Inhibition of oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins by phenolic substances in different essential oils varieties

Effects of carvacrol on ketamine-induced cardiac injury in rats: an experimental study

AIM

We aimed to investigate the preventive effects of carvacrol against ketamine-induced cardiotoxicity biochemically and histopathologically in an experimental model.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The rats were divided into three groups; healthy control (HC), ketamine alone (KG), and ketamine + carvacrol (KCG) groups. Serum Creatine Kinase Myocardial Band (CK-MB) and Troponin I (TP I) levels were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in the heart tissues of the rats. Heart tissues were also evaluated histopathologically.

RESULTS

In the ketamine-treated group, tissue MDA, TNF-α, IL-1beta, and IL-6 levels increased while tissue GSH and SOD levels decreased significantly compared with the control group. However, in the ketamine plus carvacrol applied group, all those alterations were significantly less pronounced, close to the healthy controls. Severe mononuclear cell infiltrations, degenerated myocytes and hemorrhage were determined in the ketamine alone administered group, and these alterations were at a mild level in the carvacrol + ketamine administered group.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged exposure to ketamine resulted in induced oxidative stress in rat heart tissue; concomitant carvacrol application could counteract the negative effects of ketamine by protecting tissues from lipid peroxidation and decreasing the inflammatory response.

Dietary supplemental coated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves growth performance and gut health along with reduces Salmonella load of broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis

BACKGROUND

Reducing Salmonella infection in broiler chickens by using effective and safe alternatives to antibiotics is vital to provide safer poultry meat and minimize the emergence of drug-resistant Salmonella and the spread of salmonellosis to humans. This study was to first evaluate the protective efficacy of feeding coated essential oils and organic acids mixture (EOA) on broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis, SE), and then its action mechanism was further explored.

METHODS

A total of 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned into five treatments with six replicates, including non-challenged control fed with basal diet (A), SE-challenged control (B), and SE-infected birds fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg of EOA (BL), 500 mg/kg of EOA (BM) and 800 mg/kg of EOA (BH), respectively. All birds on challenged groups were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis on d 13.  RESULTS: Feeding EOA showed a reversed ability on negative effects caused by SE infection, as evidenced by decreasing the feed conversion rate (FCR) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) (P < 0.05), obviously decreasing intestinal and internal organs Salmonella load along with increasing cecal butyric acid-producing bacteria abundance (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplemental different levels of EOA notably up-regulated claudin-1 (CLDN-1), occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), mucin-2 (MUC-2), fatty acid binding protein-2 (FABP-2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA levels in the ileum of the infected chickens after challenge, whereas down-regulated toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis (LEfSe) showed that the relative abundance of g_Butyricicoccus, g_Anaerotruncus and g_unclassified_f_Bacillaceae significantly was enriched in infected birds given EOA. Also, phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis showed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the EOA group.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the essential oils and organic acids mixture can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate and alleviate Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broilers.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity, and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Senna italica Extract Used in Traditional Medicine

Medicinal plants such as Senna italica are increasingly used for their purgative virtues to treat stomach aches, fever, and jaundice. This study aims to screen the phytochemical compounds and to assess the antioxidant activity in vitro and the acute oral toxicity in vivo of Senna italica leaves. The plant was harvested, dried, pulverized, and preserved. Phytochemical screening was performed using different laboratory protocols. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts were, respectively, obtained by maceration and decoction technics. The assay for free radical scavenging was used to examine the antioxidant activity using DPPH. Acute oral toxicity was performed with aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 5000 mg/kg of body weight on female albinos Wistar rats, weighing 152.44 ± 3.68 g. Subjects were checked for any signs of mortality and macroscopy toxicity during the 14 days of the study. Biochemical and hematological parameters were measured to assess liver and kidney functions, and histological analysis of these organs was conducted. Phytochemical analysis highlighted the presence of total phenols, flavones, tannins, alkaloids, and quinone derivatives. Semiethanolic (78 μg/mL), ethanolic (9.7 μg/mL), and aqueous extract (9.2 μg/mL) showed an interesting antioxidant activity. Biochemical and hematological parameters were normal and not significantly different (p > 0.05). The plant extracts did not produce any toxic effect or mortality at the provided dose. Senna italica extracts induced an increase in the volume of liver and kidney tissues but no necrosis. Thus, lethal dose 50 of Senna italica leaf extract is probably higher than 5000 mg/kg.

Neuroprotective Potential and Underlying Pharmacological Mechanism of Carvacrol for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases

The phytochemicals have antioxidant properties to counter the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in the central nervous system and can be a promising drug candidate for neurodegenerative diseases. Among various phytochemicals, constituents of spice origin have recently received special attention for neurodegenerative diseases owing to their health benefits, therapeutic potential, edible nature, and dietary accessibility and availability. Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpenoid, has garnered attention in treating and managing various human diseases. It possesses diverse pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are major public health concerns that place a significant financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The global burden of these diseases is expected to increase in the next few decades owing to increasing life expectancies. Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD and PD, and the available drugs only give symptomatic relief. For a long time, oxidative stress has been recognized as a primary contributor to neurodegeneration. Carvacrol enhances memory and cognition by modulating the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and Aβ25-35- induced neurotoxicity in AD. Moreover, it also reduces the production of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine levels in PD, which further prevents the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and improves motor functions. This review highlights carvacrol's potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in managing and treating AD and PD.

