α-Pinene: A never-ending story

Elucidating solvent effects on lipase-catalyzed peroxyacid synthesis through activity-based kinetics and molecular dynamics

Peroxyacid synthesis is the first step in Prilezhaev epoxidation, which is an industrial method to form epoxides. Motivated by the development of a kinetic model as a tool for solvent selection, the effect of solvent type and acid chain length on the lipase-catalyzed peroxyacid synthesis was studied. A thermodynamic activity-based ping-pong kinetic expression was successfully applied to predict the effect of the reagent loadings in hexane. The activity-based reaction quotients provided a prediction of solvent-independent equilibrium constants. However, this strategy did not achieve satisfactory estimations of initial rates in solvents of higher polarity. The lack of compliance with some assumptions of this methodology could be confirmed through molecular dynamics calculations i.e. independent solvation energies and lack of solvent interaction with the active site. A novel approach is proposed combining the activity-based kinetic expression and the free binding energy of the solvent with the active site to predict kinetics upon solvent change. Di-isopropyl ether generated a strong interaction with the enzyme's active site, which was detrimental to kinetics. On the other hand, toluene or limonene gave moderate interaction with the active site rendering improved catalytic yield compared with less polar solvents, a finding sharpened when peroctanoic acid was produced.

Recent progress in the extraction of terpenoids from essential oils and separation of the enantiomers by GC-MS

Terpenoids possess significant physiological activities and are rich in essential oils. Some terpenoids have chiral centers and could form enantiomers with distinct physiological activities. Therefore, the extraction and separation of terpenoids enantiomers are very important and have attracted extensive attention in recent years. Meanwhile, the specific distribution and enantiomer excess results (the excess of one enantiomer over the other in a mixture of enantiomers) could be used as quality markers for illegitimate adulteration, origin identification, and exploring component variations and functional interrelations across different plant tissues. In this study, an overview of the progress in the extraction of terpenoids from essential oils and the separation of their enantiomers over the past two decades has been made. Extraction methods were retrieved by the resultant network visualization findings. The results showed that the predominant methods are hydrodistillation, solvent-free microwave extraction, headspace solid-phase microextraction and supercritical fluid extraction methods. GC-MS combined with chiral chromatography columns is commonly used for the separation of enantiomers, while 2D GC is found to have stronger resolution ability. Finally, some prospects for future research directions in the extraction and separation identification of essential oils are proposed.

Contents of paeoniflorin and albiflorin in two Korean landraces of Paeonia lactiflora and characterization of paeoniflorin biosynthesis genes in peony

BACKGROUND AND RESEARCH PURPOSE

Paeoniflorin and albiflorin are monoterpene glycosides that exhibit various medicinal properties in Paeonia species. This study explored the terpene biosynthesis pathway and analyzed the distribution of these compounds in different tissues of two Korean landraces of Paeonia lactiflora to gain insights into the biosynthesis of monoterpene glycosides in P. lactiflora and their potential applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two Korean landraces, Hongcheon var. and Hwacheon var, of P. lactiflora were used for the analyses. Contents of the paeoniflorin and albiflorin were analyzed using HPLC. RNA was extracted, sequenced, and subjected to transcriptome analysis. Differential gene expression, KEGG, and GO analyses were performed. Paeoniflorin biosynthesis genes were isolated from the transcriptomes using the genes in Euphorbia maculata with the NBLAST program. Phylogenetic analysis of of 1-Deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase (DOXPS), geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS), and pinene synthase (PS) was carried out with ClustalW and MEGA v5.0.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Analysis of paeoniflorin and albiflorin content in different tissues of the two P. lactiflora landraces revealed significant variation. Transcriptome analysis yielded 36,602 unigenes, most of which were involved in metabolic processes. The DEG analysis revealed tissue-specific expression patterns with correlations between landraces. The isolation of biosynthetic genes identified 173 candidates. Phylogenetic analysis of the key enzymes in these pathways provides insights into their evolutionary relationships. The sequencing and analysis of DOXPS, GPPS, PS revealed distinct clades and subclades, highlighting their evolutionary divergence and functional conservation. Our findings highlight the roots as the primary sites of paeoniflorin and albiflorin accumulation in P. lactiflora, underscoring the importance of tissue-specific gene expression in their biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

this study advances our understanding of monoterpene glycoside production and distribution in Paeonia, thereby guiding further plant biochemistry investigations.

Comprehensive analysis of chemical and enantiomeric stability of terpenes in Cannabis sativa L. flowers

OBJECTIVE

Cannabis sativa L. is renowned for its medicinal and recreational uses. With the increasing global legalization of C. sativa L.-based products for medicinal purposes, there is a growing need for well-characterized products. While the stability of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol is well understood, information on the chemical and enantiomeric stability of terpenes remains scarce. This is despite the fact that terpenes are also thought to have pharmacological activity and may contribute to the overall effect of C. sativa L.

METHODS

To address these challenges, four analytical methods based on chiral, polar, and apolar gas chromatographic separation combined with either MS or FID detection were developed and validated. These methods successfully separated and quantified a total of 29 terpenes, including 13 enantiomers and 5 diastereomers specific to C. sativa L. Furthermore, terpenes and authentic C. sativa L. flowers and extracts were subjected to UV and heat treatments to observe potential degradation reactions over time.

RESULTS

Each terpene generates a unique pattern of degradation products resulting in a diverse array of oxidation and cyclization products. P-cymene was identified as a major product of terpene aging. Notably, no enantiomeric conversion was detected, suggesting that the formation of (-)-α-pinene in cannabis extracts, for example, originates from other terpenes.

CONCLUSION

Terpenes have different degradation rates, even though they are structurally similar. In addition, cultivar- and growth-condition-specific enantiomeric ratios were observed in C. sativa L., confirming that enantiomer production is species-specific and has to be considered for therapeutical applications.

Alpha-Pinene Decreases the Elevated Levels of Astrogliosis, Pyroptosis, and Autophagy Markers in the Hippocampus Triggered by Kainate in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

The development and progression of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are heavily influenced by inflammation, excessive activation of glial cells, and neuronal cell death. This study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with alpha-pinene (APN) on pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, astrogliosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy markers in the hippocampus in a rat model of TLE induced by kainic acid (KA). Male Wistar rats were employed, and TLE was induced by intracerebroventricular injection of KA. APN (50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered for 19 days, including two weeks before and five days after the administration of KA. After full recovery from anesthesia and KA injection, the seizure-related behavioral expressions were evaluated. On day 19, the hippocampal levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, progranulin, IL-10, ERK1/2, phospho-ERK1/2, NF-κB, GFAP, S100-B, NLRP1, NLRP3, caspase-1, and becline-1 were examined. The results revealed that treatment with APN significantly diminished the heightened levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, progranulin, ERK1/2, and NF-κB and reversed the reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, in the hippocampus caused by KA. Furthermore, administration of APN significantly reduced the levels of astrogliosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy markers in the hippocampus that were elevated by KA. It can be concluded that treatment with APN for 19 days alleviated neuroinflammation by inhibiting ERK1/2 and NF-κB signaling pathways and prevented increases in astrogliosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy markers in the hippocampus in a rat model of TLE.

Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Hemolytic Properties of Euphorbia calyptrata (l.) Essential oils: in Vitro and in Silico Analysis

In this work, we sought to validate the use of Euphorbia calyptrata (L.), a Saharan and Mediterranean medicinal plant, in traditional pharmacopeia. GC-MS/MS identified volatile compounds of potential therapeutic interest. Antioxidant tests were performed using β-carotene decolorization, DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, beta-carotene bleaching, and TAC. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated on solid and liquid media for bacterial and fungal strains to determine the zone of inhibition and the minimum growth concentration (MIC) of the microbes tested. The hemolytic activity of these essential oils was assessed on red blood cells isolated from rat blood. Phytochemical characterization of the terpenic compounds by GC-MS/MS revealed 31 compounds, with alpha-Pinene dominating (35.96 %). The antioxidant power of the essential oils tested revealed an IC50 of 67.28 μg/mL (DPPH), EC50 of 80.25.08±1.42 μg/mL (FRAP), 94.83±2.11 μg/mL (beta carotene) and 985.07±0.70 μg/mL (TAC). Evaluating solid media's antibacterial and antifungal properties revealed a zone of inhibition between 10.28 mm and 25.80 mm and 31.48 and 34.21 mm, respectively. On liquid media, the MIC ranged from 10.27 μg/mL to 24.91 μg/mL for bacterial strains and from 9.32 μg/mL to 19.08 μg/mL for fungal strains. In molecular docking analysis, the compounds naphthalene, shogunal, and manol oxide showed the greatest activity against NADPH oxidase, with Glide G scores of -5.294, -5.218 and -5.161 kcal/mol, respectively. For antibacterial activity against E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase, the most potent molecules were cis-Calamenene, alpha.-Muurolene and Terpineol, with Glide G-scores of -6.804, -6.424 and -6.313 kcal/mol, respectively. Hemolytic activity revealed a final inhibition of 9.42±0.33 % for a 100 μg/mL concentration. The essential oils tested have good antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hemolytic properties thanks to their rich phytochemical composition, and molecular docking analysis confirmed their biological potency.

