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Search Results (1,237)

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31 pages, 2704 KiB  
Systematic Review
Cannabinoids as Antibacterial Agents: A Systematic and Critical Review of In Vitro Efficacy Against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus
by Dhakshila Niyangoda, Myat Lin Aung, Mallique Qader, Wubshet Tesfaye, Mary Bushell, Fabian Chiong, Danny Tsai, Danish Ahmad, Indira Samarawickrema, Mahipal Sinnollareddy and Jackson Thomas
Antibiotics 2024, 13(11), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111023 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 187
Abstract
Background: Two major bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, are becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant. Despite the urgency, only a few new antibiotics have been approved to address these infections. Although cannabinoids have been noted for their antibacterial properties, a comprehensive review of [...] Read more.
Background: Two major bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, are becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant. Despite the urgency, only a few new antibiotics have been approved to address these infections. Although cannabinoids have been noted for their antibacterial properties, a comprehensive review of their effects on these bacteria has been lacking. Objective: This systematic review examines the antibacterial activity of cannabinoids against S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains, and S. pyogenes. Methods: Databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS, were searched. Of 3510 records, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of cannabinoids. Results: Cannabidiol (CBD) emerged as the most effective cannabinoid, with MICs ranging from 0.65 to 32 mg/L against S. aureus, 0.5 to 4 mg/L for MRSA, and 1 to 2 mg/L for VRSA. Other cannabinoids, such as cannabichromene, cannabigerol (CBG), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), also exhibited significant antistaphylococcal activity. CBD, CBG, and Δ9-THC also showed efficacy against S. pyogenes, with MICs between 0.6 and 50 mg/L. Synergistic effects were observed when CBD and essential oils from Cannabis sativa when combined with other antibacterial agents. Conclusion: Cannabinoids’ antibacterial potency is closely linked to their structure–activity relationships, with features like the monoterpene region, aromatic alkyl side chain, and aromatic carboxylic groups enhancing efficacy, particularly in CBD and its cyclic forms. These results highlight the potential of cannabinoids in developing therapies for resistant strains, though further research is needed to confirm their clinical effectiveness. Full article
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14 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
by Sonia Tejada-Muñoz, Denny Cortez, Jesús Rascón, Segundo G. Chavez, Aline C. Caetano, Rosa J. Díaz-Manchay, Julio Sandoval-Bances, Sonia Huyhua-Gutierrez, Lizandro Gonzales, Stella M. Chenet and Rafael Tapia-Limonchi
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(11), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17111430 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oreganum vulgare essential oil (OEO) is safe, effective, multifunctional, and widely used. This study aimed to evaluate OEO’s chemical composition and antimicrobial activity in vitro against S. aureus and E. coli. Methods: The composition of OEO was determined by [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Oreganum vulgare essential oil (OEO) is safe, effective, multifunctional, and widely used. This study aimed to evaluate OEO’s chemical composition and antimicrobial activity in vitro against S. aureus and E. coli. Methods: The composition of OEO was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Compounds included monoterpenes with known antimicrobial activity, such as 2-menthen-1-ol (36.33%), linalyl acetate (9.26%), terpinene-4-ol (9.01%), 4-thujanol (6.33%), menthen (5.81%), sabinene (5.18%), and carvacrol methyl ether (5.14%). Conclusions: OEO had a strong antimicrobial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.90 mg/mL for S. aureus and 0.49 mg/mL for E. coli after 18 h incubation. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 7.9 mg/mL against S. aureus and 0.99 mg/mL against E. coli. Thus, OEO could be used as a natural antimicrobial against S. aureus and E. coli infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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20 pages, 1528 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) Cultivation: Effects of Different Manures on Plant Growth and Essential Oil Production During Consecutive Harvests
by Sina Fallah, Filippo Maggi, Askar Ghanbari-Odivi and Maryam Rostaei
Horticulturae 2024, 10(10), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10101105 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 461
Abstract
This study examined the impact of organic manures from different sources (poultry, sheep, and cattle) on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae) during different harvests. Manure application increased the photosynthetic pigments levels (chlorophyll-a, 9–41%; chlorophyll-b, 24–60%), biomass (41–60%), and essential oil yield [...] Read more.
