Protective effects of Mentha piperita L. leaf essential oil against CCl4 induced hepatic oxidative damage and renal failure in rats

An unmet need for pharmacology: Treatments for radiation-induced gastrointestinal mucositis

Gastrointestinal mucositis (GIM) continues to be a significant issue in the management of abdominal cancer radiation treatments and chemotherapy, causing significant patient discomfort and therapy interruption or even cessation. This review will first focus on radiotherapy induced GIM, providing an understanding of its clinical landscape. Subsequently, the aetiology of GIM will be reviewed, highlighting diverse contributing factors. The cellular and tissue damage and associated molecular responses in GIM will be summarised in the context of the underlying complex biological processes. Finally, available drugs and pharmaceutical therapies will be evaluated, underscoring their insufficiency, and highlighting the need for further research and innovation. This review will emphasize the urgent need for improved pharmacologic therapeutics for GIM, which is a key research priority in oncology.

Neuroprotective potential of Mentha piperita extract prevents motor dysfunctions in mouse model of Parkinson's disease through anti-oxidant capacities

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. Neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra (SN) and diminished release of dopamine are prominent causes of this progressive disease. The current study aims to evaluate the protective potential of ethanolic extract of Mentha piperita (EthMP) against rotenone-mediated PD features, dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and neuronal survival in a mouse model. Swiss albino male mice were assigned to five groups: control (2.5% DMSO vehicle), PD (rotenone 2.5 mg/kg), EthMP and rotenone (200mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg, respectively), EthMP (200 mg/kg), and Sinemet, reference treatment containing levodopa and carbidopa (20 mg/kg and rotenone 2.5mg/kg). Behavioral tests for motor functional deficit analysis were performed. Anti-oxidant capacity was estimated using standard antioxidant markers. Histopathology of the mid-brain for neurodegeneration estimation was performed. HPLC based dopamine level analysis and modulation of gene expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for the selected genes. EthMP administration significantly prevented the rotenone-mediated motor dysfunctions compared to PD group as assessed through open field, beam walk, pole climb down, stepping, tail suspension, and stride length tests. EthMP administration modulated the lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, as well as glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities in mouse brain. EthMP extract prevented neurodegeneration in the SN of mice and partially maintained dopamine levels. The expression of genes related to dopamine, anti-oxidant potential and synapses were modulated in M. piperita (MP) extract treated mice brains. Current data suggest therapeutic capacities of MP extract and neuroprotective capacities, possibly through antioxidant capacities. Therefore, it may have potential clinical applications for PD management.

Nrf2/HO-1 as a therapeutic target in renal fibrosis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and affects between 10 and 14 % of the world's population. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2040, the disease will be fifth in prevalence. End-stage CKD is characterized by renal fibrosis, which can eventually lead to kidney failure and death. Renal fibrosis develops due to multiple injuries and involves oxidative stress and inflammation. In the human body, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an important role in the expression of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective genes, which prevents oxidative stress and inflammation damage. Heme oxygenase (HO-1) is an inducible homolog influenced by heme products and after exposure to cellular stress inducers such as oxidants, inflammatory chemokines/cytokines, and tissue damage as an outcome or downstream of Nrf2 activation. HO-1 is known for its antioxidative properties, which play an important role in regulating oxidative stress. In renal diseases-induced tissue fibrosis and xenobiotics-induced renal fibrosis, Nrf2/HO-1 has been targeted with promising results. This review summarizes these studies and highlights the interesting bioactive compounds that may assist in attenuating renal fibrosis mediated by HO-1 activation. In conclusion, Nrf2/HO-1 signal activation could have a renoprotective effect strategy against CKD caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and consequent renal fibrosis.

