Antibacterial Potential of Essential Oils and Silver Nanoparticles against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an emergent zoonotic agent associated with multidrug resistance (MDR). This work aimed to describe the antibacterial activity of four essential oils (EOs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against 15 S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from pyoderma. The four EOs, namely Rosmarinus officinalis (RO), Juniperus communis (GI), Citrus sinensis (AR), and Abies alba (AB), and AgNPs were used alone and in combination to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). All strains were MDR and methicillin-resistant. Among the antibiotic cohort, only rifampicin, doxycycline, and amikacin were effective. EOs' chemical analysis revealed 124 compounds belonging to various chemical classes. Of them, 35 were found in AR, 75 in AB, 77 in GI, and 57 in RO. The monoterpenic fraction prevailed over the sesquiterpenic in all EOs. When EOs were tested alone, AB showed the lowest MIC followed by GI, AR, and RO (with values ranging from 1:128 to 1:2048). MBC increased in the following order: AB, AR, GI, and RO (with values ranging from 1:512 to 1:2048). MIC and MBC values for AgNPs were 10.74 mg/L ± 4.23 and 261.05 mg/L ± 172.74. In conclusion, EOs and AgNPs could limit the use of antibiotics or improve the efficacy of conventional therapies.

Phytochemical analysis and allelopathic potential of essential oil of yarrow (Achillea spp.) ecotypes against redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.).

This study will contribute to the knowledge of plant allelopathy and its application in weed management, as well as to the valuation of medicinal and neglected plant species. An allelopathy experiment was conducted to introduce Achillea spp. as an effective species on the red root pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). The allelopathic effect of dry material from the flower, leaf and stem of Tanacetum polycephalum L. and 9 Achillea spp. (Achillea santolina L., A. millefolium L., A. nobilis L., A. conferta DC., A. vermicularis Trin., A. beibersteinii Afan., A. talagonica Boiss., A. tenuifolia Lam., A. aleppica DC.) applied to the soil on the growth of redroot pigweed seedling was tested. Five different ratios of aerial dry material of different species as residues (at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 50 g kg-1 dry weight) were used in the pots. Achillea residual had a significant effect on the growth of redroot pigweed. Achillea vermicolaris and A. aleppica were the most effective species at stopping the growth of redroot pigweed, reducing its dry matter by 90% at 0.07 and 0.02 g kg-1 dry weight, respectively. Based on the results of GC/MS analyses, 152 different compounds were found in the essential oil of Achillea spp. The possible relationship between allelochemicals and seedling investigation by partial least squares regression between effective doses for controlling redroot pigweed and allelochemical compounds of Achillea species. Result showed that cis-Menth-2-en-1-ol, α-Terpinyl, propionate and Bornyl acetate had the most effect on inhibiting the growth of redroot pigweed. Our research revealed that the Achillea genus has a lot of potential as a bioherbicide. This means that its leftovers or mulch could be used as a good cover crop to control redroot pigweed.

Yet another in vitro evidence that natural compounds introduced by diet have anti-amyloidogenic activities and can counteract neurodegenerative disease depending on aging.

A major issue in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research is to find some new therapeutic drug which decrease Amyloid-beta (Aß) aggregation. From a therapeutic point of view the major question is whether pharmacological inhibition of inflammation pathways will be able to safely reverse or slow the course of disease. Natural compounds are capable of binding to different targets implicated in AD and exert neuroprotective effects. Aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro inhibition of Aß1-42 fibrillogenesis in presence of Gallic acid, Rutin, Melatonin and ProvinolsTM . We performed the analysis with Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy, and with X-ray microanalysis. Samples treated with Rutin, that arises from phenylalanine via the phenylpropanoid pathway, show the best effective result obtained because a significantly fibril inhibition activity is detectable compared to the other compounds. Melatonin shows a better inhibitory activity than ProvinolsTM and Gallic acid at the considered concentrations.

