Immunomodulatory effect of Linalool (Lin) against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative damage in rats.

The current study explored the hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of Linalool (Lin) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced toxicity in mice. Four study groups (n = 8 each) were used: (1) a negative control group and (2) a toxicity control group (single dose of CCl4 administered on day 14 as 1 mL/kg of CCL4 in 1% olive oil). Intraperitoneally (i.p.)), and two experimental groups where mice were treated with either (3) Lin (25 mg/kg b.w., orally, daily for 15 days) or (4) pretreated with Lin (25 mg/kg b.w., orally, daily for 14 days) and intoxicated with CCl4 (1 mL/kg of CCL4 in 1% olive oil. i.p.) on day 14. The levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10), the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-1ß, and the histopathology of the liver were assessed. According to our findings, IL-10 concentrations were significantly increased in Lin-treated groups, while other cytokine levels were marked by a considerable decrease in the toxicity model group (CCl4 -treated group). Histopathological examinations of liver tissues showed that the Lin-treated groups had an almost normal structure. The current findings showed that Lin could inhibit CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice, which warrants further investigation of Lin as a potential protective and therapeutic agent against hepatotoxicity.

Antimicrobial Activity and Synergy Investigation of Hypericum scabrum Essential Oil with Antifungal Drugs.

The chemical composition of Lebanese Hypericum scabrum essential oil (EO) was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GG-MS). Its antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining its minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against a Gram-negative and a Gram-positive bacterium, one yeast, and five dermatophytes. H. scabrum EO was most active on filamentous fungi (MIC values of 32-64 µg/mL). Synergy within the oil was investigated by testing each of the following major components on Trichophyton rubrum: α-pinene, limonene, myrcene, ß-pinene and nonane, as well as a reconstructed EO. The antifungal activity of the natural oil could not be reached, meaning that its activity might be due, in part, to minor constituent(s). The interactions between H. scabrum EO and commercially available antifungals were assessed by the checkerboard test. A synergistic effect was revealed in the combination of the EO with amphotericin B.

Essential Oil from Berries of Lebanese Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb Displays Similar Antibacterial Activity to Chlorhexidine but Higher Cytocompatibility with Human Oral Primary Cells.

Chlorhexidine (CHX), one of the most effective drugs administered for periodontal treatment, presents collateral effects including toxicity when used for prolonged periods; here, we have evaluated the bactericidal potency and the cytocompatibility of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb essential oil (EO) in comparison with 0.05% CHX. The EO was extracted from berries by hydrodistillation and components identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Bacterial inhibition halo analysis, quantitative cell viability 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulphophenyl)-5-[(phenyl amino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide assay (XTT), and colony forming unit (CFU) count were evaluated against the two biofilm formers Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans. Finally, cytocompatibility was assessed with human primary gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and mucosal keratinocytes (HK). The resulting EO was mainly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes. An inhibition halo test demonstrated that both bacteria were sensitive to the EO; XTT analysis and CFU counts confirmed that 10-fold-diluted EO determined a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in bacteria count and viability towards both biofilm and planktonic forms in a comparable manner to those obtained with CHX. Moreover, EO displayed higher cytocompatibility than CHX (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EO exhibited bactericidal activity similar to CHX, but a superior cytocompatibility, making it a promising antiseptic alternative to CHX.

Phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities evaluation and relationship of commercial spices in the lebanese market.

Lebanese cuisine is renowned for its distinctive flavours and vibrant aromas. In Lebanese cuisine, spices are not just used for their flavour; they are also valued for their medicinal properties. This study consists of evaluating and comparing the total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity of 21 samples of spices used in the Lebanese daily diet, such as cinnamon, allspice, coriander, cloves, etc. and the mixtures prepared in well-defined proportions. Several solvents were tested for the extraction of the phenolic compounds from spices, and the water and ethanol (v/v) mixture were retained for this study. Results showed that clove presented the highest polyphenol content (173.7 ± 2.98 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g Dry Matter (DM)) and the highest antioxidant capacity by ABTS test (4875.68 ± 480.40 µmol trolox / g DM). and DPPH test (85.84 ± 0.5%). The examination of the results showed a positive significant correlation between the polyphenol contents and the antioxidant activity of the spices. The antimicrobial activity tested by the broth microdilution method was determined against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Enteritidis. The results showed high antimicrobial activity manifested by low value of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (MIC < 2.4 µg/mL) for cinnamon, turmeric, white pepper, red pepper, allspice, clove and nutmeg. In conclusion, spices used in Lebanese cuisine, such as clove, cinnamon, allspice and spices, were rich in phenolic compounds and presented important potential health benefits.

Chemical composition, antitumor and antioxidant effects of four lebanese plants extracts on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer leading cause of humans' cancer-related death remains incurable with current drug therapies having many side-effects. Finding new natural cancer remedies would help design better therapies. This study aims to investigate the anticancer and antioxidant effects of the Levant endemic plants Prango sasperula, Stachys ehrenbergii, Hirtellina lobelia, and Salvia multicaulis on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma. GC/MS and NMR analyzed the bioactive compounds of methanolic extracts of these plants. Their antioxidant effect was measured by ABTS assay. The effect of these extracts on the viability of A549 (Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line) and NHBE (Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells) was examined using MTT and Anchorage-Independent Colony Formation assays. Our findings show an interesting, specific cytotoxic effect of these plant extracts on A549 cells. Additionally, S. ehrenbergii and H. lobelii present a specific high alkylation potential. Data reveal an interesting antitumor potential attributed to their antiproliferative and alkylation actions towards human pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Lifestyle, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidants: Back and Forth in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases.

Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Long term exposure to increased levels of pro-oxidant factors can cause structural defects at a mitochondrial DNA level, as well as functional alteration of several enzymes and cellular structures leading to aberrations in gene expression. The modern lifestyle associated with processed food, exposure to a wide range of chemicals and lack of exercise plays an important role in oxidative stress induction. However, the use of medicinal plants with antioxidant properties has been exploited for their ability to treat or prevent several human pathologies in which oxidative stress seems to be one of the causes. In this review we discuss the diseases in which oxidative stress is one of the triggers and the plant-derived antioxidant compounds with their mechanisms of antioxidant defenses that can help in the prevention of these diseases. Finally, both the beneficial and detrimental effects of antioxidant molecules that are used to reduce oxidative stress in several human conditions are discussed.