Inhibition of elastase activity by essential oils in vitro

In Vitro and In Silico Pharmacological and Cosmeceutical Potential of Ten Essential Oils from Aromatic Medicinal Plants from the Mascarene Islands

In this study, 10 essential oils (EOs), from nine plants (Cinnamomum camphora, Curcuma longa, Citrus aurantium, Morinda citrifolia, Petroselinum crispum, Plectranthus amboinicus, Pittosporum senacia, Syzygium coriaceum, and Syzygium samarangense) were assessed for their antimicrobial, antiaging and antiproliferative properties. While only S. coriaceum, P. amboinicus (MIC: 0.50 mg/mL) and M. citrifolia (MIC: 2 mg/mL) EOs showed activity against Cutibacterium acnes, all EOs except S. samarangense EO demonstrated activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC: 0.125-0.50 mg/mL). The EOs were either fungistatic or fungicidal against one or both tested Candida species with minimum inhibitory/fungicidal concentrations of 0.016-32 mg/mL. The EOs also inhibited one or both key enzymes involved in skin aging, elastase and collagenase (IC₅₀: 89.22-459.2 µg/mL; 0.17-0.18 mg/mL, respectively). Turmerone, previously identified in the C. longa EO, showed the highest binding affinity with the enzymes (binding energy: -5.11 and -6.64 kcal/mol). Only C. aurantium leaf, C. longa, P. amboinicus, P. senacia, S. coriaceum, and S. samarangense EOs were cytotoxic to the human malignant melanoma cells, UCT-MEL1 (IC₅₀: 88.91-277.25 µg/mL). All the EOs, except M. citrifolia EO, were also cytotoxic to the human keratinocytes non-tumorigenic cells, HaCat (IC₅₀: 33.73-250.90 µg/mL). Altogether, some interesting therapeutic properties of the EOs of pharmacological/cosmeceutical interests were observed, which warrants further investigations.

Phytochemistry and therapeutic potential of black pepper [Piper nigrum (L.)] essential oil and piperine: a review

Background

Black pepper [Piper nigrum (L.), Family: Piperaceae] is used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases including; cough, cold, dyspnea throat diseases, intermittent fever, dysentery, stomachache, worms and piles. The pharmacological potential of black pepper is due to the presence of metabolites like phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, etc. The multipurpose use of black pepper dried seeds has several other beneficial health effects that also received in the light of traditional as well as current medicine perspectives. The review aims to discuss the botany, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological properties of piperine and black pepper essential oil (BPEO).

Results

Phytochemical analyses have described the main chemical constituents of black pepper, including carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, tannins, flavonoids and carotenoids. The volatile oil content ranges from 0.4 to 7 % in dried berries. The major constituents of BPEO are sabinene, 3-carene, D-limonene, α-pinene, caryophyllene, β-phellandrene, α-phellandrene, α-thujene, and β-bisabolene. Additionally, piperine is the naturally occurring and principal bioactive alkaloid constituent of black pepper owing to its potential therapeutic properties, including cerebral brain functioning and increased nutrient absorption. The BPEO has several biological roles, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-obesity, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, and insecticidal activities.

Conclusions

This review examines and presents the appropriate evidence on black pepper and its traditional uses as well as biological activities of BPEO and piperine. Although several previous reports showed diverse biological effects for piperine and bioactive constitutes of BPEO. Thus, minimal investigations were conducted using animal models, and many of these studies also lacked appropriate experimental setting like doses, control details. Hence, future studies are necessary to understand the mechanism of piperine, BPEO, bioactive constituents and their effects upon their use by animal models and humans with the proper experimental procedure which we can facilitate the protection of human health from several diseases.