Exploration of the binding between cuminol and bovine serum albumin through spectroscopic, molecular docking and molecular dynamics methods

Cuminol (4-Isopropylbenzyl alcohol), found in the essential oils of several plant sources, is an important constituent of several cosmetics formulations. The interaction of cuminol with model plasma protein bovine serum albumin was studied in this paper. The experimental studies were mainly carried out using fluorescence spectrophotometry aided with UV visible and CD spectroscopies. Intrinsic fluorescence measurements showed that there was a weak binding between cuminol and BSA. The mechanism of binding involved static quenching with around 1:1 binding. The binding was chiefly supported by hydrophobic forces although a little contribution of hydrogen bonding was also found in the interaction and the values of enthalpy change were negative with positive entropy change. The secondary structure of BSA didn't change significantly in presence of low concentrations of cuminol, however, partial unfolding of the former taken place when the concentration of the latter increased. Molecular docking analyses showed cuminol binds at the intersection of subdomains IIA and IIIA, i.e. its binding site is in between Sudlow sites I and II. Molecular dynamics simulations results have shown that BSA forms a stable complex with cuminol and the structure of the former didn't change much in presence of later. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Investigation on the Interaction of Cumin Components with Plasma Protein: Assessment of the Comparative Interactions of Aldehyde and Alcohol with Human Serum Albumin

The interaction of the important plasma protein, human serum albumin (HSA), with two monoterpenes found in cumin oil, i.e., cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde) and cuminol (4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol), was studied in this paper. Both experimental and computational methods were utilized to understand the mechanism of binding. The UV absorption profile of HSA changes in the presence of both cuminaldehyde and cuminol, due to the interaction between HSA with both monoterpenes. The intrinsic fluorescence intensity of HSA was also quenched on the sequential addition of both ligands, due to change in the microenvironment of the fluorophore present in the former. Quenching of HSA by cuminaldehyde was much higher in comparison to that in the presence of cuminol. Fluorescence quenching data were analyzed using modified Stern-Volmer and Lineweaver-Burk methods, which suggested that the binding mechanism was of a static type for both ligands. In both cases, the binding was favored by the domination of hydrophobic as well as hydrogen bonding/Van der Waals forces. Both ligands partially unfolded the secondary structure of HSA, although the effect of cuminaldehyde was more pronounced, as compared to cuminol. The preferred binding site of cuminaldehyde and cuminol inside HSA was also the same; namely, drug binding site 1, located in subdomain IIA. The study showed that cuminaldehyde binds strongly with albumin as compared to its alcohol counterpart, which is due to the more hydrophobic nature of the former.

Effects of Dietary Incorporation of Grape Stalks Untreated and Fungi-Treated in Growing Rabbits: A Preliminary Study

Simple Summary

The use of winery by-products as an animal feed ingredient in rabbit production can enhance the sustainability of this livestock sector by reducing feeding costs and simultaneously diminishing environmental problems related to the management of those by-products. White-rot fungi have been studied for the delignification of lignocellulosic materials due to their potential to decrease the content of lignin. In fact, white-rot fungi also improve the nutritional value due to the deposition of bioactive compounds, acting as a possible biological treatment to enhance the nutritive value of grape stalks. The objective of this work was to evaluate the incorporation of untreated grape stalks and fungi-treated grape stalks in rabbits’ diets.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of untreated grape stalks (U_GS) and fungi-treated grape stalks (Lentinula edodes, T_GS) in rabbits’ diets. The control group was fed with a control diet without grape stalks (C), two experimental groups were fed on diets with 5% and 10% incorporation of U_GS (5U_GS and 10U_GS), and two with 5% and 10% incorporation of T_GS (5T_GS and 10T_GS). Rabbits fed with T_GS diets showed higher daily weight gain (p = 0.034), feed conversion rate (p = 0.002), carcass weight (p = 0.038), and reference carcass weight (p = 0.03) when compared to the control diet. Moreover, animals fed with T_GS diets showed an increase in the caecum (p = 0.015) and small intestine (p = 0.021) lengths and in the total volatile fatty acid content (p = 0.005) compared to animals fed U_GS diets. Blood triglyceride levels were lower in animals fed with T_GS diets compared to U_GS (p = 0.005) and C (p ≤ 0.001) diets (12% and 19% lower, respectively), and a trend to lower cholesterol levels was observed (p = 0.071). Meat from rabbits fed with T_GS diets had higher levels of linoleic acid, γ-linolenic, ∑ω-6, ∑PUFA, and ∑PUFA/∑SFA ratio compared to rabbits fed with the C diet. Results indicated that grape stalks (U_GS and T_GS) could be effectively used as an alternative raw material in rabbits’ diets without compromising animal performance.

