In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Essential Oils of Eucalyptus benthamii and Its Related Terpenes on Tumor Cell Lines

In vitro evaluation of cytotoxic potential of essential oil extracted from leaves of Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth in human tumor cells

Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth, popularly known as "velame," is a shrub that resides in northeastern Brazil. The essential oil of C. heliotropiifolius contains high concentrations of volatile compounds in the leaves and is widely used in folk medicine for many purposes as an antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory agent. Due to the apparent limited amount of information, the aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic potential of essential oil extracted from leaves of C. heliotropiifolius, utilizing different human cancer cell lines (HL-60, leukemia; HCT-116, colon; MDA-MB435, melanoma; SF295, glioblastoma) and comparison to murine fibroblast L929 cell line. The chemical characterization of the essential oil revealed the presence of large amounts of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, the majority of which were aristolene (22.43%), germacrene D (11.38%), ɣ-terpinene (10.85%), and limonene (10.21%). The essential oil exerted significant cytotoxicity on all cancer cells, with low activity on murine L929 fibroblasts, independent of disruption of cell membranes evidenced by absence of hemolytic activity. The cytotoxicity identified was associated with oxidative stress, which culminated in mitochondrial respiration dysfunction and direct or indirect DNA damage (strand breaks and oxidative damage), triggering cell death via apoptosis. Our findings suggest that extracts of essential oil of C. Heliotropiifolius may be considered as agents to be used therapeutically in treatment of certain cancers.

Synthesis, characterization and anti-breast cancer potential of an incensole acetate nanoemulsion from Catharanthus roseus essential oil; in silico, in vitro, and in vivo study

The characteristics of phytocompounds and essential oils have undergone extensive research in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors due to their extensive usage. In spite of the fact that these molecules are widely used, terpenes, terpenoids, and their derivatives have not yet been well characterized. This study intends to evaluate the prospective activity of incensole acetate (IA), a compound identified and isolated from Catharanthus roseus essential oil by GC/MS analysis and column chromatography, and to analyze the anticancer effect of an IA biosynthesized nanoemulsion against breast cancer. The in silico activity of IA against breast cancer targets was observed by molecular docking, ADMET assessment and molecular dynamics simulations. The IA-mediated nanoformulation exhibited cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines at an effective concentration when analyzed by MTT and crystal violet assay. The increased interleukin serum indicators were significantly improved as a result of nanoemulsion treatment in a DMBA-induced rat model. In addition, the anticancer properties of IA biosynthesized nanoemulsion are supported due to their potential effects on biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and upon tumor growth profiling in cancer-induced rats.

Chemical Profiles and Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oils from Six Species of Baccharis Subgenus Coridifoliae (Asteraceae)

Several Baccharis species are popularly known in traditional medicine as "carquejas", "vassouras", "ervas-santas" and "mio-mios", and are used as anti-inflammatories, digestives, and diuretics. This study aimed to investigate the chemical compositions and cytotoxic activities of essential oils (EOs) of six Baccharis species belonging to subgenus Coridifoliae, namely B. albilanosa, B. coridifolia, B. erigeroides, B. napaea, B. ochracea, and B. pluricapitulata. GC/MS analyses of the EOs showed that the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol (7.32-38.22 %) and caryophyllene oxide (10.83-16.75 %) were the major components for all the species. The EOs of almost all species were cytotoxic against cancer (BT-549, KB, SK-MEL and SK-OV-3) and normal kidney (VERO and LLC-PK1) cell lines, whereas B. erigeroides EO showed cytotoxicity only against LLC-PK1. This article augments the current knowledge about the chemical-biological properties of Baccharis subgenus Coridifoliae and discusses the therapeutic potentials of these economically unexploited plants.

Eucalyptus botryoides' resin and its new 2-O-galloyl-1,6-O-di-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glycopyranoside compound display good antimicrobial activity

Fungal resistance to different therapeutic drugs has become a growing challenge. This crucial health problem requires new effective drug alternatives. Herein, we report the study of Eucalyptus botryoides' resin used in folk medicine as antimicrobial. Thus, E. botryoides' resin was extracted with aqueous-ethanol and fractionated using Sephadex chromatography, furnishing its major compounds. The crude extracts and the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts. The crude extract displayed MIC of 25 μg/mL against S. salivarius, and for C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis the MIC were between 2.9 and 5.9 μg/mL. The 7-O-Methyl-aromadendrin was the most effective against C. glabrata and C. krusei (MIC = 1.6 μg/mL). 2-O-Galloyl-1,6-O-di-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glycopyranoside, first time reported, showed MIC of 3.1 μg/mL against C. glabrata and C. krusei. Overall, this work gave promising results, indicating that Eucalyptus botryoides' resin and its compounds have the potential for developing anti-yeast products.

Antiproliferative Activities of the Lipophilic Fraction of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells, UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Metabolite Profile, and Antioxidative Functions

Although a number of pharmacological properties have been linked to Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf essential oil and extracts, the biological attributes of the lipophilic fraction remain unknown. Moreover, only a limited number of active compounds have so far been identified. This work aimed to investigate the anti-oxidative, anti-aggregation, and cytotoxic properties as well as profile the secondary metabolites in the lipophilic fraction of E. camaldulensis leaf extract (Lipo-Eucam) using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that Lipo-Eucam possessed potent antioxidant properties against DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP with IC₅₀ values of 31.46, 32.78, and 10.12 μg/mL, respectively. The fraction was able to attenuate metal-catalyzed oxidation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05) and abrogated the aggregation of amyloidogenic BSA as revealed by the Congo red assay and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, Lipo-Eucam demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 (IC₅₀ 7.34 μg/mL) but was noncytotoxic at used concentrations against HEK-293 cells (IC₅₀ > 80 μg/mL), suggestive of its selective anticancer properties. Spectrophotometric, UHPLC-MS, and GC-MS analysis revealed that Lipo-Eucam is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, volatile constituents, and a plethora of active metabolites, probably responsible for the observed activities. These findings indicate that Lipo-Eucam is endowed with pharmacologically relevant active principles with strong potential for use in the amelioration of disease conditions related to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and breast cancer and therefore worthy of further investigations.