Outgoing and potential trends of composition, health benefits, juice production and waste management of the multi-faceted Grapefruit Citrus Χ paradisi: A comprehensive review for maximizing its value

Grapefruit (GF) Citrus Χ paradisi Macfad (F. Rutaceae) is one of the major citrus fruits that encompass a myriad of bioactive chemicals and most unique among citrus fruits. Nevertheless, no study has yet to assess comprehensively its multitudinous constituents, health benefits, and valuable waste products. Hereto, the present review provides an updated comprehensive review on the different aspects of GF, its juice production, waste valorization, enhancement of its byproducts quality, and compared to other citrus fruits. Grapefruit uniqueness among other citrus fruits stands from its unique taste, flavor, and underlying complex chemical composition. Despite limonene abundance in peel oil and grapefruit juice (GFJ) aroma, nootkatone and sulfur compounds are the key determinants of its flavor, whereas flavanones contribute to its bitter taste and in conjunction with limonoids. Different postharvest treatments and juice processing are reviewed and in context to its influence on final product quality and or biological effects. Flavanones, furanocoumarins, and limonoids appear as the most prominent in GF drug interactions affecting its metabolism and or excretion. Valorization of GF peel is overviewed for its utilization as biosrobent, its oil in aromatherapy, limonene as antimicrobial or in cosmetics, fruit pectin for bioethanol production, or as biosorbent, and peel phenolics biotransformation. The present review capitalizes on all of the aforementioned aspects in GF and further explore novel aspects of its juice quality presenting the full potential of this valued multi-faceted citrus fruit.

Volatiles of Black Pepper Fruits (Piper nigrum L.)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is historically one of the most important spices and herbal medicines, and is now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. The essential oil of black pepper fruits has shown a myriad of biological activities and is a commercially important commodity. In this work, five black pepper essential oils from eastern coastal region of Madagascar and six black pepper essential oils from the Amazon region of Brazil were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major components of the essential oils were α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, δ-3-carene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene. A comparison of the Madagascar and Brazilian essential oils with black pepper essential oils from various geographical regions reported in the literature was carried out. A hierarchical cluster analysis using the data obtained in this study and those reported in the literature revealed four clearly defined clusters based on the relative concentrations of the major components.

Chemical composition and antifungal activities of Ziziphora tenuir and Z. clinopodioides essential oils against dermatophytes

Introduction: Ziziphora species are traditionally used for treatment of different infectious and non-infectious diseases as antiseptic agents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of Ziziphora clinopodioides and Z. tenuir essential oils and their antifungal effects againt five strains of dermatophytes.

Methods: GC and GC-MS methods were used for essentional oils analize. The anti-elastase activities were determined by porcine pancreatic elastase assays.

Results: 48 different compounds were identified in these two essential oils, which thymol, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole and γ-terpinene were their major components. The anti-dermatophyte activities of essential oils against dermatophytes showed that the essential oils (150 ppm) inhibited the mycelium growth, about 5–100%, which Z. clinopodioides essential oil had higher mycelium growth inhibition (28–100%) than that of Z. tenuir oil. The MIC and MFC values of essential oils were 0.01–1 µl/ml. 0.5 µl/ml essential oils inhibited porcine pancreatic elastase, dose-dependently.

Conclusions: Due to the anti-dermatophyte and anti-elastase effects of Ziziphora sp., it can be considered as natural antifungal agent for more clinical and pre-clinical trials.

Antiacne-causing Bacteria, Antioxidant, Anti-Tyrosinase, Anti-Elastase and Anti-Collagenase Activities of Blend Essential Oil comprising Rose, Bergamot and Patchouli Oils

Blended essential oil comprising rose, bergamot and patchouli (RBP) oils with the volume ratio of 6:3:1, respectively have been tested for various biological activities. The blended oil showed antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.003125 %v/v and 0.125 %v/v, respectively. For antioxidant, blended oil showed the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 0.67 %v/v and 0.14 %v/v while tested with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6 sulphonic acid) (ATBS) assays, respectively. Blended oil also has anti-tyrosinase activity with 45±4.6%tyrosinase inhibition at 4 mg/mL concentration using modified dopachrome method. However it has no activity on anti-collagenase and anti-elastase.