Analysis of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Toxicity of Essential Oil from Virola sebifera Aubl (Myristicaceae)

Volatile oils or essential oils (EOs) were extracted from three V. sebifera samples (labeled as A, B, and C) in September 2018 and February 2019; the extraction process involved hydrodistillation of the leaves. The chemical compositions of the EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The volatile components were identified by comparing their retention indices and mass spectra with standard substances documented in the literature (ADAMS). The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while their toxicity was assessed using Artemia salina Leach. Molecular docking was utilized to examine the interaction between the major constituents of V. sebifera EO and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a molecular target linked to toxicity in A. salina models. The EO obtained from specimen A, collected in September 2018, was characterized by being primarily composed of (E,E)-α-farnesene (47.57%), (E)-caryophyllene (12.26%), and α-pinene (6.93%). Conversely, the EO from specimen A, collected in February 2019, was predominantly composed of (E,E)-α-farnesene (42.82%), (E)-caryophyllene (16.02%), and bicyclogermacrene (8.85%), the EO from specimen B, collected in September 2018, primarily contained (E,E)-α-farnesene (47.65%), (E)-caryophyllene (19.67%), and α-pinene (11.95%), and the EO from the leaves collected in February 2019 was characterized by (E,E)-α-farnesene (23.57%), (E)-caryophyllene (19.34%), and germacrene D (7.33%). The EO from the leaves collected in September 2018 contained (E,E)-α-farnesene (26.65%), (E)-caryophyllene (15.7%), and germacrene D (7.72%), while the EO from the leaves collected in February 2019 was primarily characterized by (E,E)-α-farnesene (37.43%), (E)-caryophyllene (21.4%), and α-pinene (16.91%). Among these EOs, sample B collected in February 2019 demonstrated the highest potential for inhibiting free radicals, with an inhibition rate of 34.74%. Conversely, the EOs from specimen A exhibited the highest toxic potentials, with an lethal concentration 50 (LC50) value of 57.62 ± 1.53 µg/mL, while specimen B had an LC50 value of 74.72 ± 2.86 µg/mL. Molecular docking results suggested that hydrophobic interactions significantly contributed to the binding of the major compounds in the EO from sample B to the binding pocket of AChE.

Characterization of the key aroma compounds in different varieties of hops by application of the Sensomics approach

Aroma is a crucial indicator of hop quality. This study analyzed the differences in aroma compound composition among six hop varieties from three regions: North America, Europe, and Asia. Descriptive analysis and sensomic approaches including gas chromatography-olfactometry/aroma extract dilution analysis, odour activity value calculation and aroma recombination were used for the detailed characterization and comparative analysis of hop aroma. A total of 55 aroma-active compounds were identified. Among them, linalool, geraniol, β-myrcene, 2-undecanone, and methyl decanoate contributed significantly to hop aroma. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed that, except for the SAAZ and XinYuan hops with some similarities in their aroma composition, the remaining hops exhibited unique aroma characteristics. A total of 16 compounds, including methyl 5-methylhexanoate and (E)-β-farnesene, were identified as differentiating aroma compounds in the six hop samples. This study enriches the knowledge on hop flavour with different origins and provides valuable insights into its application.

Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from α-Pinene-Containing Plants and Their Use in Cosmetic Emulsions

α-Pinene is the bicyclic, unsaturated terpene hydrocarbon present in many plants. Due to its beneficial chemical properties, this compound is of great interest and has found numerous applications as a raw material in many chemical industries as well as in medicine and cosmetics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts obtained from plants containing α-pinene and to test the properties of cosmetic emulsions prepared with these extracts. The raw plant materials consisted of fresh parts of Pinus sylvestris L., such as cones, needles, and branches, as well as dried unground and ground pinecones; dried and fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves; dried Levisticum officinale leaves; and dried Salvia officinalis L. leaves. The plant materials were individually extracted with 40% (v/v), 70% (v/v), and 96% (v/v) ethanol using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for 15, 30, or 60 min. This method is a green extraction technique, frequently applied to isolate active substances from plants. For the selected plant materials, Soxhlet extraction with 96% (v/v) ethanol was also performed. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the components in the selected extracts were performed with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated with the DPPH and ABTS methods. The extracts of three plant materials with the highest antioxidant activities-dried Rosmarinus officinalis leaves, dried Salvia officinalis L. leaves, and dried and ground Pinus sylvestris L. cones-were selected to be incorporated in cosmetic emulsions containing glyceryl monostearate and Olivem 1000 as emulsifiers. The stabilities and antioxidant activities of the emulsions were evaluated. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of the emulsions using microbiological tests were also determined. The findings suggest that the prepared emulsions are stable cosmetic products with a high antioxidant potential.

The influence of drying and storage conditions on the volatilome and cannabinoid content of Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences

The increasing interest in hemp and cannabis poses new questions about the influence of drying and storage conditions on the overall aroma and cannabinoids profile of these products. Cannabis inflorescences are subjected to drying shortly after harvest and then to storage in different containers. These steps may cause a process of rapid deterioration with consequent changes in precious secondary metabolite content, negatively impacting on the product quality and potency. In this context, in this work, the investigation of the effects of freeze vs tray drying and three storage conditions on the preservation of cannabis compounds has been performed. A multi-trait approach, combining both solid-phase microextraction (SPME) two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SPME-GC × GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is presented for the first time. This approach has permitted to obtain the detailed characterisation of the whole cannabis matrix in terms of volatile compounds and cannabinoids. Moreover, multivariate statistical analyses were performed on the obtained data, helping to show that freeze drying conditions is useful to preserve cannabinoid content, preventing decarboxylation of acid cannabinoids, but leads to a loss of volatile compounds which are responsible for the cannabis aroma. Furthermore, among storage conditions, storage in glass bottle seems more beneficial for the retention of the initial VOC profile compared to open to air dry tray and closed high-density polyethylene box. However, the glass bottle storage condition causes formation of neutral cannabinoids at the expenses of the highly priced acid forms. This work will contribute to help define optimal storage conditions useful to produce highly valuable and high-quality products.

Preparation of protein-stabilized Litsea cubeba essential oil nano-emulsion by ultrasonication: Bioactivity, stability, in vitro digestion, and safety evaluation

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) has garnered widespread attention due to its robust biological activity. However, challenges such as high volatility, limited water solubility, and low bioavailability impede its application. Nano-emulsion encapsulation technology offers an effective solution to these issues. In this study, we prepared litsea cubeba essential oil nano-emulsion (LCEO-NE) for the first time using whey protein (WP) as the emulsifier through an ultrasonic-assisted method, achieving high efficiency with minimal energy consumption. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analyses revealed that the nanoparticles were uniformly spherical, with a particle size of 183.5 ± 1.19 nm and a zeta potential of -35.5 ± 0.95 mV. Stability studies revealed that LCEO-NE exhibited excellent thermal and salt stability, maintaining its integrity for up to four weeks when stored at 4 °C and 25 °C. In vitro digestion assays confirmed the digestibility of LCEO-NE. Furthermore, evaluation of the DPPH, ABTS, and antimicrobial activities revealed that LCEO-NE displayed superior bacteriostatic and antioxidant properties compared to LCEO. Scanning electron microscopy elucidated that its bacteriostatic effect involved the disruption of bacterial microstructure. Hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the safety of LCEO-NE within the effective concentration range. This research supports the utilization of nanoparticles for encapsulating LCEO, thereby enhancing its stability and bioactivity, and consequently expanding its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Neuroprotective effects of alpha-pinene against behavioral deficits in ketamine-induced mice model of schizophrenia: Focusing on oxidative stress status

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a profound neurological disorder that affects approximately 1% of the global population. Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a natural and active monoterpene found in coniferous tree oil, primarily pine, with diverse pharmacological characteristics, including antioxidative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. This research study delves into the neuroprotective effects of α-pinene on oxidative stress, memory deficits, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in a ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ using male mice. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle, control, positive control, ketamine, α-pinene at 50 mg/kg, and α-pinene at 100 mg/kg. Treatment of the ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ with α-pinene yielded significant improvements in depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it significantly elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), dopamine levels, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while markedly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The current study establishes that α-pinene treatment effectively mitigates oxidative damage, cognitive deficits, and depressive and anxiogenic-like behaviors in the brains of ketamine-treated mice. Therefore, α-pinene treatment is an efficacious approach to forestall the neurobehavioral and neurobiochemical adverse effects of the ketamine-induced SCZ model of mice.

