Sodium butyrate and rosemary herb improve growth performance, biochemical profile, immunity, and carcass traits in broiler chickens.

Background: Feed additives are products used in poultry nutrition to improve the quality of feed and the safety of food byproducts from animal origin. They are promising antibiotic alternatives for the production of broilers. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) and RL on growth performance, biochemical profile, immunity, and carcass traits of broilers. Methods: Five hundred-one-day-old chicks of the Hubbard breed were reared on floor pens in a privet farm, Giza. The chicks were weighed on arrival (each chick weighted 43-45 gm) and randomly assigned into five equal groups, with four replicates each (25 chicks/replicate). Group 1 was fed on a broiler diet without any additions (control). The diets of groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with 500 g/ton SB and 4 kg/ton RL, respectively. In group 4, the diet was enriched with 250 g/ton SB plus 2 kg/ton RL. Chicks in group 5 were fed on a diet fortified with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL. Results: Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg /ton RL increased body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of birds. It decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol triglycerides, and malondialdehyde, but increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and nitric oxide concentrations. Antibody titers against the Newcastle disease virus were also elevated. Conclusion: Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL gives the best result regarding productive efficiency and immunity of broiler chickens.

Assessment of Plant Growth Promotion Potential of Endophytic Bacterium B. subtilis KU21 Isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis.

The current study aimed to evaluate the plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential of endophytic strain Bacillus subtilis KU21 isolated from the roots of Rosmarinus officinalis. The strain exhibited multiple traits of plant growth promotion viz., phosphate (P) solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), lytic enzymes production, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. The isolate also exhibited antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi, i.e., Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminiarum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The P-solubilization activity of B. subtilis KU21 was further elucidated via detection of glucose dehydrogenase (gdh) gene involved in the production of gluconic acid which is responsible for P-solubilization. Further, B. subtilis KU21 was evaluated for in vivo growth promotion studies of tomato (test crop) under net house conditions. A remarkable increase in seed germination, plant growth parameters, nutrient acquisition, and soil quality parameters (NPK) was observed in B. subtilis KU21-treated plants over untreated control. Hence, the proposed module could be recommended for sustainable tomato production in the Northwest Himalayan region without compromising soil health and fertility.

Application of gelatin-based zinc oxide nanoparticles bionanocomposite coatings to control Listeria monocytogenes in Talaga cheese and camel meat during refrigerated storage.

Listeria monocytogenes is a concerning foodborne pathogen incriminated in soft cheese and meat-related outbreaks, highlighting the significance of applying alternative techniques to control its growth in food. In the current study, eco-friendly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using Rosmarinus officinalis, Punica granatum, and Origanum marjoram extracts individually. The antimicrobial efficacy of the prepared ZnO-NPs against L. monocytogenes was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique. Data indicated that ZnO-NPs prepared using Origanum marjoram were the most effective; therefore, they were used for the preparation of gelatin-based bionanocomposite coatings. Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy of the prepared gelatin-based bionanocomposite coatings containing eco-friendly ZnO-NPs was evaluated against L. monocytogenes in Talaga cheese (an Egyptian soft cheese) and camel meat during refrigerated storage at 4 ± 1 oC. Talaga cheese and camel meat were inoculated with L. monocytogenes, then coated with gelatin (G), gelatin with ZnO-NPs 1% (G/ZnO-NPs 1%), and gelatin with ZnO-NPs 2% (G/ZnO-NPs 2%). Microbiological examination showed that the G/ZnO-NPs 2% coating reduced L. monocytogenes count in the coated Talaga cheese and camel meat by 2.76 ± 0.19 and 2.36 ± 0.51 log CFU/g, respectively, by the end of the storage period. Moreover, G/ZnO-NPs coatings controlled pH changes, reduced water losses, and improved the sensory characteristics of Talaga cheese and camel meat, thereby extending their shelf life. The obtained results from this study indicate that the application of gelatin/ZnO-NPs 2% bionanocomposite coating could be used in the food industry to control L. monocytogenes growth, improve quality, and extend the shelf life of Talaga cheese and camel meat.

