Chemical composition, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing potential of Mentha Piperita essential oil against the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans.

Dental caries is a highly prevalent oral disease affecting billions of individuals globally. The disease occurs chemically as a result of breakdown of the tooth surface attributed to metabolic activity in colonizing biofilm. Biofilms, composed of exopolysaccharides and proteins, protect bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is notable for its role in tooth decay due to its acid-producing abilities. While various antimicrobial agents may prevent biofilm formation, these drugs often produce side effects including enamel erosion and taste disturbances. This study aimed to examine utilization of the Mentha piperita essential oil as a potential antibiofilm activity agent against S. mutans. M. piperita oil significantly (1) reduced bacterial biofilm, (2) exhibited a synergistic effect when combined with chlorhexidine, and (3) did not induce cell toxicity. Chemical analysis identified the essential oil with 99.99% certainty, revealing menthol and menthone as the primary components, constituting approximately 42% and 26%, respectively. Further, M. piperita oil eradicated preformed biofilms and inhibited biofilm formation at sub-inhibitory concentrations. M. piperita oil also interfered with bacterial quorum sensing communication and did not produce any apparent cell toxicity in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). M. piperita represented an alternative substance for combating S. mutans and biofilm formation and a potential combination option with chlorhexidine to minimize side effects. An in-situ performance assessment requires further studies.

Unveiling the impact of selected essential oils on MRSA strain ATCC 33591: antibacterial efficiency, biofilm disruption, and staphyloxanthin inhibition.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of 4 selected essential oils on planktonic cells and microbial biofilms of the Staphylococcus aureus strain (MRSA ATCC 33591). The antibacterial activities of the four essential oils Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), PgEO, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) MaEO, Lemon peel (Citrus limon) ClEO and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) MpEO had MICs ranging from 1.56 to 12.5 µl/ml. The evaluation of the antibiofilm activities of the 4 EOs revealed that they had antiadhesive activities against S. aureus MRSA biofilms; the activity reached 60% (the EO of MpEO peppermint at a concentration of 3.12 µl/ml), and the eradication activity was 80% (the EO of PgEO and MpEO at 3.12 µl/ml). The antibiofilm activity of S. aureus has been explained by the binding of several essential oil bioactive molecules to the SarA protein, the main target protein involved in biofilm formation. The synthesis of the virulence factor staphyloxanthin by S. aureus MRSA ATCC 33591 was significantly inhibited in the presence of PgEO at a concentration of MIC/2. This inhibition was explained by the binding of the main PgEO molecules (ß-citronellol and geraniol) to the CrTM protein involved in the staphyloxanthin synthesis pathway. There is evidence that these essential oils could be used as potential anti-virulents to control Staphylococcus biofilm formation.

Phytochemical analysis of carotenoid profile in Mentha piperita and Artemisia vulgaris: cytotoxicity in tumoral cells and evaluation of plasmid DNA cleavage.

Several medicinal plants have been administered to cancer patients attributed to their anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective properties, in addition to lower toxicity compared to traditional therapies. The aim was to investigate the antioxidant properties and carotenoid composition of aqueous extracts of Mentha piperita or Artemisia vulgaris which were previously found to exert beneficial effects on human health through diet. aqueous extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity. A diversity of carotenoids was identified in these extracts using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Both extracts contained predominantly all-trans-lutein as the main component within this class. In order to investigate antioxidant properties, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) techniques were used. The (3-4,5 dimethylthiazol-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and Crystal Violet assays assessed cellular cytotoxicity. Assessments of presence of reactive species were carried out following exposure of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-4) to various aqueous extracts of M piperita or A vulgaris utilizing dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Exposure to these extracts induced severe cytotoxic effects, which led to investigation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying this observed effect. Data demonstrated that both solutions induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, especially at higher concentrations using agarose gel subjected to electrophoresis. It is known that exposure to excess amounts of antioxidants results in a prooxidant effect which is beneficial in cancer therapy. Further, the extracts were found to reduce viability of SCC-4 in culture, indicating that this antitumoral activity may be of therapeutic importance and requires further study.

