Exploring anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-related quality markers of Artemisia absinthium L. based on spectrum-effect relationship.

INTRODUCTION: Artemisia absinthium L. is a well-known medicinal, aromatic, and edible plant with important medicinal and economic properties and a long history of use in treating liver inflammation and other diseases; however, there has been insufficient progress in quality control. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the quality markers for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of A. absinthium based on spectrum-effect relationship analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen batches of A. absinthium from different origins were used. Chemical fingerprints were obtained by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The chemical compositions were identified by quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and 15-lipoxygenase in vitro and inhibition of nitric oxide release in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 cells. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The relationship between bioactivity and chemical fingerprints was then analyzed using chemometrics including gray relational analysis, bivariate correlation analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares analysis. RESULTS: Different batches of A. absinthium extracts possessed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to varying degrees. Eighty compounds were identified from A. absinthium, and 12 main common peaks were obtained from the UPLC fingerprints. P3 (chlorogenic acid), P5 (isochlorogenic acid A), and P6 (isochlorogenic acid C) were screened as the most promising active compounds by correlation analysis and further validated for their remarkable anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to screen the quality markers of A. absinthium by establishing the spectrum-effect relationship, which can provide a reference for the development of quality standards and further research on A. absinthium.

Effects of Artemisia absinthium on broiler chicken coccidiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Coccidiosis is a recurring disease in broiler flocks that causes significant economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Artemisia absinthium on coccidiosis in broilers through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The article selection process included a search from the year 2000 to February 2021, with no restrictions on country or geographical region. Our objective was met by only six studies, which underwent systematic review. The meta-analysis was conducted using the metafor package in R via RStudio (version 1.1.383; RStudio, Inc.). The systematic review indicates that in vivo studies have shown the effectiveness of various plant extracts (essential oil and methanolic extract) when administered in food or drinking water on the considered parameters (oocyst shedding, bloody diarrhoea, mortality rate, weight gain, conversion index, lesion score). Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated a positive impact on oocyst count, LC50 (lethal concentration), sporulation rate (%), and sporulation inhibition rate (%). The meta-analysis of the four studies included in this analysis revealed that the inclusion of A. absinthium extract resulted in a significant reduction in oocyst shedding (SMD = -1.64, 95% CI: -2.72 to -0.55; P < 0.0001). However, the effectiveness of A. absinthium extract was not as significant as that of antibiotics (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.95; P = 0.0032). Various forms of administration and extracts of A. absinthium have demonstrated antiparasitic activity against Eimeria spp, making them suitable as natural anticoccidial agents.

Artemisia spp. Essential Oils: From Their Ethnobotanical Use to Unraveling the Microbiota Modulation Potential.

BACKGROUND: The 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine, awarded for the discovery of artemisinin in Artemisia annua, reignited interest in aromatic plants, including Artemisia absinthium L. This article delves into the historical, ethnopharmacological and medicinal significance of A. absinthium, examining its bitter taste noted since ancient Greek times and its association with medicinal properties throughout history. Despite being banned in the 20th century due to perceived health risks; recent research has led to the reconsideration of A. absinthium's potential applications. This study focuses on the prebiotic efficacy of essential oils (EOs) from two Artemisia species: A. absinthium and A. annua. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A broth microdilution test, growth curve test and in vivo models were used to study the impact of low doses (from 0.5% v/v to 0.00048 v/v) of Artemisia spp-EO on the three probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces boulardii). RESULTS: These essential oils, when used in minimal concentrations (lower than 0.06% v/v), are safe and exhibit prebiotic effects on major probiotic strains, supporting the traditional culinary use of Artemisia spp. CONCLUSION: This research opens avenues for potential applications in the food industry, emphasizing the need for further exploration into the prebiotic properties of Artemisia spp-EOs and their influence on the microbiota.