Unraveling the multi-faceted role of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and diosmetin in managing gut motility.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary) is a popular herb with reported effectiveness against diarrhea, anxiety and constipation, albeit with limited pharmacological evidence. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential, possible pharmacological mechanisms of action and active constituents of hydro-ethanolic extract of rosemary (Rs.Cr), as potential anti-diarrheal, laxative and anxiolytic agent. METHOD: Rs.Cr was analyzed through reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Laxative, antidiarrheal, and anxiolytic activities were assessed using in vivo models. Spasmogenic and spasmolytic mechanisms were studied on isolated guinea pig ileum and rabbit jejunum tissues, respectively. Possible role of diosmetin, one of the active constituents of Rs.Cr was also evaluated. RESULTS: RP-HPLC analysis revealed presence of diosmetin, rutin and apigenin in Rs.Cr. Laxative effect was seen at low doses, which was partially reversed in atropinized mice. The spasmogenic mechanism was mediated by cholinergic and histaminergic receptors stimulation. At higher doses, antidiarrheal activity was evident, with reduction in gastrointestinal motility and secretions using charcoal meal and enteropooling assays, respectively. Rs.Cr also showed dose-dependent anxiolytic effect. The antispasmodic mechanisms were mediated by anti-muscarinic and K+ channel opening-like effect (predominant KATP-dependent). Diosmetin exhibited antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities, but spasmogenic effect was not seen. CONCLUSION: Rosemary leaves have dual antidiarrheal and laxative effects, and as well as anxiolytic activity. In addition, the possible modulation of muscarinic and histaminergic receptors, and KATP channels show it as potential herb to be explored for irritable bowel syndrome. Diosmetin is possibly one of its constituents that contributes to its antidiarrheal activity.

Metabolic profiling reveals the nutraceutical effect of Gongolaria abies-marina and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts in a type 1 diabetes animal model.

Nutraceuticals have gained increasing interest, prompting the need to investigate plant extracts for their beneficial properties and potential side effects. This study aimed to assess the nutraceutical effects of environmentally clean extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis and Gongolaria abies-marina (formerly Cystoseira abies-marina (Phaeophyceae)) on the metabolic profile of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We conducted untargeted LC-QTOF-MS metabolic profiling on six groups of rats: three diabetic groups receiving either a placebo, R. officinalis, or G. abies-marina extracts, and three corresponding control groups. The metabolic analysis revealed significant alterations in the levels of various glycerophospholipids, sterol lipids, and fatty acyls. Both extracts influenced the metabolic profile, partially mitigating diabetes-induced changes. Notably, G. abies-marina extract had a more pronounced impact on the animals' metabolic profiles compared to R. officinalis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that environmentally clean extracts from R. officinalis and G. abies-marina possess nutraceutical potential, as they were able to modulate the metabolic profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. G. abies-marina extract exhibited a more substantial effect on metabolic alterations induced by diabetes compared to R. officinalis. These results warrant further exploration of these plant extracts for their potential in managing diabetes-related metabolic disturbances.

Response of laying hens fed diet supplemented with a mixture of olive, laurel, and rosemary leaf powders: Metabolic profile, oxidative status, intestinal histomorphology, and egg quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mixture of olive, laurel, and rosemary leaf powders, on the oxidative state, biochemical, immune, intestinal morphophysiological parameters, and egg quality of laying hens. One hundred Lohmann Brown hens (28 weeks old) were equally assigned to two groups (n. 50) corresponding to a basal control diet (CON) or the diet supplemented with 6 g/kg feed of leaf powder mixture (LPM) containing olive, laurel, and rosemary leaves (1:1:1), for 60 days. Oxidative status, biochemical indices, immune response, cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), intestinal morphological characteristics, and some egg traits were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that LPM improved (P < 0.05) the oxidative status (TOS, ROMs), the immune system (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α), the total protein and HDL cholesterol content, whereas it decreased (P < 0.05) total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the LPM than in the CON group. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in SCFA content in the caecum, as well as in villi height and crypt depth in both duodenum and ileum of LPM-treated hens, was observed. Egg quality parameters were not influenced (P > 0.05) by LPM. These findings indicate that LPM can be considered a candidate as an antioxidant ingredient for functional food in laying hens.