Molecular insights on chemopreventive and anticancer potential of carvacrol: Implications from solid carcinomas

Globally, cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, estimated to cause 9.9 million deaths in 2020. Conventional cancer treatments commonly involve mono-chemotherapy or a combination of radiotherapy and mono-chemotherapy. However, the negative side effects of these approaches have been extensively reported and have prompted the search for new therapeutic drugs. Over the past few years, numerous dietary agents, medicinal plants, and their phytochemicals gained considerable therapeutic importance because of their anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Recent years have shown that essential oils possess therapeutic effects against numerous cancers. They are primarily used due to their lesser side effects than standard chemotherapeutic drugs. Carvacrol (CRV) is a phenolic monoterpenoid found in essential oils of oregano, thyme, pepperwort, wild bergamot, and other plants. Numerous anticancer reports of CRV substantiated that the main mechanistic action of CRV involves reduction in the viability of cancer cells and induction of apoptosis via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. CRV also obstructs the migration and invasion of cells leading to the suppressed proliferation rate. Furthermore, CRV mediates augmented ROS generation resulting in DNA damage and also halts the progression of cell cycle. Treatment of CRV modulates the expression of apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad) and molecular targets of various signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPKs, and Notch) in multiple solid carcinomas. Hence, this review aimed to acquire and disseminate the knowledge of chemopreventive and anticancer effects of CRV and the mechanisms of action already described for the compound against numerous cancers, including solid carcinomas, to guide future research. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Development and formulation of phytocompound based anticancer drug agents to counteract the aftereffects of chemotherapeutic drugs is a propitious approach. CRV is a monoterpenoid consisting of a phenolic group obtained from the essential oils of oregano and thyme. These plants are being used as food flavoring spice and as fragrance ingredient in various cosmetic formulations. For the use of CRV as an efficient chemopreventive agent, different therapeutic interactions of CRV along with its targeted pathways and molecules, involved in the regulation of onset and progression of various types of solid carcinomas, need to be studied and explored thoroughly.

Mint Oils: In Vitro Ability to Perform Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities and to Enhance Intestinal Barrier Integrity

The objectives of the study were to test the biological activities of peppermint and spearmint oils via (i) measuring in vitro anti-inflammatory effects with porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), (ii) determining the barrier integrity of IPEC-J2 by analyzing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), (iii) testing their antioxidant activities, and (iv) investigating the antimicrobial activity against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18+. Briefly, (i) macrophages were seeded at 10⁶ cells/mL and treated (24 h) with mint oils and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatments were 2 (0 or 1 μg/mL of LPS) × 5 (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL of mint oils). The supernatants were collected for TNF-α and IL-1β measurement by ELISA; (ii) IPEC-J2 cells were seeded at 5 × 10⁵ cells/mL and treated with mint oils (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). TEER (Ωcm²) was measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h; (iii) the antioxidant activity was assessed (0, 1, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 600 mg/mL) using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays; (iv) overnight-grown ETEC F18+ were quantified (CFU/mL) after supplementing with peppermint and spearmint oils (0, 1.44, 2.87, 5.75, 11.50, and 23.00 mg/mL). All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure. Both mint oils significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) IL-1β and TNF-α secretion from LPS-stimulated PAMs. Mint oil treatments did not affect TEER in IPEC-J2. Spearmint and peppermint oils exhibited (p < 0.05) strong antioxidant activities in DPPH and reducing power assays. Both mint oils also dose-dependently inhibited (p < 0.05) the growth of ETEC F18+ in vitro. The results of the study indicated that both mint oils are great candidate feed additives due to their in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy in vivo.

Utilization of environmentally friendly essential oils on enhancing the postharvest characteristics of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cut flowers

Chrysanthemum is one of the most consumed and most valuable cut flowers worldwide. In this study, the effectiveness of three concentrations of either thyme oil (300,400 and 500 mg/l) or clove oil (150,250 and 500 mg/l) as additives in holding the postharvest solutions of chrysanthemum ‘‘Arctic Queen White’’ cut flowers were investigated. The experiments were carried out as a completely randomized design in three replicates. Many postharvest characteristics have been evaluated, such as the vase life of cut flowers, diameters of head flowers and stem, dry matter of flowers, total vase water uptake, total loss of water, relative fresh weight. Additionally, the chlorophyll contents, total sugar, and bacterial counts were determined. The results showed that the longest vase life of cut chrysanthemum was 36.50, 33.40 days, and 35.88, 31.33 days by addition of either the thyme oil (500 mg/l) or clove oil (250 mg/l) in holding solution as compared with distilled water (18.09 and 17.22 days) in both seasons. The highest total vase water uptake and relative fresh weight were (225.00, 211.05 g/flower/day) and (79.89, 70.37 %) of cut chrysanthemum treated with 500 mg/l thyme oil in both seasons. Whereas the lowest total water loss in the two seasons was 155.11 and 156.60 g/flower/day was found with 400 mg/l thyme oil. The greatest chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, and total sugar contents obtained from treated cut chrysanthemum with 500 mg/l thyme oil (6.89, 2.37, 5.99 mg/g, and 0.88 mg/gm D.W, respectively). Furthermore, the treatment of cut flowers with selected oils has significantly decreased the bacterial growth compared to the control. Whereas the minimum bacterial activities were <1 C.F.U/ml with cut chrysanthemum fortified with 500 mg/l thyme and clove oils. Moreover, the superlative treatments with thyme (500 mg/l) and clove (250 mg/l) showed a prime state of xylem vessels comparable with the control.thus, the usage (addition) of thyme and clove oils as a natural preservative in holding solutions instead of chemicals would be of great economic and environmental impact (Values).

