RESUMEN
Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants that inhabit environments in which they are exposed to extreme stress, wherefore they exhibit conserved and divergent metabolic responses different from those of conventional plants. Thus, the synthesis and accumulation of metabolites, especially of those oxidative stress-related such as phenolic compounds, should be investigated. The potential of halophytes as a source of phenolics and their prospective industrial applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the phenolic compounds of more than forty halophytes and their biological activities. Additionally, an overview of the analytical methodologies adopted for phenolics determination in halophytes is provided. Finally, the prospective uses and beneficial effects of the phenolic preparations from these plants are discussed. Halophytes are complex matrices, exhibiting a wide variety of phenolics in their composition, wherefore the results can be greatly affected depending on the organ plant under analysis and the extraction methodology, especially the extraction solvent used. High-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) or mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), are the most used technique. Halophytes biosynthesize phenolics in concentrations that justify the remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities shown, making them ideal sources of bioactive molecules to be employed in a multitude of sectors.
Asunto(s)
Fenoles , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal/química , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal/metabolismo , Fenoles/análisis , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/químicaRESUMEN
Increasing soil salinisation represents a serious threat to food security, and therefore the exploitation of high-yielding halophytes, such as Salicornia and Sarcocornia, needs to be considered not merely in arid regions but worldwide. In this study, Salicornia ramosissima and Sarcocornia perennis alpini were evaluated for nutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and contaminants. Both were shown to be nutritionally relevant, exhibiting notable levels of crude fibre and ash, i.e., 11.26-15.34 and 39.46-40.41% dry weight (dw), respectively, and the major minerals were Na, K, and Mg. Total phenolics thereof were 67.05 and 38.20 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g extract dw, respectively, mainly p-coumaric acid and quercetin. Both species displayed antioxidant capacity, but S. ramossima was prominent in both the DPPH and ß-carotene bleaching assays. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in S. ramosissima, at 5.21 µg/Kg dw, which may pose a health threat. The Cd and Pb levels in both were low, but the 0.01 mg/Kg Hg in S. perennis alpini met the maximum legal limit established for marine species including algae. Both species exhibit high potential for use in the agro-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, but specific regulations and careful cultivation strategies need to be implemented, in order to minimise contamination risks by mycotoxins and heavy metals.
Asunto(s)
Chenopodiaceae , Metales Pesados , Antioxidantes/química , Plantas Tolerantes a la Sal/química , Chenopodiaceae/química , CarotenoidesRESUMEN
For the first time, the present study unravels a cardiospecific therapeutic approach for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), a disease with a very poor prognosis and high mortality rates due to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. We first established a new in vitro model of high-pressure-induced hypertrophy that closely resembles heart defects associated with PAH and validated our in vitro findings on a preclinical in vivo model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. Our results showed the in vitro antihypertrophic effect of 1,8-cineole, a monoterpene widely found in several essential oils. Also, a decrease in RV hypertrophy and fibrosis, and an improvement in heart function in vivo was observed, when 1,8-cineole was applied topically. Furthermore, 1,8-cineole restored gap junction protein connexin43 distribution at the intercalated disks and mitochondrial functionality, suggesting it may act by preserving cardiac cell-to-cell communication and bioenergetics. Overall, our results point out a promising therapeutic compound that can be easily applied topically, thus paving the way for the development of effective cardiac-specific therapies to greatly improve PAH outcomes.
