The Effect of Peppermint and Thyme Oils on Stabilizing the Fatty Acid Profile of Sunflower Oil.

Presently, there is an increasing shift towards the utilization of natural antioxidants and compounds with protective attributes for fatty acids in order to replace synthetic counterparts that may pose health risks. This transition aligns with the growing emphasis on promoting healthy and organic food choices. Essential oils stand out in this context due to scientific validations of their antioxidant properties. There are few published research results concerning changes in the fatty acid composition in model systems with the addition of essential oils. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating peppermint and thyme oils on inhibiting changes in the fatty acid profile of sunflower oil stored at both room temperature with exposure to daylight and in a thermostat set at 40 °C. The experimental procedure involved the addition of peppermint and thyme oils, along with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), to batches of sunflower oil. The samples were then stored for 11 months. The study observed a detrimental influence of storage conditions on the quantitative changes in the fatty acid profile of the sunflower oil. The addition of BHA stabilized the content of linoleic acid in the sunflower oil (approximately 53 g/100 g of linoleic acid compared to approximately 58 g/100 g in the control sample). Meanwhile, the model system of sunflower oil with the addition of peppermint and thyme oils (40 °C) exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid to approximately 8 g/100 g after eleven months of thermostating. Similar trends to those observed for linoleic acid were noted for the total fatty acid content in the sunflower oil. Notably, the efficacy of the selected substances in inhibiting adverse transformations in fats was contingent upon their concentration and the storage temperature.

Influence of Methods of Corn Starch Modification and Used Sweetener on the Functional Properties of Blackberry Jelly-like Dessert.

A study was conducted on selected physicochemical properties of blackberry jelly-like desserts (kissel) prepared from physically modified starches (with various degrees of inhibition) and chemically modified starches (with various degrees of cross-linking). The desserts were conventionally sweetened with saccharose (S) or, as a dietary alternative, xylitol (X). The characteristics of changes in the viscosity of the kissels as a function of temperature and time were determined. It was noted that regardless of the sweetener used, the viscosity of the kissels increased with the decreasing degree of inhibition (high < medium < low). Regardless of the kind of modification of the starch used for the preparation of the kissels and of the kind of sweetener, thixotropy was observed. Desserts prepared from inhibited starch with xylitol (CL + X) were characterised by the biggest range of their hysteresis loop. Progressing retrogradation was noted with the decrease in the temperature of the experiment (+20 °C and +4 °C). After 7 days of storage, kissels sweetened with saccharose were characterised by a low transparency, which may indicate retarded retrogradation; however, on day 28, the transparency significantly increased, exceeding the values of transmittance for samples sweetened with xylitol. The tendency towards syneresis was tested at +4 °C and −22 °C. The substitution of saccharose with xylitol only caused a slight modification of viscosity. Regardless of the sweetener used and of the level of starch inhibition, lower ranges of the hysteresis loop were noted (apart from CL + X) than in the case of kissels obtained from chemically modified starches. Distinctly lower values of kissel "aging" indices were noted in the case of samples obtained from inhibited starches, and their colour did not significantly differ in relation to the dessert prepared from native starch.

Antinociceptive Effect of a p-Cymene/ß-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in a Murine Cancer Pain Model: Characterization Aided through a Docking Study.

