Nanoformulated herbal compounds: enhanced antibacterial efficacy of camphor and thymol-loaded nanogels.

Herbal components are highly useful assets for the advancement of novel antibacterial drugs. Nanotechnology holds great promise as an approach to enhance the effectiveness and develop the composition of these substances. The study developed nanogels incorporating camphor, thymol, and a combination derived from the initial nanoemulsions with particle sizes of 103, 85, and 135 nm, respectively. The viscosity of nanogels and the successful loading of compounds in them were examined by viscometery and ATR-FTIR studies. The bactericidal properties of the nanogels were examined against four bacterial strains. The nanogel containing camphor and thymol at 1250 µg/mL concentration exhibited complete growth suppression against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The thymol nanogel at 1250 µg/mL and the camphor nanogel at 2500 µg/mL exhibited complete inhibition of growth on Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, respectively. Both nanogels showed favorable effectiveness as antibacterial agents and could potentially examine a wide range of pathogens and in vivo studies.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of salinity in natural habitats in Egypt on the main secondary metabolites of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. plants compared to plants grown at normal conditions. Plants grown under salinity were collected from Egyptian Western Coastal region habitats irrigated with underground water. Results showed that salinity increased the essential oil percentage of R. officinalis L. by 52.7% and A. monosperma L by 0.29% in addition to the total phenolics and flavonoids content in dry leaves compared to control plants. GC/MS analysis of rosemary essential oils revealed that salinity decreased the amount of some major oil monoterpenes component as verbenone, with a slight effect on 1,8 cineole and increased Camphor, endo- Boreneol, and linalool in addition to the appearance of new specific components such as Chrysanthenone monoterpene ketone and Caryophyllene sesquiterpene, while, in the case of Artemisia, the GC/MS showed that Artemisia ketone, Camphor, ß -phellandrene monoterpenes andα-Bisabolol sesquiterpenewere the major oil components; salinity decreased Camphor and ß -phellandrene content and increased artemisia ketone and α-Bisabolol oil content. About 11 new oil constituents were detected such as ( +)-2-Bornanone and Sesquisabinene hydrate. Mineral ions (N, K+, Ca+2, P, and Mg+2) uptake by R. officinalis and A. monosperma decreased in plants grown under salinity, while Na content increased compared to corresponding controls. Results demonstrated that both plants could tolerate the high salinity level in natural Western Coastal region soil which promoted more production of valuable secondary metabolites. The antimicrobial effect of R. officinalis L. and A. monosperma L. leaf methanolic extracts, results showed that R. officinalis extracts had an inhibitory response against all tested gram-positive and negative bacteria, in addition to the yeast (Candida albicans), whereas there was no any inhibitory effect concerning A. monosperma L extract on the tested species.

A Capsicum annuum L. seed extract exerts anti-neuroexcitotoxicity in HT22 hippocampal neurons.

The hippocampal memory deficit stands out as a primary symptom in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. While numerous therapeutic candidates have been proposed, they primarily serve to delay disease progression. Given the irreversible brain atrophy or injury associated with these conditions, current research efforts are concentrated on preventive medicine strategies. Herein, we investigated whether the extracts of Capsicum annuum L. seeds (CSE) and Capsicum annuum L. pulp (CPE) have preventive properties against glutamate-induced neuroexcitotoxicity (one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease) in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. Pretreatment with CSE demonstrated significant anti-neuroexcitotoxic activity, whereas CPE did not exhibit such effects. Specifically, CSE pretreatment dose-dependently inhibited the elevation of excitotoxic elements (intracellular calcium influx and reactive oxygen species; ROS) and apoptotic elements (p53 and cleaved caspase-3). In addition, the glutamate-induced alterations of neuronal activity indicators (brain-derived neurotrophic factor; BDNF and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation; CREB) were significantly attenuated by CSE treatment. We also found that luteolin is the main bioactive compound corresponding to the anti-neuroexcitotoxic effects of CSE. Our results strongly suggest that Capsicum annuum L. seeds (but not its pulp) could be candidates for neuro-protective resources especially under conditions of neuroexcitotoxicity. Its underlying mechanisms may involve the amelioration of ROS-mediated cell death and BDNF-related neuronal inactivity and luteolin would be an active compound.

Capsaicin: A chili pepper bioactive phytocompound with a potential role in suppressing cancer development and progression.

