Anticancer activities of natural abietic acid.

Cancer is the main cause of death in the world. There are several therapies that are in practice for cancer cure including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Among the chemotherapies, natural products are considered comparable safe, easily available and cost effective. Approximately 60% of cancer approved FDA drugs are natural products including vinblastine, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel. These natural products have complex structures due to which they work against cancer through different molecular pathways, STAT3, NF-kB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dependent pathway, extrinsic apoptosis pathway, autophagy, mitophagy and ferroptosis. AA is a natural abietane diterpenoid compound from Pinus palustris and Pimenta racemose var. grissea with different pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-obesity and anti-allergic. Recently it has been reported with its anticancer activities through different molecular mechanisms including NF-kB, PI3K/AKT, call cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, mitochondrial dependent pathway, extrinsic apoptosis pathway, AMPK pathway and ferroptosis pathways. The literature survey reveals that there is no review on AA anticancer molecular mechanisms, therefore in current review, we summarize the anticancer molecular mechanisms of AA.

Effect of pimenta essential oil against Salmonella Agona and Salmonella Saintpaul in ground turkey meat and nonprocessed turkey breast meat.

Salmonella enterica Agona (S. Agona) and Salmonella enterica Saintpaul (S. Saintpaul) are among the emerging drug-resistant Salmonella in turkey production and processing. Rapid solutions to control emerging and uncommon serotypes such as S. Agona and S. Saintpaul are needed. This study tested pimenta essential oil (PEO) as a processing antibacterial against S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in experiments representative of different stages of turkey processing. The compound effectively reduced S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in nutrient broth studies and with mature biofilm assays. PEO was tested against a combination of S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in ground turkey meat and nonprocessed breast meat. In the first experiment with ground turkey, samples were inoculated with a mixture of S. Agona and S. Saintpaul (∼3 log10 CFU/g) and treated with PEO at different concentrations (0% PEO, 0.25% PEO, 0.5% PEO, 1% PEO, 2% PEO, and 2.5% PEO). In the second experiment with turkey breast, samples inoculated with ∼3 log10 CFU/g (SA+SP) were dipped in different concentrations of PEO with chitosan (CN) for 2 min. In both these experiments, samples were stored at 4°C, and Salmonella recovery was carried out at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d. All experiments followed a completely randomized design and were repeated 6 times (n = 6). Statistical analysis was done using the PROC-ANOVA procedure of SAS. In the ground turkey meat, PEO at or above 2% reduced 2 log10 CFU/g of Salmonella by day 1. PEO at 2.5% in ground turkey meat resulted in enrichment-negative samples by 1 min, indicative of the rapid killing effect of the compound at a high concentration of PEO (P ≤ 0.05). A maximum reduction of 1.7 log10 CFU Salmonella/g of turkey breast meat was obtained after 2 min of dip treatment containing CN and 2.5% PEO. Results indicate that PEO could be used as a plant-based processing antibacterial against S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in turkey processing. Upscaling to plant-level studies is necessary before recommending its usage.

Genus Pimenta: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Botany, Distribution, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Approaches.

Pimenta is a genus of flowering plants belonging to family Myrtaceae, native to the West Indies, Mexico, and South America. Numerous traditional uses were reported as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, diuretic, and sexual stimulant. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemical profile, and biological activities of genus Pimenta for future exploration of plant-based drugs and therapeutic approaches. The data were collected (up to date as of October 1, 2023) from several databases such as Web of Science, google scholar, science direct, Pubmed and Proquest. Pimenta species were reported to include various classes of phytochemicals like tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and essential oils. Quercetin glycosides and eugenol derivatives were the predominant compounds of this genus. Several biological activities have been reported such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, histidine decarboxylase inhibition, hypoglycemic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, acaricidal, anxiolytic, anti-depressant and anti-estrogenic. Several scientific reports have been published on various isolated phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Pimenta species that confirm its ethnobotanical and traditional history. However, in vivo studies on different extracts and their phytoconstituents, alongside mechanistic analysis deserve more attention for drug researchers to provide better guidance to utilize Pimenta plants as medicinal resources for herbal formulations in different approaches.

Eugenol-Rich Essential Oil from Pimenta dioica: In Vitro and In Vivo Potentialities against Leishmania amazonensis.

Pimenta dioica L. is one the most recognized species with diverse biological activities. In this study, in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of essential oil from P. dioica (EO-Pd) was evaluated. The main compound was also included in the animal studies and its in silico prediction related to biological activities, molecular ligands, drug likeness, and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties are listed. The chemical composition analyzed by GC-MS retrieved 45 components, which the most abundant compound was the eugenol (80.1%). The EO-Pd was able to inhibit the growth of L. amazonensis (IC50 = 9.7 ± 0.7 and 11.3 ± 2.1 µg/mL, promastigotes and amastigotes, respectively). The cytotoxicity assay showed a CC50 of 104.5 ± 0.9 µg/mL and a selectivity index of 9. In the model of cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice, the effect of EO-Pd and eugenol was observed after treatment at 30 mg/kg by intralesional route with 5 administrations every 4 days. In the in silico predictions, some targets that justified the antileishmanial activity of eugenol and good drug like properties for this compound, were obtained. This study showed for first time the potential of EO-Pd to inhibit L. amazonensis, which could be linked to the activity of major compound eugenol.

