Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activity of (+)-α-pinene: structural and enantiomeric selectivity

Forest terpenes and stress: Examining the associations of filtered vs. non-filtered air in a real-life natural environment

Human health may benefit from exposure to a class of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) consisting of isoprene units, known as terpenes. In this double-blind, randomized crossover trial, participants sat in a forest for two 60-min sessions, one in which terpenes were filtered out of the ambient air they breathed, and another in which they were not, separated by a minimum of an eight-day washout period. The primary outcome was the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability (HRV; measured continuously). Secondary outcomes included skin conductance levels (SCL) (measured continuously), self-reported stress and affect (measured every 20 min), blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol and inflammatory cytokines (measured before and after sessions). Serum concentrations of terpenes (measured before and after sessions) were also assessed to investigate the association of absorbed dose with these outcomes. We did not observe a significant association of filter condition with most outcomes; although the trends for affect, systolic blood pressure, cortisol, TNF-α, and CRP were all in the hypothesized direction. We did observe a significant association with interleukin-6, which was -0.19 pg/mL lower in the terpenes-on vs. terpenes-off condition, adjusted for baseline (95 % CI: -0.35, -0.03); and SCL over the session as a whole. A sensitivity analysis of the subset of data from participants who completed both conditions supports these findings and revealed additional significant associations with SCL (95 % CI: -1.87, -0.05); and TNF-α (95 % CI: -2.63, -0.10). To our knowledge, this is the first RCT to filter terpenes from ambient air during forest contact.

The effects of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Fruit oil on primary knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pistacia atlantica Desf. (Baneh) is a native tree in many areas of Iran such as Zagros mountains and Sistan va Baluchestan Province. It is famous mostly due to its oleo-gum resin and there are many studies on its effects on gastrointestinal disorders and musculoskeletal problems. However, the oil from its fruits is also of use in local communities as a part of their food and for therapeutic purposes such as analgesic effects on joint pains.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Osteoarthritis is a widespread form of joint pain in older adults. This double-blinded randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of Baneh fruit oil on knee osteoarthritis with topical diclofenac.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-two patients with primary knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into two groups and asked to rub a fingertip of Baneh ointment or diclofenac on their knee 3 times a day for four weeks. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were completed at the beginning, fourth and eighth weeks. The data was analyzed in SPSS software and intention to treat (ITT) analysis was performed. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks, all parameters improved significantly in both groups but the pain (based on VAS and KOOS), activity, and quality-of-life showed statistically more improvement in the Baneh group (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.009, respectively). Four weeks after stopping the interventions, all parameters in both groups were still significantly better than the baseline (P ≤ 0.05). However, improvement in pain (VAS and KOOS) and activity was stayed better in the Baneh group (P = 0.028, P = 0.001, and P = 018, respectively). Only one case of temporary itching was reported.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that Baneh oil had a positive effect on relieving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, however, more clinical trials with longer duration of treatment and larger sample sizes are recommended.

Evaluating the Potential Immunostimulatory Effects of Cryptomeria japonica Leaf Essential Oil on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)

This study investigated the effects of Cryptomeria japonica leaf essential oil (CjLEO) on honey bee health, focusing on both toxicity and gene expression modulation. Initial toxicity assessments revealed that high concentrations of CjLEO (75 and 100 ppm) were lethal to honey bees, resulting in complete mortality within a short period. Conversely, a lower concentration of 10 ppm exhibited no significant toxic effects, prompting further investigation into its sublethal impacts. Transcriptome analysis via next-generation sequencing demonstrated that CjLEO at 10 ppm induced significant changes in honey bee gene expression compared to the control group. Principal component analysis (PCA) and differential gene expression (DEG) analysis identified more than 9,000 genes, with notable upregulation of immune-related genes, including hymenoptaecin, abaecin, and apidaecin1. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with immune responses, such as defense and innate immune pathways. The chemical composition of CjLEO, characterized by GC-MS, identified 16 compounds, with major components including α-pinene, elemol, α-eudesmol, and kaur-16-ene. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial properties, which likely contribute to the observed immunomodulatory effects. CjLEO at a concentration of 10 ppm enhances honey bee immunity without exhibiting significant toxicity, positioning it a promising candidate for improving honey bee resilience against pathogens. Future research should investigate the mechanisms of immune activation and optimize application methods for practical beekeeping, aiming to improve colony health while reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals.

Ethnobotany, bioactive compounds and pharmacology of Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants possess the ability to synthesize a diverse array of primary and secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are of great importance as a result of their status as natural substances that have the potential to provide therapeutic benefits for human health. Due to its many uses in traditional medicine, Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC extracts have been the subject of numerous pharmacological studies. African traditional medicine uses it to treat a variety of ailments, including epilepsy, diarrhea, stomach pain, malaria, coughs, fractures, wounds, asthma, sore throats, intercostal pain, and as a tonic. No comprehensive reviews of S. guineense have been found, according to our literature search. Consider the great potential of S. guineense to serve as valuable sources of discovery of medicinal substances.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study compiles ethnobotany, bioactive compounds, and pharmacology of Syzygium guineense.

METHODS

Research publications have been searched utilizing the following platforms: Elsevier, Springer, Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, Pub med, and Scopus. Research the terms "Syzygium guineense," "chemical composition," "antioxidant," "antibacterial," "anti-diabetic," "anticancer" and any other relevant terms.

RESULTS

Traditionally, S. guineense parts has been used to cure thirty different diseases including malaria, cough and diabetes among others. Contains 205 different compounds between the class of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and many more. From the pharmacological point of view, it has been reported to possess strong antibacterial, antimalarial, antihypertensive, anti-tuberculosis, anthelmintic, anti-venom, antiulcer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. No observable toxic effect was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

This review showcases the various biological activities together with its safety profile back up the traditional uses and point to the possible use of the S. guineense compound as a natural therapeutic tool. To confirm the results of preclinical studies, additional well-designed clinical trials are required to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of S. guineense in humans.

Anti-inflammatory effects of phytocannabinoids and terpenes on inflamed Tregs and Th17 cells in vitro

AIMS

Phytocannabinoids and terpenes from Cannabis sativa have demonstrated limited anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in several inflammatory conditions. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that phytocannabinoids exert immunomodulatory effects in vitro by decreasing inflammatory cytokine expression and activation.

KEY METHODS

CD3/CD28 and lipopolysaccharide activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors (n = 6) were treated with phytocannabinoid compounds and terpenes in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to determine regulatory T cell (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses to treatments. Cell pellets were harvested for qRT-PCR gene expression analysis of cytokines, cell activation markers, and inflammation-related receptors. Cell culture supernatants were analysed by ELISA to quantify IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 secretion.

