Myrtus communis leaves: source of bio - actives, traditional use, their biological properties, and prospects / Hojas de Myrtus communis: fuente de bioactivos, uso tradicional, sus propiedades biológicas y perspectivas

Myrtus communis L., commonly known as true myrtle, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean area. Since ancient times, the inhabitant s of this area have been using it for its cultural and medicinal properties. Because of the vast diversity of biomolecules in its aerial parts, it exhibits several biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. This review retrospect the research on the source, biological activities with empirical evidence, chemical composition, applications, and cellular targets of extracts and essential oils obtained from M. communis leaves, which provides a perspective for further studies on the applications and formulations of extract and EO of M. communis leaves. The efficacy of constituents' individually, in association with other bioactive constituents, or in combination with available commercial drugs would provide insights in to the development of these bio - actives as future drugs and their evolving future potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and aroma industries.

Myrtus communis L., comúnmente conocido como arrayán verdadero, es una planta medicinal originaria de la zona mediterránea. Desde la antigüedad, los habitantes de esta zona lo utilizan por sus propiedades culturales y medicinales. Debido a la gran div ersidad de biomoléculas en sus partes aéreas, exhibe varias propiedades biológicas, incluidas propiedades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas y anticancerígenas. Esta revisión retrospectiva de la investigación sobre la fuente, las actividades biológicas con evi dencia empírica, la composición química, las aplicaciones y los objetivos celulares de los extractos y aceites esenciales obtenidos de las hojas de M. communis , lo que brinda una perspectiva para futuros estudios sobre las aplicaciones y formulaciones de l os extractos y EO de M. communis . La eficacia de los componentes individualmente, en asociación con otros componentes bioactivos o en combinación con medicamentos comerciales disponibles proporcionaría información sobre el desarrollo de estos bioactivos co mo medicamentos futuros y sus futuras aplicaciones potenciales en las industrias farmacéutica, alimentaria y aromática

Actividad repelente e insecticida de cuatro aceites esenciales de plantas recolectadas en Chocó-Colombia contra Tribolium castaneum / Repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils from plants recolleted in Chocó-Colombia against Tribolium castaneum

This study aimed to determine the repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils (EOs) from plants collected in the Chocó rain forest, Colombia, against T. castaneum . Conventional hydrodistillation was used to obtain the EOs. The repellent and insecticidal activities were evaluated by the preference area and gas dispersion methods, espectively. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were determined by applying a student's t-test. EOs of Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum, and Nectandra acutifolia showed excellent repellent properties as the main findings, highlighting S. conicaEO with 84% repellency (1-hµL/cm2), while P. marginatum showed to be bioactive to the dose of 500 µL/mL (72 h), inducing mortality of 100% of the exposed population. In conclusion, the results evidenced the repellent properties of the EOs evaluated against T. castaneum , which allows us to conclude that these plant species are potential natural sources producing bio-repellents that contribute to the integrated control of T. castaneum.

Se evaluaron cuatro aceites esenciales (AEs) de plantas recolectadas en la selva pluvial del Chocó, Colombia, para determinar su actividad repelente e insecticida contra T. castaneum. Los AEs fueron obtenidos por hidrodestilación convencional. Las actividades repelentes e insecticidas se evaluaron por los métodos de área de preferencia y dispersión de gas, respectivamente. Las diferencias significativas (p<0,05) fueron determinadas aplicando una prueba t de student. Los AEs de Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum y Nectandra acutifolia mostraron excelentes propiedades repelentes, destacando el AE de S. conicacon un 84% de repelencia (1µL/cm2), mientras que el AE de P. marginatummostró ser bioactivo a la dosis de 500 µL/mL (72 h) al inducir la mortalidad del 100% de la población expuesta. Se concluye que estas especies de plantas son fuentes naturales potencialmente viables para la producción de biorepelentes que contribuyan en el control integrado de T. castaneum.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) reduces infection and proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii in BeWo cells with induction of autophagy and death of tachyzoites through a mechanism similar to necrosis.

