Opportunities, Challenges, and Scientific Progress in Hemp Crops

The resurgence of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) has been propelled by changes in the legal framework governing its cultivation and use, increased demand for hemp-derived products, and studies recognizing the industrial and health benefits of hemp. This has led to the creation of novel high-cannabidiol, low-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol varieties, enabling hemp crop expansion worldwide. This review elucidates the recent implications for hemp cultivation in Europe, with a focus on the legislative impacts on the cultivation practices, prospective breeding efforts, and dynamic scientific landscape surrounding this crop. We also review the current cultivars' cannabinoid composition of the European hemp market and its major differences with that of the United States.

A Review of the Ethnobotanical Use, Chemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Constituents Derived from the Plant Genus Geijera (Rutaceae)

Geijera Schott is a plant genus of the Rutaceae Juss. (rue and citrus) family, comprising six species which are all native to Oceania. Of the plants belonging to this genus, the most significant species that has a customary use is Geijera parviflora, which was used by Indigenous Australians, primarily as a pain reliever. Herein, a comprehensive review of the literature published on the genus Geijera from 1930 to 2023 was conducted. This is the first review for this plant genus, and it highlights the chemical constituents reported to date, together with the range of pharmacological properties described from the various species and different parts of the plant. These properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, insect repellent, analgesic, neuroactive, and anti-cancer activities. Finally, a reflection on some of the important areas for future focused studies of this plant genus is provided.

Biological Activity of Bursera schlechtendalii Essential oil and the Roles of Its Chemical Components in the Wound Healing Process

Essential oils are composed of terpenes, some of which have properties related to healing. Bursera schlechtendalii essential oil (BSEO) is used to heal superficial wounds. However, there have been no studies verifying this property. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the healing activity of BSEO in a murine model and to propose the roles of its chemical components in this process. Healing activity was evaluated by an incision model, histological analysis was performed, and tensile strength and antibacterial activity were measured. The chemical composition of BSEO was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the mechanisms of action of each chemical component during the phases of the healing process were proposed. In addition, acute dermal toxicity was evaluated. BSEO showed better wound closure at the macroscopic, histological, and tensile strength levels compared to controls and had an antibacterial effect. The major compound in BSEO was α-phellandrene. However, most of the monoterpenes identified in BSEO were in agreement with information found in the literature, so the possibility of synergy between the chemical components and their different targets in the healing process was schematically proposed. BSEO was shown to be safe in the dermal toxicity evaluation.

A Study of the Chemical Composition, Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil

BACKGROUND

Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (T. parthenium) is an aromatic perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, also known as feverfew. It is widely distributed in various regions of Europe and other parts of the world. The plant has a rich background in the traditional medicine of many nations and has been used as a remedy for fever, pain, inflammation, asthma, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, etc. Methods: GC-MS analysis was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the isolated essential oil (EO). Using the method proposed by Litchfield and Wilcoxon, the average lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the EO on Wistar rats was determined for two routes of administration: oral (p.o.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.). The subacute toxicity of the EO was also tested by oral administration of a daily dose of 1.0 g/kg body weight (BW) for 28 days. The toxicity of the EO was evaluated by observing and evaluating changes in behavior, body weight, basic hematological and serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes of the internal organs.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven volatile organic compounds representing 94.58% of the total oil composition were tentatively detected in the obtained T. parthenium EO. The dominant compounds were camphor (45.47%), trans-chrisantenyl acetate (21.65%), camphene (9.48%), and cis-isogeraniol (5.42%). The results showed that the EO was not toxic when administered in acute oral doses. The acute mean lethal dose for intraperitoneal administration was LD₅₀ i.p. = 2.13 g/kg BW. In the subacute study involving administration of an oral dose of EO for 28 days, there were a number of changes in the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the blood compared with the control group of animals. However, no symptoms of toxicity, changes in the body weight of the rats, death, or pathological changes in the histological indicators of the examined organs-brain, heart, stomach, liver, spleen and kidney-were found. Extrapolating the results obtained from the rat experiments, we can state that the EO is safe for use in doses below 1 g/kgBW for a period not exceeding one month.

