Microwave-assisted hydrodiffusion and gravity extraction: An efficient method to produce pomegranate juice

Green technologies based on microwaves have been developed by the food industry to produce organoleptically acceptable fruit juices without preliminary processing. Microwave irradiation coupled with hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) combines microwave heating with the earth's gravity, allowing the collection of hydrophilic substances released from the irradiated matrix. To the best of our knowledge, MHG extraction has never been experimented to produce pomegranate juice. In this work, we have evaluated it as a potential alternative to the conventional squeezing. A central composite design study (CCD) allowed the selection of the best extractive conditions (irradiation power and extraction time) to obtain a pomegranate juice with higher yield, polyphenol (e.g., catechin and delphinidin-3,5-glucoside) content, and related bioactivities (antioxidant and antidiabetic) than the one obtained by squeezing while maintaining the chemical-physical properties. Thus, this technique appears to be a functional alternative to producing high value pomegranate juice.

Changes in inoculated Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis and other microbiological qualities of vacuum-packed carrot slices after treatment with aqueous extract of Lobularia maritima

After harvesting, pathogens can infect fresh vegetables in different ways. Pathogenic bacteria associated with fresh vegetables can cause widespread epidemics associated with foodborne illness. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality of carrot slices after treatment with aqueous extracts of Lobularia maritima (AELm) at different concentrations AELm1 (10 mg/mL), AELm2 (5 mg/mL), AELm3 (2.5 mg/mL) and AELm4 (1.25 mg/mL), and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, along with vacuum packaging and storage of carrots for 7 days at 4 °C. On days 1. and 7., total viable counts (TVC), and coliforms bacteria (CB), and Salmonella count were all analysed. Microorganisms that were obtained from carrots were identified using MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper Mass Spectrometry. The total viable, coliform bacteria and Salmonella counts were varied by the group of treatment. Higher counts were found in the control group on both days. The most isolated species of bacteria were Salmonella enterica and Pantoea agglomerans on the 1. day and Klebsiella oxytoca on the 7. day. The current study adds useful information for a better understanding of how Salmonella enterica reacts to the effect of AELm and its potential use as a sustainable washing method to eliminate bacteria from freshly cut carrots.

Chemical Investigation and Antinociceptive Activity Evaluation of Marrubium Vulgare L. Aqueous Extract

Marrubium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, inflammatory conditions, and pain. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract from M. vulgare leaves (AEMV). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and reducing power assays. The chemical composition of AEMV was determined through LC-MS/MS, and the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in male Swiss mice with a single oral dose of AEMV (1, 2, 5 g/kg). The analgesic impact was examined through writhing, hot plate, and formalin tests. Our findings not only confirmed the safety of the extract in animal models but also revealed significant antioxidant activity in AEMV. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified important bioactive compounds, with marrubiin being a major component. Furthermore, AEMV demonstrated robust antinociceptive properties in all conducted tests, highlighting its potential as a valuable natural source of bioactive compounds suitable for a wide range of therapeutic applications.

Molecular docking of quercetin: a promising approach for the development of new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs

The aim of this study is to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of quercetin. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to evaluate potential interactions between quercetin and various molecular targets. Animal models were used to conduct a comprehensive pharmacological investigation of quercetin. Evaluation of analgesic activity revealed a reduction in the number of abdominal cramps during the twisting test and inhibition of pain during the second phase of the formaldehyde test. Additionally, evaluation of its anti-inflammatory activity showed a reduction in ear oedema. However, it is important to note that quercetin administration has not been shown to significantly reduce yeast-induced hyperthermia. The docking study revealed the high inhibitory potential of quercetin against the COX-2 receptor.

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. Landrace "Carciofo Ortano" as a Source of Bioactive Compounds

The preservation of agricultural biodiversity and socioeconomic development are relevant both to enhance domestic production and to support innovation. In the search for new biomolecules, we have focused on the "Carciofo Ortano" landrace, growth in the northern part of the Lazio region. Artichoke cultivation generates substantial by-products, including leaves, stems, and roots, which could serve as valuable sources of biomolecules and prebiotic dietary fiber. To valorize the leaf waste of the "Carciofo Ortano" landrace, a multidisciplinary approach was applied. Chemical analysis using HPLC-DAD identified mono-O- and di-O-caffeoylquinic acids and the sesquiterpene cynaropicrin in all artichoke leaf extracts. SPME-GC/MS analyses detected aliphatic alcohols in the fresh leaf samples. Antiproliferative and cytotoxic studies on cancer (SH-SY5Y, MCF-7, MDA) and normal (MCF-10A) human cell lines revealed that leaf extracts induced a selective dose and time-dependent biological effect. While showing slight activity against environmental bacterial strains, artichoke leaf extracts exhibited significant antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata. Overall, the results highlight the potential of "Carciofo Ortano" cultivation by-products as a rich source of biomolecules with versatile applications in humans, animals, and the environment.

Citrus limon Essential Oil: Chemical Composition and Selected Biological Properties Focusing on the Antimicrobial (In Vitro, In Situ), Antibiofilm, Insecticidal Activity and Preservative Effect against Salmonella enterica Inoculated in Carrot

New goals for industry and science have led to increased awareness of food safety and healthier living in the modern era. Here, one of the challenges in food quality assurance is the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. As planktonic cells can form biofilms and go into a sessile state, microorganisms are now more resistant to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Due to their proven antibacterial properties, essential oils represent a potential option to prevent food spoilage in the search for effective natural preservatives. In this study, the chemical profile of Citrus limon essential oil (CLEO) was evaluated. GC-MS analysis revealed that limonene (60.7%), β-pinene (12.6%), and γ-terpinene (10.3%) are common constituents of CLEO, which prompted further research on antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values showed that CLEO generally exhibits acceptable antibacterial properties. In addition, in situ antimicrobial research revealed that vapour-phase CLEO can arrest the growth of Candida and Y. enterocolitica species on specific food models, indicating the potential of CLEO as a preservative. The antibiofilm properties of CLEO were evaluated by MIC assays, crystal violet assays, and MALDI-TOF MS analysis against S. enterica biofilm. The results of the MIC and crystal violet assays showed that CLEO has strong antibiofilm activity. In addition, the data obtained by MALDI-TOF MS investigation showed that CLEO altered the protein profiles of the bacteria studied on glass and stainless-steel surfaces. Our study also found a positive antimicrobial effect of CLEO against S. enterica. The anti-Salmonella activity of CLEO in vacuum-packed sous vide carrot samples was slightly stronger than in controls. These results highlight the advantages of the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of CLEO, suggesting potential applications in food preservation.

Long-Term Stability of Lavandula x intermedia Essential Oil Nanoemulsions: Can the Addition of the Ripening Inhibitor Impact the Biocidal Activity of the Nanoformulations?

In this work, Lavandula x intermedia essential oil (LEO) was encapsulated in lipid-based nanoemulsions (NanoLEO) using the solvent-displacement technique. In order to preserve the colloidal stability of the formulation, LEO was appropriately doped with the incorporation of different levels of a water-insoluble oil used as a ripening inhibitor. All the nanoemulsion samples were evaluated in terms of the impact of the water-insoluble oil on the nanoemulsion formation, physical-chemical properties, and antibacterial effectiveness against E. coli (Gram-negative) and B. cereus (Gram-positive). The presence of the inert oil added benefits to the formulations in terms of appearance, colloidal stability, and loss of volatile components. However, the antimicrobial activity of the nanoemulsions dramatically decreased with the ripening inhibitor addition, probably because it hampered the internalization of the antimicrobial components of LEO within the bacterial cell membranes, thus nullifying the delivery ability of the nanoemulsion formulation. On the contrary, the undoped NanoLEO formulation showed unaltered antibacterial activity in both E. coli and B. cereus up to 40 weeks from the preparation.