Cancer profoundly influences morbidity and fatality rates worldwide. Patients often have dismal prognoses despite recent improvements in cancer therapy regimens. However, potent biomolecules derived from natural sources, including medicinal and dietary plants, contain biological and pharmacological properties to prevent and treat various human malignancies. Capsaicin is a bioactive phytocompound present in red hot chili peppers. Capsaicin has demonstrated many biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic capabilities. This review highlights the cellular and molecular pathways through which capsaicin exhibits antineoplastic activities. Our work also depicts the synergistic anticancer properties of capsaicin in conjunction with other natural bioactive components and approved anticancer drugs. Capsaicin inhibits proliferation in various cancerous cells, and its antineoplastic actions in numerous in vitro and in vivo carcinoma models impact oncogenesis, tumor-promoting and suppressor genes, and associated signaling pathways. Capsaicin alone or combined with other phytocompounds or approved antineoplastic drugs triggers cell cycle progression arrest, generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting mitochondrial membrane integrity, ultimately stimulating caspases and promoting death. Furthermore, capsaicin alone or in combination can promote apoptosis in carcinoma cells by enhancing the p53 and c-Myc gene expressions. In conclusion, capsaicin alone or in combination can have enormous potential for cancer prevention and intervention, but further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of this phytocompound.

Ten weeks of Capsicum annuum L. extract supplementation did not change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition, and muscle strength when combined with resistance training in healthy untrained men: A clinical trial study.

Capsiate (CAP) is a nonpungent capsaicin analog (Capsicum annuum L. extract) that has been studied as a potential antiobesity agent. However, the interaction between chronic CAP supplementation and resistance training is not clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in adipose tissue-derived hormones, body composition, appetite, and muscle strength after 10 weeks of resistance training, combined with chronic CAP supplementation in healthy untrained men. We hypothesized that CAP could induce higher benefits when combined with resistance training after 10 weeks of intervention compared to resistance training alone. Twenty-four young men (age, 22.0 ± 2.9) were randomized to either capsiate supplementation (CAP = 12 mg/day) or placebo (PL), and both groups were assigned to resistance training. Body composition, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, and exercise performance were assessed at before and after 10 weeks of progressive resistance training. There was a significant increase in body mass (P < .001), fat-free mass (CAP: 58.0 ± 7.1 vs. post, 59.7 ± 7.1 kg; PL: pre, 58.4 ± 7.3 vs. post, 59.8 ± 7.1 kg; P < .001), resting metabolic rate (CAP: pre, 1782.9 ± 160.6 vs. post, 1796.3 ± 162.0 kcal; PL: pre, 1733.0 ± 148.9 vs. post, 1750.5 ± 149.8 kcal; P < .001), maximal strength at 45 leg press (P < .001) and bench press (P < .001) in both groups, but no significant (P > .05) supplementation by training period interaction nor fat mass was observed. For subjective ratings of appetite, energy intake, leptin, and adiponectin, no significant effect of supplementation by training period interaction was observed (P > .05). In conclusion, 10 weeks of resistance training increased total body weight, muscle mass, and maximum strength in healthy untrained men; however, CAP supplementation (12 mg, 7 days per week) failed to change adipose tissue-derived hormones, appetite, body composition and muscle strength in this population. Registered under Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8cz9kfq).

Contribution of Constituents in Rosemary-Magnolia Compound Essential Oil to Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Bioactivities Revealed by Grey Correlation Analysis.