Nephroprotective effects of Lippia sidoides ethanolic extract against ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

Abstract Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) is commonly related to acute kidney injury (AKI) and oxidative stress. Antioxidant agents are used to treat this condition. Lippia sidoides is a brazillian shrub with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Lippia sidoides ethanolic extract (LSEE) on in vivo and in vitro models of AKI induced by I/R. Male Wistar rats were submitted to unilateral nephrectomy and ischemia on contralateral kidney for 60 min via clamping followed by reperfusion for 48 h. They were divided into four groups: Sham, LSEE (sham-operated rats pre-treated with LSEE), I/R (rats submitted to ischemia) and I/R-LSEE (rats treated with LSEE before ischemia). Kidney tissues homogenates were used to determine stress parameters and nephrin expression. Plasma and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis. I/R in vitro assays were evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays in Rhesus Monkey Kidney Epithelial Cells (LLC-MK2). The LSEE treatment prevented biochemical and nephrin expression alterations, as well as oxidative stress parameters. In the in vitro assay, LSEE protected against cell death, reduced the reactive oxygen species and increased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. LSEE showed biotechnological potential for a new phytomedicine as a nephroprotective agent.

Valorization of Pimenta racemosa Essential Oils and Extracts: GC-MS and LC-MS Phytochemical Profiling and Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori Inhibitory Activity.

Pimenta racemosa is a commonly known spice used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments. In this study, comprehensive phytochemical profiling of the essential oils and methanol extracts of P. racemosa leaves and stems was performed, alongside assessing their potential Helicobacter pylori inhibitory activity in vitro and in silico. The essential oils were chemically profiled via GC-MS. Moreover, the methanol extracts were profiled using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. The antibacterial activity of the essential oils and methanol extracts against H. pylori was determined by adopting the micro-well dilution method. GC-MS analysis unveiled the presence of 21 constituents, where eugenol represented the major component (57.84%) and (59.76%) in both leaves and stems of essential oils, respectively. A total of 61 compounds were annotated in both leaves and stems of P. racemosa methanolic extracts displaying richness in phenolic compounds identified as (epi)catechin and (epi)gallocatechin monomers and proanthocyanidins, hydrolyzable tannin derivatives (gallotannins), flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The stem essential oil showed the most promising inhibitory effects on H. pylori, exhibiting an MIC value of 3.9 µg/mL, comparable to clarithromycin with an MIC value of 1.95 µg/mL. Additionally, in silico molecular modeling studies revealed that decanal, eugenol, terpineol, delta-cadinene, and amyl vinyl showed potential inhibitory activity on H. pylori urease as demonstrated by high-fitting scores indicating good binding to the active sites. These findings indicate that P. racemosa comprises valuable phytochemical constituents with promising therapeutic effects, particularly the stem, an economic agro-industrial waste.

Comparative study of antioxidant properties of the extracts of Polygonum acre H.B.K

SUMMARY Aims: This study aimed to characterize and compare the antioxidative potential of extracts obtained by infusion, decoction, tincture, aqueous extraction, and hydro-ethanolic maceration from the aerial parts of Polygonum acre H.B.K., which has been traditionally used in herbal preparations, for different purposes. The therapeutic benefits are attributed to phenolic compounds and their antioxidant properties. Methods: All extracts were characterized considering their quantitative content of the total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed and, hydrolysable tannins, by colori-metric methods. EHW-PA was selected for HPLC analysis as it showed a higher yield (10.58 % w/m) and a phenolic content > 200 mg GAE/g dry extract. The phenolic profile showed a chromatogram with 20 peaks, and the presence of gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin was verified by comparison with the retention times of standard compounds. The antioxidant activities were determined by ABTS capture test, ferric reducing antioxidant power test (FRAP), and the superoxide anion scavenging test. Results: Tinctures showed a higher average content of phenolic compounds, present mainly as flavonoid content. A significant correlation coefficient was observed between the total phenolic content and its antioxidant activity, determining by ABTS and FRAP assays. Differently, a low to moderate correlation between the flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was verified. Conclusion: This study reinforces the ethnopharmacological relevance of the Polygonum genus and could contribute to the scientific basis for the use of P. acre preparations.

