Bioactive Profiling, Antibacterial Efficacy and Computational Modelling of Myrtus Communis Essential Oil (Morocco).

In the context of investigations into molecules of natural origin with biological activities. This study focuses on the development of Myrtus communis L., a medicinal plant found in the mountains of Morocco. The first, an analysis carried out on leaves using the inductively coupled plasma spectrometry technique, showed the almost total absence of heavy metals. Furthermore, we aim to identify the chemical composition of its essential oils by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis and assess its antibacterial efficacy in vitro and in silico. The average yield of essential oils was 0.9 %±0.06, and GC/MS analysis identified 35 constituents, with myrcene (27,38 %), limonene (16,51 %), α-pinene (7,32 %) being the major compounds. Remarkably, the essential oils displayed considerable antibacterial activity against various tested bacteria, including Escherichia coli (0.7 µL/mL), Escherichia pseudocoloides (2.8 µl/ml), Escherichia vekanda (2.8 µl/ml). Molecular docking has contributed to our understanding of the mechanism of antibacterial action of the main compounds in this essential oil.

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

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

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Myrtus communis essential oils in cold-stored lactic butter.

BACKGROUND: The use of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in dairy production can increase the variety of dairy-based products. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial changes in lactic butter samples made from heat-treated creams and enriched with M. communis essential oils (EOs) were investigated. RESULTS: The best lactic butter properties were achieved by optimizing the process at 70 and 80 °C. M. communis EOs decreased lipid oxidation and spoilage microorganism growth in lactic butter during cold storage. M. communis EOs have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in lactic butter equal to that of ascorbyl palmitate. α-Pinene, p-cymene, limonene, 3-carene, 1,8-cineol, ß-linalool, α-terpineol and myretenol are the major contributors to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of M. communis EOs. They exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals by donating hydrogen or acting as termination enhancers, and antimicrobial activity by disruption of cell membranes, which may result in the leakage of macromolecules or the loss of essential metabolites, ultimately leading to cell death during the storage of lactic butter samples. CONCLUSION: The addition of M. communis EOs improves lactic butter stability equal to that of ascorbyl palmitate, and may be applied as a natural and effective preservative to maintain butter from lipid oxidation and microbial spoilage and enhance its safety. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The growing recognition of the health benefits of natural antioxidants, as opposed to synthetic ones, has led to the development of new applications for natural antioxidants. In this regard, M. communis L. EOs can be used to enhance the shelf stability of cold-stored lactic butter. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Biological control of Citrus brown spot pathogen, "Alternaria alternata" by different essential oils.

The antifungal effects of laurel, myrtle and peppermint essential oils and their combinations were investigated in vitro on two strains of Alternaria alternata mycelial growth and in vivo on detached Citrus leaf disease incidence. Myrtle essential oil was rich in α-pinene and 1,8-cineole while peppermint essential oil in menthol and menthone. 1,8-Cineole was the main component of the essential oils from laurel, laurel + myrtle and peppermint + laurel. The combined peppermint and myrtle essential oil was characterized by the predominance of menthol and 1,8-cineole. All tested essential oils, incorporated in potato-dextrose agar, inhibited A. alternata mycelial growth and had a fungistatic effect at concentration 3 mg/mL of medium. A great synergism was detected between peppermint and laurel essential oils against the two strains of A. alternata. The combined laurel and peppermint essential oil reduced mycelial growth rates of inoculated detached leaves at concentration above 1.5 mg/mL.

Assessment of anthelmintic potentials of Myrtus communis against Haemonchus contortus and Heligmosomoides polygyrus.

