Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil inhibits in vivo and in vitro leukocyte migration

The JAK/STAT/NF-κB signaling pathway can be regulated by rosemary essential oil, thereby providing a potential treatment for DNCB-induced in mice

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism through which rosemary essential oil treats atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

A dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model was established and treated with low (1%), medium (2%), and high (4%) doses of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EORO). Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in each group were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Skin tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to verify the biological activity of essential proteins and their corresponding compounds in the pathway. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for metabolomics analysis and multivariate statistical analysis of mouse serum to screen differential metabolites and metabolic pathway analysis. Protein expression of p-JAK1, CD4+ cells, and IL-4 in the skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry analysis. Protein levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, P65, and p-P65 in damaged skin tissues were detected using western blotting.

RESULT

The skin of mice in the model group showed different degrees of erythema, dryness, scratches, epidermal erosion and shedding, and crusting. After treatment, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in EORO group were significantly decreased, and the expression of p-JAK1,CD4 + cells, IL-4, p-P65 / P65 and p-STAT3 / STAT3 proteins in skin tissues were decreased.

CONCLUSION

EORO can effectively improve DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions in mice by regulating the JAK/STAT/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the production of downstream arachidonic acid metabolites, inhibiting skin inflammation, and restoring epidermal barrier function.

Essential Oil of Bursera morelensis Promotes Cell Migration on Fibroblasts: In Vitro Assays

Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile natural compounds. We have extensively studied the EO of Bursera morelensis, which demonstrates antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of this EO on fibroblast migration in a three-dimensional in vitro model. For the three-dimensional in vitro model, a series of fibrin hydrogel scaffolds (FSs) were built in which fibroblasts were cultured and subsequently stimulated with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or EO. The results demonstrated that these FSs are appropriate for fibroblast culture, since no decrease in cell viability or changes in cell proliferation were found. The results also showed that this EO promotes cell migration four hours after stimulation, and the formation of cell projections (filopodia) outside the SF was observed. From these results, we confirmed that part of the mechanism of action of the essential oil of B. morelensis during the healing process is the stimulation of fibroblast migration to the wound site.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in Preclinical In Vivo Models of Inflammation

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in preclinical in vivo models of inflammation. A search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with related keywords. The inclusion criteria were inflammation, plant, and studies on rats or mice; while, the exclusion criteria were reviews, studies with in vitro models, and associated plants. The predominant animal models were paw edema, acute liver injury, and asthma. Rosemary was more commonly used in its entirety than in compounds, and the prevalent methods of extraction were maceration and hydrodistillation. The most common routes of administration reported were gavage, intraperitoneal, and oral, on a route-dependent dosage. Treatment took place daily, or was single-dose, on average for 21 days, and it more often started before the induction. The most evaluated biomarkers were tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The best results emerged at a dose of 60 mg/kg, via IP of carnosic acid, a dose of 400 mg/kg via gavage of Rosmarinus officinalis, and a dose of 10 mg/kg via IP of rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinus officinalis L. showed anti-inflammatory activity before and after induction of treatments.

Cognition enhancing effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in lab animal studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Patients with mild cognitive impairment eventually progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD) causing a strong impact on public health. Rosmarinus officinalis has long been known as the herb of remembrance and can be a potential cognition enhancer for AD. The aim of this review was to summarize the qualitative and quantitative aspects of R. officinalis and its active constituents in enhancing cognition. A structured search was conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed to find relevant studies that assessed the effect of R. officinalis extract or any of its active constituents on cognitive performance in animals. The following information was extracted from each study: 1) article information; 2) characteristics of study animals; 3) type of intervention: type, dose, duration, and frequency of administration of R. officinalis; and 4) type of outcome measure. Data were analyzed using Review Manager and meta-analysis was performed by computing the standardized mean difference. Twenty-three studies were selected for qualitative analysis and fifteen for meta-analysis. From the fifteen included papers, 22 with 35 comparisons were meta-analyzed. Effect sizes for intact and cognitively impaired animals were 1.19 (0.74, 1.64) and 0.57 (0.19, 0.96), indicating a positive effect on both groups. The subgroup analyses showed substantial unexplained heterogeneity among studies. Overall, R. officinalis improved cognitive outcomes in normal and impaired animals, and results were robust across species, type of extract, treatment duration, and type of memory. However, studies had a considerable amount of heterogeneity, and subgroup analyses failed to find any heterogeneity moderator.