Objetivos: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar y comparar el potencial antioxidante de extractos obtenidos por infusión, decocción, tintura, extracción acuosa e hidroetanólica de las partes aéreas de Polygonum acre H.B.K., que se ha utilizado tradicionalmente en preparaciones a base de hierbas, para diferentes fines. Los beneficios terapéuticos se atribuyen a los compuestos fenólicos y sus propiedades antioxidantes. Métodos: Todos los extractos se caracterizaron considerando su contenido cuantitativo de fenólicos totales, flavonoides, taninos condensados e hidrolizables, por métodos colorimétricos. Se seleccionó EHW-PA para el análisis de HPLC ya que mostró un rendimiento más alto (10,58% m/m) y un contenido fenólico > 200 mg GAE/g de extracto seco. El perfil fenólico mostró un cromatograma con 20 picos y se verificó la presencia de ácido gálico, rutina y quercetina por comparación con los tiempos de retención de los compuestos estándar. Las actividades antioxidantes se determinaron mediante la prueba de captura ABTS, la prueba del poder antioxidante reductor férrico (FRAP) y la prueba de eliminación del anión superóxido. Resultados: Las tinturas mostraron un mayor contenido promedio de compuestos fenólicos, presentes principalmente como contenido de flavonoides. Se observó un coeficiente de correlación significativo entre el contenido fenólico total y su actividad antioxidante, determinado por ensayos ABTS y FRAP. De manera diferente, se verificó una correlación de baja a moderada entre el contenido de flavonoides y la actividad antioxidante. Conclusión: Este estudio refuerza la relevancia etnofarma-cológica del género Polygonum y podría contribuir a la base científica para el uso de preparaciones de P. acre.

Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar e comparar o potencial antioxidante de extratos obtidos por infusão, decocção, tintura, extração aquosa e maceração hidroetanólica da parte aérea de Polygonum acre H.B.K., tradicional- mente utilizado em preparações fitoterápicas, para diversos fins. Os benefícios terapêuticos são atribuídos aos compostos fenólicos e suas propriedades antioxidantes. Métodos: Todos os extratos foram caracterizados quanto ao teor quantitativo de fenólicos totais, flavonoides, taninos condensados e hidrolisáveis, por métodos colorimétricos. O EHW-PA foi selecionado para análise por HPLC por apresentar maior rendimento (10,58% m/v) e conteúdo fenólico > 200 mg GAE/g de extrato seco. O perfil fenólico apresentou cromatograma com 20 picos, e a presença de ácido gálico, rutina e quercetina foi verificada pela comparação com os tempos de retenção dos compostos padrão. As atividades antioxidantes foram determinadas pelo teste de captura do radical ABTS, ensaio do potencial antioxidante por redução férrica (FRAP) e teste de desativação do ânion superóxido. Resultados: As tinturas apresentaram maior teor médio de compostos fenólicos, presentes, principalmente, na forma de flavonoides. Foi observado um coeficiente de correlação significativo entre o conteúdo fenólico total e sua atividade antioxidante, determinado pelos ensaios de ABTS e FRAP. Diferentemente, verificou-se uma correlação baixa a moderada entre o conteúdo de flavonoides e a atividade antioxidante. Conclusão: Este estudo reforça a relevância etnofarmacológica do gênero Polygonum e pode contribuir para a fundamentação científica do uso de preparações de P. acre.

Natural essential oil mix of sweet orange peel, cumin, and allspice elicits anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacological safety similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

An inflammation response occurs when the body reacts to exogenous and endo enous noxious stimuli, and it helps the body respond to infection and repair tissues, adapt to stress, and remove dead or damaged cells. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are traditionally used to treat inflammation; however, these drugs often cause negative side effects. For this reason, developing and establishing effective alternative medicines for treating many chronic diseases with underlying inflammation is critically dependent on the identification of new organic molecules and bioactive substances. Aromatic and volatile compounds found in essential oils isolated from Pimenta dioica (allspice), Cuminum cyminum (cumin), and Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) are a source of bioactive compounds. Allspice essential oil reduces ear inflammation more than 65% and the anti-inflammatory activity of allspice essential oil is enhanced when combined with sweet orange peel and cumin essential oils, resulting in the reduction of edema inflammation by more than 85%, similar to indomethacin. As an alternative to anti-inflammatory treatment, essential oil mix is pharmacologically safe as it is neither toxic nor mutagenic.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Pimenta dioica L. Essential Oil and Its Major Compound (Eugenol) against Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria.

The Pimenta dioica essential oil and its main compound (eugenol) were tested for their antibacterial potency against eight Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria implicated in food intoxication. This essential oil and its main component were evaluated for their ability in inhibiting Quorum sensing (QS)-dependent mechanisms such as motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, production of violacein by Chromobacterium violaceum and biofilm formation on stainless steel and glass surfaces. Our results demonstrated that P. dioica essential oil and eugenol were active against all tested strains with a maximum of inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes CECT 933 (26.66 ± 0.57 mm). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the tested essential oil and eugenol was about 0.048 mg/mL for all strains. The obtained results demonstrated that 4CMI eugenol inhibited foodborne strains biofilm formation on the glass strips by 73.79% and by 75.90% on polystyrene. Moreover, 0.048 mg/mL (MIC) of P. dioica essential oil inhibited the violacein production by 69.30%. At 100 µg/mL, P. dioica oil and eugenol affected the motility of PAO1 by 42.00% and 29.17%, respectively. Low concentrations of P. dioica essential oil are active against the quorum sensing phenomena and biofilm potency. Thus, this essential oil could be further investigated for new molecules useful for the treatment of toxi-alimentary infections.

