Bioactive Natural Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Spice Plants: New Findings and Potential Applications

Assessment of fungal species in some spices using molecular study with detection of their mycotoxins using chromatography analysis

Spices are food flavouring agents that are highly used in Iraq. However, they may be contaminated by toxicogenic fungi and subsequent production of mycotoxins. The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of commonly used spices with fungi using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and to detect fungal mycotoxin using high-performance liquid chromatography. Thirty-five spices (seven samples from each black pepper, red pepper, turmeric, cumin and ginger) were cultured on an appropriate medium to identify various fungi species. Later on, the toxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger was determined using a PCR assay. The fungal mycotoxins, including aflatoxins and ochratoxins, were then determined through a high-performance liquid chromatography using the validated Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuECHERS) method. Aspergillus species were the predominantly isolated fungi, followed by Penicillium and Fusarium. The PCR results indicate the high toxigenicity of A. flavus as 85.7% of the strains had aflQ/aflR genes and 79% had PKS15KS/PKS15C-MeT genes. Regarding mycotoxin contamination in spices, the highest rates of aflatoxins and ochratoxins were found in black pepper (5.913 μg/kg) and red chilli (6.9055 μg/kg), respectively. Spices are susceptible substrates for the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi. Thus, regular effective surveillance and quality control procedures are highly recommended.

Therapeutic potential of Phycocyanin in gastrointestinal cancers and related disorders

Gastrointestinal cancer is the most fatal cancer worldwide. The etiology of gastrointestinal cancer has yet to be fully characterized. Alcohol consumption, obesity, tobacco, Helicobacter pylori and gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric ulcer, colon polyps and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are among the several risks factors for gastrointestinal cancers. Phycocyanin which is abundant in Spirulina. Phycocyanin, a member of phycobiliprotein family with intense blue color, is an anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compound. Evidence exists supporting that phycocyanin has antitumor effects, exerting its pharmacological effects by targeting a variety of cellular and molecular processes, i.e., apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, migration and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Phycocyanin has also been applied in treatment of several gastrointestinal disorders such as, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis and fatty liver that is known as a risk factor for progression to cancer. Herein, we summarize various cellular and molecular pathways that are affected by phycocyanin, its efficacy upon combined drug treatment, and the potential for nanotechnology in its gastrointestinal cancer therapy.

Exposure And Health Risk Assessment Of Aflatoxins In Hot Red Pepper Marketed In North Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and their contamination of red peppers can cause hepatocellular carcinoma, growth retardation in children, immune suppression, and death. In addition, their presence in the red peppers can affect international trade and cause significant economic burdens. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the level of AFs contamination in packed powder (from supermarkets) and raw red pepper samples commercially available in the towns of Fiche and Mukaturi. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the potential health and cancer risks associated with the consumption of red pepper contaminated with AFs. Red pepper samples (raw and packed powder) were collected randomly from the Fiche and Mukaturi open markets. Then AFs in the samples were extracted using methanol: water (80:20, v/v). These extract samples were then cleaned up using an immunoaffinity column (IAC) and determined with a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The finding showed that the amount of AFB1, AFB2, and AFG1 in raw red pepper was found to be 3.19 ± 0.01, 0.19 ± 0.001, and 4.07 ± 0.01 μg kg-1, respectively. The raw red pepper samples had a total of 7.66 ± 0.01 μg kg-1 of AFs. On the other hand, the amount of AFB1, AFB2, and AFG1 in Afiya-packed red pepper was found to be 7.04 ± 0.03, 2.15 ± 0.06, and 0.50 ± 0.01 μg kg-1, while Mudayi packed red pepper contained 31.60 ± 0.22, 24.40 ± 0.17, 3.37 ± 0.02 and 2.48 ± 0.004 μg kg-1 of aflatoxins, respectively. Afiya and Mudayi packed powder peppers had a total AFs content of 10.4 ± 0.07 and 61.90 ± 0.28 μg kg-1, respectively. The total AFs concentrations in packed pepper powder samples were higher than maximum toleratable limits (MTLs) set by the European Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (5.00 μg kg-1 for AFB1 and 10 μg kg-1 for total AFs). AFB1 (31.60 ± 0.22 μg kg-1) had the highest level of contamination, followed by AFB2 (24.40 ± 0.17 μg kg-1) in packed pepper powder. In the adult population, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 ranged from 0.80 to 7.90, 0.04 to 6.10, 0.02 to 1.02, and 0.05 to 0.62  μ g kg-1 body weight (bw) per day, respectively. However, the Margins of Exposure (MOE) values and combined Margin of Exposure (MoET) for these chemicals were significantly lower than the safe margin (<10 000). Therefore, this study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming AFs-contaminated red peppers and the need for stricter regulations and monitoring to ensure food safety.

Synergistic rosemary extract with TBHQ and citric acid improves oxidative stability and shelf life of peanut

Lipid oxidation often accompanies the processing and storage of peanuts, which causes a serious waste of peanut resources. To solve the problem of being prone to oxidation in peanut processing, a ternary complex antioxidant based on rosemary extract (RE) was constructed to investigate its effect on the oxidative and thermal stability of peanuts, and the inhibition of peanut oxidation by compound antioxidants was revealed by dynamic Arrhenius formula and complexation theory. The results showed that there was a synergistic effect between RE and Tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), and the antioxidant effects of RE and TBHQ were 4.86 and 1.45 times higher when used in combination than when used alone, respectively. In addition, RE-TBHQ-CA (citric acid) effectively inhibited primary and secondary oxidation of peanuts with a shelf life 8.7 times longer than that of control peanuts. This study provides a novel antioxidant compounding idea, which has a positive effect on improving the quality of peanut and other nut products, prolonging the shelf life and reducing the waste of resources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Compounding a complex antioxidant that permits its use in peanuts. It was found that rosemary and TBHQ might have synergistic antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, this combination of RE-TBHQ-CA effectively inhibited the oxidation of peanut oils and prolonged the shelf life of peanuts. RE-TBHQ-CA is a highly efficient complex antioxidant that can reduce the amounts of antioxidants added while maintaining high antioxidant efficiency, which may be useful for the future preservation and storage of nut products as it positively affects the quality and shelf life of the product.

Curcumin-Polyethylene Glycol Loaded on Chitosan-Gelatin Nanoparticles Enhances Infected Wound Healing

The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of curcumin-polyethylene glycol loaded on chitosan-gelatin nanoparticles (C-PEG-CGNPs) on healing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected wounds in rat as a model study. Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups of 8 animals each. In CNTRL group, no infected/no treated wounds were covered with sterile saline 0.9% solution (0.1 mL). In MRSA group, MRSA-infected wounds were only treated with sterile saline 0.9% solution (0.1 mL). In MRSA/CP group, 0.1 mL curcumin nanoparticles (1 mg/mL) was applied topically to treat MRSA-infected wounds. In MRSA/CG group, 0.1 mL CG (1 mg/mL) was applied topically to treat MRSA-infected wounds. In MRSA/CP-CG group, 0.1 mL CP-CG (1 mg/mL) was applied topically to treat MRSA-infected wounds. Microbiological examination; planimetric, biochemical, histological, morphometric studies, angiogenesis, hydroxyproline levels, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for caspase 3, Bcl-2, and p53 showed significant difference between rats in MRSA/CP-CG group in comparison with other groups (P < .05). Accelerated and improved healing in wounds infected with MRSA were observed in animals treated with C-PEG-CGNPs. Via increasing solubility of curcumin in C-PEG-CGNP, this harmless and easily available composition could be considered to be topically applied in infected wounds.

Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity

The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while D-carvone (62.09%) and D-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, β-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.

Active Fish Gelatin/Chitosan Blend Film Incorporated with Guava Leaf Powder Carbon Dots: Properties, Release and Antioxidant Activity

Active packaging is an innovative approach to prolonge the shelf-life of food products while ensuring their quality and safety. Carbon dots (CDs) from biomass as active fillers for biopolymer films have been introduced to improve their bioactivities as well as properties. Gelatin/chitosan (G/C) blend films containing active guava leaf powder carbon dots (GL-CDs) at various levels (0-3%, w/w) were prepared by the solvent casting method and characterized. Thickness of the control increased from 0.033 to 0.041 mm when 3% GL-CDs were added (G/C-CD-3%). Young's modulus of the resulting films increased (485.67-759.00 MPa), whereas the tensile strength (26.92-17.77 MPa) and elongation at break decreased (14.89-5.48%) as the GL-CDs' level upsurged (p < 0.05). Water vapor barrier property and water contact angle of the film were enhanced when incorporated with GL-CDs (p < 0.05). GL-CDs had a negligible impact on film microstructure, while GL-CDs interacted with gelatin or chitosan, as determined by FTIR. The release of GL-CDs from blend films was more pronounced in water than in alcoholic solutions (10-95% ethanol). The addition of GL-CDs improved the UV light barrier properties and antioxidant activities of the resultant films in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, GL-CD-added gelatin/chitosan blend films with antioxidant activities could be employed as potential active packaging for the food industry.

