Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Activities of Plant Extracts from Aromatic Plants Cultivated in Cyprus.

Medicinal and aromatic plants' properties, still an interesting research area, are attributed to the presence of various specialized products that possess important pharmacological activities. In the present study, six medicinal/aromatic plants (Sideritis cypria, Origanum dubium, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Thymus capitatus, and Salvia fruticosa) were evaluated for their phytochemical and nutritive composition, as well as their biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties. The results obtained indicate that M. piperita was rich in proteins and minerals such as N and Mg, while S. cypria accumulated more K, Na, P, and Ca. The highest content of phenols and flavonoids was observed in M. piperita, followed by O. dubium and T. capitatus, which eventually influenced their high antioxidant capacity. NMR screening revealed the presence of (i) triterpenoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in M. officinalis; (ii) terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acid derivatives in S. fruticosa; (iii) flavonoids and phenolic acid derivatives in M. piperita; (iv) phenolic monoterpenes in O. dubium and T. capitatus; and (v) terpenoids, flavones, and phenylethanoid glycosides in S. cypria. The results of the antimicrobial activity showed that the tested samples overall had quite good antimicrobial potential. High antibacterial activity was found in O. dubium and T. capitatus, while O. dubium and S. cypria exhibited great antifungal activities. The studied species also had an important effect on the viability of female-derived and colon cancer cells. In particular, in colon cancer cells, the extracts from T. capitatus, M. officinalis, M. piperita, and S. fruticosa exhibited a stronger effect on cell viability in the more metastatic cell line at significantly lower concentrations, indicating an important therapeutic potential in targeting highly metastatic tumors. This finding is worth further investigation. The present study unveiled interesting phytochemical profiles and biological properties of the six medicinal/aromatic plants, which should be further explored, contributing to green chemistry and the possible creation of natural health products for humans' health/nutrition and additives in cosmetics.

Magnesium and manganese induced changes on chemical, nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the pansy and Viola edible flowers.

Pansy and viola edible flowers were grown hydroponically with different levels of Mg and Mn. The nutritional composition was determined using standard methods. Free sugars, fatty acids, organic acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds were analyzed using various HPLC and GC devises. The extract's antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity were assessed. The results indicated that Mg enrichment negatively affected plant growth and mineral accumulation but improved photosynthetic performance. The edible flowers contained significant amounts of protein, low levels of fat, and varying sugar contents, such as glucose and fructose. Various fatty acids and phenolic compounds were identified, with different concentrations depending on the treatment. The flowers exhibited antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic effects, and anti-inflammatory properties. The correlations between the investigated parameters not only expand knowledge on Mg and Mn interaction but also catalyze significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and food health, fostering a healthier and more conscious future.

Effects of the extraction techniques on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) plants grown under different cropping and irrigation regimes.

The present study aims to determine the combined effect of cropping system and irrigation regime on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm aerial parts. For this purpose, lemon balm plants were grown under two farming systems (conventional farming vs organic farming) and two irrigation levels (full irrigation vs deficit irrigation) and harvested twice throughout the growing period. The collected aerial parts were subjected to three different methods of extractions, namely infusion, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction and the obtained extracts were evaluated in terms of chemical profile and bioactivities. Five organic acids with varied composition among the tested treatments were identified in all the tested samples for both harvests, namely, citric, malic, oxalic, shikimic and quinic acid. Regarding phenolic compounds composition, the most abundant ones were rosmarinic acid, lithospermic acid A isomer I and hydroxylsalvianolic E, especially for the maceration and infusion extraction methods. Full irrigation resulted in lower EC50 values than deficit irrigation only in the treatments of the second harvest, while variable cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects were recorded in both harvests. Finally, in most cases the lemon balm extracts has similar or better activity than the positive controls, while the antifungal activity of lemon balm extracts was stronger than the antibacterial effects. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the implemented agronomic practices, as well as the extraction protocol may significantly affect the chemical profile and bioactivities of lemon balm extracts, suggesting that both the farming system and the irrigation schedule may improve the quality of the extracts depending on the implemented extraction protocol.

Sideritis L. essential oils: A systematic review.