The compound of essential oils (EOs) is a key approach to achieving the superimposed efficacy of plant EOs. In this article, grey correlation analysis was applied for the first time to explore the compound ratios and contribution between constituents and the bioactivity of the compound EOs. There were 12 active constituents shared in rosemary and magnolia EOs prepared by negative pressure distillation. With different proportions, these two EOs were blended and analyzed for the antioxidant, bacteriostatic and antitumor effects. According to the results of the inhibition circle, minimum bactericidal and inhibitory concentration, the most obvious inhibition effect of the compound EOs on different strains of bacteria was shown in Staphylococcus aureus. The results of antioxidant test showed that single EO from rosemary had the best antioxidant effect, and its EO content was directly proportional to the antioxidant effect. The cytotoxicity results showed that, there was a significant difference in the lethality of the compound EOs between tumor cells Mcf-7 (human breast cancer cells) and SGC-7901 cells (human gastric cancer cells). Furthermore, single EO from magnolia had an obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of Mcf-7 cells and SGC-7901 cells, and the cell lethality rate was as high as 95.19 % and 97.96 %, respectively. As the results of grey correlation analysis, the constituents with the maximal correlation of inhibitory effects on bacteria were as follows: S. aureus - Terpinolene (0.893), E. coli - Eucalyptol (0.901), B. subtilis - α-Pinene (0.823), B. cereus - Terpinolene (0.913) and Salmonella - α-Phellandrene (0.855). For the ABTS and DPPH scavenging effects, the constituents with the maximal correlation were (-)-Camphor (0.860) and ß-Pinene (0.780), respectively. In terms of the effects of the active constituents of compound EOs on the inhibitory activities of tumor cells Mcf-7 and SGC-7901, the three active constituents of γ-Terpinene, (R)-(+)-ß-Citronellol and (-)-Camphor were in the top three, and their correlation were Mcf-7 (0.833, 0.820, 0.795) and SGC-7901 (0.797, 0.766, 0.740). Our study determined the contribution degree of active constituents in the antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor bioactivities of rosemary-magnolia compound EOs, and also provided new insights for the research of EOs combination formulations.

Effects of Calendula officinalis and Capsicum annum glycolic extracts on planktonic cells and biofilms of multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Empirical knowledge of natural plant extracts is increasingly proving to be a promising field. The effect of Calendula officinalis L. (CO) and Capsicum annum (CA) glycolic extracts (GlExt) have potential that should be further developed in microbial tests. The effect of CO-GlExt and CA-GlExt was evaluated on eight multidrug-resistant clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as collection strains for each bacterial. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract were determined in comparison with 0.12% chlorhexidine. The tests were performed on single species biofilms, at 5 min and 24 h, using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. The MIC and MBC of the extract ranged from 1.56 to 50 mg mL-1 for all strains evaluated. Analysis of the MTT assay revealed a strong antimicrobial potential of CA-GlExt, comparable to chlorhexidine. The findings suggest that CA-GlExt is effective against multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in planktonic state and biofilms.

Comparative study on eucalyptol and camphor rich essential oils from rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum Sm. and their pharmacological, antioxidant and antifungal activities.

The aim of present study was to evaluate chemical composition and different biological activities viz., pharmacological and antioxidant activities of essential oils. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry while biological activities were evaluated by standard protocols. Essential oils of Hedychium spicatum Sm. from two different ecological niches viz; Nainital (Site-I) and Himachal Pradesh (Site-II) of India revealed the qualitative and quantitative chemo-diversity. Both the oils were dominated by oxygenated terpenoids. Major marker compounds identified were eucalyptol, camphor, linalool, α-eudesmol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, and iso-borneol. Both the oils exhibited anti-inflammatory activity suppressing 17.60 % to 33.57 % inflammation at 100mg/kg b. wt. dose levels compared to ibuprofen-treated group (40.06 %). The sub-acute inflammation in oils-treated mice groups (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) increased on day 2 but showed a gradual decrease from day 3 onwards and then recovered to normal by day 10. The antinociception percentage for doses (50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt.) ranged from 33.70-40.46 % in Site-I and 30.34-42.39 % in Site-II compared to standard drug, ibuprofen (43.08 %). The oils also showed a good antipyretic effect by suppressing Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) induced pyrexia after oil dose injection. The oils also exhibited good antioxidant activity.

Sperm flow cytometric parameters, antioxidant status, and testicular histomorphology in roosters fed diets supplemented with camphor.

Genetic selection based on the high growth rate and consequently high slaughter weight in broiler chickens has caused many problems in broiler breeders. A negative correlation between growth and reproductive traits has declined semen quality and fertility in roosters. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of camphor levels on some reproductive parameters included semen parameters, antioxidant status, and testicular development in broiler breeder roosters. Thirty-five ROSS 308 broiler breeder roosters were divided into 5 groups to receive camphor (C) levels: C0, C50, C250, C750, and C1000 ppm for 12 consecutive weeks (31-43 wk). Body weight, seminal volume, sperm concentration, and percentage of live and morphologically normal sperm were not affected by diets (P > 0.05), however, significantly were changed by bird age over the experiment (P < 0.05). Semen quality factor (SQF) significantly was affected by both diets and age (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial activity, apoptotic-like changes, and DNA fragmentation were improved in the groups fed camphor levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Testes weight (left, right, and combined weights) and gonadosomatic index were increased linearly by the camphor supplementation (P < 0.05). The serum activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was not affected by treatments, however, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were significantly higher in C50, C250, and C750, respectively (P < 0.05). The lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the testes and liver samples was observed in C750 (P < 0.05). Excluding the number of Sertoli cells and blood vessels, other histomorphological traits of testes showed one of the linear or quadratic responses to the camphor levels (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that camphor as an antioxidant source may improve reproduction performance in roosters.