Anti-Salmonella Activity of Thymus serpyllum Essential Oil in Sous Vide Cook-Chill Rabbit Meat

Food is generally prepared and vacuum-sealed in a water bath, then heated to a precise temperature and circulated in a sous vide machine. Due to its affordability and ease of use, this cooking method is becoming increasingly popular in homes and food service businesses. However, suggestions from manufacturers and chefs for long-term, low-temperature sous vide cooking raise questions about food safety in the media. In this study, heat treatment with different times and wild thyme essential oil (EO) in sous vide-processed rabbit longissimus dorsi muscle were found to inactivate Salmonella enterica. The rabbit meat samples were vacuum-packed in control groups, in the second group the rabbit meat samples were injected with S. enterica, and in the third group were meat samples infected with S. enterica with Thymus serpylum EO additive. The vacuum-packed samples were cooked sous vide for the prescribed time at 55, 60, and 65 °C. At 5, 15, 30, and 60 min, the quantities of S. enterica, total bacterial counts, and coliform bacteria were measured in groups of sous vide rabbit meat. Microbiological analyses of rabbit meat samples on days 1 and 7 were evaluated. In this study, total viable counts, coliforms bacteria, and number of Salmonella spp. were identified. After incubation, isolates from different groups of microorganisms were identified by the mass spectrometry technique. For each day measured, the test group exposed to a temperature of 55 °C for 5 min had a greater number of total microbiota. The most isolated microorganisms by MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper from the control and treated groups were Lactococcus garvieae and in the treated groups also S. enterica. Based on our analysis of sous vide rabbit meat samples, we discovered that adding 1% of thyme essential oil to the mixture reduced the amount of Salmonella cells and increased the overall and coliform bacterial counts. The microbiological quality of sous vide rabbit meat that was kept for seven days was positively impacted by the addition of thyme essential oil.

Mixture design of α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole: A multiobjective response followed by chemometric approaches to optimize the antibacterial effect against various bacteria and antioxidant activity

α-Pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole are compounds naturally present in essential oils, although their amounts vary from oil to oil. Although several studies have reported their antibacterial and antioxidant effects, there are few reports on the synergistic or antagonistic effects of their combinations. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined antibacterial effect of these three compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prediction of their optimal combination using the mixture design approach. The experimental antibacterial activity of the α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole mixtures depended on the proportion of each compound in the mixture and the target strain, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.31 to 1.85 mg/mL. Using the increased simplex-centroid mixture design, the mixture containing 0.33% of each molecule proved to be the most effective against Bacillus cereus and had the lowest MIC values. In addition, α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole showed significant antioxidant activity against 2,2-picryl-1-hydrazyl radical (DPPH), with IC50 values of 24.53 ± 0.05, 65.63 ± 0.71, and 63.58 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles of the substance mixtures can predict the optimal composition that will exhibit the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the mixtures can contribute significantly to their successful use as natural preservatives in various applications.

Identification of Volatile Molecules and Bioactivity of Gruyt Craft Beer Enriched with Citrus aurantium var. dulcis L. Essential Oil

In this work, for the first time, a gruyt beer and the same one after the addition of Citrus aurantium essential oil (AEO), were investigated to determine the composition of the volatile fraction. The applied analytical techniques, such as Head Space/Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/SPME-GC-MS) and Proton Transfer Reaction-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS), allowed us to identify the content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). From the comparison between the two beer samples, it showed that the one after the addition of AEO was particularly richened in limonene and a series of minor terpene compounds. AEO was also characterized by GC/MS analysis and the results showed that limonene reached 95%. Confocal microscopy was used to look at riboflavin autofluorescence in yeast cells. It was found that beer with AEO had twice as much fluorescence intensity as the control. A spectrophotometric analysis of total polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, and a bioactivity screening, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-Ethylbenzthiazolin-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS) radical scavenger, chelating, reducing, antiglycative ones, were also carried out. Moreover, the tolerability of the tested samples in human H69 cholangiocytes and the cytoprotection towards the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH)-induced oxidative damage were evaluated. Under our experimental conditions, the beers were found to be able to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals and chelate iron ions, despite weak antiglycative and reducing properties. The tested samples did not affect the viability of H69 cholangiocytes up to the highest concentrations; moreover, no signs of cytoprotection against the damage induced by tBOOH were highlighted. Adding AEO to beer resulted in a moderate enhancement of its DPPH scavenging and chelating abilities, without improvements in the other assays. Conversely, AEO and its major compound limonene were ineffective when assessed at the concentrations added to beer. This evidence suggests that the addition of AEO may enhance the organoleptic features of the beer and slightly potentiate some of its bioactivities.

Antiarthritic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabis sativa Essential Oil in an Animal Model

Arthritis and inflammatory conditions require effective therapies, but conventional drugs have side effects. This study explored Cannabis sativa L. essential oil (CSEO) as a safer alternative. A chemical characterization of EO conducted via GC/MS showed the presence of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (67.63%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (25.91%), and oxygenated monoterpenes (0.99%). The study used three established inflammation induction tests: xylene-induced ear swelling, carrageenan-induced paw inflammation, and inflammation in the paw induced by Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA). Xylene triggered acute inflammation in the ear, while carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory responses through edema and immune-cell recruitment in the paw. CFA-induced arthritis simulated chronic inflammatory conditions. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with CSEO significantly reduced ear weight in the xylene-induced ear-swelling test, indicating potential inhibition of neutrophil accumulation. In the carrageenan-induced paw inflammation test, CSEO reduced paw volume, suggesting interference with edema formation and leukocyte migration. In the CFA-induced paw inflammation test, CSEO decreased contralateral paw volume, restored body weight, and reduced C-reactive protein levels. Conclusion: this study provides compelling evidence supporting the antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of CSEO. The findings indicate the therapeutic value of EO in the management of arthritis and inflammatory diseases while highlighting the need for further in-depth research to study the molecular mechanisms and validate their safety and efficacy for clinical applications. Preliminary data from this study suggests encouraging prospects for advancing the treatment and prevention of inflammation.

An In-Depth Study on the Chemical Composition and Biological Effects of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens (PGEO) is identified in the literature as a rich source of bioactive compounds with a high level of biological activity. This study aimed to examine the chemical profile of PGEO as well as its antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and insecticidal properties. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), achieving comprehensive identification of 99.2% of volatile compounds. The predominant identified compounds were β-citronellol (29.7%) and geraniol (14.6%). PGEO's antioxidant potential was determined by means of DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation neutralization. The results indicate a higher capacity of PGEO to neutralize the ABTS radical cation, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/mL. Two techniques were used to assess antimicrobial activity: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion. Antimicrobial evaluation using the disk diffusion method revealed that Salmonella enterica (14.33 ± 0.58 mm), which forms biofilms, and Priestia megaterium (14.67 ± 0.58 mm) were most susceptible to exposure to PGEO. The MIC assay demonstrated the highest performance of this EO against biofilm-forming S. enterica (MIC 50 0.57 ± 0.006; MIC 90 0.169 ± 0.08 mg/mL). In contrast to contact application, the assessment of the in situ vapor phase antibacterial activity of PGEO revealed significantly more potent effects. An analysis of antibiofilm activity using MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated PGEO's capacity to disrupt the biofilm homeostasis of S. enterica growing on plastic and stainless steel. Additionally, insecticidal evaluations indicated that treatment with PGEO at doses of 100% and 50% resulted in the complete mortality of all Harmonia axyridis individuals.

