Melissa officinalis Essential Oil: Chemical Compositions, Antioxidant Potential, Total Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial Activity

Characterization of Microcapsules Obtained from Lemon Balm Extract (Melissa officinalis L.) by the Ionic Gelation Process

The plant specie, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is one of the most important species of the Lamiaceae family and its use as a plant extract has been highlighted by the population and the scientific community due to its rich chemical composition and the presence of bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant activity, associated with various health benefits. Research and development of innovative technologies are focused on the identification of these substances, their properties and applications. The present study aimed to select a type of lemon balm extract based on its bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential, obtained from lemon balm microcapsules through the ionic gelation process and evaluate the physicochemical changes and the profile of the volatile compounds. The extract obtained from the fresh plant sample infused at 80 °C showed a higher content of bioactive compounds. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis revealed similar spectra between the samples. Terpenes and terpenoids were the predominant class of compounds, with compounds such as (E)-citral and caryophyllene being the major compounds in both the fresh lemon balm sample and the microcapsules. The results were satisfactory in the preservation of aroma and volatile compounds through the microencapsulation process by ionic gelation.

Taxonomic studies based on leaf epidermal microanatomy using high-resolution microscopy in Lamiaceous species and their antimicrobial effects

The knowledge of essential oil antimicrobial activity of Lamiaceous species is assessed to describe its effects. The comprehensive foliar trichomes and stomatal morphology of the leaves of essential oil-bearing plants from the family Lamiaceae revealed diverse antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the foliar anatomical traits of 19 Lamiaceous taxa belonging to different tribes using light and scanning electron microscopy to correctly diagnose the species. The microanatomy of the foliar epidermis, trichomes diversity, and the stomatal apertural complex was visualized. Quantitative measurements were noted to describe the variations and the qualitative aspects for example, polygonal shape epidermal cells were examined. The stomatal aperture of four types and trichomes appendages both non-glandular and glandular was identified. Significant variation was found in both quantitative and qualitative traits, including unique ornamentation on the trichomes. The taxonomic key was constructed for accurate identification using qualitative morpho-structural traits. The outcomes of this research explored taxonomically to accurately identify the Lamiaceous species using anatomical characters. This study will provide provides the ecological adaptation linked to evolutionary traits of leaf surfaces that evolve with time to adapt the harsh environmental conditions. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Investigated foliar anatomical traits of 19 Lamiaceous species The anatomy and antimicrobial activity of essential oil yielding Lamiaceae species. SEM revealed diverse aspects including peculiar sculptured trichomes Microscopic identification of different stomatal complex.

The effects of melissa officinalis on depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes patients with depression: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is more common in diabetic patients, with a 1.5-fold increased risk of death.Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis) have anti-diabetic and anti-depression activities. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of M. officinalis extract on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms.

METHODS

In this double-blind clinical trial, 60 volunteer patients (age range 20-65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus with symptoms of depression were randomized into the intervention (received 700 mg/day hydroalcoholic extract; n = 30) or control group (received 700 mg/day toasted flour; n = 30). Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric indices, FBS (Fasting blood sugar), hs-CRP(High-sensitivity C-reactiveprotein), depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were determined at the beginning and end of the study. Depression and anxiety were assessed by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively; sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS

Sixty participants received M. officinalis extract or placebo, of which 44 patients completed the 12-week double-blind clinical trial. After 12-week the mean change of depression and anxiety scores were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively), but no significant differences were observed in FBS, hs-CRP, anthropometric indices, sleep quality, and blood pressure.In the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in depression and anxiety severity(p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) at the end of the study compared to the baseline.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

All protocols in this study were followed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration (1989 revision). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Iran University of Medical Sciences Ethics committee (IR.IUMS.FMD.REC 1396.9413468004; research.iums.ac.ir). The study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT201709239472N16); Registration date: 09/10/2017.

The effects of melissa officinalis on depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes patients with depression: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is more common in diabetic patients, with a 1.5-fold increased risk of death.Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis) have anti-diabetic and anti-depression activities. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of M. officinalis extract on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with type 2 diabetes with depressive symptoms.

