GC-MS Analysis of the Composition of the Extracts and Essential Oil from Myristica fragrans Seeds Using Magnesium Aluminometasilicate as Excipient

In Situ Antimicrobial Properties of Sabinene Hydrate, a Secondary Plant Metabolite

The objective of this research was to investigate natural products for their potential against pathogenic microorganisms. Sabinene hydrate (SH), a monoterpenoid, is synthesised by numerous different plants as a secondary metabolite. At present, there is a lack of definite investigations regarding the antimicrobial activity of SH itself and its different isomers. The antimicrobial effects of commercially available SH (composed mainly of trans-isomer) were evaluated within a range of concentrations in three types of contact tests: solid and vapor diffusion and the macro-broth dilution method. Moreover, the effects of SH on the rate of linear growth and spore germination were also examined. Ethanolic SH solutions were tested against an array of microorganisms, including blue-stain fungi (Ceratocystis polonica, Ophiostoma bicolor, O. penicillatum), frequently originating from bark beetle galleries; three fungal strains (Musicillium theobromae, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, and Trichoderma sp.) isolated from a sapwood underneath bark beetle galleries (Ips typographus) on spruce (Picea abies) stems; Verticillium fungicola, isolated from diseased I. typographus larvae; two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa); five yeasts (Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodotorula muscilaginosa), and two saprophytic fungi (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum). In solid agar disc diffusion tests, Gram-positive bacteria exhibited greater susceptibility to SH than Gram-negative bacteria, followed by yeasts and fungi. The most resistant to SH in both the disc diffusion and broth macro-dilution methods were P. aeruginosa, A. niger, and Trichoderma sp. strains. Blue-stain fungi and fungi isolated from the Picea sapwood were the most resistant among the fungal strains tested. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) generated by SH and determined using a disc volatilization method were dependent on the fungal species and played an important role in the development of microorganism inhibition. The two Gram-positive bacteria, B. subtilis and S. aureus (whose MICs were 0.0312 and 0.0625 mg/mL, respectively), were the organisms most susceptible to SH, followed by the Gram-negative bacterium, E. coli (MIC = 0.125 mg/mL) and two yeasts, C. albicans and C. kruei (MIC was 0.125 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively). C. parapsilosis (MIC = 0.75 mg/mL) was the yeast most resistant to SH. The investigation of antimicrobial properties of plant secondary metabolites is important for the development of a new generation of fungicides.

Therapeutic, and pharmacological prospects of nutmeg seed: A comprehensive review for novel drug potential insights

Background and objectives

For centuries, plant seed extracts have been widely used and valued for their benefits. They have been used in food, perfumes, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. These natural products are renowned for their therapeutic properties and are commonly used in medicinal treatments. Their significant pharmacological profiles provide an excellent hallmark for the prevention or treatment of various diseases. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the biological and pharmacological properties of nutmeg seeds and explored their efficacy in treating various illnesses.

Method

Published articles in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Wiley, were analyzed using keywords related to nutmeg seed. The searched keywords were chemical compounds, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer properties, and their protective mechanisms in cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases.

Results & discussion

Nutmeg seeds have been reported to have potent antimicrobial properties against a wide range of various bacteria and fungi, thus showing potential for combating microbial infections and promoting overall health. Furthermore, nutmeg extract effectively reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by improving the body's natural antioxidant defense mechanism. Nutmeg affected lipid peroxidation, reduced lipid oxidation, reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased phospholipid and cholesterol excretion. In addition, nutmeg extract improves the modulation of cardiac metabolism, accelerates cardiac conductivity and ventricular contractility, and prevents cell apoptosis. This study elucidated the psychotropic, narcotic, antidepressant, and anxiogenic effects of nutmeg seeds and their potential as a pharmaceutical medicine. Notably, despite its sedative and toxic properties, nutmeg ingestion alone did not cause death or life-threatening effects within the dosage range of 20-80 g powder. However, chemical analysis of nutmeg extracts identified over 50 compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant properties and can be used as phytomedicines. Moreover, the exceptional pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of nutmeg have been found different for different administration routes, yet, more clinical trials are still needed.