Modeling the effect of heat treatment on fatty acid composition in home-made olive oil preparations

The aim of this study was to simulate olive oil use and to monitor changes in the profile of fatty acids in home-made preparations using olive oil, which involve repeated heat treatment cycles. The material used in the experiment consisted of extra virgin and refined olive oil samples. Fatty acid profiles of olive oil samples were monitored after each heating cycle (10 min). The outcomes showed that cycles of heat treatment cause significant (p < 0.05) differences in the fatty acid profile of olive oil. A similar trend of differences (p < 0.05) was found between fatty acid profiles in extra virgin and refined olive oils. As expected, the main differences occurred in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Cross-correlation analysis also showed differences between the fatty acid profiles. The most prolific changes were observed between the control samples and the heated (at 180°C) samples of refined olive oil in PUFAs, though a heating temperature of 220°C resulted in similar decrease in MUFAs and PUFAs, in both extra virgin and refined olive oil samples. The study showed differences in fatty acid profiles that can occur during the culinary heating of olive oil. Furthermore, the study indicated that culinary heating of extra virgin olive oil produced results similar to those of the refined olive oil heating at a lower temperature below 180°C.

Effect of polyphenol extract on performance, serum biochemistry, skin pigmentation and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens fed with different cereal sources under hot-humid conditions

This study investigated the interaction between polyphenols with different cereal sources and their effects on performance, serum biochemistry, corticosterone levels and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens reared under hot-humid environment. Newly hatched coloured broiler chicks (n = 240) were randomly divided into six groups with five replicates of two different cereal sources, namely corn and broken rice-sorghum combined, and three levels of pomegranate peel polyphenol extracts (PPP) 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg in each cereal groups. Birds were maintained under standard management conditions for six weeks during hot-humid environment (Temperature: 29-36 °C; Relative Humidity: 69-80%). Fortnight body weight and feed consumption were recorded and serum biochemical constituents were estimated at 28 and 42 days of age. The body weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in broken rice-sorghum diet than in corn diet. The supplementation of polyphenols increased the skin and shank pigmentation. Serum protein, lipids and minerals showed significant difference due to cereals, polyphenols and their interactions. Corn-fed birds had significantly higher visceral organs weight than the alternate grain-fed broilers. The serum corticosterone levels were significantly reduced in the PPP supplemented groups than the control, it could be concluded that, supplementation of 50 mg/kg polyphenol extract from pomegranate peels improved production performance in broilers fed broken rice-sorghum as cereal source under hot-humid conditions.

Natural Compounds Rosmarinic Acid and Carvacrol Counteract Aluminium-Induced Oxidative Stress

Aluminum accumulation, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in erythrocytes and brain and liver homogenates of BALB/c mice treated with Al3+ (7.5 mg/kg/day (0.15 LD50) as AlCl3 (37.08 mg/kg/day), whereas HCl (30.41 mg/kg/day) was used as Cl- control, the treatments were performed for 21 days, i.p., in the presence and absence of rosmarinic acid (0.2805 mg/kg/day (0.05 LD50), 21 days, i.g.) or carvacrol (0.0405 mg/kg/day (0.05 LD50), 21 days, i.g.). The treatment with AlCl3 increased GSH concentration in erythrocytes only slightly and had no effect on brain and liver homogenates. Rosmarinic acid and carvacrol strongly increased GSH concentration in erythrocytes but decreased it in brain and liver homogenates. However, AlCl3 treatment led to Al accumulation in mice blood, brain, and liver and induced oxidative stress, assessed based on MDA concentration in the brain and liver. Both rosmarinic acid and carvacrol were able to counteract the negative Al effect by decreasing its accumulation and protecting tissues from lipid peroxidation. AlCl3 treatment increased CAT activity in mice brain and liver homogenates, whereas the administration of either rosmarinic acid or carvacrol alone or in combination with AlCl3 had no significant effect on CAT activity. SOD activity remained unchanged after all the treatments in our study. We propose that natural herbal phenolic compounds rosmarinic acid and carvacrol could be used to protect brain and liver against aluminum induced oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation.

Antioxidant Activity of Natural Allylpolyalkoxybenzene Plant Essential Oil Constituents

Free-radical-scavenging capacity antioxidant and membrane-protective properties of natural and related synthetic allylpolyalkoxybenzenes with different numbers of alkoxy/methoxy groups in the aromatic ring were evaluated using several in vitro models. These included the DPPH assay, inhibition of lipid peroxidation products accumulation, inhibition of H₂O₂-induced hemolysis, and oxidation of oxyhemoglobin. A synthetic protocol for the synthesis of natural nothoapiol (9) from a parsley seed metabolite, apiol (7), was developed. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that both the methylenedioxy fragment and methoxy groups in the aromatic ring are favorable for antioxidant activity. Hydroxyapiol (14), containing a hydroxy group in the aromatic core, was identified as the most potent compound. The pentaalkoxy-substituted nothoapiol (9) showed antioxidant activity in mouse brain homogenates, whereas in mouse erythrocytes it exhibited a marked pro-oxidant effect. Despite their low free-radical-scavenging capacity, allylpolyalkoxybenzenes can contribute to the total antioxidant potencies of plant essential oils.

