Chemical composition, anticancer, antimicrobial activity of Aloysia citriodora Palau essential oils from four different locations in Palestine.

The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the anticancer and antimicrobial properties of essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves of Aloysia citriodora Palau, which were procured from four separate locations in Palestine, in addition to analyzing their chemical composition. These areas include Jericho, which has the distinction of being the lowest location on Earth, at 260 m below sea level. The EOs were acquired by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was examined utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOs was assessed against six bacterial strains and one fungal species using 96-well microtiter plates. The primary components found in these oils are geranial (26.32-37.22%), neral (18.38-29.00%), and α-curcumene (7.76-16.91%) in three regions. α-Curcumene (26.94%), spathulenol (13.69%), geranial (10.79%), caryophyllene oxide (8.66%), and neral (7.59%) were found to be the most common of the 32 chemical components in the EO from Jericho. The EOs exhibited bactericidal properties, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and showed highly effective fungicidal activity. Nevertheless, the antifungal efficacy of the EO was found to surpass its antibacterial activity when administered at lower dosages. The EOs exhibited anticancer activities against melanoma cancer cells, as indicated by their IC50 values, which ranged from 4.65 to 7.96 µg/mL. A. citriodora EO possesses substantial antifungal and anticancer characteristics, rendering it appropriate for utilization in food-related contexts, hence potentially enhancing the sustainability of the food sector.

Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla can Protect the Development of Cancer: an in Vivo Study Using Mouse Painting Assay.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the protective properties of Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla against the development of skin cancer. METHOD: The skin cancer balb/c mouse model was utilized in the study. Plant extracts were administered to animals using oral gavage. In addition, skin cancer was induced using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA). RESULTS: The study found that A. triphylla extract reduced both tumor incidence (P<0.01) and papilloma frequency (P<0.001) and delayed the onset of tumor development (P<0.001). The A. triphylla extract did not affect tumor size in animals. C. sativum leaf extract reduced the number of tumors per animal, the incidence of tumors, and the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05). In addition, it delayed (P<0.01) the onset of tumors. Treatment of animals with C. sativum seed extract reduced the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05) and delayed the onset of tumors (P<0.05). However, the examined plant extracts did not impact the size of tumors induced by DMBA (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that C. sativum and A. triphylla could protect against cancer development as indicated using the animal model of skin painting assay.

Role of Polyphenols from the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin considered a potent carcinogen for humans that contaminates a wide range of crops. Various strategies have been established to reduce or block the synthesis of AFB1 in food and feed. The use of aqueous extracts derived from plants with high antioxidant activity has been a subject of study in recent years due to their efficacy in inhibiting AFB1. In this study, we assessed the effect of Aloysia citrodora aqueous extract on Aspergillus flavus growth and on AFB1 production. A bio-guided fractionation followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass spectrometry analysis of the active fraction were applied to identify the candidate molecules responsible for the dose-effect inhibition of AFB1 synthesis. Our results revealed that polyphenols are the molecules implicated in AFB1 inhibition, achieving almost a total inhibition of the toxin production (99%). We identified luteolin-7-diglucuronide as one of the main constituents in A. citrodora extract, and demonstrated that it is able to inhibit, by itself, AFB1 production by 57%. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-Aflatoxin B1 effect of this molecule, while other polyphenols surely intervene in A. citrodora anti-AFB1 activity.

Effects of the aroma of lemone verbena (Aloysia citriodora Paláu) essential oil on anxiety and the hemodynamic profile before cesarean section: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Aromatherapy is a noninvasive method used for alleviating anxiety. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora Paláu, LV) has been frequently used in traditional medicine as an anxiolytic agent due to its pharmacological ingredients. Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of inhaling essential oil of LV on the level of anxiety and subsequent hemodynamic changes before cesarean section. Methods: The recent study was a randomized single-blind trial. Participants (n = 84) were randomly divided into two groups: LV essential oil (group A) and placebo (group B). The intervention group underwent aromatherapy using three drops of LV essential oil at a distance of 10 cm for 30 min. The placebo group received aromatherapy in a similar fashion. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory of Spielberger questionnaire was administered before and 5 min after aroma inhalation. Vital signs were recorded before and after aromatherapy. Likewise, pain severity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale and vital signs were recorded. Data were analyzed using t-test, χ 2, and the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test through SPSS21 software. Results: Anxiety level was significantly attenuated in group A after aromatherapy. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure decreased after inhalation; but no significant variation of pain scores was observed after inhalation in both groups. Conclusion: We concluded that LV decreased preoperative anxiety in this recent study, therefore, aromatherapy with LV essential oil as a preemptive adjuvant to relieve anxiety before cesarean section is recommended by us; although more studies are required to endorse the results.