Toxoplasmosis poses a global health threat, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe, potentially fatal manifestations, especially in immunocompromised individuals and congenital transmission. Prior research suggests that oregano essential oil (OEO) exhibits diverse biological effects, including antiparasitic activity against Toxoplasma gondii. Given concerns about current treatments, exploring new compounds is important. This study was to assess the toxicity of OEO on BeWo cells and T. gondii tachyzoites, as well as to evaluate its effectiveness in in vitro infection models and determine its direct action on free tachyzoites. OEO toxicity on BeWo cells and T. gondii tachyzoites was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods, determining cytotoxic concentration (CC50), inhibitory concentration (IC50), and selectivity index (SI). Infection and proliferation indices were analyzed. Direct assessments of the parasite included reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, necrosis, and apoptosis, as well as electron microscopy. Oregano oil exhibited low cytotoxicity on BeWo cells (CC50: 114.8 µg/mL ± 0.01) and reduced parasite viability (IC50 12.5 ± 0.06 µg/mL), demonstrating 9.18 times greater selectivity for parasites than BeWo cells. OEO treatment significantly decreased intracellular proliferation in infected cells by 84% after 24 h with 50 µg/mL. Mechanistic investigations revealed increased ROS levels, mitochondrial depolarization, and lipid droplet formation, linked to autophagy induction and plasma membrane permeabilization. These alterations, observed through electron microscopy, suggested a necrotic process confirmed by propidium iodide labeling. OEO treatment demonstrated anti-T. gondii action through cellular and metabolic change while maintaining low toxicity to trophoblastic cells.

Lippia grata Essential Oil Acts Synergistically with Ampicillin Against Staphylococcus aureus and its Biofilm.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global challenge as microorganisms evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics. In addition, the improper use of antibiotics significantly contributes to the AMR acceleration. Essential oils have garnered attention for their antimicrobial potential. Indeed, essential oils extracted from plants contain compounds that exhibit antibacterial activity, including against resistant microorganisms. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Lippia grata and its combination with ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus strains (ATCC 25923, ATCC 700698, and JKD6008). The plant material (leaves) was gathered in Mossoro, RN, and the EO was obtained using the hydrodistillation method with the Clevenger apparatus. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by measuring biomass using crystal violet (CV) staining, viable cell counting, and analysis of preformed biofilms. In addition, the synergistic effects of the EO in combination with ampicillin were examined by scanning electron and confocal microscopy. The EO displayed a MIC value of 2.5 mg/mL against all tested S. aureus strains and an MBC only against S. aureus JKD6008 at 2.5 mg/mL. L. grata EO caused complete biofilm inhibition at concentrations ranging from 10 to 0.312 mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and 10 to 1.25 mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 700698 and S. aureus JKD6008. In the viable cell quantification assay, there was a reduction in CFU ranging from 1.0 to 8.0 logs. The combination of EO with ampicillin exhibited a synergistic effect against all strains. Moreover, the combination showed a significantly inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating preformed biofilms. Furthermore, the EO and ampicillin (individually and in combination) altered the cellular morphology of S. aureus cells. Regarding the mechanism, the results revealed that L. grata EO increased membrane permeability and caused significant membrane damage. Concerning the synergy mechanism, the results revealed that the combination of EO and ampicillin increases membrane permeability and causes considerable membrane damage, further inhibiting bacteria synergistically. The findings obtained here suggest that L. grata EO in combination with ampicillin could be a viable treatment option against S. aureus infections, including MRSA strain.

Bioactivities and Synergistic Effect of Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil and Its Main Components against Lasioderma serricorne.

Investigations have shown that storage bugs seriously harm grains during storage. In the interim, essential oils (EOs) have been proven to be a good botanical pesticide. The anti-Lasioderma serricorne properties of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil, which was obtained by steam distillation, were evaluated using DL-limonene, carvone, and their two optical isomer components using contact, repelling, and fumigation techniques. Simultaneously, the fumigation, contact, and repellent activities of carvone and its two optical isomers mixed with DL-limonene against L. serruricorne were evaluated. The results showed that E. ciliata, its main components (R-carvone, DL-limonene), and S-carvone exhibited both fumigations (LC50 = 14.47, 4.42, 20.9 and 3.78 mg/L) and contact (LD50 = 7.31, 4.03, 28.62 and 5.63 µg/adult) activity against L.serricorne. A binary mixture (1:1) of R-carvone and DL-limonene displayed an obvious synergistic effect. A binary mixture (1:1) of carvone and its two optical isomers exhibited an obvious synergistic effect, too. Furthermore, the repellent activity of the EO, carvone, and its two optical isomers, DL-limonene, and a combination of them varied. To stop insect damage during storage, E. ciliata and its components can be utilized as bio-insecticides.