Chemical Profile, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammaging Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. Essential Oil from Portugal

Fungal infections and the accompanying inflammatory responses are associated with great morbidity and mortality due to the frequent relapses triggered by an increased resistance to antifungal agents. Furthermore, this inflammatory state can be exacerbated during inflammaging and cellular senescence. Essential oils (EO) are receiving increasing interest in the field of drug discovery due to their lipophilic nature and complex composition, making them suitable candidates in the development of new antifungal drugs and modulators of numerous molecular targets. This work chemically characterized the EO from Santolina rosmarinifolia L., collected in Setúbal (Portugal), and assessed its antifungal potential by determining its minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI) guidelines, as well as its effect on several Candida albicans virulence factors. The anti-inflammatory effect was unveiled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing several pro-inflammatory mediators. The wound healing and anti-senescence potential of the EO was also disclosed. The EO was mainly characterized by β-pinene (29.6%), borneol (16.9%), myrcene (15.4%) and limonene (5.7%). It showed a strong antifungal effect against yeasts and filamentous fungi (MIC = 0.07-0.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, it inhibited dimorphic transition (MIC/16), decreased biofilm formation with a preeminent effect after 24 h (MIC/2) and disrupted preformed biofilms in C. albicans. Additionally, the EO decreased nitric oxide (NO) release (IC₅₀ = 0.52 mg/mL) and pro-IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, promoted wound healing (91% vs. 81% closed wound) and reduced cellular senescence (53% vs. 73% β-galactosidase-positive cells). Overall, this study highlights the relevant pharmacological properties of S. rosmarinifolia, opening new avenues for its industrial exploitation.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Prangos ferulacea Essential Oils

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl, which belongs to the Apiaceae family, is a species that mainly grows in the eastern Mediterranean region and in western Asia. It has been largely used in traditional medicine in several countries and it has been shown to possess several interesting biological properties. With the aim to provide new insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this species, the essential oils of flowers and leaves from a local accession that grows in Sicily (Italy) and has not yet been previously studied were investigated. The chemical composition of both oils, obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves and flowers, was evaluated by GC-MS. This analysis allowed us to identify a new chemotype, characterized by a large amount of (Z)-β-ocimene. Furthermore, these essential oils have been tested for their possible antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. P. ferulacea essential oils exhibit moderate antimicrobial activity; in particular, the flower essential oil is harmful at low and wide spectrum concentrations. They also exhibit good antioxidant activity in vitro and in particular, it has been shown that the essential oils of the flowers and leaves of P. ferulacea caused a decrease in ROS and an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in OZ-stimulated PMNs. Therefore, these essential oils could be considered as promising candidates for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical preparations.

Menthol Inhibits Candida albicans Growth by Affecting the Membrane Integrity Followed by Apoptosis

Inclusion of Candida albicans in the list of pathogens with potential drug resistance threat in recent years has compelled scientists to explore novel and potent antifungal agents. In this study, we have evaluated anti-Candida potential of menthol against different growth forms and synergistic potential with fluconazole. Menthol inhibited planktonic growth of all the isolates completely at ≤3.58 mM and killed 99.9% inoculum at MIC, indicating that menthol is fungicidal. Menthol inhibited hyphal form growth completely at 0.62 mM. It has inhibited developing a biofilm by 79% at 3.58 mM, exhibiting excellent activity against recalcitrant biofilms. FIC index values of 0.182 and 0.093 indicate excellent synergistic activity between fluconazole and menthol against planktonic and biofilm growth, respectively. Menthol enhanced rate of OxPhos among 22% cells; arrested 71% cells at G2-M phase of cell cycle and induced apoptosis in 15% cells. Thus, menthol exhibits excellent anti-Candida activity against differentially susceptible isolates as well as various growth and morphological forms of C. albicans. Menthol affects membrane integrity thereby inducing oxidative stress followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Considering the excellent anti-Candida potential and as it is Generally Recognized as Safe by the Food and Drug Administration, it may find use in antifungal chemotherapy, alone or in combination.

Curcumin affects function of Hsp90 and drug efflux pump of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a pathogenic yeast that causes candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The overuse of antifungal drugs has led to the development of resistance to such drugs by this fungus, which is a major challenge in antifungal chemotherapy. One approach to this problem involves the utilization of new natural products as an alternative source of antifungals. Curcumin, one such natural product, has been widely studied as a drug candidate and is reported to exhibit antifungal activity against C. albicans. Although studies of the mechanism of curcumin against human cancer cells have shown that it inhibits heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), little is known about its function against C. albicans. In this paper, using a doxycycline-mediated HSP90 strain and an HSP90-overexpressing strain of C. albicans, we demonstrated that the curcumin triggered a decrease in Hsp90 by affecting it at the post-transcriptional level. This also led to the downregulation of HOG1 and CDR1, resulting in a reduction of the stress response and efflux pump activity of C. albicans. However, the inhibition of HSP90 by curcumin was not due to the inhibition of transcription factors HSF1 or AHR1. We also found that curcumin can not only decrease the transcriptional expression of CDR1, but also inhibit the efflux pump activity of Cdr1. Hence, we conclude that disruption of HSP90 by curcumin could impair cell growth, stress responses and efflux pump activity of C. albicans.