Influence of the Extraction Solvent and of the Altitude on the Anticancer Activity of Lebanese Eucalyptus camaldulensis Extract Alone or in Combination with Low Dose of Cisplatin in A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

Background: Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Eucalyptus plant extract has been shown to have anti-neoplastic effects. We investigated the antitumor effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis collected at different altitudes on A549. In addition, we evaluated the additive effect of its combination with low-dose cisplatin (CDDP). Methods: Qualitative and quantitative analyses of secondary metabolites present in the plants were carried out. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the different extracts on A549 were evaluated using the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and neutral red assay, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of the combination of certain extract concentrations with low-dose CDDP on A549 cells was studied. Results: In the Ethanoic extract, a higher number of active substances and antioxidant activities were observed. The four E. camaldulensis extracts showed cytotoxic activity on A549 cells, with a higher cytotoxicity for the Ethanoic extract and the sea-level altitude species. Moreover, the dual exposure of cells to both E. camaldulensis extracts and a low dose of Cisplatin showed an additional cytotoxic effect on A549 cells in certain concentrations. Conclusions: This study opens novel therapeutic options in combinational therapies of Eucalyptus camaldulensis with low-dose CDDP for the treatment of adenocarcinoma cells of human lungs.

Extracts of Eucalyptus alba Promote Diabetic Wound Healing by Inhibiting α-Glucosidase and Stimulating Cell Proliferation

Treatment of diabetic wounds has always been a challenge for primary and acute health care. Eucalyptus alba has been reported to be used for the treatment of wounds and oxidative stress. Effects of using different temperatures and solvents for the extraction of Eucalyptus alba leaves were investigated in terms of diabetic wound healing activity. Leaves of E. alba were dried at 10°C, 30°C, 50°C, and 100°C, and dissolved in ethanol, methanol, and acetone to obtain a total of 12 extracts. All the extracts have remarkable antidiabetic, antioxidant, and cell proliferation activities. Among the tested extracts, highest activities were observed with leaves dried at 10°C and 30°C, whereas drying at 100°C resulted in the lowest activities. Ethanol-based extracts exhibited significantly increased cell proliferation compared with methanol- and acetone-based extract. The present study suggests that leaves of E. alba should be dried at temperature not more than 30°C and extracted in ethanol for optimum results. However, further studies should focus on the identification of specific bioactive compounds in E. alba leaves.

In vitro biological potential of the essential oil of some aromatic species used in Iranian traditional medicine

The goal of this study is to evaluate the chemical compounds, the anti-bacterial/fungal activity, and the cytotoxicity of the essential oil of three species of lamiaceae in Iran. After the extraction of the essential oil implementing the hydrodistillation method, the analysis and identification of the compounds were carried out with a chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer. For the evaluation of the anti-bacterial/fungal activity of the essential oils, the measurement of the diameter of inhibition halo, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) were utilized; and for the evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of the essential oils, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was used. The results show that the dominant compounds in the Perovskia abrotanoides Kar essential oil were camphor (21.68%), 1,8-cineole (14.26%), and α-pinene (7.23%); moreover, the dominant compounds in the Salvia reuteriana Boiss. Essential oil were benzyl benzoate (27.10%), linalool (13.27%), and sclareol (7.75%); in addition, the dominant compounds in the Ziziphora clinopodioides subsp. rigida (Boiss.) Rech.f. were cyclofenchene (25.29%), pulegone (14.14%), and menthol (7.70%). The largest halo diameter of inhibition halo (~ 22 mm) was against Streptococcus pyogenes and the strongest inhibiting and killing activity was against Candida albicans (MIC and MFC = 125 μg/mL) shown by the S. reuteriana essential oil which, respectively, matched the control antibiotics rifampin and nystatin. The analysis of the MTT test results showed that the Z. clinopodioides subsp. rigida essential oil (with IC50 value of ~ 144.2500) had the strongest cytotoxic activity against human ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3). On the whole, the results show that the essential oil of the Lamiaceae family plants is a source for various compounds with potential biological activities which can serve as a possible alternative to produce herbal medicine which are effective on some microorganisms and cancer cell lines.

The synergistic effect of eucalyptus oil and retinoic acid on human esophagus cancer cell line SK-GT-4

Background

In order to improve cancer patients' chances of survival, scientists have prioritized finding alternatives to chemotherapy, focusing their efforts on natural sources. The current study investigates the anti-cancer action of retinoic acid and Eucalyptus oil in esophageal cancer and studies their combined effect as well as the cellular pathways that each trigger as part of ongoing research in this field. As a model of esophageal cancer, the SK-GT-4 cancer cell line was treated with a series of concentrations of both materials.

Results

The concentrations of Eucalyptus oil (10, 100, 1000, and 1500 g/mL) and Retinoic acid (5, 100, 150, and 200 M/mL) were used for treatment of cells. The MTT test was used to assess the anti-cancer activity of Eucalyptus oil and Retinoic acid, and qPCR was used to determine cellular pathways. Our findings show that both Eucalyptus oil and Retinoic acid inhibit cancer cell growth significantly. Our findings revealed that the IC50 values for eucalyptus oil were 63 g/mL and 111.3 M l/mL for retinoic acid. Furthermore, the impact was at the level that causes apoptosis. The findings suggested that any herbal substance could act as an inducer of the caspase-9-dependent pathway. The caspase-8-dependent pathway, on the other hand, was restricted to retinoic acid.

