Determination of antioxidant potential of volatile extracts isolated from various herbs and spices

Medicinal herbs and their metabolites with biological potential to protect and combat liver toxicity and its disorders: A review

The liver is an essential organ that helps the body with immunity, metabolism, and detoxification, among other functions. Worldwide, liver illnesses are a leading cause of mortality and disability. There are few effective treatment choices, but they frequently have unfavorable side effects. Investigating the potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive phytoconstituents in the prevention and treatment of liver disorders has gained more attention in recent years. An assessment of the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive secondary metabolites is the goal of this thorough review paper. To determine their hepatoprotective activity, these plants were tested against liver toxicity artificially induced in rats, mice and rabbits by chemical agents such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), paracetamol (PCM), thioacetamide (TAA), N-nitrosodiethylamine, d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide, antitubercular medicines (rifampin, isoniazid) and alcohol. To find pertinent research publications published between 1989 and 2022, a comprehensive search of electronic bibliographic databases (including Web of Science, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and others) was carried out. The investigation comprised 203 plant species from 81 families in total. A thorough discussion was mentioned regarding the hepatoprotective qualities of plants belonging to several families, such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The plant groups Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most frequently shown to have hepatoprotective properties. The phytochemical constituents namely flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids exhibited the highest frequency of hepatoprotective action. Also, some possible mechanism of action of some active constituents from medicinal plants was discussed in brief which were found in some studies. In summary, the information on medicinal plants and their potentially hepatoprotective bioactive phytoconstituents has been consolidated in this review which emphasizes the importance of further research to explore the efficacy and safety of these natural remedies for various liver ailments.

Thyme Extract Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Gut Dysfunction

Prolonged intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) disturbs the composition of gut microbiota, contributing to the development of metabolic diseases, notably obesity and increased intestinal permeability. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), an aromatic plant, is known for its several therapeutic properties. In this study, we explored the potential of thyme extract (TLE) to mitigate HFD-induced metabolic derangements and improve the gut environment. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were administered 50 or 100 mg/kg TLE for eight weeks. Administration of 100 mg/kg TLE resulted in decreased weight gain and body fat percentage, alongside the regulation of serum biomarkers linked to obesity induced by a HFD. Moreover, TLE enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and ameliorated colon shortening. TLE also altered the levels of various metabolites. Especially, when compared with a HFD, it was confirmed that 2-hydroxypalmitic acid and 3-indoleacrylic acid returned to normal levels after TLE treatment. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between fecal metabolites and metabolic parameters; deoxycholic acid displayed a positive correlation with most parameters, except for colon length. In contrast, hypoxanthine was negatively correlated with most parameters. These results suggest a promising role for thyme in ameliorating obesity and related gut conditions associated with a HFD.

Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of some essential oils in experimentally immunosuppressed mice infected with Cryptosporidium parvum

Cryptosporidiosis is a serious intestinal disease affecting mal-nourished children and immunocompromised individuals with severe fatal diarrhea. Our present work was done to evaluate the possible curative effects of different essential oils (Mint, Thyme, Chamomile and Basil) on Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) in vivo compared with nitazoxanide (NTZ). Seventy immunosuppressed white Albino male mice were allocated in 7 groups as follows: group I infected and not treated (Positive control), group II (GII) treated with NTZ, group III (GIII) treated with Mint essential oil, group IV (GIV) treated with Thyme essential oil, group V (GV) treated with Chamomile essential oil, group VI (GVI) treated with Basil essential oil and group VII (GVII) naïve not infected mice (Negative control). Evaluation was done using parasitological, histopatholgical, serological as well as biochemical methods. All study groups revealed significant reduction (P value < 0.01) in the mean number of C. parvum oocysts in stool. Results of GII were the best with 87.7% reduction in the oocysts count followed by GIII (77.9%), GIV (74.7%), GVI (68.2%) and lastly GV (67.2%). Improvement of the histopathological damage in the small intestine was shown in treated groups. All treated mice showed significant upregulation in the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels, significant reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (P value < 0.0001). It is concluded that Mint, Thyme, Chamomile and Basil oils showed promising anti-cryptosporidial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions.

Plant extracts and essential oils in the dairy industry: A review

Plants have been used as food additives worldwide to enhance the sensory qualities of foods and extend their shelf life by reducing or eliminating foodborne pathogens. They also serve as therapeutic agents due to their beneficial effects on human health through their anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties. Plants can be added to food as a dry powder, grated material, paste, juice, or as an extract that can be produced by a variety of methods. Plant extracts and essential oils are concentrated sources of bioactive phytochemicals that can be added to food in small amounts in a variety of forms. These forms include liquid, semi-solid, or dry powder for easy and uniform diffusion. Encapsulation can protect bioactive compounds from temperature, moisture, oxidation, and light, as well as allow for controlling the release of the encapsulated ingredients. Nanoemulsions can enhance the bioactivity of active components. This review explains how plant extracts and essential oils are used in the dairy industry as antimicrobial materials, analyzing their impact on starter bacteria; as natural antioxidants to prevent the development of off-flavors and increase shelf life; and as technological auxiliaries, like milk-clotting enzymes, stabilizers, and flavoring agents. Therefore, plant extracts and essential oils are a better choice for the dairy industry than plants or their parts due to a wide range of applications, homogeneous dispersion, and ability to control the concentration of the bioactive ingredients and enhance their efficiency.