Conclusion

Understanding the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of nutmeg holds promise for novel drug discovery and therapeutic advancements. Nutmeg seed offers therapeutic and novel drug prospects that can revolutionize medicine. By delving into their pharmacological properties, we can uncover the vast potential possibilities of this natural wonder.

A study of volatiles of young citrus fruits from four areas based on GC-MS and flash GC e-nose combined with multivariate algorithms

The present study has successfully established a scientific and precise approach for distinguishing the geographical origins of young citrus fruits (Qingpi) from four primary production regions in China, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flash gas chromatography electronic nose (flash GC e-nose) to analyze the volatile composition and odor characteristics. Through the application of chemometric analysis, a clear differentiation among Qingpi samples was established using GC-MS. Additionally, the application of flash GC e-nose facilitated the extraction of flavor information, which enabled the discrimination of geographical origins. Several flavor components were identified as significant factors for origin certification. Furthermore, two pattern recognition algorithms were employed to achieve high accuracy in regional identification. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the amalgamation of multivariate chemometrics and algorithms can proficiently discern the sources of those young citrus fruits. The findings of this research can provide a reference for the assessment of quality control in food and other agricultural commodities in the times ahead.

Identification of a (+)-cubenene synthase from filamentous fungi Acremonium chrysogenum

Sesquiterpene synthases convert farnesyl diphosphate into various sesquiterpenes, which find wide applications in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Although numerous putative sesquiterpene synthases have been identified in fungal genomes, many lack biochemical characterization. In this study, we identified a putative terpene synthase AcTPS3 from Acremonium chrysogenum. Through sequence analysis and in vitro enzyme assay, AcTPS3 was identified as a sesquiterpene synthase. To obtain sufficient product for NMR testing, a metabolic engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae was constructed to overproduce the product of AcTPS3. The major product of AcTPS3 was identified as (+)-cubenene (55.46%) by GC-MS and NMR. Thus, AcTPS3 was confirmed as (+)-cubenene synthase, which is the first report of (+)-cubenene synthase. The optimized S. cerevisiae strain achieved a biosynthesis titer of 597.3 mg/L, the highest reported for (+)-cubenene synthesis.

Detection of Mildewed Nutmeg Internal Quality during Storage Using an Electronic Nose Combined with Chemical Profile Analysis

Internal mildewed nutmeg is difficult to perceive without cutting the nutmeg open and examining it carefully, which poses a significant risk to public health. At present, macroscopic identification and chromatographic analysis are applied to determine whether nutmeg is moldy or not. However, the former relies on a human panel, with the disadvantages of subjectivity and empirical dependence, whilst the latter is generally time-consuming and requires organic solvents. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a rapid and feasible approach for evaluating the quality and predicting mildew in nutmeg. In this study, the quality and odor characteristics of five groups of nutmeg samples with different degrees of mildew were analyzed by using the responses of an electronic nose combined with chemical profiling. The main physicochemical indicators, such as the levels of α-pinene, β-pinene, elemicin, and dehydro-di-isoeugenol, were determined. The results revealed that the contents of α-pinene, β-pinene, and elemicin changed significantly with the extension of storage time. Through the use of an electronic nose and HS-GC-MS technology to assess the overall odor characteristics of nutmeg samples, it was found that the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ammonia/organic amines, carbon monoxide, ethanol, and hydrogen sulfide, as well as changes in the terpene and phenylpropene components of the nutmeg itself, may be the material basis for the changes in odor. The accuracy of the qualitative classification model for the degree of mildew in nutmeg was higher than 90% according to the electronic nose data combined with different machine learning algorithms. Quantitative models were established for predicting the contents of the chemical components, and models based on a BP neural network (BPNN), the support vector machine (SVM), and the random forest algorithm (RF) all showed good performance in predicting the concentrations of these chemical components, except for dehydro-di-isoeugenol. The BPNN performed effectively in predicting the storage time of nutmeg on the basis of the E-nose's responses, with an RMSE and R2 of 0.268 and 0.996 for the training set, and 0.317 and 0.993 for the testing set, respectively. The results demonstrated that the responses of the electronic nose (E-nose) had a high correlation with the internal quality of nutmeg. This work proposes a quick and non-destructive evaluation method for the quality of nutmeg, which has high accuracy in discriminating between different degrees of mold in nutmeg and is conducive to early detection and warning of moldy phenomena.

