Antimicrobial activity of the bioactive components of essential oils from Pakistani spices against Salmonella and other multi-drug resistant bacteria

Deciphering the Potentials of Cardamom in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: From Kitchen to Clinic

Cardamom (cardamum) is a spice produced from the seeds of several Elettaria and Amomum plants of the Zingiberaceae family. Cardamom has been demonstrated to offer numerous benefits, including its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other metabolic (anti-diabetic) properties, and its potential to reduce cancer risk. Recently, researchers have extracted and tested multiple phytochemicals from cardamom to assess their potential effectiveness against various types of human malignancy. These studies have indicated that cardamom can help overcome drug resistance to standard chemotherapy and protect against chemotherapy-induced toxicity due to its scavenging properties. Furthermore, chemical compounds in cardamom, including limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, borneol, cardamonin, indole-3-carbinol, and diindolylmethane, primarily target the programmed cell death lignin-1 gene, which is more prevalent in cancer cells than in healthy cells. This review provides the medicinal properties and pharmacological uses of cardamom, its cellular effects, and potential therapeutic uses in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as its use in reducing drug resistance and improving the overall health of cancer patients. Based on previous preclinical studies, cardamom shows significant potential as an anti-cancer agent, but further exploration for clinical use is warranted due to its diverse mechanisms of action.

Is aromatic plants environmental health engineering (APEHE) a leverage point of the earth system?

It is important to note that every ecological niche in an ecosystem is significant. This study aims to assess the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the ecosystem from multiple perspectives. A primary model of Aromatic Plants Environmental Health Engineering (APEHE) has been designed and constructed. The APEHE system was used to collect aerosol compounds, and it was experimentally verified that these compounds have the potential to impact human health by binding to AKT1 as the primary target, and MMP9 and TLR4 as secondary targets. These compounds may indirectly affect human immunity by reversing drug resistance in drug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavity. This is mainly achieved through combined mutations in sdhA, scrA, and PEP. Our findings are based on Network pharmacology and molecular binding, drug-resistance rescue experiments, as well as combined transcriptomics and metabolomics experiments. It is suggested that APEHE may have direct or indirect effects on human health. We demonstrate APEHE's numerous potential benefits, such as attenuation and elimination of airborne microorganisms in the environment, enhancing carbon and nitrogen storage in terrestrial ecosystems, promoting the formation of low-level clouds and strengthening the virtuous cycle of Earth's ecosystems. APEHE also supports the development of transdisciplinary technologies, including terpene energy production. It facilitates the creation of a sustainable circular economy and provides additional economic advantages through urban optimisation, as well as fresh insights into areas such as the habitability of other planets. APEHE has the potential to serve as a leverage point for the Earth system. We have created a new research direction.

Bio-mordants: a review

Due to the increasing pressure on environmentally friendly approaches and sustainable production processes, the textile dyeing industry has focused on natural colorants. Thus, the use of bio-mordants, which are biological materials, has become widespread as an alternative to metal salts, most of which are non-ecological, used in the application processes of natural colorants. In natural dyeing, dyers want to use mordant substances in the dyeing processes in order to both expand the color spectrum and improve the fastness properties. Conventional metal salts used in natural dyeing are made up of metallic ions, which, when released into the environment as wastewater effluent at the end of the dyeing process, cause major damage to the ecosystem. Many researchers have thought about using mordants derived from natural sources to address the environmental problem. This article is a review of the investigation of natural mordants used instead of metallic mordants in the process of coloring various textile materials with natural dyestuff sources. It has been determined that many substances, most of them herbal materials, are used as mordants. In this review, mordants, except for conventional metal salts, are examined under three main groups for a better understanding. These groups are as follows: (i) natural or bio-mordants, (ii) oil mordants, and (iii) new-generation and non-vegetable-based mordants. Here, researchers will find an overview of the most recent developments in green mordants as well as application techniques for a variety of mordants.

Plant-based essential oil encapsulated in nanoemulsions and their enhanced therapeutic applications: An overview

In recent years, studies on the formulation of nanoemulsions have been the focus of attention due to their potential applicability in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural industries. Nanoemulsions can be formulated using ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which assures their safety profiles to a great extent. Bioactive compounds such as essential oils although have strong biological properties and antimicrobial compounds, their usage is restricted due to their high volatility, instability, and hydrophobic nature. Therefore, nanoemulsion as carrier vehicle can be used to encapsulate essential oils to obtain stable and enhanced physicochemical characteristics of the essential oils. This review details the structure, formulation, and characterization techniques used for nanoemulsions, with a focus on the essential oil-based nanoemulsions which have the potential to be used as antimicrobial and anticancer therapeutics.

Synthetic and natural antimicrobials as a control against food borne pathogens: A review

Food borne pathogens are one of the most common yet concerning cause of illnesses around the globe. These microbes invade the body via food items, through numerous mediums of contamination and it is impossible to completely eradicate these organisms from food. Extensive research has been made regarding their treatment. Unfortunately, the only available treatment currently is by antibiotics. Recent exponential increase in antibiotic resistance and the side effect of synthetic compounds have established a need for alternate therapies that could be utilized either on their own or along with antibiotics to provide protection against food-borne diseases. The aim of this review is to provide information regarding some common food borne diseases, their current and possible natural treatment. It will include details regarding some common foodborne pathogens, the disease they cause, prevalence, manifestations and treatment of the respective disease. Some natural modes of potential treatment will be summarized, which including phytochemicals, derived from plants either as crude extracts or as purified form and Bacteriocins as microbial based treatment, obtained from various types of bacteria. The paper will describe their mechanism of action, classification, susceptible organisms, some antimicrobial compounds and producing organisms, application in food systems and as potential treatment. Along with that, synthetic treatment i.e., antibiotics will be discussed including the first-line treatment of some common food borne infections, prevalence and mechanism of resistance against antibiotics in the pathogens.