Conclusion

Our research discovered that the two chemicals worked together to create a synergistic effect. This synergistic effect could be attributed to a close connection between external and internal apoptotic pathways, which inhibits SK-GT-4 cell growth.

Graphical Abstract

Repurposing Lovastatin Cytotoxicity against the Tongue Carcinoma HSC3 Cell Line Using a Eucalyptus Oil-Based Nanoemulgel Carrier

Tongue cancer is one of the most common carcinomas of the head and neck region. The antitumor activities of statins, including lovastatin (LV), and the essential oil of eucalyptus (Eu oil), have been adequately reported. The aim of this study was to develop a nanoemulgel containing LV combined with Eu oil that could then be made into a nanoemulsion and assessed to determine its cytotoxicity against the cell line human chondrosarcoma-3 (HSC3) of carcinoma of the tongue. An I-optimal coordinate-exchange quadratic mixture design was adopted to optimize the investigated nanoemulsions. The droplet size and stability index of the developed formulations were measured to show characteristics of the nanoemulsions. The optimized LV loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (LV-Eu-SNEDDS) was loaded into the gelling agent Carbopol 934 to develop the nanoemulgel and evaluated for its rheological properties. The cytotoxic efficiency of the optimized LV-Eu-SNEDDS loaded nanoemulgel was tested for cell viability, and the caspase-3 enzyme test was used against the HSC3 cell line of squamous carcinoma of the tongue. The optimized nanoemulsion had a droplet size of 85 nm and a stability index of 93%. The manufactured nanoemulgel loaded with the optimum LV-Eu-SNEDDS exhibited pseudoplastic flow with thixotropic behavior. The developed optimum LV-Eu-SNEDDS-loaded nanoemulgel had the best half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and caspase-3 enzyme values of the formulations developed for this study, and these features improved the ability of the nanoemulsion-loaded gel to deliver the drug to the investigated target cells. In addition, the in vitro cell viability studies revealed the synergistic effect between LV and Eu oil in the treatment of tongue cancer. These findings illustrated that the LV-Eu-SNEDDS-loaded gel formulation could be beneficial in the local treatment of tongue cancer.

Short-term changes related to autotetraploidy in essential oil composition of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage and its applications in different bioassays

Some forest trees have been polyploidized to improve their traits and to supply new germplasms for breeding programs. As trees have a long juvenile stage, the early characterization of the chromosome set doubling effects is crucial for previous selection. Thus, we aimed to characterize the chemical variability of essential oils from diploid and autotetraploid germplasms (autotetraploid A and B) of Eucalyptus benthamii, as well as to evaluate their larvicidal and allelopathic effects. Autotetraploid A showed a higher essential oil yield than diploid and autotetraploid B, which did not differ quantitatively. Aromadendrene, viridiflorol and α-pinene were the major compounds in the diploid essential oil. In contrast, compounds were present in autotetraploids, such as 1,8-cineole, limonene, α-terpineol, and α-terpinyl-acetate. Essential oils from the diploid at 50-200 ppm were twice as larvicidal than those from autotetraploids against Aedes aegypti larvae. Considering the phytotoxicity bioassays using Lactuca sativa, essential oils from both ploidy levels affected root growth. Moreover, the essential oils inhibited shoot growth at all concentrations tested (187.5; 375; 750; 1500; and 3000 ppm). Autotetraploid A and B had the same effect on shoot growth as glyphosate. The essential oils had no cytogenotoxic effect on root meristematic cells of L. sativa, whereas phytotoxic potential was identified mainly in shoot growth. This work demonstrated a dramatic change in secondary metabolism (terpene composition) related to an increase in the ploidy level in Eucalyptus germplasms. In addition, we report the novelty of the chemical composition of essential oils among germplasms and their potential use as larvicidal and post-emergence weed control agents.

Assessment of the Cytotoxic Activity of Alcoholic Extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on Breast Cancer Cell Line

The spread of different types of cancer has been on a rise in the recent century. The use of chemical medications develops drug resistance and causes serious side effects. Eucalyptus camaldulensis (E. camaldulensis) is one of the most famous herbal remedies considered owing to its anti-inflammatory effect and boosting the intimate immune system; moreover, it has demonstrated some anti-proliferative effects on cancerous cell lines. The current study assessed the cytotoxic activity of alcoholic extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (E. camaldulensis) at different concentrations of 6.125, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL on breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS)) analyses were employed to study the antioxidant efficiency of ethanolic extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The results of Fourier transmission infra-red analysis and Phytochemical screening pointed to the presence of many active compounds in this extract, such as Tannins, Saponins, Phenolic compounds, Reducing sugar, Terpenoids, Steroids, Glucosides, Alkaloids, and Flavonoids. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that this extract significantly inhibited the growth of the MCF-7 cell line in a concentration-dependent manner, as compared to the control, and the cytotoxic activity of this extract elevated with an increase in the concentration. The results pointed out that E. camaldulensis can be considered a particularly valuable source of effective anti-proliferative and cytotoxic agents. The experimental findings demonstrated that E. camaldulensis extract possessed significant antioxidant efficiency and anti-proliferative effects on cancerous cell lines.