Contribution of Phenolics and Free Amino Acids on the Antioxidant Profile of Commercial Lemon Verbena Infusions.

Lemon verbena infusions are widely appreciated due to their agreeable lemony flavor and medicinal properties. In this study, the antioxidant potential, phenolic profile, and free amino acid profile of lemon verbena infusions from different commercial brands were studied. Characterization by UHPLC-QTOF-HRMS allowed the identification of 34 phenolics. The free amino acid profile (by RP-HPLC-FLD) was assessed for the first time, allowing the quantification of 16 amino acids. Furthermore, the infusions showed high antioxidant activity by different assays (ferric reducing antioxidant power, DPPH• scavenging, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays), which in turn were significantly correlated with total phenolics and total flavonoid contents. Notwithstanding, phenylalanine seemed to have also an impact on the antioxidant activity of the infusions, with significant correlations found. Finally, significant differences were found in all the evaluated parameters for one of the four commercial brands herein studied, which was possibly related to the different geographical origins of this sample. Overall, these lemon verbena infusions proved to be rich in a huge variety of bioactive compounds that can provide therapeutic potential.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Common and Lemon Verbena.

The nutritional profiles of common and lemon verbena leaves were analyzed (proximate constituents, free sugars, organic acids, tocopherols, and fatty acids) and the leaves were prepared in hydromethanolic and aqueous (decoctions and infusions) extracts. The phenolic compound composition and antioxidant activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays) of the extracts were characterized. The nutritional composition varied between the studied species, with lemon verbena showing higher amounts of protein, ash, and fat than common verbena, whereas the opposite trend was recorded for the dietary fiber content. The main free sugars detected in both species were fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which were present in higher amounts in the common verbena samples. Succinic acid was the most abundant organic acid in both species while high amounts of oxalic acid were detected in lemon verbena. The main fatty acids in both species were α-linolenic, palmitic, and linoleic acid. Regarding the phenolic compound content, the extracts of lemon verbena presented higher amounts of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFs) and total phenolic acids (TPAs) than the common verbena extracts while the aqueous extracts (infusions and decoctions) were richer in TPCs, TFs, and TPAs than the hydromethanolic ones in both species. Nine phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, including seven phenolic acids and two flavonoids. The lemon verbena samples were characterized by higher antioxidant activity compared to the common verbena samples while the aqueous extracts showed higher antioxidant efficacy than the hydromethanolic ones. In conclusion, both species showed promising results in terms of the nutritional value, chemical composition, and antioxidant activities, which were positively correlated with the phenolic compound contents. Moreover, the extraction protocol may affect the chemical composition and bioactive properties of both species, with aqueous extracts showing better results than hydromethanolic ones.

In Vivo Antidepressant-Like Effect Assessment of Two Aloysia Species in Mice and LCMS Chemical Characterization of Ethanol Extract.

Medicinal plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Depression is one of the largest contributors to the global health burden of all countries. Plants from the Aloysia genus are traditionally used for affective disorders, and some of them have proven anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antidepressant effect of the ethanolic extract of Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima (Agg) and Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp) in mice. A tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted after three doses in a period of 24 h and after 7 days of treatment. Imipramine was used as an antidepressant drug. The main results demonstrated that Agg extract reduced the immobility time in mice treated orally for 7 consecutive days when compared to the control group (reduced by about 77%, imipramine 70%). Animals treated with three doses of Avp in a 24-h period had reduced immobility time in the FST (60%), and after 7 days of treatment the reduction was greater (Avp 50, 100, and 200 about 85%; Avp 400, 96.5%; p < 0.0001, imipramine, 77%). LCMS analysis showed the presence of verbascoside, hoffmaniaketone, and hoffmaniaketone acetate in both, A. virgata var. platyphylla and A. gratissima var gratissima. The flavonoids nepetin and 6-hydroxyluteolin were also found in Agg. Both tested extracts demonstrated promising antidepressant-like activity in mice.