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita L.) increases time to exhaustion in runners.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of peppermint essential oil to improve the physical performance of runners in running protocol until exhaustion. METHODS: In a clinical, randomized, double-blind, cross-over and controlled study, fourteen male recreational runners (37.1 ± 2.0 years; 24 ± 1.1 kg/m2; 53.1 ± 1.7 mL kg min) performed two runs to exhaustion at 70% of VO2max, after intake of 500 mL of water added with 0.05 mL of peppermint essential oil (PEO) or placebo (PLA), plus 400 mL of the drink during the initial part of the exercise. Records were made of body temperature (BT), thermal sensation (TS), thermal comfort (TC), subjective perception of effort (SPE), sweat rate (SR), and urine volume and density. RESULTS: Time to exhaustion was 109.9 ± 6.9 min in PEO and 98.5 ± 6.2 min in PLA (p = 0.009; effect size: 0.826). No significant changes were observed in the values of BT, TS, TC, SPE, SR, lost body mass, and urine volume and density (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Peppermint essential oil added to water before and during a race significantly increases the time to exhaustion of recreational runners but without altering BT, TS, TC, or hydration status, so the mechanisms involved were not clarified in this study. BRAZILIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS (REBEC): RBR-75zt25z.

Hamburger made with mechanically separated poultry meat and essential oil of oregano or peppermint added as an antioxidant / Hamburguer elaborado com carne mecanicamente separada de aves e adicionado de óleo essencial de orégano ou hortelã-pimenta como antioxidante

The increased production of mechanically separated poultry meat has led to its use in the production of foods of higher commercial value, such as hamburgers. However, hamburgers are more susceptible to oxidation, therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of hamburgers made with mechanically separated meat (MSM) from broilers and broiler breeder hens supplemented with oregano (Origanum vulgare) or peppermint (Mentha piperita). Hamburgers with a synthetic antioxidant and three levels of oregano and peppermint essential oils were evaluated using a sensory acceptance test. An inclusion level of 0.04% for both essentials oils was chosen for this test to evaluate the physical-chemical compositions as well as the microbiological and antioxidant activities because an inclusion level of 0.08% received a lower score from the evaluators. Higher pH values were found in hamburgers made with broiler MSM (control (6.94) and peppermint essential oil (6.93) and in broiler breeder hens MSM supplemented with peppermint essential oil (6.89). When comparing the origin of MSM, lower pH values were found in the broiler hamburgers supplemented with oregano essential oils (6.83). The total coliform counts at day zero were significantly higher for the hamburgers made with broiler breeder hens MSM with oregano essential oil, however, broilers MSM supplemented with a synthetic antioxidant showed the lowest count when compared to that of the others. For Staphylococcus coagulase-negative bacteria, growth was observed only on day zero, with a low count in hamburgers made with broiler breeder hens MSM and broiler MSM supplemented with synthetic antioxidant or peppermint essential oil. Hamburgers made with MSM from broilers and broiler breeder hens supplemented with synthetic antioxidants showed higher antioxidant capacity with an average of 2378.75 and 2265.43 µmols equivalent Trolox/mg, respectively. Our results suggest that the essential oils of oregano or peppermint can be used in the formulation of hamburgers since they presented high sensory acceptability and reduced contamination.(AU)

O aumento da produção de carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de aves levou a indústria a buscar seu uso na produção de produtos de maior valor comercial, como os hambúrgueres. No entanto, os hambúrgueres são mais susceptíveis a oxidação, em vista disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de frangos e galinhas pesadas e adicionados de óleos essenciais de orégano (Origanum vulgare) ou hortelã-pimenta (Mentha piperita) como antioxidantes e antibacterianos. Para o teste de aceitação sensorial, foi avaliado um antioxidante sintético e mais três níveis de óleos essenciais de orégano e hortelã-pimenta. A partir desse teste, foi escolhido o nível de inclusão de 0,04% de ambos os óleos essenciais para realizar as análises físico-químicas, microbiológica e capacidade antioxidante, uma vez que o nível de 0,08% recebeu a menor nota pelos avaliadores. Em relação ao pH, maior valor foi encontrado nos hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de frango (controle 6,94) e óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta (6,93) e CMS de galinhas pesadas e adicionados de óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta (6,89). Ao comparar individualmente a origem da CMS, menor valor de pH foi encontrado para o hambúrguer de frango adicionado de óleo essencial de orégano (6,83). As contagens de coliformes totais, no dia zero, foi significativamente maior para os hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de galinhas pesadas adicionados de óleo essencial de orégano, porém, a CMS de frangos acrescida de antioxidante sintético apresentou a menor contagem quando comparado aos demais. Já para Staphylococcus coagulase negativa, houve crescimento apenas no dia zero, com baixas contagens nos hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de galinhas pesadas e de frangos adicionados de antioxidante sintético ou óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta. Hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de frangos e galinhas pesadas adicionados de antioxidante sintético apresentaram maior capacidade antioxidante, uma vez que apresentaram média de 2378,75 e 2265,43 µmols equivalente Trolox/mg respectivamente para frangos e galinhas pesadas. Conclui-se que os óleos essenciais de orégano ou hortelã-pimenta podem ser utilizados na formulação dos hambúrgueres, uma vez que apresentam boa aceitabilidade e reduzem as contaminações.(AU)

Insecticidal properties of Ocimum basilicum and Mentha piperita essential oils against South American Tomato moth, Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelichiidae).

Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most destructive pests of tomato, causing 100% yield loss in the absence of control measures. The important method of managing the pest is by using synthetic insecticides. However, intermittent and indiscriminate uses of certain insecticides have negative effect on the environment. Use of herbal insecticides such as secondary metabolites and essential oils is a key for sustainable long term crop protection. Investigation on the insecticidal properties of Ocimum basilicum, Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs) and their constituents was carried out against P. absoluta. The M. piperita EO showed highest mortality (100%) of P. absoluta with LC50 1.78 µl/ml due to alloaromadendrene (27.99%), levomenthol (18.31%) and santolina triene (9.78%). The O. basilicum EO also had significant mortality (90%) effect with LC50 3.58 µl/ml due to humulene (32.31%), alpha farnesense (27.22%), estragole (19.24%) and 4-cerene (10.61%). Among binary compounds, levomenthol showed highest mortality (100%) having LC50 13.18 µl/ml followed by alpha-pinene (100%) with LC50 16.10 µl/ml, 4-cerene (95%) with LC50 38.20 µl/ml and alpha-phellandrene (90%) having LC50 46.83 µl/ml. The observed toxicity in all compounds was due to significant changes in the activity of esterases, glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholine esterases over the time. The present study suggests that O. basilium and M. piperita EOs would provide an additional approach for the management of P. absoluta over synthetic insecticides.

Therapeutic bath of mint hydrolate in the control of monogenea for four tilapia species / Banho terapêutico de hidrolato de hortelã no controle de parasitas para quatro espécies de tilápia

This work aimed to evaluate a therapeutic bath of mint (Mentha x villosa) hydrolate in the control of monogeneans for four tilapia species (Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis aureus, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Oreochromis hornorum) reared in the same environment (pond). After two months, 60 individuals of O. niloticus were divided into six groups of ten fish each. Three of them were submitted to a 1-hour therapeutic bath of mint hydrolate at the concentration of 20 mL·L-1, and the others were used as a control group. This process was repeated for O. aureus, O. mossambicus and O. hornorum. After that, mucus and gills were analyzed to determine parasitological indices (prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity) for monogeneans. The efficacy of mint hydrolate bath was set as 73.5, 79, 80.7, and 84.5% for O. hornorum, O. aureus, O. mossambicus and O. niloticus, respectively, against the monogeneans in the mucus. All species in this work demonstrated similar parasitic susceptibility when reared in the same environment. In addition, the use of mint therapeutic bath demonstrated efficacy in the control of monogeneans in mucus for all evaluated species.(AU)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar um banho terapêutico de hidrolato de hortelã (Mentha x villosa) no controle de monogenéticos para quatro espécies de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis aureus, Oreochromis mossambicus e Oreochromis hornorum) criadas no mesmo ambiente (viveiro). Após dois meses, 60 indivíduos de O. niloticus foram divididos em seis grupos de dez peixes cada um. Três deles foram submetidos a um banho terapêutico de uma hora de hidrolato de hortelã na concentração de 20 mL·L-1, e os demais foram utilizados como grupo controle. Esse processo foi repetido para O. aureus, O. mossambicus e O. hornorum. Em seguida, o muco e as brânquias foram analisados para determinar os índices parasitológicos (prevalência, abundância média e intensidade média). A eficácia do banho de hidrolato de hortelã no muco foi medida em 73,5, 79, 80,7 e 84,5% para O. hornorum, O. aureus, O. mossambicus e O. niloticus, respectivamente. Todas as espécies de tilápia avaliadas neste trabalho demonstraram suscetibilidade parasitária semelhante quando criadas no mesmo ambiente, no entanto o uso do banho terapêutico de hortelã demonstrou eficácia no controle de monogenéticos no muco para todas as espécies avaliadas.(AU)

Toxicity of Essential Oil of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and its Monoterpenoid Menthol Against Tetranychus urticae Kogan 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae).