Emerging trends of phytochemicals as ferroptosis modulators in cancer therapy

Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death characterized by dependence on iron and lipid peroxidation, has been implicated in a wide range of clinical conditions including neurological diseases, cardiovascular disorders, acute kidney failure, and various types of cancer. Therefore, it is critical to suppress cancer progression and proliferation. Ferroptosis can be triggered in cancer cells and some normal cells by synthetic substances, such as erastin, Ras-selective lethal small molecule-3, or clinical pharmaceuticals. Natural bioactive compounds are traditional drug discovery tools, and some have been therapeutically used as dietary additives or pharmaceutical agents against various malignancies. The fact that natural products have multiple targets and minimal side effects has led to notable advances in anticancer research. Research has indicated that ferroptosis can also be induced by natural compounds during cancer treatment. In this review, we focused on the most recent developments in emerging molecular processes and the significance of ferroptosis in cancer. To provide new perspectives on the future development of ferroptosis-related anticancer medications, we also provide a summary of the implications of natural phytochemicals in triggering ferroptosis through ROS production and ferritinophagy induction in a variety of malignancies.

Antimicrobial Effects of Some Natural Products on Adhesion and Biofilm Inhibition of Clostridioides difficile

Understanding the potential antimicrobial properties of natural compounds and their impacts on Clostridioides difficile virulence factors may aid in developing alternative strategies for preventing and treating C. difficile infections (CDI). In this study, we investigated the bactericidal effects of ginger oil (GO), peppermint oil (PO), curcumin (CU), cinnamon aldehyde (CI), and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCI) on the adhesion and biofilm disruption of C. difficile. We used three reference and five clinical C. difficile strains of different ribotypes. The bactericidal activity was assessed using the broth microdilution method. The adhesion was evaluated using human epithelial cell lines, and biofilm formation was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. All tested strains exhibited susceptibility to CU, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 128 µg/mL to 2048 µg/mL. Similarly, all strains were susceptible to CI and TCI, with MIC values ranging from 6.25% (v/v) to 25% (v/v). Most of the tested substances reduced the adhesion of C. difficile strains, while two tested strains showed significantly higher adhesion when co-incubated with the tested substances. Similar observations were made for biofilm formation, with observed density and morphology varied depending on the strain. In conclusion, the tested products demonstrated bactericidal activity and reduced the adhesion of C. difficile strains. They may be considered for further studies as potential antimicrobial agents targeting biofilm-related infections.

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment on the Metabolic Profile of Medicinal Plants and Their Therapeutic Potential

The paper provides a comprehensive examination of heavy metal stress on medicinal plants, focusing on its impact on antioxidant capacity and biosynthetic pathways critical to their therapeutic potential. It explores the complex relationship between heavy metals and the physiological and biochemical responses of medicinal plants, highlighting how metal stress disrupts biosynthetic pathways, altering concentrations of secondary metabolites. This disruption may compromise the overall quality and efficacy of medicinal plants, requiring a holistic understanding of its cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the study discusses the potential of targeted genetic editing to enhance plant resilience against heavy metal stress by manipulating genes associated with antioxidant defenses. This approach represents a promising frontier in safeguarding medicinal plants in metal-contaminated environments. Additionally, the research investigates the role of phytohormone signaling in plant adaptive mechanisms to heavy metal stress, revealing its influence on biochemical and physiological responses, thereby adding complexity to plant adaptation. The study underscores the importance of innovative technologies and global cooperation in protecting medicinal plants' therapeutic potential and highlights the need for mitigation strategies to address heavy metal contamination effectively.

Comparison of autoclaving and γ-radiation impact on four spices aroma profiles and microbial load using HS-SPME GC-MS and chemometric tools

Herbal spices are widely consumed as food additives owing to their distinct aroma and taste as well as a myriad of economic and health value. The aroma profile of four major spices including bay leaf, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel was tested using HS-SPME/GC-MS and in response to the most widely used spices´ processing methods including autoclaving and γ-radiation at low and high doses. Additionally, the impact of processing on microbial contamination of spices was tested using total aerobic count. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 22 volatiles in bay leaf, 34 in black pepper, 23 in capsicum, and 24 in fennel. All the identified volatiles belonged to oxides/phenols/ethers, esters, ketones, alcohols, sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons. Oxides/phenol/ethers were detected at high levels in all tested spices at ca. 44, 28.2, 48.8, 61.1%, in bay leaves, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel, respectively of the total blend and signifying their typical use as spices. Total oxides/phenol/ethers showed an increase in bay leaf upon exposure to γ-radiation from 44 to 47.5%, while monoterpene hydrocarbons were enriched in black pepper upon autoclaving from 11.4 in control to reach 65.9 and 82.6% for high dose and low dose of autoclaving, respectively. Cineole was detected in bay leaf at 17.9% and upon exposure to autoclaving at high dose and γ-radiation (both doses) its level increased by 29-31%. Both autoclaving and γ-radiation distinctly affected aroma profiles in examined spices. Further, volatile variations in response to processing were assessed using multivariate data analysis (MVA) revealing distinct separation between autoclaved and γ-radiated samples compared to control. Both autoclaving at 115 °C for 15 min and radiation at 10 kGy eliminated detected bioburden in all tested spices i.e., reduced the microbial counts below the detection limit (< 10 cfu/g).

Synthetic polyploidization induces enhanced phytochemical profile and biological activities in Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil

Essential oil from Thymus vulgaris L. has valuable therapeutic potential that is highly desired in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Considering these advantages and the rising market demand, induced polyploids were obtained using oryzalin to enhance essential oil yield. However, their therapeutic values were unexplored. So, this study aims to assess the phytochemical content, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of tetraploid and diploid thyme essential oils. Induced tetraploids had 41.11% higher essential oil yield with enhanced thymol and γ-terpinene content than diploid. Tetraploids exhibited higher antibacterial activity against all tested microorganisms. Similarly, in DPPH radical scavenging assay tetraploid essential oil was more potent with half-maximal inhibitory doses (IC50) of 180.03 µg/mL (40.05 µg TE/mg) than diploid with IC50 > 512 µg/mL (12.68 µg TE/mg). Tetraploids exhibited more effective inhibition of in vitro catalytic activity of pro-inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) than diploids at 50 µg/mL concentration. Furthermore, molecular docking revealed higher binding affinity of thymol and γ-terpinene towards tested protein receptors, which explained enhanced bioactivity of tetraploid essential oil. In conclusion, these results suggest that synthetic polyploidization using oryzalin could effectively enhance the quality and quantity of secondary metabolites and can develop more efficient essential oil-based commercial products using this induced genotype.

Phytochemical analysis of carotenoid profile in Mentha piperita and Artemisia vulgaris: cytotoxicity in tumoral cells and evaluation of plasmid DNA cleavage

Several medicinal plants have been administered to cancer patients attributed to their anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective properties, in addition to lower toxicity compared to traditional therapies. The aim was to investigate the antioxidant properties and carotenoid composition of aqueous extracts of Mentha piperita or Artemisia vulgaris which were previously found to exert beneficial effects on human health through diet. aqueous extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity. A diversity of carotenoids was identified in these extracts using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Both extracts contained predominantly all-trans-lutein as the main component within this class. In order to investigate antioxidant properties, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) techniques were used. The (3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and Crystal Violet assays assessed cellular cytotoxicity. Assessments of presence of reactive species were carried out following exposure of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-4) to various aqueous extracts of M piperita or A vulgaris utilizing dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Exposure to these extracts induced severe cytotoxic effects, which led to investigation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this observed effect. Data demonstrated that both solutions induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, especially at higher concentrations using agarose gel subjected to electrophoresis. It is known that exposure to excess amounts of antioxidants results in a prooxidant effect which is beneficial in cancer therapy. Further, the extracts were found to reduce viability of SCC-4 in culture, indicating that this antitumoral activity may be of therapeutic importance and requires further study.