METHODS

In this double-blind clinical trial, 60 volunteer patients (age range 20-65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus with symptoms of depression were randomized into the intervention (received 700 mg/day hydroalcoholic extract; n = 30) or control group (received 700 mg/day toasted flour; n = 30). Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric indices, FBS (Fasting blood sugar), hs-CRP(High-sensitivity C-reactiveprotein), depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were determined at the beginning and end of the study. Depression and anxiety were assessed by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively; sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS

Sixty participants received M. officinalis extract or placebo, of which 44 patients completed the 12-week double-blind clinical trial. After 12-week the mean change of depression and anxiety scores were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively), but no significant differences were observed in FBS, hs-CRP, anthropometric indices, sleep quality, and blood pressure.In the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in depression and anxiety severity(p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) at the end of the study compared to the baseline.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

All protocols in this study were followed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration (1989 revision). Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Iran University of Medical Sciences Ethics committee (IR.IUMS.FMD.REC 1396.9413468004; research.iums.ac.ir). The study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT201709239472N16); Registration date: 09/10/2017.

Citral Modulates MMP-2 and MMP-9 Activities on Healing of Gastric Ulcers Associated with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity

Obesity causes low-grade inflammation that results in the development of comorbidities. In people with obesity, exacerbation of gastric lesion severity and delayed healing may aggravate gastric mucosal lesions. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the citral effects on gastric lesion healing in eutrophic and obese animals. C57Bl/6 male mice were divided into two groups: animals fed a standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Gastric ulcers were induced using acetic acid (80%) in both groups. Citral (25, 100, or 300 mg/kg) was administered orally for 3 or 10 days. A vehicle-treated negative control (1% Tween 80, 10 mL/kg) and lansoprazole-treated (30 mg/kg) were also established. Lesions were macroscopically examined by quantifying regenerated tissue and ulcer areas. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9) were analyzed by zymography. The ulcer base area between the two examined periods was significantly reduced in HFD 100 and 300 mg/kg citral-treated animals. In the 100 mg/kg citral-treated group, healing progression was accompanied by reduced MMP-9 activity. Accordingly, HFD could alter MMP-9 activity, delaying the initial healing phase. Although macroscopic changes were undetectable, 10-day treatment with 100 mg/kg citral exhibited improved scar tissue progression in obese animals, with reduced MMP-9 activity and modulation of MMP-2 activation.

Acute toxicity study of antibacterial organophilic bentonite incorporated with geranyl acetate in mice and geranyl acetate liberation in simulated gastric fluid

In the present study, the antibacterial property of the organophilic bentonite (Bent-ODA) and organophilic bentonite incorporated with geranyl acetate ester (Bent-ODA-GA) was evaluated against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Oral acute toxicity of Bent-ODA-GA was evaluated in mice, by a single oral dose of 300 and 2000 mg kg^-1. Animals were observed for any toxicity clinical signs or mortality for 15 days according to OECD 423 guidelines. The release assay of GA presents in Bent-ODA in simulated gastric fluid, pH 3.5 and pH 6.5 was also performed. Bent-ODA-GA composite presented antibacterial activity against S. aureus and S. typhimurium bacteria with 10.7 ± 0.6 mm and 2.2 ± 0.1 mm inhibition halo, respectively, which make it possible to associate the composite antimicrobial feature due to the ester presence. The composite did not reveal any toxicity signs or mortality in any animal for acute toxicity treatment during the 15 days observation period. The LD50 of Bent-ODA-DA was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg kg^-1. It was also observed that geranyl acetate is released from Bent-ODA in concentrations lower than 0.03 mg kg^-1 for pH 3.5 and 0.004 mg kg^-1 for pH 6.5, which are lower than those that could cause some toxic effects in animals.

Effects of aerosolized citric acid-radio frequency as a pretreatment on hot-air drying characteristics of banana

The effects of aerosolized citric acid-radio frequency (RF) pretreatment were evaluated on the quality characteristics of hot air-dried banana. The results showed that increasing the RF intensity elevated the total phenolic content (TPC), shrinkage, and color changes, while the TPC and color changes decreased with increasing the RF exposure duration. A rise in the RF intensity reduced the rehydration ratio (RR) and firmness of the samples. Aerosolization of citric acid rendered the preservation of the phenolic compounds of the samples to a higher extent, and TPC decreased from 311 ± 3.4 mg/g in fresh banana to 252.1 ± 4.24 mg/g in the samples treated with a RF of 27.12 Hz for 40 min, 280.5 ± 8.1 mg/g in the ones treated with 1% aerosolized citric acid for 40 min, and 162.5 ± 10.8 mg/g in the ones with no pretreatment. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the application of aerosolized citric acid pretreatment caused tissue softening and the formation of cell holes in the samples. Cell wall collapse and damage were severe when RF was in use, which caused the blockage of some microchannels within the tissue. The Page model with the highest determination coefficient (R 2) and the lowest root-mean-squared error (RMSE) and chi-square (χ 2) was selected as the best model.