Asunto(s)
Cardiomiopatías , Hipertensión Pulmonar , Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar , Disfunción Ventricular Derecha , Animales , Conexina 43 , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Eucaliptol/uso terapéutico , Ventrículos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Homeostasis , Humanos , Hipertensión Pulmonar/tratamiento farmacológico , Hipertrofia Ventricular Derecha/metabolismo , Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar/tratamiento farmacológico , Disfunción Ventricular Derecha/metabolismoRESUMEN
The chemical composition and inâ vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil (EO) of Chiliadenus antiatlanticus (Emb. & Maire) Gómiz, an asteraceous species endemic to the southwest of Morocco, were investigated. The EO yield was 1.07±0.28 %, twenty-seven metabolites were identified representing more than 96.4 % of the total composition. Camphor (35.7 %) and derivatives, borneol (4.9 %) and camphene (4.2 %) together with intermedeol (19.9 %), α-pinene (15.5 %) and (E)-pinocarveol (4.1 %) were the major constituents. An antibacterial activity was noticed against 24â strains (all Gram-positive) out of 71 at MICs values=100â µg/mL. The EO also showed significant toxicity towards liver HepG2 (55.8 % of cell viability) and melanoma B16 4A5 (41.6 % of cell viability) tumor cell lines at 100â µg/mL.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Asteraceae/química , Bacterias Grampositivas/efectos de los fármacos , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Animales , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/aislamiento & purificación , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Humanos , Ratones , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Aceites Volátiles/química , Aceites Volátiles/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
The chemical composition and inâ vitro biological activities of the essential oil (EO) of Micromeria macrosiphon Coss. and M.â arganietorum (J. Emb.) R. Morales, two Lamiaceae endemic to south Morocco, were investigated. GC/MS analysis resulted in the identification of 36 metabolites from the EO of M.â macrosiphon, 45 from M.â arganietorum. Borneol was the major metabolite in both oils and together with related derivatives such as camphor, accounted for 2/3 of the EO of M.â macrosiphon, 1/3 of those of M.â arganietorum. Pinene and terpinene derivatives were also present in high proportions. From a chemotaxonomic point of view, the composition of the examined samples may be related to those of other species endemic to Macaronesia. Both EOs showed significant toxicity towards liver HepG2 and melanoma B16 4A5 tumor cell lines at 100â µg/mL; however, they were also cytotoxic towards S17 normal cell lines, with a selectivity index <1. No antibacterial activity was noticed against 52 strains at 100â µg/mL.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Lamiaceae/química , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Animales , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Humanos , Ratones , Aceites Volátiles/química , Aceites Volátiles/aislamiento & purificaciónAsunto(s)
Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar , Humanos , Eucaliptol , Ventrículos Cardíacos , Conexina 43 , HomeostasisRESUMEN
Aiming for discovering effective and harmless antitrypanosomal agents, 17 essential oils and nine major components were screened for their effects on T. b. brucei. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation from fresh plant material and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The trypanocidal activity was assessed using blood stream trypomastigotes cultures of T. b. brucei and the colorimetric resazurin method. The MTT test was used to assess the cytotoxicity of essential oils on macrophage cells and Selectivity Indexes were calculated. Of the 17 essential oils screened three showed high trypanocidal activity (IC50â¯<â¯10⯵g/mL): Juniperus oxycedrus (IC50 of 0.9⯵g/mL), Cymbopogon citratus (IC50 of 3.2⯵g/mL) and Lavandula luisieri (IC50 of 5.7⯵g/mL). These oils had no cytotoxic effects on macrophage cells showing the highest values of Selectivity Index (63.4, 9.0 and 11.8, respectively). The oils of Distichoselinum tenuifolium, Lavandula viridis, Origanum virens, Seseli tortuosom, Syzygium aromaticum, and Thymbra capitata also exhibited activity (IC50 of 10-25⯵g/mL) but showed cytotoxicity on macrophages. Of the nine compounds tested, α-pinene (IC50 of 2.9⯵g/mL) and citral (IC50 of 18.9⯵g/mL) exhibited the highest anti-trypanosomal activities. Citral is likely the active component of C. citratus and α-pinene is responsible for the antitrypanosomal effects of J. oxycedrus. The present work leads us to propose the J. oxycedrus, C. citratus and L. luisieri oils as valuable sources of new molecules for African Sleeping Sickness treatment.
Asunto(s)
Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Cymbopogon/química , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Concentración 50 Inhibidora , Juniperus/química , Lavandula/química , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Aceites Volátiles/química , Aceites Volátiles/toxicidad , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidadRESUMEN
The composition of the essential oil (EO) of Thapsia villosa (Apiaceae), isolated by hydrodistillation from the plant's aerial parts, was analysed by GC and GC-MS. Antifungal activity of the EO and its main components, limonene (57.5%) and methyleugenol (35.9%), were evaluated against clinically relevant yeasts (Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans and Malassezia furfur) and moulds (Aspergillus spp. and dermatophytes). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were measured according to the broth macrodilution protocols by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The EO, limonene and methyleugenol displayed low MIC and MFC (minimum fungicidal concentration) values against Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, dermatophytes, and Aspergillus spp. Regarding Candida species, an inhibition of yeast-mycelium transition was demonstrated at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the EO (MIC/128; 0.01 µL/mL) and their major compounds in Candida albicans. Fluconazole does not show this activity, and the combination with low concentrations of EO could associate a supplementary target for the antifungal activity. The association of fluconazole with T. villosa oil does not show antagonism, but the combination limonene/fluconazole displays synergism. The fungistatic and fungicidal activities revealed by T. villosa EO and its main compounds, associated with their low haemolytic activity, confirm their potential antimicrobial interest against fungal species often associated with human mycoses.