Chemical composition and biological activity of Peucedanum dhana A. Ham essential oil

The essential oil was extracted from Peucedanum dhana A. Ham, which grows in Thailand, using a Clevenger apparatus, resulting in an oil yield of 0.76% w/w. Forty-two compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major compounds were trans-piperitol (51.23%), β-pinene (11.72%), o-cymene (11.12%), γ-terpinene (9.21%), and limonene (4.91%). The antimicrobial activity of the P. dhana essential oil was investigated by measuring the inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC). The inhibition zone diameters of P. dhana essential oil (1000 µg/mL) against tested pathogens ranged from 10.70 to 40.80 mm. Significant antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens was obtained, with MIC and MMC values of 62.50–250 µg/mL and 250–1000 µg/mL, respectively. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter aerogenes exposed to P. dhana essential oil at the MIC were analysed by flow cytometry using propidium iodide (PI) and SYTO9 to assess membrane integrity compared to trans-piperitol and β-pinene. After 24 h, treatments with trans-piperitol resulted in the most significant cell membrane alteration and depolarization followed by P. dhana essential oil and β-pinene, respectively. It was demonstrated that the P. dhana essential oil presented antibacterial action against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. aerogenes. The antioxidant activity of P. dhana essential oil was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium (ABTS) scavenging activity assays. The IC₅₀ values obtained from the DPPH and ABTS methods were 9.13 and 9.36 mg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of P. dhana oil was tested against human colonic adenocarcinoma (SW480), human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), cervical cancer (Hela), and murine fibroblast (3T3L1) cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The essential oil had cytotoxicity against all cancer cells, with significant cytotoxicity towards SW480 cells. As a control experiment, two pure compounds—trans-piperitol and β-pinene, were also tested for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activity. Both compounds showed varied activity in all assays. The results indicate that P. dhana essential oil could be used as a source of functional ingredients in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Antibacterial Activities of Homemade Matrices Miming Essential Oils Compared to Commercial Ones

The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide concern. Essential oils are known to possess remarkable antibacterial properties, but their high chemical variability complicates their development into new antibacterial agents. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to standardize their chemical composition. Several commercial essential oils of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) and thyme (chemotype thymol) (Thymus vulgaris L.) were bought on the market. GC-MS analysis revealed that thyme essential oils have a chemical composition far more consistent than ajowan essential oils. Sometimes thymol was not even the major compound. The most abundant compounds and the homemade mixtures were tested against two Staphylococcus aureus strains. The antibacterial property of β-caryophyllene presented no direct activity against S. aureus LMG 15975, but in association with thymol or carvacrol at equal percentages an MIC of 125 μg/mL was observed. The mixture of those three compounds at equivalent percentages also decreased by 16-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. Against S. aureus LMG 21674, β-caryophyllene presented an MIC of 31.3 μg/mL and decreased by 267-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. These observations led us to question the benefits of using a complex chemical mixture instead of one active compound to fight bacterial resistance.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Assay of Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil in Colon and Liver Cancer Cell Lines

PURPOSE

Toxic effects of vegetables have been the subject of numerous investigations in recent years. Eucalyptus globulus of the Myrtaceae family has been traditionally used in the treatment of various infectious disorders. This study aims to assay the potential anticancer effect of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, in vitro, and compare its cytotoxic effects on cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines.

METHODS

The cytotoxicity of the Eucalyptus globulus essential oil was evaluated in colon cancer cell line SW48, liver cancer cell line HepG2, HEK293t, and skin fibroblast using the MTT assay. We used 5-FU as the control treatment for cancer. The essential oil was diluted by phosphate buffer saline in cell culture.

RESULTS

Eucalyptus globulus essential oil with the concentration of 0.01% did not reduce the cell viability of SW48 (IC50 = 0.2%) and fibroblast cells (IC50 = 5%) after a 48-h treatment period. Eucalyptus globulus essential oil did not also exhibit any toxic effects on HEK293t and HEPG2 cell lines, except in high dose (0.5%) with IC50 = 0.2% for both of the cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Eucalyptus essential oil showed some side effects and might not be safe to use for treatment at high doses (0.5% and 5%). Moreover, the findings of the present study show that eucalyptus essential oil suppressed the proliferation of human colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Eucalyptus essential oil might be a good candidate for the treatment of colon cancer.

Litsea cubeba essential oil: chemical profile, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, effect against Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisins production

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical profile of Litsea cubeba essential oil, carry out an in vitro evaluation of its antioxidant potential and its cytotoxicity, as well as its antifungal and antimicotoxigenic activities against Fusarium verticillioides. Most of the compounds observed in the EO were neral (32.75%) and geranial (37.67%). The radical scavenging capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid was 104.4 and 56.4 mmol Trolox mg^-1, respectively, indicating good antioxidant activity. The EO studied by us revealed cytotoxic effect against HT-29 and HeLa cancer cells. The Minimum Inhibitory and Minimum Fungicidal Concentrations against F. verticillioides were both 125 µg mL^-1. Morphological investigation, performed by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, showed that hyphae and microconidia structures underwent changes after treatment with the EO. Analyses performed with the EO strongly reduced the mycelial development of F. verticillioides and the synthesis of fumonisins B₁ and B₂ in dose-dependence effect compared (P < 0.01) with the fungal control (10⁵ conidia mL^-1) and positive control (fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M). Thus, the results obtained in vitro suggest that L. cubeba EO has excellent antioxidant, fungicidal, and antimycotoxigenic effects.

Monoterpenes: Essential Oil Components with Valuable Features

Medicinal plants have a wide range of secondary metabolites including monoterpene. These volatile compounds are the main components of essential oils, belonging to the isoprenoid group and possessing valuable features for plants and humans. This review provides comprehensive information on chemical structures and classification of monoterpenes. It describes their biosynthesis pathways and introduces plant families and species rich in noteworthy monoterpenes. Bio-activities, pharmacological and pesticide effects as well as their mechanism of action are reported. Applications of these compounds in various industries are also included.