Immunomodulating Phytochemicals: An Insight Into Their Potential Use in Cytokine Storm Situations

Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that possess a variety of bioactive properties, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of phytochemicals in targeting specific signalling pathways involved in cytokine storm, a life-threatening clinical condition resulting from excessive immune cell activation and oversupply of proinflammatory cytokines. Several studies have documented the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals on immune function, including their ability to regulate essential cellular and molecular interactions of immune system cells. This makes them a promising alternative for cytokine storm management, especially when combined with existing chemotherapies. Furthermore, phytochemicals have been found to target multiple signalling pathways, including the TNF-α/NF-κB, IL-1/NF-κB, IFN-γ/JAK/STAT, and IL-6/JAK-STAT. These pathways play critical roles in the development and progression of cytokine storm, and targeting them with phytochemicals represents a promising strategy for controlling cytokine release and the subsequent inflammation. Studies have also investigated certain families of plant-related constituents and their potential immunomodulatory actions. In vivo and in vitro studies have reported the immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals, which provide viable alternatives in the management of cytokine storm syndrome. The collective data from previous studies suggest that phytochemicals represent a potentially functional source of cytokine storm treatment and promote further exploration of these compounds as immunomodulatory agents for suppressing specific signalling cascade responses. Overall, the previous research findings support the use of phytochemicals as a complementary approach in managing cytokine storm and improving patient outcomes.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Geraniol and Selected Geraniol Transformation Products against Gram-Positive Bacteria

Both geraniol and the products of its transformation, thanks to their beneficial properties, find a variety of applications in cosmetics. Due to their antioxidant and moisturizing properties, these compounds can be added to skin care products such as face creams, lotions, oils, and masks. In addition, these compounds show some antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them suitable for application in skin care products to help fight against bacteria or fungi. This study determined the antimicrobial activity of geraniol and the compounds which were formed during its transformation in relation to selected Gram-positive bacteria, and the preliminary assessment was made whether these compounds can act as ingredients of preparations with potential antimicrobial activity in the treatment of various human diseases (for example diseases of the skin, digestive system, or urinary tract). In addition, this work presents studies on the microbiological purity of cream samples obtained with different contents of geraniol and its transformation products (contents of the tested compounds: 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 4%, 8%, and 12%). Antibacterial activity tests were performed using the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive cocci, including the reference strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and against the clinical strains Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis VRE VanB, Enterococcus faecium VRE VanA, and Enterococcus faecium VRE VanB. The most active ingredient against bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus was citral, followed by linalool and then geraniol. During our tests, in the case of bacteria of the Enterococcus genus, citral also showed the highest activity, but linalool, ocimenes, and geraniol showed a slightly lower activity. Moreover, this study examined the microbiological purity of cream samples obtained with various contents of geraniol and its transformation products. In the tests of the microbiological purity of cream samples, no growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi was found, which proves the lack of microbiological contamination of the obtained cosmetic preparations. On this basis, it was assessed that these compounds have preservative properties in the prepared creams. The addition of the analyzed compounds also had influence on the durability of the creams and had no effect on the change in their consistency, did not negatively affect the separation of phases during storage, and even had a positive effect on organoleptic sensations by enriching the smell of the tested samples.

Chemical Composition Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Myrtus communis L. Leaf Extract: Forecasting ADMET Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory Targets Using Molecular Docking Tools

Compounds derived from natural sources continue to serve as chemical scaffolds for designing prophylactic/therapeutic options for human healthcare. In this study, we aimed to systematically unravel the chemical profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of myrtle methanolic extract (MMEx) using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. High levels of TPC (415.85 ± 15.52 mg GAE/g) and TFC (285.80 ± 1.64 mg QE/g) were observed. Mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 1,8-cineole (33.80%), α-pinene (10.06%), linalool (4.83%), p-dimethylaminobenzophenone (4.21%), thunbergol (4%), terpineol (3.60%), cis-geranyl acetate (3.25%), and totarol (3.30%) as major compounds. MMEx induced pronounced dose-dependent inhibition in all assays, and the best antioxidant activity was found with H2O2, with an IC50 of 17.81 ± 3.67 µg.mL-1. MMEx showed a good anti-inflammatory effect in vivo by limiting the development of carrageenan-induced paw edema. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the active molecules were determined using the SwissADME website, followed by virtual screening against anti-inflammatory targets including phospholipase A2 (PLA-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and NF-κB. A pharmacokinetic study revealed that the molecules have good absorption, distribution, and metabolism profiles, with negative organ toxicity. Among the compounds identified by GC-MS analysis, pinostrobin chalcone, cinnamyl cinnamate, hedycaryol, totarol, and p-dimethylaminobenzophenone were observed to have good binding scores, thus appreciable anti-inflammatory potential. Our study reveals that MMEx from Algerian Myrtus communis L. can be considered to be a promising candidate for alleviating many health complaints associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.

Investigating the role of thymol as a promising inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 for targeted cancer therapy

Protein kinases have emerged as major contributors to various diseases. They are currently exploited as a potential target in drug discovery because they play crucial roles in cell signaling, growth, and regulation. Their dysregulation is associated with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3) has become an attractive drug target in cancer therapeutics. In the present study, we investigated the effective role of thymol in PDK3 inhibition due to the high affinity predicted through molecular docking studies. Hence, to better understand this inhibition mechanism, we carried out a 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to analyse the dynamics and stability of the PDK3-thymol complex. The PDK3-thymol complex was stable and energetically favourable, with many intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions in the PDK3-thymol complex. Enzyme inhibition assay showed significant inhibition of PDK3 by thymol, revealing potential inhibitory action of thymol towards PDK3 (IC50 = 2.66 μM). In summary, we established thymol as one of the potential inhibitors of PDK3, proposing promising therapeutic implications for severe diseases associated with PDK3 dysregulation. This study further advances our understanding of thymol's therapeutic capabilities and potential role in cancer treatment.

Effect of edible coatings and films enriched with plant extracts and essential oils on the preservation of animal-derived foods

Edible coatings and films for food preservation are becoming more popular thanks to their environmentally friendly properties and active ingredient-carrying ability. Their application can be effective in contrasting quality decay by limiting oxidation and deterioration of foods. Many reviews analyze the different compounds with which films and coatings can be created, their characteristics, and the effect when applied to food. However, the possibility of adding plant extracts and essential oils in edible coatings and films to preserve processed animal-derived products has been not exhaustively explored. The aim of this review is to summarize how edible coatings and films enriched with plant extracts (EXs) and essential oils (EOs) influence the physico-chemical and sensory features as well as the shelf-life of cheese, and processed meat and fish. Different studies showed that various EXs and EOs limited both oxidation and microbial growth after processing and during food preservation. Moreover, encapsulation has been found to be a valid technology to improve the solubility and stability of EOs and EXs, limiting strong flavor, controlling the release of bioactive compounds, and maintaining their stability during storage. Overall, the incorporation of EXs and EOs in edible coating and film to preserve processed foods can offer benefits for improving the shelf-life, limiting food losses, and creating a food sustainable chain.

Enhancing Commercial Antibiotics with Trans-Cinnamaldehyde in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria: An In Vitro Approach

One strategy to mitigate the emergence of bacterial resistance involves reducing antibiotic doses by combining them with natural products, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN). The objective of this research was to identify in vitro combinations (CIN + commercial antibiotic (ABX)) that decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seven antibiotics against 14 different Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, most of them classified as ESKAPE. MIC values were measured for all compounds using the broth microdilution method. The effect of the combinations on these microorganisms was analyzed through the checkboard assay to determine the type of activity (synergy, antagonism, or addition). This analysis was complemented with a kinetic study of the synergistic combinations. Fifteen synergistic combinations were characterized for nine of the tested bacteria. CIN demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the MIC of chloramphenicol, streptomycin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin (94-98%) when tested on Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella aerogenes, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that when the substances were tested alone at the MIC concentration observed in the synergistic combination, bacterial growth was not inhibited. However, when CIN and the ABX, for which synergy was observed, were tested simultaneously in combination at these same concentrations, the bacterial growth inhibition was complete. This demonstrates the highly potent in vitro synergistic activity of CIN when combined with commercial ABXs. This finding could be particularly beneficial in livestock farming, as this sector witnesses the highest quantities of antimicrobial usage, contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance issues. Further research focused on this natural compound is thus warranted for this reason.