Mentha piperita: Essential Oil and Extracts, Their Biological Activities, and Perspectives on the Development of New Medicinal and Cosmetic Products

This review aims to analyze Mentha piperita L. as a potential raw material for the development of new health-promoting products (nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products). A lot of scientific publications were retrieved from the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases which enable the study and generalization of the extraction procedures, key biologically active compounds of essential oil and extracts, biological properties, and therapeutic potential of M. piperita, along with perspectives on the development of its dosage forms, including combinations of synthetic active substances and herbal preparations of M. piperita. The results of this review indicate that M. piperita is a source rich in phytoconstituents of different chemical nature and can be regarded as a source of active substances to enhance health and to develop medicinal products for complementary therapy of various conditions, especially those related with oxidant stress, inflammation, and moderate infections. Essential oil has a broad spectrum of activities. Depending on the test and concentration, this essential oil has both anti- and prooxidant properties. Gram-positive bacteria are more sensitive to the essential oil of M. piperita than Gram-negative ones. This review also considered some facets of the standardization of essential oil and extracts of M. piperita. Among the identified phenolics of extracts were caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, eriocitrin, luteolin derivates (luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoronide), and hesperidin. The concentration of these phenolics depends on the solvent used. This review also considered the relationships between the chemical component and biological activity. The results showed that the essential oil and extracts reduced inflammation in vitro by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and in vivo by reducing the paw edema induced using carrageenan injection in rats. Therefore, herbal preparations of M. piperita are promising medicinal and cosmetic preparations for their usage in skincare and oral cavity care products with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. This plant can also be regarded as a platform for the development of antibacterial preparations and combined anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective medicinal products (synthetic active substances plus herbal preparations). This review could be considered for the justification of the composition of some medicinal products during their pharmaceutical development for writing a registration dossier in the format of Common Technical Document.

Salvia officinalis flowers extract ameliorates liver and kidney injuries induced by simultaneous intoxication with ethanol/castor oil

The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF-AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF-AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF-AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO-caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF-AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF-AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SF-AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2 O2 , free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF-AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, SF-AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on Con A-induced acute liver injury in mice

MG-132, an aldehyde-based peptide proteasome inhibitor (PI) that binds to the proteasome and reversibly inhibits proteasome activity, has been widely used in experimental research. However, it is not clear whether MG-132 has anti-inflammatory effects on liver injury. The molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of the PI MG-132 on Con A-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mice was investigated by ELISA, HE, q RT-PCR, and IHC. The results showed that the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and TNF-α and IL-6 contents of mice in the high and medium dose groups were reduced compared with those in the ALI group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in liver tissues were significantly increased, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased. The pathological sections of mice in the ALI group showed typical ALI manifestations such as significant central venous stasis of liver tissues, cell swelling, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The pathological damage of liver tissues was relieved significantly in the three dose groups, especially in the high-dose group. The transcriptional level of TLR4/NF-κB pathway key factors mRNA was significantly reduced, and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB P65 protein in liver tissues was significantly and positively correlated with the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that MG-132 can alleviate the inflammatory response to Con A-induced ALI and exert a hepatoprotective effect, and its anti-inflammatory effect is related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Immunomodulatory effect of Linalool (Lin) against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative damage in rats

The current study explored the hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of Linalool (Lin) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ )-induced toxicity in mice. Four study groups (n = 8 each) were used: (1) a negative control group and (2) a toxicity control group (single dose of CCl₄ administered on day 14 as 1 mL/kg of CCL₄ in 1% olive oil). Intraperitoneally (i.p.)), and two experimental groups where mice were treated with either (3) Lin (25 mg/kg b.w., orally, daily for 15 days) or (4) pretreated with Lin (25 mg/kg b.w., orally, daily for 14 days) and intoxicated with CCl₄ (1 mL/kg of CCL₄ in 1% olive oil. i.p.) on day 14. The levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10), the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-1β, and the histopathology of the liver were assessed. According to our findings, IL-10 concentrations were significantly increased in Lin-treated groups, while other cytokine levels were marked by a considerable decrease in the toxicity model group (CCl₄ -treated group). Histopathological examinations of liver tissues showed that the Lin-treated groups had an almost normal structure. The current findings showed that Lin could inhibit CCl₄ -induced liver injury in mice, which warrants further investigation of Lin as a potential protective and therapeutic agent against hepatotoxicity.