Oviposition Deterrent Activity of Some Wild Plants for Adult Females of Chrysomya albiceps with Medical and Veterinary Importance.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i> is widely spread worldwide, causing myiasis in both humans and animals and playing a mechanical role in the spreading of helminths, viruses and bacteria. Searching for new and safe alternative control methods is very important to eliminate the transmission of pathogens. This study aims to determine the oviposition-deterrent activity of <i>Juniperus procera</i>, <i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> and <i>Hypoestes forskaolii</i> wild plants against adult <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The effect of plant extracts from <i>Juniperus procera</i>, <i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> and <i>Hypoestes forskaolii</i> plants were tested against adult females of <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i> for oviposition deterrent or repellency. These extracts resulted in oviposition deterrent efficacy for adult females of <i>C. albiceps</i> based on the plant type, plant part (leaves or stems), extract type (methanol, acetone and petroleum ether) and tested dose. <b>Results:</b> The highest anti-oviposition activity against <i>C. albiceps</i> females presented from <i>A. absinthium</i> stems acetone extract at a dose of 1 mg cm² by 100 %, while at 0.5 mg cm² recorded remarkable repellency by 86.7% as compared with the control treatment. According to the dose-response relationship, <i>A. absinthium</i> methanol and acetone extracts were ED₅₀ values of 0.85, 0.319 mg cm² (leaves) and 1.88, 0.576 mg cm² (stems), followed by <i>J. procera</i> methanol extract by 0.983 mg cm² (leaves) and 0.98 mg cm² (stems), respectively achieved highest oviposition deterrent efficiency as compared with other extracts. <b>Conclusion:</b> The high repellency activities of these extracts can be utilized to stop <i>C. albiceps</i> flies from laying eggs on wounds and transmitting myiasis diseases to humans and animals and could potentially replace pesticides used in the future control programs of flies.

Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation of a hydroethanolic extract of Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): comparison of antibacterial and anticancer activity.

Introduction: Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation are attractive novel methods that can be used for incorporating active plant extracts in food preparations and pharmaceutical formulations. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer and antibacterial effects of hydroethanolic extracts of Nettle (NE), Wormwood (WE), and the combination of the two plants (CNWE), as well as their nanoemulsion forms (NN, NW, CNNW) and nanoencapsulation forms (CN, CW, and CCNW). Methods: The morphology and structure of the nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation preparations were assessed utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS) along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial activity of the prepared formulations were assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), zone of inhibition diameter, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), along with biofilm growth inhibition against Salmonaella typhimurium and Klebsiella. pneumoniae. The anticancer activity was evaluated via a MTT assay in the colon cancer cell line (HCT116). Results: The nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation particle size varied between 10 and 50 nm and 60 and 110 nm, respectively. The MIC values were between 11.25 and 95 µg/mL along with MBC values between 11.25 and 190 µg/mL. The highest inhibition of biofilm formation was observed with CCNW against K. pneumoniae (∼78.5%) and S. typhimurium (∼73%). In descending order, the inhibition of biofilm formation was CCNW > CW > CN > CNNW > NN > NW > CNWE > NE > WE against the tested bacteria. The IC50 values for NE, WE, CNWE, NN, NW, CNNW, CN, CW, and CCNW were determined as 250, 170, 560, 380, 312, 370, 250, 420, and 700 µg/mL, respectively. Exposure to a high concentration of NW resulted in a significantly lower HCT116 viability compared to other groups. Taken together, CNNW, and CCNW showed the highest antibacterial and anticancer activitiy. Discussion: Nanoemulsion and nanoencapsulation were effective ways to increase the antibacterial and anticancer activity of the extracts and could be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Structure-based virtual screening of anti-breast cancer compounds from Artemisia absinthium-insights through molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and molecular dynamic simulations.

Breast cancer is the world's second most frequent malignancy, with a significant mortality and morbidity rate. Nowadays, natural breast cancer medicine has piqued attention as disease-curing agent with low side effects. Herein, the leaf powder of Artemisia absinthium was extracted with ethanol, and GC-MS and LC-MS methods were employed to identify the phytocompounds. Using commercial software SeeSAR-9.2 and StarDrop, identified phytocompounds were docked with estrogen and progesterone breast cancer receptors as they promote breast cancer growth to find the binding affinity of the ligands, drugability, and toxicity. Hormone-mediated breast cancer accounts for about 80% of all cases of breast cancer. Cancer cells proliferate when estrogen and progesterone hormones are attached to these receptors. The molecular docking results demonstrated that 3',4',5,7-Tetrahydroxyisoflavanone (THIF) has stronger binding efficacy than standard drugs and other phytocompounds with -28.71 (3 hydrogen bonds) and -24.18 kcal/mol (6 hydrogen bonds) binding energies for estrogen and progesterone receptors, respectively. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity analysis were done to predict the drug-likeness of THIF which results in good drugability and less toxicity. The best fit THIF was subjected to a molecular dynamics simulation analysis by using Gromacs to analyze the conformational changes that occurred during protein-ligand interaction and found that, the structural changes were observed. The results from MD simulation and pharmacokinetic studies suggested that THIF can be expected that in vitro and in vivo research on this compound may lead to the development of a potent anti-breast cancer drug in the future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Predictive toxicological effects of Artemisia absinthium essential oil on hepatic stellate cells.