Pain is one of the most prevalent and difficult to manage symptoms in cancer patients, and conventional drugs present a range of adverse reactions. The development of ß-cyclodextrins (ß-CD) complexes has been used to avoid physicochemical and pharmacological limitations due to the lipophilicity of compounds such as p-Cymene (PC), a monoterpene with antinociceptive effects. Our aim was to obtain, characterize, and measure the effect of the complex of p-cymene and ß-cyclodextrin (PC/ß-CD) in a cancer pain model. Initially, molecular docking was performed to predict the viability of complex formation. Afterward, PC/ß-CD was obtained by slurry complexation, characterized by HPLC and NMR. Finally, PC/ß-CD was tested in a Sarcoma 180 (S180)-induced pain model. Molecular docking indicated that the occurrence of interaction between PC and ß-CD is favorable. PC/ß-CD showed complexation efficiency of 82.61%, and NMR demonstrated PC complexation in the ß-CD cavity. In the S180 cancer pain model, PC/ß-CD significantly reduced the mechanical hyperalgesia, spontaneous nociception, and nociception induced by non-noxious palpation at the doses tested (p < 0.05) when compared to vehicle differently from free PC (p > 0.05). Therefore, the complexation of PC in ß-CD was shown to improve the pharmacological effect of the drug as well as reducing the required dose.

GC-MS Chemical Characterization and Antibacterial Effect of the Essential oil of Piper mosenii.

Commercialized mouthwashes are generally expensive for the most financially vulnerable populations. Thus, several studies evaluate the antimicrobial potential of herbal products, such as essential oils, to reduce the activity of microorganisms in the mouth. The objective of this research was to carry out the chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Piper mosenii (EOPm), providing data that enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash formulation aimed at vulnerable communities. The analysis of the antibacterial potential and modulator of bacterial resistance was verified by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, where 23 chemical constituents were detected, with α-pinene, being the major compound. The EOPm showed a MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When the EOPm modulating activity was evaluated together with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against bacterial resistance, the oil showed a significant synergistic effect, reducing the MIC of the products tested in combination, in percentages between 20.6% to 96.3%. Therefore, it is recommended to expand the tests with greater variation of EOPm concentration and the products used in this research, in addition to the evaluation of toxicity and in vivo tests, seeking the development of a possible formulation of mouthwash accessible to the vulnerable population.

Anxiolytic-like Effect of Quercetin Possibly through GABA Receptor Interaction Pathway: In Vivo and In Silico Studies.

Scientific evidence suggests that quercetin (QUR) has anxiolytic-like effects in experimental animals. However, the mechanism of action responsible for its anxiolytic-like effects is yet to be discovered. The goal of this research is to assess QUR's anxiolytic effects in mouse models to explicate the possible mechanism of action. After acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment with QUR at a dose of 50 mg/kg (i.p.), behavioral models of open-field, hole board, swing box, and light-dark tests were performed. QUR was combined with a GABAergic agonist (diazepam) and/or antagonist (flumazenil) group. Furthermore, in silico analysis was also conducted to observe the interaction of QUR and GABA (α5), GABA (ß1), and GABA (ß2) receptors. In the experimental animal model, QUR had an anxiolytic-like effect. QUR, when combined with diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.), drastically potentiated an anxiolytic effect of diazepam. QUR is a more highly competitive ligand for the benzodiazepine recognition site that can displace flumazenil (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). In all the test models, QUR acted similar to diazepam, with enhanced effects of the standard anxiolytic drug, which were reversed by pre-treatment with flumazenil. QUR showed the best interaction with the GABA (α5) receptor compared to the GABA (ß1) and GABA (ß2) receptors. In conclusion, QUR may exert an anxiolytic-like effect on mice, probably through the GABA-receptor-interacting pathway.

UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Spondias tuberosa.

This study aimed to identify the chemical composition of the Spondias tuberosa aqueous leaf and root extracts (EALST and EARST) and to evaluate their effect, comparatively, against opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to a Quadrupole/Time of Flight System (UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF) was employed for chemical analysis. Candida albicans and C. tropicalis standard strains and clinical isolates were used (CA INCQS 40006, CT INCQS 40042, CA URM 5974, and CT URM 4262). The 50% Inhibitory Concentration for the fungal population (IC50) was determined for both the intrinsic action of the extracts and the extract/fluconazole (FCZ) associations. The determination of the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) and the verification of effects over fungal morphological transitions were performed by subculture in Petri dishes and humid chambers, respectively, both based on micro-dilution. UPLC-MS-ESI-QTOF analysis revealed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The association of the extracts with fluconazole, resulted in IC50 values from 2.62 µg/mL to 308.96 µg/mL. The MFC of the extracts was ≥16,384 µg/mL for all tested strains, while fluconazole obtained an MFC of 8192 µg/mL against C. albicans strains. A reduction in MFC against CA URM 5974 (EALST: 2048 µg/mL and EARST: 1024 µg/mL) occurred in the extract/fluconazole association.