Fabrication, characterization, and bioactivity assessment of chitosan nanoemulsion containing allspice essential oil to mitigate Aspergillus flavus contamination and aflatoxin B1 production in maize.

The direct incorporation of essential oils (EOs) into real food system faces numerous challenges due to high volatility, intense aroma, and instability. This research aimed to enhance the stability and bio-efficacy of Pimenta dioica essential oil (PDEO) through encapsulation in chitosan (CN) nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion (CN-PDEO) was fabricated through ionic-gelation technique. CN-PDEO exhibited high nanoencapsulation efficiency (85.84%) and loading capacity (8.26%) with the particle size ranging between 18.53 and 70.56 nm. Bio-efficacy assessment results showed that CN-PDEO presented more effective antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity against Aspergillus flavus (AF-LHP-VS8) at lower doses (1.6 and 1.0 µL/mL) than the pure PDEO (2.5 and 1.5 µL/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). Additionally, CN-PDEO preserved model food (maize) from aflatoxin B1and lipid peroxidation without altering their sensory properties during storage with high safety profile (p < 0.05). Overall results concluded that CN-PDEO can be recommended for shelf-life extension of stored maize and other food commodities.

Evaluation of the Chilli veinal mottle virus CP gene expressing transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants for disease resistance against the virus / Avaliação do gene CP do vírus Chilli veinal mottle que expressa plantas transgênicas Nicotiana benthamiana quanto à resistência a doenças contra o vírus

Vegetables are an important source of income and high-value crops for small farmers. Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most economically important vegetables of Pakistan and it is grown throughout the country. It is a rich source of nutrition especially vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals as folic acid, manganese (Mn), potassium (K) and molybdenum (Mo). Chilli possesses seven times more amount of vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin A, C and betacarotenoids are strong antioxidants to scavenge the free radicals. Chilli production is restricted due to various biotic factors. Among these viruses, Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) is one of the most destructive and menacing agents that inflicts heavy and colossal losses that accounted for 50% yield loss both in quality and quantity. Pathogen-Derived Resistance (PDR) approach is considered one of the effective approaches to manage plant viruses. In this study, ChiVMV was characterized on a molecular level, the coat protein (CP) gene of the virus was stably transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The transgenic plants were challenged with the virus to evaluate the level of resistance of plants against the virus. It was observed that the plants expressing CP gene have partial resistance against the virus in terms of symptoms' development and virus accumulation. Translation of this technique into elite chilli varieties will be resulted to mitigate the ChiVMV in the crop as well as an economic benefit to the farmers.

Vegetais são uma importante fonte de renda e culturas de alto valor para os pequenos agricultores. A pimenta-malagueta (Capsicum spp.) é uma das hortaliças mais importantes economicamente do Paquistão e é cultivada em todo o país. É uma rica fonte de nutrição, especialmente vitaminas A, B, C e E com minerais como ácido fólico, manganês (Mn), potássio (K) e molibdênio (Mo). O pimentão possui sete vezes mais vitamina C do que a laranja. Vitaminas A e C e betacarotenoides são antioxidantes fortes para eliminar os radicais livres. A produção de pimenta é restrita devido a vários fatores bióticos. Entre esses vírus, o ChiVMV é o agente mais destrutivo e ameaçador que inflige perdas pesadas e colossais que representam 50% da perda de rendimento, tanto em qualidade quanto em quantidade. A abordagem de resistência derivada de patógenos (PDR) é considerada uma das abordagens eficazes para gerenciar os vírus de plantas. Neste estudo, ChiVMV foi caracterizado em nível molecular e o gene CP do vírus foi transformado de forma estável em plantas Nicotiana benthamiana usando Agrobacterium tumefaciens. As plantas transgênicas foram desafiadas com o vírus para avaliar seu nível de resistência contra o vírus. Observou-se que as plantas que expressam o gene CP apresentam resistência parcial ao vírus em termos de desenvolvimento de sintomas e acúmulo de vírus. A tradução dessa técnica em variedades de pimenta de elite resultará na mitigação do ChiVMV na safra, bem como em benefícios econômicos para os agricultores em termos de melhor rendimento e baixo custo de produção.