Biomass-based activated carbons produced by chemical activation with H3PO4 as catalysts for the transformation of α-pinene to high-added chemicals

In the era of ecology and careful care for the environment, it becomes important to use renewable raw materials of plant origin, which are often more easily available and cheaper. One of the important and rapidly developing directions of research are works related to the use of waste plant biomass; an example of this trend is the production of activated carbons from food industry waste. One of the examples of the application of derived from biomass activated carbons can be using them as catalysts for the isomerization of terpene compounds. Carbons based on waste biomass are characterized by the minimal amount of waste formation during their manufacture, and their use in the isomerization reaction allows to obtain high conversion of organic raw material and high selectivities of transformation to the desired products, making these carbons environmentally friendly substitutes for the catalysts used usually in this process. In this work, obtained carbonaceous catalysts were tested in the process of isomerization of α-pinene to high value chemicals (mainly camphene and limonene). Under the most favorable conditions (activated carbon from sunflower husks content in reaction mixture 5 wt%, temperature 180 °C, and reaction time 100 min), α-pinene was completely converted (conversion 100 mol%) with high selectivity towards camphene (54 mol%). To prepare activated carbons, biomass precursors (orange peels, sunflower husks, spent coffee grounds) were activated with 85% H3PO4 through the chemical activation. The obtained materials were characterized by such methods as sorption N2 at - 196 °C, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the relationship between their textural-chemical properties and catalysts activity in isomerization process. The synthesized materials were characterized by a specific surface area in the range of 930-1764 m2, total pore volume in the range of 0.551-1.02 cm3/g, and total acid-site concentrations in the range of 1.47-2.33 mmol/g. These results showed that textural parameters of the obtained activated carbons have the important role in the isomerization of α-pinene.

Plant In Vitro Cultures of Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. "Electric Lime" and Possibilities of Modification in the Biosynthesis of Volatile Compounds

Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. is a globally spread species, known for its characteristic spectacularly colorful leaves of decorative value. Thanks to its rich chemical composition, the plant is used in ethnopharmacology, and it is also regarded as having high medicinal potential. The application of in vitro cultures enables the acquisition of homogeneous certified material of high quality. Additionally, excluding the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the plants is a way to fully recognize the influence of phytohormones on the plant morphology and the biosynthetic pathways of compound production. The best way to grow C. scutellarioides "Electric Lime" under in vitro conditions is to use the basic MS medium (Murashige and Skoog medium), enriched with naphthyl-1-acetic acid at a concentration of 0.5 mg dm-3. The analysis of volatile compounds demonstrated that the content of volatile compounds in the plants cultivated under in vivo conditions was expressed at a level of 2848.59 µg g-1, whereas in the plants bred in vitro without supplementation with phytohormones, the level was 8191.47 µg g-1. The highest content was noted for copaene, α-pinene, 1-octene-3-ol, α-selinene, sabinen, γ- and δ-cadinene, 3-octanol, and β-pinene. Aroma profiling revealed a lack of boranyl acetate, 2-hexenal, and 2-hexen-1-ol in the plants cultivated under in vivo conditions. Differences were found in the volatile composition between plants bred in vivo and in vitro, with the most significant recorded for the contents of 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanol. The addition of plant growth regulators into the basic medium under in vitro conditions affected the percentage ratio and contents of specific compounds in plant tissues. The most intense biosynthesis of volatile compounds took place in the plants cultivated on the medium enriched with NAA at 10,579.11 µg g-1, whereas the least intense was noted for plants cultivated on the medium supplemented with BA, where it was recorded at the level of 5610.02 µg g-1. So far, there has been no research published which would pertain to the profiling of volatile compounds performed using the SPME (solid-phase microextraction) technique. Moreover, the very few studies conducted on the chemical composition of these compounds do not mention the specific variety of C. scutellarioides under analysis.

Antibacterial Activity of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Essential Oil Vapors against Microbial Contaminants of Food-Contact Surfaces

The antimicrobial effect of eight essential oils' vapors against pathogens and spoilage bacteria was assayed. Oreganum vulgare L. essential oil (OVO) showed a broad antibacterial effect, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 94 to 754 µg cm-3 air, depending on the bacterial species. Then, gaseous OVO was used for the treatment of stainless steel, polypropylene, and glass surfaces contaminated with four bacterial pathogens at 6-7 log cfu coupon-1. No viable cells were found after OVO treatment on all food-contact surfaces contaminated with all pathogens, with the exception of Sta. aureus DSM 799 on the glass surface. The antimicrobial activity of OVO after the addition of beef extract as a soiling agent reduced the Sta. aureus DSM 799 viable cell count by more than 5 log cfu coupon-1 on polypropylene and glass, while no viable cells were found in the case of stainless steel. HS-GC-MS analysis of the headspace of the boxes used for the antibacterial assay revealed 14 different volatile compounds with α-Pinene (62-63%), and p-Cymene (21%) as the main terpenes. In conclusion, gaseous OVO could be used for the microbial decontamination of food-contact surfaces, although its efficacy needs to be evaluated since it depends on several parameters such as target microorganisms, food-contact material, temperature, time of contact, and relative humidity.

Comparison of autoclaving and γ-radiation impact on four spices aroma profiles and microbial load using HS-SPME GC-MS and chemometric tools

Herbal spices are widely consumed as food additives owing to their distinct aroma and taste as well as a myriad of economic and health value. The aroma profile of four major spices including bay leaf, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel was tested using HS-SPME/GC-MS and in response to the most widely used spices´ processing methods including autoclaving and γ-radiation at low and high doses. Additionally, the impact of processing on microbial contamination of spices was tested using total aerobic count. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 22 volatiles in bay leaf, 34 in black pepper, 23 in capsicum, and 24 in fennel. All the identified volatiles belonged to oxides/phenols/ethers, esters, ketones, alcohols, sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons. Oxides/phenol/ethers were detected at high levels in all tested spices at ca. 44, 28.2, 48.8, 61.1%, in bay leaves, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel, respectively of the total blend and signifying their typical use as spices. Total oxides/phenol/ethers showed an increase in bay leaf upon exposure to γ-radiation from 44 to 47.5%, while monoterpene hydrocarbons were enriched in black pepper upon autoclaving from 11.4 in control to reach 65.9 and 82.6% for high dose and low dose of autoclaving, respectively. Cineole was detected in bay leaf at 17.9% and upon exposure to autoclaving at high dose and γ-radiation (both doses) its level increased by 29-31%. Both autoclaving and γ-radiation distinctly affected aroma profiles in examined spices. Further, volatile variations in response to processing were assessed using multivariate data analysis (MVA) revealing distinct separation between autoclaved and γ-radiated samples compared to control. Both autoclaving at 115 °C for 15 min and radiation at 10 kGy eliminated detected bioburden in all tested spices i.e., reduced the microbial counts below the detection limit (< 10 cfu/g).

A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study to Evaluate the Benefits and Safety of Endourage Targeted Wellness Formula C Sublingual +Drops in People with Post-Acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 Syndrome

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a wide range of symptoms, including death. As persons recover, some continue to experience symptoms described as Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). The objectives of this study were to measure the efficacy of Formula C™, a cannabidiol (CBD)-rich, whole-flower terpene-rich preparation in managing PACS symptoms. Materials and Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind, open-label crossover study was conducted in 2021. Informed consent was obtained from participants, and they were randomized to two treatment groups. Group 1 (n=15) received blinded active product for 28 days, and Group 2 (n=16) received blinded placebo for 28 days (Treatment Period 1). Both groups crossed over to open-label active product for 28 days (Treatment Period 2) with a safety assessment at day 70. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) scores and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score were used to assess primary and secondary objectives. Safety assessments were also done at each visit. Results: Twenty-four participants completed study, with 8 withdrawals, none related to study product. PGIC and PROMIS scores improved across both groups at day 28. This raised questions about the placebo. A reanalysis of the placebo confirmed absence of CBD and unexpected medical concentration of terpenes. The study continued despite no longer having a true placebo. The improved scores on outcome measures were maintained across the open label treatment period. There were no safety events reported throughout the study. Discussion: For persons with PACS who are nonresponsive to conventional therapies, this study demonstrated symptom improvement for participants utilizing Formula C. In addition, the benefits seen in Group 2 suggest the possibility that non-CBD formulations rich in antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, gamma-linoleic acid, and terpenes may also have contributed to the overall improvement of the partial active group through the study. Conclusion: Given that both groups demonstrated improvement, both formulations may be contributing to these findings. Limitations include the small number of participants, the lack of a true placebo, and limited time on study products. Additional studies are warranted to explore both CBD-rich hemp products and hempseed oil as treatment options for PACS. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04828668.