Synergistic antibacterial combination of Lavandula latifolia Medik. essential oil with camphor.

Combination of various compounds and essential oils for pharmaceutical formulations withdraw attention. In this present study, it was aimed to evaluate the in vitro potential synergistic antibacterial effect of Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender) essential oil with camphor by using the checkerboard method against the human pathogens; Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Pharmacopoeia quality L. latifolia essential oil and racemic camphor were analyzed and verified by GC-FID and GC/MS, simultaneously. In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oil and camphor (MIC range: 0.16-20 mg/mL) and standard antimicrobial clarithromycin (MIC range: 0.125-16 µg/mL) were carried out by broth microdilution against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes standard strains, respectively. Resulting antibacterial effects were evaluated for their fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) as antagonistic, additive and synergistic effects. The analytical results showed that the major component of essential oil was linalool (45.2%) and 1,8-cineole (25.6%). Antibacterial effects of essential oil were determined as MIC 1.25-5 mg/mL. As a result of the experiments, L. latifolia essential oil-camphor combinations were identified as "synergistic (FIC ≤ 0.5), and additive (0.5 < FIC ≤ 1)" in the respective combinations, suggesting further evaluation for formulations for potential antimicrobial applications in food and pharmaceuticals.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular effects of essential oil and camphor isolated from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leaves from Ocimum kilimandscharicum Gürke (Lamiaceae) are popularly used against articular pain. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic (analgesic) properties of the essential oil and camphor isolated from O. Kilimandscharicum leaves (EOOK) in 4 models including zymosan induced-articular inflammation model in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For in vivo models, EOOK was tested in carrageenan-induced paw edema model with oral doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg (oral administration = p.o.) and in zymosan-induced articular inflammation (including knee edema, leukocyte infiltration, mechanical hyperalgesia and nitric oxide), EOOK (100 mg/kg, p. o.) and camphor (30 mg/kg, p. o.) were tested. EOOK (100 mg/kg, p. o.) was tested in the rolling and also in the adhesion of leukocytes to the mesenteric microcirculation in situ model of carrageenan induced inflammation and EOOK (1, 3, 10, 30, and 60 µg/mL) was tested in vitro against neutrophils chemotaxis induced by N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP). RESULTS: The treatment with EOOK significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced edema, mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. Both, EOOK and camphor inhibited all articular parameters induced by zymosan. In situ intravitral microscopy analysis, EOOK significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion. In vitro neutrophils chemotaxis, EOOK inhibited the leukocyte chemotaxis induced by fMLP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that EOOK inhibited pain and inflammatory parameters contributing, at least in part, to explain the popular use of this plant as analgesic natural agent. This study also demonstrates that camphor and some known anti-inflammatory compounds present in EOOK could contribute for analgesic and anti-inflammatory articular properties.

Antinociceptive activity of 3ß-6ß-16ß-trihydroxylup-20 (29)-ene triterpene isolated from Combretum leprosum leaves in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Drugs used to treat pain are associated with adverse effects, increasing the search for new drugs as an alternative treatment for pain. Therefore, we evaluated the antinociceptive behavior and possible neuromodulation mechanisms of triterpene 3ß, 6ß, 16ß-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene (CLF-1) isolated from Combretum leprosum leaves in zebrafish. Zebrafish (n = 6/group) were pretreated with CLF-1 (0.1 or 0.3 or 1.0 mg/mL; i.p.) and underwent nociception behavior tests. The antinociceptive effect of CFL-1 was tested for modulation by opioid (naloxone), nitrergic (L-NAME), nitric oxide and guanylate cyclase synthesis inhibitor (methylene blue), NMDA (Ketamine), TRPV1 (ruthenium red), TRPA1 (camphor), or ASIC (amiloride) antagonists. The corneal antinociceptive effect of CFL-1 was tested for modulation by TRPV1 (capsazepine). The effect of CFL-1 on zebrafish locomotor behavior was evaluated with the open field test. The acute toxicity study was conducted. CLF-1 reduced nociceptive behavior and corneal in zebrafish without mortalities and without altering the animals' locomotion. Thus, CFL-1 presenting pharmacological potential for the treatment of acute pain and corneal pain, and this effect is modulated by the opioids, nitrergic system, NMDA receptors and TRP and ASIC channels.