Evaluation of the Chilli veinal mottle virus CP gene expressing transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants for disease resistance against the virus / Avaliação do gene CP do vírus Chilli veinal mottle que expressa plantas transgênicas Nicotiana benthamiana quanto à resistência a doenças contra o vírus

Vegetables are an important source of income and high-value crops for small farmers. Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most economically important vegetables of Pakistan and it is grown throughout the country. It is a rich source of nutrition especially vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals as folic acid, manganese (Mn), potassium (K) and molybdenum (Mo). Chilli possesses seven times more amount of vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin A, C and beta carotenoids are strong antioxidants to scavenge the free radicals. Chilli production is restricted due to various biotic factors. Among these viruses, Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) is one of the most destructive and menacing agents that inflicts heavy and colossal losses that accounted for 50% yield loss both in quality and quantity. Pathogen-Derived Resistance (PDR) approach is considered one of the effective approaches to manage plant viruses. In this study, ChiVMV was characterized on a molecular level, the coat protein (CP) gene of the virus was stably transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The transgenic plants were challenged with the virus to evaluate the level of resistance of plants against the virus. It was observed that the plants expressing CP gene have partial resistance against the virus in terms of symptoms' development and virus accumulation. Translation of this technique into elite chilli varieties will be resulted to mitigate the ChiVMV in the crop as well as an economic benefit to the farmers.

Vegetais são uma importante fonte de renda e culturas de alto valor para os pequenos agricultores. A pimenta-malagueta (Capsicum spp.) é uma das hortaliças mais importantes economicamente do Paquistão e é cultivada em todo o país. É uma rica fonte de nutrição, especialmente vitaminas A, B, C e E com minerais como ácido fólico, manganês (Mn), potássio (K) e molibdênio (Mo). O pimentão possui sete vezes mais vitamina C do que a laranja. Vitaminas A e C e betacarotenoides são antioxidantes fortes para eliminar os radicais livres. A produção de pimenta é restrita devido a vários fatores bióticos. Entre esses vírus, o ChiVMV é o agente mais destrutivo e ameaçador que inflige perdas pesadas e colossais que representam 50% da perda de rendimento, tanto em qualidade quanto em quantidade. A abordagem de resistência derivada de patógenos (PDR) é considerada uma das abordagens eficazes para gerenciar os vírus de plantas. Neste estudo, ChiVMV foi caracterizado em nível molecular e o gene CP do vírus foi transformado de forma estável em plantas Nicotiana benthamiana usando Agrobacterium tumefaciens. As plantas transgênicas foram desafiadas com o vírus para avaliar seu nível de resistência contra o vírus. Observou-se que as plantas que expressam o gene CP apresentam resistência parcial ao vírus em termos de desenvolvimento de sintomas e acúmulo de vírus. A tradução dessa técnica em variedades de pimenta de elite resultará na mitigação do ChiVMV na safra, bem como em benefícios econômicos para os agricultores em termos de melhor rendimento e baixo custo de produção.

Evaluation of the Chilli veinal mottle virus CP gene expressing transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants for disease resistance against the virus

Abstract Vegetables are an important source of income and high-value crops for small farmers. Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most economically important vegetables of Pakistan and it is grown throughout the country. It is a rich source of nutrition especially vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals as folic acid, manganese (Mn), potassium (K) and molybdenum (Mo). Chilli possesses seven times more amount of vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin A, C and beta-carotenoids are strong antioxidants to scavenge the free radicals. Chilli production is restricted due to various biotic factors. Among these viruses, Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) is one of the most destructive and menacing agents that inflicts heavy and colossal losses that accounted for 50% yield loss both in quality and quantity. Pathogen-Derived Resistance (PDR) approach is considered one of the effective approaches to manage plant viruses. In this study, ChiVMV was characterized on a molecular level, the coat protein (CP) gene of the virus was stably transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The transgenic plants were challenged with the virus to evaluate the level of resistance of plants against the virus. It was observed that the plants expressing CP gene have partial resistance against the virus in terms of symptoms development and virus accumulation. Translation of this technique into elite chilli varieties will be resulted to mitigate the ChiVMV in the crop as well as an economic benefit to the farmers.

Resumo Vegetais são uma importante fonte de renda e culturas de alto valor para os pequenos agricultores. A pimenta-malagueta (Capsicum spp.) é uma das hortaliças mais importantes economicamente do Paquistão e é cultivada em todo o país. É uma rica fonte de nutrição, especialmente vitaminas A, B, C e E com minerais como ácido fólico, manganês (Mn), potássio (K) e molibdênio (Mo). O pimentão possui sete vezes mais vitamina C do que a laranja. Vitaminas A e C e betacarotenoides são antioxidantes fortes para eliminar os radicais livres. A produção de pimenta é restrita devido a vários fatores bióticos. Entre esses vírus, o ChiVMV é o agente mais destrutivo e ameaçador que inflige perdas pesadas e colossais que representam 50% da perda de rendimento, tanto em qualidade quanto em quantidade. A abordagem de resistência derivada de patógenos (PDR) é considerada uma das abordagens eficazes para gerenciar os vírus de plantas. Neste estudo, ChiVMV foi caracterizado em nível molecular e o gene CP do vírus foi transformado de forma estável em plantas Nicotiana benthamiana usando Agrobacterium tumefaciens. As plantas transgênicas foram desafiadas com o vírus para avaliar seu nível de resistência contra o vírus. Observou-se que as plantas que expressam o gene CP apresentam resistência parcial ao vírus em termos de desenvolvimento de sintomas e acúmulo de vírus. A tradução dessa técnica em variedades de pimenta de elite resultará na mitigação do ChiVMV na safra, bem como em benefícios econômicos para os agricultores em termos de melhor rendimento e baixo custo de produção.