Essential oils are extensively used in the food, cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries due to their aroma and pharmacological properties. The Lamiaceae family is mainly represented by widely well-known medicinal and aromatic plants that produce essential oil. Over the years, Sideritis L. essential oils have attracted great interest due to their chemical variability among the different taxa and their pharmacological activities. In-depth research of previously published literature was performed on electronic databases with several key search words for the collection of the available data and a total of 128 scientific studies were used since 1983. To date, 155 accepted Sideritis samples have been studied originating from 15 countries and more than 250 compounds have been reported in 87 Sideritis taxa overall. Furthermore, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects have been the most studied pharmacological activities. This review summarizes and critically discusses the research work on the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of essential oil of the genus Sideritis based on the currently valid taxonomy. Additionally, statistical analysis is encompassed to provide a deeper comprehensive understanding of the high chemical polymorphism of Sideritis essential oils. We expect that this review will encourage researchers to investigate unexplored Sideritis taxa and will contribute to revealing uncharted scientific territory and future perspectives on these plants.

Origanum dubium (Cypriot Oregano) as a Promising Sanitizing Agent against Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes on Tomato and Cucumber Fruits.

In recent years, the use of natural products such as essential oils (EOs) and other plant extracts for the preservation of fresh produce has attracted much interest from the food industry. Many endemic medicinal and aromatic plants, such as Cypriot oregano (Origanum dubium), present a plethora of properties that can be utilized by the fruit and vegetable sectors of the food industry. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of O. dubium EO and hydrosol (at different concentrations and durations of dipping application) for the preservation of tomato and cucumber fruit quality, and their effectiveness as sanitizing agents against two foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica). The results of this study indicated that increased concentrations of EO, combined with a longer duration of application, resulted in less marketable fruit compared to hydrosol application. Interestingly, EO application at lower concentrations and shorter durations of application (i.e., 0.01% for 5 min) increased fruit antioxidant, ascorbic acid and carotenoid levels (for tomato fruit), suggesting an increase in the nutritional value of the treated fruit, compared to the control. EO and hydrosol were able to decrease the bacterial populations (both bacteria) on fruits. Both products were especially effective against L. monocytogenes, even seven days after their application and storage at 11 °C (up to an approx. 3 log reduction with the EO application). Overall, the results of this study suggest that the use of O. dubium EO and hydrosol could be considered as alternative sanitation means for tomatoes and cucumbers.

Polar constituents, biological effects and nutritional value of Sideritis sipylea Boiss.

The present study focuses on the polar constituents and biological effects of the methanol extract and the infusion of wild Sideritis sipylea Boiss. from Samos island (Greece), as well as on the nutritional and mineral contents of this plant. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were examined. In addition, the anti-acetylcholinesterase property was evaluated, revealing strictly lower results than the control, galanthamine. Furthermore, the nutritional value of the plant is reported herein for the first time, revealing a promising source of protein. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first work on the infusion of this species and the nutritional value of the plant.

Bio-Guided Investigation of Sideritis cypria Methanol Extract Driven by in Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Assays.

Sideritis cypria Post is an endemic and endangered species of Northern Cyprus. The overall aim of the present study was to evaluate the total phenolic content, the antioxidant, the cytotoxic and the antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of cultivated S. cypria. A bio-guided approach led to the isolation of 27 chemical compounds by using various analytical techniques. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The crude extract exerted strong antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) which was attributed to its high total phenolic content. Furthermore, groups rich in phenolic content showed highest antioxidant property, whereas groups with phytosterols, diterpenoids and apigenin derivatives exerted cytotoxic effects in MDA-MB231 cancer cell line by the MTT method. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of four isolated apigenin derivatives was evaluated in the same cancer cells. The antimicrobial activity of the extract and groups were measured, demonstrating lack of activity. To the best of our knowledge, this survey is the first report on the biological activities of the methanol extract of S. cypria.

The use of spent coffee grounds in growing media for the production of Brassica seedlings in nurseries.