Histological changes induced by Piroxicam on the hepatic and renal tissues of mice with and without administration of Peppermint oil

Piroxicam is a popular anti-inflammatory drug that displays palliative and antipyretic activity. Peppermint oil is a common flavoring used in foods and drinks. To investigate the defensive action of Peppermint oil against the hepatic and renal histological damage induced by Piroxicam in mice.

Forty healthy adult Swiss albino mice of both sexes were categorized into 4 groups (10 mice in each group): Control group (I); Treatment group (II) – injected with Piroxicam 0.3 mg/kg/rat/day via intraperitoneal route for 28 days; Treatment group (III) – oral Peppermint oil 0.2 ml/kg/day by oral gavage 24 hours preceding each injection of Piroxicam; Treatment group (IV) oral Peppermint oil alone. Blood samples were withdrawn to estimate the hepatic and renal functions. Immediately after death, specimens of liver and kidney from the four groups were isolated and put in 10% concentration buffered formalin for 24 hours then prepared for light microscopic examination.

There was a highly significant rise in the serum level of hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase and total serum bilirubin) in the group treated with Piroxicam, as compared to the control group. These returned to near normal level in the group treated with Piroxicam and Peppermint oil. Liver samples of the treated mice showed ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, small apoptotic hepatocytes and inflammatory cellular infiltration, whereas kidney sections revealed cystic dilatation of Bowman’s space, shrinkage of glomerular tuft and apoptosis of epithelial cells lining the tubules. In contrast, the addition of peppermint oil efficiently ameliorated the hepatic and renal tissue changes.

Piroxicam induces hepatorenal toxicity as exhibited by histological, histochemical and biochemical findings. Peppermint oil shows ameliorative properties against the hepatorenal toxic effects induced by Piroxicam.

Phytochemical Variability, In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Investigations, and In Silico Antibacterial Mechanisms of Mentha piperita Essential Oils Collected from Two Different Regions in Morocco

The objective of this work is to explore the phytochemical profile of Mentha piperita essential oils (MPEO) collected from two different Moroccan regions using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) and to investigate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and, antimicrobial effects using in vivo and in vitro assays. The chemical constituent of MPEO from the Azrou zone is dominated by carvone (70.25%), while MPEO from the Ouazzane zone is rich in Menthol (43.32%) and Menthone (29.4%). MPEO from Ouezzane showed higher antioxidant activity than EO from Azrou. Nevertheless, EO from Ouezzane considerably inhibited 5-Lipoxygenase (IC50 = 11.64 ± 0.02 µg/mL) compared to EO from Azro (IC50 = 23.84 ± 0.03 µg/mL). Both EOs from Azrou and Ouazzane inhibited the α-amylase activity in vitro, with IC50 values of 131.62 ± 0.01 µg/mL and 91.64 ± 0.03 µg/mL, respectively. The EOs were also tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The discdiffusion test revealed that MPEOs from both regions have significant antibacterial efficacy, and MPEOs from the north region showed the highest effect. The gram-positive bacteria were the most susceptible organisms. The MIC concentrations were in the range of 0.05 to 6.25 mg/mL, and the MBC concentrations were within 0.05-25.0 mg/mL. The MBC/MIC index indicated that MPEO has strong bactericidal effects.

Chemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Mentha piperita L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils and In Vitro Potential Cytotoxic Effect in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and the therapeutic solutions are frequently aggressive requiring improvements. Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites of aromatic plants with important pharmacological properties that proved to be beneficial in multiple pathologies including cancer. Mentha piperita L. (M_EO) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R_EO) essential oils are well-known for their biological effects (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in different cancer cells), but their potential as complementary treatment in colorectal cancer is underexplored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the M_EO and R_EO in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects in a colorectal cancer cell line—HCT 116. The gas-chromatographic analysis revealed menthone and menthol, and eucalyptol, α-pinene and L-camphor as major compounds in M_EO and R_EO respectively. M_EO exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, moderate antioxidant activity and a low cytotoxic effect in HCT 116 cells. R_EO presented a significant cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cells and a low antimicrobial effect. The cytotoxic effect on non-cancerous cell line HaCaT was not significant for both essential oils. These results may provide an experimental basis for further research concerning the potential use of M_EO and R_EO for anticancer treatment.