In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Cassia alata (Linn.) leaves, stem, and root extracts against cellulitis causative agent Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND

Cellulitis is a common skin disease encountered in medical emergencies in hospitals. It can be treated using a combination of antibiotics therapy; however, the causative agent Staphylococcus aureus has been reported to develop resistance towards the currently used antibiotics. Therefore, the search for more alternative herbal origin antimicrobial agents is critical.

AIM

In this study, maceration and Soxhlet extraction of the whole plant of Cassia alata Linn. (leaves, roots, and stem) were performed using four solvents with different polarities, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and distilled water. The crude extracts were screened using agar well diffusion, colorimetric broth microdilution, grid culture and bacterial growth curve analysis against Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemicals in the crude extracts were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

Agar-well diffusion analysis revealed that extraction using ethyl acetate showed the largest inhibition zone with an average diameter of 15.30 mm (root Soxhlet extract) followed by 14.70 mm (leaf Soxhlet extract) and 13.70 mm (root maceration extract). The lowest minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration in root Soxhlet extract using ethyl acetate was 0.313 and 0.625 µg µL^-1, respectively. Our study proved that crude extract of the plant suppressed the growth of S. aureus as evidenced from a significant regression extension (p < 0.06, p = 0.00003) of lag phase for 6 h after the treatment with increased concentration. Based on the GC-MS analysis, 88 phytochemicals consist of fatty acids, esters, alkanes, phenols, fatty alcohols, sesquiterpenoids and macrocycle that possibly contributed to the antimicrobial properties were identified, 32 of which were previously characterized for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSION

Ethyl acetate crude extract was better than the other investigated solvents. The root and stem of C. alata showed significant antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus in this study. The remaining 56 out of 88 phytochemicals of the plant should be intensively studied for more medicinal uses.

MRSA compendium of epidemiology, transmission, pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention within one health framework

Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as commensal as well as opportunistic pathogen of humans and animals. Methicillin resistant strain of S. aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a major pathogen in hospitals, community and veterinary settings that compromises the public health and livestock production. MRSA basically emerged from MSSA after acquiring SCCmec element through gene transfer containing mecA gene responsible for encoding PBP-2α. This protein renders the MRSA resistant to most of the β-lactam antibiotics. Due to the continuous increasing prevalence and transmission of MRSA in hospitals, community and veterinary settings posing a major threat to public health. Furthermore, high pathogenicity of MRSA due to a number of virulence factors produced by S. aureus along with antibiotic resistance help to breach the immunity of host and responsible for causing severe infections in humans and animals. The clinical manifestations of MRSA consist of skin and soft tissues infection to bacteremia, septicemia, toxic shock, and scalded skin syndrome. Moreover, due to the increasing resistance of MRSA to number of antibiotics, there is need to approach alternatives ways to overcome economic as well as human losses. This review is going to discuss various aspects of MRSA starting from emergence, transmission, epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease patterns in hosts, novel treatment, and control strategies.

Essential oils as valuable feed additive: A narrative review of the state of knowledge about their beneficial health applications and enhancement of production performances in poultry

New research has begun to develop safe and effective alternatives to feed-antibiotics as growth enhancers in response to mounting pressure on the poultry sector to do so. There is a significant demand for poultry products all across the world right now. To achieve this goal, key performance indicators are optimized, such as the rate of chicken growth, the amount of feed used, and the health of the flock as a whole. As a result of this growing need, various alternatives to antibiotics have entered the market. New approaches are desperately needed to keep poultry productivity and efficiency at a high level in the face of mounting pressure to limit the use of antibiotics. Recent years have seen an uptick in interest in the potential of aromatic plant extracts as growth and health boosters in poultry. The great majority of plants' positive effects are accounted for by essential oils (EOs) and other secondary metabolites. EOs have been proven to promote digestive secretion production, improve blood circulation, exert antioxidant qualities, reduce levels of dangerous microbes, and maybe improve the immune status of poultry. EOs are often believed to be safe, non-toxic alternatives because they are all-natural, chemical-free, and devoid of potentially harmful deposits. EOs are extracted from plants, and while there are thousands of them, only approximately 300 have been deemed to have significant commercial value. Many different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are negatively affected by EOs in multiple studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. The review covers the fundamentals of EOs, their anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory capabilities, their growth-promoting benefits, and their effectiveness against numerous diseases in poultry.

Alpha-Phellandrene and Alpha-Phellandrene-Rich Essential Oils: A Systematic Review of Biological Activities, Pharmaceutical and Food Applications

Alpha-phellandrene is a very common cyclic monoterpene found in several EOs, which shows extensive biological activities. Therefore, the main focus of the present systematic review was to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the state of the art regarding its biological activities and pharmaceutical and food applications. In addition, the study identified essential oils rich in alpha-phellandrene and summarized their main biological activities as a preliminary screening to encourage subsequent studies on their single components. With this review, we selected and critically analyzed 99 papers, using the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, SciELO, Wiley and WOS, on 8 July 2022. Data were independently extracted by four authors of this work, selecting those studies which reported the keyword "alpha-phellandrene" in the title and/or the abstract, and avoiding those in which there was not a clear correlation between the molecule and its biological activities and/or a specific concentration from its source. Duplication data were removed in the final article. Many essential oils have significant amounts of alpha-phellandrene, and the species Anethum graveolens and Foeniculum vulgare are frequently cited. Some studies on the above-mentioned species show high alpha-phellandrene amounts up to 82.1%. There were 12 studies on alpha-phellandrene as a pure molecule showed promising biological functions, including antitumoral, antinociceptive, larvicidal and insecticidal activities. There were 87 research works on EOs rich in alpha-phellandrene, which were summarized with a focus on additional data concerning potential biological activities. We believe this data is a useful starting point to start new research on the pure molecule, and, in particular, to distinguish between the synergistic effects of the different components of the OEs and those due to alpha-phellandrene itself. Toxicological data are still lacking, requiring further investigation on the threshold values to distinguish the boundary between beneficial and toxic effects, i.e., mutagenic, carcinogenic and allergenic. All these findings offer inspiration for potential applications of alpha-phellandrene as a new biopesticide, antimicrobial and antitumoral agent. In particular, we believe our work is of interest as a starting point for further studies on the food application of alpha-phellandrene.