Large quantities of spent coffee grounds (SCG) are generated the last decades, and their recycling is of research interest challenge. In the present study, SCG was tested to substitute peat (P) in substrate mixtures for the production of Brassica seedlings. Seeds of cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage were placed in substrate mixtures containing 0-2.5-5-10% SCG. The mixture of SCG with peat affected several physicochemical characteristics of the growing media, providing also considerable amount of mineral elements for the seedling growth needs. Seed emergence was stimulated in 2.5-5% of SCG for cauliflower and at 2.5% of SCG for cabbage, while 10% of SCG decreased the percentage and increased the mean emergence time of the examined species. Plant biomass and leaf number were increased at 2.5% SCG for broccoli and cabbage but maintained at cauliflower when compared with control. The SCG at 10% decreased stomatal conductance of broccoli and cabbage (including 2.5-5% SCG in cauliflower) while chlorophyll content was increased at 10% of SCG media. The incorporation of SCG impacted the mineral content accumulated in plants with increases in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus and decreases in magnesium and iron content. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) decreased at ≥ 5% SCG at cauliflower and cabbage or unchanged for broccoli when compared with the control. The cabbage seedlings grown in 10% SCG media subjected to stress with increases in the production of hydrogen peroxides and lipid peroxidation, and reflected changes in the antioxidant enzymatic metabolism (catalase, superoxide dismutase). The present study demonstrates that SCG (up to 5%) can be used for seed germination biostimulants and/or partially substitute the peat for Brassica seedling production.

A biorefinery for conversion of citrus peel waste into essential oils, pectin, fertilizer and succinic acid via different fermentation strategies.

A process for the valorization of citrus peel waste (CPW) has been developed aiming to produce succinic acid and a series of added-value products through the biorefinery platform. CPW was subject to physicochemical and biological treatment to isolate essential oils (0.43%) and pectin (30.53%) as extractable products, pretreating the material for subsequent production of succinic acid that enabled application of remaining biorefinery residues (BR) as fertilizer substitute. Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents of CPW accounted for 22.45%, 8.05% and 0.66% respectively, while acid hydrolysis reduced hemicellulose by 3.42% in BR. Moreover, essential oils extracted from CPW included 17 compounds, among which D-limonene reached 96.7%. The hydrolyzate generated was fermented for succinic acid production using Actinobacillus succinogenes. Different batch experiments demonstrated that the combined use of corn steep liquor (CSL) and vitamins in a lab-scale bioreactor resulted in product concentration and yield that reached 18.5 g L-1 and 0.62 g g-1 respectively. Although simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) could not enhance succinic acid production, a fed-batch fermentation strategy increased succinic acid concentration and yield generating 22.4 g L-1 and 0.73 g g-1 respectively, while the mass of the platform chemical formed was enhanced by 27% as compared to the batch process. BR was explored as fertilizer substitute aiming to close the loop in the management of CPW towards development of a zero-waste process demonstrating that although the material imposed stress on plant growth, the content of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen in the mixture increased.

Traditionally Used Sideritis cypria Post.: Phytochemistry, Nutritional Content, Bioactive Compounds of Cultivated Populations.

Sideritis species are recognized as important medicinal plants and their commercial demand is continuously on the rise both in the European and in the global market. Consequently, the cultivation of Sideritis species has been occurred to successfully meet the need for mass production of high-quality plant material. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the chemical composition of cultivated S. cypria. Infusions of flowers and leaves were prepared separately, according to the European Medicine Agency (EMA) monograph. The infusion of the flowers revealed the presence of four flavones, isoscutellarein-7-O-[6'″-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, its 4'-O-methyl-derivative, 4'-O-methyl-hypolaetin-7-O-[6'″-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and isoscutellarein-7-O-[6'″-O-acetyl-ß-D-allopyranosyl-(1→2)]-6″-O-acetyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside; four phenylethanoid glucosides, acteoside, leucosceptoside A, lamalboside, and leonoside A; one iridoid, melittoside, and one phenolic acid, chlorogenic acid, while the infusion of the leaves of the same population afforded the same first two flavones; five phenylethanoid glucosides, acteoside, leucosceptoside A, lavandulifolioside, leonoside A, and lamalboside; melittoside and chlorogenic acid. The structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was undertaken by high-field NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the essential oils of the flowers and leaves were studied by GC-MS, separately. In addition, the mineral, bioactive compounds, protein and carbohydrate contents were evaluated for both plant materials.

Sideritis Perfoliata (Subsp. Perfoliata) Nutritive Value and Its Potential Medicinal Properties.