Alpha-pinene neutralizes cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats through activation of Nrf2 pathway

PURPOSE

Testicular toxicity is one of the most important side effects of cisplatin (CP) therapy. Alpha-pinene (AP) is a naturally occurring monoterpene with antioxidant character in plants. Here, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic activity of AP against CP-induced testicular toxicity by including the nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in rats.

METHODS

Thirty male rats were divided into 5 groups: control, CP, CP + AP (5 and 10 mg/kg) and only AP (10 mg/kg). CP was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/kg on the first day, followed by three consecutive injections of AP. Serum reproductive hormone levels were evaluated using ELISA kits. Oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis markers in testicular tissue were also determined colorimetrically. In addition, how CP affects Nrf2 pathway and the effect of AP on this situation were also addressed.

RESULTS

Treatment with CP significantly increased OS, inflammation, ERS and apoptosis in testicular tissue. Administrations of AP resulted in an amelioration of these altered parameters. The mechanism of therapeutic effect of AP appeared to involve induction of Nrf2. Furthermore, these results were also confirmed by histological data.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that AP can exhibit therapeutic effects against CP-induced testicular toxicity. It can be concluded that AP may be a potential molecule to abolish reproductive toxicity after chemotherapy.

Characterization of Larix decidua Mill. (Pinaceae) oleoresin's essential oils composition using GC-MS

Introduction

Larch oleoresin has been described regarding several biological activities and medicinal applications, such as wound healing and treatment of ulcers, but little is known about its chemical composition.

Material and methods

Eight oleoresins from Larix decidua Mill. obtained from four companies and one adulterated control were therefore investigated to determine their content of essential oils and to verify possible differences in their composition in relation to the harvest and manufacturing processes. Essential oils (EOs) were isolated by distillation and the yield was analysed.

Results and discussion

The yield of EO varied among all samples. The yield of the pure larch samples covered a range of 7.8% to 15.5%. A higher yield (19.0%) was observed for adulterated control, which contained oleoresins from different Pinaceae trees. Age of samples had no impact on yield. However, there was a significant statistical variation (p<0.05) in the yields of the mid-summer oleoresins (>10%) compared to early or late summer (<10%), emphasising the importance of the time of collection. Samples were subsequently analysed by GC-MS. EO samples confirmed the presence of various chemical classes, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. α-pinene was the compound with the highest concentrations (>50%), followed by β-pinene (>6%), D-limonene (>2.5%), α-terpineol (>0.9%), β-myrcene (>0.2%), and 3-carene (>0.05%). Samples were grouped using multivariate data analysis (MVDA) with respect to the chemical variation between the oleoresins' EOs. The resulting four clusters were named low (low yield obtained for the samples), mixed (mixed oleoresin from different Pinaceae species, adulteration control), old (old oleoresin kept in the institute), and normal (other oleoresins) samples, each presenting distinct chemical biomarkers. There were considerable differences between site and time of collection. Essential oil yield did not always meet requirements as defined by the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. In addition, adulterated or aged samples could be identified as compared to pure and fresh larch oleoresins.

Conclusion

We conclude that larch oleoresin used for pharmaceutical applications has to be carefully analysed and standardised to guarantee reproducible product quality.

Aromatic Plants as Potential Resources to Combat Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 10% of men and 18% of women over the age of 60 and is increasing in genetic prevalence and incidence, is acknowledged as the condition that degrades the quality of life for older adults in the world. There is currently no known treatment for osteoarthritis. The majority of therapeutic methods slow the progression of arthritis or treat its symptoms, making effective treatment to end the degenerative process of arthritis elusive. When non-pharmacological therapy is ineffective, various pharmacological therapies may be used to treat osteoarthritis. Pharmacological therapy, however, can have major adverse effects and be very expensive. As a result, alternative remedies have been researched. The promise for the safe and efficient management of osteoarthritis has been demonstrated by herbal remedies. Experimental research suggests that herbal extracts and compounds can reduce inflammation, inhibit catabolic processes, and promote anabolic processes that are important for treating osteoarthritis. Due to their therapeutic and innate pharmacological qualities, aromatic herbs are frequently employed as herbal remedies. Recent research has shown that aromatic plants have the potency to treat osteoarthritis. Additionally, complex mixtures of essential oils and their bioactive ingredients, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are obtained from aromatic plants, are frequently utilized as complementary therapies for osteoarthritis. To establish new study avenues, the advantageous anti-osteoarthritic effects of aromatic herbal medicines, including plants, essential oils, and their bioactive components, are extensively discussed.

Mixture design of α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole: A multiobjective response followed by chemometric approaches to optimize the antibacterial effect against various bacteria and antioxidant activity

α-Pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole are compounds naturally present in essential oils, although their amounts vary from oil to oil. Although several studies have reported their antibacterial and antioxidant effects, there are few reports on the synergistic or antagonistic effects of their combinations. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined antibacterial effect of these three compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prediction of their optimal combination using the mixture design approach. The experimental antibacterial activity of the α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole mixtures depended on the proportion of each compound in the mixture and the target strain, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.31 to 1.85 mg/mL. Using the increased simplex-centroid mixture design, the mixture containing 0.33% of each molecule proved to be the most effective against Bacillus cereus and had the lowest MIC values. In addition, α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole showed significant antioxidant activity against 2,2-picryl-1-hydrazyl radical (DPPH), with IC50 values of 24.53 ± 0.05, 65.63 ± 0.71, and 63.58 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles of the substance mixtures can predict the optimal composition that will exhibit the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the mixtures can contribute significantly to their successful use as natural preservatives in various applications.

Bacterial cellulose impregnated with andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) microencapsulation as diabetic wound dressing

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus which can cause infection, amputation and even death. One of many treatments that can be applied to support the DFU healing processes is by using wound dressings. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a good material to be used as a wound dressing. However, some of the limitations of BC to be applied as wound dressing are does not possess antibacterial properties and support the healing process. Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) is known to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities that can support BC as a wound dressing. This research focused on the manufacture of BC/Z. acanthopodium microencapsulated wound dressing composites and evaluate their potential as a DFU wound dressing with a variety of gelatin composition in microencapsulation. The results of FTIR and SEM analysis showed that the Z. acanthopodium impregnation process in BC was successful. The variation of gelatine that used in microencapsulation affected the morphological and effectiveness of the wound dressing. However, overall, the wound dressings showed good antibacterial effect on E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and accelerating the wound closure process 8 times faster (BCAMc12) on the 17th day compared to wounds that did not receive any treatment.

Current and Potential Applications of Monoterpenes and Their Derivatives in Oral Health Care

Plant products have been employed in medicine for centuries. As the world becomes more health-conscious, there is a growing interest in natural and minimally processed products for oral health care. This has led to an increase in research into the bioactive compounds found in plant products, particularly monoterpenes. Monoterpenes are known to have beneficial biological properties, but the specific mechanisms by which they exert their effects are not yet fully understood. Despite this, some monoterpenes are already being used in oral health care. For example, thymol, which has antibacterial properties, is an ingredient in varnish used for caries prevention. In addition to this, monoterpenes have also demonstrated antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them versatile for various applications. As research continues, there is potential for even more discoveries regarding the benefits of monoterpenes in oral health care. This narrative literature review gives an overview of the biological properties and current and potential applications of selected monoterpenes and their derivatives in oral health care. These compounds demonstrate promising potential for future medical development, and their applications in future research are expected to expand.