Antimicrobial activities and mechanisms of extract and components of herbs in East Asia

Antibacterial drugs face increasing challenges due to drug resistance and adverse reactions, which has created a pressing need for the discovery and development of novel antibacterial drugs. Herbs have played an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases. This review aims to summarize, analyze and evaluate the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of components from popular herbs in East Asia. In this review, we have searched and summarized the scientific papers published during the past twenty-year period from electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. These herbs and their components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, organic acids, coumarins and lignans, display potential antimicrobial effects. Herbal medicine formulas (HMFs) usually show stronger antibacterial activity than single herbs. Herbs and HMFs bring forth antibacterial activities by damaging cell membranes and walls, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and increasing intracellular osmotic pressure. These herbs and their components can be developed as potential and promising novel antibacterial herbal products.

In Vitro and In Silico Screening of Anti-Vibrio spp., Antibiofilm, Antioxidant and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Cuminum cyminum L. Volatile Oil

Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (cumin EO) was studied for its chemical composition, antioxidant and vibriocidal activities. Inhibition of biofilm formation and secretion of some virulence properties controlled by the quorum sensing system in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were also reported. The obtained results showed that cuminaldehyde (44.2%) was the dominant compound followed by β-pinene (15.1%), γ-terpinene (14.4%), and p-cymene (14.2%). Using the disc diffusion assay, cumin EO (10 mg/disc) was particularly active against all fifteen Vibrio species, and the highest diameter of growth inhibition zone was recorded against Vibrio fluvialis (41.33 ± 1.15 mm), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (39.67 ± 0.58 mm), and Vibrio natrigens (36.67 ± 0.58 mm). At low concentration (MICs value from 0.023–0.046 mg/mL), cumin EO inhibited the growth of all Vibrio strains, and concentrations as low as 1.5 mg/mL were necessary to kill them (MBCs values from 1.5–12 mg/mL). Using four antioxidant assays, cumin EO exhibited a good result as compared to standard molecules (DPPH = 8 ± 0.54 mg/mL; reducing power = 3.5 ± 0.38 mg/mL; β-carotene = 3.8 ± 0.34 mg/mL; chelating power = 8.4 ± 0.14 mg/mL). More interestingly, at 2x MIC value, cumin EO inhibited the formation of biofilm by Vibrio alginolyticus (9.96 ± 1%), V. parahaemolyticus (15.45 ± 0.7%), Vibrio cholerae (14.9 ± 0.4%), and Vibrio vulnificus (18.14 ± 0.3%). In addition, cumin EO and cuminaldehyde inhibited the production of violacein on Lauria Bertani medium (19 mm and 35 mm, respectively). Meanwhile, 50% of violacein inhibition concentration (VIC50%) was about 2.746 mg/mL for cumin EO and 1.676 mg/mL for cuminaldehyde. Moreover, elastase and protease production and flagellar motility in P. aeruginosa were inhibited at low concentrations of cumin EO and cuminaldehyde. The adopted in-silico approach revealed good ADMET properties as well as a high binding score of the main compounds with target proteins (1JIJ, 2UV0, 1HD2, and 3QP1). Overall, the obtained results highlighted the effectiveness of cumin EO to prevent spoilage with Vibrio species and to interfere with the quorum sensing system in Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the flagellar motility, formation of biofilm, and the secretion of some virulence enzymes.

Phylogeny, Phytomedicines, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Toxicity of Croton gratissimus Burch (Euphorbiaceae)

Croton gratissimus is an important plant in Africa setup and across the globe for its ethnomedicinal uses in managing a wide range of diseases. Its phylogeny, pharmacological properties, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and cytotoxicity have been highlighted in various articles and journals. This review article aims to give a comprehensively overviewed literature about Croton gratissimus genus. Authentic literature sources such as books, peer reviewed articles, journals, theses, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and any other validated internet source have been used to develop this review. Croton gratissimus is richly found across different climatic zones because of its ability to adapt to various climatic conditions. It is mainly found in rocky hills as a scrub that is about 12–15 m tall. Its leaves are glossy, green on the top, and silvery underneath. Some of the leaves may look brick red rusty. Croton gratissimus has been explored traditionally to manage a number of diseases among the human race since time immemorial. It has been used to treat different ailments ranging from respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, malaria, diabetes, hypertension, dermatological conditions, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, fever, sexually transmitted diseases, and infertility. Studies have shown that parts of this plant have antioxidative, antimicrobial, anticholinesterases inhibitory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anticonvulsant, antiulcer, antihypertensive, antiproliferative, antiplasmodial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Terpenoids and flavonoids have shown to be the major classes of compounds in this plant. Its toxicity has not been well established; some studies have suggested that Croton gratissimus can cause hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity. More studies are needed to elucidate the compounds and their structures giving this plant a wide range of pharmacological activities, efficacy, safety, and toxicity levels, since the plant has greater ethnomedicinal uses. This would give a great indication of discovering new novelties that can give a breakthrough in drug discovery.

Effect of Cinnamaldehyde on C. albicans cell wall and (1,3)- β - D-glucans in vivo

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of invasive candidiasis is high, its treatment is difficult, and the prognosis is poor. In this study, an immunosuppressive mouse model of invasive Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection was constructed to observe the effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) on the C. albicans cell wall structure and cell wall (1,3)-β-D-glucan contents. This study provides a theoretical basis for CA treatment to target invasive C. albicans infection.

METHODS

Immunosuppressed mice with invasive C. albicans infection were given an oral dosage of CA (240 mg.kg^- 1.d^- 1) for 14 days. Then, mouse lung tissue samples were collected for detection of the levels of (1,3)-β-D-glucan and transmission electron microscopy observations, using fluconazole as a positive control and 2% Tween 80 saline as a negative control.