Application of Antiviral, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Trifolium pratense L. Extracts and Myristica fragrans Houtt. Essential Oil in Microcapsules

Viruses and bacteria can disrupt normal human functions; therefore, ways to use the beneficial properties of plants to promote health are constantly being researched. Plant materials that accumulate biologically active compounds can be used to create a new pharmaceutical form. This study aimed to investigate the biological activity of selected plant extracts and essential oil and to produce microcapsules. The main compounds in extracts and essential oil were determined using chromatographic methods, antioxidant activity was evaluated spectrophotometrically, antimicrobial activity was assessed by monitoring the growth of nine pathogens, and the antiviral effect on infected bird cells with coronavirus was evaluated. Trifolium pratense L. extract had the highest antioxidant (26.27 ± 0.31 and 638.55 ± 9.14 µg TE/g dw by the DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively) and antiviral activity (56 times decreased titre of virus). Liquorice extract expressed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive pathogens and the highest antioxidant activity using the FRAP method (675.71 ± 4.61 mg FS/g dw). Emulsion stability depended on excipients and their amount. Microcapsules with extracts and essential oil were 1.87 mm in diameter, and their diameter after swelling was increased more than two times in intestinal media, while less than 0.5 times in gastric media.

Composition, Antibacterial Efficacy, and Anticancer Activity of Essential Oil Extracted from Psidium guajava (L.) Leaves

Essential oils (EO) are used as a natural remedy to treat various chronic diseases, although clinical evidence is lacking. In this context, we have endeavored to measure the percentage of chemical composition and biological efficacy of Psidium guajava (guava) leaf essential oil in treating oral infections and oral cancer. The essential oil obtained from hydrodistillation of P. guajava L. leaves was analyzed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS). The activities of selected oral pathogens Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutants) were studied in vitro and in silico. MTT assay was used to test for anticancer activity against human oral epidermal carcinoma (KB). GC−MS showed that the main components of PGLEO were limonene (38.01%) and β-caryophyllene (27.98%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.05−0.1% were demonstrated against C. albicans and S. mutans. Antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and S. mutans, as shown by molecular linkage analysis, revealed that the main metabolites, limonene and β-caryophyllene, potentially inhibited the receptors of C. albicans and S. mutans. PGLEO showed significant (p < 0.001) anticancer activity (45.89%) at 200 µg/mL compared to doxorubicin (47.87%) with an IC50 value of 188.98 µg/mL. The outcomes of the present study suggest that PGLEO has promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities and could be a useful source for developing a natural therapeutic agent for oral infections and oral cancer.

Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology in the Exploration of the Multi-Targeted Therapeutic Approach of Traditional Medicinal Plants

Metabolomic is generally characterized as a comprehensive and the most copious analytical technique for the identification of targeted and untargeted metabolite diversity in a biological system. Recently, it has exponentially been used for phytochemical analysis and variability among plant metabolites, followed by chemometric analysis. Network pharmacology analysis is a computational technique used for the determination of multi-mechanistic and therapeutic evaluation of chemicals via interaction with the genomes involved in targeted or untargeted diseases. In considering the facts, the present review aims to explore the role of metabolomics and network pharmacology in the scientific validation of therapeutic claims as well as to evaluate the multi-targeted therapeutic approach of traditional Indian medicinal plants. The data was collected from different electronic scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, ACS publication, PubMed, Springer, etc., using different keywords such as metabolomics, techniques used in metabolomics, chemometric analysis, a bioinformatic tool for drug discovery and development, network pharmacology, methodology and its role in biological evaluation of chemicals, etc. The screened articles were gathered and evaluated by different experts for their exclusion and inclusion in the final draft of the manuscript. The review findings suggest that metabolomics is one of the recent most precious and effective techniques for metabolite identification in the plant matrix. Various chemometric techniques are copiously used for metabolites discrimination analysis hence validating the unique characteristic of herbal medicines and their derived products concerning their authenticity. Network pharmacology remains the only option for the unique and effective analysis of hundreds of chemicals or metabolites via genomic interaction and thus validating the multi-mechanistic and therapeutic approach to explore the pharmacological aspects of herbal medicines for the management of the disease.