Anthelmintic resistance in grazing livestock systems has been spreading worldwide in prevalence and severity. Therefore, alternative measures including the use of herbal anthelmintic is considered as one of the successful approaches for the control of anthelmintic resistance. In the present report, we describe the chemical constituents of Myrtus communis essential oil, its in vitro anthelmintic effect against the most pathogenic gastrointestinal parasite of sheep; Haemonchus contortus and its in vivo anthelmintic potential using an in vivo gastrointestinal parasite model of rodents; i.e. Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Chromatographic analyzes of the essential oil (EO) extracted from the leaves of M. communis have shown that this oil was composed mainly of a α-pinene (33.59%), eucalyptol (23.85%) and limonene (14.70%). Regarding the in vitro anthelmintic potential, the ovicidal effect was confirmed in an egg hatch inhibition assay at IC50 = 0.7 mg/mL and with 95.83% of immobility of adult worm's after 8 h of exposure to 2 mg/mL of M. communis EO. The anthelmintic capacity of M. communis EO was also confirmed by in vivo assays conducted against the murine parasite H. polygyrus. In fact, at 1200 mg/kg bw of M. communis EO, a reduction of 99.70% in faecal egg counts was observed after 7 days of oral treatment, together with a 71.12% reduction in total worm counts. Based on the obtained results, M. communis EO showed relevant in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic effects against gastro-intestinal parasites.

Hyperforin and Myrtucommulone Derivatives Act as Natural Modulators of Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling in HCT116 Colon Cancer Cells.

The therapeutic activities of natural plant extracts have been well known for centuries. Many of them, in addition to antiviral and antibiotic effects, turned out to have anti-tumor activities by targeting different signaling pathways. The canonical Wnt pathway represents a major tumorigenic pathway deregulated in numerous tumor entities, including colon cancer. Here, we investigated the acylphloroglucinols hyperforin (HF) from St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) and myrtucommulone A (MC A) from myrtle (Myrtus communis) and semi-synthetic derivatives thereof (HM 177, HM 297, HM298) for their effects on Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. None of these substances revealed major cytotoxicity on STF293 embryonic kidney and HCT116 colon carcinoma cells at concentrations up to 10 µM. At this concentration, HF and HM 177 showed the strongest effect on cell proliferation, whereas MC A and HM 177 most prominently inhibited anchorage-independent growth of HCT116 cells. Western blot analyses of active ß-catenin and ß-catenin/TCF reporter gene assays in STF293 cells revealed inhibitory activities of HF, MC A and HM 177. In line with this, the expression of endogenous Wnt target genes, Axin and Sp5, in HCT116 cells was significantly reduced. Our data suggest that the acylphloroglucinols hyperforin, myrtucommulone A and its derivative HM 177 represent potential new therapeutic agents to inhibit Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in colon cancer.

Olive mill wastewater phytoremediation employing economically important woody plants.

In this study two plant species, Punica granatum L. and Myrtus communis L., have been tested as candidates for phytoremediation of olive mill wastewater (OMW) through recirculation in soil pilot units, according to the proposed patented technology by Santori and Cicalini [EP1216963 A. 26 Jun 2002]. Wastewater was treated in batches of low to high organics strength (COD: 2 700-45 700 mg/L) during summer months of two consecutive years. Dynamics of the most important wastewater parameters were investigated, and corresponding removal rates were estimated. During treatment of low organic load OMW, average removal rate of organics, phenolics, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were 0.68 g-COD/kg-soil d, 0.073 g-TPh/kg-soil d, 0.033 g-TN/kg-soil d and 0.0074 g-TP/kg-soil d respectively and plants proved to be tolerant to the OMW. During treatment of high organic load OMW removal rates were roughly 10-fold higher although phytotoxic symptoms were observed. Plants were found to contribute greatly to the OMW treatment process since organics removal rates in pilot units were found to be at least 10-fold higher than in wastewater treatment in non-vegetated soil. Plant species with high added value products such as pomegranate and myrtle trees were used in this study, improving the circular economy potential of the aforementioned technology. Moreover, its efficiency has been demonstrated by quantification of the overall removal rates of key constituents as well as the contribution of the plants in the OMW treatment.

Gastroprotective Effect of Microencapsulated Myrtus communis Essential Oil against Ethanol/HCl-Induced Acute Gastric Lesions.