Urease Inhibitory Kinetic Studies of Various Extracts and Pure Compounds from Cinnamomum Genus

Urease is an enzyme that plays a significant role in the hydrolysis of urea into carbonic acid and ammonia via the carbamic acid formation. The resultant increase in pH leads to the onset of various pathologies such as gastric cancer, urolithiasis, hepatic coma, hepatic encephalopathy, duodenal ulcers and peptic ulcers. Urease inhibitors can reduce the urea hydrolysis rate and development of various diseases. The Cinnamomum genus is used in a large number of traditional medicines. It is well established that stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia exhibits antiulcerogenic potential. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of seven extracts of Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum verum and two pure compounds Camphene and Cuminaldehyde on urease enzyme. Kinetic studies of potential inhibitors were carried out. Methanol extract (IC₅₀ 980 µg/mL) of C. camphora and a monoterpene Camphene (IC₅₀ 0.147 µg/mL) possess significant inhibitory activity. The Lineweaver Burk plot analysis suggested the competitive inhibition by methanol extract, hexane fraction and Camphene. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis of hexane fraction revealed the contribution of various terpenes. The present study targets terpenes as a new class of inhibitors that have potential therapeutic value for further development as novel drugs.

Plant oils: From chemical composition to encapsulated form use

The last decade has witnessed a burgeoning global movement towards essential and vegetable oils in the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries thanks to their natural and safe status, broad acceptance by consumers, and versatile functional properties. However, efforts to develop new therapy or functional agents based on plant oils have met with challenges of limited stability and/or reduced efficacy. As a result, there has been increased research interest in the encapsulation of plant oils, whereby the nanocarriers serve as barrier between plant oils and the environment and control oil release leading to improved efficacy, reduced toxicity and enhanced patient compliance and convenience. In this review, special concern has been addressed to the encapsulation of essential and vegetable oils in three types of nanocarriers: polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles. First, the chemical composition of essential and vegetable oils was handled. Moreover, we gather together the research findings reported by the literature regarding the different techniques used to generate these nanocarriers with their significant findings. Finally, differences and similarities between these nanocarriers are discussed, along with current and future applications that are warranted by their structures and properties.

Terpenes/Terpenoids in Cannabis: Are They Important?

Cannabis sativa plant has not only cannabinoids as crucial compounds but also the other compounds that play important role as synergistic and/or entourage compound. Cannabis/hemp plant materials and essential oils were analyzed with the help of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry detector for the content of terpenes and terpenoids. The main terpenes/terpenoids and their abundance in the samples were evaluated. Results of this study will be helpful in the next evaluation of these compound in mixture with cannabinoids and their importance in medical treatment.

Effectiveness of five flavored Tunisian olive oils on Anisakis larvae type 1: application of cinnamon and rosemary oil in industrial anchovy marinating process

BACKGROUND

Anisakidosis is caused by the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish or cephalopods containing viable Anisakis larvae. Several natural extracts, oils, essential oils, and their compounds have been tested against Anisakis. In this study the effectiveness of Tunisian olive oil with different spices or plants (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, laurel, and rosemary) was tested against Anisakis larvae type 1.

RESULTS

For the in vitro test, larvae were submerged separately in the oils mentioned above and observed to check viability. Cinnamon oil was the most effective against parasites with lethal time (LT) scores being LT50  = 1.5 days and LT100  = 3 days, followed by rosemary. Laurel, cardamom, and ginger oils were less effective. For the ex vivo experiment, cinnamon, and rosemary oils were tested in anchovy fillets, previously artificially parasitized. Cinnamon was the most effective against parasites (dead after 4 days) as compared to rosemary (7 days).

CONCLUSION

The use of cinnamon and rosemary-flavored olive oil in the industrial marinating process can be considered as an efficient alternative to the freezing process required by European Regulation EC No 853/2004 to devitalize Anisakis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effectiveness of Phytoactive Molecules on Transcriptional Expression, Biofilm Matrix, and Cell Wall Components of Candida glabrata and Its Clinical Isolates

