Melissa officinalis L. Aqueous Extract Exerts Antioxidant and Antiangiogenic Effects and Improves Physiological Skin Parameters

Effects of natural products on angiogenesis in melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and originates from genetic mutations in melanocytes. The disease is multifactorial, but its main cause is overexposure to UV radiation. Currently, available chemotherapy expresses little to no results, which may justify the extensive use of natural products to treat this cancer. In this study, we reviewed the inhibition of melanoma angiogenesis by natural products and its potential mechanisms using literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. According to summarizes 27 natural products including alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids that effectively inhibit angiogenesis in melanoma. In addition to these there are 15 crude extracts that can be used as promising agents to inhibit angiogenesis, but their core components still deserve further investigation. There are current studies on melanoma angiogenesis involving oxidative stress, immune-inflammatory response, cell proliferation and migration and capillary formation. The above natural products can be involved in melanoma angiogenesis through core targets such as VE-cadherin, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF, bFGF, FGF2,MMP2,MMP9,IL-1β,IL-6 play a role in inhibiting melanoma angiogenesis. Effective excavation of natural products can not only clarify the mechanism of drug action and key targets, but also help to promote the preclinical research of natural products for melanoma treatment and further promote the development of new clinical drugs, which will bring the gospel to the vast number of patients who are deeply afflicted by melanoma.

Chitosan/Hyaluronate Complex-Coated Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Materials Containing Extracts from Melissa officinalis and/or Hypericum perforatum with Various Biological Activities: Antioxidant, Antibacterial and In Vitro Anticancer Effects

The present study aimed to fabricate innovative fibrous materials with various biological activities from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), sodium hyaluronate (HA), chitosan (Ch), Melissa officinalis (MO), Hypericum perforatum (HP) extract, or a combination of both extracts. Electrospinning or electrospinning followed by dip coating and the subsequent formation of a polyelectrolyte complex were the methods used to prepare these materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were applied for investigating the morphology of materials, their thermal characteristics, and their surface chemical composition. The composition and design of the mats had an influence on the in vitro release behavior of the main bioactive compounds present in the MO and HP extracts incorporated in the materials. It was found that as-created materials comprising a combination of both extracts and a Ch/HA complex exerted higher antioxidant activity than that of (non-)coated MO-containing mats and Ch/HA-coated mats containing HP. The novel materials manifested antibacterial efficacy towards the pathogenic bacteria S. aureus and E. coli, as evidenced by the performed microbiological screening. Furthermore, the mats possessed a great growth inhibitory effect on HeLa cancer cells but had a less pronounced effect on the growth of normal mouse BALB/3T3 fibroblasts. The loading of both extracts in the mats and the formation of coating led to the enhancement of the in vitro anticancer and antibacterial activities of the materials. Thus, the novel materials have potential for use in local cancer therapy as well as for use as wound dressings.

Free Radical Scavenging, Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Activity of Acorus calamus Leaves Extract Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Background Herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, has been used for centuries in traditional healing practices to harness the therapeutic properties of different plant-derived elements. Acorus calamus, a perennial herbaceous plant, has significant historical importance in traditional medicine, specifically in Ayurveda, where it is referred to as "Vacha." This study investigates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics of the A. calamus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extract. The objectives of the research are to provide valuable knowledge about the preparation of A. calamus DMSO extract and to explore its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Materials and methods The A. calamus DMSO extract was derived from leaves, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated through the use of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (H2O2 assay), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the Bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation assay, egg albumin (EA) denaturation assay, and membrane stabilization assays. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the agar well diffusion technique and the time-kill curve assay. Results In DPPH and H2O2 tests, the DMSO extract of A. calamus showed significant antioxidant activity, near that of standard ascorbic acid. The FRAP assay demonstrated a correlation between the dose and the activity of reducing ferric ions. The A. calamus DMSO extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties in BSA and EA denaturation assays, similar to the standard diclofenac sodium. The anti-inflammatory potential of the A. calamus DMSO extract was further confirmed through the membrane stabilization assay. The DMSO extract of A. calamus exhibited a significant inhibition zone against the pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the antimicrobial evaluation, surpassing the efficacy of the standard antibiotic. The time-kill curve assay validated the antibacterial efficacy, which was dependent on the concentration. Conclusion The A. calamus DMSO extract exhibited promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, supporting its traditional use in alternative medicine. The findings suggest its potential as a natural resource of compounds with bioactive properties for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Pyrogallol loaded chitosan-based polymeric hydrogel for controlling Acinetobacter baumannii wound infections: Synthesis, characterization, and topical application

Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as a promising approach for wound healing, owing to their ability to integrate antibacterial agents into the hydrogel matrix. Benefiting from its remarkable antibacterial and wound-healing attributes, pyrogallol has been introduced into chitosan-gelatin for the inaugural development of an innovative antibacterial polymeric hydrogel tailored for applications in wound healing. Hence, we observed the effectiveness of pyrogallol in inhibiting the growth of A. baumannii, disrupting mature biofilms, and showcasing robust antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, pyrogallol promoted the migration of human epidermal keratinocytes and exhibited wound healing activity in zebrafish. These findings suggest that pyrogallol holds promise as a therapeutic agent for wound healing. Interestingly, the pyrogallol-loaded chitosan-gelatin (Pyro-CG) hydrogel exhibited enhanced mechanical strength, stability, controlled drug release, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility. In vivo results established that Pyro-CG hydrogel promotes wound closure and re-epithelialization in A. baumannii-induced wounds in molly fish. Therefore, the prepared Pyro-CG polymeric hydrogel stands poised as a potent and promising agent for wound healing with antibacterial properties. This holds considerable promise for the development of effective therapeutic interventions to address the increasing menace of A. baumannii-induced wound infections.

Tailoring the Structural and Optical Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by an Ecofriendly Green Route Using Plant Extracts

The present study explores an environmentally friendly green approach to obtain cerium oxide nanoparticles via a biomediated route using Mellisa officinalis and Hypericum perforatum plant extracts as reducing agents. The as-prepared nanoparticles were studied for their structural and morphological characteristics using XRD diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Raman, fluorescence and electronic absorption spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD pattern has shown the centered fluorite crystal structure of cerium oxide nanoparticles with average crystallite size below 10 nm. These observations were in agreement with the STEM data. The cubic fluorite structure of the cerium oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by the vibrational mode around 462 cm-1 due to the Ce-08 unit. The optical band gap was estimated from UV-Vis reflectance spectra, which was found to decrease from 3.24 eV to 2.98 eV. A higher specific area was determined for the sample using M. officinalis aqueous extract. The EDX data indicated that only cerium and oxygen are present in the green synthesized nanoparticles.

Benefits of topical natural ingredients in epidermal permeability barrier

Because of the crucial role of epidermal permeability barrier in regulation of cutaneous and extracutaneous functions, great efforts have been made to identify and develop the regimens that can improve epidermal permeability barrier function. Studies have demonstrated that oral administration of natural ingredients can improve epidermal permeability barrier in various skin conditions, including inflammatory dermatoses and UV-irradiation. Moreover, topical applications of some natural ingredients can also accelerate the repair of epidermal permeability barrier after acute barrier disruption and lower transepidermal water loss in the intact skin. Natural ingredient-induced improvements in epidermal permeability barrier function can be attributable to upregulation of keratinocyte differentiation, lipid production, antioxidant, hyaluronic acid production, expression of aquaporin 3 and sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1. In this review, we summarize the benefits of topical natural ingredients in epidermal permeability barrier in normal skin with or without acute barrier disruption and the underlying mechanisms.

Effect of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract on manganese-induced cyto-genotoxicity on Allium cepa L

Although the antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis extract (Mox) are widely known, little work has focused on its protective capacity against heavy metal stress. The primary objective of this study was to determine the potential of Mox to mitigate manganese (II) chloride (MnCI2)-induced cyto-genotoxicity using the Allium and comet assays. Physiological, genotoxic, biochemical and anatomical parameters as well as the phenolic composition of Mox were examined in Allium cepa (L.). Application of 1000 µM MnCl2 reduced the rooting percentage, root elongation, weight gain, mitotic index and levels of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b pigments compared to the control group. However, it increased micronuclei formation, chromosomal abnormality frequencies, tail DNA percentage, proline amount, lipid peroxidation level and meristematic damage severity. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase also increased. Chromosomal aberrations induced by MnCl2 were fragment, sticky chromosome, vagrant chromosome, unequal distribution of chromatin and bridge. Application of 250 mg/L Mox and 500 mg/L Mox along with MnCl2 significantly alleviated adverse effects dose dependently. The antioxidant activity bestowed by the phenolic compounds in Mox assisted the organism to combat MnCl2 toxicity. Consequently, Mox exerted remarkable protection against MnCl2 toxicity and it needs to be investigated further as a potential therapeutic option.