In vitro and In vivo Activity of Myrsine africana on Elastase Inhibition and Anti-wrinkle Activity

Background:

Myrsine africana (MA) is a plant traditionally used in South Africa to treat various diseases.

Objective:

The ethanolic extract of MA, was used for in vitro and in vivo studies to determine its elastase inhibitory activity.

Materials and Methods:

MA and its isolated compound, myrsinoside B, were tested in vitro for their elastase inhibitory activity. The MA extract was also evaluated for mutagenicity using two strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA 98 and TA 100), microbial count, metal analysis, and stability. In vivo studies included irritancy and wrinkle reduction trials using Visioscan and Visioface.

Results:

The leaf extract showed good elastase inhibition with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 28.04 μg/ml. Myrsinoside B inhibited the elastase enzyme at an IC₅₀ of 4.68 ± 0.34 μg/ml. No colony growth observed during mutagenicity studies and it was concluded that MA ethanolic extract is a nonmutagen. MA extract was found to be a nonirritant during the patch test clinical trial. MA was found to contain negligible amounts of microorganisms and heavy metals. Gel cream containing MA crude extract was found to be stable for 2 years when kept at temperatures below 30°C. In clinical trials (in vivo), it was found that the test product containing 5% ethanolic extract of MA was effective in reducing wrinkles after application 2 times a day for 14 days and 28 days compared to the placebo aqueous cream.

Conclusion:

MA is effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

SUMMARY

This is a first time report of the elastase inhibitory potential of Myrsine africana and myrsinoside B and the anti-wrinkle potential of Myrsine africana

Myrsine africana ethanolic extract effectively inhibited the elastase enzyme

Myrsine africana was effective in in vivo studies to reduce the appearance of wrinkles after 14 days.

Abbreviations used: 4-NQO: 4-nitroquinoline, D14-BL: Baseline to day fourteen, D28-BL: Baseline to day twenty-eight, CFU: Colony forming units, IC₅₀: 50% inhibitory concentration, MA: Myrsine africana, MOU: Measurement of uncertainty, NaCl: Sodium chloride, NaH₂ PO₄.H₂O: Sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, SEM: Standard error of the mean, TA 98: Salmonella typhimurium strain 98, TA 100: S. typhimurium strain 100, TLC: Thin layer chromatography, TMA: Total microbial activity, XVB salt: Vogel-Bonner medium E.

The anti-dermatophyte activity of Zataria multiflora essential oils

OBJECTIVE

Dermtophytes are a group of pathogenic fungi and the major cause of dermatophytosis in humans and animals. Fighting dermatophytes by natural essential oils is one important issue in new researches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this investigation, we evaluated the anti-dermatophyte activities of three samples of Z. multiflora essential oils against dermatophytes along with analysis of chemical compositions of the essential oils and their anti-elastase activities on elastase production in dermatophytes.

RESULTS

Carvacrol (1.5-34.4%), thymol (25.8-41.2%), carvacrol methyl ether (1.9-28.3%) and p-cymene (2.3-8.3%) were the main components of Z. multiflora essential oils. Z. multiflora essential oils (100ppm) inhibited the mycelium growth of dermatophytes (6±1.7-47.0±1.4%) and had the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values of 0.03-0.25μl/ml against dermatophytes. Essential oils inhibited elastase produced in dermatophytes and pure porcine elastase.

CONCLUSION

Z. multiflora essential oils can be used as natural anti-dermatophyte agent for fighting dermatophytes in further preclinical and clinical studies.

The anti-dermatophyte activity of Commiphora molmol

CONTEXT

Commiphora molmol Engl (Burseraceae) or myrrh has been traditionally used for the treatment of skin fungal infections.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the antifungal activity of myrrh ethanol extract and essential oil against skin dermatophytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antifungal evaluations were performed by the food poisoning technique (250 ppm) and micro-broth dilution assay (800-6.25 µg/mL) against Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, and T. verrucosum. The chemical composition of myrrh oil and ethanol extract was analyzed by GC and GC-MS.

