Effects of some Chinese medicinal plant extracts on five different fungi

Synergistic effects of medicinal plants in combination with spices from algeria: Anticancer, antiangiogenic activities, and embrytoxicity studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bryonia dioica Jacq., Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach., Telephium imperati L., and Aristolochia longa L. are species widely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases including cancer. Conjugation of two or more extracts is an approach to improve the effectiveness of their pharmacological activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the synergistic anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects of medicinal plants and edible species combinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this work, B. dioica, E. prunastri, Telephium imperati, and Aristolochia longa extracts were conjugated to form four mixtures. The antiproliferative effect of mixtures on several carcinoma cells was examined by MTT assay, and the antiangiogenic activity was estimated through Hen's egg test in vivo. Moreover, in an Ovo model, 35 fertilized Ross eggs were used to test the embryotoxicity of mixtures.

RESULTS

At the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL, both mixtures exerted an important cytotoxic effect against human carcinoma cells. The mixture BETE (Bryonia Evernia Telephium Extract) significantly reduced HT-29, PC-3, and A-549 cell viability. Likewise, this mixture strongly suppressed vascularization in vivo at 200 μg/mL. Interestingly, no signs of toxicity on Perdix embryos were recorded within 21 days of treatment. More importantly, the mixture did not have any cytotoxic effect on non cancerous cells.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results suggest that the synergy between B. dioica, E. prunastri and T. imperati may be promising for developing new anti-cancer treatments.

Antimicrobial Activity of Some Medicinal Herbs to the Treatment of Cutaneous and Mucocutaneous Infections: Preliminary Research

(1) Background: Superficial, including cutaneous and mucocutaneous infections are a current public health problem with universal distribution. One of the main concerns, in the present/future, is fungal/bacterial infections by resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to verify if decoctions of coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), and their essential oils (EOs), as well as the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family) have antimicrobial activity against prevalent species of microorganisms responsible for superficial infections. (2) Methods: The antimicrobial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using broth microdilution method, and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) was determined from subculture of MIC plates. (3) Results: C. chinensis EO and decoction demonstrated some antifungal action against the yeasts and dermatophytes tested. Greatest bactericidal effect against Propionibacterium acnes and some action against Staphylococcus aureus was observed. For A. indica only EO proved activity against dermatophytes and P. acnes. L. scoparium EO showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum with activity against bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes showing greater activity against P. acnes and S. aureus. (4) Conclusions: C. chinensis (EO/decoction), EOs of L. scoparium and A. indica proved in vitro efficacy against fungal, bacterial, or mixed agents of superficial infections, either by sensitive or resistant strains.

Volatile Oil Components of Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Leaves Obtained from Plants Cultivated under Salinity Stress Conditions

Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) is a strict endemic species of natural vegetation of the Mediterranean region, which is known for its medicinal, aromatic, forestry, ornamental and culinary properties. This species produces valuable essential oil (EO). The content of EO and its composition depend on different factors, e.g., genetic, cultural practices and environmental conditions. Among these, salt stress is a major limiting factor, which affects almost all plant functions. Similar to essential oils (EOs), biotic and abiotic stresses may stimulate or inhibit the emission of volatile compounds (VCs) in plant materials, suggesting that these substances can be responsible on stress defense strategies. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) of the irrigation water on VCs of laurel leaves. Our results showed that salt stress affected the volatile metabolites compounds, mainly the major ones. For instance, 1,8-cineole and linalool were negatively affected by high salinity levels, while the opposite was observed for α-terpenyl acetate and methyl eugenol. The proportion of grouped compounds of laurel VCs also differed among the studied treatments. The relative content of oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons, respectively the first and the second largest groups, decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Differently, the relative amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbon group increased, especially at 100 mM NaCl. These findings indicate that the cultivation of laurel in marginal lands, characterized by high salinity or low-quality water, must be carefully evaluated because it significantly varies the quality of its products.

Potentials of Medicinal Plant Extracts as an Alternative to Synthetic Chemicals in Postharvest Protection and Preservation of Horticultural Crops: A Review

Horticultural crops undergo various physiological and biochemical changes that lead to undesirable physiological disorders, decay and subsequent economic losses during storage. Quality degradation of horticultural crops is mainly caused by postharvest pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp., etc. The application of synthetic fungicides remains the most effective method to control postharvest pathogens. However, their use is becoming increasingly restricted internationally due to health concerns and consumers’ requests for safe and natural alternatives. This has led researchers to investigate natural flora as one of the alternatives to be used in crop protection and preservation. Various medicinal plant parts have different phytochemicals and antioxidants that can be used in crop protection and preservation. Extracts from plants such as Ruta chalepensis, Eucalyptus globulus, etc., have proven to be effective in controlling postharvest pathogens of horticultural crops and increased their shelf life when used as a substitute for synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, extracts from neem and other medicinal plants contain a predominant and insecticidal active ingredient. The application of medicinal plant extracts could be a useful alternative to synthetic chemicals in the postharvest protection and preservation of horticultural crops. This review paper details the application of medicinal plant extracts for postharvest protection and preservation of horticultural crops.