Improvement of the oxidative stability of instant fried noodles using free and microencapsulated borage (Echium amoenum) and black hollyhock (Altaea rosea var nigra) extracts

This study investigated the oxidative stability of instant fried noodles by applying free and microencapsulated black hollyhock extracts (BHE) and borage extracts (BE) (BE, BHE, ME-BE and ME-BHE). At first, the BE and BHE were encapsulated with whey protein and maltodextrin at a 90:10 ratio through a spray dryer. After evaluating particle characteristics (including anthocyanin content, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), particle size, and morphology), they were added to the noodle formulation (wheat flour 78.5%, NaCl 0.78%, and water 21.21%) at 1% w/w level, and the physicochemical (proximate analysis, pH, color, cooking loss, and texture), sensory properties (taste, odor, color, texture, and overall acceptability), and oxidative stability (acid value, peroxide value, anisidine index, thiobarbituric acid index, conjugated dienes) of the fried noodles were studied. The results showed that the microcapsules had uneven shapes with angular surfaces. There was no significant difference between the zeta potential, particle size, PDI, and encapsulation efficiency of BE- and BHE-loaded microcapsules, and the values reported fell between -34.96 and -34.84 mV, 1.128 and 1.195 μm, 0.247 and 0.283, and 80.08% and 83.47%, respectively. Adding extracts to the functional noodles decreased cooking loss and pH compared to the control. The noodles exhibited a darker color. BE and BHE reduced the oxidation of fried noodle oil, with microencapsulated extracts showing stronger effects during storage (p < .05). Sensory evaluation indicated high acceptability for all samples. Encapsulation effectively preserves the natural antioxidant activities of BE and BHE, providing potential benefits for food processing and storage.

Investigation of Volatile Components and Assessment of Antioxidant Potential in Seven Lamiaceae Plant Hydrosols

Aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, especially of the genus Thymus, have promising antioxidant applications in pharmacology, medicine, food, cosmetology, and aromatherapy. Hydrosols (HDs) were extracted by hydrodistillation from seven species of Lamiaceae, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus mongolicus, Mentha × piperita, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinali, Salvia elegans, and Leonurus artemisia. In total, 369 volatile components were determined and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among them, alcohols (2.86-28.48%), ethers (2.46-10.69%), and phenols (0.11-21.78%) constituted a large proportion, mainly linalool (0.28-19.27%), eucalyptol (0.16-6.97%), thymol (0-19.54%), and carvacrol (0-26.82%). Multivariate statistical analyses were performed and 27 differential metabolites were screened. Three different methods (ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP) were used to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of seven HDs. Thymus vulgaris hydrosols (Tv HDs) and Thymus mongolicus hydrosols (Tm HDs) had the strongest antioxidant activity and their stronger antioxidant capacity was related to their high levels of phenolic constituents, mainly thymol. The antioxidant activity of the other five Lamiaceae HDs was associated with their high alcohol (mainly linalool and eucalyptol) content, and the alcohol constituents may synergistically affect their antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the present study suggests that Lamiaceae plants can be utilized as antioxidant products or antioxidants in different industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.

Phytochemical analysis of Origanum majorana L. extract and investigation of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects against experimentally induced colitis downregulating Th17 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Origanum majorana L. is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is commonly used in Egyptian cuisine as a seasoning and flavor enhancer. It is also recognized as a well-known traditional medicine in Egypt and is widely used for treating abdominal colic due to its antispasmodic properties. However, the protective effects of Origanum majorana L. against ulcerative colitis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to identify the biologically active components present in methanol extracts of Origanum majorana L. using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Additionally, it aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of these extracts on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and elucidate the potential mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract obtained from Origanum majorana L. Thirty-two male rats were included in the study and divided into four experimental groups, with eight rats in each group: sham, UC, UC + O. majorana, and UC sulfasalazine. After euthanizing the rats, colon tissue samples were collected for gross and microscopic examinations, assessment of oxidative stress, and molecular evaluation. GC-MS analysis identified 15 components in the extracts. Pretreatment with O. majorana L. extract and sulfasalazine significantly improved the disease activity index (DAI) and resulted in notable improvements in macroscopic and microscopic colon findings. Additionally, both treatments demonstrated preventive effects against colonic oxidative damage by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the levels of the antioxidant systems superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), which operate through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, these treatments downregulated the colonic inflammatory cascade by inhibiting NFκB, TNFα, IL-1β, IL6, IL23, IL17, COX-2, and iNOS, subsequently leading to downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and a decrease in the Th17 cell response. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of apoptotic epithelial cells that expressed caspase-3 was observed.

CONCLUSION

pretreatment with O. majorana L. extract significantly ameliorated acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. This effect could be attributed to the protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of the extract.

Cytotoxic Effect Induced by Sicilian Oregano Essential Oil in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Origanum vulgare L. is an aromatic plant that exerts antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities, mainly due to its essential oil (EO) content. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanism underlying the in vitro antitumor activity of EO extracted by hydrodistillation of dried flowers and leaves of Origanum vulgare L. grown in Sicily (Italy) in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of Oregano essential oil (OEO) composition highlighted the presence of twenty-six major phytocompounds, such as p-cymene, γ-terpinene, and thymoquinone p-acetanisole. OEO possesses strong antioxidant capacity, as demonstrated by the DPPH test. Our studies provided evidence that OEO reduces the viability of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The cytotoxic effect of OEO on breast cancer cells was partially counteracted by the addition of z-VAD-fmk, a general caspase inhibitor. Caspases and mitochondrial dysfunction appeared to be involved in the OEO-induced death mechanism. Western blotting analysis showed that OEO-induced activation of pro-caspases-9 and -3 and fragmentation of PARP decreased the levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL while increasing those of Bax and VDAC. In addition, fluorescence microscopy and cytofluorimetric analysis showed that OEO induces a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in both cell lines. Furthermore, we tested the effects of p-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymoquinone, and p-acetanisole, which are the main components of OEO. Our findings highlighted that the effect of OEO on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells appears to be mainly due to the combination of different constituents of OEO, providing evidence of the potential use of OEO for breast cancer treatment.

Unveiling the Impact of Drying Methods on Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Anthemis palestina

Different drying techniques may alter the chemical composition of plant extracts and consequently affect their bioactivity potential. The current study was designed to reveal the effect of four different drying methods on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of hydrodistilled essential oil (HD-EO) and methanolic (APM) extract obtained from the aerial part of Anthemis palestina from Jordan. Aerial parts of A. palestina in their fresh (FR) form and after drying in shade (ShD), sun (SD), oven at 40 °C (O40D) and 60 °C (O60D), in addition to microwave (MWD), were used to extract their essential oils by hydrodistillation and to prepare the different methanolic extracts (APM). GC/MS analysis of the different HD-EOs revealed qualitative and quantitative differences among the different samples. While FR, O40D, O60D, and MWD EO samples contained mainly sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (35.43%, 29.04%, 53.69%, and 59.38%, respectively), ShD sample was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes (33.57%), and SD-EO contained mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes (40.36%). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis (CA) grouped the different drying methods based on their impact on the concentration of chemical constituents. SD-EO demonstrated high DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity (1.31 ± 0.03) × 10-2; (1.66 ± 0.06) × 10-2 μg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, A. paleistina methanolic extracts (APM) obtained after subjecting the plant to different drying methods showed interesting patterns in terms of their TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profiling. Of all extracts, SD-APM extract had the highest TPC (105.37 ± 0.19 mg GA/g DE), highest TFC (305.16 ± 3.93 mg Q/g DE) and demonstrated the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities ((4.42 ± 0.02) × 10-2; (3.87 ± 0.02) × 10-2 mg/mL, respectively); all were supported by correlation studies. LC-MS/MS analysis of the different extracts revealed the richness of the SD-APM extract in phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Advances in efficient extraction of essential oils from spices and its application in food industry: A critical review

With the increase of people's awareness of food safety, it is crucial to find natural and green antimicrobial agents to replace traditional antimicrobial agents. Essential oils of spices (SEOs) are low toxicity or nontoxic, which exhibited antioxidants and antimicrobial activity according to many in vitro and in situ experiments. Spices are widely available and low cost as a plant raw material for the extraction of SEOs. This review summarized highly efficient extraction techniques for SEOs, such as physical field assisted extraction technology, supercritical fluid extraction, and biological-based techniques. Furthermore, purification of SEOs and components were also recapitulated. Purification techniques of SEOs improve their utilization value due to the increased content of bioactive components. Finally, the review concentrated on the applications of SEOs in food industry, including food preservation, food active packaging by means of films or coatings, antioxidant properties. In addition, addressing the problem of unstability of SEOs and its role to inhibit the pathogenic bacteria, the encapsulation of SEOs for use in the food industrial sectors reduces the safety risk to human health.