Ti3C2 MXenes-based catalysts for the process of α-pinene isomerization

In this study, the catalytic performance of Ti3C2 MXene materials in the reaction of α-pinene isomerization was demonstrated. The influence of etching agents (HF, HF/H2SO4, and HF/HCl; weight ratios of mixed acids: 1 : 3, 1 : 4, and 1 : 5) on removing Al atoms from MAX phase, creation of an accordion-like structure typical for MXenes and catalytic activity of the produced samples have been revealed. The MXene HF obtained by MAX phase HF treatment exhibited the highest activity (conversion of α-pinene 74.65 mol%), while materials produced with the mixed acids (HF/H2SO4 and HF/HCl) showed a significant reduction in the conversion of α-pinene (on average about 28-fold). However, these last samples displayed an increase of about 10 mol% in the selectivity to the most desirable product-camphene. The high activity of MXene HF is a result of a high concentration of acid sites (11.62 mmol g-1) - the concentration of acid sites in the samples obtained by MAX phase mixed acids treatment was about 2.5-5.5 times smaller. This work proposes possible mechanisms for the α-pinene isomerization reaction on the MXene HF and on the MXene HF/H2SO4X : Y and MXene HF/HCl X : Y in connection with their structure.

Comparison of Metabolites and Species Classification of Thirteen Zingiberaceae Spices Based on GC-MS and Multi-Spectral Fusion Technology

Due to a similar plant morphology in the majority of Zingiberaceae spices, substitution and adulteration frequently take place during the sales process. Therefore, it is important to analyze the metabolites and species classification of different Zingiberaceae spices. This study preliminarily explored the differences in the metabolites in thirteen Zingiberaceae spices through untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and combined spectroscopy, establishing models for classifying different Zingiberaceae spices. On one hand, a total of 81 metabolites were successfully identified by GC-MS. Thirty-seven differential metabolites were screened using variable important in projection (VIP ≥ 1). However, the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model established using GC-MS data only explained about 30% of the variation. On the other hand, the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models with three spectral data fusion strategies were compared, and their classification accuracy reached 100%. Among them, the mid-level data fusion model based on latent variables had the best performance. This study provides a powerful tool for distinguishing different Zingiberaceae spices and assists in reducing the occurrence of substitution and adulteration phenomena.

A New Essential Oil from the Native Andean Species Nectandra laurel Klotzsch ex Nees of Southern Ecuador: Chemical and Enantioselective Analyses

The leaves of Nectandra laurel Klotzsch ex Nees, belonging to the family, Lauraceae, were collected in the province of Loja (Ecuador), dried, and analytically steam-distilled. An unprecedented essential oil was obtained, with a 0.03% yield by weight of dry plant material. The volatile fraction was submitted to qualitative (GC-MS) and quantitative (GC-FID) chemical analysis, on two orthogonal stationary phases. Seventy-eight compounds were detected and quantified on at least one column. The essential oil was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (53.0-53.8% on the non-polar and polar stationary phase, respectively), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (18.9-19.0%). A third group was constituted by metabolites of other origins, mainly aliphatic compounds, apparently derived from the acetate pathway (11.7-8.5%). The major components of the EO (≥3.0% with at least one column) were δ-selinene (30.5-28.8%), δ-cadinene (5.4-6.4%), epi-α-cadinol (4.9-5.2%), an undetermined compound with a molecular weight of 204 (3.4-4.2%), α-pinene (3.3-2.9%), and α-cadinol (2.9-3.0%). Finally, the essential oil was submitted to enantioselective analysis, on two β-cyclodextrin-based chiral selectors, determining the enantiomeric distribution of seven chiral terpenes. Among them, (1R,5R)-(+)-α-pinene, (1R,5R)-(+)-β-pinene, and (R)-(-)-α-phellandrene were enantiomerically pure, whereas camphene, borneol, α-copaene, and α-terpineol were present as scalemic mixtures.

Effect of Encapsulation Techniques on Aroma Retention of Pistacia terebinthus L. Fruit Oil: Spray Drying, Spray Freeze Drying, and Freeze Drying

The primary aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of varying the ratio of gum arabic to maltodextrin and employing diverse encapsulation techniques on the properties of the powdered substance and the capacity to retain the aromatic attributes of terebinth fruit oil. Distinct ratios of gum arabic to maltodextrin (75:25, 50:50, and 25:75) were employed to fabricate oil-in-water emulsions. The utmost stability of the emulsion was realized at a gum arabic to maltodextrin ratio of 75:25, characterized by a minimal creaming index and an even and small-scale dispersion. The encapsulation techniques employed included spray drying (SD), spray freeze-drying (SFD), and freeze-drying (FD). These methodologies were compared based on encapsulation efficiency, desiccation yield, powder attributes, and the capacity to retain aroma. The encapsulation efficiencies were notably higher (>90%) in SD, particularly with the application of an ultrasonic nozzle and a two-fluidized nozzle (2FN), in contrast to those obtained through SFD and FD. Notably, SD employing an ultrasonic nozzle exhibited superior preservation of volatiles (73.19%) compared to FD (24.45%), SD-2FN (62.34%), and SFD (14.23%). Among the various components, α-pinene and linalool stood out with near-perfect retention rates, close to 100%.

A New Leaf Essential Oil from Endemic Gynoxys laurifolia (Kunth) Cass. of Southern Ecuador: Chemical and Enantioselective Analyses

The fresh leaves of Gynoxys laurifolia (Kunth) Cass. (Asteraceae), collected in the province of Loja (Ecuador), were submitted to steam distillation, producing an essential oil with a yield of 0.02% by weight. This volatile fraction, described here for the first time, was submitted to qualitative (GC-MS) and quantitative (GC-FID) chemical analyses, on two orthogonal columns (non-polar and polar stationary phase). A total of 90 components, corresponding to 95.9-95.0% by weight on the non-polar and polar stationary phase, respectively, were detected and quantified with at least one column. Major constituents (≥3%) were: germacrene D (18.9-18.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (13.2-15.0%), α-pinene (11.0-10.3%), β-pinene (4.5-4.4%), β-phellandrene (4.0-3.0%), bicyclogermacrene (4.0-3.0%), and bakkenolide A (3.2-3.4%). This essential oil was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (about 45%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (about 25-30%). This research was complemented with the enantioselective analysis of some common chiral terpenes, carried out through 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin and 2,3-diacetyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin as stationary phase chiral selectors. As a result, (1S,5S)-(-)-β-pinene, (R)-(-)-α-phellandrene, (R)-(-)-β-phellandrene, (S)-(-)-limonene, (S)-(+)-linalyl acetate, and (S)-(-)-germacrene D were observed as enantiomerically pure compounds, whereas α-pinene, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, and α-terpineol were present as scalemic mixtures. Finally, sabinene was practically racemic. Due to plant wildness and the relatively low distillation yield, no industrial applications can be identified, in the first instance for this essential oil. The focus of the present study is therefore academic.

Composition, Antibiofilm, and Antibacterial Potential of Volatile Oils from Geopropolis of Different Stingless Bees' Species

We aimed to characterize and investigate the antibacterial potential of the native stingless bees geopropolis volatile oils (VO) for the search of potentially new bioactive compounds. Geopropolis samples from Melipona bicolor schencki, M. compressipes manaosensis, M. fasciculata, M. quadrifasciata, M. marginata and M. seminigra merrillae were collected from hives in South Brazil. VO were obtained by hydrodistillation and characterised by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antimicrobial activity was assessed by microplate dilution method. The lowest MIC against cell walled bacteria was 219±0 μg mL-1 from M. quadrifasciata geopropolis VO with Staphylococcus aureus. The M. b. schencki geopropolis VO minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) was 424±0 μg mL-1 against all the mycoplasma strains evaluated. Fractionation resulted in the reduction of 50 % of the MIC value from the original oil. However, its compounds' synergism seems to be essential to this activity. Antibiofilm assays demonstrated 15.25 % eradication activity and 13.20 % inhibition of biofilm formation after 24 h for one subfraction at 2× its MIC as the best results found. This may be one of the essential mechanisms by which geopropolis VOs perform their antimicrobial activity.

The comparative perspective of phytochemistry and biological properties of the Apiaceae family plants

Despite the availability of numerous reports on the discovery of medicinal plant compounds and their properties, one may encounter contradictory results released by these reports at the level of plant families and even within species. To establish an accurate perspective of the Apiaceae family, this study examined the fruit essential oil and methanolic extract of wild and common species of this family. According to the measurement of the antioxidant property in the methanolic extract of the fruits using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ferula gummosa, Pimpinella anisum and Cuminum cyminum have high power in inhibiting free radicals. However, Bunium persicum had the strongest DPPH radicals inhibitory potential among all essential oils. The results of antimicrobial tests and their classification analysis showed that C. cyminum and B. persicum fruit essential oil with a high amount of cuminaldehyde had the most antibacterial properties. At the same time, the antifungal properties of H. persicum essential oil (rich in aliphatic ester) were stronger than those of the all the studied plants. Also, the essential oils of F. gummosa and Kelussia odoratissima had favourable antimicrobial properties compared to other studied plants. The investigation of the bacterial structure by scanning electron microscope confirmed the effect of the applied essential oils dose and their antibacterial potential. In general, for the first time, this paper determined the biological values of the fruit essential oil of some wild plants, such as K. odoratissima and H. persicum. Besides, in vitro examination and the mathematical models provided a suitable classification, which makes a comprehensive view in terms of the properties of the Apiaceae family.