Myrtus communis L. essential oil (EO), mainly composed of myrtenyl acetate (30.6%), linalool (14.9%), α-pinene (11.10%) and 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol (9.9%), was microencapsulated with maltodextrin by emulsification and spray-drying, reaching a yield and efficiency of 43.7 and 48.7%, respectively. The microencapsulated myrtle EO (MMEO) was then evaluated regarding its gastroprotective activity in a model of ethanol/HCl-induced acute gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. Pretreatment with MMEO induced a remarkable inhibition of gastric lesions and acidity, correlated to high healing and protection percentages. Moreover, it exerted a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the gastric mucosa, counteracting EtOH-induced gastric lipoperoxidation and preventing the depletion of the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Taken together, the gastroprotective action of encapsulated MMEO may be multi-factorial, and ascribable, at least in parts, to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Gallomyrtucommulones G and H, New Phloroglucinol Glycosides, from Bioactive Fractions of Myrtus communis against Staphylococcus Species.

Myrtaceae family is a continuous source of antimicrobial agents. In the search for novel antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus species, bioactive fractions of Myrtus communis L., growing in the Sardinia island (Italy) have been investigated. Their phytochemical analysis led us to isolate and characterize four alkylphloroglucinol glycosides (1-4), three of them gallomyrtucommulones G-H (1,2), and myrtucommulonoside (4) isolated and characterized for the first time. The structures of the new and known compounds, endopreroxide G3 (5), myricetin-3-O-glycosides (6,7) were determined based on the spectroscopic evidence including 1D-/2D-NMR and HR-MS spectrometry. Enriched fractions as well as pure compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity by broth micro-dilution assay against Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus. Results reported herein demonstrated that gallomyrtucommulone G (1) showed a selective antimicrobial activity against both S. aureus strains (ATCC 29213 and 43300) until 16 µg/mL while gallomyrtucommulone D (3) showed the best growth inhibition value at 64 µg/mL.

Biochemical Research of the Effects of Essential Oil Obtained from the Fruit of Myrtus communis L. on Cell Damage Associated with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemia in a Human Umbilical Cord Vein Endothelial Cells.

The aim of this study to investigate the potential effects of essential oils and compounds obtained from MC fruit on sepsis induced endothelial cell damage in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at molecular and cellular levels on in vitro sepsis model. A sepsis model was induced by the application of LPS. The HUVEC treatment groups were as follows: control, LPS, MC, MC plus LPS, 1.8 cineole, 1.8 cineole plus LPS, α-pinene, α-pinene plus LPS, α-terpineol, and α-terpineol plus LPS. Following the treatments, cell proliferation was analyzed using the xCELLigence® system. The mRNA expression of various cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6] and endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The 1.8 cineole and α-pinene treatments at specific doses showed toxic effects on α-terpineine, although it did not result in a change in the cellular index as compared with that of the control group. The application of LPS to HUVECs led to a significant decrease in the cellular index, depending on the treatment time. It did not correct the decreased cell index of MC plus LPS and α-terpineol plus LPS groups as compared with that of the LPS-only group. The 1.8 cineole plus LPS treatment and α-pinene plus LPS treatment significantly increased the cell index as compared with that of the LPS-only treatment, and the cell index in these groups was closer to that of the control. According to the results of the qPCR analysis, neither the MC-only treatment nor the α-terpineol-only treatment significantly reduced cellular damage caused by LPS-induced increases in TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and eNOS mRNA expression. However, both the 1.8 cineole treatment and α-pinene treatments significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and eNOS mRNA expression induced by LPS. Volatile oil obtained from MC fruit and the MC compound α-terpineol had no effect on the decreased cell index and increased cytokine response due to LPS-induced endothelial cell damage. However, 1.8 cineole and α-pinene, other major components of MC fruit, ameliorated LPS-induced damage in HUVECs at cellular and biomolecular levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and eNOS).

Chemical Variability of Moroccan Myrtle Oil.

Thirty-three oil samples isolated from aerial parts of Myrtus communis L. harvested in seven localities, from Northern to Central Morocco, have been analyzed by combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The 33 compositions have been subjected to statistical analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Two groups have been differentiated on the basis of their myrtenyl acetate and α-pinene contents and each one was sub-divided in two sub-groups according to the contents of 1,8-cineole and linalool. The compositions of our 33 myrtle oil samples may be named as follow by their main components: sub-group IA (13/33): α-pinene/1,8-cineole/linalool; sub-group IB (6/33): 1,8-cineole/α-pinene; sub-group IIA (10/33): 1,8-cineole/myrtenyl acetate; sub-group IIB (4/33): myrtenyl acetate.

