Effects of Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis Boiss. et Reut. (Lamiaceae) essential oil on healing gastric ulcers according to sex

Network pharmacology on mechanistic role of Thymus linearis Benth. against gastrointestinal and neurological diseases

BACKGROUND

Thymus linearis Benth. (TL) is native to the Himalayas and has been used traditionally to cure various diseases. Thymus is a well-known aromatic perennial herb commonly known as Van ajwain or Himalayan Thyme. The main components of the TL essential oil are thymol, terpinene, and p-cymene. There are many biological properties that TL has been reported to exhibit, including antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, anticancerogenic, and neuroprotective effects.

PURPOSE

In this study, the network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the potential compounds of TL and their interaction mechanism toward gastrointestinal complications and neurological diseases.

METHODS

Network pharmacology was used to analyze the active compounds and protein targets of TL on gastrointestinal and neurological related diseases. Protein-protein interaction and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were used to enrich and evaluate key pathways of target proteins. To ensure the reliability of the network pharmacology prediction estimates, molecular docking was used to confirm the relationships between the core components and targets of TL.

RESULT

77 physiologically active compounds and their 717 predicted protein targets with high association to the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway were derived from TL. Beta-citronellol, piperitol, p-cymen-8-ol, and alpha-humulene were found to have a role in gastrointestinal diseases associated with neurological diseases. These compounds showed significant levels of multitargeting cluster regulatory activity. The molecular docking results showed regulatory activity of highlighted multi-targeting compounds and the highest docking energy was reported in piperitol.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that Thymus linearis Benth., a medicinal plant with traditional use, possesses valuable biologically active compounds. It emphasizes the potential of Thymus in treating gastrointestinal and neurological diseases by regulating oxidative stress pathways. This research opens up possibilities for discovering antioxidant molecules for future drug development. It is an interesting study with promising implications for further research.

Plant Essential Oils as Healthy Functional Ingredients of Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements: A Review

Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile molecules endowed with health-promoting biological activities that go beyond their role as aromas and natural preservatives and can be exploited to develop functional foods and diet supplements. Their composition is briefly addressed along with regulatory aspects. The potential health benefit of human diet supplementation with EOs is outlined through a review of the recent literature on available clinical trials and preclinical research concerning EOs activity towards: (1) irritable bowel syndrome; (2) inflammatory bowel disease; (3) regulation of microbiota; (4) gastroprotection; (5) hepatoprotection; (6) protection of the urinary tract and diuresis; (7) management of metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia; (8) anti-inflammatory and pain control; (9) immunomodulation and protection from influenza; and (10) neuroprotection and modulation of mood and cognitive performance. The emerging potential in such activities of selected EOs is given focus, particularly green and black cumin, bergamot, orange, myrtle, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, ginger, and garlic.

Unraveling the Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses, and Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut

Growing concern for public health has increased the need to change the paradigm towards a healthcare system that advocates holistic practices while reducing adverse effects. Herbal therapy is becoming an integral part of the therapeutic arsenal, and several successful plant-derived compounds/molecules are being introduced into the market. The medicinal plants belonging to the genus Thymus are among the most important species within the Lamiaceae family. One of them is Thymus algeriensis which is mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region. For a long time, this species has been used in traditional medicine to treat several disorders and diseases including inflammation, diabetes, rheumatism, digestive, and respiratory affections. This review describes the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and biological and pharmacological activities of T. algeriensis extracts. Data were obtained using electronic databases such as SciFindern, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Several plant-based extracts and a broad spectrum of identified secondary metabolites were highlighted and discussed with respective activities and modes of action. T. algeriensis represents a promising natural resource for the pharmaceutical industry mainly for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Considering these findings, more research is needed to transmute the conventional uses of T. algeriensis into scientifically sound information. Moreover, extensive preclinical, clinical, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic trials on this species and its derivatives compounds are required to underpin the mechanisms of action and ensure its biosafety and efficiency. This comprehensive review provides a scientific basis for future investigations on the use of T. algeriensis and derived compounds in health maintenance and promotion and disease prevention.

Therapeutic Strategies of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) for stomach and forestomach ulceration induced by HCl/EtOH in rat model

Background

The drumstick tree Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), distributed in many parts of the world, is an important food plant with high nutritional value and used in medical applications and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to highlight the gastroprotective effect of Moringa oleifera in hydrochloric acid/Ethanol (HCl/EtOH) in a rat model.

Methods

Moringa phytocompounds were characterized by infrared spectra (FTIR). Rats were induced for gastric ulcer with 150 mmol/L HCl/60% EtOH solution and pretreated orally with the edible infusion extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera at a single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (bw). Antioxidant parameters and lipid peroxide levels were measured and the pathological damage was histologically analysed.