Polyphenol Composition by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS and Bioactivities of Extracts from Grape Agri-Food Wastes

BACKGROUND

Grape agri-food wastes, such as skin, seeds, and other discarded by-products, contain phytochemical compounds that offer potential health benefits.

METHODS

This study aimed to investigate the polyphenol composition and bioactivities of different extracts obtained from grape marc and seeds, with the goal of exploring their potential for application as natural food additives.

RESULTS

Regardless of the extraction method used (dynamic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)), all extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of phenolic compounds. The chemical characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of specific compounds and chemical groups associated with each extraction methodology. Moreover, the extracts displayed satisfactory antioxidant activities, especially in inhibiting lipoperoxidation as assessed by the TBARS assay. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated effective inhibition against different strains of bacteria and fungi known as food contaminants. Taken together, these findings indicate that those extracts have the potential to be tested as natural antioxidants and preservatives with sustainable origins in food and beverage systems. Among the extraction methods evaluated, traditional maceration and UAE provided extracts with the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest the opportunity to explore grape marc and seeds discarded by the winery industry in Portugal as natural sources of bioactive compounds, which could be employed as functional food ingredients or technological additives. The valorization of grape biowastes offers a promising strategy to reduce waste and harness their potential health benefits.

Chemical Composition and Future Perspectives of Essential Oil Obtained from a Wild Population of Stachys germanica L. Distributed in the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria

Stachys germanica L. (Lamiaceae) is a plant associated with a rich history in the traditional medicine of Iran, Turkey, and Serbia. However, researchers have not fully investigated the pharmacological potential of the herb, and scientific data on this plant species are limited. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the aerial parts of S. germanica L. growing wild in Bulgaria and to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of EOs obtained from the same plant species from other geographical regions. For the evaluation of the chemical profile of the isolated EO, gas chromatographic analysis with mass spectrometry was performed. The most abundant terpene class was oxygenated monoterpenes, which accounted for 59.30% of the total EO composition. The bicyclic monoterpene camphor, as a compound of this class, was identified as the major constituent in the EO, accounting for 52.96% of the total oil composition. The chemical profile of Bulgarian EO is quite different compared to that of EOs from other regions. It is the only one to contain more than 50% camphor. In addition, EO contains significant amounts of the diterpene geranyl p-cymene (10.49%). This is the first study describing the chemical composition of EO from Bulgarian Stachys germanica L., and our results reveal some future perspectives for the evaluation of the biological activity of EO from the studied plant species as a new therapeutic agent or natural remedy targeting different medical conditions. The EO has a promising potential to be used as a biopesticide and repellent as well, an environmentally friendly and safer alternative to standard pesticides.

Quality Standards and Pharmacological Interventions of Natural Oils: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

Medicinal plants are rich sources of natural oils such as essential and fixed oils used traditionally for nutritive as well as medicinal purposes. Most of the traditional formulations or phytopharmaceutical formulations contain oil as the main ingredient due to their own therapeutic applications and thus mitigating several pathogeneses such as fungal/bacterial/viral infection, gout, psoriasis, analgesic, antioxidant, skin infection, etc. Due to the lack of quality standards and progressive adulteration in the natural oils, their therapeutic efficacy is continuously deteriorated. To develop quality standards and validate scientific aspects on essential oils, several chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as HPTLC, HPLC, NMR, LC-MS, and GC-MS have been termed as the choices of techniques for better exploration of metabolites, hence sustaining the authenticity of the essential oils. In this review, chemical profiling and quality control aspects of essential or fixed oils have been explored from previously reported literature in reputed journals. Methods of chemical profiling, possible identified metabolites in essential oils, and their therapeutic applications have been described. The outcome of the review reveals that GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and NMR-based chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques are the most liable, economic, precise, and accurate techniques for determining the spuriousness or adulteration of oils based on their qualitative and quantitative chemical profiling studies. This review occupies the extensive information about the quality standards of several oils obtained from natural sources for their regulatory aspects via providing the detailed methods used in chemoprofiling techniques. Hence, this review helps researchers in further therapeutic exploration as well as quality-based standardization for their regulatory purpose.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Antifungal Activities of Four Essential Oils and Their Major Compounds against Post-Harvest Fungi Associated with Chickpea in Storage

The antifungal and antioxidant properties of essential oils (EOs) derived from four plants were assessed in vitro: Rosmarinus officinalis, Myrtus communis, Origanum compactum, and Eugenia aromatica. These plants are renowned for their diverse biological activities. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and TAC tests. Antifungal activity was tested against four postharvest pathogens associated with chickpea in storage: Fusarium culmorum, Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium italicum, and Aspergillus niger, using the broth microdilution technique. Additionally, the efficacy of several major compounds against fungi found in the EOs 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, and eugenol was evaluated. Furthermore, this study explored the potential synergy of combining eugenol and carvacrol in various ratios. Based on the results, E. aromatica EO exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its lowest IC50 values for a DPPH of 0.006 mg/mL. This EO also demonstrated the best antifungal activity, with MIC values ranging from 0.098 to 0.13 μL/mL. The high concentration of eugenol in this oil was identified as a contributing factor to its potent antifungal effects. The individual application of eugenol displayed significant antifungal efficacy, which was further enhanced by incorporating carvacrol at a 1:3 ratio. This synergistic combination presents promising potential for the development of specific formulations aimed at optimizing grain protection during storage.

Antioxidant Potential of Ethiopian Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals: A Review of Pharmacological Evaluation

Background

Free radicals are very reactive molecules produced during oxidation events that in turn initiate a chain reaction resulting in cellular damage. Many degenerative diseases in humans, including cancer and central nervous system damage, are caused by free radicals. Scientific evidence indicates that active compounds from natural products can protect cells from free radical damage. As a result, the aim of this review is to provide evidence of the use of diverse Ethiopian medicinal plants with antioxidant properties that have been scientifically validated in order to draw attention and foster further investigations in this area.

Methods

The keywords antioxidant, radical scavenging activities, reactive oxygen species, natural product, Ethiopian Medicinal plants, and 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH) were used to identify relevant data in the major electronic scientific databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Medline, and Science domain. All articles with descriptions that were accessed until November 2022 were included in the search strategy.

Results

A total of 54 plant species from 33 families were identified, along with 46 compounds isolated. More scientific studies have been conducted on plant species from the Brassicaceae (19%), Asphodelaceae (12%), and Asteraceae (12%) families. The most used solvent and extraction method for plant samples are methanol (68%) and maceration (88%). The most examined plant parts were the leaves (42%). Plant extracts (56%) as well as isolated compounds (61%) exhibited significant antioxidant potential. The most effective plant extracts from Ethiopian flora were Bersama abyssinica, Solanecio gigas, Echinops kebericho, Verbascum sinaiticum, Apium leptophyllum, and Crinum abyssinicum. The best oxidative phytochemicals were Rutin (7), Flavan-3-ol-7-O-glucoside (8), Myricitrin (13), Myricetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside (14), 7-O-Methylaloeresin A (15), 3-Hydroxyisoagatholactone (17), β-Sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (22), Microdontin A/B (24), and Caffeic acid (39).

Conclusion

Many crude extracts and compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity, making them excellent candidates for the development of novel drugs. However, there is a paucity of research into the mechanisms of action as well as clinical evidence supporting some of these isolated compounds. To fully authenticate and then commercialize, further investigation and systematic analysis of these antioxidant-rich species are required.

Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Properties of Essential Oils from Wild and Cultivated Artemisia campestris L., an Endemic Plant in Morocco

The Asteraceae family is well known for its toxic and repellent activity against mosquitoes. In this study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from the aerial parts of both wild and cultivated Artemisia campestris L. plants were tested for larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), a pest mosquito widely suspected to be the vector responsible for West Nile virus transmission. The research aims at comparing the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of cultivated and wild A. campestris EOs. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the plant's aerial parts and were analyzed using GC-MS. Furthermore, the larviciding experiment was carried out following the standard WHO protocol. The result showed that wild and cultivated plant EOs differed only quantitatively, while the qualitative profile revealed a nearly identical chemical composition. Camphor (18.98%), car-3-en-5-one (11.25%), thujone (6.36%), chrysanthenone (6.24%), filifolone (4.56%), and borneol (3.56%) dominate the wild plant EO. Camphor (21.01%), car-3-en-5-one (17%), chrysanthenone (10.15%), filifolone (7.90%), borneol (3.38%), and thujone (3.08%) are the major compounds of the cultivated plant. Cultivation did not affect the EO production since the yield of the cultivated plant was 0.5 ± 0.1% and 0.6 ± 0.2% for the wild plant. The cultivated A. campestris EO had the highest insecticidal activity (LC50 = 9.79 µg/ml), and no significant difference was noticed between wild and cultivated A. campestris EO in terms of LC90. These findings could pave the way for a new method of producing biocides to control major disease vectors and offer a potential alternative for pest control.

Exploring the leishmanicidal potential of terpenoids: a comprehensive review on mechanisms of cell death

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from visceral to cutaneous, with millions of new cases and thousands of deaths reported each year. The species of Leishmania and the immune response of the host determine the severity of the disease. Leishmaniasis remains challenging to diagnose and treat, and there is no vaccine available. Several studies have been conducted on the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Natural products can provide an inexhaustible source of chemical diversity with therapeutic potential. Terpenes are a class of natural products derived from a single isoprene unit, a five-carbon compound that forms the basic structure of isoprenoids. This review focuses on the most important and recent advances in the treatment of parasites of the genus Leishmania with different subclasses of terpenes. Several mechanisms have been proposed in the literature, including increased oxidative stress, immunomodulatory role, and induction of different types of parasite cell death. However, this information needs to be brought together to provide an overview of how these compounds can be used as therapeutic tools for drug development and as a successful adjuvant strategy against Leishmania sp.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of natural products in periodontal disease: a comprehensive review

Periodontal diseases (PD) are common chronic inflammatory oral pathologies that are strongly linked to others not found in the mouth cavity. The immune system mediates the host response, which includes the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases, and reactive oxygen species (ROS); the latter may play an important role in the establishment and progression of inflammatory diseases, particularly periodontal disease, via the development of oxidative stress (OS). Natural antioxidants have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and some can reduce serum levels of key PD indicators such tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin IL-1. This review compiles, through a thorough literature analysis, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects of a variety of natural products, as well as their therapeutic potential in the treatment of PD.

Mitigation of behavioral deficits and cognitive impairment by antioxidant and neuromodulatory potential of Mukia madrespatana in D-galactose treated rats

Plants and their parts have been extensively used for the therapeutic purposes such as aging due to their powerful antioxidative belongings. Presently, we intended to examine the consequence of fruit peel of Mukia madrespatana (M.M) on D-galactose (D-Gal) persuaded anxiety and/or depression profile, cognition and serotonin metabolism in rats. Animals were divided in to 4 groups (n = 6). (i) Water treated (ii) D-Gal treated (iii) M.M. treated (iv) D-Gal + M.M. treated. All the animals received their respective treatment for 4 weeks. D-Gal and M.M. fruit peel were given to animals with oral gavage with doses 300 mg/ml/kg/day and 2 g/kg/day respectively. After 4 weeks' behavioral analysis performed to evaluate anxiety and depression profile, cognitive function of animals. After that animals were sacrificed and whole brain removed for biochemical (redox status, degradative enzyme of acetylcholine), and neurochemical (serotonin metabolism) analysis. Results showed that administration of M.M. inhibited D-Gal-instigated anxious and depressive behaviors and improved cognition. Treatment of M.M. decreased MDA levels, AChE activity and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in D-Gal administered and control rats. Enhanced serotonin metabolism also decreased by M.M. in control and D-Gal administered rats. In conclusion, M.M. fruit peel has powerful antioxidative and neuromodulatory properties and due to this effect, it may be a good source of mitigation/treatment for aging induced behavioral and cognitive impairment.

Variation in the Chemical Composition of Endemic Specimens of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig from the Amazon and In Silico Investigation of the ADME/Tox Properties of the Major Compounds

Four species of the genus Hedychium can be found in Brazil. Hedychium coronarium is a species endemic to India and Brazil. In this paper, we collected six specimens of H. coronarium for evaluation of their volatile chemical profiles. For this, the essential oils of these specimens were extracted using hydrodistillation from plant samples collected in the state of Pará, Brazil, belonging to the Amazon region in the north of the country. Substance compounds were identified with GC/MS. The most abundant constituent identified in the rhizome and root oils was 1,8-cineole (rhizome: 35.0-66.1%; root: 19.6-20.8%). Leaf blade oil was rich in β-pinene (31.6%) and (E)-caryophyllene (31.6%). The results from this paper allow for greater knowledge about the volatile chemical profile of H. coronarium specimens, in addition to disseminating knowledge about the volatile compounds present in plant species in the Amazon region.

Stability Profile and Clinical Evaluation of an Innovative Hydrogel Containing Polymeric Micelles as Drug Delivery Systems with Oregano Essential Oil against Fibroepithelial Polyps

Skin tags, also known as fibroepithelial polyps (FPs) or acrochordons, are soft, pigmented excrescences, with a prevalence of 50-60% in the population, occurring especially in the fourth decade of life. To date, FPs have been efficiently eliminated using minimum invasive methods such as surgical removal, cauterization, laser irradiation, and cryosurgery. Over-the-counter treatments are also of interest for patients due to their non-invasive character, but their clinical efficiency has not been clearly demonstrated. This study was designed in order to evaluate the efficacy of a modern-pharmaceutical-formulation-type poloxamer-based binary hydrogel, having Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO-PbH) as an active ingredient in the management of FPs. The formulation has been shown to possess good qualities in terms of stability and sterility. Non-invasive measurements revealed changes in some physiological skin parameters. An increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index was noted, while skin surface water content (SWC) decreased during eight weeks of treatment. The macroscopic evaluation revealed that the FPs dried and shrunk after topical treatment with OEO-PbH. Clinically, patients presented a lowering of the number of lesions on the treated area of 20-30% after one month of treatment and around 50% after the second month. Histopathological examination suggests that topical treatment with OEO-PbH may induce histological changes in the epidermis, dermis, and fibrovascular cores of FPs, including a loss of thickness, reduced size and number of blood vessels, and low cellularity. These changes may contribute to the observed reduction in size of FPs after treatment with OEO-PbH.

Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant Activities, and Inhibitory Effects of the Acetylcholinesterase of Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl. Essential Oil

The present study aimed to investigate the essential oil composition of Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl., grown in China, and to determine its antioxidant and inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the chemical compounds were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. We used 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing assay power (FRAP) to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of the essential oil was also examined. Sixty-seven compounds were identified, representing 98.50 % of the total essential oil, which was shown to be rich in methyl (9E,11E)-octadeca-9,11-dienoate (31.69%), n-hexadecanoic acid (15.08%), isopropyl palmitate (12.44%), propyl tetradecanoate (7.20%), tetradecanoic acid (4.01%), 17-octadecynoic acid (3.71%), and pentacosane (2.24%). Its antioxidant ability was analyzed via ABTS (IC₅₀ = 721.95 ± 9.93 μg/mL), DPPH scavenging capacity (IC₅₀ > 10,000 μg/mL), and the FRAP method (Trolox equivalent antioxidant concentration 39.64 ± 3.38 μM/g). Acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects were evaluated and had an IC₅₀ value of 51.96 ± 14.26 μg/mL. The results show that this essential oil has interesting biological potential, encouraging further investigations, especially regarding the mechanisms of action of its antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. This is the first time that the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition effects of essential oil from L. nervosa have been studied.