Excito-repellency of Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Curcuma longa L. extracts from Southern Thailand against Aedes aegypti (L.)

The development of local plant extracts as a mosquito repellent is environmentally safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible for residents. In this study, three extracts from two local plants, Myristica fragrans Houtt. (flesh and mace) and Curcuma longa L. (rhizome) from southern Thailand, were investigated for their inherent repellent activity using the excito-repellency (ER) assay system against insectary-colonized Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). The escape responses of mosquitoes exposed to concentrations of 0.5% to 5.0% (w/v) were measured to determine the contact irritant and non-contact repellent properties of each extract. Both the flesh and mace extracts of M. fragrans had relatively limited contact irritants (28.1% and 34.6% escape) and non-contact repellent (16.7% and 18.3% escape) activities against Ae. aegypti, respectively. The C. longa rhizome extract produced higher escape responses in the non-contact (42.6% escape) and contact (41.4% escape) trials at concentrations of 5.0% and 1.0%, respectively. GC-MS analysis found diethyl malate (56.5%) and elemicin (11.7%) to be the main components of the flesh and mace extracts, respectively, while ar-turmerone (24.6%), β-turmerone (15.2%), α-turmerone (10.5%) were the primary constituents of the rhizome extract. Overall, our results indicate that both M. fragrans extracts primarily caused Ae. aegypti escape through contact irritation. For C. longa, lower concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%) exhibited contact irritancy, but higher concentrations (2.5% and 5.0%) exhibited non-contact repellency against Ae. aegypti. Although they had limited efficacy, further experiments (e.g., mixing with other plant-based compounds) could enhance the ER of both local plant extracts. Additional evaluation of these extracts against other mosquito species and the ER of their chemical components, either alone or in combination, would also be beneficial for the development of green repellents. Our findings emphasize the possibility of utilizing plant-based mosquito repellent as an alternative personal protection method for future mosquito control programs.

Optimization of Naringin and Naringenin Extraction from Citrus × paradisi L. Using Hydrolysis and Excipients as Adsorbent

While flavanones exist in a variety of chemical forms, their favorable health effects are most prominent in their free form—aglycones. Their concentrations in grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi L.) extracts vary according to the extraction and hydrolysis methods used. The primary aim of this work was to maximize the yields of naringin and naringenin from various parts of fresh grapefruit fruits (flavedo, albedo, and segmental) using different extraction and hydrolysis methods. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the excipient—magnesium aluminometasilicate—and determine its influence on the qualitative composition of grapefruit extracts. Extracts were obtained by heat reflux extraction (HRE), ultrasound-assisted extraction with an ultrasonic homogenizer (UAE*), and ultrasound-assisted extraction with a bath (UAE). Ultrasound-assisted extraction using a bath (UAE) was modulated using acidic, thermal, and alkaline hydrolysis. The highest yield of naringin 8A (17.45 ± 0.872 mg/g) was obtained from an albedo sample under optimal conditions using ultrasound-assisted extraction; a high yield of naringenin 23-SHR (35.80 ± 1.79 µg/g) was produced using the heat reflux method from the segmental part. Meanwhile, ultrasonic combined with thermal hydrolysis significantly increased flavanone extraction from the albedo and segmental parts: naringin from sample 9-A (from 17.45 ± 0.872 mg/g to 25.05 ± 1.25 mg/g) and naringenin from sample 15-S (from 0 to 4.21 ± 0.55 µg/g). Additionally, magnesium aluminometasilicate demonstrated significant increases of naringenin from all treated grapefruit parts. To our knowledge, this is the first report of magnesium aluminometasilicate used as an adsorbent in flavanone extractions.

Cold Plasma-Based Fabrication and Characterization of Active Films Containing Different Types of Myristica fragrans Essential Oil Emulsion

Myristica fragrans essential oil (MFEO) is a potential active compound for application as an active packaging material. A new approach was developed using a cold plasma treatment to incorporate MFEO to improve the optical, physical, and bacterial inhibition properties of the film. The MFEO was added as coarse emulsion (CE), nanoemulsion (NE), and Pickering emulsion (PE) at different concentrations. The PE significantly affected (p < 0.05) the optical, physical, and chemical properties compared with CE and NE films. The addition of MFEO to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film significantly reduced water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) and showed marked activity against E. coli and S. aureus (p < 0.05). The release rate of PE films after 30 h was 70% lower than that of CE and NE films. Thus, it can be concluded that the fabrication of active packaging containing MFEO is a potential food packaging material.

