Evaluation of basil extract ( Ocimum basilicum L.) on oxidative, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects in human leukocytes cell cultures exposed to challenging agents

Bio-active compounds and major biomedical properties of basil (Ocimum basilicum, lamiaceae)

Due to the numerous health benefits and therapeutic properties, herbs and plant metabolites/extracts are gaining popularity. This is particularly evident in the current era of drug resistance and the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Ocimum basilicum, also known as basil, has been extensively studied for its pharmacological benefits, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound healing properties. As a result, this plant has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. Ocimum basilicum contains various bioactive chemical compounds, such as neryl acetate, 1,8-cineole, p-allylanisole, geraniol, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, and trans-α-bergamotene. The latest advancements in technology can be utilised to enhance the beneficial properties of raw Ocimum basilicum extract. This review compiles and presents the profile of phytocomponents and pharmacological properties of Ocimum basilicum. The findings presented here will contribute to further research on this remarkable herb, aiming to develop effective pharmaceutical solutions for various health issues in humans and animals.

An Overview on Flavor Extraction, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Significance, and Production of Herbal Wines

Wine has been utilized as a source for medicinal preparations, combined with various herbs, to treat particular ailments and disorders. By utilizing herb extracts, regular but limited consumption of these herbal wines helps to decrease the need for prescription medications to treat a variety of ailments. The diversity and the composition of the yeast micropopulation significantly contribute to the sensory characteristics of wine. A particular metabolic activity characterizes the growth of each wine yeast species, which determines the concentrations of flavor compounds in the final wine. Numerous herbs, such as tulsi, ginger, aloe vera, tea, amla, lemongrass, and peppermint, are used in the preparation of herbal wines, where either the herb or herbal blends are primarily used as the substrate. The variants provided improved accuracy, increased acceptability, and broader uses for the novel product. Herbal wines pave the way to provide nutraceuticals to consumers and protection against pathogenic microorganisms and inflammation through their richness in antioxidants. The existing herbal wines and their health advantages are discussed in this Review, along with some new directions for the herbal wine business.

Phytochemistry Profile, Antimicrobial and Antitumor Potential of the Methanolic Extract of Tabernaemontana catharinensis A DC and Eragrostis plana NEES

Natural compounds that have the potential to act as antimicrobials and antitumors are a constant search in the field of pharmacotherapy. Eragrostis plana NEES (Poaceae) is a grass with high allelopathic potential. Allelopathy is associated with compounds generated in the primary and secondary metabolism of the plant, which act to protect it from phytopathogens. Tabernaemontana catharinensis A DC (Apocynaceae), a tree in which its leaves and bark are used for the preparation of extracts and infusions that have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, is attributed to its phytochemical constitution. The objective of this study was to elucidate the phytochemical constitution, the antibacterial potential, the toxicity against immune system cells, hemolytic potential, and antitumor effect of methanolic extracts of E. plana and T. catharinensis. The phytochemical investigation was carried out using the UHPLC-QTOF MS equipment. The antibacterial activity was tested using the broth microdilution plate assay, against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, and cytotoxicity assays were performed on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in vitro hemolysis. Antitumor activity was performed against the colon cancer cell line (CT26). Results were expressed as mean and standard deviation and analyzed by ANOVA. p < 0.05 was considered significant. More than 19 possible phytochemical constituents were identified for each plant, with emphasis on phenolic compounds (acids: vanillic, caffeic, and quinic) and alkaloids (alstovenine, rhyncophylline, amezepine, voacangine, and coronaridine). Both extracts showed antibacterial activity at concentrations below 500 µg/mL and were able to decrease the viability of CT26 at concentrations below 2000 µg/mL, without showing cytotoxic effect on PBMCs and in vitro hemolysis at the highest concentration tested. This is the first report of the activity of E. plana and T. catharinensis extracts against colon cancer cell line (CT26). Studies should be carried out to verify possible molecular targets involved in the antitumor effect in vivo.