Improving efficiency and reducing enzyme inactivation during lipase-mediated epoxidation of α-pinene in a double-phase reaction system

Chemoenzymatic epoxidation of olefin mediated by lipase is a green and environmentally friendly alternative process. However, the mass transfer barrier and lipase deactivation caused by the traditional organic-water biphasic reaction system have always been the focus of researchers' attention. To overcome these issues, we investigated the effects of reaction temperature and two important substrates (H₂O₂ and acyl donor) on the epoxidation reaction and interfacial mass transfer. As a result, we determined the optimal reaction conditions: a temperature of 30 °C, 30 wt-% H₂O₂ as the oxygen source, and 1 M lauric acid as the oxygen carrier. Additionally, by simulating the conditions of shaking flask reactions, we designed a batch reactor and added a metal mesh to effectively block the direct contact between high-concentration hydrogen peroxide and the enzyme. Under these optimal conditions, the epoxidation reaction was carried out for 5 h, and the product yield reached a maximum of 93.2%. Furthermore, after seven repetitive experiments, the lipase still maintained a relative activity of 51.2%.

Antidepressant Effects of Essential Oils: A Review of the Past Decade (2012-2022) and Molecular Docking Study of Their Major Chemical Components

Depression is a mental disorder that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. The medications available for treatment take a long time to exhibit therapeutic results and present several side effects. Furthermore, there is a decrease in the quality of life of people suffering from this affliction. Essential oils are traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of depression due to the properties of the constituents of these oils to cross the blood-brain barrier acting on depression-related biological receptors associated with reduced toxicity and side effects. In addition, compared to traditional drugs, they have several administration forms. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of studies on plants whose essential oil has exhibit antidepressant activity in the past decade and the mechanism of action of the major components and models tested. An additional in silico study was conducted with the frequent compounds in the composition of these essential oils, providing a molecular approach to the mechanism of action that has been reported in the past decade. This review is valuable for the development of potential antidepressant medications in addition to providing a molecular approach to the antidepressant mechanism of action of the major volatile compounds that have been reported in the past decade.

Terpenoid VOC profiles and functional characterization of terpene synthases in diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of Chrysanthemum indicum L

Chrysanthemum indicum L. is a valuable medicinal plant with diploid and tetraploid forms that are widely distributed in central and southern China, and it contains abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Despite the discovery of some terpene synthase (TPS) in C. indicum (i.e., CiTPS) in previous studies, many TPSs and their corresponding terpene biosynthesis pathways have yet to be discovered. In the present study, terpenoid VOCs in different tissues from two cytotypes of C. indicum were analyzed. We identified 52 types of terpenoid VOCs and systematically investigated the content and distribution of these compounds in various tissues. The two cytotypes of C. indicum exhibited different volatile terpenoid profiles. The content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the two cytotypes showed an opposite trend. In addition, four full-length candidate TPSs (named CiTPS5-8) were cloned from Ci-GD_4x, and their homologous TPS genes were screened based on the genome data of Ci-HB_2x. These eight TPSs displayed various tissue expression patterns and were discovered to produce 22 terpenoids, 5 of which are monoterpenes and 17 are sesquiterpenes. We further proposed corresponding terpene synthesis pathways, which can enable the establishment of an understanding of the volatile terpenoid profiles of C. indicum with different cytotypes. This knowledge may provide a further understanding of germplasm in C. indicum and may be useful for biotechnology applications of Chrysanthemum plants.

Development of a novel, entirely herbal-based mouthwash effective against common oral bacteria and SARS-CoV-2

BACKGROUND

Parallel to the growth of the oral healthcare market, there is a constantly increasing demand for natural products as well. Many customers prefer products that contain fewer toxic agents, therefore providing an environmentally friendly solution with the benefit of smaller risk to the user. Medieval and early modern medicinal knowledge might be useful when looking for natural, herbal-based components to develop modern products. Along with these considerations we created, tested, and compared an entirely natural mouthwash, named Herba Dei.

METHODS

The manufacturing procedure was standardized, and the created tincture was evaluated by GC/MS analysis for active compounds, experimentally tested in cell-based cytotoxicity, salivary protein integrity, cell-free antioxidant activity, anti-bacterial and anti-viral assays, and compared with three market-leading mouthwashes.

RESULTS

Our tincture did not show significant damage in the cytotoxicity assays to keratinocyte and Vero E6 cells and did not disrupt the low molecular weight salivary proteins. Its radical scavenging capacity surpassed that of two tested, partly natural, and synthetic mouthwashes, while its antibacterial activity was comparable to the tested products, or higher in the bacterial aerobic respiratory assay. The active compounds responsible for the effects include naturally occurring phenylpropanoids, terpenes, and terpenoids. Our mouthwash proved to be effective in vitro in lowering the copy number of SARS-CoV-2 in circumstances mimicking the salivary environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed product might be a useful tool to impede the transmission and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in interpersonal contact and aerosol-generating conditions. Our mouthwash can help reduce the oral bacterial flora and has an antioxidant activity that facilitates wound healing and prevents adverse effects of smoke in the oral cavity.

In Vitro Screening Studies on Eight Commercial Essential Oils-Derived Compounds to Identify Promising Natural Agents for the Prevention of Osteoporosis

Over the years, essential oils (EOs) and their compounds have gained growing interest due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight commercially available EO-derived compounds ((R)-(+)-limonene, (S)-(−)-limonene, sabinene, carvacrol, thymol, alpha-pinene (α-pinene), beta-pinene (β-pinene), and cinnamaldehyde) on the bone formation process in vitro to select the most promising natural agents that could potentially be used in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis. Within this study, evaluation of cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation was performed with the use of mouse primary calvarial preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). Moreover, extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization was determined using MC3T3-E1 cells and dog adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). The two highest non-toxic concentrations of each of the compounds were selected and used for testing other activities. The conducted study showed that cinnamaldehyde, thymol, and (R)-(+)-limonene significantly stimulated cell proliferation. In the case of cinnamaldehyde, the doubling time (DT) for MC3T3-E1 cells was significantly shortened to approx. 27 h compared to the control cells (DT = 38 h). In turn, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, (R)-(+)-limonene, (S)-(−)-limonene, sabinene, and α-pinene exhibited positive effects on either the synthesis of bone ECM or/and mineral deposition in ECM of the cells. Based on the conducted research, it can be assumed that cinnamaldehyde and (R)-(+)-limonene are the most promising among all tested EO-derived compounds and can be selected for further detailed research in order to confirm their biomedical potential in the chemoprevention or treatment of osteoporosis since they not only accelerated the proliferation of preosteoblasts, but also significantly enhanced osteocalcin (OC) synthesis by preosteoblasts (the OC level was approx. 1100–1200 ng/mg compared to approx. 650 ng/mg in control cells) and ECM calcification of both preosteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Importantly, cinnamaldehyde treatment led to a three-fold increase in the mineral deposition in ADSCs, whereas (R)-(+)-limonene caused a two-fold increase in the ECM mineralization of both MC3T3-E1 cells and ADSCs.

Genome-wide identification, expression profile and evolutionary relationships of TPS genes in the neotropical fruit tree species Psidium cattleyanum

Terpenoids are essential for plant growth, development, defense, and adaptation mechanisms. Psidium cattleyanum (Myrtaceae) is a fleshy fruit tree species endemics from Atlantic Forest, known for its pleasant fragrance and sweet taste, attributed to terpenoids in its leaves and fruits. In this study, we conducted genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analyses of the terpene synthase gene (TPS) family in P. cattleyanum red guava (var. cattleyanum), and yellow guava (var. lucidum Hort.) morphotypes. We identified 32 full-length TPS in red guava (RedTPS) and 30 in yellow guava (YlwTPS). We showed different expression patterns of TPS paralogous in the two morphotypes, suggesting the existence of distinct gene regulation mechanisms and their influence on the final essential oil content in both morphotypes. Moreover, the oil profile of red guava was dominated by 1,8-cineole and linalool and yellow guava was enriched in α-pinene, coincident in proportion to TPS-b1 genes, which encode enzymes that produce cyclic monoterpenes, suggesting a lineage-specific subfamily expansion of this family. Finally, we identified amino acid residues near the catalytic center and functional areas under positive selection. Our findings provide valuable insights into the terpene biosynthesis in a Neotropical Myrtaceae species and their potential involvement in adaptation mechanisms.

