations of chromatography methods and the compound was discovered via spectroscopic methods. For the assay against bacteria, the extracts and compounds were tested using agar well diffusion and microdilution assay.

Results

The isolated compound was identified as β-sitosterol. The compound activity against bacteria was evaluated by in vitro assay against S. sanguinis ATCC 10566 and E. faecalis ATCC 29212 with the MIC and MBC value of 25,000 and 50,000 ppm, respectively. The compound was also tested by in silico study using the molecular docking method. The molecular interaction between β-sitosterol and the protein target showed a lower binding affinity value than the native ligand and other positive controls for each protein. Based on the amino acid residue bound to the ligands, β-sitosterol on MurA and SrtA is not competitive to the positive control, showing potential as a natural antibacterial agent. Meanwhile, on the MurB and PBP, β-sitosterol and positive control do compete with each other.

Conclusion

The compound, isolated from O. basilicum L. leaf, was determined as β-sitosterol, which has the molecular formula C₂₉H₅₀O. The antibacterial activity of β-sitosterol by in vitro assay showed weak antibacterial activity, yet exhibited the potential to inhibit the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan and prevent bacteria cell wall formation by inhibiting MurA and SrtA activity via docking simulation.

The Volatile Phytochemistry of Seven Native American Aromatic Medicinal Plants

As part of our evaluation of essential oils derived from Native American medicinal plants, we have obtained the essential oils of Agastache foeniculum (Pursch) Kuntze (Lamiaceae), Gaultheria procumbens L. (Ericaceae), Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet (Asteraceae), Liatris spicata (L.) Willd. (Asteraceae), Pycnanthemum incanum (L.) Michx. (Lamiaceae), Smallanthus uvedalia (L.) Mack. ex Mack. (Asteraceae), and Verbena hastata L. (Verbenaceae) by hydrodistillation. The essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. The essential oil of A. foeniculum was dominated by estragole (88–93%), while methyl salicylate (91%) dominated the G. procumbens essential oil. Germacrene D was the major component in H. helianthoides (42%) and L. spicata (24%). 1,8-Cineole (31%) and α-terpineol (17%) were the main compounds in P. incanum essential oil. The essential oil of S. uvedalia showed α-pinene (24%), perillene (15%), and β-caryophyllene (17%) as major components. Verbena hastata essential oil was rich in 1-octen-3-ol (up to 29%) and palmitic acid (up to 22%). Four of these essential oils, H. helianthoides, L. spicata, P. incanum, and V. hastata, are reported for the first time. Additionally, the enantiomeric distributions of several terpenoid components have been determined.

Essential Oils: Pharmaceutical Applications and Encapsulation Strategies into Lipid-Based Delivery Systems

Essential oils are being studied for more than 60 years, but a growing interest has emerged in the recent decades due to a desire for a rediscovery of natural remedies. Essential oils are known for millennia and, already in prehistoric times, they were used for medicinal and ritual purposes due to their therapeutic properties. Using a variety of methods refined over the centuries, essential oils are extracted from plant raw materials: the choice of the extraction method is decisive, since it determines the type, quantity, and stereochemical structure of the essential oil molecules. To these components belong all properties that make essential oils so interesting for pharmaceutical uses; the most investigated ones are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and anxiolytic activities. However, the main limitations to their use are their hydrophobicity, instability, high volatility, and risk of toxicity. A successful strategy to overcome these limitations is the encapsulation within delivery systems, which enable the increase of essential oils bioavailability and improve their chemical stability, while reducing their volatility and toxicity. Among all the suitable platforms, our review focused on the lipid-based ones, in particular micro- and nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers.

Attenuation of nociceptive and paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by targeting inflammatory, CGRP and substance P signaling using 3-Hydroxyflavone