Ameliorating effects of Acacia arabica and Ocimum basilicum on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model through mitigation of inflammation and oxidative stress

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum. The disease is characterized by oxidative stress and severe inflammation. Research has shown the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects induced by consuming the Acacia arabia and Ocimum basilicum. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment with O. basilicum together with A. arabica on healing, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the course of experimental colitis in rats.

Methods

A total number of 50 male rats were selected and randomly assigned to five groups of 10 rats each. Colitis was induced in rats by enemas with a 4 % acetic acid solution. Four days after the colitis induction, the rats were orally treated for the next 4 days with saline or a combination of A. arabica and O. basilicum (1000 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg).

Results

Acetic acid-induced colitis increased the colon's macroscopic and histopathological damage scores; increased colon levels of MDA (Malondialdehyde), MPO (Myeloperoxidase), TNF-α (Tissue necrosis factor α), IL6 (Interleukin 6), and IL17 (Interleukin 17); and decreased SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), GPx (Glutathione Peroxidase), and IL10 (Interleukin 10) levels in the treated rats compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Overall, a combination of A. arabica and O. basilicum reduced macroscopic and histopathological damage scores (P < 0.01) of the colon, and MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL6 (P < 0.001), and IL17 (P < 0.01) levels of the colon. Furthermore, it increased SOD, GPx, and IL10 levels compared to the colitis group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

A. arabica and O. basilicum have improving effects on UC by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Culinary spices and herbs in managing early and long-COVID-19 complications: A comprehensive review

Human race is preparing for the upsurge and aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic complicated by novel variants, new waves, variable mortality rate, and post-COVID complications. Despite use of repurposed drugs, symptomatic treatments and licensing of multiple vaccines, the daily number of cases and rate of transmission are significant. Culinary spices and herbs have been historically used in pandemic and non-pandemic times to reduce respiratory viral burden. Specific food items and culinary spices can boost the levels of protective immunity and also offer therapeutic benefits against impervious bugs via well-known as well as less-known but scientifically testable mechanisms. Here, we analyzed the phytochemicals profile of Ayurvedic herbs and inferred from the clinical trials/observational studies to provide a focused and succinct perspective on the relevance of "food-based" traditional decoction to moderate COVID-19 disease and long-COVID via modulation of immunity and reinstatement of homeostasis. We also underscore the druggable targets in pathogenesis of COVID-19 which are relevant to the ongoing clinical trials using spices and herbs. This information will provide a strong scientific rationale for standardization of the traditional herbs-based therapies and adopting the use of herbs, spices, and their formulations for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, long-COVID symptoms, and COVID-19 disease progression.

Assessment of anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and antioxidant activity of Ocimum Basilicum seeds essential oil from Palestine

BACKGROUND

Many modern pharmaceutical researchers continue to focus on the discovery and evaluation of natural compounds for possible therapies for obesity, diabetes, infections, cancer, and oxidative stress. Extraction of Ocimum basilicum seed essential oil and evaluation of its antioxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities were the goals of the current study.

METHOD

O. basilicum seed essential oil was extracted and evaluated for its anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic properties utilizing standard biomedical assays.

RESULTS

O. basilicum seed essential oil showed good anticancer activity against Hep3B (IC₅₀ 56.23 ± 1.32 µg/ml) and MCF-7 (80.35 ± 1.17 µg/ml) when compared with the positive control, Doxorubicin. In addition, the essential oil showed potent antibacterial (against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (against Candida albicans) activities. Moreover, as for the anti-amylase test, IC₅₀ was 74.13 ± 1.1 µg/ml, a potent effect compared with the IC₅₀ of acarbose, which was 28.10 ± 0.7 µg/ml. On the other hand, for the anti-lipase test, the IC₅₀ was 112.20 ± 0.7 µg/ml a moderate effect compared with the IC₅₀ of orlistat, which was 12.30 ± 0.8 µg/ml. Finally, the oil had a potent antioxidant effect with an IC₅₀ of 23.44 ± 0.9 µg/ml compared with trolox (IC₅₀ was 2.7 ± 0.5 µg/ml).