Role of Clove and Tulsi on broiler health and meat production

The role of Clove (Cv) and Tulsi (Ts) supplementation on broiler growth performance and gut health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters has already been established. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the role of Cv and Ts on the serum biochemical profile and meat quality traits in broilers. A total of sixty (60) one-day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four homogenous groups (15 birds per group). They were then fed Cv powder and Ts extract from day (d) 8 to d 28 with drinking water i.e. zero level of Cv or Ts (T0), 0.5% Cv + 2% Ts (T1), 1.0% Cv + 3% Ts (T2), 1.5% Cv + 4% Ts (T3). Blood and meat samples were collected on d 14, 21, and 28 to analyze the serum-biochemical profile and meat quality. Supplementation of Cv and Ts improved serum-biochemical profile by reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in broilers. However, they did not affect the serum protein levels while the 0.5-1% Cv and 2-3% Ts supplemented groups had higher glucose levels on d 21. Production of breast and thigh meat increased with increased size, and density of myofibers while fed 0.5-1% Cv and 2-3% Ts. On the contrary, 1.5% Cv powder and 4% Ts extract supplementation improved thigh meat color, breast and thigh meat pH as well as the water-holding capacity. The current study findings suggest that Cv and Ts can be used in combination to improve broiler health, production, and meat quality.

Development of ternary nanoformulation comprising bee pollen-thymol oil extracts and chitosan nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory and anticancer applications

Due to the beneficial nutritional and medicinal characteristics of bee honey and thymol oil as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibacterial agents, they have been used since ancient times. The current study aimed to construct a ternary nanoformulation (BPE-TOE-CSNPs NF) through the immobilization of the ethanolic extract of bee pollen (BPE) with thymol oil extract (TOE) into the matrix of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). The antiproliferative activity of new NF (BPE-TOE-CSNPs) against HepG2 and MCF-7 cells was investigated. The BPE-TOE-CSNPs showed significant inhibitory activity for the production of the inflammatory cytokines in HepG2 and MCF-7, with p < 0.001 for both TNF-α and IL6. Moreover, the encapsulation of the BPE and TOE in CSNPs increased the efficacy of the treatment and the induction of valuable arrests for the S phase of the cell cycle. In addition, the new NF has a great capacity to trigger apoptotic mechanisms through caspase-3 expression upregulation in cancer cells by two-fold among HepG2 cell lines and nine-fold among MCF-7 which appeared to be more susceptible to the nanoformulation. Moreover, the nanoformulated compound has upregulated the expression of caspase-9 and P53 apoptotic mechanisms. This NF may shed light on its pharmacological actions by blocking specific proliferative proteins, inducing apoptosis, and interfering with the DNA replication process.

Modulation of growth performance, gut morphometry, and cecal microbiota in broilers by clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) supplementation

In an epoch of the growing risk of antibiotic resistance, there is a dire need to establish an effective novel feeding practice for broiler nutrition as an alternative to antibiotics. Hence, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of clove powder and tulsi extract on the growth performance, gut morphologic and morphometric indices, and cecal microbial status of broiler, as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Sixty day-old chicks of Cobb-500 strain were randomly divided into 4 groups, each having 15 birds. Chicks of the control group (T0) were fed commercial broiler feed with no additional supplementation. The treatment groups were offered commercial broiler feed and received clove powder and tulsi extract with drinking water at the rate of 0.5% + 2% (T1), 1% + 3% (T2), and 1.5% + 4% (T3), respectively. Results showed a nonlinear relationship with the dosage of clove and tulsi. All the growth parameters substantially (P < 0.05) improved in T2 while T1 and T3 showed no significant improvement compared to T0. The final body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T2. Giblet and offal weights showed no noticeable differences except in the intestine and heart where intestine weight markedly (P < 0.05) decreased in T3 and heart weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased in T1 and T2. Clove and tulsi supplementation substantially improved the villus height and villus surface area of the small intestine in T2 while the large intestine remained mostly unaffected by the treatment. Cecal microbial status significantly improved in all the treatment groups having increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus spp. count and decreased (P < 0.05) E. coli count compared to T0. Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that the combination of clove and tulsi can improve the growth performance and gut health of broilers which is largely dose-dependent and might be supplied as a potential alternative to AGPs.

Bio-preservation of raw hides/skins: A review on greener substitute to conventional salt curing

Raw hides/skins are considered to be the prime component for leather industry, which once flayed from animals, plummets to microbial attack. Their preservation combats putrefaction wherein curing using sodium chloride (NaCl) is by and large the most widely accepted method. However, there are few stumble blocks in using NaCl in terms of pollution load generated such as high total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and chlorides (Cl-). Additionally, this effluent when discharged affects the quality of the water, soil and plants causing huge ecological damage. To evade these problems, researches are being carried out to explore alternative preservation techniques which are either salt free or with reduced amount of salt. Different methods were proposed time and again which remained unfeasible due to associated drawbacks like high cost, health hazards and environmental concerns. Therefore, finding cheaper, eco-friendly and sustainable method for preservation has become the need of the hour for this industry. This review meticulously summarizes the changing trends in preservation techniques for past few decades with special emphasis on bio-based preservation. The diversity of the natural preservatives explored for the said purpose has been systematically reviewed. The enormous environmental benefits that can be obtained by adopting bio-based preservation and future avenues of research have been discussed.