Biological activities of the aerial and undergound parts of Gymnadenia nigra Rchb.f. (syn. Nigritella nigra (L.) Rchb. f.) from the Italian Alps.

This study investigated the bioactivity of both aerial (GNAR) and underground (GNUG) parts of Gymnadenia nigra Rchb.f. (syn. Nigritella nigra (L.) Rchb. f.) (Orchidaceae). The obtained data proved interesting when the samples were tested in two adrenocortical cancer cell lines (SW13 and H295R). In particular, the GNAR 80% methanol extract distinctly inhibited their viability after 24 h at a concentration of 1 µg/µL by MTT assay and trypan blue dye exclusion method. Cell morphology evaluation by means Wright's staining also showed significant results, particularly in SW13 cells under the effect of both extracts. GNAR extract was able to scavenge the DPPH radical better than GNUG extract. It also was more active in albumin denaturation (a maximum % denaturation equal to 463.0 ± 8.3 vs 77.3 ± 13.3) and protease inhibition (a maximum % inhibition equal to 138.5 ± 7.0 vs 2.1 ± 2.0) tests. The results highlighted an important antitumor activity of G. nigra in vitro that deserves to be further studied.

Vapor and Liquid Phase Profiles of Essential Oils from Abies, Picea and Pinus Species and Their Phytotoxic Interactions with Weed Growth in Pre- and Post-Emergence Conditions.

The chemical content of essential oils (EO) obtained from the leaves of four Pinaceae (Abies alba, Picea abies, Pinus cembra and Pinus mugo) was investigated by SPME-GC-MS technique. The vapor phase was characterized by the monoterpenes with values higher than 95.0%. Among them, α-pinene (24.7-48.5%), limonene (17.2-33.1%) and ß-myrcene (9.2-27.8%) were the most abundant. The monoterpenic fraction prevailed over the sesquiterpenic one (≥74.7%) in the EO liquid phase. Limonene was the major compound in A. alba (30.4%), P. abies (20.3%) and P. mugo (78.5%), while α-pinene in P. cembra (36.2%). Regarding the phytotoxic properties, EOs were studied at different doses (2-100 µL) and concentrations (2-20/100 µL/mL). All EOs were found to be significantly active (p-value ˂ 0.05) against the two recipient species in a dose-dependent way. In pre-emergence tests, germination of Lolium multiflorum and Sinapis alba was reduced by up to 62-66% and 65-82%, respectively, as well as their growth by up to 60-74% and 65-67%, due to the effects of compounds in both the vapor and liquid phases. In post-emergence conditions, at the highest concentration, the phytotoxicity of EOs caused heavy symptoms and, in the case of S. alba, A. alba EO completely destroyed (100%) the treated seedlings.

Chemical composition of different plant part from Lactuca serriola L. - focus on volatile compounds and fatty acid profile.

The family Asteraceae comprises many species that have medicinal importance in terms of their chemical components. Some species of the genus Lactuca have been used in folk medicine for a long time ago. One of them is L. serriola L., a wild plant that is a weed in agriculture. To date, few studies have been published on its chemical profile. In this research, we investigated the volatile compounds and fatty acids of L. serriola roots, leaves, and seeds. To this end, a microsteam distillation-solid phase microextraction technique (MSD-SPME) followed by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed. Aldehydes and terpenoids were predominantly present in the leaves with phenylacetaldehyde as the major compound (up to 18%) while 2-ethyl hexanol (up to 36.9%) was the most abundant substance in the roots. Among the fatty acids, nonadecanoic acid (38.3%) was the main one detected in the leaves, while linoleic acid (57.7%) was predominant in the seeds. Some of the detected constituents have already demonstrated importance in medicinal and industrial areas. As a result, this species could be further investigated for its biological features and be considered as a source of ingredients beneficial in different fields, including pharmaceuticals.

Chemical characterization by GC/MS analysis of Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A.Mey. aerial parts and seeds.