The delayed death-causing nature of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extracts and their mixture within experimental chronic toxoplasmosis: Therapeutic and prophylactic implications

BACKGROUND

The restricted effect, significant toxicity, and emerging resistance of anti-toxoplasmosis synthetic agents impose the search for alternatives. The current research aimed to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis extracts and their mixtures against chronic murine toxoplasmosis and to clarify the phenomenon of delayed death.

METHODS

This research included two experimental designs, the first to test the preventive and curative efficacy of the extracts and the second to assess delayed death in mice infected with the ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. The essential oils of the plant were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Treatment with a mixture of rosemary extracts displayed reduction rates of 81% for T. gondii cyst burden and 23% for cyst viability. The reinfected group with the pretreated cysts reported 93.4% reduction in cyst burden and 95.4% in cyst viability. Moreover, 90% reduction of the infectivity rate was obtained. The therapeutic efficacy of this mixture was superior to its valuable prophylactic effect. Histopathological examination of liver and brain tissue exhibited marked improvement. Both extracts possess free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities evidenced by high expression of iNOS stain. Our results were signified by low BAG-1 gene expression and massive mutilation of T. gondii cyst in the targeted group using scanning electron microscopy. Analysis of R. officinalis revealed the presence of isobornylformate as a novel ingredient.

CONCLUSIONS

R. officinalis displays a therapeutic rather than prophylactic potential, indicating the emergence of an effective safe alternative therapy.

Exploring CNS effects of American traditional medicines using zebrafish models

Although American traditional medicine (ATM) has been practiced for millennia, its complex multi-target mechanisms of therapeutic action remain poorly understood. Animal models are widely used to elucidate the therapeutic effects of various ATMs, including their modulation of brain and behavior. Complementing rodent models, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a promising novel organism in translational neuroscience and neuropharmacology research. Here, we emphasize the growing value of zebrafish for testing neurotropic effects of ATMs and outline future directions of research in this field. We also demonstrate the developing utility of zebrafish as complementary models for probing CNS mechanisms of ATM action and their potential to treat brain disorders.

Effects of Salvia officinalis L. and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) extracts on inflammatory responses in two models of human cells: Primary subcutaneous adipocytes and neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-SH)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia officinalis L. (sage), and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) (chamomile) have been used traditionally to treat various inflammatory conditions.

AIMS

Our study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of both plant extracts in IL-1β-stimulated neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) and human subcutaneous mature adipocytes, as well as their potential protective effects against mature adipocytes conditioned media (ACM)-induced neuro-inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human subcutaneous mature adipocytes and neuroblastoma cells were treated with 5 μg/ml (low dose: LD) and 50 μg/ml (high dose: HD) of each extract, with or without 0.5 ng/ml of human recombinant IL-1β. To understand the cross talk between fat tissue and neuronal cells, SK-N-SH cell line was incubated with ACM 10%, in presence or absence of both extracts LD and HD. Following 4, and 24 h incubation, the released MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and SAA levels were measured using MSD Cytokines and Chemokines assay kits, and the cells were used for gene expression. RNA was quantified using Qubit™ RNA HS Assay. RNA aliquots were shipped to Eurofins Genomics (Aarhus, Denmark) for expression analysis on the human Clariom™ GO Screen Assay (952,361; ThermoFisher).