Results

The FTIR analysis showed the presence of several chemical biocompounds. The methanolic extract is the potent radical-scavengers with an estimated value of 87.54% at the higher concentration used (500 µg/ml) and antibacterial agent. Further, the DPPH inhibition value of the M. oleifera infusion was 80.58%. For in vivo analysis, mucus was highly produced in gastric mucosa of plant-treated rats, thereby pH were elevated in rats pretreated with M. oleifera compared to ulcerated animals. Whereas, lesion index was markedly reduced (79%) in stomach protected with plant. Interestingly, oral administration of M. oleifera protected gastric mucosa through decreasing MDA levels as well as increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx).

Conclusion

Overall, the therapeutic value against acidified ethanol induced gastric and ulcer ability of M. oleifera might be due to its biocompounds.

Effect of Essential Oils on the Oxyntopeptic Cells and Somatostatin and Ghrelin Immunoreactive Cells in the European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Gastric Mucosa

The current work was designed to assess the effect of feed supplemented with essential oils (EOs) on the histological features in sea bass's gastric mucosa. Fish were fed three diets: control diet (CTR), HERBAL MIX® made with natural EOs (N-EOs), or HERBAL MIX® made with artificial EOs obtained by synthesis (S-EOs) during a 117-day feeding trial. Thereafter, the oxyntopeptic cells (OPs) and the ghrelin (GHR) and somatostatin (SOM) enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in the gastric mucosa were evaluated. The Na+K+-ATPase antibody was used to label OPs, while, for the EECs, anti-SOM and anti-GHR antibody were used. The highest density of OP immunoreactive (IR) area was in the CTR group (0.66 mm2 ± 0.1). The OP-IR area was reduced in the N-EO diet group (0.22 mm2 ± 1; CTR vs. N-EOs, p < 0.005), while in the S-EO diet group (0.39 mm2 ± 1) a trend was observed. We observed an increase of the number of SOM-IR cells in the N-EO diet (15.6 ± 4.2) compared to that in the CTR (11.8 ± 3.7) (N-EOs vs. CTR; p < 0.05), but not in the S-EOs diet. These observations will provide a basis to advance current knowledge on the anatomy and digestive physiology of this species in relation to pro-heath feeds.

Essential Oils Derived from Momordica charantia Seeds Exhibited Antiulcer Activity against Hydrogen Chloride/Ethanol and Indomethacin

Momordica charantia (MC) is popular for its medicinal uses especially for treating diabetic-related complications. However, the antiulcer activity of essential oil derived from the seeds has not been systematically studied. This study aims to evaluate the gastroprotective activities of essential oil derived from the seed of MC induced by hydrochloride acid/ethanol (HCl/EtOH) and indomethacin and pylorus-ligation model. Gastric ulceration was induced by oral administration of HCl/EtOH solution or indomethacin on day 7 after animals have been pretreated with testing compounds. The first group received just distilled water and the second group received ranitidine (100 mg/kg). Groups 3, 4, and 5 received 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg of essential oil based on their body weight (10 mL/kg), respectively. Macroscopically, pretreatment of essential oil extracted from MC significantly decreased ulceration induced by HCl/EtOH and indomethacin in vivo. Microscopically, essential oil also significantly suppressed the formation of edema, epithelial disruption, and mucosa erosions. Moreover, essential oil significantly elevated the pH without decreasing the total acidity of the gastric juice and was able to increase the amount of adherent mucus compared to control. Current results provide scientific basis to the ethno-pharmacological usage of the MC in preventing ulcer formation induced by HCl/EtOH and indomethacin.

Biological Properties of Essential Oils from Thymus algeriensis Boiss

This study describes the chemical composition, antitumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the plant Thymus algeriensis Boiss. Essential oils (EOs) were collected in different periods (before, during, and after flowering stage) from the El-Guetfa region, M’sila, Algeria. The EOs extraction was achieved using three distinguishing techniques: hydro (Clevenger trap), steam, and microwave distillations, targeting different aerial parts of the plant (stems, flowers, and leaves). The EOs chemical components were estimated using GC-FID and GC-MS apparatuses. The resulting yield of the extracted oil was moderate and ranged between 0.84 and 1.53% (wt/vol). In total, eighty-five components were identified, in which the oxygenated monoterpenes family formed the main portion, starting from 40.56 up to 70.66%. The obtained essential oil was dominated by five major components that varied from low to quite moderate percentages: camphor (17.45–32.56%), borneol (11.16–22.2%), camphene (7.53–12.86%), 1.8-cineole (5.16–11.21%), and bornyl acetate (3.86–7.92%). The biological results of this oil pointed out that the EOs extracted from the leaves part exposed a weak radical scavenging activity afterward using two well-known antioxidant assays DPPH (IC₅₀ = 8.37 mg/mL) and ABTS (10.84 mg/mL). Meanwhile, this oil presented strong inhibition activity against colon cancer cell line HCT116 (LC50 = 39.8 µg/mL) and a moderate inhibitory against hepatocellular cancer cells HePG2 (LC50 > 100 µg/mL). In addition, this oil antimicrobial activity was quite important against Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), Staphylococcus aureus CIP 7625, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 4226, Candida albicans IPA200, Candida tropicalis (Ct), and Candida glabrata (Cg) after using Amoxicillin and Itraconazole as references.