A Mechanistic Review on How Berberine Use Combats Diabetes and Related Complications: Molecular, Cellular, and Metabolic Effects

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that can be extracted from herbs such as Coptis, Phellodendron, and Berberis. BBR has been widely used as a folk medicine to treat various disorders. It is a multi-target drug with multiple mechanisms. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can also adjust intestinal microbial flora. This review focused on the promising antidiabetic effects of BBR in several cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Based on previous research, BBR significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, BBR stimulated insulin secretion and improved insulin resistance through different pathways, including up-regulation of protein expression of proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, PI3K/AKT, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Interestingly, it was demonstrated that BBR has protective effects against diabetes complications, such as diabetic-induced hepatic damage, cardiovascular disorders, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Furthermore, multiple clinical trial studies have emphasized the ameliorative effects of BBR in type 2 diabetic patients.

Screening of the activity of sixty essential oils against plasmodium early mosquito stages in vitro and machine learning analysis reveals new putative inhibitors of malaria parasites

Malaria, an infectious disease with a tremendous impact on human health is caused by Plasmodium parasites, and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. New approaches to control the disease involve transmission blocking strategies aiming to target the parasite in the mosquito. Here, we investigated the putative inhibitory activity of essential oils and their components on the early mosquito stages of the parasite. We employed an in vitro assay of gametocyte-to-ookinete development of the rodent model parasite Plasmodium berghei combined with high content screening. 60 essential oils with known composition were tested. The results revealed that fifteen EOs had inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a machine learning approach was used to identify the putative inhibitory components. Five of the most important chemical components indicated by the machine learning-based models were actually confirmed by the experimental approach. This combined approach was used for the first time to identify the potential transmission blocking activity of essential oils and single components at the zygote and ookinete stages.

Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia sclarea Essential Oils: Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and Preservative Effects against Listeria monocytogenes Inoculated into Minced Beef Meat

In this study, Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia sclarea essential oils (EOs) were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to describe their chemical composition. The obtained results show, for both EOs, a profile rich in terpene metabolites, with monoterpenes predominating sesquiterpenes but with significant qualitative and quantitative differences. The main compound found in the Salvia officinalis EO (SOEO) was camphor (19.0%), while in Salvia sclarea EO (SCEO), it was linalyl acetate (59.3%). Subsequently, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the EOs against eight pathogenic strains was evaluated. The disc diffusion method showed a significant lysis zone against Gram-positive bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 3.7 mg/mL to 11.2 mg/mL, indicating that each EO has specific antimicrobial activity. Both EOs also showed significant antiradical activity against DPPH radicals and total antioxidant activity. In addition, the preservative effect of SOEO (9.2%) and SCEO (9.2%), alone or in combination, was tested in ground beef, and the inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated into the raw ground beef during cold storage was evaluated. Although the effect of each individual EO improved the biochemical, microbiological, and sensory parameters of the samples, their combination was more effective and showed complete inhibition of L. monocytogenes after 7 days of storage at 4 °C. The results show that both EOs could be used as safe and natural preservatives in various food and/or pharmaceutical products.

Biological activities of the aerial and undergound parts of Gymnadenia nigra Rchb.f. (syn. Nigritella nigra (L.) Rchb. f.) from the Italian Alps

This study investigated the bioactivity of both aerial (GNAR) and underground (GNUG) parts of Gymnadenia nigra Rchb.f. (syn. Nigritella nigra (L.) Rchb. f.) (Orchidaceae). The obtained data proved interesting when the samples were tested in two adrenocortical cancer cell lines (SW13 and H295R). In particular, the GNAR 80% methanol extract distinctly inhibited their viability after 24 h at a concentration of 1 µg/µL by MTT assay and trypan blue dye exclusion method. Cell morphology evaluation by means Wright's staining also showed significant results, particularly in SW13 cells under the effect of both extracts. GNAR extract was able to scavenge the DPPH radical better than GNUG extract. It also was more active in albumin denaturation (a maximum % denaturation equal to 463.0 ± 8.3 vs 77.3 ± 13.3) and protease inhibition (a maximum % inhibition equal to 138.5 ± 7.0 vs 2.1 ± 2.0) tests. The results highlighted an important antitumor activity of G. nigra in vitro that deserves to be further studied.

Metabolomic Approach Based on Analytical Techniques for the Detection of Secondary Metabolites from Humulus lupulus L. Dried Leaves

Currently, the leaves of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) are an unexploited and still little-investigated agricultural by-product. In our study, with the aim of exploring the metabolome of dried hop leaves (Chinook cultivar), a metabolomic approach was applied using multiple analytical tools such as SPME/GC-MS, GC-MS, PTR-ToF-MS, and NMR to identify the secondary metabolites. The obtained results showed the presence of a high number of components belonging to different chemical classes. In fact, thanks to the multi-methodological approach, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with low molecular weight, terpenic compounds, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, organic acids, and alcohols have been detected and identified. Among the revealed terpenes in the untreated matrix, the sesquiterpenes α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, and α-copaene were the most abundant. Among the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, palmitic and linolenic acids, respectively, were those with the highest relative percentages. Particularly relevant was the sugar content, where sucrose was the main exponent while glutamate and asparagine were the principal detected amino acids. Conversely, alcohols and organic acids were the least abundant compound classes, and xanthohumol was also identified in the methanolic extract.

Hazelnut Skin Waste as a Functional Ingredient to Nutritionally Improve a Classic Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Hazelnut skin (HS) is a byproduct of hazelnut processing (2.5% of total kernel) and becomes a food waste despite its high content of antioxidants, unsaturated fats, and fibers. Classic shortbread cookies have a large worldwide market, even if their nutritional composition does not meet nutritional guidelines due to the high content of saturated fats. In the present study, after the nutritional evaluation of four different HS varieties, 5% and 10% ratios of HS of the Tonda Gentile Romana variety were integrated into a classic shortbread cookie recipe, proportionally replacing the butter amount with the unsaturated fats naturally present in HS. The 10% HS addition determined a 20% increase in the monounsaturated oleic acid and a 15.7% decrease in the saturated palmitic acid, in addition to a significant ash increase. The sensory analysis revealed higher consumer acceptance of the 5% formulation, with scores comparable to the control. Although the 10% formulation obtained lower scores for consumer acceptance, 35% of the interviewed population said they would purchase it, indicating that this product, beyond the ethical dimension of using a food waste matrix to promote the circular economy, can attract the commercial interest of part of the population.

Cinnamaldehyde Loaded Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) Microparticles for Antifungal Delivery Application against Resistant Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

Researchers have explored natural products to combat the antibiotic resistance of various microorganisms. Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a major component of cinnamon essential oil (CC-EO), has been found to effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew, as well as their production of toxins. Therefore, this study aimed to create a delivery system for CIN using PLGA microparticles (CIN-MPs), and to compare the antifungal activity of the carried and free CIN, particularly against antibiotic-resistant strains of Candida spp. The first part of the study focused on synthesizing and characterizing the PLGA MPs, which had no toxic effects in vivo and produced results in line with the existing literature. The subsequent experiments analyzed the antifungal effects of MPs-CIN on Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, both resistant (R) and sensitive (S) strains and compared its efficacy with the conventional addition of free CIN to the culture medium. The results indicated that conveyed CIN increased the antifungal effects of the product, particularly towards C. albicans R. The slow and prolonged release of CIN from the PLGA MPs ensured a constant and uniform concentration of the active principle within the cells.