MAIN FINDINGS

In an initial screen of 20 μM cannabinoids and terpenes which were coded to blind investigators, cannabigerol (GL4a), caryophyllene oxide (GL5a) and gamma-terpinene (GL6a) significantly reduced cytotoxicity and gene expression levels of IL6, IL10, TNF, TRPV1, CNR1, HTR1A, FOXP3, RORC and NFKΒ1. Tetrahydrocannabinol (GL7a) suppression of T cell activation was associated with downregulation of RORC and NFKΒ1 gene expression and reduced IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and IL10 (p < 0.01) secretion. Cannabidiol (GL1b) significantly suppressed activation of Tregs (p < 0.05) and Th17 cells (p < 0.05) in a follow-on in vitro dose-response study. IL-6 (p < 0.01) and IL-10 (p < 0.01) secretion was significantly reduced with 50 μM cannabidiol.

SIGNIFICANCE

The study provides the first evidence that cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol suppress extracellular expression of both anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines in an in vitro PBMC model of inflammation.

Pinewood VOC emissions protect from oxazolone-induced inflammation and dysbiosis in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis

Pinewood, increasingly used in construction and interior fittings, emits high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which tend to accumulate in indoor air. Whether indoor VOCs affect the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) is a matter of debate. We aimed to evaluate the effects of pinewood VOCs on the development of AD-like inflammatory phenotype and linked microbiome alterations, both hallmarks of AD. An oxazolone-induced mouse model of AD was exposed to three different VOC concentrations emitted by pinewood plates throughout the experiment. The disease course and associated immunological and microbiological changes were evaluated. To validate and translate our results to humans, human keratinocytes were exposed to a synthetic pinewood VOCs mixture in an AD environment. Pinewood emitted mainly terpenes, which at a total concentration of 5 mg/m3 significantly improved oxazolone-induced key AD parameters, such as serum total IgE, transepidermal water loss, barrier gene alteration, inflammation, and dysbiosis. Notably, exposure to pinewood VOCs restored the loss of microbial richness and inhibit Staphylococci expansion characteristic of the oxazolone-induced mouse AD model. Most beneficial effects of pinewood VOCs were dose-dependent. In fact, lower (<3 mg/m3) or higher (>10 mg/m3) pinewood VOC levels maintained only limited beneficial effects, such as preserving the microbiome richness or impeding Staphylococci expansion, respectively. In the human in-vitro model, exposure of keratinocytes grown in an AD environment to a pinewood VOCs mixture reduced the release of inflammatory markers. In conclusion, our results indicate that airborne phytochemicals emitted from pinewood have beneficial effects on an AD-like phenotype and associated dysbiosis. These investigations highlight the effects of terpenes as environmental compounds in the prevention and/or control of atopic skin disease.

Comparative Studies of Essential Oil Composition and Biological Activities of Callistemon citrinus from Western Himalaya

This work described a comprehensive study to estimate chemical constituents of essential oils (EOs) extracted from different parts of the Callistemon citrinus viz: fruits, leaves and aerial part. The EOs were characterized using physicochemical parameters, and GC-FID/MS. It was observed that among different parts, aerial part has the highest oil yield (0.90 %) followed by leaves and fruits. Further, seventeen compounds were characterized, and represented total amount (97.2-99.5 %) with domination of monoterpenes (12.5-34.6 %) and oxygenated monoterpenes hydrocarbon (61.8-86.8 %). α-pinene (11.8-24.7 %), α-phellandrene (1.2-3.0 %), p-cymene (3.3-3.9 %) and 1,8-cineole (58.3-85.1 %) were found as major compounds in C. citrinus samples. These major compounds are the quality chemical markers of C. citrinus oil. The findings revealed significant quantitative variations in EO composition of samples and were also clearly supported by multivariate statistical analysis. Moreover, EOs were evaluated for glucosidase and colon cancer cell lines inhibitory activities, which were found promising.

The Analgesic Potential of Litsea Species: A Systematic Review

Various plant species from the Litsea genus have been claimed to be beneficial for pain relief. The PRISMA approach was adopted to identify studies that reported analgesic properties of plants from the Litsea genus. Out of 450 records returned, 19 primary studies revealed the analgesic potential of nine Litsea species including (1) Litsea cubeba, (2) Litsea elliptibacea, (3) Litsea japonica, (4) Litsea glutinosa, (5) Litsea glaucescens, (6) Litsea guatemalensis, (7) Litsea lancifolia, (8) Litsea liyuyingi and (9) Litsea monopetala. Six of the species, 1, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9, demonstrated peripheral antinociceptive properties as they inhibited acetic-acid-induced writhing in animal models. Species 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 further showed effects via the central analgesic route at the spinal level by increasing the latencies of heat stimulated-nocifensive responses in the tail flick assay. The hot plate assay also revealed the efficacies of 4 and 9 at the supraspinal level. Species 6 was reported to ameliorate hyperalgesia induced via partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). The antinociceptive effects of 1 and 3 were attributed to the regulatory effects of their bioactive compounds on inflammatory mediators. As for 2 and 5, their analgesic effect may be a result of their activity with the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HT1AR) which disrupted the pain-stimulating actions of 5-HT. Antinociceptive activities were documented for various major compounds of the Litsea plants. Overall, the findings suggested Litsea species as good sources of antinociceptive compounds that can be further developed to complement or substitute prescription drugs for pain management.

Eucalyptol, limonene and pinene enteric capsules attenuate airway inflammation and obstruction in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic bronchitis rat model via TLR4 signaling inhibition

BACKGROUND

Chronic bronchitis (CB), a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), poses a significant global health burden owing to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Eucalyptol, limonene and pinene enteric capsules (ELPs) are clinically used as expectorants to treat various respiratory diseases, including CB, but their acting mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-CB effects of ELP in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CB. The molecular mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effects on airway inflammation were further explored in LPS-stimulated Beas-2B cells.

METHODS

ELP was characterized using gas chromatography. The production of inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and p-p65 in the lung tissue was measured using immunohistochemical staining. The gene expression of inflammatory mediators was determined using qRT-PCR. The expression levels of the target proteins were detected by western blotting. Nuclear localization of p65 was determined using an immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

Compared to the CB model rats, ELP-treated rats showed reduced airway resistance, inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia. In BALF, ELP decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-1α, and CCL5. ELP also suppressed LPS-induced elevation of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and p-p65 in the lung tissue. The metabolic pathway changes caused by LPS challenge were improved by ELP treatment. In LPS-exposed Beas-2B cells, ELP treatment inhibited the expression of TNFA, IL6, CCL5, MCP1, and MIP2A and decreased the phospho-levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling-related proteins, including p-p38, p-JNK, p-ERK, p-TBK1, p-IKKα/β, p-IκB, p-p65, and p-c-Jun. ELP also hindered the nuclear translocation of p65, c-Jun, and IRF3.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that ELP has a potential therapeutic effect in LPS-induced CB rat model, possibly by suppressing TLR4 signaling. These results justify the clinical use of ELP for the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

Chemical profiling of volatile compounds of the essential oil of grey-leaved rockrose (Cistus albidus L.) and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activity in vitro and in silico

Cistus albidus: L., also known as Grey-leaved rockrose and locally addressed as šṭab or tûzzâla lbîḍa, is a plant species with a well-established reputation for its health-promoting properties and traditional use for the treatment of various diseases. This research delves into exploring the essential oil extracted from the aerial components of Cistus albidus (referred to as CAEO), aiming to comprehend its properties concerning antioxidation, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial efficacy, and cytotoxicity. Firstly, a comprehensive analysis of CAEO's chemical composition was performed through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, four complementary assays were conducted to assess its antioxidant potential, including DPPH scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, ABTS scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity assays. The investigation delved into the anti-inflammatory properties via the 5-lipoxygenase assay and the antimicrobial effects of CAEO against various bacterial and fungal strains. Additionally, the research investigated the cytotoxic effects of CAEO on two human breast cancer subtypes, namely, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Chemical analysis revealed camphene as the major compound, comprising 39.21% of the composition, followed by α-pinene (19.01%), bornyl acetate (18.32%), tricyclene (6.86%), and melonal (5.44%). Notably, CAEO exhibited robust antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the low IC50 values in DPPH (153.92 ± 4.30 μg/mL) and β-carotene (95.25 ± 3.75 μg/mL) assays, indicating its ability to counteract oxidative damage. The ABTS assay and the total antioxidant capacity assay also confirmed the potent antioxidant potential with IC50 values of 120.51 ± 3.33 TE μmol/mL and 458.25 ± 3.67 µg AAE/mg, respectively. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, CAEO displayed a substantial lipoxygenase inhibition at 0.5 mg/mL. Its antimicrobial properties were broad-spectrum, although some resistance was observed in the case of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. CAEO exhibited significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on tumor cell lines in vitro. Additionally, computational analyses were carried out to appraise the physicochemical characteristics, drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetic properties of CAEO's constituent molecules, while the toxicity was assessed using the Protox II web server.

The Neurotherapeutic Arsenal in Cannabis sativa: Insights into Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Neuroprotective Activity and Potential Entourage Effects

Cannabis, renowned for its historical medicinal use, harbours various bioactive compounds-cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. While major cannabinoids like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have received extensive scrutiny for their pharmacological properties, emerging evidence underscores the collaborative interactions among these constituents, suggesting a collective therapeutic potential. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationships and synergies between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis. Cannabinoids, pivotal in cannabis's bioactivity, exhibit well-documented analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Terpenes, aromatic compounds imbuing distinct flavours, not only contribute to cannabis's sensory profile but also modulate cannabinoid effects through diverse molecular mechanisms. Flavonoids, another cannabis component, demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, particularly relevant to neuroinflammation. The entourage hypothesis posits that combined cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid action yields synergistic or additive effects, surpassing individual compound efficacy. Recognizing the nuanced interactions is crucial for unravelling cannabis's complete therapeutic potential. Tailoring treatments based on the holistic composition of cannabis strains allows optimization of therapeutic outcomes while minimizing potential side effects. This review underscores the imperative to delve into the intricate roles of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, offering promising prospects for innovative therapeutic interventions and advocating continued research to unlock cannabis's full therapeutic potential within the realm of natural plant-based medicine.

Aromatic Plants as Potential Resources to Combat Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 10% of men and 18% of women over the age of 60 and is increasing in genetic prevalence and incidence, is acknowledged as the condition that degrades the quality of life for older adults in the world. There is currently no known treatment for osteoarthritis. The majority of therapeutic methods slow the progression of arthritis or treat its symptoms, making effective treatment to end the degenerative process of arthritis elusive. When non-pharmacological therapy is ineffective, various pharmacological therapies may be used to treat osteoarthritis. Pharmacological therapy, however, can have major adverse effects and be very expensive. As a result, alternative remedies have been researched. The promise for the safe and efficient management of osteoarthritis has been demonstrated by herbal remedies. Experimental research suggests that herbal extracts and compounds can reduce inflammation, inhibit catabolic processes, and promote anabolic processes that are important for treating osteoarthritis. Due to their therapeutic and innate pharmacological qualities, aromatic herbs are frequently employed as herbal remedies. Recent research has shown that aromatic plants have the potency to treat osteoarthritis. Additionally, complex mixtures of essential oils and their bioactive ingredients, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are obtained from aromatic plants, are frequently utilized as complementary therapies for osteoarthritis. To establish new study avenues, the advantageous anti-osteoarthritic effects of aromatic herbal medicines, including plants, essential oils, and their bioactive components, are extensively discussed.

The Wild Carrot (Daucus carota): A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review

Daucus carota L., a member of the Apiaceae family, comprises 13 subspecies, with one being cultivated (D. carota L. ssp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang.) and the remaining being wild. Traditionally, the wild carrot has been recognized for its antilithic, diuretic, carminative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been employed in the treatment of urinary calculus, cystitis, gout, prostatitis, and cancer. While extensive literature is available on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic evaluations of the cultivated carrot, limited information has been published on the wild carrot. A thorough search was conducted on the phytochemical composition, folk-medicine uses, and pharmacological properties of wild carrot subspecies (Daucus carota L. ssp. carota). Various electronic databases were consulted, and the literature spanning from 1927 to early 2023 was reviewed. Thirteen wild Daucus carota subspecies were analyzed, revealing over 310 compounds, including terpenoids, phenylpropenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with 40 constituting more than 3% of the composition. This review also highlights the antioxidant, anticancer, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, hypolipidemic, and hepato- and gastroprotective properties of wild carrot subspecies. Existing in vitro and in vivo studies support their traditional uses in treating infections, inflammation, and cancer. However, further research on other subspecies is required to confirm additional applications. Well-designed preclinical and clinical trials are still necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of wild Daucus carota for human use.

Composition and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Properties of the Essential Oil of the Ecuadorian Endemic Species Eugenia valvata McVaugh

Alzheimer's disease is a global health problem due to the scarcity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the basis for symptomatic treatment of this disease; this requires new approaches to drug discovery. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity of Eugenia valvata McVaugt (Myrtaceae) collected in southern Ecuador, which was obtained as an essential oil (EO) with a yield of 0.124 ± 0.03% (w/w); as a result of the chemical composition analysis, a total of 58 organic compounds were identified-representing 95.91% of the total volatile compounds-using a stationary phase based on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane, as analyzed via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The main groups were hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (37.43%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (31.08%), hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.14%), oxygenated monoterpenes (0.20%), and other compounds (3.058%). Samples were characterized by the following compounds: α-pinene (22.70%), α-humulene (17.20%), (E)-caryophyllene (6.02%), citronellyl pentanoate (5.76%), 7-epi-α-eudesmol (4.34%) and 5-iso-cedranol (3.64%); this research was complemented with an enantioselective analysis carried out using 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin as a stationary phase chiral selector. As a result, α-pinene, limonene, and α-cadinene enantiomers were identified; finally, in the search for new active principles, the EO reported strong anticholinesterase activity with an IC50 of 53.08 ± 1.13 µg/mL, making it a promising candidate for future studies of Alzheimer's disease.