Essential oils from plants have remarkable biological properties, for example as insecticides and acaricides. Here we provide chemical analysis and evaluate the toxicity of the essential oil of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) and its main constituent menthol against Tetranychus urticae Kogan 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae), a polyphagous pest present in agricultural landscapes. The essential oil was obtained from M. piperita leaves via hydrodistillation. Subsequently, concentration-response bioassays in adult females (fumigation and contact) were conducted to evaluate the lethal effect on the mite with three exposure intervals. We also evaluated the reproductive performance of females after exposure. Both substances were lethal in the fumigation bioassay, in addition, the essential oil was about 6-fold more toxic than menthol after 24 and 48 h of exposure. The fecundity of T. urticae females decreased inversely proportional to the increase of the used concentrations. Essential oil contact tests showed sublethal effects, with low mortality and reproductive stimulation of T. urticae females. Therefore, menthol and M. piperita essential oil can be considered potential acaricides for T. urticae by fumigant exposure due to the deleterious effect in adults and reduction in the number of individuals in subsequent generations, that represents a promising management tool.

Risk assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Mentha piperita L. essential oil.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of the essential oil of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint). Fifteen chemical constituents were identified in the essential oil, for a total of 99.99% of the compounds. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essential oil of Mentha piperita L. for Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes was 1.84 µg/ml, whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 3.7 and 7.43 µg/ml, respectively. The oil displayed potent antioxidant activity inhibiting up to approximately73% of 2,2'-azinothiobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. In the cytotoxicity assay, the highest essential oil concentration (100 µg/ml) resulted in viability of approximately 90% human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. With respect to antitumor activity in C6 rat glioma cells, there was significant reduction in cell viability: 56-74% in 24 hr, and 71-77% in 48 hr. Data suggest that in presence of the essential oil of Mentha piperita L. antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor and non-cytotoxic properties were noted.

Performance, meat quality, and lipidemia of meat-type quails fed with diets containing essential oils / Desempenho, qualidade da carne e lipidemia de codornas de corte alimentadas com rações contendo óleos essenciais

This study evaluated the effect of essential oil (ESOL) of Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia on meat-type quails. To examine performance, a completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and eight repetitions each, using seven birds per repetition. To assess lipidemia, a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme was used, with four treatments and two collection conditions using eight repetitions and one bird per repetition. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass yield, cholesterol, high-density lipoporteins, triglycerides, pH, and brightness of quail breast meat were assessed. The data were analyzed for homoscedasticity and normality, and the means were subjected to analysis of variance. Adding M. piperita and M. alternifolia ESOL to the diets of meat-type quails can improve performance, carcass yield, and meat quality characteristics, comparable to the use of performance-enhancing antibiotics. The use of zinc bacitracin, M. piperita, and M. alternifolia under different collection conditions did not increase the serum levels of low-density and very low-density lipoproteins. The variation coefficients measured after 12 hours of fasting were 86% lower than without fasting.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito do uso dos óleos essenciais (OLES) de Mentha piperita e Melaleuca alternifolia em codornas de corte. Para o estudo do desempenho foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatrotratamentos e oito repetições, sendo sete aves por repetição. Para o estudo da lipidemia utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial: 4x2, consistindo em quatro tratamentos e duas condições de coleta, com oito repetições, sendo uma ave por repetição. As variáveis analisadas foram: ganho de peso, consumo ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça, colesterol, HDL, triglicerídeos, pH, capacidade de retenção de água, perda de peso por cozimento, luminosidade na carne do peito de codornas. Os dados obtidos foram analisados quanto à homocedasticidade e normalidade, as médias foram submetidas à análise de variância. O uso de OLES de M. piperita e M. alternifolia na dieta de codornas de corte pode proporcionar desempenhos zootécnicos, rendimentos de carcaça e características de qualidade da carne comparáveis ao uso de antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho. A redução no nível de colesterol HDL foi notada nas aves tratadas com Bacitracina de zinco e com os OLES de M. piperita e M. alternifolia, em 8,12; 16,52 e 3,36% respectivamente. O uso da Bacitracina de zinco, da M. piperita e da M. alternifolia associado às diferentes condições de coleta não aumentaram os valores séricos de LDL, VLDL. Os coeficientes de variação aferidos na condição "após 12 horas de jejum" apresentaram-se 86% inferiores à condição "sem jejum".

Formulation development of anti-rheumatoid gel of Saraca asoca (Roxb. ) De Wilde hydroalcoholic extract containing eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil as penetration enhancer

Abstract In the present research investigation, various concentrations of hydro-alcoholic extract of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde (family: Caesalpinaceae) dried bark and carbopol polymer at different temperature ranges were optimized for the preparation of gel formulation. Natural penetration enhancers, v.i.z., eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil were incorporated separately in the extract based gel formulations to study the rate of drug permeation across egg membrane, using franz diffusion cell. In vitro anti-arthritis potential of the formulations was also studied using inhibition of albumin denaturation, antiproteinase activity and membrane stabilization method. As per the results of current study, it is established that S. asoca dried bark hydroalcoholic extract based gel prepared using peppermint oil as penetration enhancer exhibited good permeation rate of 8.48% at the end of 3 h. The percentage inhibition of proteins by antiproteinase method at concentration of 50 µg/ml was 50.01±1.00% which was close to 53.92±0.99% as shown by the standard drug, Diclofenac. Also, the percent protein inhibition determined using membrane stabilization method was found to be 49.70±1.00%, however, it was 63.32±0.94% for the standard drug, Diclofenac. Hence, it is concluded that peppermint oil may act as a good candidate for the preparation of potent anti-rheumatic gel preparations.