Protective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lippia citriodora Kunth. on acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.

Objective: Acrylamide (ACR) neurotoxicity is induced by different mechanisms such as oxidative stress and apoptosis. Scientific researchs have indicated the antioxidative properties of Lippia citriodora. The protective effect of L. citriodora aqueous and ethanolic extracts on ACR-induced neurotoxicity was investigated. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 13 groups: (1) control, (2) ACR (50 mg/kg, i.p.), (3-6) ACR+aqueous extract (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), (7-10) ACR+ethanolic extract (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), (11) aqueous extract (100 mg/kg), (12) ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg), and (13) ACR+Vitamin E (200 mg/kg, every other day, i.p.). After 11 days, gait score, MDA, and GSH levels in brain cortical tissue were measured. In the in vitro test, the viability of PC12 cells (using MTT test), the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS; using DCFH-DA method), and the protein levels of Bax, Bcl2 and caspase 3 (by western blotting) were measured. Results: In the in vitro study, the IC50 for the treatment of PC 12 cells with ACR after 24 hr was 6 mM. ACR decreased cell viability, but increased ROS level, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase-3 protein level. Pre-treatment by L. citriodora extracts (15-120 µg/ml) ameliorated the toxic effects of ACR on PC12 cells. In the in vivo experiment, ACR-induced movement disorders increased MDA but decreased GSH content. The extracts of L. citriodora improved ACR toxic effects. Conclusion: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. citriodora were found to reduce ACR-induced neurotoxicity via inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Anxiolytic-like activity of Aloysia virgatavar. platyphylla leaves extract in mice / Actividad ansiolítica del extracto de hojas de Aloysia virgatavar. platyphylla en ratones

Background: Medicinal plants are part of traditional medicine and should be considered a therapeutic alternative for mental diseases. Several plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family have proved useful in treating general anxiety disorders, the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Objective: This research aimed to verify the extract's safety, the effect on general behavior, and the effect on sleeping time, as well as to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of the methanol extract of Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp), in mice. Methodology: The toxicity test was done according to the OECD guide (mice groups n=5), and general behavior was observed during the assay. Sleeping time was assessed using the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis method (n=8). Male Swiss albino mice (n=6) were treated with 50 to 400 mg/kg of Avp extract and diazepam as a control. The anxiolytic-like effect was tested through the hole board and elevated plus-maze test. Results: The Avp extract has no side effects in tested doses, and no central nervous system depressant activity was noted. A. virgatavar. platyphyllaincreased exploration (number and time) in the hole board. In the elevated plus-maze, increased number and time into open arms were evidenced compared to the control group. Conclusion: With all these results, we concluded that the Avp extract is safe and has a potential anxiolytic-like activity in the animal model used

Antecedentes: Las plantas medicinales forman parte de la medicina tradicional y deben ser consideradas una alternativa terapéutica para las enfermedades mentales. Varias plantas pertenecientes a la familia Verbenaceae han demostrado su utilidad en el tratamiento de los trastornos de ansiedad, uno de los trastornos psiquiátricos más prevalentes. Objetivo: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo verificar la seguridad del extracto, el efecto sobre el comportamiento general y el efecto sobre el tiempo de sueño, así como evaluar el efecto tipo ansiolítico del extracto metanólico de Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla(Avp), en ratones. Metodología: La prueba de toxicidad se realizó de acuerdo con la guía de la OCDE (grupos de ratones n=5), y se observó el comportamiento general durante el ensayo. El tiempo de sueño se evaluó mediante el método de hipnosis inducida por pentobarbital (n=8). Se trataron ratones albinos suizos macho (n=6) con 50 a 400 mg/kg de extracto de Avp y diazepam como control. El efecto ansiolítico se probó a través de la placa perforada y prueba del laberinto en cruz elevado. Resultados: El extracto de Avp no tiene efectos secundarios en las dosis probadas y no se observó actividad depresora del sistema nervioso central. A. virgata var. platyphylla aumentó la exploración (número y tiempo) en el tablero de agujeros. En el laberinto en cruz elevado, se evidenció un mayor número y tiempo en los brazos abiertos en comparación con el grupo de control. Conclusión: Con todos estos resultados, concluimos que el extracto de Avp es seguro y tiene una potencial actividad ansiolítica en el modelo animal utilizado