Identification and Functional Analysis of an Epsilon Class Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Associated with α-Pinene Adaptation in Monochamus alternatus

Alpha-pinene is one of the main defensive components in conifers. Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a wood borer feeding on Pinaceae plants, relies on its detoxifying enzymes to resist the defensive terpenoids. Here, we assayed the peroxide level and GST activity of M. alternatus larvae treated with different concentrations of α-pinene. Meanwhile, a gst gene (MaGSTe3) was isolated and analyzed. We determined its expression level and verified its function. The results showed that α-pinene treatment led to membrane lipid peroxidation and thus increased the GST activity. Expression of MaGSTe3 was significantly upregulated in guts following exposure to α-pinene, which has a similar pattern with the malonaldehyde level. In vitro expression and disk diffusion assay showed that the MaGSTe3 protein had high antioxidant capacity. However, RNAi treatment of MaGSTe3 did not reduce the hydrogen peroxide and malonaldehyde levels, while GST activity was significantly reduced. These results suggested MaGSTe3 takes part in α-pinene adaptation, but it does not play a great role in the resistance of M. alternatus larvae to α-pinene.

The JAK/STAT/NF-κB signaling pathway can be regulated by rosemary essential oil, thereby providing a potential treatment for DNCB-induced in mice

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism through which rosemary essential oil treats atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

A dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model was established and treated with low (1%), medium (2%), and high (4%) doses of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EORO). Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in each group were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Skin tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to verify the biological activity of essential proteins and their corresponding compounds in the pathway. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for metabolomics analysis and multivariate statistical analysis of mouse serum to screen differential metabolites and metabolic pathway analysis. Protein expression of p-JAK1, CD4+ cells, and IL-4 in the skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry analysis. Protein levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, P65, and p-P65 in damaged skin tissues were detected using western blotting.

RESULT

The skin of mice in the model group showed different degrees of erythema, dryness, scratches, epidermal erosion and shedding, and crusting. After treatment, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in EORO group were significantly decreased, and the expression of p-JAK1,CD4 + cells, IL-4, p-P65 / P65 and p-STAT3 / STAT3 proteins in skin tissues were decreased.

CONCLUSION

EORO can effectively improve DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions in mice by regulating the JAK/STAT/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the production of downstream arachidonic acid metabolites, inhibiting skin inflammation, and restoring epidermal barrier function.

Association of exposures to serum terpenes with the prevalence of dyslipidemia: a population-based analysis

This study sought to examine hitherto unresearched relationships between serum terpenes and the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Serum terpenes such as limonene, α-pinene, and β-pinene from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used as independent variables in this cross-sectional study. Continuous lipid variables included total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), residual cholesterol (RC), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B). Binary lipid variables (elevated TC, ≥5.18 mmol/L; lowered HDL-C, <1.04 mmol/L in men, and <1.30 mmol/L in women; elevated non-HDL-C, ≥4.2 mmol/L; elevated TG, ≥1.7 mmol/L; elevated LDL-C, ≥3.37 mmol/L; elevated RC, ≥1.0 mmol/L; and elevated Apo B, ≥1.3 g/L) suggest dyslipidemia. The relationships between the mixture of serum terpenes with lipid variables were investigated using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). The study for TC, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C included a total of 1,528 people, whereas the analysis for TG, LDL-C, RC, and Apo B comprised 714 participants. The mean age of the overall participants was 47.69 years, and 48.77% were male. We found that tertiles of serum terpene were positively associated with binary (elevated TC, non-HDL-C, TG, LDL-C, RC, Apo B, and lowered HDL-C) and continuous (TC, non-HDL-C, TG, LDL-C, RC, and Apo B, but not HDL-C) serum lipid variables. WQS regression and BKMR analysis revealed that the mixture of serum terpenes was linked with the prevalence of dyslipidemia. According to our data, the prevalence of dyslipidemia was correlated with serum concentrations of three terpenes both separately and collectively.

Effect of Ferulago lutea (Poir.) Grande Essential Oil on Molecular Hallmarks of Skin Aging

With the increase in global life expectancy, maintaining health into old age becomes a challenge, and research has thus concentrated on various strategies which aimed to mitigate the effects of skin aging. Aromatic plants stand out as promising sources of anti-aging compounds due to their secondary metabolites, particularly essential oils (EOs). The aim of this study was to ascribe to Ferulago lutea EO several biological activities that could be useful in the context of skin aging. The EO was obtained using hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The effect on cell migration was disclosed using scratch wound assay. Lipogenesis was induced using T0901317, hyperpigmentation with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine (IBMX) and senescence with etoposide. Our results show that the EO was characterized mainly by α-pinene and limonene. The EO was able to decrease nitric oxide (NO) release as well as iNOS and pro-IL-1β protein levels. The EO promoted wound healing while decreasing lipogenesis and having depigmenting effects. The EO also reduced senescence-associated β-galactosidase, p21/p53 protein levels and the nuclear accumulation of γH2AX. Overall, our study highlights the properties of F. lutea EO that make it a compelling candidate for dermocosmetics applications.

The effects of alpha-pinene on the Nrf2-HO1 signaling pathway in gastric damage in rats

BACKGROUND

Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a monoterpene with gastroprotective activity. We evaluated the gastroprotective effect of α-pinene in the gastric damage model with ethanol.

METHODS

We evaluated the macroscopic evaluation of the stomach cavity, alteration in pH, mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and histopathological changes.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with α-pinene (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg i.p.) before oral administration of ethanol reduced gastric mucosal damage by increasing the percentage of ulcer inhibition. Alpha-pinene also increased gastric pH similar to omeprazole. In addition, the histopathological examination showed that in the groups pretreated with α-pinene 50 and 100 mg/kg, and omeprazole20 mg/kg, the lesions were less than the control group. Moreover, α- pinene 10, 50, 100, and omeprazole 20 mg/kg upregulated the NRF2 and HO1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that pretreatment with α-pinene is effective in reducing ethanol-induced gastric damage through regulation of Nrf2/HO-1.

Alpha-pinene modulates inflammatory response and protects against brain ischemia via inducible nitric oxide synthase-nuclear factor-kappa B-cyclooxygenase-2 pathway

BACKGROUNDS

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion leads to brain tissue injury. Inflammation and apoptosis play pivotal roles in the pathology.

OBJECTIVE

α-Pinene is an organic compound of many aromatic plants and is known as a potent agent to possess antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we sought to identify the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis mechanism by which α-Pinene improves brain ischemia injury.

RESULTS

Male Wistar rats underwent MCAO surgery for 1 h and different doses of alpha-pinene (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected immediately after reperfusion to test this hypothesis. IV, NDS, gene and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclogenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, and caspase-3 were assessed 24 h after reperfusion. Results demonstrated that NF-κB p65, iNOS, and COX-2 gene and protein expression increased in the hippocampus, cortex, and striatum after 24 h of reperfusion, and alpha-pinene significantly inhibited NF-kB p65, iNOS, and COX-2 expression. Also, alpha-pinene significantly reduced the ischemia/reperfusion-induced caspase-3 activation in CA1 area of hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that alpha-pinene protects the cerebral against ischemic damage caused by MCAO, and this effect may be through the regulating iNOS -NF-kappa B- COX-2 and caspase-3 inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.

Cyclic Hexapeptide from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl. and Neuroprotective Effects of Root Extracts

Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl. is a shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is distributed throughout México; it has been used for its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. This work aimed to evaluate the protective effects of B. ternifolia root extracts on the blood-brain barrier and the positive regulation of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the characterization of compounds present in the dichloromethane (BtD) and hexane (BtH) extracts. Male ICR mice were orally administered with B. ternifolia extracts for 5 days before a single injection of LPS. Administration of BtH and BtD significantly decreased Evans blue leakage into brain tissue by 70% and 68%, respectively. Meloxicam (MX) decreased the concentration of IL-1β by 39.6%; BtM by 53.9%; BtAq by 48.4%; BtD by 31.9%, and BtH by 37.7%. BtH was the only treatment that significantly decreased the concentration of IL-6 by 32.2%. The concentration of TNF-α declined with each of the treatments. The chemical composition of BtD and BtH was characterized by GC-MS, and the cyclic hexapeptide was identified by 13C, 1H NMR, and two-dimension techniques. In the BtD extract, seven compounds were found and in BtH 13 compounds were found. The methanolic (BtM) and aqueous (BtAq) extracts were not subjected to chemical analysis, because they did not show a significant difference in the BBB protection activity. Therefore, the results suggested that the extracts BtD and BtH protect the blood-brain barrier, maintaining stable its selective permeability, thereby preventing LPS from entering the brain tissue. Simultaneously, they modulate the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. It is important to note that this research only evaluated the complete extracts.

In silico molecular modeling, neuro-behavioral profile, and toxicity assessment of the essential oil of Ferula gummosa Boiss. as an anti-seizure agent

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ferula gummosa Boiss., known in Persian as "Baridje," belongs to the Apiaceae family. All parts of this plant, especially the root, contain galbanum. Galbanum, the oleo-gum resin of F. gummosa, is one of the essential traditional herbal medicines in Iran, which is used as a tonic for epilepsy and chorea, memory enhancement, gastrointestinal diseases, and wound healing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated the toxicity, anticonvulsant effects, and molecular modeling of the essential oil (EO) distilled from the oleo-gum resin of F. gummosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the EO components. The cytotoxicity of EO on HepG2 cell lines was assessed by the MTT method. Male mice were arranged as follows: negative control groups (sunflower oil (10 ml/kg, i.p.) or saline (10 ml/kg, p.o.)), EO groups (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.5 ml/kg, p.o.), and positive control groups (ethosuximide (150 mg/kg, p.o.) or diazepam (1.0 or 2 mg/kg, i.p.)). The motor coordination and neurotoxicity of EO were studied using the rota-rod test. Open-field, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance learning tests were used to investigate the effect of EO on locomotor activity and memory function. An acute pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model was utilized to evaluate the anticonvulsant properties of the EO. The interaction of the EO main components with the GABA_A receptor was investigated by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.

RESULTS

β-pinene, sabinene, α-pinene, and ρ-cymene were the main components of EO. The IC₅₀ of the EO at 24, 48, and 72 h was found to be 59.90, 12.96, and 3.93 μl/ml, respectively. No adverse effects were observed in memory, motor coordination, and locomotor activity in mice treated with EO. Administration of EO (1, 1.5, and 2.5 ml/kg) improved survival rates in mice receiving pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; to induce an epileptic seizure). Sabinene was able to bind to the binding site of benzodiazepines at the GABA_A receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute treatment with the EO of F. gummosa caused antiepileptic effects and could effectively increase the survival rate in PTZ-treated mice with no significant toxicity.

Combination of Taurine and Black Pepper Extract as a Treatment for Cardiovascular and Coronary Artery Diseases

The shift in modern dietary regimens to "Western style" and sedentary lifestyles are believed to be partly responsible for the increase in the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Natural products have been used throughout human history as treatments for a plethora of pathological conditions. Taurine and, more recently, black pepper have gained attention for their beneficial health effects while remaining non-toxic even when ingested in excess. Taurine, black pepper, and the major terpene constituents found in black pepper (i.e., β-caryophyllene; α-pinene; β-pinene; α-humulene; limonene; and sabinene) that are present in PhytoCann BP^® have been shown to have cardioprotective effects based on anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. This comprehensive review of the literature focuses on determining whether the combination of taurine and black pepper extract is an effective natural treatment for reducing cardiovascular diseases risk factors (i.e., hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia) and for driving anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms to combat coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerotic disease.

Advances in the Phytochemical Characterisation and Bioactivities of Salvia aurea L. Essential Oil

The Salvia L. genus (Lamiaceae) is largely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several species of biological relevance are extensively employed in traditional medicine, including Salvia aurea L. (syn. S. africana-lutea L.), which is used as a traditional skin disinfectant and in wounds as a healing remedy; nevertheless, these properties have not been validated yet. The aim of the present study is to characterise S. aurea essential oil (EO), unveiling its chemical composition and validating its biological properties. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Different biological activities were assessed: the antifungal effect on dermatophytes and yeasts and the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production and COX-2 and iNOS protein levels. Wound-healing properties were assessed using the scratch-healing test, and the anti-aging capacity was estimated through the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. S. aurea EO is mainly characterised by 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (11.9%), cis-thujone (10.5%), camphor (9.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%). The results showed an effective inhibition of the growth of dermatophytes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced protein levels of iNOS/COX-2 and simultaneously NO release. Additionally, the EO exhibited anti-senescence potential and enhanced wound healing. Overall, this study highlights the remarkable pharmacological properties of Salvia aurea EO, which should be further explored in order to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly skin products.

Genome-wide identification, expression profile and evolutionary relationships of TPS genes in the neotropical fruit tree species Psidium cattleyanum

Terpenoids are essential for plant growth, development, defense, and adaptation mechanisms. Psidium cattleyanum (Myrtaceae) is a fleshy fruit tree species endemics from Atlantic Forest, known for its pleasant fragrance and sweet taste, attributed to terpenoids in its leaves and fruits. In this study, we conducted genome-wide identification, evolutionary and expression analyses of the terpene synthase gene (TPS) family in P. cattleyanum red guava (var. cattleyanum), and yellow guava (var. lucidum Hort.) morphotypes. We identified 32 full-length TPS in red guava (RedTPS) and 30 in yellow guava (YlwTPS). We showed different expression patterns of TPS paralogous in the two morphotypes, suggesting the existence of distinct gene regulation mechanisms and their influence on the final essential oil content in both morphotypes. Moreover, the oil profile of red guava was dominated by 1,8-cineole and linalool and yellow guava was enriched in α-pinene, coincident in proportion to TPS-b1 genes, which encode enzymes that produce cyclic monoterpenes, suggesting a lineage-specific subfamily expansion of this family. Finally, we identified amino acid residues near the catalytic center and functional areas under positive selection. Our findings provide valuable insights into the terpene biosynthesis in a Neotropical Myrtaceae species and their potential involvement in adaptation mechanisms.

