Improved antioxidative and cytotoxic activities of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) florets fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613P

Impact of Fermentation on the Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity Characteristics of Aqueous Matricaria recutita L. Root Extracts

While the flowers of Matricaria recutita L., German chamomile, are widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, little is known about its roots, which are used in complementary medicine for the preparation of aqueous fermented extracts for the treatment of cramps and anxiety. To broaden the understanding of the active principles involved, a model fermentation approach was developed and fermentates were compared to commercially manufactured tinctures. Coumarins and hydroxycinnamates were among the major secondary metabolites characterized using HPLC-MSn. After six months of fermentation and storage, low-molecular organic acids were detected by GC-MS. Fermentation contributed to the stabilization of antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, which were in a range of about 8-10 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight and 20-24 mg trolox equivalents/g dry weight, determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH assays, respectively. In addition, antibacterial activities of the extracts against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria increased during the first week of fermentation. Fermentates were neither cytotoxic nor pro- or anti-inflammatory. Thus, fermentation of chamomile roots is a suitable method for the safe production of biofunctional aqueous chamomile root extracts that remain stable without the addition of synthetic preservatives.

Woodfordia fruticosa fermented with lactic acid bacteria impact on foodborne pathogens adhesion and cytokine production in HT-29 cells

Introduction

The study into the interplay between foodborne pathogens and human health, particularly their effects on intestinal cells, is crucial. The importance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in promoting a healthy balance of gut microbiota, inhibiting harmful bacteria, and supporting overall gastrointestinal health is becoming more apparent.

Methods

Our study delved into the impact of fermenting Woodfordia fruticosa (WF), a plant known for its antimicrobial properties against gastrointestinal pathogens, with LAB. We focused on the influence of this fermentation process on the binding of foodborne pathogens to the gut lining and cytokine production, aiming to enhance gut health and control foodborne infections in HT-29 cells.

Results and discussion

Post-fermentation, the WF exhibited improved antimicrobial effects when combined with different LAB strains. Remarkably, the LAB-fermented WF (WFLC) substantially decreased the attachment of pathogens such as L. monocytogenes (6.87%  ±  0.33%) and V. parahaemolyticus (6.07%  ±  0.50%) in comparison to the unfermented control. Furthermore, WFLC was found to upregulate IL-6 production in the presence of pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 (10.6%) and L. monocytogenes (19%), suggesting it may activate immune responses. Thus, LAB-fermented WF emerges as a potential novel strategy for fighting foodborne pathogens, although additional studies are warranted to thoroughly elucidate WF's phytochemical profile and its contribution to these beneficial outcomes.

Antioxidant effect on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after tooth bleaching: A scoping review of in vitro studies

INTRODUCTION

Tooth bleaching was reported to decrease bond strength of orthodontic brackets. The antioxidant application was investigated to reverse the bleaching effect for immediate bracket bonding. This scoping review of in vitro studies is to assess systematically the effect of antioxidant application on shear bond strength (SBS) before orthodontic bracket bonding after tooth bleaching.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review was provided according to the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. An electronic literature search was performed for full-text articles in English via Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from 2012 to May 9, 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 549 records were retrieved from the electronic search, and 361 after discarding duplicates. According to eligibility criteria, 23 records were included in this study.

CONCLUSION

Included studies revealed that antioxidants could increase the SBS of brackets after bleaching. However, there was controversiality whether SBS was just improved or restored to the unbleached level according to various factors, including the antioxidant type, concentration, application time, and form. Most studies reported that 10% sodium ascorbate (SA), ascorbic acid, green tea (GT), and tocopherol solutions restored SBS of metal brackets but not ceramic brackets. The result of 10% SA and GT gel was controversial. Lower concentrations than 10% was effective with pink bark, grape seed, quercetin flavonoid, and chamomile to restore SBS. The included studies revealed that retinol acetate, gooseberry, and dimethyl sulfoxide did not restore SBS.

Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies

Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) and Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (CN) are two varieties of Chamomile. These herbs have been used for thousands of years in Greece, Rome and ancient Egypt. Chamomile has been used for the treatment of stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections. The purpose of this study was to introduce the botanical characteristics and geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity studies and quality control studies, and lay a theoretical foundation for the rational development and utilization of chamomile. This review powered that chemical constituents include flavonoids, coumarins, volatile oils, terpenes, organic acids, polysaccharides, and others. These compounds possess anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, antihypertensive, antidepressant, neuroprotective activities, among others. Chamomile is a widely used herb in traditional medicine. It brings great economic value due to its numerous pharmacological effects and traditional uses. However, more toxicity tests should be carried out to confirm its safety. There is need for further research to provide concrete scientific evidence and validate its medicinal properties.