RESULTS

Chamomile showed stronger effects compared to sage in both cell lines, at 4 and 24 h. Adipocytes acute treatment with sage decreased MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8 (p < 0.001), and TNF-α (p < 0.05) basal levels. This was mirrored at MCP-1 transcriptional level. Chronic treatment with both extracts resulted in a significant reduction in ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and SAA (p < 0.001) levels, in IL-1β-stimulated adipocytes. However, in SK-N-SH cells, sage increased the basal levels of many cytokines and chemokines on both protein and transcriptional levels. This was also observed in IL-1β-stimulated cells. In chamomile treated SK-N-SH cells, acute and chronic treatments decreased MCP-1 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01), TNF-α (p < 0.01), and IL-8 (p < 0.001) basal levels. In IL1-β-stimulated SK-N-SH cells, chamomile HD induced a significant reduction in TNF-α after both acute and chronic treatments respectively, by 52% and 81%. At transcriptional level, this effect was only reflected at 4 h. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and SAA levels were reduced in most of the studied conditions. In IL-1β treated adipocytes, chamomile showed stronger reduction in MCP-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, however no significant reduction in TNF-α and IL-8 was observed, despite the decrease in basal levels. In SK-N-SH cells, ACM increased MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, VCAM-1 and SAA levels. Sage HD acute treatment resulted in a reduction of ACM effect on IL-6, IL-8 and VCAM-1, with greater effect of chamomile on MCP-1 (p < 0.05); IL-6 (p < 0.001); TNF-α (p < 0.001); VCAM-1 (p < 0.001); and SAA (p < 0.001). This protective effect was also observed after chronic treatment. However, both extracts potentiated significantly the ACM-pro-inflammatory effect on IL-8 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sage decreased the pro-inflammatory markers mostly in human adipocytes, whereas chamomile showed a strong reduction in both cell populations. Both extracts reduced the ACM-induced inflammation effect and might be used as a preventive treatment for late-life cognitive impairment related to low-grade chronic inflammation associated with obesity. Further studies are needed to investigate their combination on other chronic inflammation-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Proliferative, Anticoagulant and Mutagenic Effects of a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tuscan Rosmarinus officinalis

This study aimed to characterize the chemical profile of an ethanolic extract of Tuscan Rosmarinus officinalis (Roex) and to determine its in vitro bioactivity. The content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, hydroxycinnamic acids and triterpenoids was determined, and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis revealed that rosmarinic acid and other hydroxycinnamic derivatives were the main constituents of the extract. Roex demonstrated to have both antioxidant activity and the capability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts and human breast adenocarcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 viability was influenced by the extract with an IC₅₀ of 2.4 × 10^-1 mg/mL and 4.8 × 10^-1 mg/mL, respectively. The addition of Roex to the culture medium of both the above cell lines, resulted also in the reduction of cell death after H₂O₂ pre-treatment. The Ames test demonstrated that Roex was not genotoxic towards both TA98 and TA100 strains, with and without S9 metabolic activation. The extract, by inactivating thrombin, showed to also have an anti-coagulating effect at low concentration values. All these biological activities exerted by Roex are tightly correlated to its phytochemical profile, rich in bioactive compounds.

Myrcene Attenuates Renal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Adrenalectomized Rat Model

Physiological Glucocorticoids are important regulators of the immune system. Pharmacological GCs are in widespread use to treat inflammatory diseases. Adrenalectomy (ADX) has been shown to exacerbate renal injury through inflammation and oxidative stress that results in renal impairment due to depletion of GCs. In this study, the effect of myrcene to attenuate renal inflammation and oxidative stress was evaluated in the adrenalectomized rat model. Rats were adrenalectomized bilaterally or the adrenals were not removed after surgery (sham). Myrcene (50 mg/kg body weight, orally) was administered post ADX. Myrcene treatment resulted in significant downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) compared to untreated ADX rats. In addition, myrcene resulted in significant downregulation of immunomodulatory factors (IFNγ and NF-κB) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-4 and IL-10) in treated ADX compared to untreated ADX. Myrcene significantly increased the antioxidant molecules (CAT, GSH, and SOD) and decreased MDA levels in treated ADX compared to untreated. Moreover, myrcene treatment reduced the expression of COX-2, iNOS, KIM-1, and kidney functional molecules (UREA, LDH, total protein, and creatinine) in ADX treated compared to ADX untreated. These results suggest that myrcene could be further developed as a therapeutic drug for treatment of kidney inflammation and injury.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Bioactive Compounds Contained in Rosmarinus officinalis Used in the Mediterranean Diet

Background

Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) is a medicinal plant called rosemary, largely used in the Mediterranean diet for many decades ago.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the polyphenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the antiproliferative effect against human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP) of carnosol and carnosic acid as bioactive compounds contained in R. officinalis growing in Morocco.