CONCLUSION

This study has provided initial data that supports the importance of O. basilcum essential oil in traditional medicine. The extracted oil not only exhibited significant anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties but also antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects, which provided a foundation for future research.

Untargeted LC-MS/MS-Based Metabolomic Profiling for the Edible and Medicinal Plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Under Different Levels of Cadmium Stress

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a medicinal and edible plant, has been extensively applied to treat cardiovascular diseases and chronic hepatitis. Cadmium (Cd) affects the quality of S. miltiorrhiza, posing serious threats to human health. To reveal the metabolic mechanisms of S. miltiorrhiza's resistance to Cd stress, metabolite changes in S. miltiorrhiza roots treated with 0 (CK), 25 (T1), 50 (T2) and 100 (T3) mg kg^-1 Cd by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were investigated. A total of 305 metabolites were identified, and most of them were amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids, which contributed to the discrimination of CK from the Cd-treated groups. Among them, S. miltiorrhiza mainly upregulated o-tyrosine, chorismate and eudesmic acid in resistance to 25 mg kg^-1 Cd; DL-tryptophan, L-aspartic acid, L-proline and chorismite in resistance to 50 mg kg^-1 Cd; and L-proline, L-serine, L-histidine, eudesmic acid, and rosmarinic acid in resistance to 100 mg kg^-1 Cd. It mainly downregulated unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid, linoleic acid) in resistance to 25, 50, and 100 mg kg^-1 Cd and upregulated saturated fatty acids (especially stearic acid) in resistance to 100 mg kg^-1 Cd. Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, isoquinoline alkaloid, betalain, aminoacyl-tRNA, and tyrosine metabolism were the significantly enriched metabolic pathways and the most important pathways involved in the Cd resistance of S. miltiorrhiza. These data elucidated the crucial metabolic mechanisms involved in S. miltiorrhiza Cd resistance and the crucial metabolites that could be used to improve resistance to Cd stress in medicinal plant breeding.

In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Some Secondary Metabolites Extract from Ocimum basilicum and Salvia officinalis Against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp albedinis of Phoenix dactylifera. L

Fusarium of date palm is a vascular fusariosis caused by a telluric fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis (F.O.A) which affects the best date varieties in Algeria. Several medicinal plants are adapted with the climatic complexity of the Saharan region, among these plants in the south-west of Algeria Salvia officinalis and Ocimum basilicum. The aim of this work is to study the antifungal effect of flavonoid extracts from Salvia officinalis and Ocimum basilicum leaves by the technique described by Bouchelta et al. (2005), as well the antifungal effect of the aqueous extract of these plants against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis isolated from the grove of Igli. The evaluation of the antifungal activity revealed a slight mycelial growth anti-proportional to the concentration of flavonoid extract added to the culture medium with an inhibition index of 73.04% at the concentration 3.17 μg/ml and 57.42% at the concentration 1.13 µg/ml for flavonoids extract of Ocimum basilicum and Salvia officinalis, respectively. In addition, the aqueous extract revealed an inhibition index of 35.15% at the concentration of 0.33 mg/ml and 10.54% at the concentration of 3.92 mg/ml for Salvia officinalis and Ocimum basilicum, respectively.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Basil (Ocimum spp.): Current Insights and Future Prospects

Simple Summary

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a medicinal herb of the family Lamiaceae that contains a variety of potential bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolics, and essential oils. Ocimum basilicum can boost phagocytic action of neutrophils and immunostimulant effect, antimicrobial activity due to linalool by having inhibitory action toward all tested microorganism, and additionally, rosmarinic acid shows inhibition in DNA synthesis, as well as protein synthesis when experimented on hepatoma-derived cell line (HepG2), this resulted by lower DNA fragments plus suppression on caspase-3 activation, which blocks apoptosis. The aim of this review is to spotlight and discuss the anti-cancer activity of basil (Ocimum) and its implications in cancer prevention and treatment. Antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in basil leaves show important potential anti-cancer activity regards to cell death and viability inhibition, cytotoxicity, inducing apoptosis, slowing down tumor growth and especially on cell cycle arrest both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract

Background: Cancer is an irregular proliferation of cells that starts with a gene mutation that alters cellular function, is triggered by several factors, and can be inherited or acquired. The aim of this review is to discuss the anticancer activity of basil and its components’ strength, focusing on its implication in cancer prevention and treatment. Methods: This systematic review involves all of the studies published from 1 January 2010 through 1 January 2022. Results: In this review, 16 research articles are included to discuss the potential anticancer ability of the extracts of various Ocimum basilicum varieties at various dosages, applied to different cancer cells. Of those 16 articles, 2 were in vivo studies, 13 were in vitro studies, and 1 study conducted both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in basil leaves show important potential anticancer activity at dosage of 4 mg/mL as aqueous extract or essential oil up to 200 µg/mL could slow-down tumor growth and progression with regards to cell death and viability inhibition. At dosages from 50 to 500 µg/mL is effective as anti-proliferative activities. cytotoxicity, inducing apoptosis, slowing down tumor growth, and especially cell cycle arrest, both in vivo and in vitro. Human studies show effects at dosages from 1 to 2.5 mg/daily on general vital activities and on reducing cytokines activity. Conclusions: Based on 16 published studies, basil demonstrates important anticancer activities in vivo and vitro models, and it could act as a potential cancer.

Spent Coffee Grounds Valorization as Bioactive Phenolic Source Acquired Antifungal, Anti-Mycotoxigenic, and Anti-Cytotoxic Activities

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which constitute 75% of original coffee beans, represent an integral part of sustainability. Contamination by toxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins is a hazard that threatens food production. This investigation aimed to examine SCGs extract as antimycotic and anti-ochratoxigenic material. The SCGs were extracted in an eco-friendly way using isopropanol. Bioactive molecules of the extract were determined using the UPLC apparatus. The cytotoxicity on liver cancer cells (Hep-G2) showed moderate activity with selectivity compared with human healthy oral epithelial (OEC) cell lines but still lower than the positive control (Cisplatin). The antibacterial properties were examined against pathogenic strains, and the antifungal was examined against toxigenic fungi using two diffusion assays. Extract potency was investigated by two simulated models, a liquid medium and a food model. The results of the extract showed 15 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids. Rosmarinic and syringic acids were the most abundant phenolic acids, while apigenin-7-glucoside, naringin, epicatechin, and catechin were the predominant flavonoids in the SCGs extract. The results reflected the degradation efficiency of the extract against the growth of Aspergillus strains. The SCGs recorded detoxification in liquid media for aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OCA). The incubation time of the extract within dough spiked with OCA was affected up to 2 h, where cooking was not affected. Therefore, SCGs in food products could be applied to reduce the mycotoxin contamination of raw materials to the acceptable regulated limits.

Application of multivariate analysis to assess stress by Cd, Pb and Al in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) using caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids and total dry mass in response

Basil is an edible, aromatic plant, which makes the study of the ecotoxicity of metals in plant metabolism relevant. Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of metals, aluminum, lead, and cadmium, in the synthesis of phenolic compounds and in the dry mass of basil plants (O. basilicum L.) grown in a hydroponic system. The plants were subjected to four different concentrations of cadmium (0.2, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mmol L-1), lead and aluminum (0.04, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16 mmol L-1), and compared with the control. After desiccation of the plant material, the total dry mass was obtained and then, hydroethanolic extracts (43% distilled water and 57% ethanol) were made for biochemical analyzes, which consisted of the determination of caffeic acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) by high performance liquid chromatography analysis with a diode detector (HPLC-DAD); total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) by spectrophotometry. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate analysis (principal component analysis-PCA and hierarchical cluster analysis-HCA) was applied for data association. The phenolic compounds showed a high positive correlation with each other, and the total dry mass showed low and negative correlations with the analyzed variables. The results showed that the metals aluminum, lead, and cadmium promoted a stress condition in basil plants, which resulted in the reduction of the dry matter mass and an increase in the synthesis of phenolic compounds, according to the type and concentration of the metal.