This study examined the impact of organic manures from different sources (poultry, sheep, and cattle) on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae) during different harvests. Manure application increased the photosynthetic pigments levels (chlorophyll-a, 9–41%; chlorophyll-b, 24–60%), biomass (41–60%), and essential oil yield (60–71%). Sheep manure treatment exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity among all the manures tested. Through GC-MS and GC-FID analysis, 10 chemical constituents were identified in the essential oil, accounting together for 91–95% of the total composition. The primary chemical component was geranial (39–46%), followed by neral (28–35%), (E)-caryophyllene (4.7–11%), geranyl acetate (2.7–5.9%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.7–4.8%). The utilization of livestock manures significantly improved the quality of the essential oil in terms of neral and geranial percentages compared to the control. Notably, during mid-August and early October, there was a substantial rise in these valuable compounds. However, a decrease in geranyl acetate and oxygenated monoterpenes resulted in a decline of the antioxidant capacity to 3%. Consequently, it is recommended to utilize essential oils from the second and third harvests for industrial purposes. Overall, the use of livestock manures, especially sheep manure, as a nutrient source for lemon balm cultivation, proves to be a viable approach for producing high-quality essential oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Cultivation of Horticultural Crops)
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19 pages, 4810 KiB  
Article
Endosomal pH, Redox Dual-Sensitive Prodrug Micelles Based on Hyaluronic Acid for Intracellular Camptothecin Delivery and Active Tumor Targeting in Cancer Therapy
by Huiping Zhang, Liang Li, Wei Li, Hongxia Yin, Huiyun Wang and Xue Ke
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(10), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16101327 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Background: CPT is a pentacyclic monoterpene alkaloid with a wide spectrum of antitumor activity. Its clinical application is restricted due to poor water solubility, instability, and high toxicity. We developed a new kind of multifunctional micelles to improve its solubility, reduce the side [...] Read more.
Background: CPT is a pentacyclic monoterpene alkaloid with a wide spectrum of antitumor activity. Its clinical application is restricted due to poor water solubility, instability, and high toxicity. We developed a new kind of multifunctional micelles to improve its solubility, reduce the side effecs, and obtain enhanced antitumor effects. Methods: We constructed HA-CPT nano-self-assembly prodrug micelles, which combined the advantages of pH-sensitivity, redox-sensitivity, and active targeting ability to CD44 receptor-overexpressing cancer cells. To synthesize dual sensitive HA-CPT conjugates, CPT was conjugated with HA by pH-sensitive histidine (His) and redox-sensitive 3,3′-dithiodipropionic acid (DTPA). In vitro, we studied the cellular uptake and antitumor effect for tumor cell lines. In vivo, we explored the bio-distribution and antitumor effects of the micelles in HCT 116 tumor bearing nude mice. Results: The dual-sensitive and active targeting HA-His-ss-CPT micelles was proved to be highly efficient in CPT delivery by the in vitro cellular uptake study. The HA-His-ss-CPT micelles escaped from endosomes of tumor cells within 4 h after cellular uptake due to the proton sponge effect of the conjugating His and then quickly released CPT in the cytosol by glutathione (GSH). In mice, HA-His-ss-CPT micelles displayed efficient tumor accumulation and conspicuous inhibition of tumor growth. Conclusions: The novel, dual-sensitive, active targeting nano-prodrug micelles exhibited high efficiency in drug delivery and cancer therapy. This “all in one” drug delivery system can be realized in an ingenious structure and avoid intricate synthesis. This construction strategy can illume the design of nanocarriers responding to endogenous stimuli in tumors. Full article
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17 pages, 4953 KiB  
Article
Oxidation of Geraniol on Vermiculite—The Influence of Selected Parameters on the Oxidation Process
by Sylwia Gajewska, Agnieszka Wróblewska, Anna Fajdek-Bieda, Adrianna Kamińska, Joanna Sreńscek-Nazzal, Piotr Miądlicki and Beata Michalkiewicz
Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100714 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 579
Abstract
Geraniol is a compound belonging to the group of monoterpenes that finds many applications in organic syntheses, medicine and cosmetics. The following properties of geraniol and its derivatives are of particular interest in medicine: its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The geraniol [...] Read more.