Nephroprotective potential of eugenol in a rat experimental model of chronic kidney injury; targeting NOX, TGF-β, and Akt signaling

Chronic kidney disease is a crucial health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Eugenol is a natural phenolic plant compound with various pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effect of different eugenol doses in an experimental model of chronic CCl₄-induced renal damage and investigate various mechanisms that underlie this postulated effect. Eugenol treatment (100 mg/kg) ameliorated kidney damage induced by CCl₄ and rectified the distorted kidney function parameters and renal histological structure. Additionally, eugenol at a dose of 100 mg/kg suppressed the upregulated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in CCl₄-treated rats as evident by down regulations of NADPH oxidase (NOX2 and NOX4), proinflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) and proapoptotic markers (cyt c and caspase-3), respectively. Importantly, eugenol co-administration in rats challenged with CCl₄ downregulated the renal protein expressions of both TGF-β as well as pAkt compared with CCl₄ group. In conclusion, eugenol showed a potent nephroprotective effect against CCl₄-induced renal damage through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities.

Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application

Mentha (also known as peppermint), a genus of plants in the taxonomic family Lamiaceae (mint family), is widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the world. Mentha contains various constituents that are classified as peppermint essential oil (PEO) and non-essential components. PEO, consisting mainly of menthol, menthone, neomenthol and iso-menthone, is a mixture of volatile metabolites with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, scolicidal, immunomodulatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, antifatigue and antioxidant activities. Mounting evidence indicates that PEO may pharmacologically protect gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, skin, respiratory, brain and nervous systems, and exert hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Clinically, PEO is used for gastrointestinal and dermatological diseases, postoperative adjuvant therapy and other fields. This review aims to address the advances in the extraction and isolation of PEO, its biological activities, pharmacological effects, toxicity and applications, with an emphasis on the efficacy of PEO on burn wounds and psoriasis, providing a comprehensive foundation for research, development and application of PEO in future.

The Potential of Lamiaceae Herbs for Mitigation of Overweight, Obesity, and Fatty Liver: Studies and Perspectives

Numerous plants, plant extracts, and plant-derived compounds are being explored for their beneficial effects against overweight and liver diseases. Obesity is associated with the increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), becoming the most common liver disease in Western countries. Obesity and NAFLD are closely associated with many other metabolic alternations such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Many herbs of the Lamiaceae family are widely employed as food and spices in the Mediterranean area, but also in folk medicine, and their use for the management of metabolic disorders is well documented. Hereby, we summarized the scientific results of the medicinal and nutraceutical potential of plants from the Lamiaceae family for prevention and mitigation of overweight and fatty liver. The evidence indicates that Lamiaceae plants may be a cost-effective source of nutraceuticals and/or phytochemicals to be used in the management of metabolic-related conditions such as obesity and NAFLD. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SciFinder were accessed to collect data on traditional medicinal plants, compounds derived from plants, their reported anti-obesity mechanisms, and therapeutic targets.

Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Potential of Teucrium polium against Liver Damage Associated Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Injury in Rats: Computational, Biochemical and Histological Studies

This study investigated the druggability, pharmacokinetics and ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium (EA T. polium) and the protective effect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver cirrhosis in rats. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and scavenging activity of the extract were examined. The in vivo protective study was based on the use of an animal model of CCl₄-induced liver cirrhosis. Four groups of rats have been used: Group I: control rats; Group II: received CCl₄ in olive oil (0.5 mL/kg); Group III: received the EA T. polium (25 mg/kg) of pretreatment for seven days by gavage then CCl₄ in olive oil by gavage for 15 days. Group IV: received the EA of T. polium for seven days (25 mg/kg). EA T. polium was found to possess significant antioxidant capacity. CCl₄ caused a hepatotoxicity associated increase in both levels of AST and ALT, which were reduced back to normal values following EA T. polium pretreatment. Hepatotoxicity associated structural modifications of liver tissues and increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and carbonyl proteins (CP), associated decreases in several assessed antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). The in vivo findings on the protective effect of T. polium were supported by its druggability, its pharmacokinetic properties and molecular docking assays. These results confirm the modulatory antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of T. polium in this experimental liver cirrhosis model. T. polium phytochemicals are good candidates for further pharmaceutical explorations and drug design.