A Multimethodological Approach for the Chemical Characterization of Edible Insects: The Case Study of Acheta domesticus

Acheta domesticus (house cricket) has been recently introduced into the official European list of novel foods, representing an alternative and sustainable food source. Up to now, the chemical characterization of this edible insect has been focused only on specific classes of compounds. Here, three production batches of an A. domesticus powder were investigated by means of a multimethodological approach based on NMR, FT-ICR MS, and GC-MS methodologies. The applied analytical protocol, proposed for the first time in the study of an edible insect, allowed us to identify and quantify compounds not previously reported in crickets. In particular, methyl-branched hydrocarbons, previously identified in other insects, together with other compounds such as citrulline, formate, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, α-thujene, β-thujene, and 4-carene were detected. Amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acids were also identified and quantified. The improved knowledge of the chemical profile of this novel food opens new horizons both for the use of crickets as a food ingredient and for the use of extracts for the production of new formulations. In order to achieve this objective, studies regarding safety, biological activity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability are needed as future perspectives in this field.

GASA Proteins: Review of Their Functions in Plant Environmental Stress Tolerance

Gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis (GASA) gene family is a class of functional cysteine-rich proteins characterized by an N-terminal signal peptide and a C-terminal-conserved GASA domain with 12 invariant cysteine (Cys) residues. GASA proteins are widely distributed among plant species, and the majority of them are involved in the signal transmission of plant hormones, the regulation of plant development and growth, and the responses to different environmental constraints. To date, their action mechanisms are not completely elucidated. This review reports an overview of the diversity, structure, and subcellular localization of GASA proteins, their involvement in hormone crosstalk and redox regulation during development, and plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Knowledge of this complex regulation can be a contribution to promoting multiple abiotic stress tolerance with potential agricultural applications through the engineering of genes encoding GASA proteins and the production of transgenic plants.

Addition of Spirulina to Craft Beer: Evaluation of the Effects on Volatile Flavor Profile and Cytoprotective Properties

SPME-GC-MS and PTR-ToF-MS techniques were applied to describe the content of volatile flavor compounds in a craft beer before and after adding spirulina. The obtained results showed that the volatile profile of the two beer samples differed. Furthermore, to chemically characterize biomass spirulina, a derivatization reaction followed by GC-MS analysis was performed, highlighting a high content of molecules belonging to different chemical classes, such as sugars, fatty acids and carboxylic acids. A spectrophotometric analysis of total polyphenols and tannins, investigation into the scavenging activity towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and confocal microscopy of brewer's yeast cells were carried out. Moreover, the cytoprotective and antioxidant properties towards the oxidative damage induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) in human H69 cholangiocytes were investigated. Finally, the modulation of Nrf2 signaling under oxidative stress conditions was also evaluated. Both samples of beer were shown to contain similar levels of total polyphenols and tannins, with slightly increased levels in that containing spirulina 0.25% w/v. Moreover, the beers were found to be endowed with radical scavenging properties towards both DPPH and ABTS radicals, albeit with a weak contribution of spirulina; however, a higher riboflavin content was detected in spirulina-treated yeast cells. Conversely, the addition of spirulina (0.25% w/v) appeared to improve the cytoprotective properties of beer towards tBOOH-induced oxidative damage in H69 cells and reduce intracellular oxidative stress. Accordingly, the cytosolic Nrf2 expression was found to be increased.

Recent Advances in the Incorporation of Polysaccharides with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Functions to Preserve the Quality and Shelf Life of Meat Products

Meat and meat products are susceptible to various types of natural processes such as oxidative degradation due to their high content of protein and essential amino acids. However, finding solutions to maintain the nutritional and sensory quality of meat and meat products is unavoidable. Hence, there is a pressing need to investigate alternatives to synthetic preservatives, focusing on active biomolecules of natural provenance. Polysaccharides are natural polymers of various sources that exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant properties via a variety of mechanisms, owing to their diversity and structural variation. For this reason, these biomolecules are widely studied in order to improve texture, inhibit the growth of pathogens, and improve the oxidative stability and sensory characteristics of meat products. However, the literature has not addressed their biological activity in meat and meat products. This review summarizes the various sources of polysaccharides, their antioxidant and antibacterial activities (mainly against pathogenic food strains), and their use as natural preservatives to replace synthetic additives in meat and meat products. Special attention is given to the use of polysaccharides to improve the nutritional value of meat, resulting in more nutrient-rich meat products with higher polysaccharide content and less salt, nitrites/nitrates, and cholesterol.

Essential Oils from Mediterranean Plants Inhibit In Vitro Monocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cells from Umbilical Cords of Females with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile compounds belonging to several chemical classes derived from aromatic plants using different distillation techniques. Recent studies suggest that the consumption of Mediterranean plants, such as anise and laurel, contributes to improving the lipid and glycemic profile of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of anise and laurel EOs (AEO and LEO) on endothelial cells isolated from the umbilical cord vein of females with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM-HUVEC), which is a suitable in vitro model to reproduce the pro-inflammatory phenotype of a diabetic endothelium. For this purpose, the Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) chemical profiles of AEO and LEO were first analyzed. Thus, GDM-HUVEC and related controls (C-HUVEC) were pre-treated for 24 h with AEO and LEO at 0.025% v/v, a concentration chosen among others (cell viability by MTT assay), and then stimulated with TNF-α (1 ng/mL). From the GC-MS analysis, trans-anethole (88.5%) and 1,8-cineole (53.9%) resulted as the major components of AEO and LEO, respectively. The results in C- and GDM-HUVEC showed that the treatment with both EOs significantly reduced: (i) the adhesion of the U937 monocyte to HUVEC; (ii) vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) protein and gene expression; (iii) Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 nuclear translocation. Taken together, these data suggest the anti-inflammatory efficacy of AEO and LEO in our in vitro model and lay the groundwork for further preclinical and clinical studies to study their potential use as supplements to mitigate vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with DM.

Chemical characterization by GC/MS analysis of Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A.Mey. aerial parts and seeds

Lactuca tatarica is a wild species belonging to Asteraceae family omnipresent in Southern Caucasus region including Azerbaijan. Previous studies on the chemical content of some extracts obtained from its different organs have reported the presence of lactone sesquiterpenes, triterpenoids and flavonoids. For the first time, we investigated the volatile composition of L. tatarica aerial parts and seeds by GC/MS technique. The results showed the predominant presence of fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated. Palmitic acid was prevalent in the aerial parts (up to 89.9%) while linoleic acid (up to 82.6%) was the most abundant component in the seeds. Other minor components were terpene and hydrocarbon derivatives. Some of the detected constituents in L. tatarica have already demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this species could be better studied for its biological properties and considered as a source of active ingredients useful in various fields including the pharmaceutical one.

A New Potential Resource in the Fight against Candida auris: the Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil in Synergy with Antifungal Drug

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus known to be a global public health problem. The skin-based transmission, together with the marked resistance to drugs, resulted in its rapid spread to all continents. The aim of this study was to identify an essential oil (EO) active in the fight against C. auris. A total of 15 EOs were tested against 10 clinical strains of C. auris. Cinnamomum zeylanicum EO (CZ-EO) was the most effective (MIC90 and MFC90 equal to 0.06% vol/vol). Three fractions obtained from CZ-EO, and the cinnamaldehyde (CIN), the major chemical compound, were tested to identify the principal compound effectives against C. auris. All CIN-containing samples showed anti-fungal activity. To study the synergy with fluconazole, CZ-EO, its active fraction (FR2), and CIN were tested in checkerboard tests. Results show that CZ-EO and FR2, but not CIN, synergize with fluconazole. Furthermore, only the copresence of CZ-EO or FR2 synergize with fluconazole at therapeutic concentrations of the drug (0.45 ± 0.32 μg/mL and 0.64 ± 0.67 μg/mL, respectively), while CIN only shows additive activity. In vivo studies conducted on Galleria mellonella larvae show the absence of toxicity of CZ-EO up to concentrations of 16% vol/vol, and the ability of CZ-EO to reactivate the efficacy of fluconazole when formulated at synergic concentrations. Finally, biochemical tests were made to study the mechanism of action of CZ-EO. These studies show that in the presence of both fluconazole and CZ-EO, the activity of fungal ATPases decreases and, at the same time, the amount of intracellular drug increases. IMPORTANCE This study highlights how small doses of CZ-EO are able to inhibit the secretion of fluconazole and promote its accumulation in the fungal cell. In this manner, the drug is able to exert its pharmacological effects bypassing the resistance of the yeast. If further studies will confirm this synergy, it will be possible to develop new therapeutic formulations active in the fight against C. auris resistances.