Juniper and immortelle essential oils synergistically inhibit adhesion of nontuberculous mycobacteria to Acanthamoeba castellanii

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic protozoon, widespread in the aquatic environment, where it can be in endosymbiosis with over 30 pathogenic bacteria, including nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Protozoa play a crucial role in mycobacterial pathogenesis and serve as a reservoir of infection. Since the first step in bacteria making contact with amoebae is adhesion, we were interested in investigating whether essential oils (EOs) can affect it. To that end we investigated the effects of juniper (Juniperus communis) and immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) EOs against Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. gordonae in tap water and against their adhesion to Acanthamoeba castellanii by combining them in synergistic EO concentrations. M. avium and M. intracellulare adhered to A. castellanii to a greater extent than M. gordonae. The adhesion of all NTMs was prevented by the subinhibitory concentrations of EOs. When comparing the effect of synergistic combinations of EOs and the effect of a single concentration from a combination, a higher percentage of adhesion inhibition in all synergistic combinations observed, except against M. gordonae. Neither oil was cytotoxic to A. castellanii. Our findings suggest that the EOs or their components weaken the contact of environmental NTMs and free-living amoebae and indirectly diminish their pathogenic potential, which could be of value in developing strategies for maintenance of water supply systems.

Potency of Combining Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis with Low-Dose Cisplatin in A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinomas and MCF-7 Breast Adenocarcinoma

Background: Lung and breast cancers are common in the world and represent major public health problems. Systemic chemotherapy is an effective way to prolong survival but it is associated with side effects. Plants are used as traditional treatments for many types of cancers, mostly in combination with chemotherapy. We investigated the antitumor effect of ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (AE) extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on human alveolar adenocarcinoma basal epithelial cells (A549) and breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and checked the synergistic effect of the combination with low-dose cisplatin (CDDP). Methods: AE and EE were characterized for their secondary metabolites including content of phenol and antioxidant activity of both extracts. Cell viability was tested by the neutral red assay and MTT. Combinations of extract with low-dose CDDP on A549, MCF-7 cells, and normal cells peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to study cell viability. Results: AE contains higher level of active constituents than EE. Higher antioxidant activity was observed in AE. Both extracts showed cytotoxic activity on A549 and MCF-7 cells. Moreover, combining E. camaldulensis with low-dose CDDP increases significantly the cell death of treated cells in comparison to those treated with CDDP alone. Conclusions: Our results highlight a new therapeutic concept that combines Eucalyptus camaldulensis with low-dose CDDP to treat lung and breast adenocarcinoma.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids Present in Cannabis

In recent years, and even more since its legalization in several jurisdictions, cannabis and the endocannabinoid system have received an increasing amount of interest related to their potential exploitation in clinical settings. Cannabinoids have been suggested and shown to be effective in the treatment of various conditions. In cancer, the endocannabinoid system is altered in numerous types of tumours and can relate to cancer prognosis and disease outcome. Additionally, cannabinoids display anticancer effects in several models by suppressing the proliferation, migration and/or invasion of cancer cells, as well as tumour angiogenesis. However, the therapeutic use of cannabinoids is currently limited to the treatment of symptoms and pain associated with chemotherapy, while their potential use as cytotoxic drugs in chemotherapy still requires validation in patients. Along with cannabinoids, cannabis contains several other compounds that have also been shown to exert anti-tumorigenic actions. The potential anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, present in cannabis, are explored in this literature review.

Co-Loaded Curcumin and Methotrexate Nanocapsules Enhance Cytotoxicity against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Background: As part of the efforts to find natural alternatives for cancer treatment and to overcome the barriers of cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, polymeric nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate were prepared by an interfacial deposition of preformed polymer method. Methods: Physicochemical properties, drug release experiments and in vitro cytotoxicity of these nanocapsules were performed against the Calu-3 lung cancer cell line. Results: The colloidal suspensions of nanocapsules showed suitable size (287 to 325 nm), negative charge (-33 to -41 mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (82.4 to 99.4%). Spherical particles at nanoscale dimensions were observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that nanocapsules exhibited a non-crystalline pattern with a remarkable decrease of crystalline peaks of the raw materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between the drug(s) and polymers. Drug release experiments evidenced a controlled release pattern with no burst effect for nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate. The nanoformulation containing curcumin and methotrexate (NCUR/MTX-2) statistically decreased the cell viability of Calu-3. The fluorescence and morphological analyses presented a predominance of early apoptosis and late apoptosis as the main death mechanisms for Calu-3. Conclusions: Curcumin and methotrexate co-loaded nanocapsules can be further used as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating non-small-cell lung cancer.

Chemical profile, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities and docking studies of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. and Cymbopogon nervatus (Hochst.) Chiov. from Sudan

Essential oils from the inflorescence of Cymbopogon schoenanthus and C. nervatus growing in Northern Sudan were examined for their chemical composition, antiproliferative activity against human breast carcinoma and human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum, antiradical, reducing power, and ferrous chelating), and enzyme inhibition activity against acetylcholinesterase butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. In silico study on the inhibition of tyrosinase and α-amylase was also performed. Piperitone (59.1%) and isomers of para-menthadienols (35.3%) were the main compounds in C. schoenanthus and C. nervatus oils, respectively. Oil from C. nervatus possessed higher antioxidant activity than that from C. schoenanthus except for its metal chelating ability. Both oils showed high antiproliferative activity. In silico study showed that trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol and piperitone (both isomers) revealed the best docking scores for α-amylase and tyrosinase, respectively. In conclusion, oils from these two Cymbopogon species could be new natural agents with functional properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Recently, there is a growing tendency to replace synthetic oils by natural ones in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products. In this context, we investigated the chemical characterization and biological activities of two Cymbopogon species essential oils (C. schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. and C. nervatus). Antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative effects were tested for biological activities. Chemical characterization was identified by GC-MS. Based on our findings, the Cymbopogon species may be utilized as sources of natural bioactive agents in food industries.