Medicinal plants are important worldwide, considering their properties for treating diseases; however, few studies have evaluated their toxicological potential. Among them, Artemisia absinthium is frequently used to treat liver diseases, because its essential oil has several popular therapeutic properties. Based on this information, in the present study, we investigated molecular connectors of physiological effects of the Artemisia absinthium essential oil on human hepatic stellate cell line, LX-2, to explore the potential toxicity of the plant on liver cells. LX-2 is a cellular model to investigate mechanisms of liver fibrosis; then, to analyze the essential oil effects LX-2 was cultured under different conditions, treated or not with the essential oil at 0.4 µg/µL for 24 h. Next, fluorescence microscopy analyses, gene expression measurements, and biochemical approaches revealed that the essential oil reduced pro-fibrogenic markers; however, disrupt lipid metabolism, and cause cellular stress, by the activation of cellular detoxification and pro-inflammatory processes. In conclusion, the hepatic stellate cells incubated with the essential oil present an antifibrotic potential, supporting its popular use; however, the combined results suggest that the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium should be used with caution.

Antipyretic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Artemisia absinthium L. as a standalone and as an adjuvant with barley water against yeast-induced pyrexia in albino Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: In Unani medicine, a comprehensive treatment plan has been delineated to deal with febrile illnesses using herbal drugs along with modified dietetics, which stands as a promising area of research. The present study was aimed at evaluating the antipyretic activity of the HAE of Artemisia absinthium L. whole plant as a standalone and as an adjuvant with barley water in an animal model of pyrexia to validate the age-old Unani principle of the treatment. METHODS: The pyrexia was induced in all the groups except the plain control using Brewer's yeast. Group II did not receive any treatment, while group III received crocin, group IV received HAE of A. absinthium, group V administered Ma al-Sha'ir, and group VI was treated with the HAE of A. absinthium along with Ma al-Sha'ir by oral route. The rectal temperature of each rat was recorded at '0' h, 30 min, 60 min, and 180 min. RESULTS: The mean rectal temperature of group III went down from 101.82±0.20 °F to 100.4±0.57 °F over the period of (0-180) minutes, whereas the mean temperature in group IV went down from 102.45±0.60 °F to 100.14±0.57 °F. The mean rectal temperature of group V decreased from 100.62±0.11 °F to 99.55±0.51 °F, while the mean rectal temperature of group VI went down from 101.95±0.1 °F to 97.7±0.11 °F. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the HAE of A. absinthium L. as a standalone and along with Ma al Sha'ir showed excellent antipyretic activity as compared to the standard drug in an animal model.

Total Flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L. and Evaluation of Its Anticancer Activity.

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional extraction methods, such as long extraction time and low efficiency, and considering the low content and high complexity of total flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L., in this experiment, we adopted ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis to improve the yield of total flavonoids, and combined this with molecular docking and network pharmacology to predict its core constituent targets, so as to evaluate its antitumor activity. The content of total flavonoids in Artemisia absinthium L. reached 3.80 ± 0.13%, and the main components included Astragalin, Cynaroside, Ononin, Rutin, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Diosmetin, Isorhamnetin, and Luteolin. Cynaroside and Astragalin exert their cervical cancer inhibitory functions by regulating several signaling proteins (e.g., EGFR, STAT3, CCND1, IGFIR, ESR1). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the anticancer activity of both compounds was associated with the ErbB signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. MTT results showed that total flavonoids of Artemisia absinthium L. and its active components (Cynaroside and Astragalin) significantly inhibited the growth of HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 of 396.0 ± 54.2 µg/mL and 449.0 ± 54.8 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, its active components can mediate apoptosis by inducing the accumulation of ROS.