Melissa officinalis extract suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the brain of hypothyroidism-induced rats exposed to γ-radiation

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of Melissa officinalis extract (MEE) against brain damage associated with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) and/or γ-radiation (IR) in rats. Hypothyroidism induction and/or exposure to IR resulted in a significant decrease in the serum levels of T3 and T4 associated with increased levels of lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrites (NO) in the brain tissue homogenate. Also, hypothyroidism and /or exposure to IR markedly enhance the endoplasmic reticulum stress by upregulating the gene expressions of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activated transcription factor 6 (ATF6), endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in the brain tissue homogenate associated with a proapoptotic state which indicated by the overexpression of Bax, BCl2, and caspase-12 that culminates in brain damage. Meanwhile, the PTU and /or IR-exposed rats treated with MEE reduced oxidative stress and ERAD through ATF6. Also, the MEE treatment prevented the Bax and caspase-12 gene expression from increasing. This treatment in hypothyroid animals was associated with neuronal protection as indicated by the downregulation in the gene expressions of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain tissue. Furthermore, the administration of MEE ameliorates the histological structure of brain tissue. In conclusion, MEE might prevent hypothyroidism-induced brain damage associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Natural Compounds in Diet-Associated Hepatic Inflammation

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and are increasingly emerging as a global health problem. Such disorders can lead to liver damage, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of infiltrating immune cells. These are some of the common features of ALD progression in ASH (alcoholic steatohepatitis) and NAFLD to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Hepatic steatosis, followed by fibrosis, lead to a continuous progression accompanied by angiogenesis. This process creates hypoxia, which activates vascular factors, initiating pathological angiogenesis and further fibrosis. This forms a vicious cycle of ongoing damage and progression. This condition further exacerbates liver injury and may contribute to the development of comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that anti-angiogenic therapy may have beneficial effects on these hepatic disorders and their exacerbation. Therefore, there is a great interest to deepen the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of natural anti-angiogenic products that could both prevent and control liver diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of major natural anti-angiogenic compounds against steatohepatitis and determine their potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of liver inflammation caused by an imbalanced diet.

The Potential of Lamiaceae Herbs for Mitigation of Overweight, Obesity, and Fatty Liver: Studies and Perspectives

Numerous plants, plant extracts, and plant-derived compounds are being explored for their beneficial effects against overweight and liver diseases. Obesity is associated with the increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), becoming the most common liver disease in Western countries. Obesity and NAFLD are closely associated with many other metabolic alternations such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. Many herbs of the Lamiaceae family are widely employed as food and spices in the Mediterranean area, but also in folk medicine, and their use for the management of metabolic disorders is well documented. Hereby, we summarized the scientific results of the medicinal and nutraceutical potential of plants from the Lamiaceae family for prevention and mitigation of overweight and fatty liver. The evidence indicates that Lamiaceae plants may be a cost-effective source of nutraceuticals and/or phytochemicals to be used in the management of metabolic-related conditions such as obesity and NAFLD. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SciFinder were accessed to collect data on traditional medicinal plants, compounds derived from plants, their reported anti-obesity mechanisms, and therapeutic targets.

Quantitative Proteome Analysis Reveals Melissa officinalis Extract Targets Mitochondrial Respiration in Colon Cancer Cells

Melissa officinalis (MO), known as lemon balm, is a popular ingredient blended in herbal tea. In recent decades, the bioactivities of MO have been studied in sub-health and pathological status, highlighting MO possesses multiple pharmacological effects. We previously showed that hot water MO extract exhibited anticancer activity in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the detailed mechanisms underlying MO-induced cell death remain elusive. To elucidate the anticancer regulation of MO extract in colon cancer, a data-driven analysis by proteomics approaches and bioinformatics analysis was applied. An isobaric tandem mass tags-based quantitative proteome analysis using liquid chromatography–coupled tandem mass spectrometry was performed to acquire proteome-wide expression data. The over-representation analysis and functional class scoring method were implemented to interpret the MO-induced biological regulations. In total, 3465 quantifiable proteoforms were identified from 24,348 peptides, with 67 upregulated and 54 downregulated proteins in the MO-treated group. Mechanistically, MO impeded mitochondrial respiratory electron transport by triggering a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress response. MO hindered the mitochondrial membrane potential by reducing the protein expression in the electron transport chain, specifically the complex I and II, which could be restored by ROS scavenger. The findings comprehensively elucidate how MO hot water extract activates antitumor effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Wound Healing Potential of Three Artemisia Species: In Vitro and In Ovo Evaluation

Skin injuries, and especially wounds of chronic nature, can cause a major negative impact on the quality of life. New efficient alternatives are needed for wound healing therapy and herbal products are being investigated due to a high content of natural compounds with promising healing activity. For this purpose, we investigated three Artemisia species, Artemisia absinthium L. (AAb), Artemisia dracunculus L. (ADr) and Artemisia annua L. (AAn). Ethanolic extracts, containing different polyphenolic compounds, elicited strong antioxidant activities in the DPPH assay, comparable to ascorbic acid. Human ketratinocyte proliferation was stimulated and wound closure was enhanced by all three extracts at concentrations of 100 µg/mL. The Artemisia extracts modulated angiogenesis by increasing vessel formation, especially following treatment with A. annua and A. dracunculus, extracts with a significantly higher content of chlorogenic acid. Good tolerability and anti-irritative effects were also registered in ovo, on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The three Artemisia species represent promising low-cost, polyphenol-rich, antioxidant, safe alternatives for wound care treatment.

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

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