Paclitaxel is an anti-microtubule agent, most widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of malignant solid tumors. However, it is associated with some severe side effects including painful neurotoxicity with reporting of neuropathic pain and sensory abnormalities by patients during and after paclitaxel therapy. Peripheral neuropathy was induced by the administration of paclitaxel (4 mg/kg on days 1, 3, 5, and 7). In this study, the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory propensity of 3-Hydroxyflavone (3HF) in mice and the preventive effect of 3HF against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were investigated. Moreover, tactile and cold allodynia, thermal and tail immersion hyperalgesia, and effects on motor-coordination were also evaluated. Furthermore, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines i.e. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and Substance P from the spinal cord was examined through RT-PCR. Additionally, a computational structural biology approach was applied to search the potential therapeutic targets and to predict the binding mechanism of 3HF. Treatment of 3HF alleviated the nociceptive pain, paw edema, development of tactile and cold allodynia, and hyperalgesia. Similarly, treatment with 3HF suppressed the paclitaxel-induced increase in mRNA expression of several inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), CGRP, and Substance P. However, the daily treatment of 3HF did not affect the motor behaviors of rats. The inhibitory mechanism of 3HF in neuropathic pain is predicted with extensive computational bioinformatics approach which indicates that the 3HF effectively interacts with the binding domains of Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), CGRP receptor and the receptor of Substance P to exert its inhibitory activities. However, the computationally predicted binding affinities revealed that the potential of binding of the compound with Substance P receptor (Neurokinin 1 receptor) is higher than the other receptors; there NK1R could be the most possible binding target of 3HF. These findings indicate that 3HF has anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neuropathic pain effects against paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

Comparative immuno-modulatory effects of basil and sesame seed oils against diazinon-induced toxicity in rats; a focus on TNF-α immunolocalization

Diazinon (DZN), a common organophosphorus insecticide (OPI), has hazardous effect to human and animals with its ubiquitous use. Considering the implication of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the OPIs toxicity, the present study was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative properties of basil (BO) and sesame (SO) seed oils against the toxic effect of DZN. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 rats/group); control, DZN (10 mg/kg b.w/day), DZN + BO (5 ml/kg b.w/day), and DZN + SO (8 ml/kg b.w/day) groups, treated for a period of 4 weeks. DZN-exposed animals showed significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) with a significant decline in testosterone level compared with control. On the other hand, DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups revealed significant decreases in ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr with a significant increase in testosterone level when compared with DZN-exposed animals. Oxidative/antioxidant indices revealed significant increases of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels along with significant decreases of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and catalase (CAT) activities among DZN-treated rats compared with control. Distinctly lower levels of MDA and increased activities of SOD, Gpx, and CAT were evident in both DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups when compared with DZN-exposed animals. Inflammatory and immuno-modulatory markers assessment showed a significant increase in TNF-α with a significant decline in IL-10 level in DZN group; meanwhile, both DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups revealed significant declines in levels of TNF-α with significant increases in IL-10. Corresponds immunohistochemistry, the total scores (TS) of TNF-α immunostainings in hepatorenal, testicular, and epididymal tissues of control, DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups were significantly lower than those values of DZN group. Additionally, the examined tissues of DZN + BO group revealed significant lower TS of TNF-α immunostaining compared with DZN + SO group. The overall data suggested that both BO and SO can be efficiently used as preventive herbal compounds against DZN-induced oxidative stress with special reference to their possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical activities. However, BO has more potent protective effect against DZN-induced tissue injury at both immunohistochemical and molecular levels.

Review of aromatherapy essential oils and their mechanism of action against migraines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Migraines have become a major threat to human health, as they significantly affect human health and quality of life due to a high prevalence rate, attack rate and pain intensity. Aromatherapy, with its comfortable and pleasant natural characteristics and rapid and efficient characteristics, is widely favored by patients in the folk. Chinese folk also have the application history and related records of aromatic plants in the treatment of migraine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to review the pathogenesis of migraine, the application of plant essential oils in the treatment of migraine, and further explore the material basis and mechanism of action of plant essential oils against migraine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Search the electronic literature of essential oils with anti-migraine effect in Google Scholar, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and further search the research situation of the monomer components of essential oils in migraine, inflammation, pain and other aspects.

RESULTS

studies show that there are 10 types of plant essential oils that could relieve migraine symptoms, and that 16 monomers may play a role in migraine treatment by effectively inhibiting neurogenic inflammation, hyperalgesia and balancing vasorelaxation.

CONCLUSION

Aromatic plant essential oils can relieve migraine effectively, these findings can be used as an important part of the development of anti-migraine drugs.

The essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. presents an antiedematogenic effect in mice

Hyptis crenata, commonly known as "salva-do-Marajó", "hortelã-do-campo", and "hortelãzinha", is used in folk medicine in Northeast Brazil as tea or infusion to treat inflammatory diseases. Due to the pharmacological efficacy and the low toxicity of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata (EOHc), we decided to investigate the EOHc antiedematogenic effect in experimental models of inflammation. EOHc was administrated orally at doses of 10-300 mg/kg to male Swiss albino mice. Paw edema was induced by subcutaneous injection in the right hind paw of inflammatory stimuli (carrageenan, dextran, histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin) 60 min after administration of EOHc. EOHc significantly inhibited the induced edema. The inhibitory effect of EOHc on dextran-induced edema extended throughout the experimental time. For the 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses of EOHc, the inhibition was of 40.28±1.70, 51.18±2.69, and 59.24±2.13%, respectively. The EOHc inhibitory effect on carrageenan-induced edema started at 10 mg/kg at the second hour (h) and was maintained throughout the observation period. At 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses the inhibition started earlier, from 30 min. At the edema peak of 180 min, 56, 76, and 82% inhibition was observed for 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses, respectively. Additionally, the effect of EOHc on carrageenan-induced paw edema was influenced by the time of administration. The EOHc also inhibited myeloperoxidase activity. In conclusion, the EOHc showed a potent effect, both preventing and reversing the edema, consistent with its anti-inflammatory use in folk medicine.

Microbial community dynamics in phyto-thermotherapy baths viewed through next generation sequencing and metabolomics approach

Phyto-thermotherapy is a treatment consisting in immersing oneself in baths of self-heating alpine grass, to benefit of the heat and rich aromatic components released by the process. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial and fungal diversity of three phyto-thermal baths (PTB) performed in three different months, and to compare the data with the profile of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the process. All the data collected showed that PTBs were structured in two stages: the first three days were characterised by an exponential rise of the temperature, a fast bacterial development, higher microbial diversity and higher concentrations of plant aliphatic hydrocarbons. The second stage was characterised by a stable high temperature, shrinkage of the microbial diversity with a predominance of few bacterial and fungi species and higher concentrations of volatiles of microbial origin. Erwinia was the dominant microbial species during the first stage and probably responsible of the self-heating process. In conclusion, PTBs has shown both similarities with common self-heating processes and important peculiarities such as the absence of pathogenic bacteria and the dominance of plant terpenoids with health characteristics among the VOCs confirming the evidence of beneficial effects in particular in the first three days.

Antileishmanial Activity and Influence on Mitochondria of the Essential Oil from Tagetes lucida Cav. and Its Main Component

Current antileishmanial drugs are toxic, expensive, and resistance to them has emerged. Several studies have focused on natural products as alternatives. In the present work, the chemical composition, in vitro antileishmanial activity, cytotoxicity effects, and the influence on mitochondrial function of the essential oil from Tagetes lucida Cav. was determined, as well its main compound estragole. Forty-nine compounds were detected in the oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), of which estragole was the main constituent (97%). The oil showed inhibition of the promastigotes of L. tarentolae and L. amazonensis (IC50 = 61.4 and 118.8 µg/mL, respectively), decreased oxygen consumption of L. tarentolae, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential in L. amazonensis, inhibitory activity on the intracellular amastigote of L. amazonensis (IC50 = 14.2 ± 1.6 µg/mL), and cytotoxicity values ranging from 80.8 to 156 µg/mL against murine macrophages and J774 cells. Estragole displayed higher activity on promastigotes (IC50 = 28.5 and 25.5 µg/mL, respectively), amastigotes (IC50 = 1.4 ± 0.1 µg/mL), and cytotoxicity values ranging from 20.6 to 14.5 µg/mL, respectively, while on mitochondria, it caused a decrease of the membrane potential but did not inhibit oxygen consumption. The potential antileishmanial activity of the essential oil from T. lucida and estragole makes these compounds favorable candidates for exploration in further studies.

Odoriferous Therapy: A Review Identifying Essential Oils against Pathogens of the Respiratory Tract

This review explores the body of scientific information available on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils against pathogens responsible for respiratory infections and critically compares this to what is recommended in the Layman's aroma-therapeutic literature. Essential oils are predominantly indicated for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by bacteria or viruses (total 79.0 %), the efficacy of which has not been confirmed through clinical trials. When used in combination, they are often blended for presumed holistic synergistic effects. Of the essential oils recommended, all show some degree of antioxidant activity, 50.0 % demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects and 83.3 % of the essential oils showed antihistaminic activity. Of the essential oils reviewed, 43.8 % are considered non-toxic while the remaining essential oils are considered slightly to moderately toxic (43.7 %) or the toxicity is unknown (12.5 %). Recommendations are made for further research into essential oil combinations.

Spices in a High-Saturated-Fat, High-Carbohydrate Meal Reduce Postprandial Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion in Men with Overweight or Obesity: A 3-Period, Crossover, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postprandial inflammation that occurs concurrently with hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia after ingestion of a high-saturated-fat, high-carbohydrate meal (HFCM) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of individual spices. However, the effect of consumption of a spice blend on inflammatory mediators has not been examined in a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to investigate the postprandial effect of a blend of spices in a HFCM on inflammatory cytokine responses.