RESULTS

The immunosuppressive mouse model of invasive C. albicans infection was successfully established. The levels of (1,3)-β-D-glucan in the CA treatment group, fluconazole positive control group, invasive C. albicans infection immunosuppressive mouse model group, and 2% Tween 80 normal saline control group were 86.55 ± 126.73 pg/ml, 1985.13 ± 203.56 pg/ml, 5930.57 ± 398.67 pg/ml and 83.36 ± 26.35 pg/ml, respectively. Statistically, the CA treatment group, fluconazole positive control group and invasive C. albicans infection immunosuppressive mouse model group were compared with each other (P < 0.01) and compared with the 2% Tween 80 saline group (P < 0.01), showing that the differences were very significant. Comparison of the CA treatment group with the fluconazole positive control group (P < 0.05) displayed a difference as well. Electron microscopy showed that CA destroyed the cell wall of C. albicans, where the outer layer of the cell wall fell off and became thinner and the nuclei and organelles dissolved, but the cell membrane remained clear and intact.

CONCLUSION

CA destroys the cell wall structure of C. albicans by interfering with the synthesis of (1,3)-β-D-glucan to kill C. albicans. However, CA does not affect the cell membrane. This study provides a theoretical basis for CA treatment to target invasive C. albicans infection.

Exploring Phytochemicals for Combating Antibiotic Resistance in Microbial Pathogens

Antibiotic resistance or microbial drug resistance is emerging as a serious threat to human healthcare globally, and the multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains are imposing major hurdles to the progression of drug discovery programs. Newer antibiotic-resistance mechanisms in microbes contribute to the inefficacy of the existing drugs along with the prolonged illness and escalating expenditures. The injudicious usage of the conventional and commonly available antibiotics in human health, hygiene, veterinary and agricultural practices is proving to be a major driver for evolution, persistence and spread of antibiotic-resistance at a frightening rate. The drying pipeline of new and potent antibiotics is adding to the severity. Therefore, novel and effective new drugs and innovative therapies to treat MDR infections are urgently needed. Apart from the different natural and synthetic drugs being tested, plant secondary metabolites or phytochemicals are proving efficient in combating the drug-resistant strains. Various phytochemicals from classes including alkaloids, phenols, coumarins, terpenes have been successfully demonstrated their inhibitory potential against the drug-resistant pathogens. Several phytochemicals have proved effective against the molecular determinants responsible for attaining the drug resistance in pathogens like membrane proteins, biofilms, efflux pumps and bacterial cell communications. However, translational success rate needs to be improved, but the trends are encouraging. This review highlights current knowledge and developments associated challenges and future prospects for the successful application of phytochemicals in combating antibiotic resistance and the resistant microbial pathogens.

Controversy around parabens: Alternative strategies for preservative use in cosmetics and personal care products

Parabens usage as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products have been debated among scientists and consumers. Parabens are easy to production, effective and cheap, but its safety status remains controversial. Other popular cosmetics preservatives are formaldehyde, triclosan, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate. Although their high antimicrobial effectiveness, they also exhibit some adverse health effects. Lately, scientists have shown that natural substances such as essential oils and plant extracts present antimicrobial potential. However, their use in cosmetic is a challenge. The present review article is a comprehensive summary of the available methods to prevent microbial contamination of cosmetics and personal care products, which can allow reducing the use of parabens in these products.

A Comparative Study of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Plant Essential Oils and Extracts as Candidate Ingredients for Edible Coatings to Control Decay in 'Wonderful' Pomegranate

This study determined the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of lemongrass (LO), thyme (TO), and oregano (OO) essential oils and ethanolic extracts of pomegranate peel (PPE) and grape pomace (GPE) as candidate ingredients for edible coatings. Antifungal effects against Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp. were tested using paper disc and well diffusion methods. Radical scavenging activity (RSA) was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assays. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified limonene (16.59%), α-citral (27.45%), β-citral (27.43%), thymol (33.31%), paracymene (43.26%), 1,8-cineole (17.53%), and trans-caryphellene (60.84%) as major compounds of the essential oils. From both paper disc and well diffusion methods, LO recorded the widest zone of inhibition against tested microbes (B. cinerea and Penicillium spp.). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of LO against B. cinerea and Penicillium spp., were 15 µL/mL and 30 µL/mL, respectively. The highest (69.95%) and lowest (1.64%) RSA at 1 mg/mL were recorded for PPE and OO. Application of sodium alginate and chitosan-based coatings formulated with LO (15 or 30 µL/mL) completely inhibited spore germination and reduced the decay severity of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate. Lemongrass oil proved to be a potential antifungal agent for edible coatings developed to extend shelf life of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate.

Composition and pharmacological activity of essential oils from two imported Amomum subulatum fruit samples

Objective

This work attempted to isolate, identify, and correlate the composition of essential oils (EOs) and pharmacological properties of two imported Amomum subulatum fruit samples. These samples were collected from Indian and KSA local supermarkets to ensure consistency in their therapeutic effects.

Methods

EOs were extracted from Indian and KSA A. subulatum fruit samples using a hydro-distillation method and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii) was determined using minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were determined using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-induced free radical assay, and a bovine albumin inhibitory assay, respectively. These analyses were performed to evaluate the pharmacological activities of the substances.

Results

GC–MS retention times of both samples demonstrated 56 bioactive ingredients with different percentages. The principal bioactive compounds in the Indian and Saudi Arabian EO samples were 1,8-cineole (44.24% and 46.22%, respectively), α-terpineol (7.47% and 7.04%, respectively), terpinen-4-ol (5.01% and 4.83%, respectively), geraniol D (4.05% and 3.54%, respectively), and β-pinene (3.38% and 3.98%, respectively). Superior antimicrobial activity against the selected strains was observed for both samples, with an MIC range of 0.5%–1%. Antioxidant assays demonstrated moderate activity in both samples. Moreover, the Indian and Saudi Arabian samples exhibited IC₅₀ values of 53.12% and 55.26 μg/mL, respectively, in albumin denaturation inhibition assays. This indicated an outstanding anti-inflammatory potential comparable to ibuprofen.

Conclusions

The composition of EOs from both samples exhibited similar qualitative but different quantitative variability. No major variations in the pharmacological properties of EOs were observed. More studies are essential for further validation of our study findings.