Isolation of Lactiplantibacillus sp. from Korean salted and fermented seafoods for effective fermentation of strawberry leaf extract: enhanced anti-inflammatory activity

Berries are rich in bioactive phytochemicals and phenolic compounds. In the present study, strawberry leaves obtained from Nangsan-myeon, Jeollabuk-do, Korea in 2019 were fermented using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B1-4 and studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Comparative testing of active ingredients in the raw and fermented extract showed an increase in total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content from 92.0 mg GAE/g and 40.4 mg QE/g, respectively, to 116.1 mg GAE/g and 49.5 mg QE/g, respectively, in fermented extracts. Similarly, catechin content in fermented extract was increased by 26.5% and epicatechin content was decreased by 9.3%. Total and reducing sugar contents in the fermented extract were decreased by 58.4% and 50.4%. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extracts before and after fermentation increased by about 10.7% from 35.6 to 46.3% at 250 µg/mL and ABTS by about 6.0% from 48.6 to 54.6% at 500 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity assay confirmed that fermented extract caused no harm to chromatid structure of RAW 264.7 cells up to 500 µg/mL concentration. Fermented extracts (400 µg/mL) reduced nitric oxide production (9.7%) and the levels of TNF-α (18.1%) and IL-6 (11.8%), making them ideal for integration into skin care products. The significant functional groups present in raw and fermented extracts were identified using FTIR. Thus, this study adds to the notion of using fermented extracts in functional foods due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

The effects of genotypes and media composition on callogenesis, regeneration and cell suspension culture of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Background

Chamomile is an important herb being used widely for medicinal purposes. Its multitherapeutic, cosmetic, and nutritional values have been established through years of traditional and scientific use and research. Increased use of medicinal plants necessitates rational use as well as sustainable production of such genetic resources. Plant in vitro micro-propagation poses unique opportunities for sustainable production of medicinal herbs, their regrowth and conservation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different explants, plant growth regulators (PGRs) combinations and media type on callogenesis, in vitro regeneration and cell suspension of six chamomile genotypes to enhance its sustainable production.

Methods

The shoot, lateral sprout, and leaf derived explants of six chamomile genotypes including Isfahan, Shiraz, Kazeron, Goral, Sharokashari and Presso were used for direct and indirect regeneration. For indirect regeneration various doses of NAA and kinetin were used to induce calli which were cultured on MS media containing PGRs for direct and indirect regeneration. Later, cell suspension was established and morphological characterization of CrO₃ stained cells was carried out using microscopy.

Results and Discussion

Our findings revealed that the highest callus percentage and callus volume were observed from lateral sprouts and shoots of genotype Isfahan on MS medium containing 1 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L kinetin. The in vitro regeneration was found to be genotype dependent while 77% and 77.5% was the highest percentage for indirect and direct regeneration, respectively. Additionally, the maximum shoot number (two shoots/explant) and shoot length (2.22 cm) were also observed in Isfahan genotype. Cell suspension culture showed the highest fresh weight (18.59 g) and dry weight (1.707 g) with 0.75 g inoculum of the callus derived from lateral sprouts cultured on MS medium. Microscopy of CrO₃ stained cells was carried on each 3rd day for 27 days that revealed larger and spongier cells in the early days as compared to final days when the cell number was greater but cell size was smaller.

Conclusion

The callogenesis, organogenesis, and cell suspension culture of chamomile may be genotype dependent. Hence, optimization of media ingredients and culture conditions is of utmost importance for devising tissue culture based conservation strategy of any chamomile genotype and secondary metabolite production.

Effect of a Homemade Salivary Substitute Prepared Using Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flower and Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Seed to Relieve Primary Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Preliminary Report