RESULTS

Furanoeudesma 1,3-diene and menthofuran were the main components of myrrh oil, while 2-tert-butyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, benzenemethanol,3-methoxy-α-phenyl, and curzerene were the main components of myrrh ethanol extract. The inhibitory effect of myrrh oil and ethanol extract against dermatophytes were 43.1-61.6% and 12.5-27.5%, respectively. The MIC and MFC values of myrrh oil were 25-100 and 25-200 µg/mL while these amounts for ethanol extract were 25-400 and 25-400 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, myrrh oil had higher antifungal activity than that of the ethanol extract. Both extracts showed good anti-elastase activity.

CONCLUSION

The results of our investigation confirmed the traditional uses of C. molmol as a poultice for the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections.

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.

The antifungal activity of Artemisia sieberi essential oil from different localities of Iran against dermatophyte fungi

Dermatophyte fungi are the most common cause of dermatophytosis in humans and animals. Artemisia sieberi is traditionally used for treatment of fungi related skin infections. In this investigation, we analyzed five samples of A. sieberi oils (different harvesting times and distinctive collecting locations) by GC-FID and GC-MS. The antifungal activities of A. sieberi oils were evaluated against different dermatophytes. The anti-elastase activities of essential oils were also evaluated. The results of analysis showed that the harvesting time and collecting location can affect the chemical compositions and oil yields. The best time for collecting the A. sieberi with high yield was spring season (January-February). There was no significant difference between the desirable anti-dermatophyte activities of A. sieberi oils with different chemical compositions. M. gypseum, T. rubrum and M. canis had more sensitivity than others to A. sieberi oils. The oils with higher amounts of α-thujone, β-thujone showed the higher anti-elastase activity. Therefore, A. sieberi can be used as topical antifungal agent for treatment of skin dermatophyte infections.

Fermenting red ginseng enhances its safety and efficacy as a novel skin care anti-aging ingredient: in vitro and animal study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-aging potential and skin safety of red ginseng (RG) and fermented red ginseng (FRG) using Lactobacillus brevis for use as cosmetic ingredients. Concentrations of uronic acid, polyphenols, and flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were greater in FRG compared to RG. The contents of total ginsenosides were not significantly different. However, the ginsenoside metabolite content was higher in FRG (14,914.3 μg/mL) compared to RG (5697.9 μg/mL). The tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC(50)) of FRG was 27.63 μg/mL, and more potent compared with RG (34.14 μg/mL), (P<.05). The elastase inhibitory activity (IC(50)) of FRG was 117.07 μg/mL also higher compared with RG (157.90 μg/mL). In a primary skin irritation test, 10% RG and 10% FRG were classified as practically nonirritating materials. In a skin sensitization test, the RG group showed a sensitization rate of 100% and its mean evaluation score of irritation was 1.4, whereas the FRG group showed 20% and 0.2%, respectively. By fermentation of RG, FRG has increased contents of ginsenoside metabolites, such as Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, compound K, Rh1, F2, Rg2, and flavonoids content. Therefore, FRG offers increased anti-wrinkle efficacy, whitening efficacy, and reduced toxicological potency compared to RG.

Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and different fractions of Juniperus communis L. and a comparison with some commercial antibiotics

The essential oil of common juniper (Juniperus communis L., from the southern part of Serbia) and its fractions of different composition, as well as commercial antibiotics were used for testing their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast and fungi. The essential oil was produced by hydro-distillation in a pilot plant (130 dm3) and then fractionated by distillation over a column, with 36 theoretical stages, under vacuum (26-66 mbar). The essential oil was also fractionated using pure CO2 or CO2 and methanol as co-solvent under supercritical conditions. The native oil showed weak antimicrobial activity, while the fractions with a high content of ?-pinene, and mixture of ?-pinene and sabinene showed the highest antimicrobial activity, especially against fungi. In comparison to the commercial antibiotics, the oil fractions showed more extensive spectra of antimicrobial activity, as well as wider inhibition zones. .