Alpha-Pinene Exerts Antiseizure Effects by Preventing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Induced by Kainate

Oxidative stress and apoptosis following seizures play pivotal roles in the consequences of repeated seizures. Beneficial effects of alpha-pinene (APN) have been reported in some experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, its neuroprotective efficacy in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by kainic acid (KA) has remained unexplored. We aimed to explore the possible antiseizure effects of APN pretreatment and underlying molecular mechanisms in a rat model of TLE induced by KA. TLE was induced in male Wistar rats by intracerebroventricular injection of KA. APN at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day was intraperitoneally injected for 2 weeks before induction of TLE. One day after the induction of TLE, behavioral expressions of seizure were recorded and scored using Racine's scale. Furthermore, the hippocampal levels of oxidative stress markers, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein levels were also assessed. Histopathological assessment in the hippocampus was performed with Nissl staining 5 days following induction of TLE. The results revealed that APN pretreatment alleviated epileptic seizures, diminished oxidative stress indicators, blocked the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via decreasing BAX and raising BCL2 protein levels in the hippocampus at least partly through inhibiting JNK activity, and decreased neuronal death in the CA3 and hilus regions. These findings reveal that APN pretreatment mitigates KA-induced seizures by blocking oxidative stress and neuronal damage factors. It can be concluded that APN has a potent potential to be considered an antiseizure medication, but it needs further investigation.

Selective [2σ + 2σ] Cycloaddition Enabled by Boronyl Radical Catalysis: Synthesis of Highly Substituted Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes

In contrast to the traditional and widely-used cycloaddition reactions involving at least a π bond component, a [2σ + 2σ] radical cycloaddition between bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) and cyclopropyl ketones has been developed to provide a modular, concise, and atom-economical synthetic route to substituted bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane (BCH) derivatives that are 3D bioisosteres of benzenes and core skeleton of a number of terpene natural products. The reaction was catalyzed by a combination of simple tetraalkoxydiboron(4) compound B2pin2 and 3-pentyl isonicotinate. The broad substrate scope has been demonstrated by synthesizing a series of new highly functionalized BCHs with up to six substituents on the core with up to 99% isolated yield. Computational mechanistic investigations supported a pyridine-assisted boronyl radical catalytic cycle.

Genetic analysis and elite tree selection of the main resin components of slash pine

Pine resin, as a natural material, has been widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm var. elliottii) is the primary tree species for resin tapping due to its high resin yield, low resin crystallization rate, and high turpentine content. Current researches focuse on the targeted improvement of several significant components to meet industrial needs rather than just resin yield. The objective of this study was to examine the genetic variation and correlation of genetic and phenotype for four main resin components (α pinene, β pinene, abietic acid, and levoprimaric acid) of 219 half-sib progenies from 59 families. The results showed that the levopimaric acid had the largest content (mean value = 21.63%), while the β pinene content had the largest variation coefficient (CV = 0.42). The α pinene content has the highest heritability (h² = 0.67), while levopimaric acid has the lowest heritability (h² = 0.51). There was a significant negative correlation between α pinene and the other three components and a significant positive correlation between β pinene and the two diterpenes. The family ranking and genetic gain suggested that it is possible to improve the contents of main resin components of slash pine through genetic breeding selection.

Hedychium flavum flower essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activities and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hedychium flavum, an ornamental, edible, and medicinal plant, is extensively cultivated as a source of aromatic essential oils (EO). Its flower is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating inflammation-related diseases like indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In particular, H. flavum flower EO has been used in cosmetics and as an aromatic stomachic to treat chronic gastritis in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research aimed to analyze H. flavum flower EO's chemical composition and explore its anti-inflammatory activities and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EO's chemical composition was determined by GC-FID/MS analysis. For in vitro test, the anti-inflammatory activity of EO was demonstrated by measuring the LPS-induced release of NO, PGE₂, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages, and then its related mechanisms were explored using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining analysis. Next, EO's in vivo anti-inflammatory potential was further evaluated using a xylene-induced ear edema model, in which ear swelling and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in serum and tissue were examined.

RESULTS

The main components of EO were β-pinene (20.2%), α-pinene (9.3%), α-phellandrene (8.3%), 1,8-cineole (7.1%), E-nerolidol (5.4%), limonene (4.4%), borneol (4.1%), and β-caryophyllene (3.7%). For the anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, EO dramatically reduced the LPS-stimulated NO and PGE₂ release by suppressing the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Meanwhile, it remarkably decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β production by inhibiting their mRNA levels. Related mechanism studies indicated that it not only inhibited IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, leading to blockade of NF-κB nuclear transfer but also suppressed MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further in vivo assay showed that EO ameliorated xylene-induced ear edema in mice and reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in serum and tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

H. flavum EO exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB activation. Thus, H. flavum EO could be considered a novel and promising anti-inflammatory agent and possess high potential for utilization in the pharmaceutical field.

Diversity of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Seeds Extracts: Detailed Chemical Profiling and Evaluation of Their Medicinal Properties

Seeds and fruits of Citrullus colocynthis have been reported to possess huge potential for the development of phytopharmaceuticals with a wide range of biological activities. Thus, in the current study, we are reporting the potential antimicrobial and anticancer properties of C. colocynthis seeds extracted with solvents of different polarities, including methanol (M.E.), hexane (H.E.), and chloroform (C.E.). Antimicrobial properties of C. colocynthis seeds extracts were evaluated on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas, anticancer properties were tested on four different cell lines, including HepG2, DU145, Hela, and A549. All the extracts have demonstrated noteworthy antimicrobial activities with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.9-62.5 µg/mL against Klebsiella planticola and Staphylococcus aureus; meanwhile, they were found to be moderately active (MIC 62.5-250 µg/mL) against Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus strains. Hexane extracts have demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against K. planticola with an MIC value of 0.9 µg/mL, equivalent to that of the standard drug ciprofloxacin used as positive control in this study. For anticancer activity, all the extracts of C. colocynthis seeds were found to be active against all the tested cell lines (IC₅₀ 48.49-197.96 µg/mL) except for the chloroform extracts, which were found to be inactive against the HepG2 cell line. The hexane extract was found to possess the most prominent anticancer activity when compared to other extracts and has demonstrated the highest anticancer activity against the DU145 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 48.49 µg/mL. Furthermore, a detailed phytoconstituents analysis of all the extracts of C. colocynthis seeds were performed using GC-MS and GC-FID techniques. Altogether, 43 phytoconstituents were identified from the extracts of C. colocynthis seeds, among which 21, 12, and 16 components were identified from the H.E., C.E., and M.E. extracts, respectively. Monoterpenes (40.4%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (41.1%) were the most dominating chemical class of compounds from the hexane and chloroform extracts, respectively; whereas, in the methanolic extract, oxygenated aliphatic hydrocarbons (77.2%) were found to be the most dominating chemical class of compounds. To the best of our knowledge, all the phytoconstituents identified in this study are being reported for the first time from the C. colocynthis.

Alpha-Pinene Alleviates Motor Activity in Animal Model of Huntington's Disease via Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative, and inherited disease. Antioxidants have been shown to be effective in slowing disease progression in animal models of HD and are under investigation in human clinical trials. α-pinene, a member of the monoterpene class, has been shown to exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of α-pinene on animal model of HD. Thirty-two male Wistar rats received 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) for induction of the disease model or treated with α-pinene + 3-NP in different groups. Motor skill, and biochemical evaluations to detect oxidant/antioxidant markers in rat cortex and striatum were performed in all groups. We found that α-pinene significantly improved 3-NP-induced changes in the body weight, rotarod activity, time taken to cross the narrow beam, and locomotor activity. Biochemical analysis revealed that α-pinene significantly decreased the 3NP-induced elevation in oxidant markers, nitrite, and malondialdehyde in both cortex and striatum. In addition, α-pinene counteracted the 3-NP-induced fall in antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in the cortex and striatum. In conclusion, we found that α-pinene prevented the motor dysfunction induced by 3-NP in the animal model of Huntington's disease. Oxidants-antioxidant balance might be involved in the protective effect of α-pinene.