A Study of Phytochemistry, Genoprotective Activity, and Antitumor Effects of Extracts of the Selected Lamiaceae Species

This study was designed to evaluate the genoprotective, antigenotoxic, as well as antitumor potential of methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha × piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Satureja montana (Lamiaceae), in different model systems. The polyphenols in these extracts were quantified both spectrophotometrically and using HPLC-DAD technique, while DPPH assay was used to assess the antioxidant activity. The genoprotective potential was tested on pUC19 Escherichia coli XL1-blue, and the antigenotoxicity on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and human lung fibroblasts, while the antitumor activity was assessed on colorectal cancer cells. Rosmarinic acid, quercetin, rutin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were among the identified compounds. Methanolic extracts had the best DPPH-scavenging and SOS-inducing activities, while ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest antigenotoxicity. Additionally, all extracts exhibited genoprotective potential on plasmid DNA. The antitumor effect was mediated by modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, and exhibition of genotoxic effects on tumor cells, especially with O. basilicum ethanolic extract. Generally, the investigated extracts were able to provide antioxidant protection for the acellular, prokaryotic, and normal human DNA, while also modulating the production of ROS and NO in tumor cells, leading to genotoxicity toward these cells and their decrease in proliferation.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticle-coated electro-membrane extraction of perchlorate in different seafood samples

In this work we developed a rapid and straightforward technique in which biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were coated on a porous membrane utilizing electrical potential to extract perchlorate from seafood samples. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were well characterized using UV-Vis. spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. After extraction, analyses were performed using ion chromatography. The Ag-NP-coated porous polypropylene membrane shows higher extraction efficiency due to the high electrical conductivity of the Ag-NPs. The performance of this efficient technique was compared with those previously reported in the literature. The extraction variables that affect extraction of the target analyte and influence percentage recovery, such as pH of the sample solution, extraction time, and applied voltage, were investigated and optimized. The results demonstrated optimum conditions to achieve low detection limits [LODs (limits of detection)]: sample solution (pH = 6), short extraction time (10 min), and applied voltage (5 V). The developed method shows excellent linearity for perchlorate ion in the range from 0.001 to 350 μg L^-1 with a coefficient of determination (r² ) of 0.9991. The detection limit (LODs) and quantification limits (limits of quantification) were found to be 0.04 and 0.1225 μg kg^-1 , respectively. The mean recovery percentages for three replicates of 10 different spiked fish samples by 3 μg g^-1 of perchlorate were between 92.2 and 106.2%, with an observed relative standard deviation in the range of 0.8-3.7%. The proposed method is rapid, sensitive, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and highly effective in extracting perchlorate from different seafood samples.

Hemoglobin F (HbF) inducers; History, Structure and Efficacies

Inherited beta-thalassemia is a major disease caused by irregular production of hemoglobin through reducing beta-globin chains. It has been observed that increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production improves symptoms in the patients. Therefore, an increase in the level of HbF has been an operative approach for treating patients with beta-thalassemia. This review represents compounds with biological activities and pharmacological properties that can promote the HBF level and therefore used in the β-thalassemia patients' therapy. Various natural products with different mechanisms of action can be helpful in this medication cure. Clinical trials were efficient in improving the signs of patients. Association of in vivo, and in vitro studies of HbF induction and γ-globin mRNA growth displays that in vitro experiments could be an indicator of the in vivo response. The current study shows that; (a) HbF inducers can be grouped in several classes based on their chemical structures and mechanism of actions; b) According to several clinical trials, well-known drugs such as hydroxyurea and decitabine are useful HbF inducers; (c) The cellular biosensor K562 carrying genes under the control of the human γ-globin and β-globin gene promoters were applied during the researches; d) New natural products and lead compounds were found based on various studies as HbF inducers.