Antimicrobial and physical properties of experimental endodontic sealers containing vegetable extracts.

To assess the antimicrobial activity and the physical properties of resin-based experimental endodontic sealers with the incorporation of vegetable extracts obtained from Bixa orellana, Mentha piperita, and Tagetes minuta species. The extracts were obtained and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The extracts were individually incorporated into a dual-cure experimental sealer at a mass concentration of 0.5%. A commercial reference RealSeal was used. The sealers were evaluated by measuring the setting time, degree of conversion, dimensional stability, radiopacity, flow, and film thickness of these materials, also and its antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the direct contact test. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test at α = 0.05 significance level. The physical properties were not influenced by the addition of the vegetable extracts (p > 0.05). For S. mutans, only T. minuta and B. orellana groups presented antibacterial activity after 24 h of contact (p < 0.05). All extracts evidenced an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis (p < 0.05). The experimental sealers hold promise as a novel vegetable sealer with great antimicrobial activity and also great physical-mechanical properties. Nonetheless, more studies are needed.

A simple method to determine antioxidant status in aromatic plants subjected to drought stress.

Drought is a major environmental stress factor that affects the growth and development of plants. All plants have to maintain the reactive oxygen species within certain levels for normal cellular homeostasis by means of their antioxidant systems, which can be classified as enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Plants under drought stress generate an excess production of reactive oxygen species. At high concentrations, this can be detrimental by producing damage to the protein structures and inhibiting enzymes, as well as oxidizing macromolecules, which may eventually lead to cell death. There has been increasing attention paid to the antioxidant capacity of aromatic/medicinal plants, with a high antioxidant content having been reported in some plant extracts, such as in Mentha piperita (peppermint). Peppermint plants cultivated under drought stress also present high levels of phenolic compounds, peroxidase enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation of membranes. A simple and inexpensive laboratory class is proposed for teaching some mechanisms that plants have evolved to avoid reactive oxygen species damage. The series of lab experiments described is aimed at demonstrating the antioxidant status in aromatic plants subjected to drought stress, by measuring total phenolic compound content (non-enzymatic antioxidant compound), peroxidase activity (enzymatic antioxidant) and malondialdehyde, as convenient biomarkers for lipid peroxidation. The proposed class will be carried out by undergraduate students of the advanced biochemistry course, as part of our biology and agronomy studies. The experiment presented is intended to be used as a vehicle to emphasize the concepts that students have learned in their lectures. This lab exercise to be carried out by the students has dual goals: to apply a methodology only learned superficially on previous courses, and also to increase their understanding of how plants developed resistance mechanisms in order to tolerate drought stress.

Comparação do efeito do exsudato da raiz de alface e da hortelã vergamota sobre o desenvolvimento de tilápia do nilo e população de parasitas em sistema de aquaponia / Comparison of the effect of the exudate from lettuce root and the effect fromexudate of bergamot mint on the development of nile tilapia andparasites population in aquaponics system

Plantas liberam, através das raízes, compostos orgânicos. Sabe-se que a Mentha piperita libera terpenos, compostos com efeito antiparasitário em peixes, pelo sistema radicular. Sistemas de produção aquapônicos cultivam, simultaneamente, peixes e vegetais. Desta forma, este trabalho propõe-se a investigar se a hortelã vergamota (Menta X piperita var citrata) controla a infestação de monogenóides em tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), através do exsudado de suas raízes, em sistema de aquaponia e os efeitos dessa integração sobre os parâmetros de qualidade da água e desenvolvimento ponderal dos peixes. O experimento utilizou três tratamentos com quatro repetições, durante 45 dias, sendo eles: aquaponia com alface como placebo, (Lactuca sativa., CA), aquaponia com hortelã vergamota (M. X piperita var citrata, CH) e cultivo de peixes sem plantas (SP), mantendo se a qualidade da água adequada ao conforto para os peixes. Foram utilizados 120 peixes com peso médio inicial de 1,9±0,45g, distribuídos em 12 aquários. Nos tratamentos CA e CH, houve significativo incremento no peso médio dos peixes (3,89±0,18g = CA; 4,15±0,17g = CH; e 3,49±0,18g = SP; p<0,05) e manutenção da qualidade da água para amônia (0,44mg/L = CA; 0,38mg/L = CH e 1,25mg/L = SP; p<0,05) e pH (6,86 = CA; 6,80 = CH e5,64 = SP; p<0,05). Os índices parasitológicos não diferiram estatisticamente entre os tratamentos. Pôde-se concluir então, que as plantas contribuem para o desempenho dos animais através do controle da qualidade da água. Entretanto, não foi possível concluir que o exsudado das raízes da hortelã pode controlar a população de monogenóides em tilápias.(AU)