Differentiation of Phenolic Composition Among Tunisian Thymus algeriensis Boiss. et Reut. (Lamiaceae) Populations: Correlation to Bioactive Activities

: Twelve Tunisian Thymus algeriensis populations growing wild in different bioclimatic zones, extending from the subhumid to the upper-arid bioclimates, were compared regarding their phenolic composition and their ability to serve as antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and antibacterial agents. A significant variation of phenol profile was observed between the analyzed populations, as assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn) technique. Rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic compound in most populations (383.8-1157.8 µg/mL extract), but still, those from the upper-arid bioclimatic zone were distinguished by the presence of carvacrol (1374.7 and 2221.6 µg/mL extract), which was absent in the remaining ones. T. algeriensis methanolic extracts were found to possess a substantial antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities, with significant variation observed between populations, which were correlated to their phenolic contents. The antibacterial activity of the extracts tested against seven bacteria was revealed only by populations collected from upper-arid bioclimate and mainly associated with the presence of carvacrol. Extracts revealed a bacteriostatic effect against all bacteria (MIC = 1.4 mg/mL). Yet, the bactericidal activity (MBC = 1.4mg/mL) was restricted to the gram-negative bacteria Escherchia coli.

Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Thyme Essential Oil on H2O2 Stress in Heart Tissues

BACKGROUND

Thymus algeriensis (T. algeriensis) is traditionally used in Tunisia to treat many human diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether terpenes extracted from the aerial parts of T. algeriensis are potent cardioprotective agents for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

METHOD

Thirty (30) rats were divided into six groups as per the experimental design: control (n = 6); 0.1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (LD H₂O₂) (n = 6); 1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (HD H₂O₂) (n = 6); oily fraction of T. algeriensis (OFTS) (180 mg/kg b.wt) (n = 6); OFTS + 0.1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (n = 6); and OFTS + 1 mmol/L H₂O₂ (n = 6).

RESULTS

The H₂O₂ demonstrated concentration-dependent cardiotoxic effects in vitro. While, exposure of rats to OFTS significantly depleted H₂O₂-induced protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, it raised antioxidant defence enzymes, and protected against H₂O₂-induced histopathological alterations. The antioxidant potential of the thyme essence was assessed by both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, OFTS may be a potential compound for the therapy of oxidative stress-induced heart disease.

Low-Molecular-Weight Oligonol, a Polyphenol Derived from Lychee Fruit, Attenuates Experimental Reflux Esophagitis and HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer

Oligonol, a polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, is produced by an oligomerization process that converts high-molecular-weight polyphenol polymers into low-molecular-weight oligomers. Evidence suggests that oligonol exerts its beneficial effects based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was the first to investigate the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of oligonol on gastroesophageal inflammatory models: surgically induced acute reflux esophagitis (RE) and gastric ulcer (GU) induced by HCl/ethanol. In the in vitro study, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays were performed to determine the antioxidant activity of oligonol. The experimental groups were each composed of normal, vehicle, and oligonol groups. RE rats and GU mice were treated orally with oligonol (100 mg/kg bw) or distilled water as a vehicle (n = 8 for each group). Oligonol exhibited potent free radical-scavenging capacities for DPPH and ABTS radicals, activities that were similar to those of ascorbic acid. The in vivo study revealed that oligonol consumption significantly prevented RE and GU formation and decreased the gross mucosal injury from oxidative stress. Oligonol decreased the reactive oxygen species levels and elevated levels of both inflammatory mediators and cytokines (p-IκB, NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in the RE and GU models. Oligonol had a protective effect against oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and GPx-1/2) activities in GU mice. Oligonol has potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for gastroesophageal inflammatory diseases, including RE and GU.

Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and mediated brain injury attenuated by Thymus algeriensis

The aim of the current study was to evaluate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels induced by hydrophobic fractions of Thymus algeriensis (HFTS) growing in Tunisia. The results showed that hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), an oxidative stress inducer, acts by decreasing the body mass and brain mass of rats. Moreover, we found higher MDA levels in the group treated with H₂O₂ (P < 0.05) and a significantly lower activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as a reduction in reduced glutathione activity in the brain tissues of H₂O₂-treated rats when compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05); however, rats that received HFTS with H₂O₂ experienced a decrease in MDA levels in the brain. In contrast, HFTS demonstrated neuroprotective effects in rat brain. Overall, exposure to HFTS prior to H₂O₂ induced a marked dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species scavenger levels (P < 0.05) accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in MDA levels (P < 0.05) when compared with no exposure. Notably, the activity of AChE was affected by exposure to natural compounds; levels were significantly lower in HFTS-treated rats and in those treated with the combination of HFTS and a low or high dose of H₂O₂. Furthermore, histopathological analysis showed that brain injuries occurred with high doses of H₂O₂ administered alone or with a low dose of HFTS, whereas a high dose of essential oil markedly alleviated neurone degeneration. The results suggest that HFTS alleviates neuroinflammation by acting as an AChE inhibitor and attenuates H₂O₂-induced brain toxicity.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Different Extracts from Thymus algeriensis Aerial Parts

This study was performed to evaluate the metabolite recovery from different extraction methods applied to Thymus algeriensis aerial parts. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using photodiode array detector with gradient elution has been developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of different phenolic compounds in the extracts and in their corresponding purified fractions. The experimental results show that microwave-assisted aqueous extraction for 15 min at 100 °C gave the most phenolics-enriched extract, reducing extraction time without degradation effects on bioactives. Sixteen compounds were identified in this extract, 11 phenolic compounds and five flavonoids, all known for their biological activities. Color analysis and determination of chlorophylls and carotenoids implemented the knowledge of the chemical profile of this plant.

Profiling polyphenol composition by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and the antibacterial activity of infusion preparations obtained from four medicinal plants

Infusions ofT. pallescens,P. verticillataandL. guyonianumare a source of bioactive compounds.

Critical Evaluation of Animal Models of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Preclinical research remains an important tool for discovery and validation of novel therapeutics for gastrointestinal disorders. While in vitro assays can be used to verify receptor-ligand interactions and test for structural activity of new compounds, only whole-animal studies can demonstrate drug efficacy within the gastrointestinal system. Most major gastrointestinal disorders have been modeled in animals; however the translational relevance of each model is not equal. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a critical evaluation of common animal models that are being used to develop pharmaceuticals for gastrointestinal disorders. For brevity, the models are presented for upper gastrointestinal disorders involving the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and lower gastrointestinal disorders that focus on the colon. Particular emphasis is used to explain the face and construct validity of each model, and the limitations of each model, including data interpretation, are highlighted. This chapter does not evaluate models that rely on surgical or other non-pharmacological interventions for treatment.

Gastroprotective effect of crocin in ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats

The present study investigated the gastroprotective effect of crocin in ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. Rats were allocated into a normal group, an ulcer group, a crocin-treated group, an ulcer group pretreated with crocin, and an ulcer group pretreated with omeprazole as a reference anti-ulcer drug. Rats were sacrificed 3h after ethanol administration. Prophylactic administration of crocin (50mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 3 consecutive days before the administration of 70% ethanol (10 ml/kg, orally) resulted in significant gastroprotection compared to ethanol-ulcerated rats as manifested by significant reduction in the gastric ulcer index. Crocin pretreatment increased ethanol-lowered levels of gastric juice mucin and mucosal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, crocin significantly decreased ethanol-elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level, myeloperoxidase activity and heat shock protein 70 mRNA and protein levels. It also restored ethanol-altered mucosal levels of glutathione, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, crocin-pretreatment alleviated ethanol-induced mucosal apoptosis as revealed by significant down-regulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 mRNA expression, significant decrease in caspase-3 activity and mitigated DNA fragmentation as indicated by significant decrements in comet parameters. The protective efficacy of crocin was further supported by histological assessment. No significant difference was observed between crocin and omeprazole (20mg/kg orally 1h before ethanol administration) regarding their mucin-secretagogue and antioxidant effects, as well as their effects on TNF-α, IL-6 and cytochrome c. On the other hand, omeprazole was superior in enhancing PGE2 level and in alleviating neutrophil infiltration, caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Conclusively, crocin protects rat gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced injury via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and mucin-secretagogue mechanisms that are probably mediated by enhanced PGE2 release.