β-Caryophyllene in the Essential Oil from Chrysanthemum Boreale Induces G1 Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Chrysanthemum boreale is a plant widespread in East Asia, used in folk medicine to treat various disorders, such as pneumonia, colitis, stomatitis, and carbuncle. Whether the essential oil from C. boreale (ECB) and its active constituents have anti-proliferative activities in lung cancer is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of ECB in A549 and NCI-H358 human lung cancer cells. Culture of A549 and NCI-H358 cells with ECB induced apoptotic cell death, as revealed by an increase in annexin V staining. ECB treatment reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), disrupted the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, and activated caspase-8, -9, and -3, as assessed by western blot analysis. Interestingly, pretreatment with a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk) significantly attenuated ECB-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of ECB identified six compounds. Among them, β-caryophyllene exhibited a potent anti-proliferative effect, and thus was identified as the major active compound. β- Caryophyllene induced G₁ cell cycle arrest by downregulating cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK) -2, -4, and -6, and RB phosphorylation, and by upregulating p21^CIP1/WAF1 and p27^KIP1. These results indicate that β-caryophyllene exerts cytotoxic activity in lung cancer cells through induction of cell cycle arrest.

In vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of carvacrol and terpinen-4-ol against biofilm formation on titanium implant surfaces

This study evaluated the antibacterial properties of carvacrol and terpinen-4-ol against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum and its cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were examined. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) was evaluated by XTT assay. Biofilm decontamination on titanium surfaces was quantified (CFU ml^-1), evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and cytotoxic activity by MTT. The MIC and MBC for carvacrol were 0.007% and 0.002% for P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, and 0.06% for terpinen-4-ol for both microorganisms. The MBIC for carvacrol was 0.03% and 0.06% for P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, and for terpinen-4-ol was 0.06% and 0.24%. The results indicated anti-biofilm activity using carvacrol (0.26%, 0.06%) and terpinen-4-ol (0.95%, 0.24%) and showed cytotoxic activity similar to chlorohexidine (CHX). However, terpinen-4-ol (0.24%) showed higher cell viability than other treatments. Carvacrol and terpinen-4-ol showed antibacterial activity in respect of reducing biofilms. Moreover, CHX-like cytotoxicity was observed.

Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review

The genus Eucalyptus L'Heritier comprises about 900 species, of which more than 300 species contain volatile essential oil in their leaves. About 20 species, within these, have a high content of 1,8-cineole (more than 70%), commercially used for the production of essential oils in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, Eucalyptus is extensively planted for pulp, plywood and solid wood production, but its leaf aromatic oil has astounding widespread biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, chemotherapeutic, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorder treatment, wound healing, and insecticidal/insect repellent, herbicidal, acaricidal, nematicidal, and perfumes, soap making and grease remover. In the present review, we have made an attempt to congregate the biological ingredients of leaf essential oil, leaf oil as a natural medicine, and pharmacological and toxicological values of the leaf oil of different Eucalyptus species worldwide. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antinflammatory and anticancer effects of terpenes from oily fractions of Teucruim alopecurus, blocker of IκBα kinase, through downregulation of NF-κB activation, potentiation of apoptosis and suppression of NF-κB-regulated gene expression

Teucrium alopecurus is an endemic plant limited to southern Tunisia. In the present study, the chemical composition, anticancer and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitory effects of Teucrium alopecurus leaf essential oil was investigated. The analysis of Teucrium alopecurus (TA-1) with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) showed that α-Bisabolol, (+)-epi-Bicyclosesquiphellandrene and α-Cadinol, were found in relatively high amounts (16.16%, 15.40% and 8.52%, respectively). Cell viability was determined by 3-(4-5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2-5-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis assay were determined by flow cytometry. TA-1 functions as an anticancer agent by triggering apoptosis potentiated by chemotherapeutic agents and TNF in human myeloid leukemia cells (KBM5) through a mechanism involving poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and initiator and effector caspases activation. Moreover, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that TA-1 downregulated nuclear localization of NF-κB and its phosphorylation induced by TNF-α and this, allows the suppression of the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB and the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p65 phosphorylation and the p50-p65 heterodimer nuclear translocation, causing attenuation of NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic (Survivin, Bcl-2, c-IAP1/2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and cFLIP), invasion (ICAM1), metasatsis (MMP-9), and angiogenesis (VEGF) gene expression in KBM5; and finally reporter gene expression. Furthermore, treatment with essential oil and TNF-α suppressed the NF-κB DNA binding activity. Finally, the activation of nuclear factor-κB induced by different plasmids (TNFR1, TRADD, TRAF2, NIK, TAK1/TAB1, and IKKβ) was inhibited following treatment with TA-1. Overall, TA-1 inhibits NF-κB activation and further growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activities of the Essential Oil of Aloysia citriodora Palau Grown in Morocco

The aim of this work is to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and antibacterial effects of the essential oils of Aloysia citriodora Palau, harvested in different regions of Morocco. The chemical profile was established using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The cytotoxic activity against P815, MCF7, and VERO cell lines as well as the normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated using the MTT assay. Standard, ATCC, strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were cultivated in Muller Hinton media. Then, agar disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined using microdilution method. The essential oils obtained were predominantly composed of β-spathulenol (15.61%), Ar-curcumene (14.15%), trans-caryophyllene oxide (14.14%), and neral (10.02%). The results of the assays showed that the cytotoxic effect of the essential oil of A. citriodora was high on P815 and moderate on MCF7 and on VERO cell lines. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed on PBMCs. On the other hand, essential oils showed a significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. MICs ranged between 2.84 and 8.37 mg/ml. Essential oil of A. citriodora leaves possesses significant antibacterial effect and cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines.