Asunto(s)
Antifúngicos/farmacología , Arthrodermataceae/efectos de los fármacos , Aspergillus/efectos de los fármacos , Candida/efectos de los fármacos , Malassezia/efectos de los fármacos , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Thapsia/química , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Aceites Volátiles/químicaRESUMEN
Excessive dietary sodium (salt) intake is a primary cause of high blood pressure and, consequently, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization wants to reduce the current sodium mean intake of approximately 4 g/d by half. Bread is commonly consumed and a major source of sodium. Therefore, reducing sodium content in bread would bring important economic and public health benefits. Thus, the goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the role of salt in bread manufacturing, summarize already tested reduction strategies, and explore glasswort (Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods) as a salt substitute. Some alternatives to the sodium additives often used in the bread-making process are also suggested. For this, an extensive literature review was carried out. Overall, salt reduction in bread, while maintaining product quality, is difficult to accomplish due to its multifunctional role in the bread-making process. Several strategies have been tried so far, with only partial success. Consequently, the use of glasswort (S. ramosissima J. Woods) as salt substitute shows great potential. However, other research is still needed to safely implement it in the baking industry. On the other hand, the reduction of salt alone is not the complete answer, and the replacement of sodium-based additives also needs to be considered to effectively lower sodium consumption.
RESUMEN
The genus Myrtus L. (Myrtaceae family) comprises two species, Myrtus communis L. (known as common myrtle) growing wild all around the Mediterranean basin and Myrtus nivellei Batt. and Trab. (known as Saharan myrtle), found in central Sahara. Only one country, Algeria, hosts both species, M. communis in the North and M. nivellei in the South. The aim of this review was to collect, summarize, and compare the main results reported relative to the essential oils isolated from aerial parts of both species: botanical aspects, habitat, traditional use, chemical composition, new compounds, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effect, and insecticidal activity. Both essential oils have potential applications in human health.
Asunto(s)
Myrtus/química , Aceites Volátiles/química , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Argelia , Animales , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/aislamiento & purificación , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/química , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antifúngicos/química , Antifúngicos/aislamiento & purificación , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Bacterias/efectos de los fármacos , Escarabajos/efectos de los fármacos , Hongos/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Insecticidas/química , Insecticidas/aislamiento & purificación , Insecticidas/farmacología , Myrtus/crecimiento & desarrollo , Aceites Volátiles/aislamiento & purificación , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
CONTEXT: Effective drugs to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are needed. OBJECTIVE: To identify essential oils (EOs) with anti-inflammatory activity in cell models of OA and IBD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EOs from Eryngium duriaei subsp. juresianum (M. Laínz) M. Laínz (Apiaceae), Laserpitium eliasii subsp. thalictrifolium Sennen & Pau (Apiaceae), Lavandula luisieri (Rozeira) Rivas-Martínez (Lamiaceae), Othantus maritimus (L.) Hoff. & Link (Asteraceae), and Thapsia villosa L. (Apiaceae) were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The anti-inflammatory activity of EOs (5-200 µg/mL) was evaluated by measuring inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation (total and phosphorylated IκB-α), in primary human chondrocytes and the intestinal cell line, C2BBe1, stimulated with interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) or interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), respectively. RESULTS: The EO of L. luisieri significantly reduced iNOS (by 54.9 and 81.0%, respectively) and phosphorylated IκB-α (by 87.4% and 62.3%, respectively) in both cell models. The EO of E. duriaei subsp. juresianum caused similar effects in human chondrocytes, but was inactive in intestinal cells, even at higher concentrations. The EOs of L. eliasii subsp. thalictrifolium and O. maritimus decreased iNOS expression by 45.2 ± 8.7% and 45.2 ± 6.2%, respectively, in C2BBe1 cells and were inactive in chondrocytes. The EO of T. villosa was inactive in both cell types. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing anti-inflammatory effects of the EOs of L. luisieri and E. duriaei subsp. juresianum. These effects are specific of the cell type and may be valuable to develop new therapies or as sources of active compounds with improved efficacy and selectivity towards OA and IBD.