Antibacterial and anti-Trichomonas Vaginalis effects of Rosa Damascena mill petal oil (a persian medicine product), aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts

Background

Oils in traditional medicine are important products and used routinely for therapeutic purposes. Rose oil (Rosa damascene Mill), a product of Persian medicine, is advised for the treatment of Infectious diseases related to the female genitourinary tract. In the present study, R. damascena petal oil, aqueous, and hydroalcoholic extracts were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and anti-Trichomonas vaginalis effects.

Methods

Anti-trichomonas activity evaluation of extracts and oil were assayed by the Homocytometery method. Their antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and clinically isolated Group B Streptococcus were assayed by broth microdilution in 96-well plates.

Results

The MIC of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts ranged from 25-50 and 25-100 mg/ml, respectively. Rose oil at all administered doses failed to show any antibacterial activity.

Conclusion

All extracts and oil concentrations showed some degree of growth inhibition activity on T. vaginalis; however, hydroalcoholic extract was more efficient.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro and In Silico Antioxidant Potential of Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis Essential Oil

The investigation aimed to study the in vitro and in silico antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis essential oil (MOEO). The chemical composition of MOEO was determined using GC–MS analysis. Among 36 compounds identified in MOEO, the main were beta-cubebene (27.66%), beta-caryophyllene (27.41%), alpha-cadinene (4.72%), caryophyllene oxide (4.09%), and alpha-cadinol (4.07%), respectively. In vitro antioxidant properties of MOEO have been studied in 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging, and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching assays. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for the radical scavenging abilities of ABTS and DPPH were 1.225 ± 0.011 μg/mL and 14.015 ± 0.027 μg/mL, respectively, demonstrating good antioxidant activity. Moreover, MOEO exhibited a strong inhibitory effect (94.031 ± 0.082%) in the β-carotene bleaching assay by neutralizing hydroperoxides, responsible for the oxidation of highly unsaturated β-carotene. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that the MOEO components could exert an in vitro antioxidant activity through xanthine oxidoreductase inhibition. The most active structures are minor MOEO components (approximately 6%), among which the highest affinity for the target protein belongs to carvacrol.

Polyphenolic-Rich Compounds From Dillenia pentagyna (Roxb.) Attenuates the Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A High-Frequency Ultrasonography Assisted Approach

Cardiovascular complications are the foremost concern in patients undergoing anticancer therapy. There is an unmet need to address the problems arising from the drug-induced toxicity for the long-term benefit of the patients undergoing chemotherapy. Alternative medicines are gaining their prosperity in addressing the various drug-induced organ toxicity. Dillenia pentagyna Roxb (DP) is an ethnomedicinal plant rich in flavonoids and phenolic contents. In India & Nepal, DP is a common ingredient of traditional medicines used to treat multiple ailments like inflammation, cancer, and diabetes. However, its protective role against doxorubicin (Dox) induced cardiotoxicity remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the potential effects of various extracts/fractions obtained from the DP's bark against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, both in-vitro and in-vivo. The anti-oxidant content of the extracts/fractions was evaluated by using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP chemical assays. The results indicated that the hydroalcoholic (HA) extract of DP has intense anti-oxidant potential. Further fractionation of DP revealed that the phenolic-rich fraction (F1) has a high anti-oxidant potential. The protective effect of extract/fraction was also investigated in the H9c2 cell line following the Dox-induced cardiotoxicity model. We observed that the pre-treatment of extract/fraction in cardiomyocytes had exhibited increased cell viability. Fluorescence-based chemical assays indicated a decreased ROS levels in the treated groups in comparison to the Dox control group. The effect of DP was evaluated further in balb/c mice by the Dox-induced cardiotoxicity model. Non-invasive techniques like high-frequency ultrasonography and electrocardiogram revealed that the mice pre-treated with DP had improved cardiac functionality (left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume) and normalized the electrocardiograms compared to the Dox control group. Further, biochemical analysis with the cardiac tissues revealed that the cytoprotective proteins like HO-1, SOD-2, and Nrf-2 were elevated in the DP treated groups compared to the Dox control group. Overall, our results suggested that the bioactive extract/fractions of DP helped alleviate the Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. LC-QTOF-ESI-MS analysis of DP and F1 indicated that polyphenolic anti-oxidant compounds like gallic acid, syringic acid, and sinapic acid could be responsible for the potent -cardioprotective effect. Future understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic parameters can help translate from the bench to the bedside.