Evaluation of the phytotoxic effect of the essential oil from Artemisia absinthium

The chemical profile and the phytotoxicity of Artemisia absinthium essential oil (EO) were investigated to evaluate its potential value as a biopesticide for food safety purposes. A total of 54 compounds were identified in A. absinthium EO, with the most abundant constituents being eucalyptol (25.59%), linalool (11.99%), and β-myrcene (10.05%). The EO, linalool, and a mixture of three major components exhibited potent suppressive activity against four receiver species; however, eucalyptol and β-myrcene showed a much weaker effect. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of linalool as the major active compound responsible for the EO's phytotoxicity. Subsequent scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that linalool significantly inhibited root-hair formation and metaxylem development. This is the first report on the determination of linalool as the major active phytotoxic compound in A. absinthium EO, as well as the elucidation of its mechanism of phytotoxicity from the perspective of root structure changes in the receiver species. Our results suggest that both the EO and its major constituents have potential value as environmentally friendly herbicides.

Analysis of Plant Origin Antibiotics against Oral Bacterial Infections Using In Vitro and In Silico Techniques and Characterization of Active Constituents

The pervasiveness of oral bacterial infections in diabetic patients is a serious health concern that may produce severe complications. We investigated 26 Ayurvedic medicinal plants traditionally used for treatment of the oral bacterial infections with the aim to look for new promising drug leads that can be further employed for herbal formulation design. The plants were grouped into three categories based on traditional usage. All plant extracts were examined for antibacterial, antibiofilm and antiquorum-sensing properties. The plants with significant activities including Juglans regia, Syzygium aromaticum, Eruca sativa, Myristica fragrans, Punica granatum and Azadirachta indica were further analyzed using HPLC-DAD-QToF and GC-MS. In silico and in vitro activity was evaluated for selected constituents. Finally, it could be concluded that eugenol and 2-phenylethylisothiocyanate are major contributors towards inhibition of bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing.

Inhibition of Bacterial Efflux Pumps by Crude Extracts and Essential Oil from Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Nutmeg) Seeds against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Myristicafragrans Houtt. (Nutmeg) is a widely known folk medicine across several parts of Asia, particularly used in antimicrobial treatment. Bacterial resistance involves the expression of efflux pump systems (chromosomal norA and mepA) in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Crude extract (CE) and essential oil (EO) obtained from nutmeg were applied as efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), thereby enhancing the antimicrobial activity of the drugs they were used in. The major substances in CE and EO, which function as EPIs, in a descending order of % peak area include elemicin, myristicin, methoxyeugenol, myristicin, and asarone. Here, we investigated whether the low amount of CE and EO used as EPIs was sufficient to sensitize MRSA killing using the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, which acts as an efflux system. Interestingly, synergy between ciprofloxacin and CE or EO revealed the most significant viability of MRSA, depending on norA and mepA, the latter being responsible for EPI function of EO. Therefore, CE and EO obtained from nutmeg can act as EPIs in combination with substances that act as efflux systems, thereby ensuring that the MRSA strain is susceptible to antibiotic treatment.

Phytosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Extracts of Spices and Their Antibacterial Properties

