Swimming exercise and clove oil can improve memory by molecular responses modification and reduce dark cells in rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by reduced acetylcholine receptor (AChR) density and an increase in nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors NLR family, pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1). We examined the effect of swimming and consumption of clove supplements on memory, dark cells, and α7nAChR and NLRP1 mRNA and protein expression in the hippocampus of the rat model of AD. Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups: sham (sh), healthy-control (HC), Alzheimer (-control (AC), -training (AT), -training-supplement (ATS), and -supplement (AS)). Alzheimer was induced by injection of amyloid ß1-42 (Aß1-42). Swimming exercise protocol (30 min) and gavaging clove supplement (0.1 mg/kg) were administered daily for three weeks. The results indicated that in response to AD, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) mRNA and protein rate (p = 0.001) and memory (p = 0.003) were significantly decreased. In contrast, NLRP1 mRNA and protein rate (p = 0.001) and dark cells (p = 0.001) were significantly increased. This is while exercise and clove supplementation improved Alzheimer-induced changes in α7nAChR, NLRP1, memory, and dark cells (p < 0/05). The present study indicated that exercising and consuming clove supplementation could improve memory by increasing α7nAChR and decreasing NLRP1 and dark cells.

Short communication: Evaluation of the efficacy of novel disbudding methods for dairy calves.

The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate whether cryoablation or the administration of clove oil was as efficacious as cautery disbudding at preventing horn growth, and (2) evaluate whether the efficacy of cautery disbudding is affected by removing or leaving the horn bud tissue intact after disbudding of dairy calves. At approximately 4 d of age (4.0 ± 0.88 d of age, mean ± SD), 265 dairy heifer calves from 3 dairy farms (farm 1: n = 129 calves; farm 2: n = 109 calves; farm 3: n = 27 calves) were disbudded. Each calf had 1 of 4 treatments randomly assigned to each horn bud: (1) clove oil (0.5 mL) administered subcutaneously under the horn bud (CLOV, n = 135 buds); (2) a liquid nitrogen-filled probe applied to the horn bud area for 30 s (CRYO, n = 134 buds); (3) cautery disbudding using an electric hot-iron and the horn bud removed (BUDOFF, n = 130); or (4) cautery disbudding and the horn bud tissue left intact (BUDON, n = 131). Calves were assessed for signs of infection at the disbudding site frequently within the first month after disbudding. At approximately 6 mo of age (6 ± 2.2 mo, mean ± SD) calves were assessed for scur or horn growth. The disbudding procedures were considered successful if no scur or horn development was observed. Within the first month, 12% of disbudding wounds showed some indication of infection, such as pus, exudate, or swelling; of the infected buds, 52% were associated with the BUDON treatment, 27% with CLOV, 25% with BUDOFF, and 2% with CRYO treatments. At 6 mo of age, BUDOFF was the most effective method of preventing horn growth and CRYO was the least efficacious [mean percentage of success: BUDOFF: 100% (95% CI: 97.7-100.0); CRYO: 1% (95% CI: 0.2-5.3)]. Injecting clove oil under the horn bud was 87% (95% CI: 80.6-92.5) successful. Not removing the horn bud tissue after cautery disbudding reduced the efficacy of this method by 9% [91% success (95% CI: 83.8-95.7)]; moreover, this method was associated with more infection at the site of disbudding. It appears as though the clove oil treatment could be used as an alternative to cautery disbudding of dairy calves; however, further research is needed to evaluate the tissue damage and associated pain caused by clove oil and to refine this technique (i.e., administration methods to improve efficacy) before it could be considered an alternative to cautery.

Novel ethosomal gel of clove oil for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

BACKGROUND: Dual-release mechanism of ethosomal gels (ie, ethosomes and gel) makes them as versatile drug delivery systems for topical applications. Clove oil is obtained from the clove buds exhibited broad antifungal and antibacterial activity. Cutaneous candidiasis is the infection caused by Candida albicans or other Candida species. AIM: The aim of the present study was to prepare ethosomal gel of clove oil and evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. METHODS: Ethosomes of clove oil was formulated by using varying concentrations of soyaphosphotidyl choline and ethanol, and later, it was incorporated into carbapol 974 base gels to form ethosomal gel. The prepared ethosomal gels were also evaluated for spreadability, drug release studies, ex vivo permeation study, and antifungal activity. RESULTS: The optimized formulation did not cause any irritation to the skin since the pH of formulation was in the pH range of skin. The ethosomal gel showed satisfactory antifungal activity against the fungus C. albicans compared to pure clove oil. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that developed formulation could be promising one in the topical delivery of clove oil for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Essential Oils, Part IV: Contact Allergy.

Nearly 80 essential oils (including 2 jasmine absolutes) have caused contact allergy. Fifty-five of these have been tested in consecutive patients suspected of contact dermatitis, and nine (laurel, turpentine, orange, tea tree, citronella, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, clove, and costus root) showed greater than 2% positive patch test reactions. Relevance data are generally missing or inadequate. Most reactions are caused by application of pure oils or high-concentration products. The clinical picture depends on the responsible product. Occupational contact dermatitis may occur in professionals performing massages. The (possible) allergens in essential oils are discussed. Several test allergens are available, but patients should preferably be tested with their own products. Co-reactivity with other essential oils and the fragrance mix is frequent, which may partly be explained by common ingredients. Patch test concentrations for essential oils are suggested.

A chitosan-based coating with or without clove oil extends the shelf life of cooked pork sausages in refrigerated storage.

Chitosan coatings, with and without clove oil, were investigated for effects on quality and shelf life of cooked pork sausages stored at a refrigerated temperature (4±2°C). The various treatments of cooked pork sausages were: untreated (control), coating with 2% chitosan (CS), and coating with a mixture having 2% chitosan and 1.5% clove oil (CS+CO). Various microbiological, physical, chemical and sensory properties were monitored over 25 days of storage. The total viable count, the psychrotrophic bacteria count, the L* value, peroxide value and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances increased, while the a* value, the b* value, the pH and the sensory scores decreased with storage time, across all treatments. However, these changes were slowest with the CS+CO treatment. Based on sensory evaluation and microbiological quality, the shelf lives were 14 days for control, 20 days for CS, and 20 days for CS+CO treated samples, under refrigerated storage.

Prevention of vector transmitted diseases with clove oil insect repellent.

Vector repellent is one element in the prevention of vector-borne diseases. Families that neglect protecting their children against vectors risk their children contracting illnesses such as West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, Lyme disease, malaria, dengue hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever, babesiosis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Southern tick-associated rash illness, ehrlichiosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, tularemia, and other insect and arthropod related diseases (CDC, 2011). Identification of families at risk includes screening of the underlying basis for reluctance to apply insect repellent. Nurses and physicians can participate in a positive role by assisting families to determine the proper prophylaxis by recommending insect repellent choices that are economical, safe, and easy to use. A holistic alternative might include the suggestion of clove oil in cases where families might have trepidations regarding the use of DEET on children. This article will explore the safety and effectiveness of clove oil and its use as an insect repellent.