Caracterización in situ de poblaciones de Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima recolectadas del noreste de la provincia de San Luis, Argentina / In situ characterization of populations of Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima collected from the northeast of the province of San Luis, Argentina

Abstract: The aerial part of Aloysia gratissima (Gil lies & Hook. ex Hook.) Tronc., "Usillo", is used as aromatic and medicinal. It is a shrub of up to 3 meters, distributed in North America, from the south of the USA to the north of Mexico, and in South America up to the 37th parallel. As in other native sp ecies, the demand is covered by harvesting in wild populations, which brings about the deterioration of the resource and lack of homogeneity of the harvested product. The variability was characterized in nine populations of A. gratissima var. gratissima fr om the northeast of San Luis, Argentina, based on morphological and phytochemical characters. It was found that the species in the region presents considerable heterogeneity. Diversity was detected in the chemical characteristics of the essential oils anal yzed and the prevalence of mono and sesquiterpenes was related to the olfactory identities identified. The main components were the sesquiterpene spatulenol and the monoterpene 1,8 cineole

Resumen: La parte aérea de Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook. ex Hook.) Tronc., "usillo", es utilizada como aromática y medicinal. Es un arbusto de hasta 3 metros, distribuido en Norteamerica, desde e l sur de EEUU hasta el norte de México, y en Sudamerica hasta el paralelo 37°. Al igual que en otras especies nativas, la demanda es cubierta por recolección en poblaciones silvestres, lo cual trae aparejado el deterioro del recurso y falta de homogeneidad del producto cosechado. Se caracterizó la variabilidad en nueve poblaciones de A. gratissima var. gratissima del noreste de San Luis, Argentina, en base a caracteres morfológicos y fitoquímicos. Se encontró que la especie en la región presenta una conside rable heterogeneidad. Se detectó diversidad en las características químicas de los aceites esenciales analizados y se relacionó la prevalencia de mono y sesquiterpenos con las identidades olfativas identificadas. Los componentes mayoritarios fueron el sesq uiterpeno espatulenol y el monoterpeno 1,8 cineol.

Essential oil of Aloysia citriodora Paláu and citral: sedative and anesthetic efficacy and safety in Rhamdia quelen and Ctenopharyngodon idella.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the efficacy of citral in inducing sedation and anesthesia in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and to assess the safety of essential oil (EO) of Aloysia citriodora and citral in inducing and maintaining anesthesia in silver catfish. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study, randomized, parallel, multi-arm with control group in target species. ANIMALS: A total of 96 juvenile and 72 adult silver catfish and 80 juvenile grass carp were used. METHODS: Silver catfish and grass carp were exposed to different concentrations of citral, 15-675 and 15-600 µL L-1, respectively, during the maximum period of 30 minutes to verify sedation and anesthesia induction and recovery times. In addition, for anesthetic induction, silver catfish were exposed to the EO of A. citriodora and citral at 225 µL L-1 for 3.5 minutes. Then, fish were transferred to an anesthesia maintenance solution at 50 µL L-1 for 10 minutes to assess hematologic and biochemical variables at 60 minutes, 2 and 6 days after treatment. RESULTS: Citral only induced sedation from 15, 25 and 40 µLL-1 in both species. Anesthesia without mortality was induced in silver catfish at 50-600 µL L-1 and grass carp at 75-450 µL L-1. At 675 and 600 µL L-1, mortality was recorded in silver catfish and grass carp, respectively. The EO of A. citriodora and citral were safe in inducing and maintaining anesthesia in silver catfish, with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration being the only variable that varied in relation to time and treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Citral was effective in inducing sedation and anesthesia in both species. In addition, A. citriodora EO and citral were safe in inducing and maintaining anesthesia in silver catfish. Both agents are promising substances for the development of new drugs for fish.

An overview of the genus Aloysia Paláu (Verbenaceae): Essential oil composition, ethnobotany and biological activities.