Sustainable Agrochemical Exploitation of Ligurian Aromatic Plant Ecotypes.

The characterization of local improved varieties as well as the reduction of synthetic chemical fertilizers are sustainable approaches in the vision of a new precision Farming. Aim of our study was to improve the geographical characterization of local ecotypes and to identify peculiar features of new crops in terms of bioactive compounds. NMR and LC-MS metabolite profiling approaches followed by multivariate data analysis were applied to characterize local rosemary and garlic ecotypes. With the aim of applying for a protected designation of origin, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to identify representative sensory quality indicators for Vessalico garlic and rosemary "Eretto Liguria" local ecotypes, Variable Influence on Projections (VIP) values of OPLS-DA indicated six metabolites as quality indicators for Vessalico garlic and sixteen metabolites as quality indicators for rosemary "Eretto Liguria". Finally, to discover and utilize new ecotypes in a sustainable way, Vessalico garlic extracts antiviral activity, previously evaluated against Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a Tobamovirus affecting tomato crops, was extended to Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) with positive results.

Antimicrobial activity of chitosan- edible films containing a combination of carvacrol and rosemary nano-emulsion against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes for ground meat.

This research aimed to assess the potential of active food packaging as an innovative approach to enhance the quality of fresh food products. Specifically, our focus was on developing chitosan edible films combined with rosemary nanoemulsion (Ch-RNE) and carvacrol nano-emulsion (Ch-CNE) as effective antibacterial food packaging solutions. The efficacy of these films against artificially inoculated L. monocytogenes (NCTC 13372\ ATCC® 7644) as a Gram-positive bacterium, and S. enterica serovar Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) as a Gram-negative bacterium, in ground meat was investigated. The size of the prepared nano-emulsions was characterized using zeta sizer, FTIR and HRTEM. The MIC of both nano-emulsions against both pathogens was found to be 0.78 % and 1.56 %. Filmogenic mixtures were casted using these concentrations, which were then dried and evaluated for their physical and mechanical properties.

Synergistic rosemary extract with TBHQ and citric acid improves oxidative stability and shelf life of peanut.

Lipid oxidation often accompanies the processing and storage of peanuts, which causes a serious waste of peanut resources. To solve the problem of being prone to oxidation in peanut processing, a ternary complex antioxidant based on rosemary extract (RE) was constructed to investigate its effect on the oxidative and thermal stability of peanuts, and the inhibition of peanut oxidation by compound antioxidants was revealed by dynamic Arrhenius formula and complexation theory. The results showed that there was a synergistic effect between RE and Tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), and the antioxidant effects of RE and TBHQ were 4.86 and 1.45 times higher when used in combination than when used alone, respectively. In addition, RE-TBHQ-CA (citric acid) effectively inhibited primary and secondary oxidation of peanuts with a shelf life 8.7 times longer than that of control peanuts. This study provides a novel antioxidant compounding idea, which has a positive effect on improving the quality of peanut and other nut products, prolonging the shelf life and reducing the waste of resources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Compounding a complex antioxidant that permits its use in peanuts. It was found that rosemary and TBHQ might have synergistic antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, this combination of RE-TBHQ-CA effectively inhibited the oxidation of peanut oils and prolonged the shelf life of peanuts. RE-TBHQ-CA is a highly efficient complex antioxidant that can reduce the amounts of antioxidants added while maintaining high antioxidant efficiency, which may be useful for the future preservation and storage of nut products as it positively affects the quality and shelf life of the product.

Rosemary and neem: an insight into their combined anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss efficacy.

Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential side effects and high costs. Therefore, searching for natural, cost-effective solutions for dandruff and hair loss is crucial. Rosemary herb and neem tree, both cultivated in Egypt, possess well-documented anti-inflammatory properties derived from their rich phenolic phytoconstituents. This study formulated a standardized combined extract of rosemary and neem (RN-E 2:1) into hair gel and leave-in tonic formats. This extract demonstrated superior efficacy against Malassezia furfur (a causative agent of dandruff) and Trichophyton rubrum (associated with scalp disorders) compared to the conventional antifungal agent, ketoconazole. The combined extract (RN-E 2:1) also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the suppression of iNOS expression is considered concentration-dependent. Quality control verified formulation stability, and ex-vivo studies confirmed effective ingredient penetration into the epidermis, the primary site of fungal presence. Remarkably, both formulations outperformed the standard treatment, minoxidil in hair growth trials. These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts for scalp and hair health.

Effects of dietary water-soluble extract of rosemary supplementation on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella.

This study was conducted to explore the effect of dietary supplementation of water-soluble extract of rosemary (WER) on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella (E. tenella), and evaluate the anticoccidial activity of WER. 360 1-d-old Chinese indigenous male yellow-feathered broiler chickens were randomly allocated to six groups: blank control (BC) group and infected control (IC) group received a basal diet; positive control (PC) group, received a basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg diclazuril; WER100, WER200, and WER300 groups received a basal diet containing 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg WER, respectively. On day 21, all birds in the infected groups (IC, PC, WER100, WER200, and WER300) were orally gavaged with 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) of 8 × 104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella, and birds in the BC group were administrated an aliquot of PBS dilution. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 200 mg/kg WER increased the average daily gain of broilers compared to the IC group from days 22 to 29 (P < 0.001). The anticoccidial index values of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg WER were 137.49, 157.41, and 144.22, respectively, which indicated that WER exhibited moderate anticoccidial activity. Compared to the IC group, the groups supplemented with WER (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) significantly lowered fecal oocyst output (P < 0.001) and cecal coccidia oocysts, alleviated intestinal damage and maintained the integrity of intestinal epithelium. Dietary supplementation with WER significantly improved antioxidant capacity, elevated the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A, and diminished inflammation within the cecum, particularly at a dosage of 200 mg/kg. The results of this study indicated that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg WER could improve broiler growth performance and alleviate intestinal damage caused by coccidiosis.

Avian coccidiosis, a prevalent parasitic disease caused by Eimeria protozoa, leads to significant economic losses in the global poultry industry. Currently, the control of coccidiosis in chickens primarily relies on chemical and ionophore anticoccidials. However, the long-term use of these compounds has resulted in the development of drug-resistant strains, presenting a critical challenge. Additionally, the toxic and side effects of ionophore anticoccidials have become increasingly apparent. Thus, there is an urgent need to find economical and environmentally friendly measures to control coccidiosis in chickens. In this study, we established a model of Eimeria tenella infection in broilers to explore whether the water-soluble extract of rosemary (WER) could serve as an alternative method for controlling avian coccidiosis. Our results showed that dietary supplementation with WER (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) had a beneficial anticoccidial effect, alleviating intestinal damage caused by coccidiosis by enhancing the intestinal antioxidant defense and activating the immune function of the infected broilers. Specifically, dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg WER emerged as a promising strategy for controlling avian coccidiosis in the poultry industry.

Stability study and validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative analysis of polyphenols in fish feed ingredients.

The perception of polyphenols as a safe, healthy, and sustainable solution for replacing synthetic antioxidants has been an important factor for their rapid growing in the global food market. Therefore, it is essential to use reliable methods for their quantification in commercial products intended for animal or human consumption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of some solvents used for the extraction of selected polyphenols, explore their stability under different experimental conditions, and validate a liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry method for their quantification in commercial fish feed ingredients by using the standard addition method. The regression models for gallic acid, hydroxytyrosol, catechin, oleuropein, carnosol and carnosic acid were linear in the range 0-30 µg/mL, limit of detection and quantification around 0.03 and 0.1 µg/mL, respectively, and accuracy within ± 15 % of the nominal concentrations. The method was successfully applied to the determination of specific polyphenols in commercial fish feed ingredients supplemented with polyphenols from olive and rosemary extracts.

Improvement of growth and biochemical constituents of Rosmarinus officinalis by fermented Spirulina maxima biofertilizer.

Delayed growth period and nature of woody stems are challenges for the urgent economic needs of rosemary plant culturing in the winter season. Different concentrations of biofertilizer initiated from Spirulina maxima, marine Lactobacillus plantarum, molasses and industrial organic waste (IOW) were subjected to freshly cut cuttings of the Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) plant to study the impact of this biofertilizer on the growth performance of the plant. The present work explored the potential of this biofertilizer in concentrations of 0.5%-1% and achieved a significant impact on the growth parameters and biochemical constituents of R. officinalis, a 27-day-old plant. The development of adventitious roots was earlier within one week, particularly at 0.5% and 1%. It can be concluded that the application of this biofertilizer at the lower concentrations enhanced the production of bioactive substances such as phytohormones (auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellins), carbohydrates, and vitamins; moreover, through controlling a range of physiological and biochemical processes, it can promote the intake of nutrients. Thus, this biofertilizer (Spirulina maxima, marine Lactobacillus plantarum, molasses and IOW) at a concentration of 1% is the recommended dose for application to agriculture sustainability.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of salinity in natural habitats in Egypt on the main secondary metabolites of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. plants compared to plants grown at normal conditions. Plants grown under salinity were collected from Egyptian Western Coastal region habitats irrigated with underground water. Results showed that salinity increased the essential oil percentage of R. officinalis L. by 52.7% and A. monosperma L by 0.29% in addition to the total phenolics and flavonoids content in dry leaves compared to control plants. GC/MS analysis of rosemary essential oils revealed that salinity decreased the amount of some major oil monoterpenes component as verbenone, with a slight effect on 1,8 cineole and increased Camphor, endo- Boreneol, and linalool in addition to the appearance of new specific components such as Chrysanthenone monoterpene ketone and Caryophyllene sesquiterpene, while, in the case of Artemisia, the GC/MS showed that Artemisia ketone, Camphor, ß -phellandrene monoterpenes andα-Bisabolol sesquiterpenewere the major oil components; salinity decreased Camphor and ß -phellandrene content and increased artemisia ketone and α-Bisabolol oil content. About 11 new oil constituents were detected such as ( +)-2-Bornanone and Sesquisabinene hydrate. Mineral ions (N, K+, Ca+2, P, and Mg+2) uptake by R. officinalis and A. monosperma decreased in plants grown under salinity, while Na content increased compared to corresponding controls. Results demonstrated that both plants could tolerate the high salinity level in natural Western Coastal region soil which promoted more production of valuable secondary metabolites. The antimicrobial effect of R. officinalis L. and A. monosperma L. leaf methanolic extracts, results showed that R. officinalis extracts had an inhibitory response against all tested gram-positive and negative bacteria, in addition to the yeast (Candida albicans), whereas there was no any inhibitory effect concerning A. monosperma L extract on the tested species.

Biosynthesis of palladium, platinum, and their bimetallic nanoparticles using rosemary and ginseng herbal plants: evaluation of anticancer activity.