Antifungal Effect and Inhibition of the Virulence Mechanism of D-Limonene against Candida parapsilosis.

Yeasts from the Candida parapsilosis complex are clinically relevant due to their high virulence and pathogenicity potential, such as adherence to epithelial cells and emission of filamentous structures, as well as their low susceptibility to antifungals. D-limonene, a natural compound, emerges as a promising alternative with previously described antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal activity; however, its mechanisms of action and antivirulence activity against C. parapsilosis complex species have not been elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antivirulence action, as well as the mechanism of action of D-limonene against isolates from this complex. D-limonene exhibited relevant antifungal activity against C. parapsilosis complex yeasts, as well as excellent antivirulence activity by inhibiting yeast morphogenesis and adherence to the human epithelium. Furthermore, the apoptotic mechanism induced by this compound, which is not induced by oxidative stress, represents an important target for the development of new antifungal drugs.

Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Piper arboreum for Development and Improvement of Mouthwash.

Studies show that more consumers are using natural health products in the modern world. We have noticed a growing demand in markets and the professional community for mouthwashes that contain natural compounds. The objective of this study was to assess the chemical characterization and microbiological potential of the essential oil Piper arboreum (EOPa) to provide data to enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash. The evaluation of the antibacterial and bacterial resistance modulating activity was performed by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, which identified 20 chemical constituents, with caryophyllene oxide being one of the major compounds. The EOPa showed an MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When evaluating the modulating activity of EOPa combined with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against the bacterial resistance, the oil limited synergistic activity between the MIC of the products tested in combination (37% to 87.5%). Therefore, we recommend expanding the tests with greater variation in the EOPa concentration and the products used, as well as toxicity assessments and in vivo testing, with the purpose of the development of a possible low-cost mouthwash base that is accessible to the most vulnerable populations.

Myorelaxant Effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil on Sus scrofa domesticus Coronary Artery and Its Toxicity in the Drosophila melanogaster Model.

PURPOSE: Alternative methods for the use of animals in research have gained increasing importance, due to assessments evaluating the real need for their use and the development of legislation that regulates the subject. The principle of the 3R's (replacement, reduction and refinement) has been an important reference, such that in vitro, ex vivo and cord replacement methods have achieved a prominent place in research. METHODS: Therefore, due to successful results from studies developed with these methods, the present study aimed to evaluate the myorelaxant effect of the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil (EODa) using a Sus scrofa domesticus coronary artery model, and the toxicity of both the Dysphania ambrosioides essential oil and its major constituent, α-terpinene, against Drosophila melanogaster in toxicity and negative geotaxis assays. RESULTS: The EODa relaxed the smooth muscle of swine coronary arteries precontracted with K+ and 5-HT in assays using Sus scrofa domesticus coronary arteries. The toxicity results presented LC50 values of 1.546 mg/mL and 2.282 mg/mL for the EODa and α-terpinene, respectively, thus showing the EODa and α-terpinene presented toxicity to these dipterans, with the EODa being more toxic. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover, the results reveal the possibility of using the EODa in vascular disease studies since it promoted the relaxation of the Sus scrofa domesticus coronary smooth muscle.

The application of PEF technology in food processing and human nutrition.

During the last decades, many novel techniques of food processing have been developed in response to growing demand for safe and high quality food products. Nowadays, consumers have high expectations regarding the sensory quality, functionality and nutritional value of products. They also attach great importance to the use of environmentally-friendly technologies of food production. The aim of this review is to summarize the applications of PEF in food technology and, potentially, in production of functional food. The examples of process parameters and obtained effects for each application have been presented.