Combined Effect of Vacuum Packaging, Fennel and Savory Essential Oil Treatment on the Quality of Chicken Thighs

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of chicken thighs after treatment by fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oil, stored under vacuum packaging (VP) at 4 ± 0.5 °C for a period of 16 days. The following treatments of chicken thighs were used: Air-packaging control samples (APCS), vacuum-packaging control samples (VPC), vacuum-packaging (VP) control samples with rapeseed oil (VPRO), VP (vacuum-packaging) with fennel essential oil at concentrations 0.2% v/w (VP + F), and VP with savory essential oil at concentration 0.2% v/w (VP + S). The quality assessment of APCS, VPC, VPRO, VP + F and VP + S products was established by microbiological analysis. The microbiological parameters as the total viable counts of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Pseudomonas spp. were detected. Bacterial species were identified with the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The combination of essential oils and vacuum packaging had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the reduction of total viable counts (TVC) compared with control group without vacuum packaging and the untreated control group. Though 15 genera and 46 species were isolated with scores higher than 2.3 from the chicken samples.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Eriobotrya japonica Leaf Extract and Its Various Fractions against Carbon Tetra Chloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Eriobotrya japonica is traditionally used as an antipyretic, digestive, and diuretic agent. Its flowers possess free radical-scavenging, antioxidative, and hepatoprotective effects. We investigated the hepatoprotective potential of E. japonica leaf extract and its various fractions against hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver injury was stimulated by the oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄; 2.5 mL/kg b.wt.). Male albino rats (n = 55) were distributed arbitrarily into 11 groups: Group I, normal control group; Group II, CCl₄ (positive control group); Group III, CCl₄ + silymarin; Groups IV and V, CCl₄ + two doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of the 80% methanolic extract of E. japonica leaves, respectively; Groups VI and VII, CCl₄ + 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate fraction, respectively; Groups VIII and IX, CCl₄ + 250 and 500 mg/kg of the butanol fraction, respectively; and Groups X and XI, CCl₄ + 250 and 500 mg/kg of the aqueous fraction of E. Japonica leaves, respectively. CCl₄-treated rats that were given 250 or 500 mg/kg of the methanol extract of E. Japonica leaves, or its ethyl acetate, butanol, or aqueous fractions, had significantly lower levels of biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphate, total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and bilirubin levels than those of the CCl₄ positive group. However, the extract and fractions did not significantly affect lipid profiles. Thus, we conclude that Eriobotrya leaf extract and its fractions have a hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Phytochemicals as antibiotic alternatives to promote growth and enhance host health

There are heightened concerns globally on emerging drug-resistant superbugs and the lack of new antibiotics for treating human and animal diseases. For the agricultural industry, there is an urgent need to develop strategies to replace antibiotics for food-producing animals, especially poultry and livestock. The 2nd International Symposium on Alternatives to Antibiotics was held at the World Organization for Animal Health in Paris, France, December 12-15, 2016 to discuss recent scientific developments on strategic antibiotic-free management plans, to evaluate regional differences in policies regarding the reduction of antibiotics in animal agriculture and to develop antibiotic alternatives to combat the global increase in antibiotic resistance. More than 270 participants from academia, government research institutions, regulatory agencies, and private animal industries from >25 different countries came together to discuss recent research and promising novel technologies that could provide alternatives to antibiotics for use in animal health and production; assess challenges associated with their commercialization; and devise actionable strategies to facilitate the development of alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) without hampering animal production. The 3-day meeting consisted of four scientific sessions including vaccines, microbial products, phytochemicals, immune-related products, and innovative drugs, chemicals and enzymes, followed by the last session on regulation and funding. Each session was followed by an expert panel discussion that included industry representatives and session speakers. The session on phytochemicals included talks describing recent research achievements, with examples of successful agricultural use of various phytochemicals as antibiotic alternatives and their mode of action in major agricultural animals (poultry, swine and ruminants). Scientists from industry and academia and government research institutes shared their experience in developing and applying potential antibiotic-alternative phytochemicals commercially to reduce AGPs and to develop a sustainable animal production system in the absence of antibiotics.

Non-antibiotic feed additives in diets for pigs: A review

A number of feed additives are marketed to assist in boosting the pigs' immune system, regulate gut microbiota, and reduce negative impacts of weaning and other environmental challenges. The most commonly used feed additives include acidifiers, zinc and copper, prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast products, nucleotides, and plant extracts. Inclusion of pharmacological levels of zinc and copper, certain acidifiers, and several plant extracts have been reported to result in improved pig performance or improved immune function of pigs. It is also possible that use of prebiotics, direct-fed microbials, yeast, and nucleotides may have positive impacts on pig performance, but results have been less consistent and there is a need for more research in this area.

Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of Vanillin through Low-Defect Graphene Electrodes Modified with Au Nanoparticles

Graphene is an excellent modifier for the surface modification of electrochemical electrodes due to its exceptional physical properties and, for the development of graphene-based chemical and biosensors, is usually coated on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) via drop casting. However, the ease of aggregation and high defect content of reduced graphene oxides degrade the electrical properties. Here, we fabricated low-defect graphene electrodes by catalytically thermal treatment of HPHT diamond substrate, followed by the electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an average size of ≈60 nm on the electrode surface using cyclic voltammetry. The Au nanoparticle-decorated graphene electrodes show a wide linear response range to vanillin from 0.2 to 40 µM with a low limit of detection of 10 nM. This work demonstrates the potential applications of graphene-based hybrid electrodes for highly sensitive chemical detection.