Geraniol is a compound belonging to the group of monoterpenes that finds many applications in organic syntheses, medicine and cosmetics. The following properties of geraniol and its derivatives are of particular interest in medicine: its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The geraniol oxidation process was carried out using a mineral of natural origin—vermiculite. Vermiculite is a catalyst that perfectly fits into modern trends in the organic industry, where the aim is to use cheap, renewable and relatively easily available catalytic materials (vermiculite is found on continents including Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Asia). Preliminary studies on the oxidation process of geraniol on vermiculite was carried out in a glass apparatus using molecular oxygen supplied by means of a bubbler and magnetic stirrer with a heating function. During the oxidation process of geraniol on vermiculite, the influence of the following parameters was examined: the temperature, amount of catalyst and reaction time. The main parameters of the process, on the basis of which the most favorable process conditions were selected, were the selectivity of the transformation to 2,3-epoxygeraniol, citral and 2,3-epoxycitral, and the conversion of geraniol. The composition of the post-reaction mixtures was determined qualitatively and quantitatively using the gas chromatography method. In addition, vermiculite was subjected to instrumental tests, such as XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR and UV-VIS. Moreover, the specific surface area, pore volume and pore volume distribution were estimated on the basis of N2 sorption at −196 °C and also the acid-site concentration in vermiculite was established. Full article
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8 pages, 1299 KiB  
Communication
1H NMR Chemical Shift Changes as a Result of Introduction of Carbonyl-Containing Protecting Groups Observed in Bornol and Isoborneol
by Baohe Lyu, Honoka Sako, Mio Sugiura, Yoshikazu Hiraga, Ryukichi Takagi and Satomi Niwayama
Molbank 2024, 2024(4), M1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/M1899 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Complete assignments of the 1H NMR chemical shifts for monoterpenes, borneol, and isoborneol, and their derivatives in which the secondary hydroxy group is protected with an acetyl group or a benzoyl group, have been made in CDCl3 and C6D [...] Read more.
Complete assignments of the 1H NMR chemical shifts for monoterpenes, borneol, and isoborneol, and their derivatives in which the secondary hydroxy group is protected with an acetyl group or a benzoyl group, have been made in CDCl3 and C6D6. Upon the protection of the hydroxy group with the carbonyl functional groups, or acetyl or benzoyl groups, many protons constituting the bicyclic ring exhibited downfield and upfield shifts in the chemical shift values, aiding in the unambiguous assignments of protons and carbons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Structure Determination)
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14 pages, 3514 KiB  
Article
Thymol-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules’ Repellent Activity on Nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu Lato
by Amanda M. R. Sales, Gessyka R. S. Pereira, Lais C. N. Lima, Caio M. O. Monteiro, Breno N. Matos, Stephânia F. Taveira, Marcilio Cunha-Filho, Guilherme M. Gelfuso and Tais Gratieri
Coatings 2024, 14(10), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14101295 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 617
Abstract
Thymol-loaded polymeric nanocapsules were developed in this study to control volatilization and drug release for repellent application on Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Policaprolactone-loaded nanocapsules were prepared and characterized by diameter, PdI, zeta potential, pH, entrapment efficiency, and thymol content. Moreover, drug release, skin permeation [...] Read more.
Thymol-loaded polymeric nanocapsules were developed in this study to control volatilization and drug release for repellent application on Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Policaprolactone-loaded nanocapsules were prepared and characterized by diameter, PdI, zeta potential, pH, entrapment efficiency, and thymol content. Moreover, drug release, skin permeation profile, and repellent activity were evaluated. Nanocapsules showed a mean diameter of 195.7 ± 0.5 nm, a PdI of 0.20 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of −20.6 ± 0.3 mV, a pH of 4.7 ± 0.1, and an entrapment efficiency and a thymol content of 80.1 ± 0.1% and 97.9 ± 0.2%, respectively. The nanosystem progressively released 68.6 ± 2.3% of the thymol over 24 h, demonstrating that it can control drug release. Thymol-loaded nanocapsules showed less epidermis penetration upon skin application than pure thymol (control). Moreover, nanocapsules showed 60–70% repellency for 2 h against Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Thus, the nanocapsules proved to be a promising alternative for use as an arthropod repellent. Full article
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8 pages, 531 KiB  
Communication
Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, and Physical Properties of the Fruit Essential Oil from Zanthoxylum lepidopteriphilum (Reynel) Rutaceae from Ecuador
by Vladimir Morocho, Yolanda Aguilar, Claudia Cruz, Nixon Cumbicus, Jose Miguel Andrade and Mayra Montalvan
Plants 2024, 13(20), 2834; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202834 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 532
Abstract
The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation, using a Clevenger apparatus, from the pericarp of the fruit of Zanthoxylum lepidopteriphilum from Ecuador. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID) [...] Read more.
The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation, using a Clevenger apparatus, from the pericarp of the fruit of Zanthoxylum lepidopteriphilum from Ecuador. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID) on two capillary columns with non-polar DB-5ms and a polar HP-INNOWax stationary phase. Thirty-three components were identified, accounting for 99.62% and 99.30% total essential oil. The essential oil was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes (90.21–89.21%), respectively. The main constituents of the essential oil were α-thujone (70.26–70.38%), β-thujone (10.78–10.90%), terpinen-4-ol (4.15–4.06%), and sabinene (3.60–4.02%). Enantioselective analysis by GC was realized on a β-cyclodextrin-based chiral column (2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin) in this analysis, determining three couples of enantiomers, which exhibited the compound (1R,4S,5S)-(+)-α-thujone with an enantiomeric excess of 84.40%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)
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17 pages, 1529 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Bioactive Potential of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg Aerial Parts on MDA Breast Cancer Cells: Insights into Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Efficacy, and Gelatinase Inhibition within 3D Cellular Models
by Valentina Laghezza Masci, Elisa Ovidi, William Tomassi, Daniela De Vita and Stefania Garzoli
Plants 2024, 13(19), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192829 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 877
Abstract
In this work, aerial parts of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. produced in Umbria, Italy, were chemically investigated by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) to describe their volatile profile. The results obtained showed the preponderant presence of monoterpenes, with limonene and 1,8-cineole as the [...] Read more.
In this work, aerial parts of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. produced in Umbria, Italy, were chemically investigated by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) to describe their volatile profile. The results obtained showed the preponderant presence of monoterpenes, with limonene and 1,8-cineole as the main components. Further analyses by GC/MS after derivatization reaction were performed to characterize the non-volatile fraction highlighting the presence of fatty acids and di- and triterpenic compounds. T. officinale methanol and dichloromethane extracts, first analyzed by HRGC/MS, were investigated to evaluate the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and antiproliferative properties of MDA cells on the breast cancer cell line and MCF 10A normal epithelial cells as well as the antioxidant activity by colorimetric assays. The impact on matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9 and MMP-2 was also explored in 3D cell systems to investigate the extracts’ efficacy in reducing cell invasiveness. The extracts tested showed no cytotoxic activity with EC50 > 250 µg/mL on both cell lines. The DPPH assay revealed higher antioxidant activity in the MeOH extract compared with the DCM extract, while the FRAP assay showed a contrasting result, with the DCM extract exhibiting slightly greater antioxidant capacity. After treatment for 24 h with a non-cytotoxic concentration of 500 µg/mL of the tested extracts, gelatin zymography and Western blot analyses demonstrated that both MeOH and DCM extracts influenced the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in MDA cells within the 3D cell model, leading to a significant decrease in the levels of these gelatinases, which are crucial markers of tumor invasiveness. Full article
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16 pages, 3372 KiB  
Article
Nerol as a Novel Antifungal Agent: In Vitro Inhibitory Effects on Fusarium oxysporum, Pestalotiopsis neglecta, and Valsa mali and Its Potential Mechanisms against F. oxysporum
by Jingyu Ji, Weihu Ma, Jiyuan An, Bowen Zhang, Wenzhuo Sun and Guocai Zhang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(10), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10100699 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 579
Abstract
This study explores the in vitro antifungal effects of nerol, a linear acyclic monoterpene alcohol of plant origin, on Fusarium oxysporum, Pestalotiopsis neglecta, and Valsa mali. To further investigate the antifungal mechanism of nerol against F. oxysporum, we examined [...] Read more.
This study explores the in vitro antifungal effects of nerol, a linear acyclic monoterpene alcohol of plant origin, on Fusarium oxysporum, Pestalotiopsis neglecta, and Valsa mali. To further investigate the antifungal mechanism of nerol against F. oxysporum, we examined changes in mycelial morphology and cell membrane integrity-related indices, as well as the activities of antioxidant and pathogenicity-related enzymes. The results demonstrated that nerol exhibited significant concentration-dependent inhibition of mycelial growth in all three fungi, with EC50 values of 0.46 μL/mL for F. oxysporum, 1.81 μL/mL for P. neglecta, and 1.26 μL/mL for V. mali, with the strongest antifungal activity observed against F. oxysporum. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that nerol severely disrupted the mycelial structure of F. oxysporum, causing deformation, swelling, and even rupture. Treatment with 0.04 μL/mL nerol led to significant leakage of soluble proteins and intracellular ions in F. oxysporum, and the Na+/K+-ATPase activity was reduced to 28.02% of the control, indicating enhanced membrane permeability. The elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, along with propidium iodide staining of treated microconidia, further confirmed cell membrane disruption caused by nerol. Additionally, after 12 h of exposure to 0.04 μL/mL nerol, the activity of superoxide dismutase in F. oxysporum decreased to 55.81% of the control, and the activities of catalase and peroxidase were also significantly inhibited. Nerol markedly reduced the activities of pathogenicity-related enzymes, such as endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase, polygalacturonase, and pectin lyase, affecting fungal growth and virulence. In conclusion, nerol disrupts the cell membrane integrity and permeability of F. oxysporum, reduces its virulence, and ultimately inhibits fungal growth, highlighting its potential as an alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling F. oxysporum. Full article
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11 pages, 652 KiB  
Article
Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effect of Ruta chalepensis Ethanolic Extract in Triton WR-1339-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats
by Arwa R. Althaher, Mohammad Alwahsh, Aya Hasan, Dima Al-Majali, Mirna W. Awadallah and Tariq Al-Qirim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9017; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199017 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 633
Abstract
High levels of fats like triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood can cause cardiovascular diseases, prompting the search for safer, natural treatments. This study investigates the efficacy of Ruta chalepensis ethanol extract in lowering cholesterol levels using a rat model of hyperlipidemia induced [...] Read more.