Aloysia Paláu is an important herbal genus from the Verbenaceae family and possesses numerous remedial properties in the folk medicine of Asian, European, and, in particular, South American countries. Only a few reports have discussed some phytochemical characteristics associated with Aloysia species. Right the lack of an exhaustive report prompted us to organize this review article. Accordingly, besides the ethnobotanical knowledge of Aloysia species, their essential oil profiles, phytochemistry of the polar isolated fractions, and the relevant biological activities are discussed in detail.[Formula: see text].

Diversity in principal constituents of plants with a lemony scent and the predominance of citral.

In this study, we extracted essential oils from four species of plants with lemony scents (Melissa officinalis L., Aloysia citriodora Palau (= Lippia citriodora (Palau) Kunth), Thymus × citriodorus, Perilla citriodora (Makino) Nakai). We then examined the components of extracts using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A comparison of components indicated that the largest proportions of essential oils were caryophyllene (25%) in M. officinalis, geraniol (50%) in T. citriodorus, and citral (61 and 82%) in A. citriodora and P. citriodora. Moreover, we used a sensory evaluation method using dilute aqueous solutions of extract components, citral, linalool, d-limonene, and geraniol, to select the mixture with a flavor that mostly resembled lemon. The participants in the study felt that an aqueous citral solution flavored more like lemon than aqueous d-limonene. Furthermore, an open field study of sedative effects of citral and d-limonene, when inhaled, on mice demonstrated that citral exhibited a sedative effect at a lower concentration than that of d-limonene.

Chemometric Profiling and Bioactivity of Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) Methanolic Extract from Four Localities in Tunisia.

This research aimed to study the chemical composition of Aloysia citrodora methanolic extract and its biological activities as an antioxidant, and its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities based on four bioclimatic collection stages. The contents of total phenols, total flavonoids and total tannins were determined. Nine phenolic compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The major compound was acteoside, a phenylpropanoid which represented about 80% of the methanolic fraction in the various regions. The antioxidant activities of different locations were measured by different analytical assays, such as DPPH, ABTS and iron reducing power. The results showed that phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities varied with climatic and environmental factors. Moreover, there was a significant dependency between regions and biological activities. The use of a principal component analysis showed that there was a close relationship among phenylpropanoids, phenolic compounds and the studied biological activities.

Andean Plants Essential Oils: A Scented Alternative to Synthetic Insecticides for the Control of Blowflies.

Blowflies are vectors of microorganisms and human pathogens, and their maggots cause myiasis in vertebrates and infest and spoil meat and fish products. Essential oils (EOs) from spices were proven to be a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides for the control of blowflies and are suitable for protecting food from such pests. However, some EOs are not acceptable for environmental or topical applications due to their strong, unpleasant odour. In this study, we measured the acute toxicity and the repellence of two EOs extracted from the Andean plants Aloysia citrodora Palau and Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana and Planch., both known for their pleasant odour, against the blue blowfly Calliphora vomitoria (L.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We also compared their bioactivity with that of the Allium sativum L. EO, which is very effective but bad-smelling. The A. citrodora EO was mainly rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, the most abundant of which were geranial (26.8%) and neral (21.0%). The B. graveolens EO was chiefly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, mostly represented by limonene (46.2%). According to the sensory description, the best odour profile was associated with the A. citrodora EO, while the olfactory expression of the EO from B. graveolens was negatively affected by a strong odour of "mouldy lemon". The behavioural test showed that the A. citrodora EO was more repellent than that of A. sativum and, on the contrary, that the B. graveolens EO was attractive. The toxicity tests showed that the EOs of both Andean plants have a clear toxic effect on the C. vomitoria eggs and adults. In terms of ovicidal activity, there were no significant differences among the effects of the three tested EOs. On the adult flies, the toxicity of the two EOs of the Andean plants was much lower than that of A. sativum (LC50 fumigation = 1.86 µL EO L-1 air; LC50 ingestion = 8.10 µL EO mL-1 gel) both by fumigation (LC50 = 23.66 and 25.30 µL EO L-1 air for A. citrodora and B. graveolens, respectively) and ingestion (LC50 = 36.65 and 44.97 µL EO mL-1 gel for A. citrodora and B. graveolens, respectively), while, by contact, the A. citrodora EO (LD50 = 0.27 µL EO insect-1) was more toxic than the A. sativum EO (LD50 = 0.46 µL EO insect-1).