The Severity of Acute Kidney and Lung Injuries Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture Is Attenuated by Menthol: Role of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen and Apoptotic Markers

Objective

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are major causes of mortality. Menthol is a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions. Since exaggerated inflammatory and oxidative stress are characteristics of sepsis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of menthol against sepsis-induced mortality, ALI, and AKI.

Methods

The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure was employed as a model of sepsis. Rats were grouped into sham, sham-Menthol, CLP, and CLP-Menthol (100 mg/kg, p.o).

Key Findings

A survival study showed that menthol enhanced the survival after sepsis from 0% in septic group to 30%. Septic rats developed histological evidence of ALI and AKI. Menthol markedly suppressed sepsis induced elevation of tissue TNF-a, ameliorated sepsis-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and restored the antiapoptotic marker Bcl2.

Significance

We introduced a role of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in these tissues with a possible link to the damage induced by sepsis. PCNA level was markedly reduced in septic animals and menthol ameliorated this effect. Our data provide novel evidence that menthol protects against organ damage and decreases mortality in experimental sepsis.

Ethnomedicinal appraisal of plants used for the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints by tribal communities living in Diamir district, Western Himalayas, Pakistan

Majority of the mountain dwelling communities living in the Himalayas rely on traditional herbal medicines for primary healthcare needs. Present study was conducted in fairy meadows and allied valleys in District Diamir, Gilgit Baltistan autonomous territory in northern Pakistan. Documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK) of local communities for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was carried out as a component of a wider medico-botanical expedition conducted in the entire base camp of the great Nanga Parbat peak during 2016–19. Various ethnobotanical parameters i.e. use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level (FL), direct matrix ranking test (DMRT) and preference ranking (PR) were applied to evaluate the data collected during field surveys. The plants were also subjected to a comparative review for novelty assessment. A total of 61 medicinal plant species belonging to 55 genera and 35 families are reported here for the treatment of GIDs. Compositae was the leading family with 8 (13%) species. Fourteen gastrointestinal disorders were cured with 32% taxon were reported for stomachic followed by diarrhea (15%) and constipation (14%). Highest use reports (5) and use citations (207) were reported for Mentha longifolia L. while highest UV (1.79) was obtained for Artemisia maritima L. Hylotelephium telephioides (Ledeb.), A. maritima, M. longifolia, M. piperita L., Allium cepa L., and A. annua L. exhibited 100% FL. Highest ICF was calculated against dysentery and flatulence. DMRT ranked Prunus persica L. first for its multipurpose uses. Taking constipation as a reference gastrointestinal disease, PR for ten plant species was calculated where H. telephioides was ranked first followed by A. maritima. Present study concluded that 19 out of 61 plant species were documented for the first time with novel medicinal uses to cure GIDs. These plant species could act as potential reservoirs of novel lead compounds for the treatments of gastrointestinal disorders.

Evaluation of Bacterial Perpetuation Assays and Plant Biomolecules Antimicrobial Activity against Cotton Blight Bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum; An Alternative Source for Food Production and Protection

