Essential oil composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the aerial parts of Salvia eremophila Boiss. from Iran

Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bersama abyssinica F. seed extracts

Medicinal plants can be potential sources of therapeutic agents. Traditional healers use a medicinal plant from Ethiopia, Bersama abyssinica Fresen, to treat various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of B. abyssinica seed extracts (BASE). Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was used to determine the phytochemical compositions of BASE. The antioxidant activities were assessed by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) assay, ferric chloride reducing assay and hydroxyl scavenging capacity assay. Antimicrobial activity was investigated using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 30 volatile compounds; α-pinene (23.85%), eucalyptol (20.74%), β-pinene (5.75%), D-limonene (4.05%), and o-cymene (5.02%). DPPH-induced free radical scavenging (IC50 = 8.78), TBARS (IC50 = 0.55 µg/mL), and hydroxyl radicals' scavenging capacities assays (IC50 = 329.23) demonstrated high antioxidant effects of BASE. Reducing power was determined based on Fe3+-Fe2+ transformation in the presence of extract. BASE was found to show promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa (zone of inhibition 15.7 ± 2.5 mm, 16.0 ± 0.0 mm, and 16.7 ± 1.5 mm, respectively), but excellent antifungal activities against C. albican and M. furfur (zone of inhibition 22.0 ± 2.0 mm and 22.0 ± 4.0 mm, respectively). The seeds of B. abyssinica grown in Ethiopia possess high antioxidant potential, promising antibacterial and superior antifungal activity. Therefore, seeds of B. abyssinica provide a potential source for drug discovery.

Evaluation of antioxidant and inhibitory properties of Citrus aurantium L. on the acetylcholinesterase activity and the production of amyloid nano-bio fibrils

The blossoms of Citrus aurantium are considered for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease because of their fragrant essential oils. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and inhibitory effects of Citrus aurantium extract on the acetylcholinesterase and production of amyloid nanobiofibrils from bovine serum albumin (BSA). The Citrus aurantium petals were harvested from Rasht city in northern IRAN. Chemical composition was investigated by GC-MS. The anti-Alzheimer's effects were evaluated by determining the antioxidant percentage by DPPH method and determining acetylcholinesterase activity. Congored spectroscopy was used for investigation of the inhibitory properties of the extract on the production of amyloid nanobiofibrils, and amyloid fibers was confirmed by electron microscopy. The most abundant ingredients were D-Glucuronic acid (9.53%), D-Limonene (5.54%), Linalool (2.06%), Daphnetin (3.73%), Phthalic acid (0.72%), Octadecenoic acid (3.98%), Hexadecanoic acid (2.13%), Pyrrolidinone (1.17%) and the highest antioxidant capacity was at 8 mg/ml (EC₅₀: 2.36 mg/ml). The extract reduced the Acetylcholinesterase activity less than 47.04% (IC₅₀: 42.8 mg/ml) and amyloid production less than 22% (EC₅₀: 3.135). Citrus aurantium petals with inhibitory properties for the production of amyloid nanobiofibrils, can be used as a beneficial drugs for reducing side effects of Alzheimer's disease.

Iranian Salvia species: A phytochemical and pharmacological update

Salvia is the largest genus of the Lamiaceae family, with over 900 species in the world which about 60 species are distributed in Iran, 17 of them are endemic. In Iran, Salvia species have been used to treat various diseases with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity in vitro and in vivo. The present review summarizes the phytochemistry and pharmacology of medicinal Iranian Salvia species in order to describe their therapeutic potential for a range of diseases. . Phytochemical investigations reveal that the Iranian Salvia has a varied range of metabolites including terpenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The most important pharmacological activities are antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory. Iranian Salvia traditionally used as carminatives, analgesics, digestive aids, antiseptics, sedative, anxiolytic, hypnotic, pain reduction and antidiabetic. Among the endemic species, the most interesting for human health are treating a variety of diseases.

Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Stachys pilifera on Oxidant-Antioxidant Status in Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injuries in Male Rats

Background

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) has a pivotal role in the progression of acute renal failure. Reactive oxygen species are considered the major constituents involved in the biochemical and pathophysiological changes that were shown during kidney I/R. The purpose of this study was to examine the renoprotective effects of Stachys pilifera ethanolic extract on oxidant-antioxidant status in renal I/R-injuries in male rats. Material and methods. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were arbitrarily distributed into 3 groups: sham control (SC), I/R, and I/R + Stachys pilifera ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg). The artery and vein of the right kidney were completely blocked, and the right kidney was completely removed in all groups. Then, the left kidney artery was blocked with suture thread for 30 minutes in only I/R and I/R + SP extract groups. Kidney function indices, oxidative stress markers, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were investigated in the plasma and kidney tissues.

Results

It was shown that the urine Na and K, fractional excretion of Na and K, and protein carbonyl content markedly increased in the merely I/R group as compared to SC rats, while the administration of SP extract markedly reduced these indices (P < 0.05). Also, glomerular filtration rate and total thiol meaningfully reduced in the I/R rats in contrast to the SC group, while the treatment with SP extract markedly augmented these indices (P < 0.05). However, in agreement with renal function tests, SP extract had no significant effects on histopathological examinations.

Conclusion

It seems that SP extract employs renoprotective effects on renal damage induced by I/R, possibly by improving of oxidant-antioxidant status in favor of the antioxidant system.

The Chemical and Biological Profiles of Leaves from Commercial Blueberry Varieties

Blueberries have seen an ascending production line boosted by World Health Organization (WHO) approvals for their contributions to a healthy diet and the evidence that they act against different diseases. This increase resulted in significant amounts of discarded leaves, which could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. In the present study, ultrasound-assisted extraction technology was used to determine and compare the chemical and biological profiles of leaves from six commercial blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) varieties. Feruloylquinic acid was the major compound identified, ranging from 19.23 ± 0.18 mg/g (at the lowest level, registered in the Spartan variety) to 49.62 ± 0.41 mg/g (at the highest level, registered in the Nelson variety). Rutin was the second major compound identified, for which Toro, Nelson, and Elliot leaves registered the highest values, with 35.77 ± 0.19 mg/g, 32.50 ± 0.20 mg/g, and 31.53 ± 0.1 mg/g, respectively. Even though analogous polyphenols were detected in the six cultivars, their concentrations and amounts were different. The leaf extracts of the cultivars Toro, Elliot, and Nelson appear to be good sources of antioxidants, registering high percentage inhibitions of DPPH radicals, of 70.41%, 68.42%, and 58.69%, respectively. The blueberry leaf extracts had a strong antibacterial activity and a low antifungal capacity, and a low-to-moderate antimutagenic capacity towards Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, with Toro leaf being the best candidate. All of these biological activities indicate health-related benefits, recommending them as suitable candidates for medical and pharmaceutical applications. The present paper adds significant knowledge to the field of blueberry leaves via chemical and biological profiles, supporting the ultrasound-assisted extraction technique as a useful and green method to provide alternative sources of bioactive compounds.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Nord-West Romanian Wild Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Leaves

This study was performed to evaluate and compare the in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic activities, and the polyphenolic content of the Nord-West Romanian wild bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) leaves from three different natural habitats (Smida, Turda, Borsa). In the case of both species, the flavanols level was higher in Smida habitat (altitude 1100 m), whereas quercetin derivates were more abundant in Borsa habitat (altitude 850 m). The bilberry leaf extracts contained in the highest amounts the feruloylquinic acid (59.65 ± 0.44 mg/g for Borsa habitat) and rutin (49.83 ± 0.63 mg/g for Borsa habitat), and showed relevant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity (271.65 mM Trolox/100 g plant material for Borsa habitat, 262.77 mM Trolox/100 g plant material for Smida habitat, and 320.83 mM Trolox/100 g plant material for Turda habitat), for all the three extracts. Gallocatechin was the dominant flavanol in lingonberry species, with the highest amount being registered for Smida habitat (46.81 ± 0.3 mg/g), revealing a DPPH antioxidant activity of 251.49 mM Trolox/100 g plant material. The results obtained in the antimicrobial tests showed that the best inhibitory effect among bilberry species was attributed to the Turda (altitude 436 m) and Smida locations, against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. For lingonberry, the differences in habitat did not influence the antibacterial effect, but the antifungal effect, only in the case of Candida zeylanoides. A strong antimutagenic effect was registered by the bilberry leaves toward Salmonella typhimurium TA100. Our study may be able to provide a better understanding of the correlation between natural habitat conditions and the accumulation of secondary metabolites and their related bioactivities in studied leaves.

Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Essential Oil from Blepharocalyx salicifolius

Natural products represent a source of biologically active molecules that have an important role in drug discovery. The aromatic plant Blepharocalyx salicifolius has a diverse chemical constitution but the biological activities of its essential oils have not been thoroughly investigated. The aims of this paper were to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial activities of an essential oil from leaves of B. salicifolius and to identify its main chemical constituents. The essential oil was extracted by steam distillation, chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and biological activities were performed by a microdilution broth method. The yield of essential oil was 0.86% (w/w), and the main constituents identified were bicyclogermacrene (17.50%), globulol (14.13%), viridiflorol (8.83%), γ-eudesmol (7.89%) and α-eudesmol (6.88%). The essential oil was cytotoxic against the MDA-MB-231 (46.60 μg·mL⁻¹) breast cancer cell line, being more selective for this cell type compared to the normal breast cell line MCF-10A (314.44 μg·mL⁻¹). Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity results showed that this oil does not act by inducing cell death, but rather by impairment of cellular metabolism specifically of the cancer cells. Furthermore, it presented antifungal activity against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (156.25 μg·mL⁻¹) but was inactive against other fungi and bacteria. Essential oil from B. salicifolius showed promising biological activities and is therefore a source of molecules to be exploited in medicine or by the pharmaceutical industry.

Hepatoprotective effect of Stachys pilifera ethanol extract in carbon tetrachloride-induce hepatotoxicity in rats

CONTEXT

Stachys pilifera Benth (Lamiaceae) has long been used to treat infectious diseases, respiratory and rheumatoid disorders in Iranian folk medicine. Antitumor and antioxidant activity of the plant have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to assess the hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of Stachys pilifera in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into six equal groups (n = 7). Group I was treated with normal saline; Group II received CCl₄ (1 mL/kg. i.p., twice a week) for 60 consecutive days; Groups III, IV and V were given CCl₄ plus Stachys pilifera (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/d,p.o.); Group VI received the extract (400 mg/kg/d, p.o.). Histopathological analysis and measurement of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) were performed.

RESULTS

CCl₄ caused a significant increase in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and MDA as well as decreased ALB, and TP serum levels (p < 0.001). The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg/d) significantly normalized the CCl₄-elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP and MDA (p < 0.001). The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg/d) also increased the serum levels of TP compared to CCl₄ group (p< 0.01). The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg/d) also decreased the histological injuries (inflammation and fatty degeneration) by CCl₄.

DISCUSSION

The results revealed that the Stachys pilifera extract could provide considerable protection against CCl₄ hepatotoxicity in rats that may be related to its antioxidant properties.

The mutagenic, antimutagenic and antioxidant properties of Hypericum lydium

CONTEXT

There is a growing market demand for Hypericum sp., a pharmacologically active plant that has been traditionally used to treat various ailments. However, there have been limited studies on the extract or essential oil of Hypericum lydium Boiss (Hypericaceae).

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates for the first time the antioxidant, mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of an ethanol extract of H. lydium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ethanol extract from aerial parts of H. lydium harvested from Turkey were tested for this mutagenic and antimutagenic activities (2.0-0.002 mg/plate) using Ames Salmonella/microsome test system. 4-Nitro-o-phenylenediamine (4-NPD) (3 μg/plate) for the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and sodium azide (NaN3) (8 μg/plate) for the S. typhimurium TA100 were used as positive controls. The antioxidant activity, total antioxidant activity and phenolic constituent of the extract (2.0-0.002 mg/mL) was determined by the inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), β-carotene-linoleic acid model and by means of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, respectively.