Aloysia Citrodora Essential Oil Inhibits Melanoma Cell Growth and Migration by Targeting HB-EGF-EGFR Signaling.

Patients diagnosed with melanoma have a poor prognosis due to regional invasion and metastases. The receptor tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in a subtype of melanoma with a poor prognosis and contributes to drug resistance. Aloysia citrodora essential oil (ALOC-EO) possesses an antitumor effect. Understanding signaling pathways that contribute to the antitumor of ALOC-EO is important to identify novel tumor types that can be targeted by ALOC-EO. Here, we investigated the effects of ALOC-EO on melanoma growth and tumor cell migration. ALOC-EO blocked melanoma growth in vitro and impaired primary tumor cell growth in vivo. Mechanistically, ALOC-EO blocked heparin-binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF)-induced EGFR signaling and suppressed ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Myelosuppressive drugs upregulated HB-EGF and EGFR expression in melanoma cells. Cotreatment of myelosuppressive drugs with ALOC-EO improved the antitumor activity and inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and -9 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein9. In summary, our study demonstrates that ALOC-EO blocks EGFR and ERK1/2 signaling, with preclinical efficacy as a monotherapy or in combination with myelosuppressive drugs in melanoma.

Spectral characterization, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cyclooxygenase inhibitory activities of Aloysia citriodora essential oils collected from two Palestinian regions.

BACKGROUND: Aloysia citriodora Palau (AC) is commonly known as Lemon Verbena and has been utilized as a medicinal tea in folkloric medicine for the treatment of abdominal spasm, anxiety, and fever. The present investigation aimed to identify the chemical ingredients of AC essential oil (EO) collected from two different locations in Palestine and to assess their antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory effects. METHODS: Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) technique was used to identify the chemical components of the hydro-distilled EO from both regions, while DPPH, MTS, and COX assays were utilized to estimate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and COX inhibitory activities of the EOs, respectively. Moreover, a broth microdilution assay was used to assess antimicrobial potentials against seven microbial strains. RESULTS: The GC/MS technique revealed the presence of 17 compounds from the AC collected from the Umm al-Fahm region and 13 compounds from the sample from the Baqa al-Gharbiyye region, while α-citral was the major component of both EOs, representing 47.62 and 43.46%, respectively. The Baqa al-Gharbiyye AC EO exerted more potent antioxidant activity than the Umm al-Fahm EO, with IC50 values of 11.74 ± 0.18 and 35.48 ± 0.14 µg/mL, respectively, while the positive control Trolox had antioxidant IC50 values of 2.45 ± 0.01 µg/mL. Interestingly, both EOs inhibited more potential activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Proteus vulgaris than Ciprofloxacin and Ampicillin antibiotics and also showed more potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans than Fluconazole. Moreover, the Baqa al-Gharbiyye AC EO had a more potent cytotoxic effect than the Umm al-Fahm EO, with IC50 values of 84.5 ± 0.24 and 33.31 ± 0.01 µg/mL, respectively, compared with Doxorubicin, which had an IC50 dose of 22.01 ± 1.4 µg/mL. The EOs from Baqa al-Gharbiyye showed potent activity against both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, with IC50 of 52.93 ± 0.13 and 89.31 ± 0.21 µg/mL, respectively, while the EOs from the Umm al-Fahm region showed weaker activity against these enzymes, with IC50 of 349.99 ± 0.33 and 1326.37 ± 1.13 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both characterized EOs have a huge variety of chemical components. The Baqa al-Gharbiyye AC EO has more potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activities than the Umm al-Fahm EO, but both have potential antimicrobial activity against MRSA, P. vulgaris, and C. albicans. These results suggest the use of AC EOs as promising sources of active ingredients in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Effect of Aloysia citrodora Essential Oil on Biochemicals, Antioxidant Characteristics, and Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruit during Storage.

Strawberry fruits are highly susceptible to cold burning, resulting in low storage periods at low temperatures. Plant extracts or essential oils (EOs) can potentially be used as preservatives in fruits throughout the refrigerated period. In the present study, the biochemicals, antioxidant characteristics, and shelf life of treated strawberries with Aloysia citrodora essential oil (ACEOs) were evaluated during keeping time. The treatments were produced as follows: T1, control; T2, 250 ppm ACEOs; T3, 500 ppm ACEOs; and T4, 750 ppm ACEOs. Total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, titratable acidity (TA), antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid and anthocyanin contents (TFC), and enzymes activity (peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase) were evaluated during the refrigerated period (5 °C with relative humidity of 85-90% for 20 days). The results revealed that weight loss and TA were reduced in all treatments during storage, being that the rates were lower in samples treated with ACEOs. TPC, TFC, TSS, antioxidant, and enzymes activity were higher in treated fruits than control.