Essential Oils: A Natural Weapon against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Responsible for Nosocomial Infections

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a major concern worldwide. This trend indicates the need for alternative agents to antibiotics, such as natural compounds of plant origin. Using agar disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of Citrus aurantium (AEO), Citrus x limon (LEO), Eucalyptus globulus (EEO), Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO), and Cupressus sempervirens (CEO) essential oils (EOs) against three representatives of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and respective biofilms: vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. Using the checkerboard method, the efficacy of the EOs alone, in an association with each other, or in combination with the reference antibiotics was quantified by calculating fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs). All the EOs displayed antibacterial activity against all strains to different extents, and TTO was the most effective. The results of the EO–EO associations and EO–antibiotic combinations clearly showed a synergistic outcome in most tests. Lastly, the effectiveness of EOs both alone and in association or combination against biofilm formed by the antibiotic-resistant strains was comparable to, and sometimes better than, that of the reference antibiotics. In conclusion, the combination of EOs and antibiotics represents a promising therapeutic strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, even protected inside biofilms, which can allow decreasing the concentrations of antibiotics used.

Immobilization of Caraway Essential Oil in a Polypropylene Matrix for Antimicrobial Modification of a Polymeric Surface

This study investigates antibacterial polymer composites based on polypropylene as modified by caraway essential oil at various concentrations, the latter immobilized on a talc. The caraway essential oil is incorporated in the polypropylene by a thermoplastic processing method. Analysis of the morphology of the composites was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the caraway essential oil in addition to its efficiency of incorporation and release were evaluated by GC/MS and Pyrolysis-GC/MS techniques, respectively. Determination was made as to the influence of such incorporation on thermal and tensile properties of the samples, while antibacterial activity was evaluated through conducting disk diffusion tests and measurement with adherence to the ISO 22196:2011 standard. It was found that incorporating the caraway essential oil in the samples did not affect the homogeneity of the thermoplastic-processed composites at any studied concentration. Stress–strain analysis confirmed the plasticizing effect of the essential oil in the polypropylene matrix, in addition to which, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis revealed that the prepared compositions with essential oil exhibited similar thermal properties to neat polypropylene. Results indicated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at the concentration of essential oil of 4.9 ± 0.2 wt% and higher.

Critical discovery and synthesis of novel antibacterial and resistance-modifying agents inspired by plant phytochemical defense mechanisms

Antimicrobial resistance is at increasing risk worldwide since it is threatening the ability to control common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability, and death. Herein, we inspired by the effective plant phytochemical mechanisms evolved to overcome microbial pathogenesis and evolved resistance. Cuminaldehyde is previously reported as the main antibacterial component in Calligonum comosum essential oil. The toxicity of cuminaldehyde limits its medical application for human use. On the other hand, compared to cuminaldehyde, the plant total extract showed similar antibacterial activities, while maintained lower toxicity, although it contains 22 times less cuminaldehyde. Thus, we assumed that other components in the plant extracts specifically affect bacteria but not mammalian cells. Bioassay-guided fractionations combined with comparative metabolomics analysis of different plant extracts were employed. The results revealed the presence of bacterial species-specific phytochemicals. Cinnamyl linoleate and linoleic acid enhanced the antibacterial activities of cuminaldehyde and ampicillin against S. aureus including MRSA, while decanal and cinnamyl linoleate enhanced the activities against E. coli. Computational modeling and enzyme inhibition assays indicated that cinnamyl linoleate selectively bind to bacterial ribosomal RNA methyltransferase, an important enzyme involved in the virulence and resistance of multidrug resistant bacteria. The results obtained can be employed for the future preparation of pharmaceutical formula containing cinnamyl linoleate in order to overcome evolved multidrug resistance behaviors by microbes.

Effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) in Dentistry: A Review

Dental medicine is one of the fields of medicine where the most common pathologies are of bacterial and fungal origins. This review is mainly focused on the antimicrobial effects of cinnamon essential oil (EO), cinnamon extracts, and pure compounds against different oral pathogens and the oral biofilm and the possible effects on soft mouth tissue. Basic information is provided about cinnamon, as is a review of its antimicrobial properties against the most common microorganisms causing dental caries, endodontic and periodontal lesions, and candidiasis. Cinnamon EO, cinnamon extracts, and pure compounds show significant antimicrobial activities against oral pathogens and could be beneficial in caries and periodontal disease prevention, endodontics, and candidiasis treatment.

Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Cinnamomum verum J. Presl-a versatile spice used in food and nutrition

Cinnamomum verum is the widely used spice for its medicinal and culinary uses since ages. It is native to Sri Lanka and southern India but also distributed in many Asian, Caribbean, Australian and African countries. It is widely used in food preparations and industrial products like candies, chewing gums, mouthwash and toothpaste. It is also used to treat asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, headache, inflammation and cardiac disorders. Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, caryophyllene, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamic acid are the major compounds found in its essential oil. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, wound healing, anti-HIV, anti-anxiety and antidepressant, etc. This review highlights its comprehensive and up-to-date information on taxonomy, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological and toxicity activities. Structure-activity relationship, mechanism of action and some research gaps has also been provided. Owing to its immense medicinal importance, more well-designed in-vivo and clinical studies are required.

Susceptibility Assessment of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria to Natural Products

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of some natural compounds against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Methods:

Forty-three bacterial strains were collected. Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were carried out for natural compounds including quercetin, Acacia nilotica, Syzygium aromaticum, and Holothuria atra. Scanning electron microscope analysis and bacterial DNA apoptosis assays were performed.

Results:

Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to imipenim, ampicillin, and penicillin. Most Escherichia coli strains were resistant to amoxicillin, clavulanat, and ampicillin. Finally, tigecycline was effective with Klebsiella pneumoniae and was resistant to all antibiotics. Only S aromaticum had an antibacterial effect on K pneumoniae. Most S aureus strains were sensitive to S aromaticum, A nilotica, and quercetin. All examined natural extracts had no effect on E coli. Holothuria atra had no effect on any of the strains tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for examined plants against S aureus were 6.25 to 12, 1.6 to 3.2, and 9.12 to 18.24 mg/mL, respectively. Syzygium aromaticum was active against K pneumoniae with an MIC of 12.5 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscope analysis performed after 24 and 48 hours of incubation showed bacterial strains with distorted shapes and severe cell wall damage. Syzygium aromaticum, quercetin, and A nilotica showed clear fragmentations of S aureus DNA.