Analytical Profiling of Phenolic Compounds in Extracts of Three Cistus Species from Sardinia and Their Potential Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

The Cistaceae family is well represented in Sardinia, and the Cistus genus is widely used in traditional medicine. Nowadays only few studies have been performed on this genus vegetating in Sardinia in spite of its ethnobotanical importance. Moreover, in the past there have been conflicting opinions among botanists for the exact assignment of the species growing in Sardinia. We started several years ago to carried out studies on this genus and in the present study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of several samples of Cistus salvifolius L., Cistus monspeliensis L., and Cistus albidus L. collected in Sardinia as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and four Candida species and their antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the phenolic content and composition of the extracts were first evaluated. Using statistical multivariate analysis on the complete metabolomics profile of all Cistus species growing wild in Sardinia, we confirmed the botanical classification, and we observed an interesting correlation between metabolomics profile and antioxidant activity.

Enhanced Biosynthesis Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) for their Antifungal Activity Toxicity against Major Phyto-Pathogens of Apple Orchards

PURPOSE

The present study made an attempt to develop copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) with antifungal property using green synthesis method. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) botanically synthesized using Neem leaf extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) were characterized by using different techniques like; UV-visible spectrophotometry, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM.

METHODS

Materials were chosen the disease free and fresh Azadirachta indica A. Juss were collected and identified at Center of Biodiversity and Taxonomy. The plant samples were vigorously washed with distilled water then shade dried followed by sterilization with 0.1% mercuric chloride for 20 s and again it was washed with distilled water. 15 g powder form of plant material was added to 200 ml double distilled, CO₂ free and deionized water and kept in shaker at 80°C and 1500 rpm for six hours. After agitation, the extract was separated by regular centrifugation at 10,000 rpm followed by filtration by using whatmann filter paper. The final volume of 100 ml of supernatant was collected as pure extract and stored in cool place for further use.

RESULTS

The final results confirm a significant inhibition of CuO-NPs for the test fungi. Additionally, CuO-NPs demonstrated an enhanced effect when combined with Neem leaf extract. A total of 20-30% improvement in activity was noticed after combination, which correlates with commonly used synthetic fungicides. The toxicity results reveal that A. indica extract and their combined fractions with CuO-NP were less toxic to the test seeds of experimental plant while as bulk Cu followed by biosynthesized CuO-NPs influenced the germination rate as compared to control pots.

CONCLUSIONS

The study drops a concern of research and offers a promising route of developing Copper based green fungicides that can help to combat with modern issues of synthetic fungicides. An average size of 80 ± 15 nm monoclinic cupric oxide (CuO) and cubic cuprous oxides (Cu₂O) nanocrystals that existed in mixed form were successfully developed.

Application of plant derived compounds to control fungal spoilage and mycotoxin production in foods

Food decay by spoilage fungi causes considerable economic losses and constitutes a health risk for consumers due to the potential for fungi to produce mycotoxins. The indiscriminate use of synthetic antifungals has led to the development of resistant strains which has necessitated utilization of higher concentrations, with the consequent increase in toxic residues in food products. Numerous studies have demonstrated that plant extracts contain diverse bioactive components that can control mould growth. The metabolites produced by plants are a promising alternative because plants generate a wide variety of compounds, either as part of their development or in response to stress or pathogen attack. The aim of this article is to summarize the results from the literature on in vitro and in vivo experiments regarding the effects of plant-derived products for controlling fungal growth. Data from research work on the mode of action of these metabolites inside the fungal cell and the influence of abiotic external factors such as pH and temperature are also covered in the present review. Furthermore, an analysis on how the stress factor derived from the presence of plant extracts and essential oils affects secondary metabolism of the fungus, specifically mycotoxin synthesis, is developed. Finally, the effectiveness of using plant-derived compounds in combination with other natural antimicrobials and its application in food using novel technologies is discussed.

Controlled release matrices and micro/nanoparticles of chitosan with antimicrobial potential: development of new strategies for microbial control in agriculture

The control of micro-organisms responsible for pre- and postharvest diseases of agricultural products, mainly viruses and fungi, is a problem that remains unresolved, together with the environmental impact of the excessive use of chemicals to tackle this problem. Current efforts are focused on the search for efficient alternatives for microbial control that will not result in damage to the environment or an imbalance in the existing biota. One alternative is the use of natural antimicrobial compounds such as chitosan, a linear cationic biopolymer, which is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic, has filmogenic properties and is capable of forming matrices for the transport of active substances. The study of chitosan has attracted great interest owing to its ability to form complexes or matrices for the controlled release of active compounds such as micro- and nanoparticles, which, together with the biological properties of chitosan, has allowed a major breakthrough in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Another important field of study is the development of chitosan-based matrices for the controlled release of active compounds in areas such as agriculture and food for the control of viruses, bacteria and fungi, which is one of the least exploited areas and holds much promise for future research.