Lactuca tatarica is a wild species belonging to Asteraceae family omnipresent in Southern Caucasus region including Azerbaijan. Previous studies on the chemical content of some extracts obtained from its different organs have reported the presence of lactone sesquiterpenes, triterpenoids and flavonoids. For the first time, we investigated the volatile composition of L. tatarica aerial parts and seeds by GC/MS technique. The results showed the predominant presence of fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated. Palmitic acid was prevalent in the aerial parts (up to 89.9%) while linoleic acid (up to 82.6%) was the most abundant component in the seeds. Other minor components were terpene and hydrocarbon derivatives. Some of the detected constituents in L. tatarica have already demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, this species could be better studied for its biological properties and considered as a source of active ingredients useful in various fields including the pharmaceutical one.

Ginger and parsley essential oils: chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and evaluation of their application in cheese preservation.

Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of parsley [Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss] and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) essential oils from store-bought parsley plants and ginger rhizomes were evaluated. A sensory analysis was performed on aged cheese slices treated with a mix of each essential oil and seed oil. Parsley essential oil was selected as the best compromise between sensory influence and antimicrobial activity and tested to evaluate its antifungal effects on cheese slices experimentally contaminated with Aspergillus flavus. Monoterpenes and α-zingiberene were the most abundant compounds in parsley and ginger essential oil, respectively. Both essential oils showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against different fungal species while only a bacterial strain (Enterococcus faecalis) was sensible to ginger essential oil. Only the cheese slices treated with parsley essential oil were appreciated by the panellists and its use has been effective in preventing the A. flavus growth in cheese.

Natural essential oils as a new therapeutic tool in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most revalent type of cancer in the world and the second most common cause of cancer death (about 1 million per year). Historically, natural compounds and their structural analogues have contributed to the development of new drugs useful in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Essential oils are natural odorous products made up of a complex mixture of low molecular weight compounds with recognized biological and pharmacological properties investigated also for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The aim of this paper is to highlight the possible role of essential oils in CRC, their composition and the preclinical studies involving them. It has been reviewed the preclinical pharmacological studies to determine the experimental models used and the anticancer potential mechanisms of action of natural essential oils in CRC. Searches were performed in the following databases PubMed/Medline, Web of science, TRIP database, Scopus, Google Scholar using appropriate MeSH terms. The results of analyzed studies showed that EOs exhibited a wide range of bioactive effects like cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic effects on cancer cells through various mechanisms of action. This updated review provides a better quality of scientific evidence for the efficacy of EOs as chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive agents in CRC. Future translational clinical studies are needed to establish the effective dose in humans as well as the most suitable route of administration for maximum bioavailability and efficacy. Given the positive anticancer results obtained from preclinical pharmacological studies, EOs can be considered efficient complementary therapies in chemotherapy in CRC.

Resveratrol-Mediated Gold-Nanoceria Synthesis as Green Nanomedicine for Phytotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, resveratrol was used to prepare complexes of cerium and nanoceria, also coated with gold (CeO2@Au core-shells) to improve the surface interactions in physiological conditions. METHODS: The CeO2@Au core-shells were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ζ potential. RESULTS: The experiment was led to the successful synthesis of nanosized CeO2@Au core-shells, although agglomeration of particles caused the distribution of the larger particles. The TEM analysis demonstrated the particles sizes ranged from 20 nm to 170 nm. Moreover, the PXRD analysis showed that both nanoceria and gold with the same crystal systems and space groups. To investigate the anticancer activity of the CeO2@Au core-shells, the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was investigated against liver cancerous cell lines (HepG2). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated biosynthesized NCs have significant cellular toxicity properties against HepG2 and could be utilized in hepatocarcinoma therapy. Further in vivo investigations is proposed to be designed to assess anti-cancer and safety effects of fabricated nanocomposites.