Plants release organic compounds through their roots. It is known that Mentha piperita releases terpenes by its root system, compounds that show antiparasitic effect in fishes. Aquaponics systems raises simultaneously fishes and vegetables. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate if the bergamot mint (Mentha X piperita var citrata) controls a monogeneans infestation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through its root exudates in the aquaponics system and the effects of this integration in water quality parameters and weight development. The experiment used three treatments with four repetitions in water with adequate quality for fish culture, each for 45 days: aquaponics with lettuce as placebo (Lactuva sativa; CA), aquaponics with bergamot mint (CH) and fish culture without plants (SP). A total of 120 Nile tilapia juveniles with 1.9±0,45g mean weight were used distributed in 12 fish tanks. In the treatments CA and CH, there were a significant increase in the mean weight (3.89±0.18g = CA; 4.15±0.17g = CH; e 3.49±0.18g = SP; p<0.05), as well water quality maintenance for ammonia (0.44mg/L = CA; 0.38mg/L = CH e 1.25mg/L = SP; p<0.05) and pH (6.86 = CA; 6.80 = CH; e 5.64 = SP; p<0.05), regardless of vegetable specie. Parasitological indices did not differ statistically between the treatments. So, it can be concluded that plants contribute in effective way to the animal's performance, especially, for the water quality control. However, it is not possible to conclude that the exudate of bergamot mint roots can control monogeneans population in tilapia.(AU)

Comparação do efeito do exsudato da raiz de alface e da hortelã vergamota sobre o desenvolvimento de tilápia do nilo e população de parasitas em sistema de aquaponia / Comparison of the effect of the exudate from lettuce root and the effect fromexudate of bergamot mint on the development of nile tilapia andparasites population in aquaponics system

Plantas liberam, através das raízes, compostos orgânicos. Sabe-se que a Mentha piperita libera terpenos, compostos com efeito antiparasitário em peixes, pelo sistema radicular. Sistemas de produção aquapônicos cultivam, simultaneamente, peixes e vegetais. Desta forma, este trabalho propõe-se a investigar se a hortelã vergamota (Menta X piperita var citrata) controla a infestação de monogenóides em tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), através do exsudado de suas raízes, em sistema de aquaponia e os efeitos dessa integração sobre os parâmetros de qualidade da água e desenvolvimento ponderal dos peixes. O experimento utilizou três tratamentos com quatro repetições, durante 45 dias, sendo eles: aquaponia com alface como placebo, (Lactuca sativa., CA), aquaponia com hortelã vergamota (M. X piperita var citrata, CH) e cultivo de peixes sem plantas (SP), mantendo se a qualidade da água adequada ao conforto para os peixes. Foram utilizados 120 peixes com peso médio inicial de 1,9±0,45g, distribuídos em 12 aquários. Nos tratamentos CA e CH, houve significativo incremento no peso médio dos peixes (3,89±0,18g = CA; 4,15±0,17g = CH; e 3,49±0,18g = SP; p<0,05) e manutenção da qualidade da água para amônia (0,44mg/L = CA; 0,38mg/L = CH e 1,25mg/L = SP; p<0,05) e pH (6,86 = CA; 6,80 = CH e5,64 = SP; p<0,05). Os índices parasitológicos não diferiram estatisticamente entre os tratamentos. Pôde-se concluir então, que as plantas contribuem para o desempenho dos animais através do controle da qualidade da água. Entretanto, não foi possível concluir que o exsudado das raízes da hortelã pode controlar a população de monogenóides em tilápias.