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a global cash crop which has gained importance in earning foreign exchange for each country. Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonascitri subsp. malvacearum (Xcm) has been a seriousdisease in Pakistan’s cotton belt on multiple occasions. Bacterium was isolated and identified through various biochemical and diagnostic tests wherehypersensitivity reaction, Gram staining, KOH (potassium hydroxide), catalase, starch hydrolysis, lecithinase and Tween 80 hydrolysis tests confirmed bacterium as Gram-negative and plant pathogenic. Xcm perpetuation assays wereevaluated on various cotton varieties under glasshouse conditions in completely randomized design by three different methods, wherein the scratch method proved to be the best upon CIM-496 and showed 83.33% disease incidence as compared with the other two methods, where Bt-3701 responded with 53.33% incidence via the spray gun method, and 50% with the water splash method on CIM-616, as compared with the control. Similarly, for disease severity percentage, Bt-3701 was pragmatic with 47.21% through scratch method, whereas, in the spray gun method, 45.51% disease severity was noted upon Bt-802, and 31.27% was calculated on Cyto-179 through the water splash method. Owing to the unique antibacterial properties of aqueous plant extracts, the poison food technique showed Aloe vera, Mentha piperita, Syzygiumcumini and Azadirachta indica with 17.77, 29.33, 18.33 and 20.22 bacterial colonies counted on nutrient agarmedium petri plate, respectively, as compared with the control. Measurement of the inhibition zone by disk diffusion technique showed Mentha piperita, Syzygiumcumini, Citrus limon, Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum to present the most promising results by calculating the maximum diameter of the inhibition zone, viz., 8.58, 8.55, 8.52, 8.49 and 8.41 (mm), respectively, at the highest tested concentration (75 ppm, parts per million) compared with the control. It is probable that the decoction’s interaction with the pathogen population on the host plant will need to be considered in future experiments. However, at this moment, more research into the effective management of cotton bacterial blight by plant extracts in terms of concentration determination and development of biopesticides will provide future avenues to avoid environmental pollution.

Chemical characterization and evaluation of the nephroprotective potential of Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Decne) Rehder and Periploca hydaspidis Falc crude extract in CCl4-induced Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Biochemical, antioxidant, serum, and urine profiles together with physical examination can deliver important information regarding animal health status, and are vital in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. CCl₄, a potent nephrotoxin, was used for causing toxicity in rat kidneys. The present study aimed at exploring the nephroprotective potential of P. jacquemontiana leaves methanol extract (PJM) and P. hydaspidis whole-plant methanol extract (PHM) on kidney cells of male rats after oxidative stress and DNA damage was instigated by CCl₄. Various parameters including enzymatic levels, serum profiles, urine profiles, genotoxicity, and histological studies were conducted. In renal samples of rats treated with CCl₄, the antioxidant enzymes (POD, SOD, CAT), PH level, protein level, and glutathione contents were significantly (p < 0.05) declined whereas renal biochemicals (H₂O₂, TBARS, and nitrite), specific gravity, level of urea, urobilinogen, serum BUN and creatinine were markedly (p < 0.05) increased relative to control group. Co-administration of PJM and PHM with CCl₄ displayed protective ability against CCl₄ intoxication by restoring activities of antioxidant enzymes, urine profile, biochemical parameters, and serum profile in rats. CCl₄ also induced prominent DNA damages and glomerular atrophy with abnormal appearance of glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. These damages results in impaired corticular sections, edema in Bowman's capsule, accumulation of necrotic cells, dilation of convoluted tubules, and narrowing of space between Bowman's capsule, which were successfully ameliorated after co-administration of PJM and PHM fractions in a dose-dependent manner (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.). The results obtained suggest the therapeutic role of PJM and PHM in oxidative-stress related disorders of kidney and may be helpful in kidney trauma.

Cinnamon and Eucalyptus Oils Suppress the Inflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide In Vivo

Inflammation caused by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) disrupts epithelial homeostasis and threatens both human and animal health. Therefore, the discovery and development of new anti-inflammatory drugs is urgently required. Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, this study aims to screen and evaluate the effects of cinnamon oil and eucalyptus oil on anti-inflammatory activities. The associated evaluation indicators include body weight gain, visceral edema coefficient, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrogen monoxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Urea, Crea, ALT, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IκB-α, iNOS, and Mn-SOD. In addition, tissue injury was determined by H&E staining. The results revealed that cinnamon oil and eucalyptus oil suppressed inflammation by decreasing SOD, TNF-α, and NF-κB levels. We also found that cinnamon oil increased the level of GSH-Px, MDA, and Mn-SOD, as well as the visceral edema coefficient of the kidney and liver. Altogether, these findings illustrated that cinnamon oil and eucalyptus oil exhibited wide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities against LPS-induced inflammation.