Myrtus communis Essential Oil; Anti-Parasitic Effects and Induction of the Innate Immune System in Mice with Toxoplasma gondii Infection.

BACKGROUND: Myrtus communis (M. communis) is a wild aromatic plant used for traditional herbal medicine that can be demonstrated in insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity of its essential oils (MCEO). AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effects of M. communis essential oil (MCEO) against chronic toxoplasmosis induced by the Tehran strain of Toxoplasma gondii in mice. METHODS: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed to determine the chemical composition of MCEO. Mice were then orally administrated with MCEO at the doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day and also atovaquone 100 mg/kg for 21 days. On the 15th day, the mice were infected with the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from the Tehran strain of T. gondii. The mean numbers of brain tissue cysts and the mRNA levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in mice of each tested group were measured. RESULTS: By GC/MS, the major constituents were α-pinene (24.7%), 1,8-cineole (19.6%), and linalool (12.6%), respectively. The results demonstrated that the mean number of T. gondii tissue cysts in experimental groups Ex1 (p < 0.05), Ex2 (p < 0.001) and Ex3 (p < 0.001) was meaningfully reduced in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control group (C2). The mean diameter of tissue cyst was significantly reduced in mice of the experimental groups Ex2 (p < 0.01) and Ex3 (p < 0.001). The results demonstrated that although the mRNA levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 were elevated in all mice of experimental groups, a significant increase (p < 0.001) was observed in tested groups of Ex2 and Ex3 when compared with control groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study demonstrated the potent prophylactic effects of MCEO especially in the doses 200 and 300 mg/kg in mice infected with T. gondii. Although the exceptional anti-Toxoplasma effects of MCEO and other possessions, such as improved innate immunity and low toxicity are positive topics, there is, however, a need for more proof from investigations in this field.

[Discussion on traditional Chinese medicine properties of Myrtus communis leaves based on literature analysis and Chinese medicine theory].

Myrtus communis is a traditional medicinal aromatic plant in the Mediterranean. At present, the plant has been introduced and cultivated in the southern part of China, and it is mostly used for ornamental or cosmetic purposes. Based on literature analysis and the theory of Chinese medicine, we discussed the medicinal parts and properties of M. communis in this paper to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the medicinal value of M. communis and its compatibility with traditional Chinese medicines. Literatures were searched from Web of Science(core collection), PubMed, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang by using the set conditions as key words. Then the obtained literatures were screened and classified. Finally, a total of 376 articles were included, consisting of 44 reviews, 54 germplasm resources, 78 chemical researches, 48 studies on application, extraction, or quality, 18 human trials, 132 pharmacological studies, and 2 safety studies. Based on literature analysis and theories of Chinese medicine, the leaves of M. communis were finally selected as the medicinal part of Chinese medicine, and the traditional Chinese medicine properties of M. communis leaves were deduced as pungent, bitter, and cool. The channel tropisms of M. communis leaves included lung, liver, and large intestine, with functions of detoxifying, resolving a mass, and insecticide. It was used for mouth sores, vaginal itching, hemorrhoids and warts, etc.; appropriate amount shall be applied for external use, and the decoction form shall be used for washing the affected parts; 3-12 g equivalent product shall be used in decoction, and this herb shall be put into the decoction in a later stage. The clarification of the medicinal parts of M. communis, and the determination of the Chinese medicine properties of M. communis leaves would lay a theoretical foundation for its compatibility and application with Chinese medicines, and can do more contribution to the medical and healthcare industry in our country.

Understanding neighborhood effects to increase restoration success of woody plant communities.