Sideritis perfoliata L. subsp. perfoliata is an endemic species of the Eastern Mediterranean region with several uses in traditional medicine. The present study aims to explore the unknown properties of S. perfoliata investigating the nutritional content as well as the antioxidant, anticancer, antituberculosis, antiwrinkle, anti-acne, hyper/hypo-pigmentation and antibacterial activities. Mineral content, nutritional value, the composition and antioxidant properties of the essential oil, the antityrosinase, the antibacterial activity and anti-elastase potential of the extract, were evaluated. The antiproliferative activity of S. perfoliata against cervical cancer (HeLa), human melanoma (UCT-Mel-1), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) was investigated. Cytotoxic effects on normal human keratinocyte (HaCat) and kidney epithelial (Vero) cell lines were also determined. Sideritis perfoliata exhibited high nutritional value of proteins and minerals (K, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu). The most abundant components of the essential oil were found to be α-pinene, ß-phelladrene, valeranone, ß-pinene and sabinene. The ethanolic extract of S. perfoliata displayed moderate antioxidant potential and antibacterial activity against Prevotella intermedia. Noteworthy elastase and moderate anticancer potential against the human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) was observed with IC50 values of 57.18 ± 3.22 µg/mL and 64.27 ± 2.04 µg/mL respectively. The noteworthy in vitro activity of S. perfoliata could be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenols in the leaves, having high nutritional value. Sideritis perfoliata could potentially be useful to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and for the treatment of liver cancer. The moderate antibacterial, antioxidant and elastase activity of the plant can be linked to the traditional use of S. perfoliata for the treatment of wounds and inflammation.

The combined and single effect of salinity and copper stress on growth and quality of Mentha spicata plants.

Copper is essential for plant growth, but in excess may cause adverse effects on plant physiology. Harmful effects are also caused by plant exposure to salinity (NaCl) due to the excessive use of fertilizers, soil degradation and/or the quality of the water used for irrigation. The impact of single and combined salinity (Sal) and copper (Cu) stress on spearmint metabolism were studied in hydroponics. Spearmint plants (Mentha spicata L.) were subjected to salinity stress (150 mM NaCl) and/or excessive Cu concentration (60 µM Cu) via the nutrient solution. Not only Sal and Cu, but also their combination suppressed plant growth by decreasing plant biomass, root fresh weight and plant height. Chlorophyll content decreased mainly for the combined stress treatment (Sal + Cu). Polyphenols and antioxidants (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS) increased in single stress treatments (Sal or Cu), but decreased in the combined stress (Sal + Cu). The application of Sal or Cu stress decreased Zn, N and K (leaves), K, Ca, P and Mg (roots) content. Copper application increased Ca and Mg in leaves. In conclusion, salinity stress and Cu exposure may change the primary metabolic pathways in favor of major volatile oil components biosynthesis, resulting in significant changes of essential oil yield and composition.

Physiochemical properties of petunia edible flowers grown under saline conditions and their postharvest performance under modified atmosphere packaging and ethanol application.

BACKGROUND: Edible flowers have both great nutritional value and sensory appeal; however, their shelf-life is limited to a few days because they are highly perishable. RESULTS: The impact of postharvest ethanol (ET) treatment and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality and storage of edible flowers collected from short-term salt-stressed plants was tested. Hydroponically grown petunia (Petunia x hybrita L.) plants were subjected to salinity (0-50-100 mmol L-1 NaCl) and harvested flowers were stored for up to 14 days in MAP and/ET vapours. The salinity of 100 mmol L-1 NaCl decreased plant biomass and negatively affected physiological processes as a result of stomata closure. Flower polyphenols, antioxidants, carotenoids and anthocyanins increased with 50 mmol L-1 of NaCl, indicating a higher nutritional value. Short-term exposure of petunia to salinity decreased the flower N, K and Ca concentrations. During storage for 7 days, salinity lead to deteriorated flowers that showed browning as a result of tissue breakdown, whereas CO2 production and weight loss were unaffected by salinity. After 14 days of storage, salinity decreased flower respiration and increased weight loss, whereas ET application completely destroyed the flowers. Carotenoids and anthocyanins were decreased by a combination of salinity and ET. Petunia flowers revealed the induction of both non-enzymatic (i.e. proline content) and enzymatic (catalase) mechanisms to overcome the stress caused by salinity at harvest stage and/or ethanol at storage. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that a short-stress salinity of 50 mmol L-1 NaCl can be used for petunia growth and also that flowers of nutritional value can be stored for up to 7 days, whereas ET application failed to preserve petunia flowers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of phosphorus application rate on Mentha spicata L. grown in deep flow technique (DFT).