Alpha-Pinene Exerts Antiseizure Effects by Preventing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Induced by Kainate

Oxidative stress and apoptosis following seizures play pivotal roles in the consequences of repeated seizures. Beneficial effects of alpha-pinene (APN) have been reported in some experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, its neuroprotective efficacy in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by kainic acid (KA) has remained unexplored. We aimed to explore the possible antiseizure effects of APN pretreatment and underlying molecular mechanisms in a rat model of TLE induced by KA. TLE was induced in male Wistar rats by intracerebroventricular injection of KA. APN at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day was intraperitoneally injected for 2 weeks before induction of TLE. One day after the induction of TLE, behavioral expressions of seizure were recorded and scored using Racine's scale. Furthermore, the hippocampal levels of oxidative stress markers, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein levels were also assessed. Histopathological assessment in the hippocampus was performed with Nissl staining 5 days following induction of TLE. The results revealed that APN pretreatment alleviated epileptic seizures, diminished oxidative stress indicators, blocked the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via decreasing BAX and raising BCL2 protein levels in the hippocampus at least partly through inhibiting JNK activity, and decreased neuronal death in the CA3 and hilus regions. These findings reveal that APN pretreatment mitigates KA-induced seizures by blocking oxidative stress and neuronal damage factors. It can be concluded that APN has a potent potential to be considered an antiseizure medication, but it needs further investigation.

Helichrysum italicum: From Extraction, Distillation, and Encapsulation Techniques to Beneficial Health Effects

Helichrysum italicum (family Asteraceae), due to its various beneficial health effects, represents an important plant in the traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries. Currently, there is a renewed interest in this medicinal plant, especially in investigations involving the isolation and identification of its bioactive compounds from extracts and essential oils, as well as in experimental validation of their pharmacological activities. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the beneficial health effects of Helichrysum italicum extracts, essential oils, and their major bioactive polyphenolic compounds, ranging from antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities to their antiviral, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiparasitic effects. This review also provides an overview of the most promising extraction and distillation techniques for obtaining high-quality extracts and essential oils from Helichrysum italicum, as well as methods for determining their antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities. Finally, new ideas for in silico studies of molecular mechanisms of bioactive polyphenols from Helichrysum italicum, together with novel suggestions for their improved bioavailability through diverse encapsulation techniques, are introduced.

Phytochemical composition, bioactive properties, and toxicological profile of Tetrapleura tetraptera

The use of medicinal plants has gained renewed wide popularity in Africa, Asia, and most parts of the world because of the decreasing efficacy of synthetic drugs. Thus, natural products serve as a potent source of alternative remedy. Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal plant with cultural and traditional significance in West Africa. In addition to the plant being commonly used as a spice in the preparation of traditional spicy food for postpartum care it is also widely used to constitute herbal concoctions and decoctions for treatment of diseases. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date information on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities and phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera. Preclinical studies regarding the plant's toxicity profile were also reviewed. For this updated review, literature search was done on PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar databases using the relevant keywords. The review used a total of 106 papers that met the inclusion criteria from January 1989 - February 2022 and summarised the bioactivities that have been reported for the rich phytoconstituents of T. tetraptera studied using various chemical methods. Considering the huge report, the review focused on the antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activities of the plant extracts and isolated compounds. Aridan, aridanin and several bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have shown pharmacological activities though their mechanisms of action are yet to be fully understood. This study also highlighted the influence of plant parts and extraction solvents on its biological activities. It also presented data on the toxicological profile of the plant extracts using different models. From cultural uses to modern pharmacological research the bioactive compounds of T. tetraptera have proved effective in infectious disease management. We hope that this paper provided a robust summary of the biological activities and toxicological profile of T. tetraptera, thus calling for more research into the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic activities of natural products to help combat the growing threat of drug resistance and provide guidelines for their ethnomedicinal uses.

Hedychium flavum flower essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activities and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hedychium flavum, an ornamental, edible, and medicinal plant, is extensively cultivated as a source of aromatic essential oils (EO). Its flower is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating inflammation-related diseases like indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In particular, H. flavum flower EO has been used in cosmetics and as an aromatic stomachic to treat chronic gastritis in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research aimed to analyze H. flavum flower EO's chemical composition and explore its anti-inflammatory activities and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EO's chemical composition was determined by GC-FID/MS analysis. For in vitro test, the anti-inflammatory activity of EO was demonstrated by measuring the LPS-induced release of NO, PGE₂, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages, and then its related mechanisms were explored using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining analysis. Next, EO's in vivo anti-inflammatory potential was further evaluated using a xylene-induced ear edema model, in which ear swelling and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in serum and tissue were examined.

RESULTS

The main components of EO were β-pinene (20.2%), α-pinene (9.3%), α-phellandrene (8.3%), 1,8-cineole (7.1%), E-nerolidol (5.4%), limonene (4.4%), borneol (4.1%), and β-caryophyllene (3.7%). For the anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, EO dramatically reduced the LPS-stimulated NO and PGE₂ release by suppressing the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Meanwhile, it remarkably decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β production by inhibiting their mRNA levels. Related mechanism studies indicated that it not only inhibited IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, leading to blockade of NF-κB nuclear transfer but also suppressed MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further in vivo assay showed that EO ameliorated xylene-induced ear edema in mice and reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in serum and tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

H. flavum EO exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB activation. Thus, H. flavum EO could be considered a novel and promising anti-inflammatory agent and possess high potential for utilization in the pharmaceutical field.

Commiphora wildii Merxm. Essential Oil: Natural Heptane Source and Co-Product Valorization

As an alternative to fossil volatile hydrocarbon solvents used nowadays in perfumery, investigation on essential oil of Commiphora wildii Merxm. oleo gum resin as a source of heptane is reported here. Heptane, representing up to 30 wt-% of this oleo gum resin, was successfully isolated from the C. wildii essential oil, using an innovative double distillation process. Isolated heptane was then used as a solvent in order to extract some noble plants of perfumery. It was found that extracts obtained with this solvent were more promising in terms of sensory analysis than those obtained from fossil-based heptane. In addition, in order to valorize the essential oil depleted from heptane, chemical composition of this oil was found to obtain, and potential biological activity properties were studied. A total of 172 different compounds were identified by GC-MS in the remaining oil. In vitro tests-including hyaluronidase, tyrosinase, antioxidant, elastase and lipoxygenase, as well as inhibitory tests against two yeasts and 21 bacterial strains commonly found on the skin-were carried out. Overall, bioassays results suggest this heptane-depleted essential oil is a promising active ingredient for cosmetic applications.