Revegetation is the most common procedure in the restoration of disturbed areas; this practice usually aims at reconstructing plant communities that can last without further management. A low-cost strategy to assist these efforts is the application of ecological knowledge in the design of the restoration. Promoting ecological processes that enhance the functioning of the restored community could result in higher restoration success. Among these processes, plant-plant interactions, e.g., facilitation and competition, can play an important role, both facilitating and impeding the development of a self-sustaining plant community. Although these processes have been well-studied in nature, we rarely have sufficient knowledge about the whole plant community. To develop that knowledge, we leverage on a restoration experiment that took place after a mine toxic spill, where ~15,000 woody plants from 13 species were planted and geolocated. Species were planted in three mixtures mimicking natural communities found along soil moisture gradients (xerophyte, intermediate, and hydrophyte). Plantings also varied in density. Approximately 2,600 plants were monitored for damage status, survival, and growth, for 4 yr. We analyzed growth performance of six targeted species as a function of their damage status, planted mixture, and density. Growth was also assessed on the basis of neighboring plants, accounting for the species identity and distance to the focal plant. Results show that survival among planted species was relatively high and was mostly unaffected by mixture or density of the plantings. Only very damaged plants in one species experienced a decrease in survival with increasing density. Neighborhood effects on growth show positive, neutral, and negative interactions among the tested species; these also varied depending on the type of growth performance considered (height, crown area, diameter). The species-specific results ranged from positive to negative, varying between pair of species and growth performance metric. Results gathered from our neighborhood analyses on plant growth provide valuable information for the design of planting schemes that could enhance the performance of the target species. The methods developed can be applied to other systems and species. Given the potential impacts that facilitation and competition may have during revegetation, these interactions could be considered in restoration operations.

Antibacterial Triketone-Phloroglucinol-Triketone Adducts from Myrtus communis.

Myrtucyclitones A-C ((+)- and (-)-1-3), three pairs of new triketone-phloroglucinol-triketone hybrids were isolated from the plant Myrtus communis. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by NMR analysis and chemical calculations. Myrtucyclitones B and C exhibited remarkable antibacterial effect.

Phloroglucinol Derivatives from Myrtus communis 'Variegata' and Their Antibacterial Activities.

Myrtucomvalones D-F, three new triketone-phloroglucinol-triketone adducts, and three known ones (myrtucommulone E, myrtucommulone D and callistenone D) were obtained from Myrtus communis 'Variegata'. Myrtucomvalone D is a pair of enantiomers which was further resolved into (+)-myrtucomvalone D and (-)-myrtucomvalone D by chiral HPLC. Their structures and complete stereochemistry were established from interpretation of NMR and crystallographic data and chemical calculations. Myrtucomvalone F, myrtucommulone D and callistenone D showed significant antibacterial activities.

Selection of Optimal Operating Conditions for Extraction of Myrtus Communis L. Essential Oil by the Steam Distillation Method.

Myrtus communis L. is one of the important aromatic and medicinal species from the Mediterranean area. It is used in various fields such as culinary, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and industrial applications. Thus, a Box-Wilson experimental plan was used in this study to select the optimal operating conditions in order to obtain high volumes of essential oils. The factorial design method was applied to evaluate at an industrial scale the effect of major process variables on the essential oil extraction from Myrtus communis L. herbs by the steam distillation method. The input variables considered as significant operating conditions were: X1-boiler occupancy rate (boilers were filled to 50%, 75%, and 100%), X2-distillation duration (distillation was continued 60, 75, and 90 min), and X3-particle size (herbs were cut in sizes of 10, 20, and 30 mm via guillotine). The dependent variable selected, coded as Y, was the essential oil volume obtained (mL). The steps of the classical statistical experimental design technique were complemented with the Taguchi method to improve the extraction efficacy of essential oil from Myrtus communis L., and the optimum parameter conditions were selected: boiler occupancy rate 100%, distillation duration 75 min, and particle size 20 mm. Following the optimum parameters, the GC-MS assay revealed for the Myrtus communis L. essential oil two predominant components, α-pinene-33.14% and eucalyptol-55.09%.

In vitro evaluation on the scolicidal effect of Myrtus communis L. and Tripleurospermum disciforme L. methanolic extracts.