A Comparison between Bulgarian Tanacetum parthenium Essential Oil from Two Different Locations.

Tanacetum parthenium L. (Asteraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long-standing historical use in traditional medicine. Recently Tanacetum parthenium L. essential oil has been associated with a promising potential for future applications in the pharmaceutical industry, in the cosmetics industry, and in agriculture. Investigations on the essential oil (EO) have indicated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and repellent activity. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of Bulgarian T. parthenium essential oil from two different regions, to compare the results to those reported previously in the literature, and to point out some of its future applications. The essential oils of the air-dried flowering aerial parts were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was evaluated using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was established that the oxygenated monoterpenes were the predominant terpene class, followed by the monoterpene hydrocarbons. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences between both samples were revealed. Camphor (50.90%), camphene (16.12%), and bornyl acetate (6.05%) were the major constituents in the feverfew EO from the western Rhodope Mountains, while in the EO from the central Balkan mountains camphor (45.54%), trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (13.87%), and camphene (13.03%) were the most abundant components.

Chemical Characterization of the Essential Oil Compositions of Mentha spicata and M. longifolia ssp. cyprica from the Mediterranean Basin and Multivariate Statistical Analyses.

This present study aims to characterize the essential oil compositions of the aerial parts of M. spicata L. and endemic M. longifolia ssp. cyprica (Heinr. Braun) Harley by using GC-FID and GC/MS analyses simultaneously. In addition, it aims to perform multivariate statistical analysis by comparing with the existing literature, emphasizing the literature published within the last two decades, conducted on both species growing within the Mediterranean Basin. The major essential oil components of M. spicata were determined as carvone (67.8%) and limonene (10.6%), while the major compounds of M. longifolia ssp. cyprica essential oil were pulegone (64.8%) and 1,8-cineole (10.0%). As a result of statistical analysis, three clades were determined for M. spicata: a carvone-rich chemotype, a carvone/trans-carveol chemotype, and a pulegone/menthone chemotype, with the present study result belonging to the carvone-rich chemotype. Carvone was a primary determinant of chemotype, along with menthone, pulegone, and trans-carveol. In M. longifolia, the primary determinants of chemotype were identified as pulegone and menthone, with three chemotype clades being pulegone-rich, combined menthone/pulegone, and combined menthone/pulegone with caryophyllene enrichment. The primary determinants of chemotype were menthone, pulegone, and caryophyllene. The present study result belongs to pulegone-rich chemotype.

Microencapsulation of Essential Oils Using Faba Bean Protein and Chia Seed Polysaccharides via Complex Coacervation Method.

The aim of this study was to develop microcapsules containing juniper or black pepper essential oils, using a combination of faba bean protein and chia seed polysaccharides (in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1). By synergizing these two polymers, our goal was to enhance the efficiency of essential oil microencapsulation, opening up various applications in the food industry. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the influence of different polymer mixing ratios on the properties of the resulting microcapsules and the course of the complex coacervation process. To dissolve the essential oils and limit their evaporation, soybean and rapeseed oils were used. The powders resulting from the freeze-drying of coacervates underwent testing to assess microencapsulation efficiency (65.64-87.85%), density, flowability, water content, solubility, and hygroscopicity. Additionally, FT-IR and DSC analyses were conducted. FT-IR analysis confirmed the interactions between the components of the microcapsules, and these interactions were reflected in their high thermal resistance, especially at a protein-to-polysaccharide ratio of 2:1 (177.2 °C). The water content in the obtained powders was low (3.72-7.65%), but it contributed to their hygroscopicity (40.40-76.98%).

Application of Cinnamomum burmannii Essential Oil in Promoting Wound Healing.