Vapor and Liquid Phase Profiles of Essential Oils from Abies, Picea and Pinus Species and Their Phytotoxic Interactions with Weed Growth in Pre- and Post-Emergence Conditions

The chemical content of essential oils (EO) obtained from the leaves of four Pinaceae (Abies alba, Picea abies, Pinus cembra and Pinus mugo) was investigated by SPME-GC-MS technique. The vapor phase was characterized by the monoterpenes with values higher than 95.0%. Among them, α-pinene (24.7-48.5%), limonene (17.2-33.1%) and β-myrcene (9.2-27.8%) were the most abundant. The monoterpenic fraction prevailed over the sesquiterpenic one (≥74.7%) in the EO liquid phase. Limonene was the major compound in A. alba (30.4%), P. abies (20.3%) and P. mugo (78.5%), while α-pinene in P. cembra (36.2%). Regarding the phytotoxic properties, EOs were studied at different doses (2-100 μL) and concentrations (2-20/100 μL/mL). All EOs were found to be significantly active (p-value ˂ 0.05) against the two recipient species in a dose-dependent way. In pre-emergence tests, germination of Lolium multiflorum and Sinapis alba was reduced by up to 62-66% and 65-82%, respectively, as well as their growth by up to 60-74% and 65-67%, due to the effects of compounds in both the vapor and liquid phases. In post-emergence conditions, at the highest concentration, the phytotoxicity of EOs caused heavy symptoms and, in the case of S. alba, A. alba EO completely destroyed (100%) the treated seedlings.

The Chemical Variability, Nutraceutical Value, and Food-Industry and Cosmetic Applications of Citrus Plants: A Critical Review

Citrus fruits occupy an important position in the context of the fruit trade, considering that both fresh fruits and processed products are produced on a large scale. Citrus fruits are recognized as an essential component of the human diet, thanks to their high content of beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, terpenes, flavonoids, coumarins and dietary fibers. Among these, a wide range of positive biological activities are attributed to terpenes and flavonoids derivatives. In this review, a list of bibliographic reports (from 2015 onwards) on the phytochemical composition, beneficial effects and potential applications of citrus fruits and their by-products is systematically summarized. In detail, information regarding the nutraceutical and medicinal value closely linked to the presence of numerous bioactive metabolites and their growing use in the food industry and food packaging, also considering any technological strategies such as encapsulation to guarantee their stability over time, were evaluated. In addition, since citrus fruit, as well as its by-products, are interesting alternatives for the reformulation of natural cosmetic products, the sector of the cosmetic industry is also explored. More in-depth knowledge of the latest information in this field will contribute to future conscious use of citrus fruits.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils

This Special Issue entitled "Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils" focuses on the chemical characterization of essential oils (EOs) through analytical techniques that are necessary for the identification and quantification of individual compounds [...].

Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of the Hydroalcoholic Solution of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench. and Propolis from Northern Italy

In this study, for the first time, the chemical composition of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench. and propolis (EAP) hydroalcoholic solution from the Trentino Alto Adige region of northern Italy was investigated by using SPME-GC-MS to describe the volatile content and GC-MS after silylation to detect the non-volatile compounds in the extractable organic matter. The antimicrobial activity of EAP hydroalcoholic solution was evaluated by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination on 13 type strains, food and clinical isolates. Time Kill Kinetics (TKK) assays and the determination on swimming and swarming motility for 48 h gave more details on the mode of action of EAP solution. The results highlighted the presence of some terpenes and a large number of compounds belonging to different chemical classes. Among these, sugars and organic acids excelled. The EAP hydroalcoholic solution exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity in terms of MIC, with a clear decrease in the cellular load after 48 h. However, the bacterial motility may not be affected by the EAP treatment, displaying a dynamic swarming and swimming motility capacity over time. Given the complexity of chemical profile and the strong antimicrobial effectiveness, the EAP hydroalcoholic solution can be considered a source of bioactive molecules, deserving further investigation for the versatility of application.

Study of the Chemical Profile and Anti-Fungal Activity against Candida auris of Cinnamomum cassia Essential Oil and of Its Nano-Formulations Based on Polycaprolactone

BACKGROUND

Candida auris represents an emerging pathogen that results in nosocomial infections and is considered a serious global health problem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CC-EO) pure or formulated in polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles against ten clinical strains of C. auris.

METHODS

nanoparticles of PCL were produced using CC-EO (nano-CC-EO) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) through the nanoprecipitation method. The chemical profile of both CC-EO and nano-CC-EO was evaluated using SPME sampling followed by GC-MS analysis. Micro-broth dilution tests were performed to evaluate both fungistatic and fungicidal effectiveness of CC-EO and CIN, pure and nano-formulated. Furthermore, checkerboard tests to evaluate the synergistic action of CC-EO or nano-CC-EO with micafungin or fluconazole were conducted. Finally, the biofilm disrupting activity of both formulations was evaluated.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis shows a different composition between CC-EO and nano-CC-EO. Moreover, the microbiological analyses do not show any variation in antifungal effectiveness either towards the planktonic form (MIC_CC-EO = 0.01 ± 0.01 and MIC_nano-CC-EO = 0.02 ± 0.01) or the biofilm form. No synergistic activity with the antifungal drugs tested was found.

CONCLUSIONS

both CC-EO and nano-CC-EO show the same antimicrobial effectiveness and are potential assets in the fight against C. auris.

Natural essential oils as a new therapeutic tool in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most revalent type of cancer in the world and the second most common cause of cancer death (about 1 million per year). Historically, natural compounds and their structural analogues have contributed to the development of new drugs useful in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Essential oils are natural odorous products made up of a complex mixture of low molecular weight compounds with recognized biological and pharmacological properties investigated also for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The aim of this paper is to highlight the possible role of essential oils in CRC, their composition and the preclinical studies involving them. It has been reviewed the preclinical pharmacological studies to determine the experimental models used and the anticancer potential mechanisms of action of natural essential oils in CRC. Searches were performed in the following databases PubMed/Medline, Web of science, TRIP database, Scopus, Google Scholar using appropriate MeSH terms. The results of analyzed studies showed that EOs exhibited a wide range of bioactive effects like cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic effects on cancer cells through various mechanisms of action. This updated review provides a better quality of scientific evidence for the efficacy of EOs as chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive agents in CRC. Future translational clinical studies are needed to establish the effective dose in humans as well as the most suitable route of administration for maximum bioavailability and efficacy. Given the positive anticancer results obtained from preclinical pharmacological studies, EOs can be considered efficient complementary therapies in chemotherapy in CRC.

Green natural nail polish modified with essential oils to treat onychomycosis

BACKGROUND

Onychomycosis (OM) accounts for about 50% of nail disorders in industrialised countries. Essential oils (EOs), aromatic natural compounds, are known for their antimicrobial activity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of seven EOs and a commercial MIX against 10 dermatophytes responsible for OM to select the most effective ones to be included in a preventive or curative formulation based on a green natural nail polish (GNNP).