Control of microbial growth and lipid oxidation in beef using a Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage edible coating incorporated with chicory essential oil

In this study, chicory essential oil (CEO) was obtained by hydrodistillation-based extraction method and it was rich in camphor (31.3%) and phenolic compounds with outstanding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The CEO was then incorporated into Lepidium perfoliatum seed mucilage (LPSM) based aqueous solution to prepare an active CEO-loaded LPSM edible coating. The effect of the edible coating was then investigated on the quality and shelf life of beef slices during 7 days storage at 4°C. The results revealed that beef slice coated with CEO-loaded LPSM edible coating had a significant inhibitory effect on its lipid oxidation and microbial growth. The CEO-LPSM coating also inhibited the weight and texture losses of beef slices during display more efficiently compared with the control and CEO-free LPSM coating. Besides, the beef slices coated with CEO-LPSM were the preferred samples in terms of sensory scores throughout the storage. Thus, using CEO-rich LPSM edible coating might inhibit decay and significantly improve the shelf life of fresh beef.

Melissa officinalis L. hydro-alcoholic extract inhibits anxiety and depression through prevention of central oxidative stress and apoptosis

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? How does an extract of Melissa officinalis L. ameliorate anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour of mice? What is the main finding and its importance? An extract of Melissa officinalis L. possessed anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects, which could mainly be mediated through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effects of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis (HAEMO) on anxiety- and depressive-like behaviours, oxidative stress and apoptosis markers in restraint stress-exposed mice. In order to induce a depression-like model, mice were subjected to restraint stress (3 h day-1 for 14 days) and received normal saline or HAEMO (50, 75 and 150 mg kg-1  day-1 ) for 14 days. The administered doses of HAEMO were designated based on the concentration of one of the main phenolic compounds present in the extract, rosmarinic acid (2.55 mg kg-1 at lowest dose); other phytochemical analyses including assays for antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonoids were also carried out. The behavioural changes in an open field task, elevated plus maze, tail suspension and forced swimming tests were evaluated. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity were assessed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Moreover, levels of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3 in the brain as well as serum concentration of corticosterone were evaluated. HAEMO (75 and 150 mg kg-1 ) significantly reversed anxiety- and depressive-like behaviours. Also, HAEMO reduced MDA levels, enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activities and restored serum levels of corticosterone. An immunoblotting analysis also demonstrated that HAEMO decreased levels of pro-apoptotic markers and increased anti-apoptotic protein levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of restraint stress-exposed mice. Our findings suggested that HAEMO reduced inflammation and had anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in mice.

Study of chemical structure, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and mechanism of action of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil on foodborne pathogens

In this study, chemical composition (gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy), chemical structure (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and antioxidant potential (β-carotene bleaching assay and DPPH/ABTS-radical scavenging activity tests) of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (SAEO) were evaluated. Eugenol (75.11%) was found to be the major compound of SAEO. Eugenol, as the main chemical constituent of SAEO, showed its signature peaks in the wavenumber range of 720 – 1250 cm-1, ascribing to the C=C region. The antimicrobial activity of SAEO on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was then applied to unravel the antibacterial mechanism of SAEO on E. coli as the most resistant strain and L. innocua as the most sensitive strain. The MTT assay was also used to investigate the cytotoxicity effect of SAEO on human colonic cancer cell lines (HT29 cell line) and the highest cytotoxic effect was observed at 200 mg.mL-1 concentration of SAEO. The SEM micrographs revealed that the SAEO treatment was able to manifestly increase the cell permeabilization and membrane integrity disruption. This means that the entirety of the cell membranes was remarkably affected by the essential oil, which could lead to cytoplasm secretion and subsequent cell death. The data strongly suggest that SAEO had a potential antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity.