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12 pages, 3972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Potential of Melaleuca alternifolia against Fungal Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4

by Pavitra Paramalingam, Nadiya Akmal Baharum, Janna Ong Abdullah, Jeum Kyu Hong and Noor Baity Saidi

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4456; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114456 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 1411

Abstract

Fusarium wilt of bananas caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) poses the most serious threat to banana production globally. The disease has been managed using chemical fungicides, yet the control levels are still unsatisfactory. This study investigated [...] Read more.

Fusarium wilt of bananas caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) poses the most serious threat to banana production globally. The disease has been managed using chemical fungicides, yet the control levels are still unsatisfactory. This study investigated the antifungal activities of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil (TTO) and hydrosol (TTH) against Foc TR4 and their bioactive components. The potential of TTO and TTH in inhibiting the growth of Foc TR4 was evaluated in vitro using agar well diffusion and spore germination assays. Compared to the chemical fungicide, TTO effectively suppressed the mycelial growth of Foc TR4 at 69%. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of TTO and TTH were established at 0.2 µg/µL and 50% v/v, respectively, suggesting the fungicidal nature of the plant extracts. The disease control efficacies were also demonstrated by a (p ≤ 0.05) delayed Fusarium wilt symptom development in the susceptible banana plants with reduced LSI dan RDI scores from 70% to around 20–30%. A GC/MS analysis of TTO identified terpinen-4-ol, eucalyptol, and α-terpineol as the major components. In contrast, an LC/MS analysis of TTH identified different compounds, including dihydro-jasmonic acid and methyl ester. Our findings indicate the potential of tea tree extracts as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides to control Foc TR4. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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28 pages, 3334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Anti-Venom Potentials of Aqueous Extract and Oils of Toona ciliata M. Roem against Cobra Venom and Chemical Constituents of Oils

by David Fred Okot, Jane Namukobe, Patrick Vudriko, Godwin Anywar, Matthias Heydenreich, Oyedeji Adebola Omowumi and Robert Byamukama

Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3089; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073089 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2538

Abstract

There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal plants are locally used for snakebite treatment in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the in vitro anti-venom activities of aqueous extract and oils of Toona ciliata against Naja melanoleuca [...] Read more.

There are high mortality and morbidity rates from poisonous snakebites globally. Many medicinal plants are locally used for snakebite treatment in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the in vitro anti-venom activities of aqueous extract and oils of Toona ciliata against Naja melanoleuca venom. A mixture of venom and extract was administered intramuscularly in rats. Anticoagulant, antiphospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) inhibition assay, and gel electrophoresis for anti-venom activities of oils were done. The chemical constituents of the oils of ciliata were identified using Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (GC-MS/MS). The LD₅₀ of the venom was 0.168 ± 0.21 µg/g. The venom and aqueous extract mixture (1.25 µg/g and 3.5 mg/g) did not cause any rat mortality, while the control with venom only (1.25 µg/g) caused death in 1 h. The aqueous extract of T. ciliata inhibited the anticoagulation activity of N. melanoleuca venom from 18.58 min. to 4.83 min and reduced the hemolytic halo diameter from 24 to 22 mm. SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis showed that oils completely cleared venom proteins. GC-MS/MS analysis showed that the oils had sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (60%) in the volatile oil (VO) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (48.89%) in the non-volatile oils (NVO). Some major compounds reported for the first time in T. ciliata NVOs were: Rutamarin (52.55%), β-Himachalol (9.53%), Girinimbine (6.68%) and Oprea1 (6.24%). Most compounds in the VO were reported for the first time in T. ciliata, including the major ones Santalene (8.55%) and Himachal-7-ol (6.69%). The result showed that aqueous extract and oils of T. ciliata have anti-venom/procoagulant activities and completely neutralized the venom. We recommend a study on isolation and testing the pure compounds against the same venom. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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18 pages, 3865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities Supported by In-Silico Study of n-Hexane Extract and Essential Oil of Guava Leaves

by Shaza H. Aly, Omayma A. Eldahshan, Sara T. Al-Rashood, Faizah A. Binjubair, Mahmoud A. El Hassab, Wagdy M. Eldehna, Stefano Dall’Acqua and Gokhan Zengin

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8979; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248979 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3070

Abstract

Psidium guajava (Guava tree) is one of the most widely known species in the family Myrtaceae. The Guava tree has been reported for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. In the current study, the chemical compositions of the n-hexane extract [...] Read more.

Psidium guajava (Guava tree) is one of the most widely known species in the family Myrtaceae. The Guava tree has been reported for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. In the current study, the chemical compositions of the n-hexane extract and the essential oil of P. guajava were investigated using the GC/MS analysis, along with an evaluation of their antioxidant potential, and an investigation into the enzyme inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BchE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Moreover, molecular docking of the major identified active sites of the target enzymes were investigated. The chemical characterization of the n-hexane extract and essential oil revealed that squalene (9.76%), α-tocopherol (8.53%), and γ-sitosterol (3.90%) are the major compounds in the n-hexane extract. In contrast, the major constituents of the essential oil are D-limonene (36.68%) and viridiflorol (9.68%). The n-hexane extract showed more antioxidant potential in the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), the ferric reducing power (FRAP), and the metal chelating ability (MCA) assays, equivalent to 70.80 ± 1.46 mg TE/g, 26.01 ± 0.97 mg TE/g, and 24.83 ± 0.35 mg EDTAE/g, respectively. In the phosphomolybdenum (PM) assay, the essential oil showed more antioxidant activity equivalent to 2.58 ± 0.14 mmol TE/g. The essential oil demonstrated a potent BChE and tyrosinase inhibitory ability at 6.85 ± 0.03 mg GALAE/g and 61.70 ± 3.21 mg KAE/g, respectively. The α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the n-hexane extract and the essential oil varied from 0.52 to 1.49 mmol ACAE/g. Additionally, the molecular docking study revealed that the major compounds achieved acceptable binding scores upon docking with the tested enzymes. Consequently, the P. guajava n-hexane extract and oil can be used as a promising candidate for the development of novel treatment strategies for oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and diabetes mellitus diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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15 pages, 3555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxiolytic-like Effect of Inhaled Cinnamon Essential Oil and Its Main Component Cinnamaldehyde in Animal Models

by Ly Thi Huong Nguyen, Nhi Phuc Khanh Nguyen, Khoa Nguyen Tran, Heung-Mook Shin and In-Jun Yang

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7997; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227997 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3108

Abstract

Aromatherapy is one of the most common safer alternative treatments for psychiatric disorders with fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Here, we investigated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CIEO) inhalation on mouse behaviors by performing different behavioral tests. CIEO inhalation showed anxiolytic [...] Read more.

Aromatherapy is one of the most common safer alternative treatments for psychiatric disorders with fewer side effects than conventional drugs. Here, we investigated the effects of cinnamon essential oil (CIEO) inhalation on mouse behaviors by performing different behavioral tests. CIEO inhalation showed anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus maze test, as inferred from increased time spent in open arms and decreased time spent in closed arms. Moreover, the CIEO treatment enhanced social behavior by increasing the total contact number, time spent in the center, distance traveled in the center, and total distance in the social interaction test. However, CIEO inhalation did not have any effect on performance in the open field test, tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and Y maze tests. The microarray analysis indicated that the CIEO treatment downregulated 17 genes and upregulated 15 genes in the hippocampus. Among them, Dcc, Egr2, and Fos are the most crucial genes that are involved in anxiety-related biological processes and pathways, including the regulation of neuronal death and neuroinflammation. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed that cinnamaldehyde is the main component of CIEO. Cinnamaldehyde recovered MK-801-induced anxiety-related changes in the electroencephalogram power spectrum in zebrafish. Taken together, our findings suggest that CIEO and its main component cinnamaldehyde have an anxiolytic effect through the regulation of the expression of genes related to neuroinflammatory response and neuronal death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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17 pages, 2662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Achillea millefolium Essential Oil Mitigates Peptic Ulcer in Rats through Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

by Manar K. Alomair, Lama S. Alabduladheem, Marwah A. Almajed, Amjad A. Alobaid, Essraa A. R. Alkhalifah, Nancy S. Younis and Maged E. Mohamed

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7908; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227908 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2385

Abstract

Extreme ethanol ingestion is associated with develo** gastric ulcers. Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is one of the most commonly used herbs with numerous proven pharmacological actions. The goal of the hereby investigation is to explore the gastroprotective action of yarrow essential oil against ethanol-induced [...] Read more.

Extreme ethanol ingestion is associated with develo** gastric ulcers. Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is one of the most commonly used herbs with numerous proven pharmacological actions. The goal of the hereby investigation is to explore the gastroprotective action of yarrow essential oil against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and to reveal the unexplored mechanisms. Rats were distributed into five groups (n = 6); the control group administered 10% Tween 20, orally, for two weeks; the ethanol group administered absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) to prompt gastric ulcer on the last day of the experiment. Yarrow essential oil 100 or 200 mg/kg + ethanol groups pretreated with yarrow oil (100 or 200 mg/kg, respectively), orally, for two weeks prior to gastric ulcer induction by absolute ethanol. Lanso + ethanol group administered 20 mg/kg lansoprazole, orally, for two weeks prior to gastric ulcer induction by ethanol. Results of the current study showed that ethanol caused several macroscopic and microscopic alterations, amplified lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic markers, as well as diminished PGE₂, NO, and antioxidant enzyme activities. On the other hand, animals pretreated with yarrow essential oil exhibited fewer macroscopic and microscopic modifications, reduced ulcer surface, and increased Alcian blue binding capacity, pH, and pepsin activity. In addition, yarrow essential oil groups exhibited reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, and MDA, restored the PGE₂ and NO levels, and recovered the antioxidant enzyme activities. Ethanol escalated Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions, whereas pretreatment of yarrow essential oil caused further intensification in Nrf2 and HO-1. To conclude, the current study suggested yarrow essential oil as a gastroprotective agent against ethanol-induced gastric lesions. This gastroprotective effect could be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions of the essential oil through the instigation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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17 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Origanum compactum Benth Essential Oils from Two Regions: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence and In Silico Molecular Investigations

by Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli, Nidal Naceiri Mrabti, Hayat Ouassou, Ryan A. Sheikh, Hamza Assaggaf, Saad Bakrim, Emad M. Abdallah, Mohammed Merae Alshahrani, Ahmed Abdullah Al Awadh, Learn-Han Lee, Yusra AlDhaheri, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Gokhan Zengin, Ammar A. Attar, Abdelhakim Bouyahya and Hanae Naceiri Mrabti

Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7329; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217329 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1979

Abstract

The purposes of this investigatory study were to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of Origanum compactum from two Moroccan regions (Boulemane and Taounate), as well as the evaluation of their biological effects. Determining EOs’ chemical composition was performed by [...] Read more.

The purposes of this investigatory study were to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of Origanum compactum from two Moroccan regions (Boulemane and Taounate), as well as the evaluation of their biological effects. Determining EOs’ chemical composition was performed by a gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of EOs was evaluated using free radical scavenging ability (DPPH method), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed in vitro using the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition test and in vivo using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Finally, the antibacterial effect was evaluated against several strains using the disk-diffusion assay and the micro-dilution method. The chemical constituent of O. compactum EO (OCEO) from the Boulemane zone is dominated by carvacrol (45.80%), thymol (18.86%), and α-pinene (13.43%). However, OCEO from the Taounate zone is rich in 3-carene (19.56%), thymol (12.98%), and o-cymene (11.16%). OCEO from Taounate showed higher antioxidant activity than EO from Boulemane. Nevertheless, EO from Boulemane considerably inhibited 5-LOX (IC₅₀ = 0.68 ± 0.02 µg/mL) compared to EO from Taounate (IC₅₀ = 1.33 ± 0.01 µg/mL). A similar result was obtained for tyrosinase inhibition with Boulemane EO and Taounate EO, which gave IC_50s of 27.51 ± 0.03 μg/mL and 41.83 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. The in vivo anti-inflammatory test showed promising effects; both EOs inhibit and reduce inflammation in mice. For antibacterial activity, both EOs were found to be significantly active against all strains tested in the disk-diffusion test, but O. compactum EO from the Boulemane region showed the highest activity. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for O. compactum EO from the Boulemane region ranged from 0.06 to 0.25% (v/v) and from 0.15 to 0.21% (v/v) for O. compactum from the Taounate region. The MBC/MIC index revealed that both EOs exhibited remarkable bactericidal effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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15 pages, 887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GC-MS Chemical Profiling, Biological Investigation of Three Salvia Species Growing in Uzbekistan

by Haidy A. Gad, Rano Z. Mamadalieva, Noha Khalil, Gokhan Zengin, Basma Najar, Olim K. Khojimatov, Nawal M. Al Musayeib, Mohamed L. Ashour and Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva

Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5365; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175365 - 23 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1911

Abstract

Salvia is a potentially valuable aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times. The present work studied the chemical profile of three Salvia species essential oils (EO): S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea, as well as assessing their antioxidant [...] Read more.

Salvia is a potentially valuable aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times. The present work studied the chemical profile of three Salvia species essential oils (EO): S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea, as well as assessing their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. A total of 144 compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, representing 91.1, 84.7 and 78.1% in S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea EOs, respectively. The major constituents were cis-thujone, 2,4-hexadienal and 9-octadecenoic acid, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot revealed significant discrimination between the three species. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using in vitro assays. Only S. virgata EO showed antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay (26.6 ± 1.60 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g oil). Moreover, this oil exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in 2,2-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays in comparison with the other two EOs (190.1 ± 2.04 vs. 275.2 ± 8.50 and 155.9 ± 1.33 mg TE/g oil, respectively). However, S. virgata oil did not show any effect in the chelating ability assay, while in the PBD assay, S. officinalis had the best antioxidant activity (26.4 ± 0.16 mmol TE/g oil). Enzyme inhibitory effect of the EOs was assessed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. AChE enzyme was more sensitive to S. officinalis EO (4.2 ± 0.01 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g oil), rather than S. virgata EO, which was ineffective. However, S. virgata had the highest BChE effect (12.1 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g oil). All studied oils showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity, ranging between 66.1 ± 0.61 and 128.4 ± 4.35 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g oil). Moreover, the EOs did not exhibit any glucosidase inhibition and were weak or inefficient on amylase enzyme. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models showed that there is an excellent correlation between the antioxidant activity and the volatile profile when being compared to that of enzyme inhibitory activity. Thus, the studied Salvia essential oils are interesting candidates that could be used in drug discovery for the management of Alzheimer’s and hyperpigmentation conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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16 pages, 1853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Analysis and Investigation of Biological Effects of Salvia officinalis Essential Oils at Three Phenological Stages

by Hamza M. Assaggaf, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti, Bodour S. Rajab, Ammar A. Attar, Reema A. Alyamani, Munerah Hamed, Nasreddine El Omari, Naoual El Menyiy, Zakaria Hazzoumi, Taoufiq Benali, Samiah Hamad Al-Mijalli, Gokhan Zengin, Yusra AlDhaheri, Ali H. Eid and Abdelhakim Bouyahya

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5157; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165157 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

Salvia officinalis is a medicinal plant used to treat some diseases, including microbial infections and diabetes. Different studies showed the biological and pharmacological properties of this species. The aim of this study was the determination of the chemical compounds of S. officinalis essential [...] Read more.

Salvia officinalis is a medicinal plant used to treat some diseases, including microbial infections and diabetes. Different studies showed the biological and pharmacological properties of this species. The aim of this study was the determination of the chemical compounds of S. officinalis essential oils and the investigation of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The chemical compounds of S. officinalis were determined by GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS, H₂O₂, and FRAP assays. The in vitro antidiabetic effect was evaluated by the inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase activities, and the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using the 5-lipoxygenase assay. Moreover, antibacterial activity was assessed against six bacterial strains using agar well diffusion assay and microdilution method. The main compounds in essential oils of S. officinalis at three phenological stages were naphthalenone, camphor, 1.8-cineole, and α-thujone. The full flowering stage essential oil showed the best antioxidant activity with different IC₅₀ values according to the used tests. This oil also exhibited important inhibitory effects at the full flowering stage against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 69.23 ± 0.1 μg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 22.24 ± 0.07 μg/mL), and lipase (IC₅₀ = 37.3 ± 0.03 μg/mL). The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory effect was the best at the full flowering stage (IC₅₀ = 9.24 ± 0.03 μg/mL). The results of the antibacterial evaluation revealed that, at three seasonal periods, S. officinalis essential oil demonstrated strong antibacterial activity. Although the full flowering stage had the best antibacterial activity, there were no significant differences between the three stages. Additionally, the essential oils showed bactericidal effects on Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium, respectively. The findings of this work showed remarkably that S. officinalis synthesizes essential oils according to different developmental stages. Moreover, it has exhibited interesting biological and pharmacological properties justifying its medicinal effects and suggesting it as a very important source of natural drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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17 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Singular and Combined Effects of Essential Oil and Honey of Eucalyptus Globulus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Dermatoprotective, and Antimicrobial Properties: In Vitro and In Vivo Findings

by Hamza M. Assaggaf, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti, Bodour S. Rajab, Ammar A. Attar, Munerah Hamed, Ryan A. Sheikh, Nasreddine El Omari, Naoual El Menyiy, Omar Belmehdi, Shafi Mahmud, Mohammed Merae Alshahrani, Moon Nyeo Park, Bonglee Kim, Gokhan Zengin and Abdelhakim Bouyahya

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5121; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165121 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2833

Abstract

Eucalyptus globulus is a plant widely used by the world population, including Morocco, in the treatment of several pathologies. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, dermatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects of essential oil and honey from E. globulus, [...] Read more.

Eucalyptus globulus is a plant widely used by the world population, including Morocco, in the treatment of several pathologies. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, dermatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects of essential oil and honey from E. globulus, as well as their combination. Chemical composition was determined by GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by three tests, namely, DPPH, reducing power, and the β-carotene/linoleic acid assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in vitro (5-lipoxygenase inhibition) and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw edema model), while the dermatoprotective activity was tested in vitro (tyrosinase inhibition). Moreover, the antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and microdilution methods. The results showed that eucalyptol presents the main compound of the essential oil of E. globulus (90.14%). The mixture of essential oil with honey showed the best antioxidant effects for all the tests used (0.07 < IC₅₀ < 0.19 mg/mL), while the essential oil was the most active against tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 38.21 ± 0.13 μg/mL) and 5-lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ = 0.88 ± 0.01 μg/mL), which corroborated the in vivo test. Additionally, the essential oil showed the best bactericidal effects against all strains tested, with inhibition diameter values ranging from 12.8 to 21.6 mm. The findings of this work showed that the combination of the essential oil with honey showed important results in terms of biological activity, but the determination of the underlying mechanisms of action remains a major prospect to be determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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Review

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23 pages, 917 KiB

Open AccessReview

Essential Oil from Coriandrum sativum: A review on Its Phytochemistry and Biological Activity

by Jameel M Al-Khayri, Akshatha Banadka, Murali Nandhini, Praveen Nagella, Muneera Q. Al-Mssallem and Fatima M. Alessa

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020696 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4628

Abstract

Essential oils are hydrophobic liquids produced as secondary metabolites by specialized secretory tissues in the leaves, seeds, flowers, bark and wood of the plant, and they play an important ecological role in plants. Essential oils have been used in various traditional healing systems [...] Read more.

Essential oils are hydrophobic liquids produced as secondary metabolites by specialized secretory tissues in the leaves, seeds, flowers, bark and wood of the plant, and they play an important ecological role in plants. Essential oils have been used in various traditional healing systems due to their pharmaceutical properties, and are reported to be a suitable replacement for chemical and synthetic drugs that come with adverse side effects. Thus, currently, various plant sources for essential oil production have been explored. Coriander essential oil, obtained from the leaf and seed oil of Coriandrum sativum, has been reported to have various biological activities. Apart from its application in food preservation, the oil has many pharmacological properties, including allelopathic properties. The present review discusses the phytochemical composition of the seed and leaf oil of coriander and the variation of the essential oil across various germplasms, accessions, at different growth stages and across various regions. Furthermore, the study explores various extraction and quantification methods for coriander essential oils. The study also provides detailed information on various pharmacological properties of essential oils, such as antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, allelopathic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, and hepatoprotective properties, as well as playing a major role in maintaining good digestive health. Coriander essential oil is one of the most promising alternatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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10 pages, 305 KiB

Open AccessReview

Essential Oils against Sarcoptes scabiei

by Simona Nardoni and Francesca Mancianti

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 9067; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27249067 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5218

Abstract

Herbal remedia are widely employed in folk medicine, and have been more and more often studied and considered in the treatment of several infections. Sarcoptic mange (scabies, when referring to human patients) is a highly contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptiformes, [...] Read more.

Herbal remedia are widely employed in folk medicine, and have been more and more often studied and considered in the treatment of several infections. Sarcoptic mange (scabies, when referring to human patients) is a highly contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei (sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptinae), an astigmatid mite which burrows into the epidermis, actively penetrating the stratum corneum. This parasitosis negatively affects livestock productions and represents a constraint on animal and human health. The treatment relies on permethrine and ivermectine but, since these molecules do not have ovicidal action, more than a single dose should be administered. Toxicity, the possible onset of parasite resistance, the presence of residues in meat and other animal products and environmental contamination are the major constraints. These shortcomings could be reduced by the use of plant extracts that have been in vitro or in vivo checked against these mites, sometimes with promising results. The aim of the present study was to review the literature dealing with the treatment of both scabies and sarcoptic mange by plant-derived agents, notably essential oils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

27 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessReview

Essential Oils and Their Compounds as Potential Anti-Influenza Agents

by Ayodeji Oluwabunmi Oriola and Adebola Omowunmi Oyedeji

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7797; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227797 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5035

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) are chemical substances, mostly produced by aromatic plants in response to stress, that have a history of medicinal use for many diseases. In the last few decades, EOs have continued to gain more attention because of their proven therapeutic applications [...] Read more.

Essential oils (EOs) are chemical substances, mostly produced by aromatic plants in response to stress, that have a history of medicinal use for many diseases. In the last few decades, EOs have continued to gain more attention because of their proven therapeutic applications against the flu and other infectious diseases. Influenza (flu) is an infectious zoonotic disease that affects the lungs and their associated organs. It is a public health problem with a huge health burden, causing a seasonal outbreak every year. Occasionally, it comes as a disease pandemic with unprecedentedly high hospitalization and mortality. Currently, influenza is managed by vaccination and antiviral drugs such as Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir, Peramivir, Zanamivir, and Baloxavir. However, the adverse side effects of these drugs, the rapid and unlimited variabilities of influenza viruses, and the emerging resistance of new virus strains to the currently used vaccines and drugs have necessitated the need to obtain more effective anti-influenza agents. In this review, essential oils are discussed in terms of their chemistry, ethnomedicinal values against flu-related illnesses, biological potential as anti-influenza agents, and mechanisms of action. In addition, the structure-activity relationships of lead anti-influenza EO compounds are also examined. This is all to identify leading agents that can be optimized as drug candidates for the management of influenza. Eucalyptol, germacrone, caryophyllene derivatives, eugenol, terpin-4-ol, bisabolene derivatives, and camphecene are among the promising EO compounds identified, based on their reported anti-influenza activities and plausible molecular actions, while nanotechnology may be a new strategy to achieve the efficient delivery of these therapeutically active EOs to the active virus site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activity of Essential Oils)

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