Essential oils from Ocimum basilicum cultivars: analysis of their composition and determination of the effect of the major compounds on Haemonchus contortus eggs

The continuous use of synthetic anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) has resulted in the increased resistance, which is why alternative methods are being sought, such as the use of natural products. Plant essential oils (EOs) have been considered as potential products for the control of GINs. However, the chemical composition and, consequently, the biological activity of EOs vary in different plant cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of EOs from cultivars of Ocimum basilicum L. and that of their major constituents against Haemonchus contortus. The EOs from 16 cultivars as well the pure compound linalool, methyl chavicol, citral and eugenol were used in the assessment of the inhibition of H. contortus egg hatch. In addition, the composition of three cultivars was simulated using a combination of the two major compounds from each. The EOs from different cultivars showed mean Inhibition Concentration (IC50) varying from 0.56 to 2.22 mg/mL. The cultivar with the highest egg-hatch inhibition, Napoletano, is constituted mainly of linalool and methyl chavicol. Among the individual compounds tested, citral was the most effective (IC50 0.30 mg/mL). The best combination of compounds was obtained with 11% eugenol plus 64% linalool (IC50 0.44 mg/mL), simulating the Italian Large Leaf (Richters) cultivar. We conclude that different cultivars of O. basilicum show different anthelmintic potential, with cultivars containing linalool and methyl chavicol being the most promising; and that citral or methyl chavicol isolated should also be considered for the development of new anthelmintic formulations.

The use of fructose as a sweetener. Is it a safe alternative for our immune system?

Fructose is a constituent of sucrose and other polymers referred to as inulin or fructans. We can find in cereals, vegetables, and honey. It has the property of being 1.5 times sweeter than sucrose. Our objective was to test this sweetener under and at average concentrations of consumption, evaluating parameters of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. For this purpose, we made use of lymphocyte cultures and the analysis of their CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ subpopulations. Computational methods propose the mechanism of action. Our data showed a reduction in all lymphocyte subfractions evaluated, resulting in a reduction in total lymphocytes, as well as an increase in the DNA damage of cells exposed to fructose. It was possible to propose that fructose modulates gene expression, mainly interfering with the MAPK8, APTX, TUBGCP3, and LST1 genes. Although fructose is used globally as a sweetener, its use should be cautious, as our study points out that it has cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fructose is one of the most sold and used sweeteners in the world. We show here that its use must be restricted and used carefully because it can alter the gene expression and also interfere with cellular and genetic metabolism and may even interfere with the immune response.

Sucralose causes non-selective CD4 and CD8 lymphotoxicity via probable regulation of the MAPK8/APTX/EID1 genes: An in vitro/in silico study

One of the most widely used sweeteners in the world is sucralose. With sweetening power 600 times greater than sucrose, its use grows among those who seek to cut calories. Research shows that when heated, sucralose generates toxic products that attack the organism and interact with DNA. Our objective was to test this sweetener under unheated conditions and at average concentrations of consumption, evaluating parameters of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. For this purpose, we made use of lymphocyte cultures and the analysis of their CD3⁺ , CD4⁺ , and CD8⁺ subpopulations. In a complementary way, the mechanism of action is proposed here by computational methods. Our results showed that sucralose reduces non-selectively the total lymphocytes due to falls in the levels of the CD4⁺ , CD8⁺ , and CD4⁺ CD8⁺ subpopulations. We observed an increase in the level of DNA damage and a gradual incidence of structural changes in the lymphocyte chromosomal sets. It was possible to propose that sucralose modulates the gene expression, interfering especially with the MAPK8, APTX, and EID1 genes. This article presents the results of an evidence-based approach to the safety of human health in the use of sucralose. Finally, this study points out that sucralose has cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects in the concentrations and conditions tested in human lymphocyte cell culture.