Digestive and gastroprotective effects of Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (syn. A. moschata Wulfen) (Asteraceae): From traditional uses to preclinical studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I.Richardson (syn. A. moschata Wulfen) (Asteraceae) is an alpine endemic plant whose aerial parts are harvested by the locals mainly for the digestive properties. Despite its widespread use, few studies have been conducted to date to verify its bioactivity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the work was to meet the tradition confirming with experimental data the popular belief that the consumption of this species offers beneficial effects to the gastrointestinal system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Soxhlet apparatus, the dried aerial parts of A. erba-rotta subsp. moschata were successively extracted with petroleum ether (PET), dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH). The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus while infusion (AE) was prepared following the traditional local recipe. Their chemical characterization was performed by various techniques including SPME-GC/MS, GC/MS and HPLC/MS-MS. An in vitro biological screening was carried out. The influence of AE on lipid digestion was monitored by titration of free fatty acids (FFA) during pancreatic lipase activity with the pH-stat method. For all extracts and EO, the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was assessed by the broth microdilution method, the influence on cell viability was evaluated against NCI-N87, OE21 and Caco-2 cell lines and a preliminary toxicity evaluation was done using Brine Shrimp lethality (BSL) assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was evidenced by interleukin IL-1- induced IL8 expression on Caco-2 cells. RESULTS: AE increased by 15% the FFA releasing compared to the pancreatic lipase alone. PET, DCM and MeOH extracts as well as AE and EO were considered active against the growth of both antimicrobial susceptible and resistant strains of H. pylori with MIC values starting from 16 µg/mL. PET and DCM (IC50 = 89 µg/mL and 96 µg/mL, respectively, against Caco-2 cell line) extracts showed the high effect on cell viability while the EO reduced in 50% of cell viability at 1.48 µL/mL (NCI-N87 cells), 1.42 µL/mL (OE21 cells), and 3.44 µL/mL (Caco-2 cells) corroborating the BSL results. In different degrees, all extracts and EO inhibited the IL-1ß-stimulated IL-8 production in Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data are encouraging and provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of A. erba-rotta subsp. moschata as a digestive agent although they need to be further corroborated by studies involving the investigation of both the in vivo activities and the role of the compounds detected in the extracts.

Chemical Investigation and Dose-Response Phytotoxic Effect of Essential Oils from Two Gymnosperm Species (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Pall. and Larix decidua Mill.).

The chemical composition of the liquid and vapor phases of leaf essential oils (EOs) obtained from two species of Gymnosperms (Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Willd. and Larix decidua Mill.) was investigated using the SPME-GC-MS technique. The results highlighted a composition characterized by 51 identified volatile compounds (34 in J. communis and 39 in L. decidua). In both bloils, monoterpenes prevailed over the sesquiterpenes, albeit with qualitative and quantitative differences. Sabinene (37.5% and 34.5%, respectively) represented the two most abundant components in the liquid and vapor phases of J. communis, and α-pinene (51.0% and 63.3%) was the main constituent in L. decidua. The phytotoxic activity of the two EOs was assessed in pre-emergence conditions using three concentrations in contact (2, 5, 10 µL/mL) and non-contact (2, 20, 50 µL) tests against Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Poaceae) and Sinapis alba L. (Brassicaceae). Treatments were effective in a dose-dependent manner by significantly reducing the germination (up to 100% and 45-60%, respectively, with filter paper and soil as a substrate) and the seedling development (1.3 to 8 times) of both target species. Moreover, an exploratory survey on the residual presence of volatile compounds in the soil at the end of the tests was carried out.

Solanum linnaeanum Leaves: Chemical Profiling of VOCs and Effects on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Monocots and Dicots.

Some Solanaceae plants are a rich source of sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins with allelopathic potential. Powder and aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of Solanum linnaeanum Hepper & P.M.L. Jaeger were used to treat the seeds of three target species (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Sinapis alba L. and Trifolium incarnatum L.). Both matrices were evaluated along with untreated controls to determine their toxicity on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that the pre-emergence treatments were able to be very effective against all three species in the filter paper test by inhibiting the germination up to 100 %. The effectiveness was reduced by the interaction with soil. Despite this, significant data were obtained, albeit different according to the applied matrix. In general, L. multiflorum was the most sensitive to both the action of the leaf powder and aqueous extract while S. alba was found to be the most resistant to powder activity and T. incarnatum had the strongest response to the extract. For the first time, SPME-GC/MS technique was used to characterize the volatile chemical profile of S. linnaeanum leaves. The analyses highlighted the presence of different classes of compounds including terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids potentially useful in the fight against noxious plants both in natural and cultivated ecosystems.