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Condrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Eryngium , Lavandula , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Adulto , Anciano , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/fisiología , Células Cultivadas , Condrocitos/metabolismo , Condrocitos/patología , Enfermedad Crónica , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Humanos , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/patología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Aceites Volátiles/aislamiento & purificación , Aceites Volátiles/uso terapéutico , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas , Aceites de Plantas/aislamiento & purificación , Aceites de Plantas/farmacología , Aceites de Plantas/uso terapéutico , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Acacia dealbata Link is a widespread invader in Mediterranean type ecosystems, and traits promoting its invasiveness are currently under investigation. Due to the dense atmosphere below its canopy, we hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from flowers, leaves, litter, or a mixture of treatments exert inhibitory effects on the natives Trifolium subterraneum, Lolium multiflorum, Medicago sativa, and also on its own seeds. We reported that VOCs from flowers significantly reduced germination in L. multiflorum and A. dealbata; moreover, root length, stem length, aboveground and belowground biomass were also reduced in all species studied. Volatile organic compounds from flowers and the mixture also increased significantly malondialdehyde content in T. subterraneum and L. multiflorum. The effects of VOCs on antioxidant enzymatic activities were species dependent. Flowers enhanced peroxidase but decreased superoxide dismutase activity in T. subterraneum. In contrast, VOCs released from leaves increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in L. multiflorum. GC/MS analyses revealed 27 VOCs in the volatile fraction from flowers, 12 of which were exclusive to this fraction. Within them, heptadecadiene, n-nonadecane, n-tricosane, and octadecene represent 62% of the fraction. We present evidence that the VOCs released from A. dealbata flowers strongly inhibited germination and seedling growth of selected species, and mainly on its own seedlings. As far as we know, this is the first evidence of phytotoxicity induced by VOCs in invasive species belonging to the Acacia genus.
Asunto(s)
Acacia/química , Fabaceae/crecimiento & desarrollo , Fabaceae/metabolismo , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/toxicidad , Acacia/crecimiento & desarrollo , Ionización de Llama , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Germinación , Especies Introducidas , Estrés Oxidativo , Plantones/crecimiento & desarrollo , EspañaRESUMEN
Previous studies have suggested that α-pinene, a common volatile plant metabolite, may have anti-inflammatory effects in human chondrocytes, thus exhibiting potential antiosteoarthritic activity. The objective of this study was to further characterize the potential antiosteoarthritic activity of selected pinene derivatives by evaluating their ability to modulate inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in human chondrocytes and to correlate the biological and chemical properties by determining whether the effects are isomer- and/or enantiomer-selective. To further elucidate chemicopharmacological interactions, the activities of other naturally occurring monoterpenes with the pinane nucleus were also investigated. At noncytotoxic concentrations, (+)-α-pinene (1) elicited the most potent inhibition of the IL-1ß-induced inflammatory and catabolic pathways, namely, NF-κB and JNK activation and the expression of the inflammatory (iNOS) and catabolic (MMP-1 and -13) genes. (-)-α-Pinene (2) was less active than the (+)-enantiomer (1), and ß-pinene (3) was inactive. E-Pinane (4) and oxygenated pinane-derived compounds, pinocarveol (5), myrtenal (6), (E)-myrtanol (7), myrtenol (8), and (Z)-verbenol (9), were less effective or even completely inactive and more cytotoxic than the pinenes tested (1-3). The data obtained show isomer- and enantiomer-selective anti-inflammatory and anticatabolic effects of α-pinene in human chondrocytes, (+)-α-pinene (1) being the most promising for further studies to determine its potential value as an antiosteoarthritic drug.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Condrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Monoterpenos/farmacología , Osteoartritis/tratamiento farmacológico , Antiinflamatorios/química , Monoterpenos Bicíclicos , Humanos , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , MAP Quinasa Quinasa 4/efectos de los fármacos , Estructura Molecular , Monoterpenos/química , FN-kappa B/antagonistas & inhibidores , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/efectos de los fármacos , Estereoisomerismo , Terpenos/farmacologíaRESUMEN
BACE-1 is an aspartic protease involved in the conversion of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to amyloid-ß (Aß) in vivo, which is one of the key steps in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease. In a previous screening procedure for inhibitors of BACE-1 activity, the oil of Lavandula luisieri was identified as the most potent among several essential oils. The inhibitory effect of this essential oil on Aß production was also demonstrated in a cellular assay. The composition of the volatile oil and the isolation of the compound responsible for the inhibitory activity were also reported. The present work focused on the characterization of the inhibition of BACE-1 by this active compound, a monoterpene necrodane ketone, 2,3,4,4-tetramethyl-5-methylenecyclopent-2-enone (1), with assessment of its Ki value and the type of inhibition. The dose-related effects of the compound were also evaluated using two different cell lines, with determinations of the respective EC50 values. The entire oil and the 2,3,4,4-tetramethyl-5-methylenecyclopent-2-enone (1) were tested on a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The overall results showed that compound 1 displayed a dose-dependent inhibition of BACE-1 in cellular and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and is therefore capable of passing through cellular membranes and the blood-brain barrier.