Alzheimer's disease: Molecular aspects and treatment opportunities using herbal drugs

Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called senile dementia, is the most common neurological disorder. Around 50 million people, mostly of advanced age, are suffering from dementia worldwide and this is expected to reach 100-130 million between 2040 and 2050. AD is characterized by impaired glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, which is associated with clinical and pathological symptoms. AD is characterized clinically by loss of cognition and memory impairment and pathologically by senile plaques formed by Amyloid β deposits or neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) consisting of aggregated tau proteins. Amyloid β deposits are responsible for glutamatergic dysfunction that develops NMDA dependent Ca2+ influx into postsynaptic neurons generating slow excitotoxicity process leading to oxidative stress and finally impaired cognition and neuronal loss. Amyloid decreases acetylcholine release, synthesis and neuronal transport. The decreased levels of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, neuronal loss, tau aggregation, amyloid β plaques, increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, bio-metal dyshomeostasis, autophagy, cell cycle dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction are the factors responsible for the pathogenesis of AD. Acetylcholinesterase, NMDA, Glutamate, BACE1, 5HT6, and RAGE (Receptors for Advanced Glycation End products) are receptors targeted in treatment of AD. The FDA approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Donepezil, Galantamine and Rivastigmine and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist Memantine provide symptomatic relief. Different therapies such as amyloid β therapies, tau-based therapies, neurotransmitter-based therapies, autophagy-based therapies, multi-target therapeutic strategies, and gene therapy modify the natural course of the disease. Herbal and food intake is also important as preventive strategy and recently focus has also been placed on herbal drugs for treatment. This review focuses on the molecular aspects, pathogenesis and recent studies that signifies the potential of medicinal plants and their extracts or chemical constituents for the treatment of degenerative symptoms related to AD.

A novel aspect on different preservation methods for tomato paste by examining the protective effect of herb and spice oils

In this study, the effect of essential oils of herbs and spices on the protection of homemade tomato paste without additives was investigated. Garlic oil was used as plant essential oil and thyme oil was used as spice essential oil. Samples were kept without adding essential oils at the specified holding times in determined light and dark ambient conditions. After the test period of the prepared setups was completed, the amount of mold formed in the tomato paste was observed, and the optimum samples were determined as K4A4, K4K7, K4K13, K6K10, S6K4, S6K7, S6K10, S6A13 by weighing again and creating a %-time graph by mass. It was decided that thyme essential oil had a more protective effect in foods than garlic essential oil, with the analysis methods performed on optimum samples (Physical analysis, microbiological analysis, FT-IR, and TG DTA).

Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils and Their Major Components in Scavenging Free Radicals, Inhibiting Lipid Oxidation and Reducing Cellular Oxidative Stress

Antioxidant activities of five essential oils (cinnamon, thyme, clove, lavender and peppermint oils) and their major components (eugenol, thymol, linalool, and menthol) were evaluated on scavenging DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl) free radicals, inhibiting polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in fish oil emulsion (FOE), and reducing oxidative stress in human red blood cells (RBC). The essential oils from cinnamon, thyme, clove and their main components, eugenol and thymol, exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the FOE and RBC systems. It was found that the antioxidant activity of essential oils was positively correlated to the content of eugenol and thymol, while lavender and peppermint oils and their main components, linalool and menthol, had very low antioxidant activity. Compared with scavenging DPPH free radical activity, the antioxidant activity in FOE and RBC systems could better reflect the actual antioxidant potential of essential oil in preventing lipid oxidation and reducing oxidative stress in biological system.

Exploiting the bioactive properties of essential oils and their potential applications in food industry

Fruits are an abundant source of minerals and nutrients. High nutritional value and easy-to-consume property have increased its demand. In a way to fulfil this need, farmers have increased production, thus making it available for consumers in various regions. This distribution of fruits to various regions deals with many associated problems like deterioration and spoilage. In a way, the common practices that are being used are stored at low temperatures, preservation with chemicals, and many more. Recently, edible coating has emerged as a promising preservation technique to combat the above-mentioned problems. Edible coating stands for coating fruits with bioactive compounds which maintains the nutritional characteristics of fruit and also enhances the shelf life. The property of edible coating to control moisture loss, solute movement, gas exchange, and oxidation makes it most suitable to use. Preservation is uplifted by maintaining the nutritional and physicochemical properties of fruits with the effectiveness of essential oils. The essential oil contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, flavor, and probiotic properties. The utilization of essential oil in the edible coating has increased the property of coating. This review includes the process of extraction, potential benefits and applications of essential oils in food industry.

The non-specific lipid transfer protein McLTPII.9 of Mentha canadensis is involved in peltate glandular trichome density and volatile compound metabolism

Mentha canadensis L. is an important spice crop and medicinal herb with high economic value. The plant is covered with peltate glandular trichomes, which are responsible for the biosynthesis and secretion of volatile oils. Plant non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) belong to a complex multigenic family involved in various plant physiological processes. Here, we cloned and identified a non-specific lipid transfer protein gene (McLTPII.9) from M. canadensis, which may positively regulate peltate glandular trichome density and monoterpene metabolism. McLTPII.9 was expressed in most M. canadensis tissues. The GUS signal driven by the McLTPII.9 promoter in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum was observed in stems, leaves, and roots; it was also expressed in trichomes. McLTPII.9 was associated with the plasma membrane. Overexpression of McLTPII.9 in peppermint (Mentha piperita. L) significantly increased the peltate glandular trichome density and total volatile compound content compared with wild-type peppermint; it also altered the volatile oil composition. In McLTPII.9-overexpressing (OE) peppermint, the expression levels of several monoterpenoid synthase genes and glandular trichome development-related transcription factors-such as limonene synthase (LS), limonene-3-hydroxylase (L3OH), geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS), HD-ZIP3, and MIXTA-exhibited varying degrees of alteration. McLTPII.9 overexpression resulted in both a change in expression of genes for terpenoid biosynthetic pathways which corresponded with an altered terpenoid profile in OE plants. In addition, peltate glandular trichome density was altered in the OE plants as well as the expression of genes for transcription factors that were shown to be involved in trichome development in plants.

Pharmacological Characteristics of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Acmella oleracea (L) R. K. Jansen Flowers: ADME/Tox In Silico and In Vivo Antihypertensive and Chronic Toxicity Evaluation

Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen, popularly known as jambu in Northern Brazil, is widely used in folk medicine and local cuisine. Its consumption in different ways reinforces the need for safety assessments. In this study, the major compounds found in the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea flowers (EHFAO) were characterized by ultra-performance liquid mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). The effects of oral administration of 100/mg/kg of EHFAO extract over 60 days in male spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar (WR) rats and the in silico ADME/Tox predictions, lipophilicity, and water solubility were accomplished for the compounds identified. Spilanthol was detected as the foremost major compound at a concentration of 97.7%, followed by 1.53% scopoletin and 0.77% d-limonene. The treatment with EHFAO did not alter the animals´ weight over the studied period. Moderate alterations were observed solely in the hepatic enzymes AST (WR = 97 UI/L and SHR = 150 UI/L ∗ p < 0.05) and ALT (WR = 55 UI/L and SHR = 95 UI/L ∗ p < 0.05), while no relevant histopathological alterations were found. The in-silico study confirmed the in vivo findings, as the identified compounds were considered highly bioactive orally, due to their drug similarity profiles, adequate lipid solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. Therefore, the chronic treatment with EHFAO was found safe at the concentration of 100/mg/kg, with no interference in the blood pressure levels neither appreciable toxic effects.

Dry Nutrition Delivery System Based on Defatted Soybean Particles and Its Application with β-Carotene

Many nutrition delivery systems (NDSs) have been developed for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of bioactive compounds, such as β-carotene. Most of those systems were prepared in solution, which is inconvenient for transportation and storage in the food industry. In the present work, we constructed an environmentally friendly dry NDS based on defatted soybean particles (DSPs) by milling a β-carotene-DSP mixture. The loading efficiency of the NDS reached 89.0%, and the cumulative release rate decreased from 15.1% (free β-carotene) to 6.0% within 8 h. The stability of β-carotene in the dry NDS was found to have increased in a thermogravimetric analysis. Stored for 14 days at 55 °C or under UV irradiation, the retaining rates of β-carotene in the NDS increased to 50.7% and 63.6%, respectively, while they were 24.2% and 54.6% for the free samples. The bioavailability of β-carotene was improved by the NDS too. The apparent permeability coefficient of the NDS reached 1.37 × 10^-6 cm/s, which is 12 times that of free β-carotene (0.11 × 10^-6 cm/s). Besides being environmentally friendly, the dry NDS can facilitate carriage, transportation, or storage in the food industry, and similar to other NDSs, it improves the stability and bioavailability of nutrients.