Plants release organic compounds through their roots. It is known that Mentha piperita releases terpenes by its root system, compounds that show antiparasitic effect in fishes. Aquaponics systems raises simultaneously fishes and vegetables. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate if the bergamot mint (Mentha X piperita var citrata) controls a monogeneans infestation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through its root exudates in the aquaponics system and the effects of this integration in water quality parameters and weight development. The experiment used three treatments with four repetitions in water with adequate quality for fish culture, each for 45 days: aquaponics with lettuce as placebo (Lactuva sativa; CA), aquaponics with bergamot mint (CH) and fish culture without plants (SP). A total of 120 Nile tilapia juveniles with 1.9±0,45g mean weight were used distributed in 12 fish tanks. In the treatments CA and CH, there were a significant increase in the mean weight (3.89±0.18g = CA; 4.15±0.17g = CH; e 3.49±0.18g = SP; p<0.05), as well water quality maintenance for ammonia (0.44mg/L = CA; 0.38mg/L = CH e 1.25mg/L = SP; p<0.05) and pH (6.86 = CA; 6.80 = CH; e 5.64 = SP; p<0.05), regardless of vegetable specie. Parasitological indices did not differ statistically between the treatments. So, it can be concluded that plants contribute in effective way to the animal's performance, especially, for the water quality control. However, it is not possible to conclude that the exudate of bergamot mint roots can control monogeneans population in tilapia.

Seasonal variation in essential oil content and chemical profile of mint in southeast of Brazil / Variação sazonal no teor e perfil químico do óleo essencial de menta no sudeste do Brasil

This study evaluated the influence of seasonality in essential oil (EO) chemical composition of Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha viridis L. grown in southeast of Brazil. Leaves were collected from November 2011 until August 2013, in the middle of the following seasons: Spring (November), Summer (February), Autumn (May) and Winter (August). EO extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus for 1 hour. Chemical composition of EO was analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The EO content and its chemical composition were influenced by seasonality in both species. The highest EO content was obtained for M. x piperita during spring (4.26%) and for M. viridis during spring (3.30%) and summer (3.70%). Mentha x piperita increased menthol (16.31 to 41.26%), neomenthol (3.02 to 6.39%) and menthone (5.56 to 41.58%) contents during spring and summer, respectively. Whereas, M. viridis EO content did not show a quality response pattern in relation to seasonality. Therefore, harvest time for M. x piperita is recommended during spring, and for M. viridis is recommended during spring and summer.(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da sazonalidade na composição química do óleo essencial (OE) de Mentha x piperita L. e Mentha viridis L. cultivadas no sudeste do Brasil. As folhas foram coletadas de novembro de 2011 até agosto de 2013, em meados das seguintes estações: primavera (novembro), verão (fevereiro), outono (maio) e inverno (agosto). A extração do OE foi realizada por hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger por uma hora. A composição química do EO foi analisada por GC-FID and GC-MS. O teor de OE e sua composição química foram influenciados pela sazonalidade em ambas as espécies. O maior teor de OE foi obtido para M. x piperita na primavera (4,26%) e para M. viridis na primavera (3,30%) e verão (3,70%). Mentha x piperita aumentou o conteúdo de mentol (16,31 a 41,26%), neomentol (3,02 a 6,39%) e mentona (5,56 a 41,58%) durante a primavera e o verão, respectivamente. Já o conteúdo de OE de M. viridis não apresentou padrão de resposta de qualidade em relação à sazonalidade. Portanto, a colheita para M. x piperita é recomendada durante a primavera, e para M. viridis é recomendada durante a primavera e verão.(AU)

Seasonal variation in essential oil content and chemical profile of mint in southeast of Brazil / Variação sazonal no teor e perfil químico do óleo essencial de menta no sudeste do Brasil

This study evaluated the influence of seasonality in essential oil (EO) chemical composition of Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha viridis L. grown in southeast of Brazil. Leaves were collected from November 2011 until August 2013, in the middle of the following seasons: Spring (November), Summer (February), Autumn (May) and Winter (August). EO extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus for 1 hour. Chemical composition of EO was analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The EO content and its chemical composition were influenced by seasonality in both species. The highest EO content was obtained for M. x piperita during spring (4.26%) and for M. viridis during spring (3.30%) and summer (3.70%). Mentha x piperita increased menthol (16.31 to 41.26%), neomenthol (3.02 to 6.39%) and menthone (5.56 to 41.58%) contents during spring and summer, respectively. Whereas, M. viridis EO content did not show a quality response pattern in relation to seasonality. Therefore, harvest time for M. x piperita is recommended during spring, and for M. viridis is recommended during spring and summer.