The present study evaluated the impact of phosphorus application rate on plant growth and physiological parameters, antioxidant activity, chemical composition, and essential oil yield and composition of hydroponically grown spearmint plants. Increased P levels resulted in high dry matter content of the aerial part. Antioxidant activity of spearmint leaves was significantly higher at the highest P levels. Although essential oil yield was not affected, essential oil composition varied among the studied P levels, especially carvone content. Total and individual organic acids content was higher when 50 mg/L P were added in the nutrient solution. Rosmarinic acid was the main detected phenolic compound, while the highest total phenolic compounds and rosmarinic acid content was observed at 50 and 70 mg/L of P, respectively. In conclusion, phosphorus application rate may affect spearmint growth and development, as well as chemical composition and essential oil composition.

Effects of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts on lettuce growth, physiology and fresh-cut salad storage under potassium deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Potassium (K) deficiency in leafy vegetables such as lettuce is a major concern regarding quality. Seaweed (SW) extracts, as biostimulants, are biodegradable materials and have become increasingly popular as they are reported to enhance crop growth and yield. RESULTS: In order to overcome K deficiencies (i.e. 375 vs 125 mg L-1 ), alternative foliar applications with extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum SW or K were examined using lettuce plants which were grown hydroponically. Potassium deficiency (at 125 mg L-1 ) reduced plant biomass, photosynthetic rate, leaf stomatal conductance, lettuce potassium content and tissue antioxidant capacity as compared with the higher K level (375 mg L-1 ). Application of SW increased the relative growth of lettuce in the low-K treatment. The K level and/or SW application altered the plant's enzyme protective activity (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POD) against oxidative stress and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) production. Spray applications of SW mitigated the effects of K deficiency on indicators of enzyme activity and plant damage, back to levels of high K content (375 mg L-1 ). The high K level, but also SW application, increased the antioxidant activity of the processed lettuce before storage. Foliar application of the SW extract increased the quality of cut lettuce grown in 125 mg L-1 K conditions by reducing the rate of respiration and increasing consumer preference. CONCLUSION: The SW application could alter the detrimental effects of K deficiency during lettuce growth and storage of processed products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Alternative soilless media using olive-mill and paper waste for growing ornamental plants.

Peat-based growing media are not ecologically sustainable and peat extraction threatens sensitive peatland ecosystem. In this study, olive-stone waste (OSW) and paper waste (PW) were used in different ratios-as growing media-for ornamental crop production, as peat (P) substitutes. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), petunia (Petunia x hybrita L.) and matthiola (Matthiola incana L.) plants were grown in (1) P (100%), (2) P:OSW (90%:10%), (3) P:OSW (70%:30%), and (4) P:OSW:PW (60%:20%:20%). The physicochemical properties of these substrates and the effects on plant growth were determined. The addition of 10-30% OSW into the substrate increased marigold height compared to plants grown in 100% peat. No differences in plant size, plant biomass (leaves and flowers), and dry matter content were found. Adding PW, in combination with OSW, maintained marigold height and total number of flowers produced to similar levels as in plants grown in 100% peat. In matthiola, adding 30% OSW into the substrate reduced plant size and fresh weight, but not plant height. No differences were observed when plants grew in lower OSW (i.e., 10%) content. Petunia's height, its total number of flowers and flower earliness (flower opening) were increased in the presence of OSW compared to the plants grown in 100% peat. The addition of OSW did not affect petunia's size and fresh weight among treatments. The addition of PW suppressed several plant growth-related parameters for both matthiola and petunia. The insertion of OSW did not change leaf chlorophyll content whereas the presence of PW decreased chlorophylls for marigold, petunia, and matthiola. Both OSW and PW altered the content of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) in leaves and flowers for marigold and petunia. Both 30% OSW and PW increased antioxidative enzyme metabolism due to the increased damage index and lipid peroxidation observed in plants. Leaf N and P content decreased in PW-based media, while matthiola displayed visual phytotoxicity symptoms when PW was added into the substrate. The present work indicates that up to 30% of OSW can replace peat for marigold and petunia growing and only up to 10% of OSW for matthiola, while the addition of PW on top of OSW is not recommended, so further research is needed.