The Use of Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Vitiligo: An Updated Review

Vitiligo is a chronic disease of unknown etiology that causes progressive cutaneous depigmentation. Current pharmacological treatments have limited success and present significant risks. Many efforts have been made in recent years to explore new anti-vitiligo therapeutic strategies, including herbal-based therapies. The objective of the present review is to provide an updated overview on the most frequently used medicinal plants in the treatment of vitiligo. A bibliographical search was carried out in scientific databases Pubmed, Scifinder, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Medline up to October 2021 using the descriptors vitiligo, herbal, medicinal plants, and alternative therapies. In our search, the highest number of published studies comprise plants commonly used in traditional herbal medicine, highlighting the usefulness of ethnopharmacology in the discovery of new therapeutic agents. The review outlines current understanding and provides an insight into the role of psoralens and khellin (photosensitizing agents obtained from plants such as Cullen corylifolium or Ammi visnaga). The paper also describes other traditional herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Phlebodium aureum, Piper nigrum, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Baccharoides anthelmintica that can likewise act as potential therapeutical agents. Based on our findings, photosensitizing agents in combination with phototherapy, the association of oral Phebodium aureum with phototherapies as well as oral G. biloba in monotherapy showed greater scientific evidence as therapeutic options. The research results emphasize that further investigation in this area is merited. More long-term follow up clinical trials and higher quality randomized trials are needed.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaf and Fruit Essential Oils of the West African Plum, Vitex doniana

Vitex doniana (West African plum or black plum) is a plant with varying phytoconstituents and biological activities across different countries. In this study, essential oils extracted from the leaves and fruits of Vitex doniana cultivated in Ghana were investigated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The antioxidant actions of the essential oils were determined using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phosphomolybdenum, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. For both essential oils, the total antioxidant capacities ranged from 44 to 68 µg/g AAE, the IC50 values for H2O2 scavenging activity were between 87 and 242 µg/mL, whereas that for DPPH assay were between 322 and 599 µg/mL. The IC50 for the TBARS assay for both essential oils also ranged from 247 to 414 µg/mL. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were investigated using the broth dilution assay. The minimum inhibition concentration for the essential oils ranged from 12.5 to 50 mg/mL. Biofilm inhibitory activity was also evaluated for both essential oils, and the fruit essential oil showed a half-maximal inhibition of biofilm formation (BIC50) at 44.40 ± 0.6 mg/mL, whereas the BIC50 value of the leaf essential oil was 109.1 ± 0.9 mg/mL. The fruit essential oil was superior to the leaf essential oil in inhibiting the secretion of pyoverdine. Molecular docking analyses suggested that methyl cinnamate, ethyl cinnamate, p-menth-4-en-3-one, trans-α-ionone, benzyl benzoate, isobutyl cinnamate, and folic acid likely interacted with LasR and algC proteins, and hence, contributed to the inhibition of biofilm formation and pyoverdine secretion. Essential oils from Vitex doniana could, therefore, be exploited as a natural source of radical scavenging and antimicrobial agents and could be useful in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Anti-Cholinesterase and Anti-α-Amylase Activities and Neuroprotective Effects of Carvacrol and p-Cymene and Their Effects on Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells

Several researchers have demonstrated the health and pharmacological properties of carvacrol and p-cymene, monoterpenes of aromatic plants. This study investigated these compounds' possible anti-cholinesterase, anti-α-amylase, and neuroprotective effects. We evaluated the anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-α-amylase activities at different concentrations of the compounds. The maximum non-toxic dose of carvacrol and p-cymene against SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells was determined using an MTT assay. The neuroprotective effects of the compounds were evaluated on H₂O₂-induced stress in SH-SY5Y cells, studying the expression of caspase-3 using Western blotting assays. Carvacrol showed inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 3.8 µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ = 32.7 µg/mL). Instead, the anti-α-amylase activity of carvacrol resulted in an IC₅₀ value of 171.2 μg/mL After a pre-treatment with the maximum non-toxic dose of carvacrol and p-cymene, the expression of caspase-3 was reduced compared to cells treated with H₂O₂ alone. Carvacrol and p-cymene showed in vitro anti-enzymatic properties, and may act as neuroprotective agents against oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to elucidate their possible use as coadjutants in preventing and treating AD in diabetic patients.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Origanum vulgare Genotypes Belonging to the Carvacrol and Thymol Chemotypes

The remarkable biological activities of oregano essential oils (EOs) have recently prompted a host of studies aimed at exploring their potential innovative applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The chemical composition and biological activities of EOs from two Origanum vulgare genotypes, widely cultivated in Sicily and not previously studied for their biological properties, were characterized. Plants of the two genotypes, belonging to the carvacrol (CAR) and thymol (THY) chemotypes and grown in different cultivation environments, were considered for this study. The chemical profiles, including the determination of enantiomeric distribution, of the EOs, obtained by hydrodistillation from dried leaves and flowers, were investigated by GC-MS. Biological activity was evaluated as antimicrobial properties against different pathogen indicator strains, while intestinal barrier integrity, reduction in pathogen adhesion and anti-inflammatory actions were assayed in the intestinal Caco-2 cell line. The chemical profile of the CAR genotype was less complex and characterized by higher levels of the most active compound, i.e., carvacrol, when compared to the THY genotype. The enantiomeric distribution of chiral constituents did not vary across genotypes, while being markedly different from that observed in Origanum vulgare genotypes from other geographical origins. In general, all EOs showed high antimicrobial activity, both in vitro and in a food matrix challenge test. Representative EOs from the two genotypes resulted not altering epithelial monolayer sealing only for concentrations lower than 0.02%, were able to reduce the adhesion of selected pathogens, but did not exert relevant anti-inflammatory effects. These results suggest their potential use as control agents against a wide spectrum of foodborne pathogens.

Microbiota-Derived Natural Products Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Inside the Gut Pharma Factory

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have drawn much attention as important tumour-initiating cells that may also be crucial for recurrence after chemotherapy. Although the activity of CSCs in various forms of cancer is complex and yet to be fully elucidated, opportunities for therapies targeting CSCs exist. CSCs are molecularly distinct from bulk tumour cells, so they can be targeted by exploiting their signature molecular pathways. Inhibiting stemness has the potential to reduce the risk posed by CSCs by limiting or eliminating their capacity for tumorigenesis, proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence. Here, we briefly described the role of CSCs in tumour biology, the mechanisms involved in CSC therapy resistance, and the role of the gut microbiota in cancer development and treatment, to then review and discuss the current advances in the discovery of microbiota-derived natural compounds targeting CSCs. Collectively, our overview suggests that dietary intervention, toward the production of those identified microbial metabolites capable of suppressing CSC properties, is a promising approach to support standard chemotherapy.

Assessment of the Oxidative Damage and Genotoxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Exploring the Protective Role of Holy Basil Oil Nanoemulsions in Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the oxidative damage, genotoxicity, and DNA damage in the liver of rats treated with titanium nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) with an average size of 28.0 nm and ξ-potential of - 33.97 mV, and to estimate the protective role of holy basil essential oil nanoemulsion (HBEON). Six groups of Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally for 3 weeks as follows: the control group, HBEO or HBEON-treated groups (5 mg/kg b.w), TiO₂-NPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and the groups treated with TiO₂-NPs plus HBEO or HBEON. Samples of blood and tissues were collected for different analyses. The results revealed that 55 compounds were identified in HBEO, and linalool and methyl chavicol were the major compounds (53.9%, 12.63%, respectively). HBEON were semi-round with the average size and ζ-potential of 120 ± 4.5 nm and - 28 ± 1.3 mV, respectively. TiO₂-NP administration increased the serum biochemical indices, oxidative stress markers, serum cytokines, DNA fragmentation, and DNA breakages; decreased the antioxidant enzymes; and induced histological alterations in the liver. Co-administration of TiO₂-NPs plus HBEO or HBEON improved all the tested parameters and the liver histology, and HBEON was more effective than HBEO. Therefore, HEBON is a promising candidate able to protect against oxidative damage, disturbances in biochemical markers, gene expression, DNA damage, and histological changes resulting from exposure to TiO₂-NPs and may be applicable in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.