Production of optically pure (-)-borneol by Pseudomonas monteilii TCU-CK1 and characterization of borneol dehydrogenase involved.

(-)-Borneol is a bicyclic plant secondary metabolite. Optically pure (-)-borneol can only be obtained from plants, and demand exceeds supply in China. In contrast, chemically synthesized borneol contains four different stereoisomers. A strain of Pseudomonas monteilii TCU-CK1, isolated in Hualien, Taiwan, can accumulate (-)-borneol in growth culture and selectively degrades the other three isomers when chemically synthesized borneol is used as sole carbon source. This (-)-borneol production method can be scaled-up for production of large quantities in the future. More importantly, laborious plant cultivation and harvest is no longer required. The main enzyme that appears in this degradation pathway, borneol dehydrogenase (BDH), and the genome sequence of TCU-CK1 are reported. The kcat/Km values of TCU-CK1 BDH on (+)- and (-)-borneol are 538.4 ± 38.4 and 17.7 ± 1.1 (s-1 mM-1), respectively. About ∼30 fold difference in the kcat/Km value between (+)-borneol and (-)-borneol was observed, in good agreement with the fact that TCU-CK1 prefers to degrade (+)-borneol, rather than (-)-borneol. A BDH isozyme was identified in a strain in which the primary BDH gene had been knocked out. (-)-Camphor can work as an inhibitor of BDH with a Ki of 1.03 ± 0.11 mM at pH 7.0, leading to the accumulation of (-)-borneol in culture. (Patent pending).

Reconsidering Hydrosols as Main Products of Aromatic Plants Manufactory: The Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia) Case Study in Tuscany.

: The present work evaluates for the first time two Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) aromatic waters obtained from different plant organs, the flowers and the stems. Both extracts were analysed by GC-MS, which indicates semi-quantitative differences between the major metabolites including linalool, 1,8-cineole, camphor, linalyl acetate and 4-terpineol. 1H-NMR and LC-MS investigation confirmed the presence of these compounds. Moreover, behavioural tests with the food insect pest Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) showed a good repellency for both hydrosols extracts with RD50 values of 3.6 and 3.3 µL cm-2 for the flowers and stems, respectively; at the higher concentrations, however, the hydrosol extract from the flowers is expected to be more effective than the one from the stems. The effect of the flowers and stems aromatic water of Lavandin on seed germination of Raphanus sativus was also evaluated. Results showed that seed germination was completely inhibited by flowers hydrolate, having a possible application as natural herbicide. The overall experience with these Lavandin extracts indicates the potential of improved hydrolates to become the main distillation products, rather than by-products, of the aromatic plants manufacturing; this stimulates further discussions about the potential positive impacts that such a shift could have in the context of ecopharmacognosy.

Influence of six essential oils on invasive Solidago canadensis L. seed germination.

Solidago canadensis L. (SC) (Canadian goldenrod) is a dangerous plant invader in Europe, which suppress the indigenous flora. Essential oils (EOs) are considered biological control agents. GC-MS analysis for identification of main components was conducted and the potential phytotoxicity of six EOs were also evaluated. Limonene and ß-thujone were dominant components in Salvia officinalis L., menthone and menthol in Mentha × piperita L., carvacrol in Origanum vulgare L., estragole/anisole and anethole in Foeniculum vulgare Mill., limonene and carvone in Anethum graveolens L., and anethole in Pimpinella anisum L. Along with EOs, anethole, anisole, camphor, carvone, estragole, limonene, menthol, menthone, thujone and thymol were used independently to evaluate phytotoxic effect against Canadian goldenrod seed germination. A significant inhibitory effect was registered for origanum (1.250 µg.ml-1). The influence of single components was significant. The highest phytotoxic activity was registered with anethole and estragole. Phenolic compounds were the inhibitoriest, followed by oxygenated and hydrocarbon monoterpenes.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Artemisia pedemontana subsp. assoana Essential Oils and Hydrolate.