Materials and Methods

Polyphenolic content of R. officinalis ethanolic extract was studied using colorimetric assay. Carnosol and carnosic acid contained in R. officinalis extract were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antiproliferative effect of the studied extracts on LNCaP was evaluated by WST-1 bioassay, and the antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay.

Results

The extracts of R. officinalis showed an important polyphenolic content ranging from 74.15 μg·GAE/mg to 146.63 μg·GAE/mg. The percentage of carnosol and carnosic acid in rosemary crops ranges from 11.7 to 17.3% and 1.09% to 3%, respectively. The extracts of R. officinalis exhibited a promoting antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ ranging from 0.236 mg/mL to 0.176 mg/mL. Regarding the antiproliferative effect, the WST-1 assay revealed that all the tested extracts reduced notably the cell viability with IC₅₀ values ranging from 14.15 to 15. 04 μg/mL.

Conclusion

In the current work, carnosol and carnosic acid exhibit antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in a concentration-dependent manner.

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: A review of its phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory activity, and mechanisms of action involved

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plant species Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae; Synonyms: Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. and Rosmarinus angustifolius Mill.) is a herb widely used worldwide. In local and traditional medicine, its used for inflammation-related diseases. Currently, studies report anti-inflammatory activity in its essential oil (EORO). However, to better understand EORO's anti-inflammatory activity its necessary to understand its phytochemistry and the signaling pathways affected by it. Hence, this review aimed to describe EORO phytochemical profile, ethnopharmacological uses, some biological activities of EORO will be described but emphasizing its anti-inflammatory potential and possible mechanisms of action involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research was performed using the databases Medline, Embase, BVS Regional Portal, Science Direct, CAPES Journals, and Scopus; using the keywords "Rosmarinus officinalis", "anti-inflammatory" and "essential oil". Additional information was gathered from related textbooks, reviews, and documents.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Until now about 150 chemical compounds were identified in EORO samples, more frequently reported molecules were 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and camphor. Studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of EORO occur mainly through inhibition of NF-κB transcription and suppression of arachidonic acid cascade. Its antioxidant activity also aids by preventing injury caused by the reactive species of inflammation; its smooth muscle relaxant activity contributes to ameliorating airway inflammatory diseases. Lastly, toxicity assessments indicate low toxicity to EORO.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence indicates anti-inflammatory activity in EORO, supporting its ethnopharmacological uses in inflammatory-related diseases, and potential future applications. However, although considerable acute inflammatory models were tested, more chronic inflammatory models are needed; clinical studies are still absent, this may be due to the high doses needed for essential oils to exert pharmacological effects, but recent studies show this issue can be bypassed using the oil formulated as nanoemulsions to improve its bioavailability.

Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of 10 Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)-derived ingredients and concluded these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be nonsensitizing. The R officinalis-derived ingredients are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as skin conditioning agents or as fragrance ingredients. The Panel reviewed the available animal and clinical data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing the same constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients.

Anti-inflammatory activity of nanoemulsions of essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis L.: in vitro and in zebrafish studies

The essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis L. (OERO) has bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potency of nanoemulsions containing essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (NOERO, NECHA, NECULT, and NECOM) in vitro and in vivo. This study was accomplished in a quantitative format through tests with diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cellular antioxidant activity (CCA), determination of nitric oxide production, cellular viability and anti-inflammatory activity in zebrafish. OERO's were submitted to the analysis-coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which highlighted 1,8-cineol and camphor as major compounds. NOEROs were obtained by a low-energy method and presenting the medium size smaller than 200 nm. The efficiency of encapsulation by spectrometry and gas chromatographic analysis was 67.61 and 75.38%, respectively. In the CCA assay, all of the samples presented percentage values of inhibition similar to the quercetin pattern, indicating antioxidant activity. In the test for determination of NO·, all of the samples inhibited the production of NO· when compared to LPS, and NOEROS were more effective than OEROS to 5 µg/mL. In the cell viability assay, the cells remained viable after contact with the samples, demonstrating an absence of cytotoxicity. This study showed that all nanoemulsions (NECHA, NECULT, and NECOM) showed no toxicity to macrophages, besides demonstrating antioxidant activity and potentiation of the essential oil effect in the proliferation of viable fibroblasts. Nanoemulsions has also shown the ability to potentiate the anti-inflammatory action of essential oils by exerting immunomodulatory activity by inhibiting the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide. The results obtained with NECHA in zebrafish confirm the hypothesis that prominent terpenic compounds, alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, became more available at the target sites, inhibiting the inflammatory process in this animal species.