High levels of fats like triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood can cause cardiovascular diseases, prompting the search for safer, natural treatments. This study investigates the efficacy of Ruta chalepensis ethanol extract in lowering cholesterol levels using a rat model of hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR-1339. Leaves and flowers of R. chalepensis were extracted with ethanol, and LC-MS analysis revealed high levels of quercetin (9.5%), 2,2-Dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo [2.2.1] heptane (8.1%), and other compounds, with monoterpenes being the most common class. Male Wistar rats received doses of the extract at 20 and 40 mg/kg, while fenofibrate (100 mg/kg) was the positive control. After 20 h, plasma lipid levels were significantly affected, showing a 72.1% reduction in total cholesterol for the 40 mg/kg group (p < 0.01) and a 67.6% reduction for the 20 mg/kg group (p < 0.01). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased by 68.8% in the 40 mg/kg group (p < 0.01) and 58.6% in the 20 mg/kg group (p < 0.01). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol saw reductions of 67.3% (p < 0.001) in the 40 mg/kg group and 60.4% (p < 0.01) in the 20 mg/kg group. Triglycerides dropped by 90.6% in the 40 mg/kg group (p < 0.001) and 86.7% in the 20 mg/kg group (p < 0.001). Overall, the results highlighted a stronger anti-hyperlipidemic effect in the 40 mg/kg group across all lipid parameters measured. The extract outperformed fenofibrate, particularly at the higher dose. These results imply that R. chalepensis extract is a promising natural alternative for managing hyperlipidemia. Full article
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15 pages, 987 KiB  
Article
Origanum majorana L. as Flavoring Agent: Impact on Quality Indices, Stability, and Volatile and Phenolic Profiles of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
by Panagiota Kyriaki Revelou, Spyridon J. Konteles, Anthimia Batrinou, Marinos Xagoraris, Petros A. Tarantilis and Irini F. Strati
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3164; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193164 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1188
Abstract
The flavoring of olive oils with aromatic plants is commonly used to enrich the oils with aromatic and antioxidant compounds. Origanum majorana L. was applied as a flavoring agent for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), at concentrations of 20 g L−1 and [...] Read more.
The flavoring of olive oils with aromatic plants is commonly used to enrich the oils with aromatic and antioxidant compounds. Origanum majorana L. was applied as a flavoring agent for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), at concentrations of 20 g L−1 and 40 g L−1, via ultrasound-assisted maceration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of flavoring on the EVOOs’ quality indices, oxidative stability, and antioxidant, antiradical and antifungal activities, as well as on the oils’ volatile and phenolic profile. The flavored EVOO maintained the quality indices (free fatty acids, peroxide value, extinction coefficients) below the maximum permitted levels, whereas the addition of marjoram enhanced the oxidative stability, the levels of chlorophyll and b-carotene and the total phenolic content. The incorporation of marjoram into the EVOO did not have a significant impact on the antioxidant and antiradical activities. Concerning the antifungal activity, no Zygosaccharomyces bailli cell growth was observed for two weeks in a mayonnaise prepared with the flavored EVOO at a 40 g L−1 concentration. SPME-GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 11 terpene compounds (hydrocarbon and oxygenated monoterpenes) that had migrated from marjoram in the flavored EVOO. Twenty-one phenolic compounds were tentatively characterized by LC-QToF-MS in the EVOO samples; however, hesperetin and p-coumaric acid, originating from marjoram, were only detected in the flavored EVOO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
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16 pages, 3378 KiB  
Article
Functional Identification of the Terpene Synthase Family Involved in Biosynthesis in Paeonia lactiflora
by Yufeng Zhao, Guanghong Cui, Jian Wang, Ying Ma, Yang Han, Ping Su, Juan Guo, Jiyu Zhang and Luqi Huang
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4662; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194662 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 435
Abstract
The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall. is a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine, with terpenoids and their glycosides, such as paeoniflorins, serving as key active ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. By generating a transcriptome and functionally characterizing 32 [...] Read more.