To prevent microbial growth, chemical solvents are typically utilized. However, chemical solvents are hazardous to human health with low antimicrobial effects. Metallic-element (such as copper, silver, and gold) nanoparticles have many applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are efficient owing to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. The objective of this study was to perform biogenic synthesis of copper nanoparticles using three different spices (star anise, seed of Illicium verum; nutmeg, seed of Myristica fragrans; and mace, membrane covering the seed of Myristica fragrans) and determine their antibacterial properties. CuNPs of spices were prepared by dissolving copper sulfate in the respective plant extract. They were then characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, GC-MS, EDAX, and SEM analysis. Results of UV-Vis spectroscopy showed the maximum absorbance peak at 350 nm. SEM analysis showed that the sizes of these CuNPs were in the range of 150–200 nm. EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of copper and oxygen and revealed that copper existed in an oxidized form. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of different functional groups in these synthesized nanoparticles. GC-MS analysis revealed compounds such as Anethole D-limonene, heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, methyl ester, myristene, methyl eugenol, and methyl stearate, indicating the presence of functional groups. The antibacterial activities of the three extracts from spices were analyzed using growth zone inhibition and TLC-bioautography methods. The results showed that star anise spice extract had the highest antibacterial activity. These results indicate that such CuNPs phyto-formulated with spice extracts having antibacterial properties could be used as potential therapeutics for microbial diseases.

A Technical Approach of Solubility Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drugs: Liquisolid Technique

BACKGROUND

Solubility is one of the significant pre-formulation properties which regulate the desired concentration of drug in the systemic circulation. Most of the newly discovered chemical entities show poor solubility which consequently leads to poor bioavailability. To enhance the bioavailability of such type of drugs is a big challenge for pharmaceutical scientists. Liquisolid technology is a new and advanced technology used to transform the liquid medication into dry, free-flowing and easily compressible dosage form incorporation with the carrier and coating material.

OBJECTIVES

This review represents the technical perspective of Liquisolid technologies that overcome the demerits of classic formulation strategies and amend the bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug. This technique is also approaches the stability, hygroscopicity and agglomeration issue which are mainly occurring in other techniques for solubility enhancement.

CONCLUSION

Several technologies have been utilized to minimize the solubility problem but due to the complicated and expensive machinery fails to achieve the desired bioavailability of the poorly soluble drugs. Therefore, Liquisolid technology has been introduced as an innovative and promising technique that recovers the demerits of classic formulation strategies and also improves the bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug. This article exhibits the technical approach of the liquisolid system by improving the solubility as well as bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs.

Development of Innovative Chewable Gel Tablets Containing Nutmeg Essential Oil Microcapsules and Their Physical Properties Evaluation

Chewable gel tablets are a dosed pharmaceutical form, which can have an active substance, pharmacological effect, or value of nutrition. The texture of these tablets is soft, springy, flexible, and elastic-this is influenced by the chosen ingredients. The aim of this study was to prepare chewable gel tablets with nutmeg essential oil-loaded microcapsules and determine the volatile compounds released from this pharmaceutical form. Gel tablets were prepared by using gelatin as basis, nutmeg essential oil as active compound, and natural ingredients: thyme-sugar syrup, thyme extract, and citric acid as taste and color additives. Texture properties were measured by a texture analyzer. The release of volatile compounds from nutmeg essential oil and gel tablets were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy in control and artificial saliva conditions in vitro. Nutmeg essential oil microcapsules had influence on the gel tablet's physical properties (p < 0.05, by comparing tablets without glycerol and relative sample with glycerol); glycerol protects the tablets from the formation of sugar crystals on top and keeps good physical parameters (p < 0.05). A total of 12 volatile compounds were identified in nutmeg essential oil, and the six compounds with the highest amounts were selected as controls. Gel tablets prolong the release time of volatile compounds and reduce the amount of the compounds compared to the microcapsules (p < 0.05).

Application and safety evaluation of an anti-aflatoxigenic chitosan pouch containing turmeric essential oil in the storage of traditional Chinese health food

Aflatoxin contamination is one of the most important factors jeopardizing the quality of traditional Chinese health food (TCHF) during storage. Based on our previous work, we investigated the stability of chitosan (CH) films containing turmeric essential oil (TEO) and employed CH-TEO films as inner pouches, then stored them with inoculated Coix seed, nutmeg, and Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (ZSS). We found that the stability of CH-TEO was most affected by high temperature, and these pouches dramatically decreased aflatoxin accumulation and maintained levels of marker components of each TCHF. We found that glycerol tristearat in Coix seed and jujuboside A and spinosin in ZSS were negatively correlated with aflatoxin accumulation. After three months of storage with a CH-TEO pouch, we found little change in marker components contents, but observed that Coix seed had the relative lower sensory characteristics score. In addition, acute and 90-day subchronic toxicity test in Coix seed stored with the largest amount of TEO showed no significant signs of toxicity or treatment-related changes in animals. The present study is the first report on the study of a green, efficient, and low toxicity solution for aflatoxic contamination in TCHF, and provides strong support for its future use.