METHODS

Nonsmoking men (40-65 y old) with overweight/obesity (25 ≤ BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2), elevated waist circumference (≥ 94 cm), and ≥ 1 CVD risk factor were recruited for a 3-period crossover study ( n = 12). In random order, participants consumed the following: a HFCM (∼1000 kcal, 33% kcal from saturated fat and 36% kcal from carbohydrate), a HFCM containing 2 g spice blend, or an HFCM containing 6 g spice blend. The spice blend consisted of basil, bay leaf, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, ginger, oregano, parsley, red pepper, rosemary, thyme, and turmeric. Blood was collected before, and hourly for 4 h after the HFCM. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and the percentage of CD14 +/Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR isotype + (HLA-DR +) monocytes and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in plasma and LPS-stimulated PBMCs were quantified as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a significant spice-by-time interaction on IL-1β (P < 0.001), IL-8 (P = 0.020), and TNF-α (P = 0.009) secretion from LPS-stimulated PBMCs. IL-1β secretion from LPS-stimulated PBMCs was significantly reduced (1314%) at 240 min after HFCM consumption containing 6 g, but not 2 g, of spice blend compared with 0 g spice blend.

CONCLUSIONS

A HFCM containing 6 g spice blend attenuated HFCM-induced postprandial IL-1β secretion in men with overweight/obesity.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03064958.

Anti-Inflammatory and Physicochemical Characterization of the Croton Rhamnifolioides Essential Oil Inclusion Complex in β-Cyclodextrin

Croton rhamnifolioides is used in popular medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of C. rhamnifolioides essential oil complexed in β-cyclodextrin (COEFC). The physicochemical characterization of the complexes was performed using different physical methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vivo by ear edema, paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma, and vascular permeability by Evans blue extravasation. The mechanism of action was validated by molecular docking of the major constituent into the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 enzyme). All doses of the COEFC reduced acute paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran, as well as vascular permeability. Our results suggest the lowest effective dose of all samples inhibited the response induced by histamine or arachidonic acid as well as the granuloma formation. The complexation process showed that the pharmacological effects were maintained, however, showing similar results using much lower doses. The results demonstrated an involvement of the inhibition of pathways dependent on eicosanoids and histamine. Complexation of β-cyclodextrin/Essential oil (β-CD/EO) may present an important tool in the study of new compounds for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves and its effect on lung pathological changes in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma

Background

Ocimum species (Lamiaceae) has been traditionally used for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, coughs, sore throat, and wound healing. The Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) leaves was examined in ovalbumin sensitized animals.

Methods

Wistar rats were divided to six groups; non-sensitized, sensitized to ovalbumin, sensitized and treated with dexamethasone (1.25 μg/mL), and O. basilicum extract (0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mg/mL) in drinking water for 21 days. The levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, immunoglobulin E (IgE), phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) and total protein (TP) in BALF, and lung pathological changes were examined.

Results

A significant increase in IL-4, IgE, PLA₂ and TP levels, all lung pathological indices as well as significant decrease in IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was seen in the asthmatic compared to the control rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Treatment with O. basilicum extract resulted in decreased IL-4, IgE, PLA₂ and TP levels, but increased IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio compared to untreated sensitized rats (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). The plant significantly improved the pathological changes of sensitized rats (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). The improvement effects of higher concentrations of the O. basilicum extract were significantly more than those of dexamethasone (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The improvement effects of O. basilicum on pathological changes, immunological and inflammatory markers in sensitized rats comparable or even more potent than dexamethasone suggests the therapeutic potential of the plant in asthma.

The potential effects of Ocimum basilicum on health: a review of pharmacological and toxicological studies

INTRODUCTION

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L., OB) is a plant world widely used as a spice and a typical ingredient of the healthy Mediterranean diet. In traditional medicine, OB is indicated for many maladies and conditions; OB-containing nutritional supplements are increasingly sold. Conversely, safety concerns have been raised about the promutagens and procarcinogens alkenylbenzenes contained in OB. Areas covered: A critical review of the current status of OB as a nutraceutical, the pharmacology of its bioactive components, the rationale for its indications, and its safety. Expert opinion: Due to the polyphenolic and flavonoidic content, OB can be considered as an important ingredient in healthy diets; OB preparations may be effective as chemopreventive agents or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of different clinical conditions. From a toxicological perspective, since the tumorigenic potential of alkenylbenzenes is counteracted by other OB constituents such as nevadensin, it can be concluded that OB consumption in food and preparations is safe. The only concern relates to OB essential oils: in this case, a concentration limit for alkenylbenzenes should be precautionary defined, and the use of plant chemotypes with no or low levels of these alkylbenzenes for the preparation of essential oils should be made compulsory.

Toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster and antiedematogenic and antimicrobial activities of Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze (Amaranthaceae)

Bioactive phytocompounds are studied by several bioactivities demonstrated, as their cytotoxic effects. The aim of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile, the toxic effect using the Drosophila melanogaster animal model and the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect of the Alternanthera brasiliana (EEAB) ethanol extract. The phytochemical profile was performed using HPLC. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated in vivo using D. melanogaster. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined by neurogenic and antiedematogenic assays, and the antimicrobial activity was assayed using a microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the EEAB alone and in association with antibiotics. The main compound identified on the EEAB was luteolin (1.93%). Its cytotoxic effect was demonstrated after 24 h in the concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/mL. The extract demonstrated an antiedematogenic effect, with a reduction of the edema between 35.57 and 64.17%. The MIC of the extract was ≥1.024 μg/mL, thus being considered clinically irrelevant. However, when the EEAB was associated with gentamicin, a synergism against all bacterial strains assayed was observed: Staphylococcus aureus (SA10), Escherichia coli (EC06) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA24). Due to these results, the EEAB demonstrated a low toxicity in vivo and anti-inflammatory and synergistic activities. These are promising results, mainly against microbial pathogens, and the compounds identified can be a source of carbon backbones for the discovery and creation of new drugs.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Polygonum orientale L. Extracts

Background and Purpose:Polygonum orientale L. (family: Polygonaceae), named Hongcao in China, is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal and has long been used for rheumatic arthralgia and rheumatoid arthritis. However, no pharmacological and mechanism study to confirm these clinic effects have been published. In this investigation, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects and representative active ingredient compounds of P. orientale have been studied. Methods: Dried small pieces of the stems and leaves of P. orientale were decocted with water and partitioned successively to obtain ethyl acetate and ethyl ether extract of P. orientale (POEa and POEe). Chemical compositions of them were analyzed by UPLC-Q-Exactive HRMS. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of POEa and POEe were evaluated using xylene induced ear edema, carrageenan induced paw edema, Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, and formaldehyde induced pain in rat. Their mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were also studied via assays of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 in serum. Results: UPLC-Q-Exactive HRMS analysis showed that POEa and POEe mainly contained flavonoids including orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, luteolin, and quercetin. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effects of POEa and POEe were evident in xylene induced ear edema. The paw edema in Freund's complete adjuvant and carrageenan were significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited by POEa (5, 7.5 g/kg). POEe (7.5 g/kg) was significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited Freunds' complete adjuvant induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma formation. Similarly, POEe significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited the pain sensation in acetic acid induced writhing test. POEa (5, 7.5 g/kg) significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) inhibited formaldehyde induced pain in both phases. POEa (7.5 g/kg) markedly (P < 0.05) prolonged the latency period of hot plate test after 30 and 60 min. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by POEa (3.75, 5 g/kg). Conclusion: POEa and POEe have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which was mainly relevant to the presence of flavonoids, including orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, luteolin, and quercetin. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of POEa may be to decrease the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 in serum.

Evaluation of the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of distillate and residue fractions of sweet basil essential oil

In this study, the chemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. Lamiaceae family) were evaluated. Sweet basil is a food-related plant that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Sweet basil crude oil was processed via molecular distillation and further characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen for new compounds. The GC-MS analysis identified thirty-eight compounds. The major constituents of the residue fraction were estragole (17.06%), methyl eugenol (11.35%) and linoleic acid (11.40%), while the distillate fraction primarily contained methyl eugenol (16.96%), α-cadinol (16.24%) and α-bergamotene (11.92%). The antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays) and anti-inflammatory (in Raw264.7 cells) activities were evaluated. The residue fraction markedly scavenged the DPPH (IC₅₀ = 1.092 ± 0.066 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 0.707 ± 0.042 mg/mL) radicals. Meanwhile, the distillate fraction distinctly suppressed the production of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-β, IL-6) and their gene expression in LPS-induced Raw264.7 cells and suppressed NO and iNOS in an in vitro model when compared with the crude oil. In conclusion, the fractions obtained from sweet basil crude oil showed different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and they could be used as an effective source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents after molecular distillation. Thus, the properties of essential oils in natural herbal medicines may be maximized to provide a valuable therapeutic strategy for treating various disorders caused by extreme oxidative stress.