Skin wounds, leading to infections and death, have a huge negative impact on healthcare systems around the world. Antibacterial therapy and the suppression of excessive inflammation help wounds heal. To date, the application of wound dressings, biologics and biomaterials (hydrogels, epidermal growth factor, stem cells, etc.) is limited due to their difficult and expensive preparation process. Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume is an herb in traditional medicine, and its essential oil is rich in D-borneol, with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is not clear whether Cinnamomum burmannii essential oil has the function of promoting wound healing. This study analyzed 32 main components and their relative contents of essential oil using GC-MS. Then, network pharmacology was used to predict the possible targets of this essential oil in wound healing. We first proved this essential oil's effects in vitro and in vivo. Cinnamomum burmannii essential oil could not only promote the proliferation and migration of skin stromal cells, but also promote M2-type polarization of macrophages while inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study explored the possible mechanism by which Cinnamomum burmannii essential oil promotes wound healing, providing a cheap and effective strategy for promoting wound healing.

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of the Vegetative Buds from Romanian Spruce, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.

This study aims to investigate the vegetative buds from Picea abies (spruce), naturally found in a central region of Romania, through a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition to identify bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological properties. Using HPLC/derivatization technique of GC-MS and quantitative spectrophotometric assays, the phenolic profile, and main components of an ethanolic extract from the buds were investigated. The essential oil was characterized by GC-MS. Moreover, the antioxidant activity with the DPPH method, and the antimicrobial activity were tested. Heavy metal detection was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The main components of the alcoholic extract were astragalin, quercetin, kaempferol, shikimic acid, and quinic acid. A total content of 25.32 ± 2.65 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry plant (mg GAE/g DW) and of 10.54 ± 0.083 mg rutin equivalents/g of dry plant (mg RE/g DW) were found. The essential oil had D-limonene, α-cadinol, δ-cadinene, 13-epimanool, and δ-3-carene as predominant components. The spruce vegetative buds exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC50 of 53 µg/mL) and antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, concentrations of heavy metals Pb and Cd were below detection limits, suggesting that the material was free from potentially harmful contaminants. The results confirmed the potential of this indigenous species to be used as a source of compounds with pharmacological utilities.

Chemical composition and anti-angiogenic activity of the essential oil from Blumea eriantha D.C.

Blumea eriantha D.C is a weed from Asteraceae family and is reported to have anticancer activity. The essential oil from the aerial parts was extracted by steam distillation method with the yield of 0.36%. Through GC-MS analysis of the oil, seventeen compounds could be identified by comparing with linear retention indices with the library. Out of the seventeen compounds ß-Caryophylline oxide was isolated by column chromatography with gradient elution and the structure was determined through FT-IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13 C NMR and DEPT. The oil was evaluated for its effect on angiogenesis using Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay (CAM Assay). The concentration dependent antiangiogenic effect was observed with IC 50 value of 19.28 ppm.

Loading cinnamon oil into pH-sensitive chitosan grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles via supercritical carbon dioxide.

Stimulus-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have displayed great potentiality for controlled-release and targeted drug delivery. In the current work, a supercritical fluid method was utilized to successfully prepare cinnamon oil loaded into chitosan grafted MSNs (CO@CS-MSNs). The influencing factors of drug loads, such as pressure, temperature, impregnation time and depressure time, were investigated. The structure of CO@CS-MSNs was demonstrated with Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG) as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD). The drug release assays in vitro at various pH conditions displayed that CO@CS-MSNs had an excellent pH-responsive release behavior, which confirmed that CO was loaded successfully into the CO@CS-MSNs. The findings indicated that the supercritical fluid approach is a non-destructive and efficient approach for stimulus-responsive MSNs, which is expected to further expand its application range.

The composition of chemicals and anti-osteogenic properties in the volatile extracts from Homalomena gigantea rhizome.