In Vitro Assessment of the Interaction Potential of Ocimum basilicum (L.) Extracts on CYP2B6, 3A4, and Rifampicin Metabolism

Ocimum basilicum L. or basilicum is a common culinary herb, used as a traditional medicine for various medical conditions including HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, in Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanol, ethanol, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of the dried leaves and inflorescence of O. basilicum, on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) CYP2B6 and 3A4, as well as esterase-mediated metabolism of rifampicin to 25-O-desacetyl rifampicin (25ODESRIF). Human liver microsomes (HLM) were used to evaluate inhibition and CYP2B6/3A4 mRNA expression HepG2 assays were used to measure induction. Furthermore, the phytoconstituents likely involved in causing the observed effect were analyzed using biochemical tests and LC-MS. The aqueous and methanolic extracts showed reversible and time-dependent inhibition (TDI) of CYP2B6 with TDI-IC₅₀s 33.35 μg/ml (IC₅₀ shift-fold >1.5) and 4.93 μg/ml (IC₅₀ shift-fold >7) respectively, while the methanolic and ethanolic extracts inhibited 25ODESRIF formation (IC₅₀s 31 μg/ml, 8.94 μg/ml). In HepG2 assays, the methanolic and ethanolic extracts moderately induced CYP2B6, 3A4 mRNA with 38%-, 28%-fold shift, and 22%-, 44%-fold shift respectively. LC-MS full scans identified phenols rosmarinic acid [m/z 359 (M-H)^-, approximately 2298 mg/L in aqueous extract] and caftaric acid along with flavones salvigenin [m/z 329 (M+H)⁺, approximately 1855 mg/L in ethanolic extract], eupatorin [m/z 345 (M+H)⁺, 668.772 mg/L in ethanolic extract], rutin [m/z 609 (M-H)^-] and isoquercetin [m/z 463 (M-H)^-] and other compounds—linalool [m/z 153 (M-H)^-], hydroxyjasmonic acid [m/z 225 (M-H)^-], eucommiol [m/z 187 (M-H)^-] and trihydroxy octadecenoic acid [m/z 329 (M-H)^-, 530 mg/L in ethanolic extract]. The putative gastrointestinal tract (GIT) concentration for all extracts was calculated as 2,400 μg/ml and hepatic circulation concentrations were estimated at 805.68 μg/ml for the aqueous extract, and 226.56 μg/ml for methanolic extract. Based on the putative GIT concentration, estimated hepatic circulation concentration [I] and inhibition constant K_i, the predicted percentile of inhibition in vivo was highest for the aqueous extract on CYP2B6 (96.7%). The observations indicated that O. basilicum extracts may have the potential to cause clinically relevant herb-drug interactions (HDI) with CYP2B6 and rifampicin metabolism in vivo, if sufficient hepatic concentrations are reached in humans.

Phytochemical profile and protective effect of Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract in doxorubicin/irradiation-induced testicular injury

Objectives

Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy usually associated with various comorbidities especially on rapidly proliferating cells as testis. This study aimed to characterize main constituents of Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) aqueous extract and examine its protective effect on doxorubicin/irradiation (DOXO/IR)-induced testicular injury in rats.

Methods

Spectrophotometric analysis showed considerable amount of polyphenolic (146.31 µg/mg) and flavonoid contents (28.63 µg/mg); UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that the major flavonoid was apigenin-O-glucoside (7.53%) followed by luteolin (5.94%), while rosmarinic acid was the major polyphenolic (15.76%) followed by caftaric acid (9.39%); rutin and querctin were also present and were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Administration of OB extract (200 mg/kg per day; p.o.) to DOXO/IR rats resulted in marked improvement of associated testicular damage.

Key findings

Ocimum basilicum L. significantly decreased testicular levels of nuclear factor-kappa B and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2)-associated protein X, along with caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining. In addition, OB elevated testicular total antioxidant capacity, nuclear erythroid-related factor-2, Bcl2 and testosterone contents and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining. Such changes were also accompanied by restoration of testicular architecture.