Assessment of inhibitory potential of essential oils on natural mycoflora and Fusarium mycotoxins production in wheat

Background

In the last years essential oils from different plants were used in the prevention of fungi and mycotoxins accumulation in cereals. The most attractive aspect derived from using of essential oils as seed grains protectants is due to their non-toxicity. This study was focused on assessment the inhibitory effect of some essential oils: Melissa officinalis (O1), Salvia officinalis (O2), Coriandrum sativum (O3), Thymus vulgaris (O4) Mentha piperita (O5) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (O6) against natural mycoflora and Fusarium mycotoxins production correlated with their antioxidants properties.

Results

All essential oils showed inhibitory effect on fungal contamination of wheat seeds. This ability was dose-dependent. The highest inhibitory effect on Fusarium and Aspergillus fungi was recorded after 5 days of treatment. Fungi such as yeast (Pichia, Saccharomyces and Hyphopichia) were predominantly on seeds mycoflora after 22 days. Each treatment had a selective inhibitory effect on frequency of fungus genera. After 5 days of treatment the most fungicidal effect was recorder for O4, followed by O1. In terms of essential oils effect on mycotoxins development, the best control on fumonisins (FUMO) production was recorded for O6. The antioxidant properties of essential oils decreased in order: O4 > O1 > O6 > O5 > O2 > O3. Also, our data suggested that there is a significant negative correlation between antioxidant properties and seed contamination index (SCI), but there was not recorded a good correlation between antioxidant properties and FUMO content.

Conclusions

Based on proven antifungal and antimycotoxin effects as well as their antioxidant properties, the essential oils could be recommended as natural preservatives for stored cereals. The highest inhibition of fungal growth was noted after 5 days of treatment and decreased after 22 days.

Storage behavior of mango as affected by post harvest application of plant extracts and storage conditions

The use of plant extracts could be a useful alternative to synthetic fungicides in the post harvest handling of fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of extracts obtained from four plants (neem, Pongamia, custard apple leaf and marigold flowers) on the extension of shelf life of mango fruits cv. Dashehri under two storage conditions (Cool store and ambient condition). The fruits were treated with 2 concentrations of each plant extracts (10 % and 20 %) were placed in perforated linear low density poly ethylene bags and stored in storage conditions viz., cool storage and ambient condition, respectively. The treatment of neem leaf extract in combination with cool storage gave encouraging results. Up to the end of the storage study the treatment combination of 20 % neem leaf extract and cool store completely inhibited the pathogens, and no spoilage was observed. There was minimum physiological loss in weight (6.24 %), minimum girth reduction (0.62 %), maximum ascorbic acid content (29.96 mg/ 100 g of pulp), maximum acidity (0.19 %), minimum pH (5.28), maximum total soluble solids (20.96 %), maximum total sugars (12.50 %), reducing sugars (4.12 %) and non- reducing sugars (7.96 %) and best organoleptic score (7.93/10) in this interaction. The inhibitory effect of neem leaf extract was ascribed to the presence of active principle azadirachtin.

Aqueous and organic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. inhibit the mycelia growth of fungi

Aqueous extracts from various plant parts of fenugreek (3%) (aerial parts: leaves and stems (LS), roots (R), ground seeds (GS) and not ground seeds (NGS)) and petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions of the aerial parts were assayed to determine their antifungal potential against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria sp., Pythium aphanidermatum, and Rhizoctinia solani. All fenugreek plant parts showed antifungal potential and the magnitude of their inhibitory effects was species and plant parts dependent. R extract was shown less toxic (30.38%), whereas NGS extract expressed the strongest inhibition, with an average of 71.44%, followed by GS (58.56%) and LS (57.1%). Screening indicated that P. aphanidermatum was the most resistant species, with an average inhibition of 34.5%. F. graminearum, Alternaria sp. and R. solani were the most sensitive species, and were similarly inhibited (63.5%). The stability test indicated that the aqueous extracts of all plant parts lost approximately 50% of their relative activity after one month of storage at 4 degrees C, whilst they lost 60%-90% of their activity when stored at ambient temperature for one month. The antifungal activity resided mainly in the methanol fraction and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanol fraction witch caused total inhibition of R. solani and Alternaria sp. was 60 microg/ml. Results of current study suggested that the constituents of Trigonella foenum-graecum have potential against harmful pathogenic fungi. Therefore, fenugreek could be an important source of biologically active compounds useful for developing better new antifungal drugs.