In vitro anticancer properties of selected Eucalyptus species

In spite of the recent advancements in oncology, the overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer has not improved over the last five decades. Eucalypts have been linked with cytotoxic and anticancer properties in various studies; however, there is very little scientific evidence that supports the direct role of eucalypts in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This study assessed the anticancer properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of four Eucalyptus species using an MTT assay. The most promising extracts were further evaluated using a CCK-8 assay. Apoptotic studies were performed using a caspase 3/7 assay in MIA PaCa-2 cells. The aqueous extract of Eucalyptus microcorys leaf and the ethanolic extract of Eucalyptus microcorys fruit inhibited the growth of glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, lung and pancreatic cancer cells by more than 80% at 100 μg/mL. The E. microcorys and Eucalyptus saligna extracts showed lower GI₅₀ values than the ethanolic Eucalyptus robusta extract in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Aqueous E. microcorys leaf and fruit extracts at 100 μg/mL exerted significantly higher cell growth inhibition in MIA PaCa-2 cells than other extracts (p < 0.05). Statistically similar IC₅₀ values (p > 0.05) were observed in aqueous E. microcorys leaf (86.05 ± 4.75 μg/mL) and fruit (64.66 ± 15.97 μg/mL) and ethanolic E. microcorys leaf (79.30 ± 29.45 μg/mL) extracts in MIA PaCa-2 cells using the CCK-8 assay. Caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis and morphological changes of cells were also witnessed in MIA PaCa-2 cells after 24 h of treatment with the extracts. This study highlighted the significance of E. microcorys as an important source of phytochemicals with efficacy against pancreatic cancer cells. Further studies are warranted to purify and structurally identify individual compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action for the development of more potent and specific chemotherapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer.

Chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils from flower and fruit of Thymbra capitata and Thymus species

Thymbra capitata and Thymus species are commonly known as thyme in Spain and they are currently used as culinary herbs, as well as for ornamental, aromatizing and traditional medicinal purposes. Given the economic importance of thyme oils, many thyme species have been studied, and their essential oils (EOs) and other volatile-containing extracts have been chemically characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities as well as the phytochemical composition of the EOs from fruits and flowers of T. capitata and Thymus species. High antioxidant capacity has been observed and related to the relative amounts of terpenoid and phenolic with good antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activities decreased as follows: TAC > TZ > TC > TM. The results of antimicrobial activity showed that all tested EOs were active against all tested microbial species, including Gram-positive and negative bacteria. The minimum inhibition concentration values obtained ranged from 0.1 to 0.01 μL/mL. Furthermore, all EOs assayed induced cell death in both human epitheloid cervix carcinoma and histiocytic leukemia cell lines. Overall, the results of this study indicates that the EOs from fruits and flowers of T. capitata and Thymus species posses interesting antioxidant properties and represent a potential source of medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.

Biological Activities of Essential Oils: From Plant Chemoecology to Traditional Healing Systems

Essential oils are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons and their oxygenated derivatives arising from two different isoprenoid pathways. Essential oils are produced by glandular trichomes and other secretory structures, specialized secretory tissues mainly diffused onto the surface of plant organs, particularly flowers and leaves, thus exerting a pivotal ecological role in plant. In addition, essential oils have been used, since ancient times, in many different traditional healing systems all over the world, because of their biological activities. Many preclinical studies have documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of essential oils in a number of cell and animal models, also elucidating their mechanism of action and pharmacological targets, though the paucity of in human studies limits the potential of essential oils as effective and safe phytotherapeutic agents. More well-designed clinical trials are needed in order to ascertain the real efficacy and safety of these plant products.

Chemical Composition, an Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Microbiological Activity of the Essential Oil from the Leaves of Aeollanthus suaveolens Mart. ex Spreng

Aeollanthus suaveolens species popularly known as catinga de mulata belongs to the Lamiaceae family. In the Amazon region, it is used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastritis, convulsions of epileptic origin, stomach pain and diarrhea in the form of tea and juice. Essential oils have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the chemical composition of the A. suaveolens essential oil, and its cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity on Artemia salina Leach. The plant species was collected in Fazendinha district in the city of Macapa-AP. The essential oil obtained from the process was performed by hydrodistillation and identification of components by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the kidnapping method of 2,2- diphenyl -1-picrilhidrazil radical, while the cytotoxic activity was assessed using saline A. and the microbiological activity was carried out by microdilution method with Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In a chromatographic analysis, the major constituents found in the essential oil of A. suaveolens were (E) -β-farnesene (37.615%), Linalool (33.375%), α-Santalene (3.255%) and linalyl acetate (3.222%). The results showed that the Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. bacteria were more susceptible to MIC 50 mg.mL^-1 when compared with the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium MIC 100 mg.mL^-1. With respect to MBC concentration of 100 mg.mL^-1 it was sufficient to inhibit the growth of E. coli. The essential oil did not show antioxidant activity, however, has a high cytotoxic activity against the A. salina, LC₅₀ 8.90 μg.mL^-1.