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Proteasas de Ácido Aspártico/antagonistas & inhibidores , Lavandula/química , Monoterpenos/aislamiento & purificación , Monoterpenos/farmacología , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/análisis , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide/metabolismo , Animales , Barrera Hematoencefálica/metabolismo , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Catepsina D/antagonistas & inhibidores , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Ratones , Estructura Molecular , Monoterpenos/química , Monoterpenos/farmacocinética , Aceites de Plantas/químicaRESUMEN
The chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from the aerial parts of Melampodium divaricatum (Rich.) DC. (Asteraceae) was characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. (E)-Caryophyllene (56.0%), germacrene D (12.7%), and bicyclogermacrene (9.2%) were identified as the major oil components. The antimicrobial activity of the oil against seven standard strains of oral pathogens from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) was evaluated by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using the microdilution method. MIC Values below 100â µg/ml were obtained against Streptococcus sobrinus (90â µg/ml), Lactobacillus casei (30â µg/ml), S. mutans (20â µg/ml), and S. mitis (18â µg/ml). In contrast, the MIC values of the major oil compound (E)-caryophyllene were higher than 400â µg/ml against all pathogens, suggesting that the activity of the oil might depend on minor oil components and/or on synergistic effects. The M. divaricatum essential oil is a promising agent to include in anticariogenic oral rinse formulations for the control of oral pathogens.
Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos/química , Asteraceae/química , Aceites Volátiles/química , Antiinfecciosos/aislamiento & purificación , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Asteraceae/metabolismo , Lacticaseibacillus casei/efectos de los fármacos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Aceites Volátiles/aislamiento & purificación , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas/química , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas/metabolismo , Streptococcus mitis/efectos de los fármacos , Streptococcus mutans/efectos de los fármacos , Streptococcus sobrinus/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to chemical compounds, including the use of dried aromatic plants as seasonings instead of salt. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in food supplements and dried plants has become a concern because of their link to liver diseases and their classification as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Despite European Union (EU) Regulation (EU) 2023/915, non-compliance issues persist, as indicated by alerts on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal. Analyzing PAs poses a challenge because of their diverse chemical structures and low concentrations in these products, necessitating highly sensitive analytical methods. Despite these challenges, ongoing advancements in analytical techniques coupled with effective sampling and extraction strategies offer the potential to enhance safety measures. These developments aim to minimize consumer exposure to PAs and safeguard their health while addressing the growing demand for natural alternatives in the marketplace.
Asunto(s)
Alcaloides de Pirrolicidina , Alcaloides de Pirrolicidina/toxicidad , Alcaloides de Pirrolicidina/química , Plantas/química , Suplementos Dietéticos/toxicidad , Suplementos Dietéticos/análisis , CarcinógenosRESUMEN
Fungal infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, being highly prevalent in patients with underlying health complications such as chronic lung disease, HIV, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. To mitigate these infections, the development of effective antifungals is imperative, with plants standing out as promising sources of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we focus on the antibiofilm potential of Lavandula multifida essential oil (EO) against dermatophyte strains and Candida albicans. The EO was characterized using GC and GC-MS, and its antifungal effect was assessed on both biofilm formation and disruption. Biofilm mass, extracellular matrix, and viability were quantified using crystal violet, safranin, and XTT assays, respectively, and morphological alterations were confirmed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. L. multifida EO showed very high amounts of carvacrol and was very effective in inhibiting and disrupting fungal biofilms. The EO significantly decreased biofilm mass and viability in all tested fungi. In addition, a reduction in dermatophytes' extracellular matrix was observed, particularly during biofilm formation. Morphological alterations were evident in mature biofilms, with a clear decrease in hypha diameter. These promising results support the use of L. multifida EO in the development of effective plant-based antifungal products.