RESULTS

The extract showed no sign of mutagenicity at the tested concentrations (0.002-2.0 mg/mL), and showed concentration-dependent antimutagenic activity against NaN3 and 4-NPD ranging from 26.8 to 81.5%. The extract was found to be an efficient scavenger of DPPH (IC50 0.165 ± 0.23 mg/mL) and to inhibit β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching (IC50 0.39 ± 0.11 mg/mL).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings indicate ethanol extract of H. lydium to be a safe and effective agent that may be incorporated into new strategies for the prevention of cancer and mutagenesis.

Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases

Essential oils are one of the most notorious natural products used for medical purposes. Combined with their popular use in dermatology, their availability, and the development of antimicrobial resistance, commercial essential oils are often an option for therapy. At least 90 essential oils can be identified as being recommended for dermatological use, with at least 1500 combinations. This review explores the fundamental knowledge available on the antimicrobial properties against pathogens responsible for dermatological infections and compares the scientific evidence to what is recommended for use in common layman's literature. Also included is a review of combinations with other essential oils and antimicrobials. The minimum inhibitory concentration dilution method is the preferred means of determining antimicrobial activity. While dermatological skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus have been well studied, other pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Propionibacterium acnes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Brevibacterium species have been sorely neglected. Combination studies incorporating oil blends, as well as interactions with conventional antimicrobials, have shown that mostly synergy is reported. Very few viral studies of relevance to the skin have been made. Encouragement is made for further research into essential oil combinations with other essential oils, antimicrobials, and carrier oils.

Expression Analysis of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Gene and Rosmarinic Acid Production in Salvia officinalis and Salvia virgata Shoots Under Salicylic Acid Elicitation

Partial fragments of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) genes were cloned and characterized from Salvia officinalis (SoPAL) and Salvia virgata (SvPAL). Different concentrations (250 and 500 μM) of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) were used when correlation between PAL expression and rosmarinic acid (RA) accumulation was compared. The results showed that the deduced cDNA sequences of the partial genes had high similarities with those of known PAL gene from other plant species. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that exogenous application of SA led to up-regulating of the PAL expression. Further analysis showed that in S. virgata, at higher concentration of SA, higher accumulation of RA was achieved, while in S. officinalis, the higher RA accumulation was observed at lower concentration of SA. It was concluded that there was no positive correlation between the intensity of PAL transcription and the RA accumulation in the studied species. Therefore, despite of the increase in transcription rate of the PAL at the higher concentration of SA, the lower amounts of RA were accumulated in the case of S. officinalis. Consequently, the hypothesis that PAL is the rate-determining step in RA biosynthesis is not always valid and probably some other unknown factors participate in the synthesis of phenolics.

Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Essential Oils of Beilschmiedia glabra

This study was designed to examine the chemical compositions of essential oils from Beilschmiedia glabra and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antityrosinase, acetylcholinesterase and anti-inflammatory activities. In total, 47 components were identified in the essential oils, which made up 86.8% and 89.7% of the leaf and bark oils, respectively. The leaf oil is composed mainly of β-eudesmol (15.4%), β-selinene (12.2%), caryophyllene oxide (8.1%) and γ-gurjunene (5.2%), while the bark oil contains high percentages of β-eudesmol (19.3%), β-selinene (16.9%), δ-cadinene (15.8%), germacrene D (9.8%) and β-caryophyllene (5.5%). Antioxidant activity showed that the leaf oil has the highest phenolic content at 233.4 mg GA/g, while the bark oil showed potent activity in the β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay. However, both oils showed weak activity in the DPPH and ABTS assays. For antimicrobial activity, the leaf and bark oils displayed strong activity against Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with MIC values of 31.3 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. Percentage inhibitions against tyrosinase (leaf 73.7%; bark 76.0%) and acetylcholinesterase (leaf 48.1%; bark 45.2%) were tested at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, while anti-inflammatory activity (leaf 59.7%; bark 48.9%) was evaluated at a concentration of 100 μM. Evaluation of these assays indicated moderate levels of activity.

Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of essential oils of three aromatic plants from La Rioja province

CONTEXT

The use of many traditional medicinal plants is often hampered by the absence of a proper biochemical characterization, which is essential to identify the bioactive compounds present in it. The essential oils (EOs) of three native species from the La Rioja province were analyzed: Lippia turbinata Griseb and Lippia integrifolia (Griseb.) Hieron (Verbenaceae), and Clinopodium gilliesii (Benth.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate their EOs antioxidant activity (AA) and their chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To enhance the aqueous solubilization of the EOs, EO-water emulsions were prepared (concentration range of 0.1-6 mg mL(-1)). AA was determined using ABTS, DPPH, and peroxyl radical scavenging assays, as well as by the β-carotene bleaching test.

RESULTS

Piperitenone oxide was a major constituent in L. turbinata, pulegone and piperitenone oxide in C. gilliesii, and β-caryophyllene in L. integrifolia. Lippia turbinata EO was the most active ABTS and DPPH radical scavenger (SC50 values of 0.40 ± 0.14 and 0.74 ± 0.08 mg mL(-1), respectively). Clinopodium gilliesii EO exhibited the highest hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (SC25 value = 1.52 ± 0.27 mg mL(-1)). In the β-carotene assay, L. turbinata EO was more effective at inhibiting lipid peroxidation than the other two oils (IC25 value = 0.15 ± 0.04 mg mL(-1)).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the AA observed can be justified by the presence of oxygenated monoterpenes, mainly piperitenone oxide. Finally, L. turbinata EO might be used as a safe natural antioxidant and food preservative in the food and cosmetic industries.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of essential oil from Dictamnus angustifolius

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dictamnus angustifolius (Rutaceae) has been used as an alternative for folk medicine, Dictamnus dasycarpus in the treatment of rheumatism, bleeding, itching, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, and skin diseases in Xinjiang Province of China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oil (EO) from Dictamnus angustifolius, correlated with their chemical composition and evaluate their cytotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The EO were extracted by water-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition of EO was identified by GC-MS analysis. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against five microorganisms by the agar disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The antioxidant activity was measured by employing DPPH and FRAP assays. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated in the mammalian cells lines A549, MCF7, B16 and LoVo using the MTT method to assess cell viability.

RESULTS

52 compounds representing the 97.2% of the total oil were identified by GC/MS. The major constituents of the oil were tetramethylenecyclobutane (42.07%) and fraxinellone (19.06%). The antimicrobial activity showed that the EO possess significant inhibition in Monilia albican ATCC 10231 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. The antioxidant activity suggested that the EO possess significant reducing power. The cytotoxic activity of the EO in MCF7 and LoVo cells was significant stronger than in the other cell lines.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first characterization of the chemical composition and biological activities of EO from Dictamnus angustifolius. All experimental data indicate that the EO have not only remarkable antioxidant properties but also potential antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic activities.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Stachys Pilifera Benth

Background:

Stachys piliferaBenth has long been used to treat infectious diseases as well as respiratory and rheumatoid disorders in Iranian folk medicine. Antioxidants, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties of the plant have been reported.

Objectives:

This experimental study was designed to evaluate systemic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract from aerial parts of Stachys pilifera (HESP).

Materials and Methods:

Anti-inflammatory effects of HESP was studied in four well-known animal models of inflammation, including carrageenan- or formalin-induced paw edema in rat (thirteen groups, 6 rats per each group), and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)- or xylene-induced ear edema in mouse (ten groups, 6 mice per each group). The rats received HESP (50-400 mg/ kg) orally 45 minutes before the subplantar injection of carrageenan or formalin. In TPA or xylene tests, HESP (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/ear) was applied topically simultaneous with these phlogistic agents on the ear mice. Finally, pathological examination of the inflamed tissues (paw and ear) was carried out.