A Cr2O3-doped graphene sensor for early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis: a first-principles study

Liver cirrhosis is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Because of its asymptomatic evolution, timely diagnosis of liver cirrhosis via non-invasive techniques is currently under investigation. Among the diagnostic methods employing volatile organic compounds directly detectable from breath, sensing of limonene (C₁₀H₁₆) represents one of the most promising strategies for diagnosing alcohol liver diseases, including cirrhosis. In the present work, by means of state-of-the-art Density Functional Theory calculations including the U correction, we present an investigation on the sensing capabilities of a chromium-oxide-doped graphene (i.e., Cr₂O₃-graphene) structure toward limonene detection. In contrast with other structures such as g-triazobenzol (g-C₆N₆) monolayers and germanane, which revealed their usefulness in detecting limonene via physisorption, the proposed Cr₂O₃-graphene heterostructure is capable of undergoing chemisorption upon molecular approaching of limonene over its surface. In fact, a high adsorption energy is recorded (∼-1.6 eV). Besides, a positive Moss-Burstein effect is observed upon adsorption of limomene on the Cr₂O₃-graphene heterostructure, resulting in a net increase of the bandgap (∼50%), along with a sizeable shift of the Fermi level toward the conduction band. These findings pave the way toward the experimental validation of such predictions and the employment of Cr₂O₃-graphene heterostructures as sensors of key liver cirrhosis biomarkers.

A Focused Insight into Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties of an Indigenous Mediterranean Herb

A perennial wild shrub from the Lamiaceae family and native to the Mediterranean region, thyme is considered an important wild edible plant studied for centuries for its unique importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry. Thyme is loaded with phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. It is pungent in taste, yet rich in moisture, proteins, crude fiber, minerals and vitamins. Its chemical composition may vary with geographical location but is mainly composed of flavonoids and antioxidants. Previous studies have illustrated the therapeutic effects of thyme and its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, against various diseases. This is attributed to its multi-pharmacological properties that include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic actions. Moreover, thyme has long been known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic activities, in addition to remarkable disruption of microbial biofilms. In the COVID-19 era, some thyme constituents were investigated for their potential in viral binding. As such, thyme presents a wide range of functional possibilities in food, drugs, and other fields and prominent interest as a nutraceutical. The aims of the current review are to present botanical and nutritive values of this herb, elaborate its major constituents, and review available literature on its dietetic and biological activities.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Malaysian Medicinal Plants: A Review on Phytochemicals, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Mechanisms

Hepatotoxicity is a major global public health concern. Despite advances in modern medicine, the demerits of chemically prepared drugs outweigh their merits. In addition, the treatment of liver diseases based on modern medical principles has been found to produce several undesired side effects. Therefore, the exploration of medicinal plants has gained worldwide attention for treating various diseases, including liver diseases, owing to their potential efficacy and cost effectiveness. Several plants, including Andrographis paniculata, Bauhinia purpurea, Commelina nudiflora, Dillenia suffruticosa, Elaeis guineensis, Lygodium microphyllum, and Nephrolepis biserrata, have been reported with hepatoprotection. Moreover, these plants have been shown to play a vital role in ameliorating cellular damage because they contain several phytochemicals, including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenols, and diterpenoid lactones. The following antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective compounds have been found in these plants: andrographolide, rosmarinic acid, phenol, eugenol, 9,12-octadecadienoic, n-hexadecanoic acid, dihydroxy dimethoxy flavone, sitosterol, demethoxycurcumin, quercetin, linoleic acid, stigmasterol, kojic acid, indole-2-one, α-terpinol, linalool, kaempferol, catechin, ellagic acid, and oleanolic acid. This paper aimed to provide an in-depth review of in vivo studies on Malaysian medicinal plants possessing hepatoprotective properties, phytochemical ingredients, and antioxidant mechanisms, with an emphasis on the species proven particularly useful for treating hepatic disorders.

Thyme Oil and Thymol Counter Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Modulation of Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer agent with a wide spectrum of activities. However, it has many adverse effects on various organs especially on the liver. Thymol, one of the major components of thyme oil, has biological properties that include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, this study was designed to examine thyme oil and thymol for their ability to prevent doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin, at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw/week, for seven weeks. Doxorubicin-injected rats were supplemented with thyme oil and thymol at doses 250 and 100 mg/kg bw, respectively, four times/week by oral gavage for the same period. Treatment of rats with thyme oil and thymol reversed the high serum activities of AST, ALT, and ALP and total bilirubin, AFP, and CA19.9 levels, caused by doxorubicin. Thyme oil and thymol also reduced the high levels of TNF-α and the decreased levels of both albumin and IL-4. These agents ameliorated doxorubicin-induced elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation and associated reduction in GSH content and GST and GPx activities. Further, the supplementation with thyme oil and thymol significantly augmented mRNA expression of the level of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and significantly downregulated nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of the hepatic apoptotic mediator p53. Thus, thyme oil and thymol successfully counteracted doxorubicin-induced experimental hepatotoxicity via their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties.

Essential Oil Delivery Route: Effect on Broiler Chicken's Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Intestinal Morphology, Immune, and Antioxidant Status