Novel Extraction Method Using Excipients to Enhance Yield of Genistein and Daidzein in Trifolium pratensis L

Isoflavones can be found in different chemical forms, but the health beneficial effects mainly appear in their free forms—aglycones. Their yield in red clover (Trifolium pratensis L.) extracts differs due to different extraction and hydrolysis methodologies. The main aim of this study was to obtain the highest yields of daidzein and genistein from red clover blossoms through the various extraction and hydrolysis methods and to increase their quantities using additional excipients. Extracts were obtained by ultrasound-assisted, heat-reflux and maceration methods combining them with acidic, alkaline, and thermal hydrolysis. Using ultrasound-assisted extraction with optimal conditions and heat-reflux method highest yields of isoflavones were obtained in UTE510 (393.23 ± 19.66 µg/g daidzein and 171.57 ± 8.58 µg/g genistein); UTE530 (415.07 ± 20.75 µg/g daidzein and 150.57 ± 7.53 µg/g genistein) and HNE5 (432.30 ± 21.61 µg/g daidzein and 154.50 ± 7.72 µg/g genistein) samples. These conditions were used with excipients: magnesium aluminometasilicate, croscarmellose sodium, sodium carboxymethyl starch and vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer. This is the first study reporting the ability of the vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer to promote solubilization and availability of active compounds from a herbal extract, resulting in enhanced isoflavones yield. The results of the present study showing increased solubility and availability provided by the vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer suggest that this preparation could in principle also reduce variability due to limited water solubility of isoflavones.

The Effect of Myristica fragrans on Texture Properties and Shelf-Life of Innovative Chewable Gel Tablets

Chewable gel tablets are an underdeveloped subject, even though there are many simple chewable tablets and gummy candies in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Chewable gel tablets are not as sweet, they can have an active substance, pharmacological effect, and a value of nutrition. The aim of this study was to prepare gelatin-based chewable tablets with Myristica fragrans as a preservative and to determine the shelf-life variability depending on storage conditions, and to evaluate texture changes. Firmness and springiness of gel tablets were measured by a texture analyzer and compared between different storage conditions and the shelf-life of tablets was established by mold growing time. Chewable gel tablets were prepared by using silicone form. Mold was most likely to grow on tablets that have been packaged in squeezable bags (after 14 days 60% of all formulations had a mold, p < 0.05). The most stable tablets (over 180 days) were in sealed boxes and contained nutmeg essential oil or its solution, or ethanolic nutmeg extract. The gel tablets’ firmness increased about 4 times when they were stored in opened plastic boxes and their springiness decreased about 1.65 times after 28 days in the mentioned conditions, p < 0.05. Nutmeg hydrolat had the highest influence on texture variation (p < 0.05).

The effect of nutmeg essential oil constituents on Novikoff hepatoma cell viability and communication through Cx43 gap junctions

Essential oils from plants are a potential source of molecules having anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiotropic, and other activities. However, most of these effects lack mechanistic explanations and structure-activity relationship testing. In the present study, we: 1) identified the nutmeg essential oil (NEO) composition; 2) using molecular docking, we determined the putative regulatory binding sites on the connexin 43 (Cx43) that is responsible for gap junction-dependent intercellular communication (GJIC) in the majority of tissues; 3) examined the effect of NEO and its three constituents - sabinene, α-pinene, and α-copaene - on GJ conductance and gating in Novikoff cells expressing endogenous Cx43; and 4) verified whether NEO effects on GJIC correlated with its action on Novikoff cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation capability. Our results revealed NEO and its constituents as potent and efficient Cx43 GJ inhibitors acting by slow gating mechanism. In addition, NEO reduced Novikoff hepatoma cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation capability; however, this was achieved at higher doses and was unrelated to its effects on GJIC.