Health Benefits of Fennel, Rosemary Volatile Oils and their Nano-Forms in Dyslipidemic Rat Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Dyslipidemia is a major health problem that may lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the present research, a biological experiment was run on dyslipidemic rats to study the health benefits of the volatile oils (VOs) of fennel and rosemary in its original and nano-form using chitosan as carrier.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into 6 groups; normal control, dyslipidemic control and 4 test groups with dyslipidemia and treated by VOs of fennel and rosemary and their respective nano-forms separately. Glucose tolerance test was carried out after 4 weeks. Parameters reflecting oxidative stress/antioxidant plasma catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood uric acid, were assessed. Plasma lipid profile and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as inflammatory biomarker were determined. Liver and kidney function were assessed as determinant of the safety of the different VO forms. Twenty four hour urinary volume was measured to assess creatinine clearance and to evaluate the possible diuretic activity of the VOs.

RESULTS

Dyslipidemic control rats showed dyslipidemia, increased CVDs risk, liver dysfunction, elevated MDA and TNF-α with marked increase in blood sugar after half an hour of glucose ingestion compared to normal control. Treatment with the four VOs forms improved the majority of the biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

All treatment showed cardio and hepato- protective effect and safety towards kidney and blood sugar. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were significantly improved by the different treatments; both VO forms of fennel were more efficient in ameliorating inflammation.

Semen quality, antioxidant status and reproductive performance of rabbits bucks fed milk thistle seeds and rosemary leaves

The study aimed to investigate the effects of milk thistle seeds (MTS) and rosemary leaves (RL) both at 5 and 10g/kg diet on reproductive performance, semen quality and blood metabolites of rabbit bucks. A total of 35 rabbit bucks were randomly distributed into five experimental groups (7 bucks/group). All the groups were fed the same basal diet. The 1st group (control) did not have MTS and RL in its basal diet. The 2nd and 3rd groups were supplemented with MTS at 5 and 10g/kg, respectively. The 4th and 5th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with RL at 5 and 10g/kg, respectively. The sperm concentration (SC), total sperm output (TSO), live sperm (LS), total live sperm (TLS) and total motile sperm (TMS) were significantly greater in the bucks fed MTS at 10 and RL at 5g/kg diet than the control group. Bucks fed MTS at 10g/kg diet had higher fertility than the control. Also, RL 5g/kg group showed higher testosterone and fertility than the control, but the MTS 10g/kg group showed the highest value for both parameters. In conclusion, MTS and RL at 10 and 5g/kg, respectively, significantly improved the semen quality and the fertility and MTS also increased the economic efficiency of rabbit bucks.

The Therapeutic Potential of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Diterpenes for Alzheimer's Disease

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is one of the most economically important species of the family Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, the plant is now widely distributed all over the world mainly due to its culinary, medicinal, and commercial uses including in the fragrance and food industries. Among the most important group of compounds isolated from the plant are the abietane-type phenolic diterpenes that account for most of the antioxidant and many pharmacological activities of the plant. Rosemary diterpenes have also been shown in recent years to inhibit neuronal cell death induced by a variety of agents both in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic potential of these compounds for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reviewed in this communication by giving special attention to the chemistry of the compounds along with the various pharmacological targets of the disease. The multifunctional nature of the compounds from the general antioxidant-mediated neuronal protection to other specific mechanisms including brain inflammation and amyloid beta (Aβ) formation, polymerisation, and pathologies is discussed.

Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Responses by the Essential Oil of Artemisia kotuchovii and Its Constituents

Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the flowers+leaves and stems of Artemisia kotuchovii Kupr. (AKEO(f+l) and AKEO(stm), respectively) and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The primary components of the oils were estragole, (E)- and (Z)-β-ocimenes, methyleugenol, limonene, spathulenol, β-pinene, myrcene, and (E)-methyl cinnamate. Seventy-four constituents were present at concentrations from 0.1 to 1.0%, and 34 compounds were identified in trace (<0.1%) amounts in one or both plant components. Screening of the essential oils for biological activity showed that AKEO(stm), but not AKEOf+l, inhibited N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF)-stimulated Ca(2+) flux and chemotaxis and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human neutrophils. Selected pure constituents, representing >96% of the AKEO(stm) composition, were also tested in human neutrophils and HL-60 cells transfected with N-formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1). One component, 6-methyl-3,5-heptadien-2-one (MHDO), inhibited fMLF- and interleukin 8 (IL-8)-stimulated Ca(2+) flux, fMLF-induced chemotaxis, and PMA-induced ROS production in human neutrophils. MHDO also inhibited fMLF-induced Ca(2+) flux in FPR1-HL60 cells. These results suggest that MHDO may be effective in modulating some innate immune responses, possibly by inhibition of neutrophil migration and ROS production.

New terpenoid glycosides obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis L. aerial parts

Five new terpenoid glycosides, named as officinoterpenosides A₁ (1), A₂ (2), B (3), C (4), and D (5), together with 11 known ones, (1S,4S,5S)-5-exo-hydrocamphor 5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), isorosmanol (7), rosmanol (8), 7-methoxyrosmanol (9), epirosmanol (10), ursolic acid (11), micromeric acid (12), oleanolic acid (13), niga-ichigoside F₁ (14), glucosyl tormentate (15), and asteryunnanoside B (16), were obtained from the aerial parts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, HRESI-TOF-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Among the new ones, 1 and 2, 3 and 4 are diterpenoid and triterpenoid glycosides, respectively; and 5 is a normonoterpenoid. For the known ones, 6 was isolated from the Rosmarinus genus first, and 15, 16 were obtained from this species for the first time.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citrus latifolia Tanaka Essential Oil and Limonene in Experimental Mouse Models

The genus Citrus (Rutaceae) includes several species of plants that produce some of the most cultivated fruits in the world, providing an appreciable content of essential oil. In folk medicine, they are used as a cholagogue, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antitoxic effects. Lemon essential oil has been used since ancient times for its antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, and eupeptic effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Citrus latifolia Tanaka essential oil (CLEO) and its main constituent LIM. In the cell viability assay, CLEO and LIM (3, 10, 30, and 90  μ g/mL) had low cytotoxicity. In zymosan-induced peritonitis, LIM (500 mg/kg) decreased the infiltration of peritoneal exudate leukocytes and decreased the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In vitro chemotaxis revealed that CLEO and LIM (1, 3, and 10 µg/mL) promoted a significant reduction of neutrophil migration toward fMLP and LTB4. LIM (500 mg/kg) also reduced TNF- α levels but did not alter IL-10 levels in the peritoneal exudate. In conclusion, this study showed that LIM isolated from CLEO had potential anti-inflammatory effects, likely by inhibiting proinflammatory mediators present in inflammatory exudate and leukocyte chemotaxis.

Effects of Thymol and Carvacrol, Constituents of Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil, on the Inflammatory Response

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae) is an aromatic and medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine, phytopharmaceutical preparations, food preservatives, and as an aromatic ingredient. The effect of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEO) and its isolated constituents thymol and cavacrol (CVL) were studied in the following experimental models: ear edema, carrageenan-induced pleurisy, and chemotaxis in vitro. In the pleurisy model, TEO, CVL, and thymol significantly inhibited inflammatory edema. However, only TEO and CVL inhibited leukocyte migration. In the in vitro chemotaxis experiment, CVL inhibited leukocyte migration, whereas thymol exerted a potent chemoattractant effect. In the ear edema model, CVL (10 mg/ear), applied topically, reduced edema formation, exerting a topical anti-inflammatory effect. Thymol did not reduce edema formation but rather presented an irritative response, probably dependent on histamine and prostanoid release. Our data suggest that the antiinflammatory effects of TEO and CVL are attributable to the inhibition of inflammatory edema and leukocyte migration.