Simple Summary

Much research is devoted to the search for potent alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in the poultry industry. It is hypothesized that the efficacy of potential alternatives could be influenced by their type and the delivery strategy utilized. Consequently, this study evaluated the efficacy of a commercial essential oil blend across different delivery routes as a potent alternative to in-feed antibiotics in broiler chickens using selected biochemical, immune, and performance parameters. The results provide evidence that the successive delivery of essential oils via in ovo and in-water routes in broiler chickens offers the potential to improve broiler chicken biochemical and antioxidant status. However, the in ovo delivery of essential oil at 0.2 mL dosage (saline + essential oil, dilution ratio—2:1) suffers the limitations of reduced hatchability.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of an essential oil blend and its delivery routes on broiler chicken growth performance, blood biochemistry, intestinal morphology, and immune and antioxidant status. Eggs were incubated and allotted to 3 groups: non-injected group, in ovo saline group, and in ovo essential oil group. On day 18 of incubation, essential oil in saline or saline alone was injected into the amnion. At hatch, chicks were assigned to post-hatch treatment combinations (1) in ovo essential oil + in-water essential oil (in ovo + in-water EO); (2) in ovo essential oil (in ovo EO); (3) in ovo saline; (4) in-water essential oil; (5) in-feed antibiotics (Bacitracin methylene disalicylate) and (6) a negative control (NC; corn-wheat-soybean diet) in 8 replicate cages (6 birds/cage) and raised for 28 day. The in ovo EO group reduced (p < 0.05) chick length and hatchability, all groups recorded no difference in growth performance at 0–28 day. The in ovo + in-water EO treatment reduced (p < 0.05) blood creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase levels whilst increasing (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity in birds. The in ovo + in-water delivery of EO might represent a potential antibiotic reduction strategy for the poultry industry but more research is needed to address the concern of reduced hatchability.

Modification of light intensity influence essential oils content, composition and antioxidant activity of thyme, marjoram and oregano

Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Origanum majorana L. (marjoram), and Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) were used to determine whether light modification (plants grown under nets with 40% shaded index or in un-shaded open field) could improve the quantity and quality of essential oils (EOs) and antioxidant activity. The yield of EOs of thyme, marjoram, and oregano obtained after 120 min of hydrodistillation was 2.32, 1.51, and 0.27 mL/100 g of plant material, respectively. At the same time under shading conditions plants synthetized more EOs (2.57, 1.68, and 0.32 mL/100 g of plant material). GC/MS and GC/FID analyses were applied for essential oils determinations. The main components of the thyme essential oil are thymol (8.05-9.35%); γ-terpinene (3.49-4.04%); p-cymene (2.80-3.60%) and caryophyllene oxide (1.54-2.15%). Marjoram main components were terpinene 4-ol (7.44-7.63%), γ-terpinene (2.82-2.86%) and linalool (2.04-2.65%) while oregano essential oil consisted of the following components: caryophyllene oxide (3.1-1.93%); germacrene D (1.17-2.0%) and (E)-caryophyllene (1.48-1.1%). The essential oil from thyme grown under shading (EC₅₀ value after 20 min of incubation) have shown the highest antioxidant activity - 0.85 mg mL^-1 in comparison to marjoram and oregano (shaded plants EC₅₀ 19.97 mg mL^-1 and 7.02 mg mL^-1 and unshaded, control plants EC₅₀ 54.01 mg mL^-1 and 7.45 mg mL^-1, respectively). The medicinal plants are a good source of natural antioxidants with potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. For production practice, it can be recommended to grow medicinal plants in shading conditions to achieve optimal quality parameters.

Anthocyanin Recovery from Grape by-Products by Combining Ohmic Heating with Food-Grade Solvents: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties

Usually, wine-making by-products are discarded, presenting a significant environmental impact. However, they can be used as a source of bioactive compounds. Moreover, consumers' increasing demand for naturally nutritious and healthy products requires new formulations and food product improvement, together with sustainable, environmentally friendly extraction methods. Thus, this work aimed to compare ohmic heating (OH) with conventional methodology (CONV), using food-grade solvents, mainly water, compared to standard methanol extraction of anthocyanins. No significant differences were found between the CONV and OH for total phenolic compounds, which were 2.84 ± 0.037 and 3.28 ± 0.46 mg/g DW gallic acid equivalent, respectively. The same tendency was found for antioxidant capacity, where CONV and OH presented values of 2.02 ± 0.007 g/100 g and 2.34 ± 0.066 g/100 g ascorbic acid equivalent, respectively. The major anthocyanins identified were malvidin-3-O-acetylglucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, petunidine-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and peonidine-3-O-glucoside. These extracts displayed antimicrobial potential against microorganisms such as Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, a methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA), and Bacillus cereus. In conclusion, OH provides similar recovery yields with reduced treatment times, less energy consumption, and no need for organic solvents (green extraction routes). Thus, OH combined with water and citric acid allows a safe anthocyanin extraction from grape by-products, thus avoiding the use of toxic solvents such as methanol, and with high biological potential, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia drug - arsenic trioxide in the presence of eugenol shows differential action on leukemia cells (HL-60) and cardiomyocytes (H9c2) - inference from NMR study

The increased concern of cardiovascular dysfunction by cancer therapeutics has led to more effective treatment strategies. Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but the effectiveness is affected by potential cardiotoxicity. Researchers have been trying to find out novel modalities to manage the adverse effects of As₂O₃. In our study, the antioxidant molecule eugenol showed protective action against the destructive impact of As₂O₃ on cardiomyocytes (H9c2) without compromising the anti-cancer property As₂O₃ on leukemia cells (HL-60). We have studied the interaction between arsenic and eugenol in physiological and acidic pH to understand the molecular mechanism of differential action of As₂O₃ in the presence of eugenol using NMR spectroscopy. The study observed that at physiological pH, arsenic and eugenol interact to form an inactive product, positively affecting H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Still, there is no such interaction in acidic pH evidenced by the useful anti-cancer property of As₂O₃. The result concludes that the antioxidant molecule eugenol is an efficient protective agent against the adverse effect of As₂O₃ on cardiomyocytes.