Chemical Composition, Insecticidal and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities of Allspice (Pimenta dioica) Essential Oil.

Essential oils are biologically and environmentally safe pesticidal compounds yielded from aromatic plants. Spices are important sources of essential oils, and they are widely used in the medicine, food, and various other industries. Among the different spices, Allspice (Pimenta dioica) is underexplored in terms of its biological efficacy and a limited number of studies are available on the chemical composition of Allspice essential oil (AEO); thus, the present study evaluated the larvicidal property, the repellency, and the fumigant toxicity against common pests of stored products of AEO. AEO was found to inhibit the survival of larvae of such vectors as Aedis, Culex, and Armigeres species. Further, AEO was found to exert repellant effects against the pests of such stored products as Sitophilus, Callosobruchus, and Tribolium. Similarly, the fumigant toxicity was found to be high for AEO against these species. The contact toxicity of AEO was high against Sitophilus and Callosobruchus. Apart from that, the essential oil was found to be safe against a non-target organism (guppy fishes) and was found to be non-genotoxic in an Allium cepa model. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that the essential oil from Allspice could be used as an environmentally safe larvicidal and biopesticidal compound.

Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. Bioactive Constituents Exert Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-Inflammatory Activities: Molecular Docking and Dynamics, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies.

In response to the urgent need to control Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), this study aims to explore potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents from natural sources. Moreover, cytokine immunological responses to the viral infection could lead to acute respiratory distress which is considered a critical and life-threatening complication associated with the infection. Therefore, the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents can be key to the management of patients with COVID-19. Four bioactive compounds, namely ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were isolated from the leaves of Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr (ethyl acetate extract) and identified using spectroscopic evidence. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed for the isolated and identified compounds (1-4) against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a proposed mechanism of action. Furthermore, all compounds were tested for their half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Additionally, lung toxicity was induced in rats by mercuric chloride and the effects of treatment with P. dioca aqueous extract, ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were recorded through measuring TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-10, G-CSF, and genetic expression of miRNA 21-3P and miRNA-155 levels to assess their anti-inflammatory effects essential for COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 showed remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities with IC50 values of 31 µg/mL, 108 µg/mL, and 360 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were found to be better in ferulic acid 1 and rutin 2 treatments. Our results could be promising for more advanced preclinical and clinical studies especially on rutin 2 either alone or in combination with other isolates for COVID-19 management.

The use of volatile compounds as an alternative method in pepper breeding (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) / O uso de compostos voláteis como método alternativo no melhoramento da pimenta (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum)

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to determine some fruit characteristics of 19 different lines hybridized by previous regular studies. These lines were examined in order to determine the differences among volatile components and reveal the differences in comparison with the parents. Plant height (cm), fruit weight (g), fruit width (mm), fruit length (mm), fruit flesh thickness (mm), pungency, immature fruit color and mature fruit color were determined of parents and F4 lines. As a result, a wide range of variations were determined between lines and parents in terms of all parameters apart from pungency. Especially in terms of volatile components, it has been found that some active substances are found only in the father and white genotype (Fenchol, spathulenol and geranyl acetate), some of them only in the mother and orange genotype (α-terpineol, dihexyl azelate and 2-hexadecanol). It was concluded that volatile compounds of the species can be used as a marker for breeding studies.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo é determinar algumas características dos frutos de 19 linhagens diferentes hibridizadas por estudos regulares anteriores. Essas linhas foram examinadas a fim de determinar as diferenças entre os componentes voláteis e revelar as diferenças em comparação com os pais. Altura da planta (cm), peso do fruto (g), largura do fruto (mm), comprimento do fruto (mm), espessura da polpa do fruto (mm), pungência, cor do fruto imaturo e cor do fruto maduro foram determinados dos pais e das linhas F4. Como resultado, uma ampla gama de variações foi determinada entre as linhas e os pais em termos de todos os parâmetros, exceto a pungência. Especialmente em termos de componentes voláteis, verificou-se que algumas substâncias ativas são encontradas apenas no genótipo pai e branco (Fenchol, espatulenol e acetato de geranila), algumas delas apenas no genótipo mãe e laranja (α-terpineol, azelato de dihexila e 2-hexadecanol). Concluiu-se que compostos voláteis da espécie podem ser usados como marcadores para estudos de melhoramento.