In Vitro Assessment of the Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum Extracts Processed Using Membrane Technologies.

Recently, there has been increased interest in the discovery of new natural herbal remedies for treating diabetes and inflammatory diseases. In this context, this work analyzed the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris and Trigonella foenum-graecum herbs, which have been studied less from this point of view. Therefore, extracts were prepared and processed using membrane technologies, micro- and ultrafiltration, to concentrate the biologically active principles. The polyphenol and flavone contents in the extracts were analyzed. The qualitative analysis of the polyphenolic compounds was performed via HPLC, identifying chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid and rutin in A. absinthium; chlorogenic acid, luteolin and rutin in A. vulgaris; and genistin in T. foenum-graecum. The antidiabetic activity of the extracts was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and the anti-inflammatory activity was analyzed by testing their ability to inhibit hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase. Thus, the concentrated extracts of T. foenum-graecum showed high inhibitory activity on a-amylase-IC50 = 3.22 ± 0.3 µg/mL-(compared with acarbose-IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.18 µg/mL) and high inhibitory activity on LOX-IC50 = 19.69 ± 0.52 µg/mL (compared with all standards used). The concentrated extract of A. vulgaris showed increased α-amylase inhibition activity-IC50 = 8.57 ± 2.31 µg/mL-compared to acarbose IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.18 µg/mL. The concentrated extract of A. absinthium showed pronounced LOX inhibition activity-IC50 = 19.71 ± 0.79 µg/mL-compared to ibuprofen-IC50 = 20.19 ± 1.25 µg/mL.

Secretome profiling of Artemisia absinthium extract-loaded polymeric nanoparticle-treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 revealed perturbation in microtubule assembly and cell migration.

Introduction: Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) exhibits anticancer properties by inhibiting proliferation and causing cell death in breast cancer. Targeted drug delivery of A. absinthium nanoformulation using N-isopropyl acrylamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and acrylic acid-based polymeric nanoparticles (NVA-AA NPs) was ensured by utilizing features of the tumor microenvironment, although their mechanism of action involved in cytotoxicity remains unknown. Methods: The present study employed nano LC-MS/MS to identify differences in secretory protein expression associated with the treatment of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7; MDA-MB-231) by NVA-AA NPs for the determination of affected pathways and easily accessible therapeutic targets. Different bioinformatics tools were used to identify signature differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using survival analysis by GENT2 and correlation analysis between their mRNA expressions and sensitivity toward small-molecule drugs as well as immune cell infiltration by GSCA. Results: Analysis by GENT2 revealed 22 signature DEPs with the most significant change in their expression regulation, namely, gelsolin, alpha-fetoprotein, complement component C3, C7, histone H2B type 1-K, histone H2A.Z, H2AX, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, heat shock 70 kDa protein 1-like, cytochrome c somatic, GTP-binding nuclear protein Ran, tubulin beta chain, tubulin alpha-1B chain, tubulin alpha-1C chain, phosphoglycerate mutase 1, kininogen 1, carboxypeptidase N catalytic chain, fibulin-1, peroxiredoxins 4, lactate dehydrogenase C, SPARC, and SPARC-like protein 1. Correlation analysis between their mRNA expressions versus immune cell infiltrates showed a positive correlation with antitumor immune response elicited by these NPs as well as a correlation with drug response shown by the GDSC and CTRP drugs in different cancer cells. Discussion: Our results suggest that NVA-AA NPs were able to invade the tumor microenvironment; transformed the communication network between the cancer cells; affected potential drivers of microtubular integrity, nucleosome assembly, and cell cycle; and eventually caused cell death.