Sesame Meal, Vitamin E and Selenium Influence Goats' Antioxidant Status

This study aimed to determine the impact of sesame meal, selenium (Se), and vitamin E (VitE) on goats’ oxidative status. Thirty mid-lactation crossbred goats were divided into five homogeneous groups, and were fed 1 kg of alfalfa hay and 1.2 kg of concentrates daily. The control group (C) received a basal diet. In the concentrates of the treated groups, 10% of the soybean meal was replaced by sesame meal and no extra VitE or Se (SM), or an extra 60 mg of VitE (SME), or 0.1 mg organic Se (SMSe), or their combination (60 mg VitE and 0,1 mg organic Se/kg of concentrate (SMESe). In the plasma of the goats, the dietary treatments did not affect glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, or the total antioxidant capacity. A reduction and a trend for lower protein carbonyls content was found in goats fed SM (p = 0.03) and SME (p = 0.06) compared to SMESe. In the milk, the lactoperoxidase activity decreased with SMSe and SMESe. A numerical decrease in the total antioxidant capacity and an increase in the MDA content in the milk of the SMESe group compared with the other treated groups was found. In mid-lactation goats, SM improves the oxidative status of both the organism and the milk.

Identification of Phenolic Compounds and Determination of Antioxidant Activity in Extracts and Infusions of Salvia Leaves

The influence of harvest period and drying method of Salvia officinalis L. leaves on the content of essential oils, polyphenols and antioxidant properties was investigated. Sage leaves were collected twice during plant blossoming (in June and July) and dried traditionally in natural conditions and at 35 °C. Antioxidant activity was assayed in methanol-acetone extracts and infusions of dried leaves with the use of free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) technique. Total phenolic content in extracts as well as in infusions was determined by the means of Folin-Ciocalteu method. Based on the LC/MS analysis, the polyphenol compounds present in both extracts and in infusions were identified. The extracts contained more polyphenols and were characterized by higher antioxidant activity than infusions. In the extracts significant amount of ferulic acid was found, which was influenced both by the harvest period and drying method. The amount of ferulic acid found in extracts obtained from the June leaves dried traditionally was three times lower (6.185 μg/g DW) than in extracts from July leaves dried in the same conditions. Harvest period had a significant effect on the essential oils' content, leaves collected in July contained 15% more oils than those collected in June.

Aroma Characteristics of Lavender Extract and Essential Oil from Lavandula angustifolia Mill

Lavender and its products have excellent flavor properties. However, most studies focus on the aroma profiles of lavender essential oil (LEO). The volatiles in lavender extracts (LEs), either in volatile compositions or their odor characteristics, have rarely been reported. In this study, the odor characteristics of LEs and LEO were comprehensively investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), coupled with sensory evaluation and principal chemical analysis (PCA). In addition, the extraction conditions of lavender extracts from inflorescences of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. were optimized. Under the optimal conditions of extraction, twice with 95% edible ethanol as the solvent, the LEs tended to contain the higher intensity of characteristic floral, herbal and clove-like odors as well as higher scores of overall assessment and higher amounts of linalool, linalool oxides I and II, linalyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate and total volatiles than LEO. PCA analysis showed that there were significant differences on the odor characteristics between LEO and LEs. The LEO, which was produced by steam distillation with a yield of 2.21%, had the lower intensity of floral, clove-like, medicine-like, pine-like and hay notes, a lower score of overall assessment and lower levels of linalool oxides I and II, linalyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate and total volatiles compared with LEs, whereas the relative contents of linalool and camphor in LEO were significantly higher than that in LEs. Furthermore, the earthy, green and watery odors were only found in LEO. Concerning the odor characteristics and volatile compositions, the LEs had better odor properties than LEO. These results provided a theoretical basis for the industrial preparation of lavender-related products.

A Review on Applications and Uses of Thymus in the Food Industry

Thyme is one of the most important medicinal plants because of its ethnopharmacological relevance and high content of bioactive compounds. This review focuses particularly on thyme as an alternative natural antioxidant and antimicrobial with potential use in the food industry. This is in line with the preferences of the current consumer, who demands healthier and more natural products. Different studies have concluded that the use of thyme increases stability and reduces lipid oxidation during the shelf-life period of foods (meat, meat products, milk, fish or fish products), which makes thyme a promising source of natural additives. Despite these findings, the use of Thymus extracts or essential oils as natural additives in foods is reduced in comparison with other natural preservative extracts. This review provides an overview of the most important information on the positive effect of the bioactive compounds of thyme and its uses as a preservative in foods, taking into account its origin (from plants, plant extracts or essential oils).

Issues surrounding consumer trust and acceptance of existing and emerging food processing technologies

The purpose of food processing today is to make food safer, more nutritious and tastier, and to increase storage life. Consumers have a lack of trust in the way food is produced, formulated and processed, particularly with possible contaminants or chemical residues from production. Food manufacturers are not seen as being highly trusted sources. This may partly result from manufacturers' reluctance to share all information and to protect intellectual property via patents and thus maintain a competitive edge. There is a need to inform the consumer better about what operations the involved ingredients are subjected to and why. Various ways of food processing are reviewed. New food processing technologies face challenges when introduced and factors influencing consumers' and other stakeholders' acceptance should be part of decision-making process when adopting new technologies. Consumers' perception of risks is not the same as the risk assessment made by experts. A few specific cases are being discussed to further highlight the multiplicity of factors that may contribute to the development of a certain consumer perception about a product or a class of products. This is also linked to the emergence of certain terminologies that are associated with an increasingly negative perception of the processing of foods. We recommend more transparency on food formulation and food processing to restore consumer trust, which enables to take the advantage of the benefits different processing methods offer. Food manufacturers must make an effort to let consumers know how their food is being processed within the walls of the factory and highlight the benefits vis-à-vis preparing foods in a domestic environment.

Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Toothpaste with Swiss Medicinal Herbs towards Patients Suffering from Gingivitis and Initial Stage of Periodontitis: from Clinical Efficacy to Mechanisms

Objective: To distinguish clinical effects and mechanisms of sodium monofluorophosphate plus xylitol and herbal extracts of Swiss medicinal plants (Chamomilla recutita, Arnica montana, Echinacea purpurea, and Salvia officinalis). Materials and Methods: A 2-month-long comparative clinical study of toothpaste containing 1450 ppm sodium monofluorophosphate and xylitol (control, 15 patients) and toothpaste additionally containing extracts of the medicinal herbs (experiment, 35 patients) was performed on patients with gingivitis and the initial stage of periodontitis. Clinical indices of gingivitis/periodontitis were quantified by Loe & Silness’s, CPITN, OHI-S, and PMA indexes. The pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins, nitrites/nitrates, total antioxidant activity, and bacterial pattern characteristic for gingivitis and periodontitis were quantified in the gingival crevicular fluid and plaque. In the in vitro tests, direct anti-bacterial effects, inhibition of catalase induction in Staphylococcus aureus, in response to oxidative burst of phagocytes, and intracellular bacterial killing were determined for the toothpastes, individual plant extracts, and their mixture. Results: Experimental toothpaste was more efficient clinically and in the diminishing of bacterial load specific for gingivitis/periodontitis. Although the control toothpaste exerted a direct moderate anti-bacterial effect, herbal extracts provided anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, direct, and indirect anti-bacterial actions through inhibition of bacterial defence against phagocytes. Conclusions: Chemical and plant-derived anti-bacterials to treat gingivitis and periodontitis at the initial stage should be used in combination amid their different mechanisms of action. Plant-derived actives for oral care could substitute toxic chemicals due to multiple modes of positive effects.

Following Coffee Production from Cherries to Cup: Microbiological and Metabolomic Analysis of Wet Processing of Coffea arabica

A cup of coffee is the final product of a complex chain of operations. Wet postharvest processing of coffee is one of these operations, which involves a fermentation that inevitably has to be performed on-farm. During wet coffee processing, the interplay between microbial activities and endogenous bean metabolism results in a specific flavor precursor profile of the green coffee beans. Yet, how specific microbial communities and the changing chemical compositions of the beans determine the flavor of a cup of coffee remains underappreciated. Through a multiphasic approach, the establishment of the microbial communities, as well as their prevalence during wet processing of Coffea arabica, was followed at an experimental farm in Ecuador. Also, the metabolites produced by the microorganisms and those of the coffee bean metabolism were monitored to determine their influence on the green coffee bean metabolite profile over time. The results indicated that lactic acid bacteria were prevalent well before the onset of fermentation and that the fermentation duration entailed shifts in their communities. The fermentation duration also affected the compositions of the beans, so that longer-fermented coffee had more notes that are preferred by consumers. As a consequence, researchers and coffee growers should be aware that the flavor of a cup of coffee is determined before as well as during on-farm processing and that under the right conditions, longer fermentation times can be favorable, although the opposite is often believed.IMPORTANCE Coffee needs to undergo a long chain of events to transform from coffee cherries to a beverage. The coffee postharvest processing is one of the key phases that convert the freshly harvested cherries into green coffee beans before roasting and brewing. Among multiple existing processing methods, the wet processing has been usually applied for Arabica coffee and produces decent quality of both green coffee beans and the cup of coffee. In the present case study, wet processing was followed by a multiphasic approach through both microbiological and metabolomic analyses. The impacts of each processing step, especially the fermentation duration, were studied in detail. Distinct changes in microbial ecosystems, processing waters, coffee beans, and sensory quality of the brews were found. Thus, through fine-tuning of the parameters in each step, the microbial diversity and endogenous bean metabolism can be altered during coffee postharvest processing and hence provide potential to improve coffee quality.

Herbal beverages: Bioactive compounds and their role in disease risk reduction - A review

There is a renewed interest in non-nutritive bioactive compounds of foods and beverages as 'lifespan nutrients' in the risk reduction of non-communicable diseases. Herbal beverages, consumed as part of a balanced diet, may improve the antioxidant status and enhance the overall health status. Herbal teas/beverages are rich sources of natural bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, saponins and terpenoids, among others. A wealth of available scientific evidence demonstrates that natural bioactive compounds render a number of diversified biological effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antithrombotic and vasodilatory actions, as well as antimutagenicity, anticarcinogenicity and antiaging effects. A number of herbal beverages are consumed globally and some beverages have gained more popularity than others depending on their geographical origin. However, in the era of globalization, ethnic barriers have gradually been removed and such commodities although from different areas, are now universally available as international health-pro products.

The influence of the extraction temperature on polyphenolic profiles and bioactivity of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) subcritical water extracts

The main goal of this research was to determine the relationship among chemical structure, bioactivity and temperature of chamomile during subcritical water extraction in isobaric conditions (45 bar) at seven different temperatures (65-210 °C). The influence of temperature on phenolic profiles was defined by UHPLC-HESI-MS/MS. The overall results indicate that the presence of conjugated double bonds, side chains, glucose moiety or ether moiety in molecules influence the efficiency of polyphenols' extraction in subcritical water. In terms of antioxidant activity, the extracts were the most active towards ABTS radicals (IC₅₀ = 7.3-16.8 µg/mL), whereby temperature of 150 °C was optimal. On the other hand, the extracts obtained at 115 °C showed highest cytotoxicity. Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was the highest at 65 and 85 °C, i.e. 0.51 and 4.13 mmolAE/g, respectively. Activity against tyrosinase was the highest at 210 °C (17.92 mgKAE/g). The data showed that different non-phenolic compounds may also participate in bio-activities of the extracts.