Antinociceptive effect and mechanism of supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Aloysia gratissima leaves in mice.

BACKGROUND: A. gratissima is a shrub used in folk medicine as analgesic and sedative. However, studies on its antinociceptive activity are scarce. This research aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extract of A. gratissima leaves (EAG) in mice. METHODS: A. gratissima leaves were subjected to extraction with supercritical CO2 (60 °C, 200 bar). The chemical composition of EAG was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antinociceptive profile of the extract (1, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) was established using acetic acid-induced abdominal contraction tests and formalin-induced paw-licking tests. The open field and rota-rod tests were used to evaluate a possible interference of EAG on mice motor performance. The contribution of the opioid system and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sensitive K+ channels in the mechanism(s) of EAG action was evaluated by specific receptor blockers. EAG's acute toxicity was investigated using OECD 423 guideline. RESULTS: The GC-MS revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes (guaiol and pinocamphone) in the EAG. Doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhes and paw licking time in mice in the formalin test. The EAG did not affect the locomotor activity and motor coordination of the mice. The antinociceptive effect of the EAG was prevented by glibenclamide in the mice formalin test, unlike naloxone pre-treatment. The acute administration of EAG caused no mortality. CONCLUSION: A. gratissima leaves possess antinociceptive effect, mediated by K+ channels sensitive to ATP.

Actividad gastroprotectora, tamizaje fitoquímico y actividad atrapadora de radicales libres de Aloysia Gratissima (Verbenaceae) / Phytochemical screning, gastroprotective activity and free radical scavenging activity of Aloysia gratissima (Verbenaceae)

Se evaluó la actividad gastroprotectora de la infusión proveniente de las hojas de Aloysia gratissima (Verbenaceae), especie nativa de interés medicinal que se desarrolla en el sudoeste bonaerense, utilizando un modelo de inducción de úlceras gástricas con etanol en ratones. Se realizó un tamizaje fitoquímico para detectar la presencia de compuestos que podrían ser responsables de la actividad gastroprotectora de la planta. Se determinó el contenido de fenoles totales y la capacidad atrapadora de radicales libres mediante el método del Folin-Ciocalteu y del 2,2'-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DPPH), respectivamente. Los ensayos demostraron que la infusión de la planta, administrada por vía oral en dosis de 100, 500 y 1000 mg/kg, ejerció una gastroprotección significativa frente a la inducción de úlceras. Se detectó una actividad atrapadora de radicales libres de 47,5%, similar a la sustancia de referencia (BHT). El estudio fitoquímico detectó la presencia de flavonoides y otros polifenoles, sustancias con reconocida capacidad antioxidante. Estos metabolitos ejercen efectos protectores en diferentes modelos experimentales de inducción de úlceras mediante mecanismos que pueden involucrar la neutralización de radicales libres, lo que podría explicar la actividad gastroprotectora de la planta. Estos hallazgos requieren estudios adicionales de A. gratissima como una posible terapia frente a la úlcera gástrica. (AU)

The gastroprotective activity of the infusion from the leaves of Aloysia gratissima (Verbenaceae), a native species of medicinal interest growing in South West Buenos Aires, was evaluated in an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. Phytochemical screening was carried out in order to determine the presence of compounds that could be responsible for the pharmacological effects of the plant. Total phenolic content and the free radical scavenging activity of the plant were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and the 2,2'-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively. Assays demonstrated that the infusion, orally administered at 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg doses, exerted a significant gastroprotection effect against ulcer induction (P<0,05). A free radical scavenging activity of 47.5% -similar to the reference substance (BHT)- was detected. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. These compounds exert protective effects in different experimental models of ulcer induction that could involve free radical neutralization, which could explain the gastroprotective activity of the plant. These promising results support additional studies of A. gratissima as a potential therapy against gastric ulcer. (AU)