The aqueous extract of Artemisia Absinthium L. stimulates HO-1/MT-1/Cyp450 signaling pathway via oxidative stress regulation induced by aluminium oxide nanoparticles (α and γ) animal model.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Artemisia Absinthium L. (Abs) against liver damage induced by aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) in rats, including both structural and functional changes associated with hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). The first group received no treatment. The second group was orally administered Abs at a dose of 200 mg/kg/b.w. The third and fifth groups were injected intraperitoneally with γ-Al2O3 NPs and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/kg/b.w. The fourth and sixth groups were pre-treated with oral Abs at a dose of 200 mg/kg/b.w. along with intraperitoneal injection of γ-Al2O3 NPs and α-Al2O3 NPs, respectively, at a dose of 30 mg/kg/b.w. RESULTS: Treatment with γ-Al2O3 NPs resulted in a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total body weight gain, relative liver weight to body weight, and liver weight in rats. However, co-administration of γ-Al2O3 NPs with Abs significantly increased body weight gain (P < 0.05). Rats treated with Al2O3 NPs (γ and α) exhibited elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conversely, treatment significantly reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and metallothionein-1 (MT-1) mRNAs, cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) protein, and histopathological changes were significantly up-regulated in rats injected with Al2O3 NPs. Pre-treatment with Abs significantly reduced MDA, AST, HO-1, and CYP P450 levels in the liver, while increasing GPx and T-SOD levels compared to rats treated with Al2O3 NPs. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Abs has potential protective effects against oxidative stress, up-regulation of oxidative-related genes and proteins, and histopathological alterations induced by Al2O3 NPs. Notably, γ-Al2O3 NPs exhibited greater hepatotoxicity than α-Al2O3 NPs.

Development of Nanosuspension of Artemisia absinthium Extract as Novel Drug Delivery System to Enhance Its Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Potential.

A nanosuspension of Artemisia absinthium extract was formulated and characterized for the enhancement of bioavailability and better hepatoprotective efficacy. The nanosuspension of A. absinthium extract was formulated using an antisolvent precipitation technique, and various formulation parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized nanosuspension was characterized using AFM and FT-IR spectroscopy. The drug-release profile and oral bioavailability of the optimized nanosuspension were assessed with reference to coarse suspension. The DPPH radical scavenging method was used to measure the nanosuspension's antioxidant activity, and its in vivo hepatoprotective potential was assessed against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats. The developed optimized nanosuspension had suitable zeta potential of -11.9 mV, PDI of 0.285, and mean particle size of 253.8 nm. AFM study demonstrated a homogeneous population of nanoparticles with average size of 25 nm. The formulated nanosuspension of A. absinthium showed faster dissolution rate and 1.13-fold enhanced bioavailability as compared to the coarse suspension (plant extract). Furthermore, the nanoformulation had stronger antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential as compared to the unprocessed coarse extract. These results demonstrated that nanosuspension is a promising strategy for improving the oral bioavailability and bioactivities of A. absinthium extract.

New Evidence for Artemisia absinthium as an Alternative to Classical Antibiotics: Chemical Analysis of Phenolic Compounds, Screening for Antimicrobial Activity.

Artemisia absinthium, an important herb of the Artemisia genus, was evaluated in this study for its potential as an alternative to classical antibiotics. The antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of A. absinthium (MEAA) was evaluated using the broth microdilution method, revealing that A. absinthium exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to analyze the chemical profile of the MEAA, with a focus on flavonoids, quinic acids, and glucaric acids. A total of 90 compounds were identified, 69 of which were described for the first time in A. absinthium. Additionally, a new class of caffeoyl methyl glucaric acids was identified. The main active compounds were quantified and screened for antimicrobial activity. A. absinthium was found to be rich in quinic acids and flavonoids. The screening for antimicrobial activity also revealed that salicylic acid, caffeic acid, casticin, and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid had varying degrees of antimicrobial activity. The acute toxicity of MEAA was examined following OECD guidelines. The administration of 5000 mg/kg bw of MEAA did not result in mortality in male and female mice. Furthermore, there were no observed effects on the visceral organs or general behavior of the mice, demonstrating the good safety of MEAA. This study provides new evidence for the use of A. absinthium as an alternative to classical antibiotics in addressing the problem of bacterial resistance.

The Role of Plant-Derived Natural Products in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-What Is the Clinical Evidence So Far?

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are a major healthcare challenge worldwide. Disturbances in the immune system and gut microbiota followed by environmental triggers are thought to be part of the aetiological factors. Current treatment for IBD includes corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and other biologic agents; however, some patients are still unresponsive, and these are also linked to high financial load and severe side effects. Plant-derived natural products are rich in phytochemicals and have been used as healing agents in several diseases since antiquity due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as gut microbiota modulation. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that phytochemicals act in key pathways that are associated with the pathogenesis of IBD. It is also reported that the use of plant-derived natural products as complementary treatments is increasing amongst patients with IBD to avoid the side effects accompanying standard medical treatment. This review summarises the relevant evidence around the use of plant-derived natural products in the management of IBD, with specific focus on the clinical evidence so far for Curcumin, Mastiha, Boswellia serrata, and Artemisia absinthium.