Ocimum basilicum affects tracheal responsiveness, lung inflammatory cells and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers in sensitized rats

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) was shown previously. In the present study, the effect of O. basilicum on tracheal responsiveness (TR) to methacholine and ovalbumin (OVA), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers as well as total and differential white blood cell (WBC) in sensitized rats was examined. Six groups of rats including control (group C), sensitized rats to OVA (group S), S groups treated with three concentrations of O. basilicum (0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml) and one concentration of dexamethasone (1.25 μg/ml) (n = 8 for all groups) were studied. TR to methacholine and OVA, total WBC count, percentages of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, and levels of oxidant biomarkers were significantly increased but other measured parameters were significantly decreased in group S compared to group C. TR to methacholine and OVA, percentages of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, and levels of oxidant biomarkers were significantly decreased but lymphocytes and antioxidant biomarkers were significantly increased in S groups treated with dexamethasone and at least two higher concentrations of the extract compared to group S. Total WBC count was also decreased in treated S groups with dexamethasone and high extract concentration. The effect of extract on most measured parameters was significantly lower than dexamethasone treatment. The effects of two higher concentrations of the extract on most variables were significantly higher than the effect of low extract concentration. These results showed the concentration-dependent effect of O. basilicum on tracheal responses, lung inflammatory cells, and oxidant-antioxidant parameters in sensitized rats.

Prophylactic effect of rosmarinic acid on tracheal responsiveness, white blood cell count and oxidative stress markers in lung lavage of sensitized rats

BACKGROUND

Rosmarinic acid (RA) as an active component of several medicinal plants, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. In this study, the effect of RA on tracheal responsiveness (TR), lung inflammatory cells, oxidant biomarkers in sensitized rats were evaluated.

METHODS

TR to methacholine and ovalbumin (OVA) as well as total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count and levels of nitrogen dioxide, nitrate, malondialdehyde, thiol, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured in control (group C) rats, sensitized animals to OVA and given drinking water alone (group S), S groups receiving drinking water containing three concentrations of RA (0.125, 0.250 and 0.500 mg/mL) and dexamethasone (1.25 μg/mL), (n = 6 in each group).

RESULTS

Increased TR to methacholine and OVA, total WBC count, percentages of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils and levels of oxidant biomarkers but decreased other measured parameters were observed in group S compared to group C. Percentages of lymphocytes and antioxidant biomarkers were significantly increased but other measured parameters were significantly decreased in S group treated with dexamethasone and in rats treated with the two higher concentrations of RA compared to S group. The effect of RA medium concentration on percentage of eosinophils and RA high concentration on total WBC count and percentages of eosinophils and lymphocytes, were significantly higher than those of dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

These results showed the concentration-dependent effect of RA on tracheal responses, lung inflammatory cells and oxidant-antioxidant parameters which was comparable to that of dexamethasone at used concentrations in sensitized rats.

Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity

The worldwide interest in the use of medicinal plants has been growing, and its beneficial effects being rediscovered for the development of new drugs. Based on their vast ethnopharmacological applications, which inspired current research in drug discovery, natural products can provide new and important leads against various pharmacological targets. This work pioneers an extensive and an updated literature review on the current state of research on Rosmarinus officinalis L., elucidating which compounds and biological activities are the most relevant. Therefore, a search was made in the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science with the terms ‘rosemary’, ‘Rosmarinus officinalis’, ‘rosmarinic acid’ ‘carnosol’ and ‘carnosic acid’, which included 286 articles published since 1990 about rosemary's pharmacological activities and their isolated compounds. According to these references, there has been an increasing interest in the therapeutic properties of this plant, regarding carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid and the essential oil. The present manuscript provides an updated review upon the most reported activities on R. officinalis and its active constituents.

The worldwide interest in the use of medicinal plants has been growing, and their beneficial effects being rediscovered for the development of new drugs. Actually, current research in drug discovery has been inspired on the vast ethnopharmacological applications of natural products, providing new and important leads against various pharmacological targets.

In this work, an updated literature review is presented to clarify the current state of research on Rosmarinus officinalis L., elucidating its constituents and their most relevant biological activities. Therefore, this work provides an updated review upon the most reported medicinal properties, namely, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neurodegenerative, endocrinal, anti-infective and antioxidant.

The potential protective effect of Commelina nudiflora L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, mediated by suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the hepatoprotective potential of Commelina nudiflora against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats.

METHOD

Antioxidant activities were determined. Phytochemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). In the in vivo study, Sprague Dawley rats were pretreated with C. nudiflora (150, 300, and 450 mg kg body weight (b.wt.)) once daily for 14 days followed by two doses of CCl4 (1 ml/kg b.wt.). After 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and hepatoprotective analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In vitro studies have shown that the extract possessed strong antioxidant activity and has ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-free radicals effectively. GCMS analysis of the C. nudiflora extract revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. Administration of C. nudiflora significantly reduced the impact of CCl4 toxicity on serum markers of liver damage, serum aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT). C. nudiflora also increased antioxidant levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes and ameliorated the elevated hepatic formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by CCl4 in rats. Histopathological examination indicated that C. nudiflora protect the liver from the toxic effect of CCl4 and healed lesions such as necrosis, fatty degeneration, and hepatocyte injury as irregular lamellar organization and dilations in the endoplasmic reticulum. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that pretreatment of C. nudiflora decreased the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified protein adducts and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Furthermore, overexpression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and prostaglandin E2 is also reduced.