METHODS

Micro-broth dilution tests in line with EUCAST guidelines and olfactory satisfaction test were performed to select the best natural compounds previously analysed by SPME coupled with GC-MS. The same method was used to evaluate the release over time of the active compounds present in the two modified-GNNPs made by adding the best natural compound selected (the C. citratus EO) and the MIX. Furthermore, to evaluate the preventive and curative activity of modified-GNNPs, ex vivo experiments on healthy or colonised nails were performed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Data showed that MIX-modified-GNNP had preventive activity as it inhibits the fungal growth by releasing its active ingredients for 7 days, while the OE-modified GNNP acts as a natural drug showing cytocidal activity on nails colonised by dermatophytes, but it requires two weekly applications.

Digestive and gastroprotective effects of Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (syn. A. moschata Wulfen) (Asteraceae): From traditional uses to preclinical studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (syn. A. moschata Wulfen) (Asteraceae) is an alpine endemic plant whose aerial parts are harvested by the locals mainly for the digestive properties. Despite its widespread use, few studies have been conducted to date to verify its bioactivity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the work was to meet the tradition confirming with experimental data the popular belief that the consumption of this species offers beneficial effects to the gastrointestinal system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using Soxhlet apparatus, the dried aerial parts of A. erba-rotta subsp. moschata were successively extracted with petroleum ether (PET), dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH). The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus while infusion (AE) was prepared following the traditional local recipe. Their chemical characterization was performed by various techniques including SPME-GC/MS, GC/MS and HPLC/MS-MS. An in vitro biological screening was carried out. The influence of AE on lipid digestion was monitored by titration of free fatty acids (FFA) during pancreatic lipase activity with the pH-stat method. For all extracts and EO, the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was assessed by the broth microdilution method, the influence on cell viability was evaluated against NCI-N87, OE21 and Caco-2 cell lines and a preliminary toxicity evaluation was done using Brine Shrimp lethality (BSL) assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was evidenced by interleukin IL-1- induced IL8 expression on Caco-2 cells.

RESULTS

AE increased by 15% the FFA releasing compared to the pancreatic lipase alone. PET, DCM and MeOH extracts as well as AE and EO were considered active against the growth of both antimicrobial susceptible and resistant strains of H. pylori with MIC values starting from 16 μg/mL. PET and DCM (IC₅₀ = 89 μg/mL and 96 μg/mL, respectively, against Caco-2 cell line) extracts showed the high effect on cell viability while the EO reduced in 50% of cell viability at 1.48 μL/mL (NCI-N87 cells), 1.42 μL/mL (OE21 cells), and 3.44 μL/mL (Caco-2 cells) corroborating the BSL results. In different degrees, all extracts and EO inhibited the IL-1β-stimulated IL-8 production in Caco-2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained data are encouraging and provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of A. erba-rotta subsp. moschata as a digestive agent although they need to be further corroborated by studies involving the investigation of both the in vivo activities and the role of the compounds detected in the extracts.

β-Caryophyllene Counteracts Chemoresistance Induced by Cigarette Smoke in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-468 Cells

Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) has been associated with an increased risk of fatal breast cancers and recurrence, along with chemoresistance and chemotherapy impairment. This strengthens the interest in chemopreventive agents to be exploited both in healthy and oncological subjects to prevent or repair CS damage. In the present study, we evaluated the chemopreventive properties of the natural sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene towards the damage induced by cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-468 cells. Particularly, we assessed the ability of the sesquiterpene to interfere with the mechanisms exploited by CSC to promote cell survival and chemoresistance, including genomic instability, cell cycle progress, autophagy/apoptosis, cell migration and related pathways. β-Caryophyllene was found to be able to increase the CSC-induced death of MDA-MB-468 cells, likely triggering oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; moreover, it hindered cell recovery, autophagy activation and cell migration; at last, a marked inhibition of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation was highlighted: this could represent a key mechanism of the chemoprevention by β-caryophyllene. Although further studies are required to confirm the in vivo efficacy of β-caryophyllene, the present results suggest a novel strategy to reduce the harmful effect of smoke in cancer patients and to improve the survival expectations in breast cancer women.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L., Kompolti cv.) and Hop (Humulus lupulus L., Chinook cv.) Essential Oil and Hydrolate: HS-GC-MS Chemical Investigation and Apoptotic Activity Evaluation

In this study, essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (Hys) from Italian hemp (Cannabis sativa L. Kompolti cv.) and hop (Humulus Lupulus L., Chinook cv.) supply chains were chemically characterized and tested to investigate their apoptotic potential for the first time. Headspace–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) techniques were performed to describe their volatile chemical profile, highlighting a composition rich in terpene derivatives such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes among which β-myrcene, limonene, β-caryophyllene and α-humulene were the main constituents of EOs; in contrast, linalool, cis-p-menth-2,8-dien-1-ol, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, caryophyllene oxide, and τ-cadinol were found in the Hys. The cytotoxicity activity on human leukemia cells (HL60), human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), human metastatic adenocarcinoma breast cells (MCF7), human adenocarcinoma breast cells (MDA), and normal breast epithelial cell (MCF10A) for the EOs and Hys was studied by MTT assay and cytofluorimetric analysis and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed to define ultrastructural changes and the mechanism of cells death for HL 60 cells. An induction of the apoptotic mechanism was evidenced for hemp and hop EOs after treatment with the corresponding EC₅₀ dose. In addition, TEM and SEM investigations revealed typical characteristics induced by the apoptotic pathway. Therefore, thanks to the integration of the applied methodologies with the used techniques, this work provides an overview on the metabolomic profile and the apoptotic potential of hemp and hop EOs and, for the first time, also of Hys. The findings of this preliminary study confirm that the EOs and Hys from Cannabis and Humulus species are sources of bioactive molecules with multiple biological effects yet to be explored.

Gut Microbiota Structure and Metabolites, Before and After Treatment in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Pilot Study

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. Modifications of gut microbiota seem to be associated with the disease, but the impact of gut microbiota on therapies’ outcome remains unclear. A role of T cells in RA pathogenesis has been addressed, particularly on the Th17/Treg cells balance. Our study aimed to evaluate in early RA (ERA) patients compared to a control group, fecal gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids concentrations, and the levels of circulating Th17/Treg and their own cytokines, before and after 3 months of standard treatment (Methotrexate (MTX) plus glucocorticoids). Fecal microbiota characterization was carried out on 19 ERA patients and 20 controls matched for sex and age. Significant decreased biodiversity levels, and a partition on the base of the microbiota composition, between the ERA patients at baseline compared to controls, were observed. The co-occurrent analysis of interactions revealed a characteristic clustered structure of the microbial network in controls that is lost in ERA patients where an altered connection between microbes and clinical parameters/metabolites has been reported. Microbial markers such as Acetanaerobacterium elongatum, Cristiansella massiliensis, and Gracilibacter thermotolerans resulted significantly enriched in control group while the species Blautia gnavus emerged to be more abundant in ERA patients. Our results showed an alteration in Th17/Treg balance with higher Th17 levels and lower Treg levels in ERA group respect to control at baseline, those data improved after therapy. Treatment administration and the achievement of a low disease activity/remission appear to exert a positive pressure on the structure of intestinal microbiota with the consequent restoration of biodiversity, of the structure of microbial network, and of the abundance of taxa that became closer to those presented by the subject without the disease. We also found an association between Blautia gnavus and ERA patients characterized by a significant reduction of propionic acid level. Furthermore significant differences highlighted at baseline among controls and ERA patients are no more evident after treatment. These data corroborate the role played by gut microbiota in the disease and suggest that therapy aimed to restore gut microbiota would improve treatment outcome.