The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall. is a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine, with terpenoids and their glycosides, such as paeoniflorins, serving as key active ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. By generating a transcriptome and functionally characterizing 32 terpene synthases (TPSs) from P. lactiflora, we successfully constructed 24 pESC-Trp-PlTPS expression vectors. Through expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered strains, we identified four mono-TPSs and five sesqui-TPSs that produce 18 compounds, including eight monoterpenes and ten sesquiterpenes in vitro. This includes a bifunctional enzyme (PlTPS22). Additionally, PlTPS21 was characterized as a pinene synthase with α-pinene as its main product. The expression pattern of PlTPS21 aligns closely with the accumulation patterns of paeoniflorins and α-pinene in the plant, suggesting that PlTPS21 is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin. Full article
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14 pages, 2464 KiB  
Review
Progress in Research on Terpenoid Biosynthesis and Terpene Synthases of Lauraceae Species
by Chenyi Xie, Junhao Gu and Shanshan Zhu
Forests 2024, 15(10), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15101731 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Lauraceae, an important family of Angiospermae, comprises over 2500 species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. This family is renowned for its rich resource of terpenoids, particularly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. These compounds not only impart specific scents to Lauraceae [...] Read more.
Lauraceae, an important family of Angiospermae, comprises over 2500 species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. This family is renowned for its rich resource of terpenoids, particularly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. These compounds not only impart specific scents to Lauraceae species but also play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation. These compounds also possess extensive bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, making them valuable in the fields of perfumery, cosmetics, food, and medicine, and thus holding significant economic value. Recent advancements in high-throughput technologies, especially genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, have significantly advanced our knowledge of the chemical constituents and biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids in Lauraceae species. Such progress has also shed light on the diversity and functionality of the terpene synthases (TPSs) gene family, a key enzyme involved in terpenoid biosynthesis. This paper reviews the latest research findings on the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids and their key enzyme-encoding gene families in Lauraceae plants. We also analyze the evolutionary patterns of TPS gene family members of four Lauraceae species at the whole-genome level and summarize their mechanisms of action in secondary metabolite synthesis. Furthermore, this paper highlights the current research challenges and proposes prospects, such as the complexity of gene families, the uncertainties in functional predictions, and unclear regulatory mechanisms. Our objective is to provide scientific foundations for the in-depth analysis of terpenoid biosynthesis mechanisms and the development and utilization of natural products in Lauraceae plants. Full article
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17 pages, 1343 KiB  
Article
Activity of Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum), and Common Oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare) Essential Oils against Selected Phytopathogens
by Olga Kosakowska, Zenon Węglarz, Sylwia Styczyńska, Alicja Synowiec, Małgorzata Gniewosz and Katarzyna Bączek
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4617; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194617 - 29 Sep 2024
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the activity of common thyme (Thymus vulgare L.), Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum), and common oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare) essential oils (EOs) against selected phytopathogenic microorganisms [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the activity of common thyme (Thymus vulgare L.), Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum), and common oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare) essential oils (EOs) against selected phytopathogenic microorganisms in relation to their chemical profile. The EOs were obtained from the herbs of 2-year-old plants cultivated in the organic farming system in a temperate climate in Central Europe. The EOs’ composition was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID. The investigated species were represented by the following three chemotypes: ‘thymol’ for common thyme, ‘carvacrol’ for Greek oregano, and mixed ‘caryophyllene oxide + β-caryophyllene’ for common oregano. The antimicrobial activity of the EOs was assessed based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) values. The plant pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae, Xanthomonas hortorum, Erwinia carotovora, and fungi: Fusarium culmorum, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Epicoccum purpurascens, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Phoma strasseri, and Pythium debaryanum were tested. The EOs revealed a stronger inhibitory effect against fungal growth in comparison to bacterial growth (MIC: 0.016–2 µL/mL for fungi and 0.125–4 µL/mL for bacteria). Common thyme and Greek oregano EOs indicated stronger antimicrobial power than common oregano EO. These results were associated with the chemical profile of the analysed EOs. The growth of examined bacteria and fungi strains (in particular, X. hortorum, F. culmorum, and P. debaryanum) were negatively correlated with the content of phenolic monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons. Among the tested strains, P. strasseri turned out to be the most sensitive (MIC 0.016 µL/mL) and E. carotovora the most resistant (MIC 0.250–4 µL/mL) to all investigated EOs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Products and Their Biological Activities)
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