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da sazonalidade na composição química do óleo essencial (OE) de Mentha x piperita L. e Mentha viridis L. cultivadas no sudeste do Brasil. As folhas foram coletadas de novembro de 2011 até agosto de 2013, em meados das seguintes estações: primavera (novembro), verão (fevereiro), outono (maio) e inverno (agosto). A extração do OE foi realizada por hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger por uma hora. A composição química do EO foi analisada por GC-FID and GC-MS. O teor de OE e sua composição química foram influenciados pela sazonalidade em ambas as espécies. O maior teor de OE foi obtido para M. x piperita na primavera (4,26%) e para M. viridis na primavera (3,30%) e verão (3,70%). Mentha x piperita aumentou o conteúdo de mentol (16,31 a 41,26%), neomentol (3,02 a 6,39%) e mentona (5,56 a 41,58%) durante a primavera e o verão, respectivamente. Já o conteúdo de OE de M. viridis não apresentou padrão de resposta de qualidade em relação à sazonalidade. Portanto, a colheita para M. x piperita é recomendada durante a primavera, e para M. viridis é recomendada durante a primavera e verão.

Bioactive Natural Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Spice Plants: New Findings and Potential Applications.

Spice plants have a great influence on world history. For centuries, different civilizations have used them to condiment the foods of kings and nobles and applied them as embalming preservatives, perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines in different regions of the world. In general, these plants have formed the basis of traditional medicine and some of their derived substances have been utilized to treat different human diseases. Essential oils (EOs) obtained from these plants have been also used as therapeutic agents and have shown supportive uses in remedial practices. The discovery and development of bioactive compounds from these natural products, based on their traditional uses, play an important role in developing the scientific evidence of their potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. In the present review, using recent studies, we exhibit a general overview of the main aspects related to the importance of spice plants widely used in traditional medicine: Cinnamomumzeylanicum (true cinnamon), Menthapiperita (peppermint), Ocimumbasilicum (basil), Origanumvulgare (oregano), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thymus vulgaris (thyme); and we discuss new findings of the bioactive compounds obtained from their EOs, their potential applications, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action, focusing on their antioxidant activity. We also exhibit the main in vitro methods applied to determine the antioxidant activities of these natural products.

Impact of Soil Rhizobacteria Inoculation and Leaf-Chewing Insect Herbivory on Mentha piperita Leaf Secondary Metabolites.

Secondary metabolites commonly play important physiological roles in plants and can be modified quantitatively and qualitatively by exposure to biotic and abiotic interactions. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and herbivory induce systemic resistance. In the present study, we analyzed the induction of secondary metabolites in peppermint plants in response to chewing insect herbivory on PGPR-inoculated Mentha piperita plants. The secondary metabolites of M. piperita plants were increased when plants were inoculated with PGPR and also exposed to caterpillar herbivory. It was found that the total essential oil yield in inoculated plants with insect damage was ~2.6-fold higher than in controls. The yield was similar to that of plants either damaged by insects or inoculated, indicating that there was no synergism. The same trend was observed for phenolic compounds. In contrast, VOC emissions were significantly higher in plants infested by insects, independent of whether they were inoculated. Insect damaged plants had 5.5 times higher monoterpene emissions than control plants, and ~ 2-fold higher emissions than on PGPR-inoculated plants without insects. To gain a better understanding of how herbivory on PGPR-inoculated plants can cause an increase in secondary metabolites of peppermint, we examined changes in plant defense hormones in inoculated plants after herbivory. We found that the combination of both treatments increased the endogenous jasmonic and salicylic acid levels to the same extent as in plants only inoculated or only insect-damaged. Because different interactions can alter the phytochemistry of plants such as M. piperita, this topic is both ecologically and economically relevant.

Successive exposure to Mentha piperita L. essential oil affects the culturability and induces membrane repair in a persister epidemic Salmonella Typhimurium PT4.

This study had as aims to evaluate the effects of successive exposures to Mentha piperita L. essential oil (MPEO) on culturability and physiological functions of Salmonella Typhimurium PT4. S. Typhimurium PT4 cells (108 log CFU/mL) were exposed to the same (1.25 µL/mL) or increasing MPEO concentrations (1.25-80 µL/mL) during 252 h. At each 36-h interval, the viable cell counts, and distinct cell functions were assessed using plate counting and flow cytometry, respectively. As the exposure time to the same MPEO concentration increased, the population of S. Typhimurium PT4 cells with damaged, permeabilized and depolarized membrane, and compromised efflux activity decreased. Otherwise, S. Typhimurium PT4 cells with damaged membrane physiological functions increased over the exposure to increasing concentrations of MPEO. Genomic analyses showed that the strain carries 17 genes associated with stress responses and the persistence of the tested strain among sources associated with poultry spanning more than 16 years and its virulence for humans. Therefore, successive exposure to a sublethal concentration of MPEO induced S. Typhimurium PT4 cells capable of maintaining the membrane integrity and its functions despite their non-culturable state.