Bioactivity and Chemical Profile of Rubus idaeus L. Leaves Steam-Distillation Extract

The leaves of Rubus idaeus L., a by-product of the fruit food industry, are a known source of bioactive molecules, although the chemical composition has only been partially investigated. The main objective of this study was to examine the biological activities and the chemical composition of the extract of leaves of R. idaeus (RH), obtained by steam distillation (SD). The antioxidant capacity; the total phenolic content (TPC); the cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines; and the antibacterial activity, in addition to the study of the chemical fingerprinting, carried out by Gas/Chromatography-Mass-Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Headspace (HS)-GC/MS, were established. The extract showed a strong antioxidant capacity and a modest antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains, as well as significant cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines (Caco-2 and HL60) and being proliferative on healthy cells. Many of the GC-identified volatile molecules (1,8-cineol, β-linalool, geraniol, caryophyllene, τ-muurolol, citral, α-terpineol, 3- carene, α-terpinen-7-al, etc.) can explain most of the biological properties exhibited by the extract of R. idaeus L. The high biological activity of the RH and the high compatibility with the various matrices suggest good prospects for this extract, both in the food and cosmetic fields or in dietary supplements for improving human health.

Unraveling the Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Coridothymus capitatus Hydrolate against Listeria monocytogenes in Environmental Conditions Encountered in Foods: An In Vitro Study

The increased resistance of bacteria to antimicrobials, as well as the growing interest in innovative and sustainable alternatives to traditional food additives, are driving research towards the use of natural food preservatives. Among these, hydrolates (HYs) have gained attention as “mild” alternatives to conventional antimicrobial compounds. In this study, the response of L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644 exposed to increasing concentrations of Coridothymus capitatus HY (CHY) for 1 h at 37 °C was evaluated by means of Phenotype Microarray, modelling the kinetic data obtained by inoculating control and treated cells into GEN III microplates, after CHY removal. The results revealed differences concerning the growth dynamics in environmental conditions commonly encountered in food processing environments (different carbon sources, pH 6.0, pH 5.0, 1–8% NaCl). More specifically, for treated cells, the lag phase was extended, the growth rate was slowed down and, in most cases, the maximum concentration was diminished, suggesting the persistence of stress even after CHY removal. Confocal Laser Scanner Microscopy evidenced a diffuse aggregation and suffering of the treated cells, as a response to the stress encountered. In conclusion, the treatment with HY caused a stressing effect that persisted after its removal. The results suggest the potential of CHY application to control L. monocytogenes in food environments.

Essential Oils Biofilm Modulation Activity and Machine Learning Analysis on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often involved in airway infections of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. It persists in the hostile CF lung environment, inducing chronic infections due to the production of several virulence factors. In this regard, the ability to form a biofilm plays a pivotal role in CF airway colonization by P. aeruginosa. Bacterial virulence mitigation and bacterial cell adhesion hampering and/or biofilm reduced formation could represent a major target for the development of new therapeutic treatments for infection control. Essential oils (EOs) are being considered as a potential alternative in clinical settings for the prevention, treatment, and control of infections sustained by microbial biofilms. EOs are complex mixtures of different classes of organic compounds, usually used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in traditional medicine. Recently, a wide series of EOs were investigated for their ability to modulate biofilm production by different pathogens comprising S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa strains. Machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to develop classification models in order to suggest a possible antibiofilm action for each chemical component of the studied EOs. In the present study, we assessed the biofilm growth modulation exerted by 61 commercial EOs on a selected number of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF patients. Furthermore, ML has been used to shed light on the EO chemical components likely responsible for the positive or negative modulation of bacterial biofilm formation.

Solanum linnaeanum Leaves: Chemical Profiling of VOCs and Effects on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Monocots and Dicots

Some Solanaceae plants are a rich source of sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins with allelopathic potential. Powder and aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of Solanum linnaeanum Hepper & P.M.L. Jaeger were used to treat the seeds of three target species (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Sinapis alba L. and Trifolium incarnatum L.). Both matrices were evaluated along with untreated controls to determine their toxicity on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that the pre-emergence treatments were able to be very effective against all three species in the filter paper test by inhibiting the germination up to 100 %. The effectiveness was reduced by the interaction with soil. Despite this, significant data were obtained, albeit different according to the applied matrix. In general, L. multiflorum was the most sensitive to both the action of the leaf powder and aqueous extract while S. alba was found to be the most resistant to powder activity and T. incarnatum had the strongest response to the extract. For the first time, SPME-GC/MS technique was used to characterize the volatile chemical profile of S. linnaeanum leaves. The analyses highlighted the presence of different classes of compounds including terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids potentially useful in the fight against noxious plants both in natural and cultivated ecosystems.

A Comprehensive Phytochemical Analysis of Terpenes, Polyphenols and Cannabinoids, and Micromorphological Characterization of 9 Commercial Varieties of Cannabis sativa L

New hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) strains developed by crossbreeding selected varieties represent a novel research topic worthy of attention and investigation. This study focused on the phytochemical characterization of nine hemp commercial cultivars. Hydrodistillation was performed in order to collect the essential oils (EO), and also the residual water and deterpenated biomass. The volatile fraction was analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS, and SPME-GC-MS, revealing three main chemotypes. The polyphenolic profile was studied in the residual water and deterpenated biomass by spectrophotometric assays, and HPLC-DAD-MSⁿ and ¹H-NMR analyses. The latter were employed for quali-quantitative determination of cannabinoids in the deterpenated material in comparison with the one not subjected to hydrodistillation. In addition, the glandular and non-glandular indumentum of the nine commercial varieties was studied by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in the attempt to find a possible correlation with the phytochemical and morphological traits. The EO and residual water were found to be rich in monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and flavonol glycosides, respectively, while the deterpenated material was found to be a source of neutral cannabinoids. The micromorphological survey allowed us to partly associate the phytochemistry of these varieties with the hair morphotypes. This research sheds light on the valorization of different products from the hydrodistillation of hemp varieties, namely, essential oil, residual water, and deterpenated biomass, which proved to be worthy of exploitation in industrial and health applications.

Valorization of Kiwi Peels: Fractionation, Bioactives Analyses and Hypotheses on Complete Peels Recycle

Kiwi fruit samples (Actinidia deliciosa Planch, cv. Hayward) represent a suitable and good source for fibers obtainment as well as for polyphenolic and carotenoid extraction. With this aim, in this study they were submitted to a double phase extraction to separate insoluble fibers by an organic phase containing lipophilic substances and an hydroalcoholic phase containing polyphenols and soluble fibers. Insoluble fibers could be separated by filtration and sent to be micronized and reused. Hydroalcoholic fractions were then furtherly fractionated by solid-phase extraction. Data coming from the color CIEL*a*b* and the HPLC-DAD analyses of the extracts were compared and correlate with those coming from the SPME-GC/MS analysis of either the finely shredded peels or of the extracts. The obtained extracts were also submitted to anti-radical activity evaluation and anti-Candida activity. Results show that all of the obtained residues are value added products. Hypotheses were also made about the nature and the possible recycle of the obtained purified solid residue.

Il Silenzio: The First Renaissance Oil Painting on Canvas from the Uffizi Museum Restored with a Safe, Green Antimicrobial Emulsion Based on Citrus aurantium var. amara Hydrolate and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil

Preserving artworks from the attacks of biodeteriogens is a primary duty of humanity. Nowadays, restorers use chemicals potentially dangerous for both artworks and human health. The purpose of this work was to find a green and safe formulation based on natural substances with fungicidal activity to restore ancient oil paintings, particularly “Il Silenzio” (by Jacopo Zucchi) preserved at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy. The study was divided into two phases. First phase (in vitro study): three essential oils (EOs) and four hydrolates (Hys) were analysed by GC-mass spectrometry and in vitro tested against six ATCC strains of molds. An emulsion based on the more active natural compounds was tested on aged and unaged canvases samples to evaluate both their fungicidal activity and the impact on chemical-physical parameters. Finally, an in vivo toxicity test performed on the Galleria mellonella model assessed the safety for health. Second phase (in situ application): the emulsion was sprayed on the back of the painting and left to act for 24 h. Biodeteriogens present on the “Il Silenzio” painting were microbiologically identified before and after the treatment. The emulsion formulated with C. zeylanicum EO and C. aurantium var. amara Hy showed the best antifungal activity both in vitro and in situ without altering the chemical-physical characteristics of paintings. Furthermore, no in vivo toxicity was shown. For the first time, a green antimicrobial emulsion based on Hy and EO, safe for operators, was used to decontaminate an artwork colonised by fungi before the restoration practices.