Given the importance of the genus Artemisia as a source of valuable natural products, the rare plant Artemisia pedemontana subspecies assoana, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, has been experimentally cultivated in the greenhouse and aeroponically, to produce biomass for essential oil (EO) extraction. The chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed, and their plant protection (insects: Spodoptera littoralis, Rhopalosiphum padi, and Myzus persicae; plants: Lactuca sativa and Lolium perenne; fungi: Aspergillus niger; and nematode: Meloidogyne javanica) and antiparasitic (Trypanosoma cruzi, Phytomonas davidi, and antiplasmodial by the ferriprotoporphyrin biocrystallization inhibition test) properties were studied, in addition to the hydrolate by-product. The EOs showed a 1,8-cineole and camphor profile, with quantitative and qualitative chemical differences between the cultivation methods. These oils had moderate insect antifeedant, antifungal, and phytotoxic effects; were trypanocidel; and exhibited moderate phytomonacidal effects, while the hydrolate showed a strong nematicidal activity. Both EOs were similarly antifeedant; the EO from the greenhouse plants (flowering stage) was more biocidal (antifungal, nematicidal, and phytotoxic) than the EO from the aeroponic plants (growing stage), which was more antiparasitic. The major components of the oils (1,8-cineole and camphor), or their 1:1 combination, did not explain any of these effects. We can conclude that these EOs have potential applications as insect antifeedants, and as antifungal or antiparasitic agents, depending on the cultivation method, and that the hydrolate byproduct is a potent nematicidal.

The combination of hawthorn extract and camphor significantly increases blood pressure: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A fixed combination of hawthorn and camphor (Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen®) has been used in the therapy of hypotension for decades. Although its efficacy was evaluated in clinical trials, these studies have not been critically assessed in meta-analyses. PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of a fix combination of camphor and hawthorn extract (Korodin®) on blood pressure and cognition compared to placebo, in a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). STUDY DESIGN: The meta-analysis was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines, using the PICO format, and it was registered in the PROSPERO register. METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Placebo-controlled clinical studies involving adult patients receiving a fix combination of hawthorn extract and camphor were included. No language or publication year restrictions were applied. RESULTS: Four randomized trials including a total of 221 patients were pooled for statistical analysis. According to the present meta-analysis, the fixed combination of hawthorn and camphor significantly increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo (p-values: 0.017 and 0.049, respectively) and had a beneficial, but not statistically significant effect on the cognitive performance in the connect-the-numbers test (p-value: 0.071). CONCLUSION: Korodin® is an effective and presumably safe complementary therapy for the treatment of hypotension. Its blood pressure increasing effect is confirmed; however, the evidence supporting its use is very limited. The optimum dose and duration of treatment is still unclear. The comprehensive evaluation of efficacy and safety is required in further, high-quality clinical studies, involving larger patient populations and comparable endpoints.

Chemical Characterization of Euphorbia heterophylla L. Essential Oils and Their Antioxidant Activity and Allelopathic Potential on Cenchrus echinatus L.

The genus Euphorbia attracted the attention of many researchers worldwide from natural products, bioactivity, and ecological perspective. The essential oils (EOs) of Euphorbia heterophylla are poorly studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide a detailed profile of the E. heterophylla EOs as well as to determine their antioxidant and allelopathic activities. The EOs from aerial parts of E. heterophylla were extracted using hydrodistillation and analyzed via GC/MS. The antioxidant activity was determined based on scavenging of the free radical, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and H2 O2 . Various concentrations of the EOs were tested against the noxious weed, Cenchrus echinatus. Thirty-five compounds were identified representing 100 % of the total mass. Four classes of components were characterized, among which terpenoids were the main components (88.70 %). Monoterpenes represented the main class (69.48 %), followed by sesquiterpenes (18.63 %), and only one diterpenoid, kaur-16-ene, was identified. 1,8-Cineole (32.03 %), camphor (16.54 %), ß-elemene (5.92 %), endo-borneol (4.94 %), limonene (4.27 %), pentatriacontane (3.91 %), and α-pinene (3.89 %) were the major compounds. The EOs composition of Egyptian E. heterophylla ecospecies was comparable to that of other reported Euphorbia species, although it showed no correlation with Nigerian E. heterophylla ecospecies. The EOs from E. heterophylla aerial parts exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Moreover, a concentration of 100 µL L-1 of the EOs reduced the germination, root, and shoot growth of C. echinatus by about 93.95 %, 84.6 %, and 57.8 %, respectively. Therefore, the EOs from E. heterophylla could be integrated into the control of this weed, as eco-friendly biocontrol method. Further study is needed to characterize their allelopathic activity under field conditions as well as to evaluate their durability and biosafety.