Toxicity challenges by antifungal arsenals and emergence of multidrug resistance scenario has posed a serious threat to global community. To cope up with this alarming situation, phytoactive molecules are richest, safest, and most effective source of broad spectrum antimicrobial compounds. In the present investigation, six phytoactive molecules [cinnamaldehyde (CIN), epigallocatechin, vanillin, eugenol (EUG), furanone, and epigallocatechin gallate] were studied against Candida glabrata and its clinical isolates. Among these, CIN and EUG which are active components of cinnamon and clove essential oils, respectively, exhibited maximum inhibition against planktonic growth of C. glabrata at a concentration of 64 and 128 μg mL-1, respectively. These two molecules effectively inhibited and eradicated approximately 80% biofilm of C. glabrata and its clinical isolates from biomaterials. CIN and EUG increased reactive oxygen species generation, cell lysis, and ergosterol content in plasma membrane and reduced virulence attributes (phospholipase and proteinase) as well as catalase activity of C. glabrata cells. Reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential with increased release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol indicated initiation of early apoptosis in CIN- and EUG-treated C. glabrata cells. Transcriptional analysis showed that multidrug transporter (CDR1) and ergosterol biosynthesis genes were downregulated in the presence of CIN, while getting upregulated in EUG-treated cells. Interestingly, genes such as 1,3-β-glucan synthase (FKS1), GPI-anchored protein (KRE1), and sterol importer (AUS1) were downregulated upon treatment of CIN/EUG. These results provided molecular-level insights about the antifungal mechanism of CIN and EUG against C. glabrata including its resistant clinical isolate. The current data established that CIN and EUG can be potentially formulated in new antifungal strategies.

Curcumin-Loaded Liquid Crystalline Systems for Controlled Drug Release and Improved Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common infection caused by Candida albicans and greatly reduces the quality of life of women affected by it. Due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments, there is growing interest in research involving compounds of natural origin. One such compound is curcumin (CUR), which has been proven to be effective against this microorganism. However, some of CUR's physicochemical properties, especially its low aqueous solubility, make the therapeutic application of this compound difficult. Thus, the incorporation of CUR in mucoadhesive liquid crystalline systems (MLCSs) for vaginal administration may be an efficient strategy for the treatment of VVC. MLCSs are capable of potentiating the compound's action, releasing it in a controlled manner, and can enable longer exposure at the site of infection. In this study, MLCSs consisting of oleic acid and ergosterol 5:1 (w/w) as the oily phase, PPG-5-CETETH-20 as the surfactant, and a polymer dispersion of 1% chitosan as the aqueous phase, were developed for the application of CUR (MLCS-CUR) in VVC treatment. The formulations were characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), oscillatory rheometry, continuous shear rheometry, texture profile analysis, and in vitro mucoadhesion. In addition, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro, and the effects on local fungal burden and cytokine profiles were investigated in a murine model of VVC. PLM and SAXS showed that the developed formulations presented a characteristic of a microemulsion. However, after the addition of artificial vaginal mucus (AVM), PLM showed that the formulations had structures similar to the "Maltese cross" characteristic of lamellar MLCS. Mucoadhesive test results showed an increase in the mucoadhesive strength of these formulations. Rheology analyses suggested long-lasting action of the formulation at the infected site. The in vitro antimicrobial activity assays suggested that CUR possesses antifungal activity against Candida albicans, determined after its incorporation into the MLCS. Further, MLCS-CUR was also more effective in vivo in the control of vaginal infection than treatment with fluconazole. Immunological assays showed that the ratio of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) to anti-inflammatory (TGF-β) cytokines has decreased and that there is a reduction in the number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils recruited to the vaginal lumen, showing that treatment with MLCS-CUR was effective in modulating the inflammatory reaction associated with the infection. The results suggest that MLCSs could potentially be used in the treatment of VVC with CUR.

Formulation, stability study and preclinical evaluation of a vaginal cream containing curcumin in a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Owing to the growing resistance among isolates of Candida species to usual antifungal agents and the well-known therapeutic potential of curcumin, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a vaginal formulation containing this substance and to evaluating its effectiveness in the treatment of experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis. Curcumin was incorporated in a vaginal cream in three concentrations (0.01%, 0.1% and 1.0%). The different concentrations of the cream and its controls were intravaginally administered in an immunosuppressed rat model to evaluate the efficacy in the treatment of experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis. Samples of the cream were also subjected to centrifugation and physical stability tests and an analytical method for quantification of curcumin was validated based on HPLC. The formulation was stable and the HPLC method could be considered suitable for the quantitative determination of curcumin in the cream. After 6 days of preclinical study, the number of infected animals was 1/6 in all groups treated with curcumin vaginal cream and the fungal burden showed a progressive reduction. Reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the group treated with 1.0% cream. Vaginal cream containing curcumin could be considered a promising effective antifungal medicine in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.