Chemical Characteristics and Anticancer Activity of Essential Oil from Arnica Montana L. Rhizomes and Roots.

Arnica montana L. is a medicinal plant with diverse biological activities commonly used in pharmacy and cosmetics. The attributes of A. montana are mainly related to the concentration and chemical composition of essential oils (EOs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of EOs derived from A. montana rhizomes and roots taking into account the age of the plants and to investigate the effect of the analyzed EOs on induction of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy in human glioblastoma multiforme T98G and anaplastic astrocytoma MOGGCCM cell lines. Rhizomes and roots of mountain arnica were harvested at the end of the third and fourth vegetation periods. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined with the GC-MS technique. Among the 37 components of the essential oil of A. montana, 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (46.47%-60.31%), 2,6-diisopropylanisole (14.48%-23.10%), thymol methyl ether (5.31%-17.79%), p-methoxyheptanophenone (5.07%-9.65%), and α-isocomene (0.68%-2.87%), were detected in the rhizomes and roots of the three-year-old plants and in the rhizomes and roots of the four-year-old plants. The plant part (rhizome, root) and plant age can be determinants of the essential oil composition and, consequently, their biological activity. The induction of apoptosis (but not autophagy nor necrosis) at a level of 28.5%-32.3% is a promising result, for which 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene, 2,6-diisopropylanisole, thymol methyl ether, and p-methoxyheptanophenone are probably mainly responsible. The present study is the first report on the anticancer activities of essential oils from A. montana rhizomes and roots.

Effect of rapeseed oil aromatisation with marjoram on the content of volatile fraction and antioxidant properties.

The aim of the paper was to study how the process of aromatisation with marjoram affected the composition of volatile fraction and antioxidant properties of rapeseed oil. Different methods of aromatisation were used: direct addition of marjoram essential oil, classical macerations of marjoram herb, and maceration assisted with ultrasound or microwave. The dominant aromatic component in the volatile fraction was γ-terpinene with concentration in the range from 3.15 µg/mL (microwave assisted maceration) to 8.82 µg/mL (classic maceration with shaking). The content of this compound in the mixture of rapeseed oil with essential oil was 152.09 µg/mL. The sample aromatized by the direct addition of essential oil contained the highest amount of volatile substances but simultaneously it had the lowest antioxidant activity.

Essential Oil from Arnica Montana L. Achenes: Chemical Characteristics and Anticancer Activity.

Mountain arnica Arnica montana L. is a source of several metabolite classes with diverse biological activities. The chemical composition of essential oil and its major volatile components in arnica may vary depending on the geographical region, environmental factors, and plant organ. The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of essential oil derived from A. montana achenes and to investigate its effect on induction of apoptosis and autophagy in human anaplastic astrocytoma MOGGCCM and glioblastoma multiforme T98G cell lines. The chemical composition of essential oil extracted from the achenes was examined with the use of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC-MS. Only 16 components of the essential oil obtained from the achenes of 3-year-old plants and 18 components in the essential oil obtained from the achenes of 4-year-old plants constituted ca. 94.14% and 96.38% of the total EO content, respectively. The main components in the EO from the arnica achenes were 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (39.54 and 44.65%), cumene (13.24 and 10.71%), thymol methyl ether (8.66 and 8.63%), 2,6-diisopropylanisole (8.55 and 8.41%), decanal (7.31 and 6.28%), and 1,2,2,3-tetramethylcyclopent-3-enol (4.33 and 2.94%) in the 3- and 4-year-old plants, respectively. The essential oils were found to exert an anticancer effect by induction of cell death in anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme cells. The induction of apoptosis at a level of 25.7-32.7% facilitates the use of this secondary metabolite in further studies focused on the development of glioma therapy in the future. Probably, this component plays a key role in the anticancer activity against the MOGGCCM and T98G cell lines. The present study is the first report on the composition and anticancer activities of essential oil from A. montana achenes, and further studies are required to explore its potential for future medicinal purposes.