CONCLUSION

These findings exhibited the potential prospect of C. nudiflora as functional ingredients to prevent ROS-related liver damage.

Postharvest Processing and Benefits of Black Pepper, Coriander, Cinnamon, Fenugreek, and Turmeric Spices

Spices are prime source for flavor, aroma, and taste in cuisines and play an active role as medicines due to their high antioxidant properties. As medicine or food, the importance of spices cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal values of spices are very well established in treating various ailments like cancer, fever, malaria, stomach offset, nausea, and many more. A spice may be available in several forms: fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried which requires further processing to be utilized in the form of value-added product. This review paper deals with the cultivation, postharvesting, chemical composition, uses, health, and medicinal benefits of the selected spice viz., black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric, and technological advances in processing of spices viz., super critical fluid extraction, cryogenic grinding, and microencapsulation etc. This paper also focuses on issues related to utilization of spices toward its high end-product development and characterization in pharmaceuticals and other medicinal purposes. The availability of different spices and their varietal differences and location have their pertinent characters, which are much demanding to refine postharvest and processing to assure its quality in the international market.

Plant extracts as supplements for lactating sows: effects on piglet performance, sow food intake and diet digestibility

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the plant extracts Yucca shidigera, Quillaja saponaria and a combination (a blend of capsicum, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) to stimulate piglet and sow performance when used as supplements in the diets of lactating sows. These extracts were selected for their potential benefits to health, appetite and digestion. Eighty hybrid sows were housed in conventional indoor farrowing crates from day 107 of gestation until weaning. Sows were allocated according to parity, live weight, fatness and past reproductive performance, to one of four dietary treatments: control (C), combination (COM, 100 g/t food), yucca (Y, 200 g/t), quillaja (Q, 250 g/t). Between days 107 to 114 of gestation, sows received 2·5 kg food per day of their respective diet. During lactation food was offered ad libitum with sow food intake (FI) recorded daily. Faecal samples were obtained from sows daily in order to measure diet digestibility using titanium dioxide as an external marker. Piglet live weight and sow P2 backfat were recorded on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 and at weaning on day 23 (s.e.2·5). Piglet live weight and rectal temperature were measured at birth and 24 h of age. Piglet growth between birth and 24 h was significantly affected by sow treatment. Litters from COM sows held the greatest advantage (117 v. C 99, Q 77, Y 107 g per pig per day, P < 0·01, s.e. = 7·9). Piglet body temperature at birth was also higher in COM litters when compared with treatment C (38·58 v. 37·95oC, P < 0·05)). Q and Y piglets were intermediate between the two. Sow treatment had no effect on piglet performance between day 1 and 14 of lactation. However, between days 15 and 21, piglets from COM sows again significantly outperformed all other treatments (COM 290, C 246, Q 235, Y 255 g per pig per day, P < 0·001, s.e. = 9·3). Piglet weights on day 21 were also significantly greater for the COM sows (6878 g v. C 6584 g, Q 6330 g, Y 6498 g, P < 0·05 s.e. = 132). No benefit was seen from supplementation with either yucca or quillaja extracts on piglet growth. Sow FI and P2 backfat loss between parturition and weaning were unaffected by treatment. However, diet digestibility was enhanced by all supplements during week 1 of lactation in terms of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein. It is concluded that some plant extracts may enhance piglet and sow performance prior to weaning.

An Hydroalcoholic Chamomile Extract Modulates Inflammatory and Immune Response in HT29 Cells and Isolated Rat Colon

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders characterized by disruption and ulceration of the colonic mucosa or of any part of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease). Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory herbal extract supplementation could represent an innovative approach to contrast IBDs. Clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of natural formulas, containing chamomile, in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. This is consistent, albeit in part, with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible protective role of a chamomile extract, on human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT29 cell, and rat colon specimens treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory stimulus, a well established model of acute ulcerative colitis. In this context, the activities of different biomarkers of inflammation and lipid peroxidation such as ROS, myeloperoxidase (MPO), serotonin (5-HT), prostaglandin (PG)E2 , 8-iso-prostaglandin (8-iso-PG)F2α , NF-kB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)-6 were assessed. We found that chamomile extract was as effective as sulfasalazine (2 mg/ml) in reducing the production of MPO, 5-HT, IL-6, NF-kB, TNFα, PGE2 and 8-iso-PGF2α , after inflammatory stimulus. The observed modulatory effects support a rationale use of chamomile supplementation as a promising pharmacological tool for the prevention and management of ulcerative colitis in humans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Organic Fennel, Parsley, and Lavender from Spain

The aim of this work was to (i) determine the chemical composition of the essential oils of three spices widely cultivated in Spain from organic growth: Foeniculum vulgare, Petroselium crispum, and Lavandula officinalis; (ii) determine the total phenolic content; (iii) determine the antioxidant activity of the essentials oils by means of three different antioxidant tests and (iv) determine the effectiveness of these essentials oils on the inhibition of Listeria innocua CECT 910 and Pseudomonas fluorescens CECT 844. There is a great variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils. Parsley had the highest phenolic content. Overall, parsley presented the best antioxidant profile, given its highest % of inhibition of DPPH radical (64.28%) and FRAP (0.93 mmol/L Trolox), but had a pro-oxidative behavior by TBARS. Lavender essential oil showed the highest antibacterial activity against L. innocua (>13 mm of inhibition at 20-40 μL oil in the discs), followed by parsley with an inhibition zone of 10 mm (when more than 5 μL oil in the discs), and fennel 10 mm (when more than 40 μL oil in the discs). P. fluorescens was not inhibited by the tested essential oils.