Safranal and its analogs inhibit Escherichia coli ATP synthase and cell growth

Safranal, a dominant component of saffron, is known to have antitumor, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties. In this study, we examined safranal and its structural analogs-thymol, carvacrol, damascenone, cuminol, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione (TMCHD), 4-isopropylbenzyl bromide (IPBB), and 4-tert-butylphenol (TBP) induced inhibition of Escherichia coli membrane bound F1Fo ATP synthase. Safranal and its analogs inhibited wild-type enzyme to variable degrees. While safranal caused 100% inhibition of wild-type F1Fo ATP synthase, only about 50% inhibition occurred for αR283D mutant ATP synthase. Moreover, safranal, thymol, carvacrol, damascenone, cuminol, TMCHD, IPBB, and TBP all fully abrogated the growth of wild-type E. coli cells and had partial or no effect on the growth of null and mutant E. coli strains. Therefore, the antimicrobial properties of safranal, thymol, carvacrol, damascenone, cuminol, TMCHD, IPBB, and TBP can be linked to their binding and inhibition of ATP synthase. Total loss of growth in wild-type and partial or no growth loss in null or mutant E. coli strains demonstrates that ATP synthase is a molecular target for safranal and its structural analogs. Partial inhibition of the αArg-283 mutant enzyme establishes that αArg-283 residue is required in the polyphenol binding pocket of ATP synthase for the binding of safranal. Furthermore, partial growth loss for the null and mutant strains in the presence of inhibitors also suggests the role of other targets and residues in the process of inhibition.

Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium p -Chloro- m -Cresol, p -Chloro- m -Cresol, Chlorothymol, Mixed Cresols, m -Cresol, o -Cresol, p -Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, o -Cymen-5-ol, and Carvacrol1

Sodium p -Chloro- m -Cresol, p -Chloro- m -Cresol (PCMC), Mixed Cresols, m -Cresol, o -Cresol, p -Cresol, Isopropyl Cresols, Thymol, Chlorothymol, o -Cymen-5-ol, and Carvacrol are substituted phenols used as cosmetic biocides/preservatives and/or fragrance ingredients. Only PCMC, Thymol, and o -Cymen-5-ol are reported to be in current use, with the highest concentration of use at 0.5% for o -Cymen-5-ol in perfumes. The use of PCMC in cosmetics is restricted in Europe and Japan. Cresols can be absorbed through skin, the respiratory tract, and the digestive tract; metabolized by the liver; and excreted by the kidney as glucuronide and sulfate metabolites. Several of these cresols increase the dermal penetration of other agents, including azidothymidine. In acute oral toxicity studies, LD50 values were in the 200 to 5000 mg/kg day-1 range across several species. In short-term studies in rats and mice, an o -Cresol, m -Cresol, p -Cresol or m -Cresol/ p -Cresol mixture at 30,000 ppm in the diet produced increases in liver and kidney weights, deficits in liver function, bone marrow hypocellularity, irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and nasal epithelia, and atrophy of female reproductive organs. The no observed effect levels (NOEL) of o -Cresol was 240 mg/kg in mink and 778 mg/kg in ferrets in short-term feeding studies, with no significant dose-related toxicity (excluding body weight parameters). In mice, 0.5% p -Cresol, but neither m -Cresol nor o -Cresol, caused loss of pigmentation. Short-term and subchronic oral toxicity tests performed with various cresols using mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits resulted in no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for mice of 625 ppm and rats of 50 mg/kg day -1, although the NOEL was 2000 ppm ina chronic study using rats. In rabbits, 160 mg/kg PCMC was found to produce irritation and erythema, but no systemic effects. Hamsters dosed with 1.5% p -Cresol in diet for 20 weeks had a greater incidence of mild and moderate forestomach hyperplasia as compared to the control. Acute inhalation toxicity studies using rats yielded LC50 values ranging from > 20 mg/m3 for o -Cresol to > 583 mg/m3 for PCMC. No deaths were recorded in mice given o -Cresol at 50 mg/m3. Cats exposed (short-term) to 9 to 50 mg/m3 of o -Cresol developed inflammation and irritation of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage and perivascular sclerosis in the lungs. Rats exposed (subchronic) to o -Cresol at 9 mg/m3 had changes in leukocytes, spinal cord smears, nervous activity, liver function, blood effects, clinical signs, and neurological effects. In guinea pigs, exposure to 9 mg/m3 produced changes in hemoglobin concentrations and electrocardiograms (EKGs). Rats exposed (subchronic) to 0.05 mg/m3 Mixed Cresols by inhalation exhibited central nervous system (CNS) excitation, denaturation of lung protein, and decreased weight gain. All cresols appear to be ocular irritants. Numerous sensitization studies have been reported and most positive reactions were seen with higher concentrations of Cresol ingredients. Developmental toxicity is seen in studies of m -Cresol, o -Cresol, and p -Cresol, but only at maternally toxic levels. In a reproductive toxicity study of a mixture of m -Cresol and p -Cresol using mice under a continuous breeding protocol, 1.0% caused minimal adult reproductive and significant postnatal toxicity in the presence of systemic maternal toxicity. The o -Cresol NOAEL was 0.2% for both reproductive and general toxicity in both generations. Cresol ingredients were generally nongenotoxic in bacterial, fruit fly, and mammalian cell assays. Thymol did not induce primary lung tumors in mice. No skin tumors were found in mice exposed dermally to m -Cresol, o -Cresol, or p -Cresol for 12 weeks. In the tryphan blue exclusion assay, antitumor effects were observed for Thymol and Carvacrol. Clinical patch testing with 2% PCMC may produce irritant reactions, particularly in people with multiple patch test reactions, that are misinterpreted as allergic responses. o -Cresol, p -Cresol, Thymol, Carvacrol, and o -Cymen-5-ol caused no dermal irritation at or above use concentrations. In two predictive patch tests, PCMC did not produce a sensitization reaction. Overall, these ingredients are not significant sensitizing or photosensitizing agents. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel noted some of these ingredients may increase the penetration of other cosmetic ingredients and advised cosmetic formulators to take this into consideration. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the toxic effects of these ingredients are observed at doses higher than would be available from cosmetics. A concentration limitation of 0.5% was chosen to ensure the absence of a chemical leukoderma effect. For p -Cresol and Mixed Cresols (which contain p -Cresol), the Panel considered that the available data are insufficient to support the safety of these two ingredients in cosmetics. Studies that would demonstrate no chemical leukoderma at concentrations of use of p -Cresol and Mixed Cresols, or would demonstrate a dose response from which a safe concentration could be derived, are needed.