Optimisation of sodium and potassium concentrations and pH in the artificial seminal plasma of common carp Cyprinus carpio L.

The effect of sodium and potassium concentrations as well as optimal pH on the motility of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. sperm during short-term storage in artificial seminal plasma (ASP) was investigated. Sperm was collected from individual males (n = 5) and each sample diluted tenfold (1:9) in ASP (sperm:extender) containing 2 mM CaCl2, 1 mM Mg2SO4 and 20 mM Tris at pH 8.0 and supplemented by the following concentrations of sodium and potassium (mM/mM): 0/150, 20/130, 40/110, 75/75, 110/40, 130/20 and 150/0. The osmolality of all ASP variants was set at 310 mOsm kg-1. Sperm motility was measured using a CASA system during 72 h of storage. Immediately after dilution, sperm motility was high (90%) both in each variant and in the control group (fresh sperm). After 72-h storage, the highest sperm motility was noted in ASP containing 110 mM NaCl and 40 mM KCl. No differences were found in the motility of samples preserved within the pH range of 7.0-9.0. Our data suggest that for the short-term storage of common carp sperm, whereas the pH of the solution does not play a crucial role, a specific potassium concentration of around 40 mM is required.

Porous starch and its application in drug delivery systems.

In recent years, starch has become a new potential biomaterial for pharmaceutical applications. This biopolymer has unique physicochemical and functional characteristics, as well as various advantages such as low price, relative ease of isolation in pure form from the plant source, non-toxicity, biodegradability, good biocompatibility, and interaction with living cells. Starch is currently used in pharmacy as a binder, disintegrating agent, film-forming material, raw material for production of microspheres and nanoparticles, and a component of drug delivery systems. Porous starch, which can be obtained with physical, chemical and enzymatic methods of modification, has a large specific surface area thanks to the presence of pores and channels. It has excellent adsorption capacity and can be used to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs or as shell material to improve the stability and water-solubility of compounds. As a component of drug delivery systems, porous starch has another advantage: it is biodegradable, so there is no need to remove it from the body after the release of the active agent.

Dietary resveratrol improves immunity but reduces reproduction of broodstock medaka Oryzias latipes (Temminck & Schlegel).

Here, we investigated the effect of dietary resveratrol (20, 40, and 80 µg/g BW/day) on cell-mediated immunity (activity of spleen phagocytes and proliferative response of lymphocytes) and reproductive parameters (egg and sperm quality, i.e. fecundity-total number of eggs produced by individual fish, fertility, embryo survival, and hatching rate) in medaka. Fish fed feed with resveratrol at 40 and 80 µg/g BW/day had significantly higher metabolic activity and intracellular phagocyte killing activity than control. The proliferative lymphocyte activity of the fish from R80 group was greater by more than 20 % in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). The percentage of macrophages (MO) and their mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) in R40 and R80 groups were significantly higher compared to C and R20 groups (P < 0.05). The differences in MO and MFI values ranged from 52.5 % (±1.5; R0 group) to 65.8 % (±1.6; R80 group) and from 23.2 (±1.4; R0 group) to 38.2 (±2.4; R80 group), respectively. Moreover, resveratrol at 80 µg/g BW/day decreased liver COX activity, i.e. 5.4 in R80 group and 7.9 in R0 group (P < 0.05). The motility parameters of the sperm obtained from the males fed feed supplemented with resveratrol at 80 µg/g BW/day exhibited the highest values except the linearity, which was lower as compared to the control (P < 0.05). The results indicate that diet supplemented with resveratrol at a dosage of 40 µg/g BW/day improves phagocyte killing ability and lymphocyte proliferation in broodstock and accelerates offspring hatch. Also, the results suggest that COX activity influences sperm and oocyte quality in fish; the presence of a COX inhibitor in the dose of 40 µg/g BW/day decreased the embryo survival.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DERYNG AND CLEVENGER-TYPE APPARATUS IN ISOLATION OF VARIOUS TYPES OF COMPONENTS OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THE MUTELINA PURPUREA THELL. FLOWERS.