Objectives: To evaluate (1) the effect of a salivary substitute prepared using chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) flower and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seed to relieve Primary burning mouth syndrome (BMS) symptoms, (2) their effect on the inhibition of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 metalloproteinases, and (3) their potential cellular cytotoxic effect. Subjects: 40 women aging >40 years with diagnosis of primary BMS. Settings/Location: Center of Diagnosis of Diseases of the Mouth, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil. Design: This was an open clinical trial where primary BMS patients used the homemade salivary. At the first appointment, after 30 and 60 days, the authors evaluated the pattern and intensity of BMS and xerostomia symptoms, and then determined and compared the unstimulated salivary flow rate (SFR), viscosity, and salivary pH. MMP2 and MMP9 activities in saliva and cytotoxicity were assessed using different concentrations of chamomile flower and flax seed separately. Interventions: Subjects used the homemade salivary substitute for 3 months and were instructed to rinse their mouth three to four times daily for 1 min. Outcome measures: A numeric rating scale to evaluate the intensity of burning sensation and xerostomia symptoms, salivary flow rate (SFR) to determine salivary volume, dynamic rheology technique for viscosity and a digital meter for salivary pH. MMP2 and MMP9 activities in saliva and cytotoxicity were assessed by zymography and cell viability assay respectively. Results: After treatment, severity of BMS symptoms decreased, the SFR increased, salivary viscosity decreased, and severity of xerostomia sensation (in patients who reported having this symptom) improved (p < 0.05). Chamomile flower and flax seed had no effect on inhibiting MMP2 and MMP9 activities, and neither showed cellular cytotoxic effects. Conclusion: This homemade salivary substitute is an economical, viable, easily manipulated, noncytotoxic, and a practical alternative to relieve BMS symptoms.

Improving the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities of Stemonae Radix by solid-state fermentation with Mucor circinelloides T2-12

Stemonae Radix, a medicinal and edible herb, has been reported to possess various pharmacological effects. In the present study, Stemonae Radix was fermented by fungi to improve the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. The results showed that Stemonae Radix fermented by Mucor circinelloides T2-12 exhibited two-folds more antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities than non-fermented material. The increased activity might be ascribed to the improvement of total phenolic content, hydrolyzation of glucosides and esters of phenolics and metabolism of saccharides according to ultraviolet and nuclear paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This paper suggested that fermenting Stemonae Radix with M. circinelloides T2-12 is effective to increase antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects and Stemonae Radix fermented by M. circinelloides T2-12 might be newly alternative of natural antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor. The present study is the first to report that pure strain fermentation processing is effective in improving the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities of Stemonae Radix.

Deciphering the microbiome shift during fermentation of medicinal plants

The importance of the human-microbiome relationship for positive health outcomes has become more apparent over the last decade. Influencing the gut microbiome via modification of diet represents a possibility of maintaining a healthy gut flora. Fermented food and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) display a preventive way to inhibit microbial dysbioses and diseases, but their ecology on plants is poorly understood. We characterized the microbiome of medicinal plants (Matricaria chamomilla L. and Calendula officinalis L.) using 16S rRNA gene profiling from leaves that were fermented over a six-week time course. The unfermented samples were characterized by a distinct phyllosphere microbiome, while the endosphere revealed a high similarity. During fermentation, significant microbial shifts were observed, whereby LAB were enhanced in all approaches but never numerically dominated. Among the LAB, Enterococcaceae were identified as the most dominant family in both plants. M. chamomilla community had higher relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Carnobacteriaceae, while C. officinalis showed a higher presence of Leuconostocaceae and Streptococcaceae. The natural leaf microbiome and the indigenous LAB communities of field-grown Asteraceae medicinal plants are plant-specific and habitat-specific and are subjected to significant shifts during fermentation. Leaf surfaces as well as leaf endospheres were identified as sources for biopreservative LAB.

Botanical Therapeutics: Phytochemical Screening and Biological Assessment of Chamomile, Parsley and Celery Extracts against A375 Human Melanoma and Dendritic Cells

Chamomile, parsley, and celery represent major botanical sources of apigenin, a well-known flavone with chemopreventive properties. The aim of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of methanol extracts obtained from chamomile, parsley, and celery collected from Romania, as well as the biological activity against A375 human melanoma and human dendritic cells. Results have shown that all three extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids, and they generate a radical scavenger capacity, iron chelation potential, as well as lipoxygenase inhibition capacity. Chamomile and celery extracts present weak antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties in the set experimental conditions, while parsley extract draws out significant pro-apoptotic potential against A375 human melanoma cells. Parsley and chamomile extracts affected the fibroblast-like morphology of the screened tumor cell line. On the other hand, chamomile and celery extracts abrogated the expansion of LPS-activated dendritic cells, while the metabolic activity was attenuated by stimulation with celery extract; chamomile and parsley extracts had no effect upon this parameter. Chamomile and parsley extracts incubation with naive dendritic cells did not trigger cytokine secretion (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10), but celery extract stimulation significantly reduced the anti-inflammatory, cytokine IL-10.