Anti-Mold Effectiveness of a Green Emulsion Based on Citrus aurantium Hydrolate and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil for the Modern Paintings Restoration

A modern painting is characterized by multi-material bases extremely exposed to biodeteriogenic attacks. The aim of this work was to test the antifungal effectiveness of a natural, eco-friendly, and safe emulsion based on Citrus aurantium L. var. amara hydrolate and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (from bark) essential oil, named “Zeylantium green emulsion” (Zege), on modern paintings. Colored unaged and aged canvas samples, performed with modern techniques (acrylic, vinylic and alkyd), were used to test in vitro both the antifungal effectiveness of Zege and its impact on the chemical–physical characteristics. Microbiological tests were performed according to the EUCAST international guidelines. pH measurements and colorimetric analysis were performed on unaged and aged canvases before and after Zege spray treatment. Finally, in situ tests were performed using the spray emulsion on canvas samples obtained from Ilaria Margutti’s modern artwork, which had been colonized by molds. Microbiological tests on canvas prototypes showed a time- and dose-dependent effectiveness of the Zege spray. None of the techniques underwent relevant changes in pH. Only the acrylic colors were unaffected in the colorimetric analysis, among all colored unaged or aged canvases. Tests made with modern artwork samples confirmed the in situ antifungal effectiveness. The Zege spray showed encouraging results in regard to the use of this formulation in the restoration of modern paintings.

Foeniculum vulgare Miller, a New Chemotype from Montenegro

Previous studies relating to prolonged and fractionated distillation procedures highlighted essential oils' (EOs) chemical composition to be significantly dependent on the extraction duration and harvesting time. As a continuation, a hydrodistillation procedure was applied to ripe fruit material of fennel, Foeniculum vulgare Miller (Apiaceae), collected from three localities in Montenegro (Podgorica, Nikšić, and Kotor) to furnish a total of 12 EOs. Liquid and vapor phases of the samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Headspace-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry techniques, and 18 compounds have been identified. Although both quantitative and qualitative differences between the samples were notable, the phenylpropanoids anethole (ANE) and estragole and the monoterpenoids α-terpineol (TER) and fenchone (FEN) could be singled out as the most abundant constituents. The EOs from Podgorica belong to the most common ANE-rich chemotype, while the predominance of the monoterpenoid fraction is characteristic of the samples from Nikšić and Kotor. The latter is particularly rich in TER (up to 56.5%), with significant amounts of FEN and ANE. This chemical profile could represent a new chemotype of fennel EO. Vapor phases contained mainly monoterpenoids, with increased amounts of FEN and TER, while the number of phenylpropanoids was significantly decreased.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Tunisian Ziziphus lotus Extracts: Evaluation of Drying Effect, Solvent Extraction, and Extracted Plant Parts

The Tunisian Ziziphus lotus plant was investigated to determine its phytoconstituents and evaluate its biological activities. In particular, the GC/MS technique was used to describe the chemical composition of Z. lotus active extracts and fractions. Among the obtained extracts, the yields of the dried root methanolic extract (29.80%) and the fruit aqueous extract (48.00%) were the highest ones. The dried root methanolic extract exhibited the highest amount in the total phenolics (186.44 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoids (102.50 ± 3.53 mg QE/g DW), and tannins (60.714 ± 2.2 mg catechin/g DW). The root aqueous extracts revealed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 8.96 ± 0.38 mg/L and 16.46 ± 0.60 mg/L for the ABTS^•+ and DPPH• assays, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity was accorded to the methanolic extract of the dried roots with a value of 304.07 ± 1.11 µg AAE/mg. The drying process was found to improve the qualitative and quantitative properties of the Z. lotus extracts. The evaluation of the cytotoxic activity against the SH-SY5Y cell line was carried out using MTT assay. The petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of the dried roots showed relevant cytotoxic activities. The thin layer chromatography and the GC-MS/GC-FID analysis led to the identification of the 13-epimanool as a potent cytotoxic compound.

A Comparative Study of the Chemical Composition by SPME-GC/MS and Antiradical Activity of Less Common Citrus Species

Citrus secondary metabolites, such as terpene compounds, are very important for human health due to their bioactivity including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects. In this work, for the first time, the volatile chemical composition of peels and juices from four different Citrus species (C. junos, Citrus × aurantium, C. aurantium 'Bizzarria' and C. medica 'Florentina', commonly known as Yuzu jeune, Oni Yuzu, Bizzarria orange and Florence cedar, respectively) was investigated by Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) technique and the antiradical activity was also examined. The results showed that limonene and γ-terpinene were the main volatile substances detected both in the juices and in the peels, followed by other minority compounds responsible for the phyto-complex of the unique aromas which characterize each individual analyzed Citrus species. Principal component analysis (PCA), performed on volatile compounds, showed both some correlation as well as a clear separation between the juice and the peel of each species. Among them, Oni Yuzu juice was found to be the richest in total polyphenols and flavonoids while its capacity to scavenge ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• radicals was similar to that of Yuzu Jeune and Bizzarria orange.

Headspace/GC-MS Analysis and Investigation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oils and Hydrolates from Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Miller

In this work, essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (Hys) of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill., grown in Tuscany (Italy), were studied to describe their chemical composition and biological activities. The aromatic profile of the EOs liquid phase was carried out by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), while the volatile composition of vapor phase EOs and Hys was performed by headspace (HS)/GC–MS. The obtained results show that monoterpene hydrocarbons (71.5% and 89.5%) were the main compounds, followed by oxygenated monoterpenes (26.0% and 10.5%) in the liquid and vapor phase of R. officinalis EO, respectively. The oxygenated monoterpenes were the main components of L. angustifolia EO, reaching 86.9% in the liquid phase and 53.7% in the vapor phase. Regarding Hys, they consisted only of oxygenated monoterpenes, and 1,8-cineole (56.2%) and linalool (42.9%), were the main components of R. officinalis and L. officinalis Hys, respectively. Their cytotoxicity was investigated on an SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cell line by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, showing a notable effect of the EOs with a time-independent manner of activity and half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) values quite similar for the two plant species (from 0.05% to 0.06% v/v for the three time points evaluated). A measurable activity of Hys was also obtained although with higher EC₅₀ values. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC^® 25922, Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC^® 13525, Acinetobacter bohemicus DSM 102855 as Gram-negative bacteria and Kocuria marina DSM 16420, Bacillus cereus ATCC^® 10876 as Gram-positive bacteria, was evaluated by the agar disk-diffusion method and the VPT (vapor phase test) to determinate the MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) and the MBC (minimal bactericidal concentration) values. Both EOs possessed a high activity against all the bacterial strains with MIC values ranging from 0.19% to 3.13% v/v. Unlike EOs, Hys did not show an inhibition of the bacterial growth at the tested concentrations. Furthermore, antioxidant power was measured by 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt-based (ABTS•+) and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, showing a remarkable ability to reduce radicals by both EOs; Hys were slightly less active. The findings highlighted that R. officinalis and L. angustifolia EOs and Hys have a chemical composition rich in bioactive molecules, which can exert different biological activities.