In this study, both qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemical composition of M. purpurea essential oil obtained in the Deryng and Clevenger-type apparatuses were compared. As a result, content of volatile compounds were: 785.67 mg/mL and 833.33 mg/mL in the oil obtained in the Deryng (D-EO) and Clevenger-type apparatuses (C-EO), respectively. The major components of both essential oils from M. purpurea were: a-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, (Z)-sesquisabinene hydrate, (E)-sesquisabinene hydrate, and a-bis-abolol. The correlation coefficients values are not determined by the differences in the concentrations of the components resulting from the application of two different methods of distillation.

Cryopreservation of Acropora digitifera sperm with use of sucrose and methanol based solution.

Coral biodiversity has recently been considered an important topic in environmental studies. Biodiversity could be preserved with successful cryopreservation of endangered species gametes or embryos. Herein, we developed cryopreservation protocols for Acropora digitifera sperm with use of sucrose and methanol based extender. We studied cryopreservation of A. digitifera sperm with floating frames, allowing the placement of 250 µl French straws 4 cm above the liquid nitrogen surface, resulting in a 40 °C/min freezing rate. This method enabled the successful cryopreservation of sperm in 0.9 M sucrose supplemented with 20% methanol. In this protocol, we used a 1:3 (sperm:extender) dilution ratio. The fertilization ratios of freezing:thawed sperm were similar to the control and reached 63%. This method might be a valuable option in the formation of A. digitifera gene banking. Further studies are needed to explore possibilities of using this method in cryopreservation of other coral's sperm.

Antifungal Potency of Amaranth Leaf Extract: An In Vitro Study.

Plant diseases are a serious problem for agricultural crops, the food industry and human health. Significant efforts have been made in recent years to find natural products that could reduce the growth of plant pathogens and improve food quality. At present, there is an increased interest in plants as a source of biological active compounds that can protect crops from diseases. Important sources of these phytochemicals are lesser-known pseudocereals such as amaranth. The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of four amaranth species (A. cruentus, A. hypochondriacus × hybridus, A. retroflexus and A. hybridus). The antifungal potency of amaranth extracts was analyzed against selected strains of fungi. The results suggested that the antimicrobial properties of the tested extracts varied depending on the amaranth species and the fungal strain. The studied extracts inhibited the growth of Fusarium equiseti, Rhizoctonia solani, Trichoderma harzianum and Alternaria alternata. A lower inhibitory effect of the extracts was recorded against F. solani, while no inhibitory effect was observed against F. oxysporum and Colletotrichum coccodes.

Synergistic Antioxidant Activity of Four-Component Mixture of Essential Oils: Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella and Thyme for the Use as Medicinal and Food Ingredient.

Mixture design is a statistical tool used to obtain the maximum desired effect using the minimum number of experiments. The aim of the presented work was the optimization of the composition of a mixture of essential oils from basil, citronella, cedarwood and thyme using simplex-lattice mixture design method. The optimized parameter was an antioxidant activity measured in DPPH assay and expressed as effective concentration (EC50). The test results showed an interesting synergy between the components of essential oils. The prepared binary and quaternary mixtures were characterized by higher activity than simple average activity. The designed mixture with approximated highest antioxidant activity was composed of: 54.4% citronella essential oil, 33.0% thyme essential oil, 9.2% cedarwood essential oil and 3.4% basil essential oil and its approximated activity was in agreement with experimental values. This work confirmed that it is possible to approximate the best antioxidant composition of four essential oils used as a potential medicinal and food ingredient.