Pre-clinical toxicity assessment of Artemisia absinthium extract-loaded polymeric nanoparticles associated with their oral administration.

Background: This study was designed to quantify the composition of the ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and ensure in vivo safety of A. absinthium extract-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (ANPs) before considering their application as a drug carrier via the oral route. Methods: We synthesized N-isopropylacrylamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and acrylic acid crosslinked polymeric NPs by free-radical polymerization reaction and characterized them by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering spectroscopy. Different concentrations of extract (50 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 2,000 mg/kg body weight) were encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of polymeric micelles for the assessment of acute oral toxicity and their LD50 cut-off value as per the test procedure of OECD guideline 423. Orally administered female Wistar rats were observed for general appearance, behavioral changes, and mortality for the first 30 min, 4 h, 24 h, and then, daily once for 14 days. Result: ANPs at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight were used as an initial dose, and rats showed few short-lived signs of toxicity, with few histological alterations in the kidney and intestine. Based on these observations, the next set of rats were treated at a lower dose of 50 mg/kg and a higher dose of 2,000 mg/kg ANPs. Rats administered with 50 mg/kg ANPs remained normal throughout the study with insignificant histological disintegration; however, rats treated at 2,000 mg/kg ANPs showed some signs of toxicity followed by mortality among all three rats within 24-36 h, affecting the intestine, liver, and kidney. There were no significant differences in hematological and biochemical parameters among rats treated at 50 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg ANPs. Conclusion: We conclude that the LD50 cut-off value of these ANPs will be 500 mg/kg extract loaded in polymeric NPs.

Two in vitro anthelmintic assays of four Paraguayan medicinal plants for proof of concept of the role of polyphenols in their biological activities and LC-HRMS analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) control in small ruminants has relied on the systematic use of synthetic anthelmintics (AH), their effectiveness has been progressively decreasing due to the rise and diffusion of anthelmintic resistances. The most prevalent genera affecting small ruminants were Haemonchus spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The investigation of new anthelmintics in plants is a highly studied option, especially when it is linked to ethnobotanical knowledge and phenolic compounds. THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY: Four medicinal plants mentioned in traditional medicine were selected to evaluate their anthelmintic proprieties at different stages of the life cycle of GIN, namely: Kyllinga odorata Valh., Cassia occidentalis L., Artemisia absinthium L, and Verbena litoralis Kunth and to explore the role of polyphenols in the AH activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the anthelmintic activity in this study, two models of GIN species, namely Haemonchus contortus (Hc) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (Tc) were selected and tested on two in vitro assays: 1) Larval Exsheathment Inhibition Assay (LEIA) and, 2) Egg Hatch Assay (EHA). To explore the role of tannins and polyphenols in AH activity by comparing the effects of LEIA and EHA with or without polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and to characterize the phytochemical composition of the most active plants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). RESULTS: C. occidentalis exhibited the highest activity on LEIA (EC50 = 250.42-41.80 µg/mL) and A. absinthium on egg hatching processes (EC50 = 121.70-137.34 µg/mL) in both species of GIN. The inhibition in the development of eggs was from 67.70% to 96.36% on H. contortus, and from 78.87% to 99.65% on T. colubriformis. At the maximal dose, Additionally, it was observed that the AH on eggs varies according to the GIN species: on H. contortus the extracts tested blocked the formation of larvae Ovicidal Effect (% higher OE) and on T. colubriformis they blocked the appearance of L1 larvae, Larvae Failing Eclosion (% higher LFE). After PVPP, a reduction in AH activity on LEIA and EHA was noted, especially with C. occidentalis (87.20-67.00% of larvae exsheathment, (p < 0.05) and 40.51-24.96% of egg hatching, (p > 0.05) of both parasite species. Nine putative features were identified using HRMS and MS/MS after addition of PVPP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that C. occidentalis, A. absinthium, and K. odorata, which parts have been traditionally used as medicinal plants are a valuable source of active compounds with anthelmintic activity. The medicinal use of these plants against GIN parasites was proven by in vitro analysis. Therefore exploration of the secondary metabolites of these plant extracts and testing of isolated fractions of active compounds under in vivo experiments are planned and represent a specific challenge for alternative drug research. Regarding the PVPP, in this study we hypotheses about the standard doses it was not able to completely absorb the polyphenols of extracts of K. odorata, C. occidentalis, and A. absinthium, which would lead to more studies to evaluate the role of this product in the absorption of phenolic compounds.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Screening of Artemisia Species.