Antioxidant and hepatopreventive effects of Cassia angustifolia extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of methanol fraction from Cassia angustifolia leaf extract (MECA), associated with its phytochemical content, on CCl₄-induced hepatic toxicity in adult rats. In the controls, CCl₄ induced an increase of serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in the liver. MECA caused significant reductions in CCl₄-elevated levels of hepatic markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared to the CCl₄ group. Moreover, pretreatment with the MECA produced significant reductions in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and protein carbonyl level in liver tissues as compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic lesions was strongly prevented by MECA. Overall, this study suggests that administration of MECA has a high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Determination of peppermint compounds in breath by needle trap micro-extraction coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Breath analysis is an alternative approach for disease diagnosis and for monitoring therapy. The lack of standardized procedures for collecting and analysing breath samples currently limits its use in clinical practice. In order to overcome this limitation, the "Peppermint Consortium" was established within the breath community to carry out breath wash-out experiments and define reference values for a panel of compounds contained in the peppermint oil capsule. Here, we present a needle trap micro-extraction technique coupled with gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry for a rapid and accurate determination of alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, menthofuran, menthone, menthol and menthyl acetate in mixed breath samples. Detection limits between 1 and 20 pptv were observed when 25 mL of a humidified standard gas mixture were loaded into a needle trap device at a flow rate of 10 mL/min. Inter- and intra-day precisions were lower than 15%, thus confirming the reliability of the assay. Our procedure was used to analyse breath samples taken from a nominally healthy volunteer who were invited to swallow a 200 mg capsule of peppermint oil. Six samples were collected at various times within six hours of ingestion. Analyte concentrations were not affected by the sampling mode (i.e. mixed vs. end-tidal fraction), whereas respiratory rate and exhalation flow rate values slightly influenced the concentration of the target compounds in breath samples.

The Effect of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Extract on the Severity of Nausea, Vomiting and Anorexia in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objective: Nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are the most common side effects reported in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The present study aimed to determine the effect of peppermint extract on the severity of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods and Materials: In this randomized controlled trial, we selected 84 patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. They were then assigned to 2 groups of experimental and control (n = 42, each) using block randomization. Patients in the experimental group received 40 drops of peppermint extract mixed in 20 cc of tap water every 8 hours, while patients in the control group received 40 drops of distilled water mixed in 20 cc of tap water every 8 hours. The severity of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia was measured and recorded before the intervention, and immediately, 24 and 48 hours after the chemotherapy using the Visual Analogue Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS software version 21. Results: The results of the present study revealed that there was a significant difference between the 2 groups at 24 and 48 hours after the chemotherapy (P < .05), so that the mean score of the severity of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (P < .05). Conclusion: The use of peppermint as a method in complementary medicine may improve nausea, vomiting, and anorexia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Further studies with greater sample size and longer follow-up period are needed to confirm the current findings.

The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as the per se effects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.

Induction of EpRE-mediated gene expression by a series of mediterranean botanicals and their constituents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A variety of Mediterranean plant species, traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of several health conditions, contain ingredients with potential biological activity of which many remain unexplored. Among the beneficial health effects of bioactive phytochemicals is the activation of cellular defense mechanisms involving the activation of EpRE (electrophile responsive element) - mediated changes in gene expression.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to identify botanicals and their active constituents able to activate the EpRE mediated gene expression within a series of Mediterranean plant species known for their hepatoprotective and/or cardioprotective properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanolic extracts of 18 botanicals were prepared and tested for their ability to induce gene expression in EpRE-LUX reporter cells. Subsequently, LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) analysis combined with MAGMa (MS Annotation based on in silico Generated Metabolites) software for automated compound annotation was used to facilitate tentative identification of the active constituents within two of the active extracts. Selected annotated compounds were tested in the EpRE-LUX reporter gene assay followed by definite identification of the most active ones.

RESULTS

It appeared that 9 of the 18 extracts were able to activate EpRE-mediated gene expression. Many active ingredients of the methanolic extracts from Juglans regia and Rhamnus frangula were revealed. Among them, chrysophanol and aloe-emodin were confirmed to be active EpRE inducing ingredients and were definitely identified in the Rhamnus Frangula extract.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of half of the tested botanical varieties via the activation of EpRE-mediated gene expression was confirmed. The study also provided an example of how in vitro bioassays can be combined with LC-MS and the automated chemical annotation software MAGMa, to identify biologically active constituents in complex botanical extracts.

Potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Citrus aurantium essential oil against carbon tetrachloride-mediated hepatotoxicity: A biochemical, molecular and histopathological changes in adult rats

The present study aimed (1) to investigate the chemical composition as well as the anti-inflammatory properties and in vitro antioxidant activity of Citrus aurantium peel essential oil (pEOCa) and (2) to evaluate its potential effect in vivo. The main results showed that the major components of pEOCa are Limonene and Linalool. Additionally, DPPH scavenging ability and β-carotene bleaching inhibition tests confirmed the antioxidant capacity of pEOCa. Our oil reduced the production of NO by LPS-stimulated RAW264,7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent. This inhibition occurred at a transcriptional level. pEOCa in CCl₄ treated rats alleviated hepatotoxicity as monitored by the improvement of hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers levels plasma biochemical parameters, and DNA molecule aspect. Furthermore, the mRNA gene expression of Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and GPx increased under CCl₄ + pEOCa exposure to reach the same value to the control. Similarly, antioxidant activities of these three enzymes changed in accordance with the mRNA levels. These results were confirmed by the histological results. It seems obvious that the treatment with pEOCa prevented liver damage induced by CCl₄ , thus preventing the harmful effects of free radicals.

Vulpinic acid, a lichen metabolite, emerges as a potential drug candidate in the therapy of oxidative stress–related diseases, such as atherosclerosis

Vulpinic acid, a lichen compound, has been shown to have many beneficial effects and its medicinal value increases day by day. As in atherosclerosis, endothelial damage is the basis of many diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vulpinic acid against oxidative stress damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in endothelial cells. In order to find the IC50 of H2O2 and the protective dose of vulpinic acid, methyl thiazolyldiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were performed. The amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H2O2 and the protective effects of vulpinic acid against ROS were examined by fluorometric DCF-DA kit. The effects of H2O2 and vulpinic acid on actin filaments were determined by tetramethyl rhodamine (TRITC)-phalloidin fluorescence staining. Expression of Tie2 proteins was immunocytochemically analyzed in H2O2- and vulpinic acid-treated cells. After 24 h, the IC50 was found to be 215 μM in HUVECs treated with H2O2. The most effective dose of vulpinic acid against H2O2-associated damage was found to be 15 μM. Vulpinic acid pretreatment was shown to reduce H2O2-induced ROS production significantly ( p < 0.05). It was shown that 215 μM of H2O2 caused actin fragmentation, cell shrinkage, and decrease in actin florescence intensity while vulpinic acid protected the cells from these damages. It was found that Tie2 immunoreactivity was decreased in H2O2-treated groups and vulpinic acid pretreatment reduced the expression of this protein. In conclusion, vulpinic acid decreases H2O2-induced oxidative stress and oxidative stress–related damages in HUVECs. It may be drug candidate in the therapy of atherosclerosis.

Fermented camel milk prevents carbon tetrachloride induced acute injury in kidney of mice

Fermented milk is known to possess potent antioxidant activity. The present study was undertaken to assess the preventive effect of fermented camel milk (FCM) prepared using lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris against CCl4 induced kidney damage in mice. Nephrotoxicity was induced in mice by a single dose of CCl4 (10 ml/kg 0·3% olive oil, ip). Female mice were pretreated daily with FCM for 15 d. Renal damage was associated with an increase in oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant) and nephropathology markers.The renal injury induced by CCl4 was confirmed by the histological study of the CCl4-intoxicated mice. Pretreatment with FCM significantly prevented renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, while mice recovered normal kidney histology. Moreover, FCM prevented toxicity biomarker changes by reducing creatinine, urea, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and electrolytes levels in plasma. These data indicate that FCM is efficient in inhibiting oxidative stress induced by CCl4, and suggests that the administration of this milk may be helpful in the prevention of kidney damage.