Caracterização química, atividade antimicrobiana e toxicidade dos óleos essenciais da Pimenta dioica L. (pimenta da Jamaica) e Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck (laranja doce) / Chemical characterization, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of the essential oils of Pimenta dioica L. and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck (laranja doce)

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a toxicidade e a atividade antimicrobiana frente a Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus dos óleos essenciais de Pimenta dioica Lindl. e Citrus sinensis L. Os óleos essenciais (OE) foram extraídos por hidrodestilação, com caracterização química através de cromatografía gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massas (CG-EM). Os parâmetros físico-químicos foram determinados de acordo com a Farmacopeia Brasileira. O ensaio de toxicidade seguiu o bioensaio com Artemia salina Leach, os OE aprovados neste ensaio seguiram para avaliação das suas propriedades biológicas. A atividade antimicrobiana seguiu a metodologia descrita pelo Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute utilizando o método de difusão de disco, diluição em caldo para concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e posterior concentração bactericida mínima para avaliar a ação dos OE frente a Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus. Ambos os OE apresentaram toxicidade baixa, e assim foram avaliados quanto as propriedades biológicas antimicrobianas. Ambos os OE apresentaram potenciais bactericidas frente aos microrganismos testados, exibindo resultados satisfatórios para a ação deles. Os resultados indicam que os OE avaliados são compostos por substâncias que propiciam e incentivam sua aplicação em virtude de seus potenciais para atividade biológicas moluscicida e antimicrobiana.

SUMMARY This study evaluated the toxicity and antimicrobial activity in the face of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus of essential oils of Pimenta dioica Lindl. and Citrus sinensis L. The essential oils (EO) were extracted by hydrodistillation, with chemical characterization by gas chromatography coupled and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Physicochemical parameters were determined according to the Brazilian Pharmacopeia. The toxicity test followed the bioassay with Artemia salina Leach, the EO approved in this assay followed to evaluate its biological properties. The antimicrobial activity followed the methodology described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute using the disc diffusion method, broth dilution for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and subsequent minimum bactericide concentration for to evaluate the action of EO against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Both OE showed low toxicity, and thus were evaluated for the biological antimicrobial properties. Both OE presented bactericidal potential against the microorganisms tested, showing satisfactory results for their action. The results indicate that the evaluated OE are composed of substances that provide and encourage their application due to their potentials for biological molluscicide and antimicrobial activity.

Composição química e atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial dos frutos da Pimenta dioica / Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil from fruits of Pimenta dioica

RESUMO Neste estudo descrevemos a extração, composição química e a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial extraído dos frutos da Pimenta dioica. Para isso, extraímos o óleo por hidrodestilação; identificamos os compostos por cromatografía gasosa acoplada ao espectrómetro de massa (CG/EM); quantificamos o componente majoritário por espectrometria UV-vis e voltametria; e determinamos a atividade antibacteriana contra Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Serratia odorifera pelo método de difusão em disco. Os resultados mostraram que o óleo é composto em sua maioria por eugenol e sua quantidade está em, aproximadamente, 78,15%, cuja classe predominante foi a dos monoterpenos. Além disso, as bactérias testadas com o óleo essencial apresentaram halos de inibição, variando de 11 a 21 mm. Portanto, o óleo é um potencial agente antibacteriano.

SUMMARY In this study we describe the extraction, chemical composition, and antibacterial activity of the essential oil extracted from fruits of Pimenta dioica. For this, we extracted the oil by hydrodistillation; we identified the compounds by Gas Chromatography coupled to the Mass Spectrometer (CG/MS); we quantified the major component by vis-UV Spectrometry and Voltammetry; and we determined the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia odorifera, using the disk diffusion method. The results showed that the oil is composed mostly of eugenol and its quantity is approximately 78.15%, whose predominant class was that of monoterpenes. In addition, the bacteria tested with the essential oil showed inhibition halos, ranging from 11 to 21 mm. Therefore, the oil is a potential antibacterial agent.

Pimenta Oil as A Potential Treatment for Acinetobacter Baumannii Wound Infection: In Vitro and In Vivo Bioassays in Relation to Its Chemical Composition.

Bacterial biofilm contributes to antibiotic resistance. Developing antibiofilm agents, more favored from natural origin, is a potential method for treatment of highly virulent multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains; The potential of Pimenta dioica and Pimenta racemosa essential oils (E.Os) antibacterial and antibiofilm activities in relation to their chemical composition, in addition to their ability to treat Acinetobacter baumannii wound infection in mice model were investigated; P. dioica leaf E.O at 0.05 µg·mL-1 efficiently inhibited and eradicated biofilm formed by A. baumannii by 85% and 34%, respectively. Both P. diocia and P. racemosa leaf E.Os showed a bactericidal action against A. baumanii within 6h at 2.08 µg·mL-1. In addition, a significant reduction of A. baumannii microbial load in mice wound infection model was found. Furthermore, gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative differences among P. racemosa and P. dioica leaf and berry E.Os. Monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and phenolics were the major detected classes. ß-Myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, and eugenol were the most abundant volatiles. While, sesquiterpenes were found as minor components in Pimenta berries E.O; Our finding suggests the potential antimicrobial activity of Pimenta leaf E.O against MDR A. baumannii wound infections and their underlying mechanism and to be further tested clinically as treatment for MDR A. baumannii infections.