Conclusions:

Current findings confirmed the beneficial effect of using natural products such as clove (S aromaticum), quercetin, and A nilotica as a promising therapy to overcome multidrug resistant bacteria.

Effect and Safety of Cinnamaldehyde on Immunosuppressed Mice with Invasive Pulmonary Candidiasis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect and safety of cinnamaldehyde on immunosuppressed mice with invasive pulmonary candidiasis.

METHODS

An immunosuppressed BALB/c mouse model was established by intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) once daily for 2 days. The immunosuppressed mouse with invasive pulmonary candidiasis model was further established by nasal perfusion of Candida albicans suspension. In the cinnamaldehyde treatment group, immunosuppressed mice with invasive pulmonary candidiasis were orally given cinnamaldehyde 240 mg/(kg·d) for 14 consecutive days. Fluconazole and 0.9% saline were used as the positive and negative controls, respectively. The mice in the cinnamaldehyde safety evaluation group were orally administered cinnamaldehyde 480 mg/(kg·d) for 42 days to observe the safety of the drug. Microscopic identification, fungal culture, histopathological examination, and (1,3)-beta-D-glucans detection were conducted to analyze the effect of cinnamaldehyde on C. albicans.

RESULTS

The fungal clearance rate in the cinnamaldehyde treatment group was higher than that in the fluconazole control group (80.00% vs. 56.67%, P<0.05). The level of (1,3)-β-D-glucan in the cinnamaldehyde treatment group was lower than that in the fluconazole positive control group (1160.62 ±89.65 pg/mL vs. 4285.87 ± 215.62 pg/mL, P<0.05). The survival rate of mice in the cinnamaldehyde safety evaluation group was 100%, and no significant pathological changes of kidney, lung and liver were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cinnamaldehyde was effective and safe in treating immunosuppressed BALB/c mice with invasive pulmonary candidiasis. It would be a potentially novel drug for anti-candidiasis infection.

Cuminaldehyde potentiates the antimicrobial actions of ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are important agents of urinary tract infections that can often evolve to severe infections. The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains has driven the search for novel therapies to replace the use or act as adjuvants of antibiotics. In this context, plant-derived compounds have been widely investigated. Cuminaldehyde is suggested as the major antimicrobial compound of the cumin seed essential oil. However, this effect is not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the in silico and in vitro activities of cuminaldehyde, as well as its ability to potentiate ciprofloxacin effects against S. aureus and E. coli. In silico analyses were performed by using different computational tools. The PASS online and SwissADME programmes were used for the prediction of biological activities and oral bioavailability of cuminaldehyde. For analysis of the possible toxic effects and the theoretical pharmacokinetic parameters of the compound, the Osiris, SwissADME and PROTOX programmes were used. Estimations of cuminaldehyde gastrointestinal absorption, blood brain barrier permeability and skin permeation by using SwissADME; and drug likeness and score by using Osiris, were also evaluated The in vitro antimicrobial effects of cuminaldehyde were determined by using microdilution, biofilm formation and time-kill assays. In silico analysis indicated that cuminaldehyde may act as an antimicrobial and as a membrane permeability enhancer. It was suggested to be highly absorbable by the gastrointestinal tract and likely to cross the blood brain barrier. Also, irritative and harmful effects were predicted for cuminaldehyde if swallowed at its LD50. Good oral bioavailability and drug score were also found for this compound. Cuminaldehyde presented antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects against S. aureus and E. coli.. When co-incubated with ciprofloxacin, it enhanced the antibiotic antimicrobial and anti-biofilm actions. We suggest that cuminaldehyde may be useful as an adjuvant therapy to ciprofloxacin in S. aureus and E. coli-induced infections.

The alarming antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPEE pathogens: Can essential oils come to the rescue?

Antibiotics, considered as a backbone of modern clinical-medicines, are facing serious threats from emerging antimicrobial-resistance (AMR) in several bacteria from nosocomial and community origins and is posing a serious human-health concern. Recent commitment by the Heads of States at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA, 2016) for coordinated efforts to curb such infections illustrates the scale of this problem. Amongst the drug-resistant microbes, major threat is posed by the group named as ESKAPEE, an acronym for Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli, comprising high to critical drug-resistant, World Health Organization Critical Priority I and II pathogens. The drying pipeline of effective and new antibiotics has worsened the situation with looming threat of heading to a 'post-antibiotic era'. This necessitates novel and effective approaches to combat this life-threatening issue. Medicinal and aromatic plants are hailed as the reservoir of bioactive compounds and can serve as a source of antimicrobial compounds, and some recent leads show that essential oils (EOs) may provide an effective solution for tackling AMR. EOs have shown wide-spectrum antimicrobial potentials via targeting the major determinants of pathogenicity, drug-resistance and its spread including cell membrane, drug efflux pumps, quorum sensing, biofilms and R-plasmids. Latest reports confirm the EOs having strong direct-killing or re-sensitizing potentials to replace or rejuvenate otherwise fading antibiotics arsenal. We discuss herein possibilities of using EOs directly for antimicrobial potentials or in combination with antibiotics to potentiate the later for combating AMR in ESKAPEE pathogens. The current understandings, success stories and challenges for translational success have also been discussed.