Antimycobacterial mechanism of vanillin involves disruption of cell-surface integrity, virulence attributes, and iron homeostasis

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global threat, claiming one-third of the population annually. The ever increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is the major impediment to effective anti-TB therapy. Under such circumstances, deciphering the antimycobacterial potential of natural compounds has gained considerable prominence. This study evaluated the antimycobacterial activity of vanillin (Van), a natural food-flavoring agent and preservative, along with its potential mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Drug susceptibilities were performed using broth microdilution, spot, and filter-disc assays. Membrane damage was studied by nitrocefin hydrolysis and electron microscopy. Virulence attributes were assessed by biofilm formation and cell adherence. Iron availability was estimated by enzymatic (ferroxidase) assay.

RESULTS

We found that the antimycobacterial activity of Van against Mycobacterium smegmatis (a surrogate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is 125μg/mL. Additionally, we observed disruption of membrane homeostasis in the presence of Van, as revealed by enhanced membrane permeability and transmission electron microscopy images showing a disturbed cell envelope. Concomitant with our findings, we also observed that Van leads to enhanced drug susceptibility to membrane targeting known anti-TB drugs. Furthermore, Van affects significant virulence traits of Mycobacterium by inhibiting biofilm formation and cell adhesion. Finally, we observed that Van disrupted iron homeostasis as displayed by hypersensitivity to iron deprivation.

CONCLUSION

The results established for the first time that Van could be an effective antimycobacterial agent that could be exploited further in treating mycobacterial infections.

Ammoides pusilla (Brot.) Breistr. from Algeria: Effect of harvesting place and plant part (leaves and flowers) on the essential oils chemical composition and antioxidant activity

The chemical variability and antioxidant activity of the flower and leaf essential oils (EOs) of Ammoides pusilla, collected at Algeria was evaluated. The EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS, Reducing Power and TBARS assays. Oxygen-containing monoterpenes (54-77%) dominated all but one A. pusilla leaf EOs, and in two flower EOs (53% both). Thymol dominated in practically all leaf and flowers EOs, but cumin alcohol, p-cymene and limonene attained also relatively high percentages in some EOs. A strong negative correlation (p<0.01) between IC50 values of ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl scavenging activity and the percentages of p-cymene and cumin alcohol present in EOs were observed, showing that higher levels of these monoterpenes were responsible for the best activities found. In spite of this finding, the antagonism and/or synergism between EO components must be taken into account, since the EO activity can only be considered as a whole. Moreover, given the EOs chemical variability their use as antioxidants, should be preceded by their chemical evaluation.

Chemical composition and antibiofilm activity of Petroselinum crispum and Ocimum basilicum essential oils against Vibrio spp. strains

In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of parsley and basilic essential oils tested against Vibrio strains and their abilities to inhibit and eradicate the mature biofilm using the XTT assay. Petroselinum crispum essential oil was characterized by 1,3,8-p-menthatriene (24.2%), β-phellandrene (22.8%), apiol (13.2%), myristicin (12.6%) and terpinolene (10.3%) as a major constituents. While, in the basilic oil, linalool (42.1%), (E)-methylcinnamate (16.9%) and 1-8 cineole (7.6%) were the main ones. These two essential oils exhibit high anti-Vibrio spp. activity with varying magnitudes. All microorganisms were strongly affected indicating an appreciable antimicrobial potential of basilic with a diameter of inhibition zones growth ranging from 8.67 to 23.33 mm and MIC and MBC values ranging from (0.023-0.047 mg/ml) and (>3->24 mg/ml), respectively. The two essential oils can inhibit and eradicate the mature biofilm formed on polystyrene surface even at low concentrations, with high magnitude for Ocimum basilicum essential oil. This study gives a better insight into the anti-Vibrio activity of parsley and basilc oils and the possibility of their use to prevent and eradicate contamination of sea products by these strains.