Development of New Formula Microcapsules from Nutmeg Essential Oil Using Sucrose Esters and Magnesium Aluminometasilicate

Essential oils are volatile liquids which evaporate and lose their pharmacological effect when exposed to the environment. The aim of this study is to protect nutmeg essential oil from environmental factors by encapsulation (shell material, sodium alginate) and determine the influence of crosslinker concentration (2%, 5% calcium chloride), different emulsifiers (polysorbate 80, sucrose esters), and magnesium aluminometasilicate on microcapsule physical parameters, encapsulation efficiency (EE), swelling index (SI), and other parameters. Nutmeg essential oil (NEO)-loaded calcium alginate microcapsules were prepared by extrusion. The swelling test was performed with and without enzymes in simulated gastric, intestinal, and gastrointestinal media. This study shows that the crosslinker concentration has a significant influence on EE, with 2% calcium chloride solution being more effective than 5%, and capsules being softer with 2% crosslinker solution. Using sucrose esters, EE is higher when polysorbate 80 is used. The swelling index is nearly three times higher in an intestinal medium without enzymes than in the medium with pancreatin. Microcapsule physical parameters depend on the excipients: the hardest capsules were obtained with the biggest amount of sodium alginate; the largest with magnesium aluminometasilicate. Sucrose esters and magnesium aluminometasilicate are new materials used in extrusion.

Fabrication, characterization and practical efficacy of Myristica fragrans essential oil nanoemulsion delivery system against postharvest biodeterioration

The present study deals with encapsulation of Myristica fragrans essential oil (MFEO) into chitosan nano-matrix, their characterization and assessment of antimicrobial activity, aflatoxin inhibitory potential, safety profiling and in situ efficacy in stored rice as environment friendly effective preservative to control the postharvest losses of food commodities under storage. Surface morphology of MFEO-chitosan nanoemulsion as well as encapsulation of MFEO was confirmed through SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. In vitro release characteristics with biphasic burst explained controlled volatilization from nanoencapsulated MFEO. Unencapsulated MFEO exhibited fungitoxicity against 15 food borne molds and inhibited aflatoxin B₁ secretion by toxigenic Aspergillus flavus LHP R14 strain. In contrast, nanoencapsulated MFEO showed better fungitoxicity and inhibitory effect on aflatoxin biosynthesis at lower doses. In situ efficacy of unencapsulated and nanoencapsulated MFEO on stored rice seeds exhibited effective protection against fungal infestation, aflatoxin B₁ contamination, and lipid peroxidation. Both the unencapsulated and nanoencapsulated MFEO did not affect the germination of stored rice seeds confirming non-phytotoxic nature. In addition, negligible mammalian toxicity of unencapsulated MFEO (LD₅₀ = 14,289.32 μL/kg body weight) and MFEO loaded chitosan nanoemulsion (LD₅₀ = 9231.89 μL/kg body weight) as revealed through favorable safety profile recommend the industrial significance of nanoencapsulated MFEO as an effective green alternative to environmentally hazardous synthetic pesticides for protection of food commodities during storage.

The Essential Oil and Hydrolats from Myristica fragrans Seeds with Magnesium Aluminometasilicate as Excipient: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) essential oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. We have recently demonstrated that hydrodistillation of nutmeg essential oil by applying magnesium aluminometasilicate as an excipient significantly increases both the content and amount of bioactive substances in the oil and hydrolats. In this study, we aimed to compare the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity of hydrolats and essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation in the presence and absence of magnesium aluminometasilicate as an excipient. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method revealed that magnesium aluminometasilicate did not significantly improved antioxidant activity of both essential oil and hydrolat. Antibacterial efficiency was evaluated by monitoring growth of 15 bacterial strains treated by a range of dilutions of the essential oil and the hydrolats. Essential oil with an excipient completely inhibited the growth of E. faecalis, S. mutans (referent), and P. multocida, whereas the pure oil was only efficient against the latter strain. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the substances were assessed in a fibroblast cell culture treated with viral dsRNR mimetic Poly I:C. The essential oil with an excipient protected cells against Poly I:C-induced necrosis more efficiently compared to pure essential oil. Also, both the oil and the hydrolats with aluminometasilicate were more efficient in preventing IL-6 release in the presence of Poly I:C. Our results show that the use of magnesium aluminometasilicate as an excipient might change and in some cases improve the biological activities of nutmeg essential oil and hydrolats.