Antibacterial activity of cuminaldehyde on food-borne pathogens, the bioactive component of essential oil from Cuminum cyminum L. collected in Thailand

Background Cuminum cyminum L., commonly known as cumin, has been traditionally used in Thai traditional medicine and traditional food flavoring. The present study investigated the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity against all tested major food-borne pathogenic bacteria, and bioactive components of essential oil extracted from C. cyminum L. collected in Thailand. Methods The main components of the essential oil were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhi were investigated by disk diffusion and microdilution method. The presence of the biologically active antibacterial components was also confirmed by the thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-bioautography. Results The main components of the essential oil investigated by GC-MS were cuminaldehyde (27.10%), beta-pinene (25.04%) and gamma-terpinene (15.68%). The essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity against B. cereus, S. aureus, E. coli and S. Typhi. The essential oil showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against B. cereus with a comparable inhibition zone to tetracycline. TLC confirmed the presence of biologically active antibacterial component in the essential oil against all tested food-borne bacteria. It is further demonstrated that cuminaldehyde was the most active compound in TLC-bioautography which inhibited all of tested bacteria. Conclusions Essential oil extracted from C. cyminum L. exhibited antibacterial activity against all tested major food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Cuminaldehyde is a major bioactive component. Our results suggest that the essential oil extracted from C. cyminum L. could be applied as an alternative natural preservative to control food-borne disease and have the potential for further development of new antibacterial agents.

Characterisation and screening of antimicrobial essential oil components against clinically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria using thin layer chromatography-direct bioautography hyphenated with GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR

INTRODUCTION

The antimicrobial activity of many essential oils (EOs) is well established, indicating that EOs may be a source of compounds for antimicrobial drug development. Thin layer chromatography-direct bioautography (TLC-DB) can quickly identify antimicrobial components in complex mixtures and can be applied to the screening of EOs for lead compounds.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify antimicrobial components of oregano, rosewood and cumin EOs against antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant bacteria using TLC-DB and a multi-faceted approach of GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR techniques to characterise bioactive compounds. The study also aimed to quantify the antimicrobial activity of bioactive compounds in order to evaluate their potential for the development of therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EOs were eluted on TLC plates and sprayed with a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant isolates). Zones of inhibition, visualised with iodonitrotetrazolium chloride, were subject to GC-MS, LC-MS and NMR to characterise the bioactive compounds.

RESULTS

Seven compounds were identified from the three EOs using GC-MS, while LC-MS and NMR failed to detect the presence of any further non-volatile or heat labile compounds. Carvacrol was most antimicrobial compound identified, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging 0.99-31.62 mM.

CONCLUSION

The identified antimicrobial compounds present in oregano, rosewood and cumin EOs including carvacrol may be candidates for the development of novel antimicrobial therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Essential Oils from Cardamom Species

To highlight the importance of the spices in the Mediterranean diet, the aim of the paper was to study the essential oil compositions and to clarify the potential differences in the biological activities of the three cardamom species. In the study, we compared the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of essential oils from Elettaria cardamomum, Aframomum corrorima and Amomum subulatum. The oils were analyzed using the GC and GC/MS techniques and were mainly constituted of the oxygenated monoterpenes which represents 71.4%, 63.0%, and 51.0% of all compounds detected in E. cardamomum, A. corrorima and A. subulatum essential oils, respectively, 1,8-cineole was the main common compound between the tree tested volatile oil. The essential oils showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms tested especially the fungal strains. The Ethiopian cardamom was the most active essential oil with fungal growth inhibition zone ranging from 12.67 to 34.33 mm, MICs values ranging from 0.048 to 0.19 mg/mL, and MBCs values from 0.19 to 1.75 mg/mL. The three tested essential oils and their main component (1,8-cineole) significantly increased the production of elastase and protease production, and motility in P. aeruginosa PAO1 in a dose dependent manner. In fact, at 10 mg/mL concentration, the three essential oils showed more than 50% of inhibition of elastolytic and proteolytic activities in P. aeruginosa PAO1. The same oils inhibited also the violacein production in C. violaceum strain. It was also noticed that at high concentrations, the A. corrorima essential oil significantly inhibited the germination of radish. A thorough knowledge of the biological and safety profiles of essential oils can produce applications of economic importance.

In Vitro Effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume Essential Oil on Candida spp. Involved in Oral Infections

The present study demonstrates the antifungal potential of chemically characterized essential oil (EO) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume on Candida spp. biofilm and establishes its mode of action, effect on fungal growth kinetics, and cytotoxicity to human cells. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values varied from 62.5 to 1,000 μg/mL, and the effect seems to be due to interference with cell wall biosynthesis. The kinetics assay showed that EO at MICx2 (500 μg/mL) induced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the fungal growth after exposure for 8 h. At this concentration, the EO was also able to hinder biofilm formation and reduce Candida spp. monospecies and multispecies in mature biofilm at 24 h and 48 h (p < 0.05). A protective effect on human red blood cells was detected with the EO at concentrations up to 750 μg/mL, as well as an absence of a significant reduction (p > 0.05) in the viability of human red blood cells at concentrations up to 1,000 μg/mL. Phytochemical analysis identified eugenol as the main component (68.96%) of the EO. C. zeylanicum Blume EO shows antifungal activity, action on the yeast cell wall, and a deleterious effect on Candida spp. biofilms. This natural product did not show evidence of cytotoxicity toward human cells.

Effects of Cinnamaldehyde on the Cell Wall of A. fumigatus and Its Application in Treating Mice with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis

BACKGROUND

The invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a kind of high incidence of disease with difficulties in treatment, poor prognosis, and high mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to reveal the effect of cinnamaldehyde on the fungal cell wall and verify its efficacy on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis on immunosuppressed Institute of Cancer Research mice (ICR mice).

METHODS

ICR mice were given cyclophosphamide 200 mg.kg-1. d-1 by intraperitoneal injection for 2 days. On the 4th day, the mice were given 50 μL of Aspergillosis fumigatus spore (107colony form unit CFU/mL) by intranasal injection to establish immunosuppressive animal models with invasive Aspergillosis fumigatus infection. Then the mice in treatment group orally administered cinnamaldehyde for 14 consecutive days, while voriconazole was given to the mice in the positive control group.