Hydatid disease, a zoonotic disease, is still endemic in many developing countries that is caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus (E.) granulosus. Surgical management is one of the best choices for the treatment of the hydatidosis and using effective scolicidal agents during hydatid surgery is essential to prevent the secondary infection. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the scolicidal effect of the methanolic extract of Myrtus communis and Tripleurospermum disciforme against protoscoleces of hydatid cyst. Protoscoleces of E. granulosus were aspirated aseptically from infected livers. Various concentrations of M. communis and T. disciforme extracts at different exposure times were examined for their scolicidal activity. Normal saline and silver nitrate were used as negative and positive groups, correspondingly. The viability of protoscoleces was evaluated by 0.1% eosin. The result of the current study indicated that the highest scolicidal effect (100%) of M. communis was obtained at 100 and 50 mg/ml concentrations and LC50 in 10, 20 and 30 min were 11.64 mg/ml, 7.62 mg/ml, and 6.47 mg/ml respectively. The scolicidal activity of T. disciforme was negligible even at high concentration. The findings have shown that the scolicidal activity of M. communis against echinococcosis protoscoleces was strong, while the T. disciforme extract showed fewer effects. However, further studies are required for identification of the active ingredients in the extract and its safety on cells in effective concentrations.

A Two-Year Bio-Agronomic and Chemotaxonomic Evaluation of Wild Sicilian Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Berries and Leaves.

A collection of nine Myrtus communis samples from different localities of Sicily was evaluated. Morphological traits and production characteristics have been chosen as parameters to arrange the samples into homogeneous groups and to identify the best biotypes for possible future agro-industrial exploitation. The plant material has been subjected to taxonomic characterization from biometric and phytochemical perspectives. Myrtle berries and leaves have been analyzed for their content in metabolites, applying a cascade extraction protocol for M. communis leaves and a single hydroalcoholic extraction for berries, whereas hydrodistillation procedures have been applied to obtain the essential oils from berries and leaves. The analyses of non-volatile components were carried out by LC-UV-DAD-ESI-MS. All the extracts were characterized by the presence of numerous polyphenols, namely highly hydroxylated flavonols such as quercetin and myricetin; and ellagic acid detected in all samples. In addition, myrtle berries contained nine different anthocyanins, namely delphinidin, petunidin, cyanidin and malvidin derivatives. The essential oils (EOs) were analyzed by a combination of GC-FID and GC/MS. A total of 33 and 34 components were fully characterized with the predominance of α-pinene, myrtenyl acetate, linalool, 1,8-cineole and linalyl acetate. All phytochemical profiles were subjected to cluster analyses, which allowed subdividing the myrtle samples in different chemical groups.

Alternative Ultrasound-Assisted Method for the Extraction of the Bioactive Compounds Present in Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.).

The bioactive compounds in myrtle berries, such as phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, have shown a potentially positive effect on human health. Efficient extraction methods are to be used to obtain maximum amounts of such beneficial compounds from myrtle. For that reason, this study evaluates the effectiveness of a rapid ultrasound-assisted method (UAE) to extract anthocyanins and phenolic compounds from myrtle berries. The influence of solvent composition, as well as pH, temperature, ultrasound amplitude, cycle and solvent-sample ratio on the total phenolic compounds and anthocyanins content in the extracts obtained were evaluated. The response variables were optimized by means of a Box-Behnken design. It was found that the double interaction of the methanol composition and the cycle, the interaction between methanol composition and temperature, and the interaction between the cycle and solvent-sample ratio were the most influential variables on the extraction of total phenolic compounds (92.8% methanol in water, 0.2 s of cycle, 60 °C and 10:0.5 mL:g). The methanol composition and the interaction between methanol composition and pH were the most influential variables on the extraction of anthocyanins (74.1% methanol in water at pH 7). The methods that have been developed presented high repeatability and intermediate precision (RSD < 5%) and the bioactive compounds show a high recovery with short extraction times. Both methods were used to analyze the composition of the bioactive compounds in myrtle berries collected from different locations in the province of Cadiz (Spain). The results obtained by UAE were compared to those achieved in a previous study where microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods were employed. Similar extraction yields were obtained for phenolic compounds and anthocyanins by MAE and UAE under optimal conditions. However, UAE presents the advantage of using milder conditions for the extraction of anthocyanins from myrtle, which makes of this a more suitable method for the extraction of these degradable compounds.