Results:

Acute toxicity study of the extract showed that no rats were killed at 5000 mg/kg (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg). The extract (100 and 200 mg/ kg) significantly suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after carrageenan challenge in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). The HESP (100 and 200 mg/kg) also produced a considerable antiedematogenic effect in the formalin test over a period of 24 hours (P < 0.01). Furthermore, topical administration of the HESP (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/ear) inhibited TPA- and xylene-induced ear edema in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). The pathological analysis of the paws and ears revealed that HESP was capable of reducing tissue destruction, cellular infiltration, and subcutaneous edema induced by the indicated phlogistic agents.

Conclusions:

The present data confirmed systemic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of Stachys pilifera which is comparable to indomethacin.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil and Extracts of Tragopogon graminifolius, a Medicinal Herb from Iran

Tragopogon graminifolius DC., family Compositae, is widely consumed as a green vegetable in the west of Iran and for the treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatic ailments. In this study, the chemical composition of the essential oil from T. graminifolius aerial parts was evaluated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Moreover, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and various extracts of T. graminifolius were determined. Fifty-eight compounds representing 87.2% of the essential oil were identified. The main components were n-hexadecanoic acid (22.0%), β-caryophyllene (7.5%), heneicosane (6.6%), and nonanal (5.2%). The essential oil demonstrated the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (56.6 ± 8.8ug/mL) and the 80% ethanolic extract the highest ferric reducing antioxidant activity (908.2±79.5 mmol Fe2+ ion/g extract). The total phenolic content of the 80% ethanolic extract from the aerial parts was the highest (560.7±18.8 mg/g gallic acid equivalent). In the antimicrobial test, Shigella dysenteriae was the most vulnerable microorganism, followed by Proteus vulgaris, and the essential oil exhibited the highest antibacterial activity among the samples. The results indicated that the essential oil and extracts of T. graminifolius could be consumed as a natural herbal preservative or complementary supplement in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

In vitro Bioactivity of Essential Oils and Methanol Extracts of Salvia reuterana from Iran

The chemical composition of the essential oils, antioxidant activity (DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays) and total phenolic content (Foline-Ciocalteu) of the flowers and leaves of Salvia reuterana were determined. Essential oils extracted from the flowers and leaves by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Forty-four constituents, representing 99.7-99.9% of the oils, were identified. The major components were germacrene D, benzoic acid hexyl ester, bicyclogermacrene, β-gurjunene and ishwarene, constituting 33.7-31.9% of the oils. The highest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH test) was shown by the methanol extract of the flowers (IC50=77.6 μg/mL). In the β-carotene/linoleic acid assay, the methanol extract of the leaves showed the highest inhibition (40.3%) which was only slightly lower than that shown by BHT (82.9%). The total phenolic contents of the methanol extracts of the flowers and leaves as gallic acid equivalents were 81.4 and 88.3 μg/mg, respectively. The plant also showed good antimicrobial activity against three strains of tested microorganisms.

Body malodours and their topical treatment agents

Body malodour, including foot odour, suppresses social interaction by diminishing self-confidence and accelerating damage to the wearer's clothes and shoes. Most treatment agents, including aluminium anti-perspirant salts, inhibit the growth of malodourous bacteria. These metallic salts also reduce sweat by blocking the excretory ducts of sweat glands, minimizing the water source that supports bacterial growth. However, there are some drawback effects that limit the use of aluminium anti-perspirant salts. In addition, over-the-counter anti-perspirant and deodourant products may not be sufficiently effective for heavy sweaters, and strong malodour producers. Body odour treatment agents are rarely mentioned in the literature compared with other cosmetic ingredients. This review briefly summarizes the relationship among sweat, skin bacteria, and body odour; describes how odourous acids, thiols, and steroids are formed; and discusses the active ingredients, including metallic salts and herbs, that are used to treat body odour. A new class of ingredients that function by regulating the release of malodourants will also be described. These ingredients do not alter the balance of the skin flora.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oils: a short review

Essential oils are complex mixtures isolated from aromatic plants which may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of interest in thye food and cosmetic industries as well as in the human health field. In this work, a review was done on the most recent publications concerning their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. At the same time a survey of the methods generally used for the evaluation of antioxidant activity and some of the mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory activities of essential oils are also reported.