In this research, palladium (II) and platinum (II), as well as their bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized using medicinal plants in an eco-friendly manner. Rosemary and Ginseng extracts were chosen due to their promising anticancer potential. The synthesized nanoparticles underwent characterization through FT-IR spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques. Once the expected structures were confirmed, the performance of these nanoparticles, which exhibited an optimal size, was evaluated as potential anticancer agents through in vitro method on colon cancer cell lines (Ls180, SW480). MTT assay studies showed that the synthesized nanoparticles induced cell death. Moreover, real-time PCR was employed to investigate autophagy markers and the effect of nanoparticles on the apoptosis process, demonstrating a significant effect of the synthesized compounds in this regard.

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Efficacy of Ultrasonicated Rosmarinus officinalis Ethanolic Extract and its Chitosan-Loaded Nanoparticles Against Eimeria tenella Infected Broiler Chickens.

PURPOSE: The in vivo efficacy of ultrasonicated Rosmarinus officinalis ethanolic extract (UROEE) and its chitosan-loaded nanoparticles (UROEE-CsNPs) was investigated as a dietary prophylactic agent and as a therapeutic treatment against Eimeria tenella infected broiler chickens. METHODS: Chickens were infected with 4 × 104 E. tenella oocysts at 21 days old for primary infection and with 8 × 104 oocysts at 35 days old for secondary infection. Eleven experimental groups were conducted. Dietary addition of 100 mg/kg UROEE and 20 mg/kg for CsNPs as well as UROEE-CsNPs were included for prophylactic groups from day 1 to 42. The same doses were used for therapeutic treatment groups for 5 constitutive days. Oocyst output in feces was counted. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ, IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines as IL-10 and TGF-ß4 was analyzed using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. RESULTS: The results showed an efficacy of UROEE, CsNPs and UROEE-CsNPs in reduction of oocyst excretion and improving the cecal tissue architecture. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes protein expression were reduced. E. tenella infection lead to upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines as TGF-ß4 following primary infection, while their expression was downregulated following secondary infection. CONCLUSION: The dietary prophylactic additives and therapeutic treatments with UROEE, CsNPs and UROEE-CsNPs could decrease the inflammatory response to E. tenella as indicated by oocyst output reduction, histopathological improvements, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells protein expression reduction as well as reducing mRNA expression levels of the tested cytokines following primary and secondary infections. Consequently, these results will help to develop better-combating strategies for the control and prevention of coccidiosis on poultry farms as a dietary prophylactic agent or as a therapeutic treatment.

Rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid accelerate elastic fiber formation by increasing the expression of elastic fiber components in dermal fibroblasts.

Ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin photoaging is caused by qualitative and quantitative degradation of dermal extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastic fibers. Elastic fibers are important for maintaining cutaneous elasticity, despite their small amount in the skin. Previously, microfibril-associated protein 4 (MFAP-4), which is downregulated in photoaging dermis, has been found to be essential for elastic fiber formation by interaction with both fibrillin-1 and elastin, which are core components of elastic fiber. In addition, enhanced cutaneous MFAP-4 expression in a human skin-xenografted murine photoaging model protects against UV-induced photodamage accompanied by the prevention of elastic fiber degradation and aggravated elasticity. We therefore hypothesized that the upregulation of MFAP-4 in dermal fibroblasts may more efficiently accelerate elastic fiber formation. We screened botanical extracts for MFAP-4 expression-promoting activity in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). We found that rosemary extract markedly promotes early microfibril formation and mature elastic fiber formation along with a significant upregulation of not only MFAP-4 but also fibrillin-1 and elastin in NHDFs. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid, which is abundant in rosemary extract, accelerated elastic fiber formation via upregulation of transforming growth factor ß-1. This was achieved by the induction of cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation, demonstrating that rosmarinic acid represents one of the active ingredients in rosemary extract. Based on the findings in this study, we conclude that rosemary extract and rosmarinic acid represent promising materials that exert a preventive or ameliorative effect on skin photoaging by accelerating elastic fiber formation.

Rosemary essential oil potentiates the antitumour activity of 5-fluorouracil in human colorectal carcinoma cells.