Absorption Properties of Luteolin and Apigenin in Genkwa Flos Using In Situ Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion System in the Rat.

The flower bud of Daphne genkwa (Genkwa Flos) is a commonly used herbal medicine in Asian countries. Luteolin and apigenin are two recognized active flavonoids in Genkwa Flos. The aim of this study was to investigate the intestinal absorption mechanisms of Genkwa Flos flavonoids using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion rat model. Using HPLC, we determined its major effective flavonoids luteolin, apigenin, as well as, hydroxygenkwanin and genkwanin in biological samples. The intestinal absorption mechanisms of the total flavonoids in Genkwa Flos (TFG) were investigated using in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion rat model. Comparing the TFG absorption rate in different intestinal segments, data showed that the small intestine absorption was significantly higher than that of the colon ([Formula: see text]). Compared with duodenum and ileum, the jejunum was the best small intestinal site for TFG absorption. The high TFG concentration (61.48[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/ml) yielded the highest permeability ([Formula: see text]). Subsequently, three membrane protein inhibitors (verapamil, pantoprazole and probenecid) were used to explore the TFG absorption pathways. Data showed probenecid, a multidrug resistance protein (or MRP) inhibitor, effectively enhanced the TFG absorption ([Formula: see text]). Furthermore, by comparing commonly used natural absorption enhancers on TFG, it was observed that camphor was the most effective. In Situ single-pass intestinal perfusion experiment shows that TFG absorption is much higher in the small intestine than in the colon, and the TFG is absorbed mainly via an active transport pathway with MRP-mediated efflux mechanism. Camphor obviously enhanced the TFG absorption, and this could be an effective TFG formulation preparation method to increase clinical effectiveness after Genkwa Flos administration. Our study elucidated the TFG absorption mechanisms, and provided new information for its formulation preparation.

Comparative Morphology, Transcription, and Proteomics Study Revealing the Key Molecular Mechanism of Camphor on the Potato Tuber Sprouting Effect.

Sprouting regulation in potato tubers is important for improving commercial value and producing new plants. Camphor shows flexible inhibition of tuber sprouting and prolongs the storage period of potato, but its underlying mechanism remains unknown. The results of the present study suggest that camphor inhibition caused bud growth deformities and necrosis, but after moving to more ventilated conditions, new sprouts grew from the bud eye of the tuber. Subsequently, the sucrose and fructose contents as well as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity were assessed after camphor inhibition. Transcription and proteomics data from dormancy (D), sprouting (S), camphor inhibition (C), and recovery sprouting (R) samples showed changes in the expression levels of approximately 4000 transcripts, and 700 proteins showed different abundances. KEGG (Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis of the transcription levels indicated that phytohormone synthesis and signal transduction play important roles in tuber sprouting. Camphor inhibited these processes, particularly for gibberellic acid, brassinosteroids, and ethylene, leading to dysregulation of physiological processes such as cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism, resulting in bud necrosis and prolonged storage periods. The KEGG pathway correlation between transcripts and proteins revealed that terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and plant-pathogen interaction pathways showed significant differences in D vs. S samples, but 13 pathways were remarkably different in the D vs. C groups, as camphor inhibition significantly increased both the transcription levels and protein abundance of pathogenesis-related protein PR-10a (or STH-2), the pathogenesis-related P2-like precursor protein, and the kirola-like protein as compared to sprouting. In recovery sprouting, these genes and proteins were decreased at both the transcriptional level and in protein abundance. It was important to find that the inhibitory effect of camphor on potato tuber sprout was reversible, revealing the action mechanism was similar to resistance to pathogen infection. The present study provides a theoretical basis for the application of camphor in prolonging seed potato storage.