Oleoresins from chili pepper and turmeric could substitute for salinomycin in broilers / Oleoresinas de pimiento y cúrcuma podrian reemplazar la salinomicina en pollos de engorde / Oleoresinas de pimenta chilli e cúrcuma podem substituir a salinomicina em frangos de corte

Abstract Background: Coccidiosis is the infectious disease with the greatest economic impact in poultry production. Additionally, chemotherapeutic growth promoters are being substituted for safer alternative strategies. Objective: To evaluate the effect of feeding oleoresins from chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on the performance, survival rate, and the Productive Efficiency Index of broilers from 1 to 21d challenged by Eimeria sp. Methods: A total of 700 male 1-day-old chicks (Cobb 500) challenged with Eimeria sp, were assigned to a completely randomized design with four treatments: (1) negative control diet, without anticoccidial agent or growth promoters; (2) control diet+0.05% salinomycin; (3) negative control diet+100g/ton; and (4) negative control diet +140g/ton of test product (Curcuma longa L. plus Capsicum annuum oleoresins). Results: Body weight, weight gain, feed conversion and Productive Efficiency Index did not differ between broilers fed anticoccidial chemotherapeutics and oleoresins. In addition, there was no difference in feed intake and survival rate between dietary treatments. Conclusion: Broilers supplemented with chili pepper and turmeric oleoresins from 1 to 21d present similar body weight, weight gain, feed conversion, and Productive Efficiency Index compared to broilers supplemented with chemotherapeutic anticoccidials without affecting feed intake or survival rate.

Resumen Antecedentes: El impacto económico generado por la coccidiosis en el sector avícola es el mayor en relación con otras enfermedades. Adicionalmente, los promotores de crecimiento quimioterapéuticos se han venido reemplazando por estrategias alternativas. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de oleorresinas de pimiento (Capsicum annuum) y cúrcuma (Curcuma longa L.) sobre el desempeño zootécnico, tasa de supervivencia y el Índice de Eficiencia Productiva en pollos de engorde de 1 a 21 dias desafiados con Eimeria sp. Métodos: Se utilizaron 700 pollos machos (Cobb500) de 1 día de edad, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos: (1) dieta control negativo sin agentes anticoccidianos ni promotores de crecimiento; (2) dieta control+0,05% de salinomicina; (3) dieta control negativa+100g/ton; y (4) dieta control negativa +140g/ton del producto a evaluar (oleorresina de Curcuma longa L. y Capsicum annuum). Resultados: Se obtuvieron resultados similares repecto a peso corporal, ganancia de peso, conversión alimenticia e Índice de Eficiencia Productiva en los tratamientos que contenían anticoccidiano quimioterapéutico y los que contenian oleorresinas. Además, no se observaron diferencias en el consumo de alimento ni en la tasa de supervivencia entre los tratamientos dietarios. Conclusión: Los pollos de engorde suplementados entre 1 y 21 d con oleorresinas de pimiento y cúrcuma presentan similar peso corporal, ganancia de peso, conversión alimenticia e Índice de Eficiencia Productiva en comparación con los suplementados con anticoccidianos quimioterapéuticos, sin afectar el consumo de alimento ni la viabilidad.

Resumo Antecedentes: O impacto econômico da coccidiose é o maior quando comparado a outras doenças na produção avícola. Além disso, promotores de crescimento quimioterápicos tem sido substituídos por estratégias alternativas. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito das oleoresinas da pimenta Chilli (Capsicum annuum) e açafrão-da-terra (Curcuma longa L.) no desempenho zootécnico, taxa de sobrevivência e Índice de Eficiência Produtiva de frangos de corte de 1 a 21d desafiados por Eimeria sp Métodos: Foram utilizados 700 pintos de 1d, machos (Cobb500) distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em quatro tratamentos: (1) dieta controle negativo, sem agente anticoccidiano ou promotores de crescimento; (2) dieta controle+0,05% de salinomicina; (3) dieta controle negativa+100g/ton; e (4)+140g/ton de produto teste (oleoresina de Curcuma longa L. mais Capsicum annuum) e desafiados por Eimeria sp. Resultados: Houve resultados similares para peso, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e Índice de Eficiência Produtiva entre frangos alimentados com dietas contendo anticocidiano quimioterápico e dietas contendo oleoresinas. Além disso, não houve diferença para consumo de ração e a taxa de sobrevivência entre os tratamentos dietéticos. Conclusão: Frangos de corte alimentados com dietas suplementadas com oleorresinas de pimenta chili e açafrão-da-terra apresentaram resultados similares para peso, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e Índice de Eficiência Produtiva que frangos de corte alimentados com dietas suplementadas com anticoccidianos quimioterápicos de 1 a 21d, sem afetar o consumo de ração e a taxa de sobrevivência dos animais.