OBJECTIVES: Improving response rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) is an urgent clinical need. This study aimed to explore the synergistic action of Lebanese rosemary essential oil (REO) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in HCT116 CRC cells. METHODS: We tested the cell viability of monotherapy and combination therapy. The combination index was calculated using CompuSyn software to evaluate drug-drug interactions and the level of synergistic cytotoxicity. We also evaluated cell migration and cytopathology. Furthermore, cell apoptosis-related proteins (i.e. Bax and Bcl-2) were measured by Western blot analysis. KEY FINDINGS: The REO/5-FU combination synergistically reduced cell viability, effectively decreased cell migration, and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in HCT116 cells. This triggered a proapoptotic morphology and initiated an apoptotic cascade in HCT116 cells, as indicated by a higher Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence of the REO/5-FU combination as a better approach to improve 5-FU anticancer efficacy and allow the use of lower 5-FU doses due to the adjuvant effect of REO.

High-quality chromosome-level genome assembly and multi-omics analysis of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) reveals new insights into the environmental and genome adaptation.

High-quality genome of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) represents a valuable resource and tool for understanding genome evolution and environmental adaptation as well as its genetic improvement. However, the existing rosemary genome did not provide insights into the relationship between antioxidant components and environmental adaptability. In this study, by employing Nanopore sequencing and Hi-C technologies, a total of 1.17 Gb (97.96%) genome sequences were mapped to 12 chromosomes with 46 121 protein-coding genes and 1265 non-coding RNA genes. Comparative genome analysis reveals that rosemary had a closely genetic relationship with Salvia splendens and Salvia miltiorrhiza, and it diverged from them approximately 33.7 million years ago (MYA), and one whole-genome duplication occurred around 28.3 MYA in rosemary genome. Among all identified rosemary genes, 1918 gene families were expanded, 35 of which are involved in the biosynthesis of antioxidant components. These expanded gene families enhance the ability of rosemary adaptation to adverse environments. Multi-omics (integrated transcriptome and metabolome) analysis showed the tissue-specific distribution of antioxidant components related to environmental adaptation. During the drought, heat and salt stress treatments, 36 genes in the biosynthesis pathways of carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid and flavonoids were up-regulated, illustrating the important role of these antioxidant components in responding to abiotic stresses by adjusting ROS homeostasis. Moreover, cooperating with the photosynthesis, substance and energy metabolism, protein and ion balance, the collaborative system maintained cell stability and improved the ability of rosemary against harsh environment. This study provides a genomic data platform for gene discovery and precision breeding in rosemary. Our results also provide new insights into the adaptive evolution of rosemary and the contribution of antioxidant components in resistance to harsh environments.

Therapeutic evaluation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles based herbal dental varnish derived from rosemary and ginger extracts:A comprehensive investigation into anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

BACKGROUND: Titanium nanoparticles (NPs) offer promising applications in the treatment and prevention of inflammatory disorders due to their unique physicochemical characteristics. However, additional research is necessary to attain a thorough comprehension and validate the efficacy of this approach in dental practice. OBJECTIVE: This study scrutinizes the anti-inflammatory properties of a dental varnish infused with ginger and rosemary extracts mediated by titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. METHODS: A herbal dental varnish was formulated by integrating ginger and rosemary extracts with titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 µL. Anti-inflammatory properties were assessed through Bovine Serum Albumin denaturation and membrane stabilization assays, comparing results with a control group. RESULTS: The results reveal concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the test group when compared to the control group. The BSA assay corroborates increased percent inhibition with rising titanium dioxide nanoparticle concentrations. In line with existing literature, titanium dioxide nanoparticles enhance dental material properties. CONCLUSION: The bioactive compounds in ginger and rosemary, such as phenolic compounds and terpenes, contribute to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the varnish. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in addressing inflammatory diseases underscores their significance in this formulation.