In this study, the anti-osteogenic properties of the volatile oil extracted from Homalomena gigantea rhizome using ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) were examined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed for the identification of volatile components. Following this, bioassays were performed to evaluate their effects on osteogenesis, encompassing parameters like cell viability, osteoblast differentiation, collagen synthesis and mineralization. The GC-MS analysis revealed 19 compounds in the EtOAc extract and 36 compounds in the MeOH extract. In the MeOH extract, major constituents included bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (13.83%), linalool (9.58%), palmitic acid (6.55%) and stearic acid (4.29%). The EtOAc extract contained bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (16.64%), palmitic acid (5.60%) and stearic acid (3.11%) as the predominant components. Both the EtOAc and MeOH extracts of H. gigantea exhibited promising potential for further investigation in anti-osteoporosis research. These findings contribute to the exploration of natural compounds with potential anti-osteoporotic properties, expanding our understanding of their therapeutic potential.

In vitro acaricidal activity of several natural products against ibex-derived Sarcoptes scabiei.

In this study we analysed the effect of the temperature, diverse strains of Bacillus thuringiensis, Lysinibacillus sphaericus and nanoformulations with essential plant oils (EONP) on the survival of Sarcoptes scabiei mites derived from naturally-infested Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). In general, mites maintained at 12ºC survived more than those maintained at 35ºC (40.7 hr and 31.2 hr, respectively). Mites with no treatment survived 27.6 h on average. Mites treated with B. thuringiensis serovar. konkukian and geranium EONP showed significant reduction in their survival. Despite the fact that these agents seem to be promising candidates for controlling sarcoptic mange in the field, further research is still needed to get stable, efficient and eco-friendly acaricides.

Repellent activity of essential oils to the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum.

BACKGROUND: The Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum is important to human health because of a variety of pathogenic organisms transmitted to humans during feeding events, which underscores the need to identify novel approaches to prevent tick bites. Thus, the goal of this study was to test natural and synthetic molecules for repellent activity against ticks in spatial, contact and human fingertip bioassays. METHODS: The efficacy of essential oils and naturally derived compounds as repellents to Am. americanum nymphs was compared in three different bioassays: contact, spatial and fingertip repellent bioassays. RESULTS: Concentration response curves after contact exposure to 1R-trans-chrysanthemic acid (TCA) indicated a 5.6 µg/cm2 concentration required to repel 50% of ticks (RC50), which was five- and sevenfold more active than DEET and nootkatone, respectively. For contact repellency, the rank order of repellency at 50 µg/cm2 for natural oils was clove > geranium > oregano > cedarwood > thyme > amyris > patchouli > citronella > juniper berry > peppermint > cassia. For spatial bioassays, TCA was approximately twofold more active than DEET and nootkatone at 50 µg/cm2 but was not significantly different at 10 µg/cm2. In spatial assays, thyme and cassia were the most active compounds tested with 100% and 80% ticks repelled within 15 min of exposure respectively and was approximately twofold more effective than DEET at the same concentration. To translate these non-host assays to efficacy when used on the human host, we quantified repellency using a finger-climbing assay. TCA, nootkatone and DEET were equally effective in the fingertip assay, and patchouli oil was the only natural oil that significantly repelled ticks. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in repellent potency based on the assay type suggests that the ability to discover active tick repellents suitable for development may be more complicated than with other arthropod species; furthermore, the field delivery mechanism must be considered early in development to ensure translation to field efficacy. TCA, which is naturally derived, is a promising candidate for a tick repellent that has comparable repellency to commercialized tick repellents.

Effects of natural treatments on the varroa mite infestation levels and overall health of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies.

The survival of the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which has a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem maintenance, is threatened by many pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses. The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is considered the major cause of the worldwide decline in honey bee colony health. Although several synthetic acaricides are available to control Varroa infestations, resistant mites and side effects on bees have been documented. The development of natural alternatives for mite control is therefore encouraged. The study aims at exploring the effects of cinnamon and oregano essential oils (EOs) and of a mixed fruit cocktail juice on mite infestation levels and bee colony health. A multi-method study including hive inspection, mite count, molecular detection of fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, analysis of defensin-1, hymenoptaecin and vitellogenin immune gene expression, colony density and honey production data, was conducted in a 20-hive experimental apiary. The colonies were divided into five groups: four treatment groups and one control group. The treatment groups were fed on a sugar syrup supplemented with cinnamon EO, oregano EO, a 1:1 mixture of both EOs, or a juice cocktail. An unsupplemented syrup was, instead, used to feed the control group. While V. destructor affected all the colonies throughout the study, no differences in mite infestation levels, population density and honey yield were observed between treatment and control groups. An overexpression of vitellogenin was instead found in all EO-treated groups, even though a significant difference was only found in the group treated with the 1:1 EO mixture. Viral (DWV, CBPV and BQCV), fungal (Nosema ceranae) and bacterial (Melissococcus plutonius) pathogens from both symptomatic and asymptomatic colonies were detected.