Conclusions

The study highlights the protective role of OB aqueous extract in hampering most of the harmful chemotherapy/radiotherapy-induced outcomes via its antioxidant, antiapoptotic and cell regeneration abilities. Such findings may offer an incentive in expanding its use during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Physiological Response of Basil Plants to Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) Infestation

The induction of plant resistance against pests is considered a potential method of controlling mite infestation as it restricts the use of chemical pesticides in herbal crops. Our goal was to investigate whether plant physiological response to mite feeding varied depending on basil cultivar and/or duration of mite infestation. The effect of plant acceptance, mite mortality rate, and changes in physiological parameters: malondialdehyde content (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activities, including guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) were examined in this study. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation induced oxidative stress in three Ocimum basilicum L. cultivars: 'Sweet basil,' 'Purpurascens,' and 'Fino Verde.' The analysis of mite behavior and alteration in metabolic plant profiles showed different sensitivities of basil cultivars to biotic stress that were dependent on the cultivar and duration of infestation. All basil plants were suitable as host plants for T. urticae, but they varied in the level of susceptibility to mite feeding. O. basilicum 'Fino Verde' was the most suitable host for the twospotted spider mite. In turn, O. basilicum 'Purpurascens' was characterized by the lowest level of susceptibility to T. urticae feeding. The lowest acceptance, the highest mortality of twospotted spider mite individuals as well as decreased levels of H2O2 and MDA, significantly increased GPX activity and low level of CAT activity were recorded in O. basilicum 'Purpurascens' leaves. Research on plant responses to biotic stress can inform breeding cultivars resistant to arthropod attack.

Fluconazole induces genotoxicity in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells via immunomodulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10: new challenges for safe therapeutic regimens

Context: Fluconazole (FNZ) is a drug used in antifungal therapy. However, the minimum FNZ dose to interfering with immune responses or inducing DNA damage is still unknown. Objective: This study investigated the toxicological profile of FNZ on cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with different concentrations of this azole. Materials and methods: Cultured PBMCs were exposed to FNZ (6, 12, 30, 60 and 120 μg/mL) and the toxicological profile was assessed by the following parameters: cytotoxic and nuclear division index (necrotic, apoptotic and viable cells), DNA damage (alkaline comet test), mutagenic potential (micronucleus test), cytokine modulation (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ), and predictive toxicity (Osiris^® and LAZAR^® programs). Results: Our results demonstrated that FNZ induced cellular DNA damage and mutagenicity at concentrations above the plasma peak (>30 μg/mL) and 6 μg/mL, respectively, which was associated with increased TNF-α, and decrease IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations. These effects may be related to increased apoptosis and cytotoxic nuclear division index in the cultured PBMCs. In silico results indicated potential mutagenic, tumorigenic, irritant, and carcinogenic effects, which were partially confirmed by the above assays. Discussion and conclusions: Together, these findings suggest the need to rationalize the use of FNZ, especially if it is used for long periods or with concomitant pathologies requiring azole therapy that may increase FNZ's plasma concentration.

Is tartrazine really safe? In silico and ex vivo toxicological studies in human leukocytes: a question of dose

The use of food colorings has a long-recorded history. Tartrazine (TRZ) is a dye that confers a lemon-yellow color to food and is widely used in the manufacture of numerous food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. However, few studies have addressed the toxicology of TRZ in human cells or tissues. Considering the frequent consumption of the TRZ dye in food products and the lack of toxicological data, the present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the TRZ dye in human leukocyte cultures and perform theoretical studies to predict its toxicity in silico. Leukocyte cultures were treated with TRZ at concentrations of 5, 17.5, 35, 70, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 μg mL-1. All groups were assayed in triplicates. The mutagenicity was evaluated using the micronucleus test, the nuclear division index, and the nuclear division cytotoxicity index, and the chromosomal instability was quantitatively evaluated by band cytogenetics. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the alkaline comet test. Viability was assessed using the Trypan Blue method. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with a p value <0.05 reflecting statistical significance. No mutagenicity or cytotoxicity was found for the dye at the concentrations evaluated. However, DNA damage was induced by TRZ at a concentration of 70 μg mL-1. These results were confirmed by the predictive data from the in silico evaluations. Further studies are required to confirm our data, considering the frequency of the use of TRZ in the diet of the population, including that of children, as well as the exposure to TRZ through drugs, cosmetics, and other non-food products.