Beneficial and Healthy Properties of Eucalyptus Plants: A Great Potential Use

Eucalyptus (Eucapyptusspp.), an evergreen tall tree native to Australia and Tasmania, has been used since ancient times by the aboriginal population for several purposes. In particular, the speciesE. globulusis widely used in the pulp industry, as well as for the production of eucalyptus oil extracted on a commercial scale in many countries as raw materials in perfumery, cosmetics, food, beverages, aromatherapy and phytotherapy. The 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), the principal and the most important constituent extracted from eucalyptus leaves, demonstrated an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the fact that the healthy effects of eucalyptus have been well established by research, further studies are necessary to investigate other prime effects of the plant and its possible implication in the treatment of a greater number of pathological conditions.

Induction of α-Phellandrene on Autophagy in Human Liver Tumor Cells

α-Phellandrene (α-PA) is a cyclic monoterpene. To investigate the induction of autophagy by α-PA and its mechanism, human liver tumor cells (J5) were incubated with α-PA and analyzed for cell viability and the molecular regulation of pre-autophagosome origination and autophagosome formation. According to the results, PI3K-I, mTOR, and Akt protein levels were decreased after α-PA treatment compared to those of the control group (p < 0.05). The phosphorylation of Bcl-2, and PI3K-III, LC3-II and Beclin-1 protein levels in J5 cells were increased after α-PA treatment (p < 0.05). In addition, α-PA up-regulated nuclear p53 and down-regulated cytoplasmic p53 expression in J5 cells. The NF-κB pathway was activated, as indicated by increase in cytosolic phosphorylated IκB, nuclear NF-κB levels, and the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB after α-PA treatment in J5 cells (p < 0.05). These results suggest that α-PA can induce J5 cell autophagy by regulating mTOR and LC-3II expression, p53 signaling, and NF-κB activation in J5 cells.

Essential oils and their constituents as anticancer agents: a mechanistic view

Exploring natural plant products as an option to find new chemical entities as anticancer agents is one of the fastest growing areas of research. Recently, in the last decade, essential oils (EOs) have been under study for their use in cancer therapy and the present review is an attempt to collect and document the available studies indicating EOs and their constituents as anticancer agents. This review enlists nearly 130 studies of EOs from various plant species and their constituents that have been studied so far for their anticancer potential and these studies have been classified as in vitro and in vivo studies for EOs and their constituents. This review also highlights in-depth various mechanisms of action of different EOs and their constituents reported in the treatment strategies for different types of cancer. The current review indicates that EOs and their constituents act by multiple pathways and mechanisms involving apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic, increased levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), DNA repair modulation, and others to demonstrate their antiproliferative activity in the cancer cell. The effect of EOs and their constituents on tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and Akt), transcription factors (NF- κB and AP-1), MAPK-pathway, and detoxification enzymes like SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase has also been discussed.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Essential Oil of Tarchonanthus camphoratus

The leaf essential oil of Tarchonanthuscamphoratus(As teraceae) was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Fifty-six components were characterized, representing 94.2% of the total oil with oxygenated monoterpenes (48.3%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (32.7%) as the major groups. The principal constituents were identified as endo-fenchol (21.2%), trans-pinene hydrate (8.8%), caryophyllene oxide (7.5%), α-terpineol (6.4%), τ-cadinol (6.4%), and α-cadinol (5.2%). The essential oil was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity using a disc diffusion assay resulting in the moderate inhibition of a number of common human pathogenic bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and the yeast Candida albicans. The inhibition zones varied from 10 to 14mm/disc. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of the essential oil was examined using an in vitroradical scavenging activity test. The T. camphoratus essential oil scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), resulting in an IC50value of 5.6 mg/mL. At concentrations of 100 and 50μg/mL, the oil showed cytotoxic activity, with growth inhibition of 59.1% (±4.2), and 16.2% (±8.7) against HT29 tumor cells (human colonic adenocarcinoma cells), respectively(IC50 = 84.7 ± 7.5 μg/mL).

Essential Oil from Caesalpinia peltophoroides Flowers – Chemical Composition and in vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the flowers of Caesalpinia peltophoroides Benth (Leguminosae) was determined using GC/FID and GC/MS analysis. Twenty-seven compounds were identified, including n-dodecanol (14.2%), n-tetradecanol (19.3%), and n-pentadecanol (5.6%), as well as methyl tetradecanoate (7.4%) and methyl hexadecanoate (12.7%) as main constituents. In vitro the cytotoxic activity of the crude essential oil was evaluated against six cancer cell lines - murine melanoma (B16F10-Nex2), human glioblastoma (U87), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), leukemia (HL-60), colon carcinoma (HCT), and melanoma (A2058). The essential oil had significant cytotoxic activity on U87, HCT, and A2058 cell lines. The IC50 values found were lower than those determined for the positive control, cisplatin, suggesting that the oil could be a source of new antineoplastic agents.

In vitro Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil From Satureja Intermedia

BACKGROUND

Many members of the genus Satureja have aromatic and medicinal characteristics. Objectives.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present work was to determine cytotoxic activity of the essential oil of S. intermedia CA Mey (Lamiaceae) on two human cancerous cell lines and its in vitro inhibitory effects against 11 pathogenic bacteria and fungi as well.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by combination of capillary GC-FID and GC-MS. The in vitro toxicological study was based on the MTT cytotoxicity assay and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was studied according to the disc diffusion method and MIC value.

RESULTS

Thymol (34.5%), γ-terpinene (18.2%) and ρ-cymene (10.5%) were the main components of the essential oil. The toxicological study on 5637 and KYSE cell lines showed IC50 values of 156 μg/ml. The essential oil exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity on tested bacteria and fungi.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results of the present study, it may be concluded that the essential oil of S. intermedia and its major constitutes are interesting in antibacterial and anticancer applications.