Multivariate Analysis of Essential Oil Composition of Artemisia annua L. Collected from Different Locations in Korea

Artemisia annua L. is distributed throughout the world and it is an important medicinal plant in Korea to treat various human diseases. Recently, A. annua has also been considered to be an effective ethnobotanical drug against COVID-19. A. annua contains an appreciable amount of essential oil with different biological properties. However, the composition of essential oils in aromatic plants can be varied depending on several factors, including geographic, genetic, ecological, etc. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the chemical diversity of essential oils of Korean A. annua collected from different locations in Korea by multivariate analysis. For this purpose, the seeds of A. annua were collected from 112 different locations in Korea and were grown under the same environmental conditions. Except for nine individuals which decayed during the cultivation, essential oils were isolated from the aerial parts of 103 A. annua individuals (AEOs) using the steam distillation extraction method, and their chemical compositions were determined by GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis was performed to distinguish the difference between 103 individuals of A. annua based on their essential oil compositions. The yield of A. annua essential oils ranged from 0.04 to 1.09% (v/w). Based on the GC-MS data, A. annua individuals were grouped into six chemotypes such as artemisia ketone, camphor, β-cubebene, eucalyptol, α-pinene, and β-selinene. The multivariate analysis results revealed that Korean A. annua could be largely grouped into three clusters such as artemisia ketone, eucalyptol, and β-selinene. Among 35 components selected for principal component analysis (PCA), PC1, PC2, and PC3 accounted for 82.55%, 8.74%, and 3.62%, respectively. Although all individuals of A. annua were cultivated under the same environmental conditions, there is an intraspecific chemical diversity that exists within Korean native species.

Commiphora wildii Merxm. Essential Oil: Natural Heptane Source and Co-Product Valorization

As an alternative to fossil volatile hydrocarbon solvents used nowadays in perfumery, investigation on essential oil of Commiphora wildii Merxm. oleo gum resin as a source of heptane is reported here. Heptane, representing up to 30 wt-% of this oleo gum resin, was successfully isolated from the C. wildii essential oil, using an innovative double distillation process. Isolated heptane was then used as a solvent in order to extract some noble plants of perfumery. It was found that extracts obtained with this solvent were more promising in terms of sensory analysis than those obtained from fossil-based heptane. In addition, in order to valorize the essential oil depleted from heptane, chemical composition of this oil was found to obtain, and potential biological activity properties were studied. A total of 172 different compounds were identified by GC-MS in the remaining oil. In vitro tests-including hyaluronidase, tyrosinase, antioxidant, elastase and lipoxygenase, as well as inhibitory tests against two yeasts and 21 bacterial strains commonly found on the skin-were carried out. Overall, bioassays results suggest this heptane-depleted essential oil is a promising active ingredient for cosmetic applications.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oil from Leaves and Fruits of Limoncillo (Siparuna muricata (Ruiz & Pav.) A. DC.)

Siparuna muricata is an aromatic native shrub or tree from Ecuador known as "limoncillo" or "limón de la sierra" due to its citrus odor. In this study, the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil from the leaves and fruits of this species was determined. The essential oil was isolated by subjected to hydrodistillation. The chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The enantiomeric distribution was determined by gas chromatography using an enantioselective column. The antimicrobial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria, two Gram-negative bacteria and two fungi was determined by the broth microdilution method. The antioxidant activity was analyzed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydryl free radical and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation scavenging activity of essential oil. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of the essential oil was measured using a spectrophotometric method. The yield was 1.2 ± 0.1 mL/kg for leaves and 1.8 ± 0.2 mL/kg for fruits. A total of 51 compounds were identified in the leaves of the essential oil and 41 in the fruits. In both cases, the chemical compositions were dominated by the group of monoterpene hydrocarbons compounds. The main compound was α-pinene with 23.22 ± 1.03% in essential oil of the leaves and limonene with 24.92 ± 1.20% in the fruits. In both essential oils, five pairs of enantiomers with different enantiomeric excesses were identified. The essential oil of limoncillo leaves presented a strong activity against the fungus Aspergillus niger (ATTC 10231) and Gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 27270) with a MIC of 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The essential oil from fruits and leaves of Siparuna muricata presented a moderate antioxidant activity with the ABTS method with a SC₅₀ of 775.3 ± 1.3 µg/mL and 963.3 ± 1.6 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the leaves essential oil reported an IC₅₀ value of 52.98 ± 1.04 µg/mL and the fruits essential oil an IC₅₀ value of 98.84 ± 1.04 µg/mL, which can be considered a very strong anticholinesterase activity.

Immune Defences: A View from the Side of the Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is increasingly being investigated among new therapeutic approaches based on medicinal plants and their extracts. With the wide use of synthetic and semi-synthetic antimicrobial drugs, the spread of drug-resistant clinical isolates has increased, and research is directed towards natural products, such as essential oils, as useful antimicrobial resources. In the context of a prospective infection, we compared the impact of essential oils and common antimicrobial agents on the microbicidal activity of human phagocytes. Here, we present the results of our decades-long investigation into the effectiveness of thyme red oil (26.52% thymol chemotype), tea tree oil (TTO), and Mentha of Pancalieri [(Mentha x piperita (Huds) var. officinalis (Sole), form rubescens (Camus) (Lamiaceae)] essential oils on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) capacity to kill clinical strains of Candida albicans and C. krusei when compared to three antifungal drugs used to treat candidiasis (fluconazole, anidulafungin, and caspofungin) These essential oils demonstrate antifungal drug-like and/or superior efficacy in enhancing intracellular killing by PMNs, even at subinhibitory concentrations. Our results are compared with data in the literature on essential oils and immune system interactions. This comparison would aid in identifying therapeutic solutions to the increasingly prevalent antibiotic resistance as well as filling in any remaining knowledge gaps on the bioactivity of essential oils.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potencies of the Artemisia ordosica Aerial Parts Essential Oil during the Vegetative Period

As one of the vital shrubs growing in crusted areas in China, Artemisia ordosica (belonging to the Asteraceae family) is abundant in essential oil, and its aerial part's essential oil has been reported to have some biological activities during the flowering and fruit set stage, and has been used in folk medicine. However, little is known about the biological activities of its aerial part's essential oil during the vegetative period. Thus, the purpose of this work was to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial potencies of the essential oil extracted from A. ordosica aerial parts during the vegetative stage. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that spathulenol (9.93%) and α-curcumene (9.24%), both sesquiterpenes, were the most abundant of the 74 chemical constituents detected in the essential oil of A. ordosica. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was found to be relatively moderate against 2,2-diphenylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and hydroxyl radical (OH^●) radicals. The essential oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella abony and Escherichia coli, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2.5, 5, and 10 μL/mL, respectively. The results indicate that the essential oil of A. ordosica possesses notable antibacterial properties as well as antioxidant capability and can thus be employed as a natural ingredient which can be used as a substitute for antibiotics in the animal feed industry. However, in vivo toxicological studies are still required to determine the safety level and beneficial outcomes of the A. ordosica essential oil for future utilization.

Potential effects of alpha-pinene, a monoterpene commonly found in essential oils against Toxoplasma gondii infection; an in vitro and in vivo study

This survey designed to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of α-pinene, a monoterpene commonly originated in essential oils on Toxoplasma gondii. The in vitro effect of various concentration of α-pinene against tachyzoites of T. gondii Rh strain was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The activity of α-pinene on the stimulation of apoptosis in tachyzoites of T. gondii was also examined using the caspase 3 colorimetric activity assay. In vivo assay, mice were orally received α-pinene at 2 and 4 mg/kg/day for 14 days, then, pre-treated mice were daily tested and the rate of death was recorded. α-pinene meaningfully declined (p < 0.001) the tachyzoites viability with the IC50 value of 23.3 µg/mL. α-pinene induced the apoptosis through increasing the caspase-3 activity by 35.6%. Oral treatment with α-pinene significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate infected mice with by 9th day. α-pinene + atovauone (50 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate infected mice up to 11 days compared with the control groups. α-pinene especially in combined atovaquone at 50 mg/kg for 2 weeks meaningfully (p < 0.05) declined oxidative stress. We found the promising in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects of α-pinene on T. gondii RH strain. In addition, we found that α-pinene therapy particularly along with the reference drug declined the mortality rate of infected mice. Although, we just confirmed the stimulation of apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects as the main anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms of α-pinene; however, more surveys concerning the accurate mechanisms, toxicity, and efficacy on other T. gondii strains are required to confirm these results.