Detection of Volatiles by HS-SPME-GC/MS and Biological Effect Evaluation of Buddha's Hand Fruit.

The present work aimed to chemically characterize and evaluate the antiradical power and biological effects of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus essential oil (EO) and hydrolate (Hy) from exocarp as well as methanol extracts, from both exocarp and mesocarp (EEX and MEX). The whole fresh fruit was also investigated by SPME-GC/MS to describe its volatile composition. EO and Hy were analyzed by GC/MS and HS-GC/MS techniques, respectively. Limonene and γ-terpinene were found to be the most abundant compounds both in the fresh parts of the fruit and in the EO, while α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol were in the Hy. The extracts were also rich in furan and coumarin derivatives. A good antiradical activity of all samples except Hy was detected both against ABTS·+ than DPPH·, removed up to about 50%. The antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli was evaluated by microwell dilution method to determine MIC and MBC values. EEX and MEX showed efficacy at very high concentrations against both tested bacteria. The MIC value of EO against B. cereus was 0.5% v/v, while Hy was not able to inhibit the bacterial growth at the tested concentrations. Cytotoxicity investigated on the HL60 leukemia cell line by MTT assay provided an EC50 of 1.24% v/v for EO. Interesting activity of Hy was also observed.

Selective phytotoxic activity of eugenol towards monocot and dicot target species.

Eugenol is a phenylpropanoid with a wide range of documented biological activities. Due to its versatility, it is incorporated as an active ingredient in numerous products including those intended for agriculture. We assessed the phytotoxic potential of the vapor phase of eugenol tested at 2 and 20 µl against the seeds of five weeds, both monocots and dicots. The lowest dose was able to prevent the germination of Echinochloa oryzoides, while the highest amount fully inhibited the germination of Lolium multiflorum and Sinapis alba. Trifolium incarnatum and Vicia sativa were significantly controlled only by the effect of 20 µl of eugenol. Their germination was reduced by 58.6% and 62.1%, respectively, with values of the seedling vigour index lower by more than 80% than those of the controls. It is reasonable to think of eugenol as a lead molecule in the development of new bioformulates useful in integrated weed management programs.

Antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of Trillium govanianum rhizomes extract: involvement of calcium channel blockade.

The antidiarrheal effect of methanolic extract of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don (Melanthiaceae alt. Trilliaceae) was studied at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg in different animal models of diarrhea including castor oil (6 mL/kg), magnesium sulfate (2 gm/kg), sodium picosulfate (2 mL/kg) and lactitol (0.25 mL/kg). The antispasmodic effect of T. govanianum was studied on isolated rabbit's jejunum, using acetylcholine as tissue stabiliser and verapamil as calcium channel blocker. T. govanianum attenuated the diarrhea by producing a significant decrease in the number and weight of stool, and an increase in stool latency time. T. govanianum completely inhibited both spontaneous as well as high potassium induced contractions of isolated rabbit's jejunum, which was analogous to verapamil. Moreover, T. govanianum produced a right shift in calcium concentration response curve, confirming its calcium channel blocking activity. These findings provide scientific ground to its medicinal use in diarrhea and gut spasms.

Antimicrobial Activity and Synergy Investigation of Hypericum scabrum Essential Oil with Antifungal Drugs.