Characterization and pharmacokinetics of cinnamon and star anise compound essential oil pellets prepared via centrifugal granulation technology.

Cinnamon and star anise essential oils are extracted from natural plants and provide a theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of compound essential oil pellets. However, cinnamon oil and star anise oil have the characteristics of a pungent taste, extreme volatility, poor palatability, and unstable physical and chemical properties, which limit their clinical use in veterinary medicine. In this study, the inhibitory effects of cinnamon oil and star anise oil on Escherichia coli and Salmonella were measured. Compound essential oil pellets were successfully prepared by centrifugal granulation technology. Subsequently, the in vitro dissolution of the pellets and their pharmacokinetics in pigs were investigated. The results showd that, cinnamon and star anise oils showed synergistic or additive inhibitiory effects on Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The oil pellets had enteric characteristics in vitro and high dissolution in vitro. The pharmacokinetic results showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax and AUC were directly correlated with the dosage and showed linear pharmacokinetic characteristics, which provided a theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of compound essential oil pellets.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of the essential oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleoresin on human gastric cancer cell lines.

Numerous herbal products have been the subject of research regarding their potential role in cancer prevention or adjuvant therapy. Pistacia atlantica and its main phytochemicals have garnered significant attention for their potential anti-cancer effects. The study aimed to assess the growth inhibitory effects of P. atlantica essential oil (PAEO) on MKN-45 and AGS cells. This study quantified the volatile compounds in PAEO using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, MKN-45 and AGS cells were treated with varying concentrations of PAEO (5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, 0.3125%, 0.156%, 0.0781%, 0.0391%, 0.0195%) for 24 h. Cell viability was evaluated through the MTT assay. The impact of PAEO on gene expression was investigated by quantifying the mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl2 in the various experimental groups using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Additionally, flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate apoptosis in the treated cells. The analysis of PAEO revealed that α-pinene was the predominant monoterpene, constituting 87.9% of the oil composition. The cytotoxic effects of PAEO were evaluated, and it was found that the oil significantly reduced the viability of MKN-45 and AGS cells. The IC50 for MKN-45 cells was determined to be 1.94 × 10-3% after 24 h of treatment, while for AGS cells the IC50 was 2.8 × 10-3% after 24 h. Additionally, the research revealed that PAEO triggered a notable rise in apoptotic cells in both AGS and MKN-45 cell lines. Moreover, at the molecular level, the findings indicated an increase in Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl2 mRNA expression, providing further evidence of the induction of apoptosis in both MKN-45 and AGS cell lines following PAEO treatment. The findings of this study offer evidence supporting the cytotoxic effects of PAEO on gastric cancer cell lines by promoting apoptosis. The findings suggest that PAEO may offer potential as a therapeutic candidate in managing and treating gastric cancer.

Phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane-extracted oil from four umbelliferous vegetables using GC/MS analysis in the context of antibacterial activity.

Umbelliferous (Apiaceae) vegetables are widely consumed worldwide for their nutritive and health benefits. The main goal of the current study is to explore the compositional heterogeneity in four dried umbelliferous vegetables viz, celery, coriander, dill, and parsley targeting their volatile profile using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 133 volatile metabolites were detected belonging to 12 classes. Aromatic hydrocarbons were detected as the major components of the analyzed vegetables accounting ca. 64.0, 62.4, 59.5, and 47.8% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected at ca. 6.39, 8.21, 6.16, and 6.79% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of various health benefits were detected in parsley and represented by roughanic acid and α-linolenic acid at 4.99 and 0.47%, respectively. Myristicin and frambinone were detected only in parsley at 0.45 and 0.56%. Investigation of antibacterial activity of umbelliferous vegetables n-hexane extract revealed a moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity for celery and dill against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone 20.3 mm compared to 24.3 mm of the standard antibacterial drug.