RESULTS

The clearance rate of pulmonary fungi, cure rate, and reduction of 1,3-β-D-glucans in treatment group were 80.00%, 80.00%, and 81.00%, respectively while in positive control group they were 67.00%, 60.00%, and 62.00%, respectively. There were significant differences in the results between two groups as mentioned above (P<0.05). Electron microscopy showed that, in treatment group, the cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus was dissolved and detached and the cell surface was incomplete. There were edema, degeneration, and necrosis in nucleus and organelle, which lead to cellular necrocytosis. The cytomembrane of Aspergillus fumigatus was intact, clear, and complete, whereas the cytomembrane in the positive control group disappeared. The hyphal morphology of Aspergillus fumigatus was deformed, but the cell wall was intact.

CONCLUSION

Cinnamaldehyde has a good curative effect in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillus infection in immunodeficient mice. It mainly affects the synthesis of 1,3-β-D-glucans from the cytoderm of Aspergillus fumigatus but does not affect cell wall. It would potentially be an effective and novel drug for targeted treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus deep infection.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Potential of Eugenol-A Natural Derivative of Syzygium aromaticum on Cervical Cancer

Background: The intendment of this study is to determine the pursuance in – vitro anticancer activity and cytotoxicity of Syzygium aromaticum against the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) compared to the normal cell lines. Apoptogenic properties of DCM extract of Eugenol was determined in this entire study. Materials and Methods: HeLa cell lines were cultured in DMEM medium and incubated with different concentration of DCM – Eugenol extract. MTT assay brought out the way to determine the cell viability and quantification was done with the optical absorbance at 570 nm and 620 nm as reference. Apoptotic cells were affirmed by dual staining using acridine orange bromide. Besides, the morphology of the nucleus was also confirmed by dual staining. Eugenol inhibited 50% growth (IC50) of HeLa cell lines at 200 mg/ml of extract concentration. Results: Inhibitory efficacy of eugenol isolated from Syzyzgyium aromaticum showed the cell – viability in time and dose dependent manner with consistent morphological changes. Flow cytometer determined the apoptosis confirming the cytotoxicity value for MTT at IC50 with 81.85% cell viability. Dual staining firmly enacts the damaged cells due to AO indicating apoptosis confirmation by dual staining. Morphological analysis also clearly states that nil apoptosis has been seen in control and similarly in eugenol treated when compared to cancerous HeLa cell – line. Conclusion: Evaluation of cytotoxicity effect of eugenol isolated from Syzygium aromaticum showed it can be unrivalled dormant source of prodigious changes in HeLa cell line indicating (revealing) that chemotherapeutic agent.

Opuntia (Cactaceae) plant compounds, biological activities and prospects - A comprehensive review

Opuntia species are utilized as local medicinal interventions for chronic diseases and as food sources mainly because they possess nutritional properties and biological activities. The Opuntia plant is distributed worldwide and has great economic potential. Differences in Opuntia species phytochemical composition exist between wild and domesticated species, and within species. Opuntia aerial and underground parts exhibit beneficial properties due to their phenolic content, other antioxidants (for example ascorbate), pigments (carotenoids, betalains), and other unidentified components. This work comprehensively reviews the phytochemical composition of the different aerial and underground plant parts of Opuntia species. The applications of Opuntia compounds and their biological activities are also discussed. Other topical aspects covered include Opuntia spp. taurine composition, Opuntia side effects, Opuntia by-products valorisation and the role of Opuntia spp. in tackling antimicrobial resistance. Although biological activities have been extensively researched, much less information is available on reaction mechanisms, herbal mixtures toxicology and commercialisation prospects - aspects which should be considered for future research in this area.

Volatile Oils of Nepeta tenuifolia (Jing Jie) as an Alternative Medicine against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Microbes

Essential oils from the dried spikes of Nepeta tenuifolia (Benth) are obtained by steam distillation. Pulegone was identified as the main component in the spikes of N. tenuifolia through analysis, with greater than 85% purity obtained in this study. The essential oils are extremely active against all Gram-positive and some Gram-negative reference bacteria, particularly Salmonella enterica, Citrobacter freundii, and Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be between 0.08 and 0.78% (against S. enterica), 0.39 and 0.78% (against C. freundii), and 0.097 and 0.39% (against E. coli), whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration varied in range from 0.097% to 1.04%. In general, the essential oils show a strong inhibitory action against all tested reference strains and clinical isolates. However, the antibacterial activity of EOs against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strains and clinical isolates was relatively lower than other Gram-negative pathogens. The essential oils of N. tenuifolia also displayed bactericidal activities (MBC/MIC < 4) in this study. These findings reflect the bactericidal activity of the essential oils against a wide range of multidrug-resistant clinical pathogens in an in vitro study. In addition, we propose the fragmentation pathways of pulegone and its derivatives by LC-ESI-MS/MS in this study.

Antileishmanial Potentialities of Croton linearis Leaf Essential Oil

The essential oil was obtained from Croton linearis Jacq. leaves. Its chemical composition was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. A total of 82 compounds were identified, being the principal components: guaiol (7.93%); eudesma-4(15),7-dien-1β-ol (4.94%) and guaia-3,10(14)-dien-11-ol (4.52%). Antimicrobial activity was determined against six Candida spp., three bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomona aeruginosa) and two parasites ( Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi). The selectivity index (SI) was computed through the determination of it cytotoxicity on peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice and murine fibroblasts L929 cells. Colorimetric microdilution methods as well as direct counting in optical microscopes were performed. The essential oil showed remarkable activity against L. amazonensis (IC50Promastigote: 20.0 ± 4.9 μg/mL; IC50Amastigote: 13.8 ± 4.3 μg/mL), moderate activity against T. cruzi (IC50Trypomastigote: 197.26 ± 8.7 μg/mL) and weak activity against P. aureginosa. Cytotoxicity values were CC50= 89.1 ± 3.4 μg/mL for macrophages BALB/c and CC50= 306 ± 110 μg/mL for L929 cells, rendering a SI of 6 for amastigote form of L. amazonensis. Croton linearis Jacq. leaf essential oil, therefore, could be a potential candidate for future investigations regarding Leishmaniasis treatment.