Taking into account the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, actual research focused on plant extracts is vital. The aim of our study was to investigate leaf and stem ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium L. and Artemisia annua L. in order to explore their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS. The antibacterial activity of wormwood extracts was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enteritidis cultures, and by zone of inhibition in Klebsiella carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Escherichia coli extended-spectrum ß-lactamases cultures (ESBL). The Artemisia annua L. leaf extract (AnL) exhibited the highest TPC (518.09 mg/mL) and the highest expression of sinapic acid (285.69 ± 0.002 µg/mL). Nevertheless, the highest antioxidant capacity (1360.51 ± 0.04 µM Trolox/g DW by ABTS and 735.77 ± 0.02 µM Trolox/g DW by DPPH) was found in Artemisia absinthium L. leaf from the second year of vegetation (AbL2). AnL extract exhibited the lowest MIC and MBC for all tested bacteria and the maximal zone of inhibition for Klebsiella CRE and Escherichia coli ESBL. Our study revealed that AbL2 exhibited the best antioxidant potential, while AnL extract had the strongest antibacterial effect.

Artemisia Absinthium Extract Attenuates the Quinolinic Acid-Induced Cell Injury in OLN-93 Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Increased quinolinic acid (QA) accumulation has been found in many neurodegenerative diseases. Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) has been reported to have neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of A. absinthium in QAinduced neurotoxicity in OLN-93 Cells. METHODS: OLN-93 cells were cultured in a DMEM medium containing 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 µg/ml streptomycin. The cells were pretreated with concentrations of A. absinthium extract for two h and then exposed to QA for 24 h. After 24 h cell viability, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptotic cells were quantitated in OLN-93 Cells. RESULTS: Pretreatment with A. absinthium extract prevented the loss of cell viability in OLN-93 cells. ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in QA-injured OLN-93 cells were reduced following A. absinthium extract pretreatment. CONCLUSION: A. absinthium extract exerts its neuroprotective effect against QA-induced neurotoxicity via oxidative stress and apoptosis modulation.

Applicability of new sustainable and efficient green metal-based nanoparticles for removal of Cr(VI): Adsorption anti-microbial, and DFT studies.

Artemisia absinthium leaves were utilized as a reducing agent for green synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (particle size 17 nm). Synthesized green-ZnO (g-ZnO) were characterized by SEM/EDX, FTIR, XRD, UV, and BET analyses and then further used as an adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) ions from simulated wastewater. Optimal pH, temperature and adsorbent dosage were determined through batch mode studies. High removal efficiency and adsorption capacity were observed at pH 4, 0.25 g L-1 dosage, and 25 mg L-1 concentration of Cr(VI). Experimental data were modelled with different adsorption kinetics (Elovich model, PFO, PSO, IDP model) and isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin), and it was found the adsorption process was well fitted to Langmuir with an R2 value greater than>0.99. Computational calculation showed that the g-ZnO nanoparticles became ∼14 times more dynamic with delocalized surface states making them a relevant platform to adsorb Cr with greater work function compatibility supporting the experimental findings. The Qmax adsorption capacity of g-ZnO was 315.46 mg g-1 from Langmuir calculations. Thermodynamic calculations reveal that the Cr (VI) adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic, with a positive ΔS value representing the disorder at the solid-solution interface during the adsorption. In addition, the present study has demonstrated that these g-ZnO nanoparticles show strong antibacterial activities against P. aeruginosa (MTCC 1688) and E. coli (MTCC 1687). Also, the novel g-ZnO adsorbent capacity to remove Cr(VI) from simulated water revealed that it could be reused at least six times with higher removal rates during regeneration experiments. The results obtained from adsorption and antimicrobial activities suggest that g-ZnO nanoparticles could be used effectively in real-time wastewater and agricultural safety applications.