RESUMEN
Fungal infections and the accompanying inflammatory responses are associated with great morbidity and mortality due to the frequent relapses triggered by an increased resistance to antifungal agents. Furthermore, this inflammatory state can be exacerbated during inflammaging and cellular senescence. Essential oils (EO) are receiving increasing interest in the field of drug discovery due to their lipophilic nature and complex composition, making them suitable candidates in the development of new antifungal drugs and modulators of numerous molecular targets. This work chemically characterized the EO from Santolina rosmarinifolia L., collected in Setúbal (Portugal), and assessed its antifungal potential by determining its minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI) guidelines, as well as its effect on several Candida albicans virulence factors. The anti-inflammatory effect was unveiled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing several pro-inflammatory mediators. The wound healing and anti-senescence potential of the EO was also disclosed. The EO was mainly characterized by ß-pinene (29.6%), borneol (16.9%), myrcene (15.4%) and limonene (5.7%). It showed a strong antifungal effect against yeasts and filamentous fungi (MIC = 0.07-0.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, it inhibited dimorphic transition (MIC/16), decreased biofilm formation with a preeminent effect after 24 h (MIC/2) and disrupted preformed biofilms in C. albicans. Additionally, the EO decreased nitric oxide (NO) release (IC50 = 0.52 mg/mL) and pro-IL-1ß and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, promoted wound healing (91% vs. 81% closed wound) and reduced cellular senescence (53% vs. 73% ß-galactosidase-positive cells). Overall, this study highlights the relevant pharmacological properties of S. rosmarinifolia, opening new avenues for its industrial exploitation.
RESUMEN
Chritmum maritimum, sea fennel, is a facultative halophyte used in salads, soups, and sauces, as well as used to prepare medicinal juices and aqueous extracts (AE) to treat several ailments. Its essential oil (EO) is used as a spice and aromatizing. In this work, the nutritional (crude protein, fiber, lipids, and ashes content) and HPLC-PDA phenolic profiles were determined. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the infusion and of the decoction, as well as the antibacterial activity of both, the AE and EO, were assessed against food-contaminating bacteria. The composition of the EO was also established. Sea fennel exhibited considerable fiber (34.3 ± 1.92%) and mineral content (23.6 ± 4.8%). AE contains chlorogenic acid as the major phenolic compound, 49.7 ± 0.8 mg/g in the infusion dry extract and (26.8 ± 0.9 mg/g in the decoction dry extract). EO contains high amounts of monoterpene hydrocarbons, namely γ-terpinene and sabinene. In regards to the antioxidant activity, IC50 values for the infusion and decoction were, respectively: 36.5 ± 1.4 µg/mL and 44.7 ± 4.4 µg/mL in the DPPH assay; 37.3 ± 2.6 µg/mL and 38.4 ± 1.8 µg/mL, in the ABTS assay. EO is particularly active against Bacillus cereus and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results support the use of sea fennel AE and EO as a potential alternative preservative ingredient for feeds, foods, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, due to the antioxidant activity of infusion and decoction, and antibacterial properties of essential oil.
RESUMEN
Aromatic plants are reported to display pharmacological properties, including anti-aging. This work aims to disclose the anti-aging effect of the essential oil (EO) of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., an aromatic and medicinal plant widely used as a spice, as well as of the hydrodistillation residual water (HRW), a discarded by-product of EO hydrodistillation. The phytochemical characterization of EO and HRW was assessed by GC-MS and HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn, respectively. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were used to disclose the antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages by assessing NO production, iNOS, and pro-IL-1ß protein levels. Cell migration was evaluated using the scratch wound assay, and the etoposide-induced senescence was used to assess the modulation of senescence. The EO is mainly characterized by carvacrol, while the HRW is predominantly characterized by rosmarinic acid. The HRW exerts a stronger antioxidant effect in the DPPH and FRAP assays, whereas the EO was the most active sample in the ABTS assay. Both extracts reduce NO, iNOS, and pro-IL-1ß. The EO has no effect on cell migration and presents anti-senescence effects. In opposition, HRW reduces cell migration and induces cellular senescence. Overall, our study highlights interesting pharmacological properties for both extracts, EO being of interest as an anti-aging ingredient and HRW relevant in cancer therapy.