The chemical composition of Lebanese Hypericum scabrum essential oil (EO) was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GG-MS). Its antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining its minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against a Gram-negative and a Gram-positive bacterium, one yeast, and five dermatophytes. H. scabrum EO was most active on filamentous fungi (MIC values of 32-64 µg/mL). Synergy within the oil was investigated by testing each of the following major components on Trichophyton rubrum: α-pinene, limonene, myrcene, ß-pinene and nonane, as well as a reconstructed EO. The antifungal activity of the natural oil could not be reached, meaning that its activity might be due, in part, to minor constituent(s). The interactions between H. scabrum EO and commercially available antifungals were assessed by the checkerboard test. A synergistic effect was revealed in the combination of the EO with amphotericin B.

A Comparative Study of the Chemical Composition by SPME-GC/MS and Antiradical Activity of Less Common Citrus Species.

Citrus secondary metabolites, such as terpene compounds, are very important for human health due to their bioactivity including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects. In this work, for the first time, the volatile chemical composition of peels and juices from four different Citrus species (C. junos, Citrus × aurantium, C. aurantium 'Bizzarria' and C. medica 'Florentina', commonly known as Yuzu jeune, Oni Yuzu, Bizzarria orange and Florence cedar, respectively) was investigated by Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) technique and the antiradical activity was also examined. The results showed that limonene and γ-terpinene were the main volatile substances detected both in the juices and in the peels, followed by other minority compounds responsible for the phyto-complex of the unique aromas which characterize each individual analyzed Citrus species. Principal component analysis (PCA), performed on volatile compounds, showed both some correlation as well as a clear separation between the juice and the peel of each species. Among them, Oni Yuzu juice was found to be the richest in total polyphenols and flavonoids while its capacity to scavenge ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals was similar to that of Yuzu Jeune and Bizzarria orange.

An Update of Anthraquinone Derivatives Emodin, Diacerein, and Catenarin in Diabetes.

Diabetes is part of metabolic diseases and is characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period as result of an insulin-deficient production or an inappropriate response to insulin by our cells. This chronic disease was the direct cause of 1.6 million deaths in 2016 as reported by the World Health Organization. Emodin is a natural product and active ingredient of various Chinese herbs with the chemical formula 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone. Diacerein is another naturally occurring anthraquinone (1,8-diacetoxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone) commonly used as commercial drug to treat osteoarthritis. These two anthraquinone derivatives have been shown to exert antidiabetic activities. Emodin seems to enhance the glucose tolerance and insulin sensibility via activation of PPARγ and modulation of metabolic-related genes. Diacerein seems to decrease inflammatory cytokines and increase insulin secretion enhancing insulin sensibility and therefore improving glucose control. Other naturally occurring anthraquinone derivatives, such as catenarin (1,4,6,8-tetrahydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone), have been shown to have antidiabetic activities although few studies have been performed. The synthesis of new emodin derivatives is increasing, but these new molecules have not been tested for diabetes treatment. In the current work, available literature on anthraquinone derivatives' effects in diabetes disease is reviewed. Moreover, we discuss the chemistry, food sources, bioavailability, and toxicity of the naturally occurring anthraquinone with antidiabetic effects.

Cinnamomum Species: Bridging Phytochemistry Knowledge, Pharmacological Properties and Toxicological Safety for Health Benefits.

The genus Cinnamomum includes a number of plant species largely used as food, food additives and spices for a long time. Different traditional healing systems have used these plants as herbal remedies to cure diverse ailments. The aim of this comprehensive and updated review is to summarize the biodiversity of the genus Cinnamomum, its bioactive compounds, the mechanisms that underlie the pharmacological activities and molecular targets and toxicological safety. All the data in this review have been collected from databases and recent scientific literature including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect etc. The results showed that the bioactive compounds of Cinnamomum species possess antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and neuroprotective effects. The preclinical (in vitro/in vivo) studies provided the possible molecular mechanisms of these action. As a novelty, recent clinical studies and toxicological data described in this paper support and confirm the pharmacological importance of the genus Cinnamomum. In conclusion, the obtained results from preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as reduced side effects provide insights into future research of new drugs based on extracts and bioactive compounds from Cinnamomum plants.