The effects of different levels of peppermint alcoholic extract on body-weight gain and blood biochemical parameters of adult male Wistar rats

Introduction

Peppermint is an efficient medicinal plant for the treatment of diseases, and it also can be used to produce raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of various levels of peppermint alcoholic extract on body-weight gain and blood biochemical parameters in adult male Wistar rats.

Methods

This experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). Fifty adult, healthy, male Wistar rats (ages of 2.5–3 months; weights of 190–210 g) were allocated randomly into five groups. T1 was the control group in which the rats received 0.3 ml of distilled water). Groups T2, T3, T4, and T5 received 75, 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of peppermint extract, respectively. The rats received daily pretreatment by oral gavages for 21 days. We recorded body weights at the beginning and at the end of the study to determine the changes in the body weights. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, albumin, globulin, and total protein. Statistical analysis of the data was done by SAS software. The data statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), which was conducted through Dennett’s multiple comparison post-test.

Results

The results indicated that the rats treated with peppermint gained more weight (p < 0.05) and also decreased the serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and glucose in T3, T4 and T5 than the other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Peppermint extract had a positive effect on body-weight gain and some blood parameters in adult male Wistar rats. The findings showed that peppermint is a crucial substance at high temperature, and future research should be focused on determining the details of the mechanisms involved in producing the observed effects of peppermint extract.

Effect of Lemongrass Essential Oil Vapors on Microbial Dynamics and Listeria monocytogenes Survival on Rocket and Melon Stored under Different Packaging Conditions and Temperatures

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of lemongrass essential oil vapors on the dynamics of surface microbiota and L. monocytogenes growth on rocket and melon under different packaging conditions and storage temperature. For that purpose, rocket and melon were placed on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) trays, sprayed with L. monocytogenes to a population of 4.5–5.0 log CFU·g⁻¹, packaged using microperforated Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) film in either air or Microperforated Active Modified Atmosphere (MAMA) (initial atmosphere 5% O₂, 10% CO₂) including a Whatman paper containing the essential oil, without contact with the product, and stored at 0, 5, 10, and 15 °C. Application of lemongrass exhibited a bactericidal effect on enterococci and a fungistatic effect on yeast-mould populations but only during air storage of rocket. The former took place at all temperatures and the latter only at 10 and 15 °C. No effect on shelf life of both products was recorded. However, an important effect on the sensorial properties was observed; during the first 4–5 days of storage both products were organoleptically unacceptable. Regarding MAMA packaging, it affected only Pseudomonas spp. population resulting in a reduction of 1–2 log CFU·g⁻¹ in both products.

Characterization of Essential Oil Components from Aromatic Plants that Grow Wild in the “Piana del Sele” (Salerno, Southern Italy) using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Essential oils from Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Melissa officinalis and Mentha spicata growing wild in the “Piana del Sele” (Salerno, Southern Italy) have been extracted by hydro-distillation, quantified and characterized by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (FID) and mass-spectrometry (MS). Sixty-nine compounds were identified and classified according to their chemical classes. The results showed that the composition of the essential oils was extremely variable and specific for each botanical species. Hydrocarbons were the most abundant class in all essential oils except for sage where aldehydes and ketones were the most representative compounds. Only for thyme was a higher content of alcohols found.

A Review of the Benefits of Satureja Species on Metabolic Syndrome and Their Possible Mechanisms of Action

Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance disorder, is the simultaneous manifestation of multiple metabolic disorders in an individual. The present-day complementary and alternative therapies suggest several medicinal herbs that may have the potential to improve one or multiple complications of metabolic syndrome. All of them have their own limitations in efficacy and unwanted effects. Therefore, we reviewed species of Satureja as widespread medicinal herbs and potentially good remedies for metabolic syndrome. We reviewed literature found in PubMed and the ISI Web of Knowledge with the key word Satureja in the title. The influence of any species of Satureja on any disease or syndrome, enzymatic, metabolic, or physiological pathways, in human, animals, or in vitro conditions related to any characteristics of metabolic syndrome were considered. The main outcomes of treatment with Satureja species were categorized, and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed in this article.

Assessment of ototoxicity of tea tree oil in a chinchilla animal model

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of tea tree oil on hearing function and cochlear morphology after intratympanic administration in a chinchilla animal model.

METHODS

Nine chinchillas received intratympanic injection of 3% tea tree oil dissolved in olive oil in one ear, whereas the contralateral control ear received olive oil only. Outcome measures included auditory brainstem responses conducted before treatment and at 10 days and 30 days following the injection. Post-mortem cochlear morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

At 10 and 30 days following the injection, there was no significant change in auditory brain response thresholds at 8, 16, 20 or 25kHz. Scanning electron microscopy imaging showed no damage to auditory hair cells.

CONCLUSION

Tea tree oil (3%) does not appear to be ototoxic in a chinchilla animal model. Future preclinical and clinical studies are required to establish the effectiveness of TTO in treating otitis.