Chemical Profile, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammaging Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. Essential Oil from Portugal

Fungal infections and the accompanying inflammatory responses are associated with great morbidity and mortality due to the frequent relapses triggered by an increased resistance to antifungal agents. Furthermore, this inflammatory state can be exacerbated during inflammaging and cellular senescence. Essential oils (EO) are receiving increasing interest in the field of drug discovery due to their lipophilic nature and complex composition, making them suitable candidates in the development of new antifungal drugs and modulators of numerous molecular targets. This work chemically characterized the EO from Santolina rosmarinifolia L., collected in Setúbal (Portugal), and assessed its antifungal potential by determining its minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI) guidelines, as well as its effect on several Candida albicans virulence factors. The anti-inflammatory effect was unveiled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing several pro-inflammatory mediators. The wound healing and anti-senescence potential of the EO was also disclosed. The EO was mainly characterized by β-pinene (29.6%), borneol (16.9%), myrcene (15.4%) and limonene (5.7%). It showed a strong antifungal effect against yeasts and filamentous fungi (MIC = 0.07-0.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, it inhibited dimorphic transition (MIC/16), decreased biofilm formation with a preeminent effect after 24 h (MIC/2) and disrupted preformed biofilms in C. albicans. Additionally, the EO decreased nitric oxide (NO) release (IC₅₀ = 0.52 mg/mL) and pro-IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, promoted wound healing (91% vs. 81% closed wound) and reduced cellular senescence (53% vs. 73% β-galactosidase-positive cells). Overall, this study highlights the relevant pharmacological properties of S. rosmarinifolia, opening new avenues for its industrial exploitation.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of (R)-(-)-Carvone: Potential Roles of JNK1, Nrf2 and NF-κB

To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of (R)-(-)-carvone, we evaluated its ability to inhibit the signaling pathways involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). (R)-(-)-carvone significantly decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1phosphorylation, but not that of the other MAPKs, induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Although (R)-(-)-carvone significantly inhibited resynthesis of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB)-α induced by LPS, it did not interfere with the canonical NF-κB activation pathway, suggesting that it may interfere with its transcriptional activity. (R)-(-)-carvone also showed a tendency to decrease the levels of acetylated NF-κB/p65 in the nucleus, without affecting the activity and protein levels of Sirtuin-1, the major NF-κB/p65 deacetylating enzyme. Interestingly, the nuclear protein levels of the transcription factor, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of its target,, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant enzyme, also showed a tendency to increase in the presence of (R)-(-)-carvone. Taken together, these results suggest that the ability of (R)-(-)-carvone to inhibit JNK1 and to activate Nrf2 can underlie its capacity to inhibit the transcriptional activity of NF-κB and the expression of its target genes. This study highlights the diversity of molecular mechanisms that can be involved in the anti-inflammatory activity of monoterpenes.

Chemical Diversity and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity in Needles Essential Oils of Four Pinus Species from Northwestern Himalaya, India

This work describes the study of the chemical profiling and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs) from four Pinus species (P. wallichiana, P. patula, P. roxburghii and P. gerardiana). The identification and quantification of EOs metabolites were performed by GC/MS, GC-FID and ¹³ C-NMR. The needles of P. wallichiana and P. gerardiana presented the highest oil yields (0.35 % and 0.36 %, respectively). Twenty-four constituents were characterized in among samples exhibiting 93.8-97.7 % of the total EOs. The components and yields of the targeted samples were varied according to the species. Major components of the oils were α-pinene (20.5-34.1 %), β-pinene (1.4-53.0 %), δ-3-carene (0.2-47.0 %), limonene (1.7-13.4 %), β-phellandrene (0.2-23.4 %), β-myrcene (1.8-7.2 %) and α-terpinolene (0.6-7.9 %). The extracted EOs showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which was close to the positive control, acarbose. This study showed that the EOs of Pinus species may be used as natural antidiabetic.

Cannabinoids and terpenes for diabetes mellitus and its complications: from mechanisms to new therapies

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and its complications is markedly increasing worldwide, leading to a worldwide epidemic across all age groups, from children to older adults. Diabetes is associated with premature aging. In recent years, it has been found that peripheral overactivation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and in particular cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) signaling, plays a crucial role in the progression of insulin resistance, diabetes (especially type 2), and its aging-related comorbidities such as atherosclerosis, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Therefore, it is suggested that peripheral blockade of CB1R may ameliorate diabetes and diabetes-related comorbidities. The use of synthetic CB1R antagonists such as rimonabant has been prohibited because of their psychiatric side effects. In contrast, phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), produced by cannabis, exhibit antagonistic activity on CB1R signaling and do not show any adverse side effects such as psychoactive effects, depression, or anxiety, thereby serving as potential candidates for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. In addition to these phytocannabinoids, cannabis also produces a substantial number of other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids with therapeutic potential against insulin resistance, diabetes, and its complications. In this review, the pathogenesis of diabetes, its complications, and the potential to use cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids for its treatment are discussed.

The Essential Oil of Hyptis crenata Inhibits the Increase in Secretion of Inflammatory Mediators

Background: Hyptis crenata is a plant of great ethnopharmacological importance widely distributed in South American countries. In Northeast Brazil, teas or infusions of its aerial parts are used in folk medicine to treat several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. In a previous work we have demonstrated that the essential oil of H. crenata (EOHc) has an antiedematogenic effect. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of EOHc on cytokines secretion and cellular infiltration. Methods: Peritonitis and paw edema models induced by carrageenan were used to determine leucocyte count, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitrite, and cytokines secretion. Results: EOHc (10−300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited leucocyte migration and reduced the neutrophil count (control: 1.46 × 103 ± 0.031 × 103/mL) of the total leucocytes population in extracellular exudate (control: 2.14 × 103 ± 0.149 × 103/mL) by 15.00%, 43.29%, 65.52%, and 72.83% for the doses of 10, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg EOHc, respectively (EC50: 24.15 mg/kg). EOHc (100 mg/kg) inhibited the increase in myeloperoxidase activity and completely blocked the increase in nitrite concentration induced by carrageenan. EOHc markedly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12p70) and increased IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine (compared to control group, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that EOHc has a long-lasting anti-inflammatory effect mediated through interference on MPO activity, and nitrite, and cytokines secretion. This effect, coupled with low EOHc toxicity, as far as results obtained in mice could be translated to humans, suggests that EOHc has great potentiality as a therapeutic agent.

Natural Compounds Affecting Inflammatory Pathways of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis and chronic joint disease, affecting more than 240 million people worldwide. Although there are numerous advances in using drugs in treating OA, the use of natural compounds has aroused much interest among researchers due to their safety margin. Recent discovery shows that natural compounds play an extensive role in the oxidative stress signaling pathway in treating OA. Thus, this review summarizes the commonly used natural compounds for treating OA focusing on the oxidative stress signaling pathway and its downstream mediators. Selected databases—such as Scopus, Web of Science, Nature, and PubMed—were used to search for potentially relevant articles. The search is limited to the last 15 years and the search was completed using the Boolean operator’s guideline using the keywords of natural product AND oxidative stress AND osteoarthritis OR natural extract AND ROS AND degenerative arthritis OR natural plant AND free radicals AND degenerative joint disease. In total, 37 articles were selected for further review. Different downstream mechanisms of oxidative stress involved in the usage of natural compounds for OA treatment and anabolic and catabolic effects of natural compounds that exhibit chondroprotective effects have been discussed with the evidence of in vitro and in vivo trials in this review.

Chemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils at Three Different Phenological Stages

The aim of this work was the determination of Pelargonium graveolens (aerial parts) volatile compounds at three developmental stages and the evaluation of their antioxidant, antidiabetic, dermaprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. The aerial parts of Pelargonium graveolens were collected at three stages, namely the vegetative, beginning, and full flowering. Pelargonium graveolens essential oils were extracted from the dried materials of these aerial parts by hydrodistillation. The volatiles were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC-MS, and 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 enzymes, while the antibacterial activity was assessed against six bacterial strains using an agar well diffusion assay and a microdilution method. The main constituents were menthol, menthene, eremophilene, isoborneol, isogeraniol, α-pinene, linalyl acetate, and 3-carene, with quantitative differences at the three phenological stages. The essential oil at the full flowering stage showed the best antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 83.26 ± 0.01, 116.42 ± 0.07, 132.25 ± 0.11, and 48.67 ± 0.04 μg/mL for DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and H₂O₂ assays, respectively. This oil also exhibited significant effects against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 43.33 ± 0.01 μg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 19.04 ± 0.01 μg/mL), lipase (IC₅₀ = 24.33 ± 0.05 μg/mL), 5-lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ = 39.31 ± 0.01 μg/mL), and tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 124.49 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The essential oil extracted at the full flowering stage showed the best antibacterial effect against a panel of microorganisms with diameter inhibition zones ranging between 11.00 ± 0.17 mm and 17.30 ± 0.17 mm and MIC values from 0.25% to 2% v/v. Overall, the results presented here suggest that the full flowering stage is the best optimal harvest time of Pelargonium graveolens for food and pharmaceutical applications.

TRP channels and monoterpenes: Past and current leads on analgesic properties

The activation of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels expressed by sensory neurons is essential to the transduction of thermal and mechanical sensory information. In the setting of chronic inflammatory conditions, the activation of the melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8), the TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and the TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is correlated with pain hypersensitivity reactions. Monoterpenes, among which pulegone and menthol, a major class of phytocompounds present in essential oils of medicinal plants, are known modulators of those TRP channels activity. In the present review, we correlate the monoterpene content of plants with their historical therapeutic properties. We then describe how monoterpenes exert their anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesia effects through modulation of TRP channels activity. Finally, we discuss the importance and the potential of characterizing new plant extracts and reassessing studied plant extracts for the development of ethnopharmacology-based innovative treatments for chronic pain. This review suggests that monoterpene solutions, based on composition from traditional healing herbs, offer an interesting avenue for the development of new phytotherapeutic treatments to alleviate chronic inflammatory pain conditions.

A Modeling Approach for Quantifying Human-Beneficial Terpene Emission in the Forest: A Pilot Study Applying to a Recreational Forest in South Korea

(1) Background: Recent economic developments in South Korea have shifted people’s interest in forests from provisioning to cultural services such as forest healing. Although policymakers have attempted to designate more forests for healing purposes, there are few established standards for carrying out such designations based on the quantified estimation. (2) Methods: We suggest a modeling approach to estimate and analyze the emission rate of human-beneficial terpenes. For this purpose, we adopted and modified the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN), a commonly used biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) estimation model which was suitable for estimating the study site’s terpene emissions. We estimated the terpene emission rate for the whole year and analyzed the diurnal and seasonal patterns. (3) Results: The results from our model correspond well with other studies upon comparing temporal patterns and ranges of values. According to our study, the emission rate of terpenes varies significantly temporally and spatially. The model effectively predicted spatiotemporal patterns of terpene emission in the study site. (4) Conclusions: The modeling approach in our study is suitable for quantifying human-beneficial terpene emission and helping policymakers and forest managers plan the efficient therapeutic use of forests.

Essential Oils of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis and Gardenia jasminoides f. longicarpa Z.W. Xie & M. Okada Flowers: Chemical Characterization and Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Alveolar Macrophage

Alveolar macrophage is the predominant cell type in the lung and is thought to be the major target for anti-inflammatory therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aromatherapy using natural essential oils with anti-inflammatory effects for inhalable administration is a potential complementary and alternative therapy for COPD treatment. The Gardenia jasminoides flower is famous for its fragrance in East Asia and is used for treating colds and lung problems in folk medicine. Therefore, in the present study, flower essential oils from two main medicinal gardenia varieties (G. jasminoides J. Ellis and G. jasminoides f. longicarpa Z.W. Xie & M. Okada) were extracted by hydro-distillation, and their chemical components were analyzed by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory effects of the two essential oils and their main ingredients were further studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models in murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S). The results indicated that the chemical constituents of the two gardenia varieties were quite different. Alcohol accounted for 53.8% of the G. jasminoides essential oil, followed by terpenes (16.01%). Terpenes accounted for 34.32% of the G. jasminoides f. longicarpa essential oil, followed by alcohols (19.6%) and esters (13.85%). Both the two gardenia essential oils inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) release and reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the MH-S cells. Linalool and α-farnesene dose-dependently reduced the NO release in the MH-S cells. Linalool and α-farnesene did not affect the PGE2 production but regulated the expression of TNF- α. In addition to linalool and α-farnesene, other components in the gardenia flower essential oils appeared to be able to act as anti-inflammatory agents and influence the PGE2 pathway.

The pinene scaffold: its occurrence, chemistry, synthetic utility, and pharmacological importance

Plant-based secondary metabolites have been a major source of drug discovery and inspiration for new generations of drugs. Plants offer a wide variety of compound classes, including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and glycosides, with different molecular architectures (fused bridgehead, bi- and polycyclic, spirocyclic, polycyclic, and acyclic). The diversity, abundance, and accessibility of plant metabolites make plants an attractive source of human and animal medicine. Even though the pinene scaffold is abundant in nature and has historical use in traditional medicine, pinene and pinene-derived compounds have not been comprehensively studied for medicinal applications. This review provides insight into the utility of the pinene scaffold as a crucial building block of important natural and synthetic products and as a chiral reagent in the asymmetric synthesis of important compounds.

A critical review of cannabis in medicine and dentistry: A look back and the path forward

Introduction

In the last two decades, our understanding of the therapeutic utility and medicinal properties of cannabis has greatly changed. This change has been accompanied by widespread cannabis use in various communities and different age groups, especially within the United States. With this increase, we should consider the potential effects of cannabis–hemp on general public health and how they could alter therapeutic outcomes.

Material and Methods

The present investigation examined cannabis use for recreational and therapeutic use and a review of pertinent indexed literature was performed. The focused question evaluates “how cannabis or hemp products impact health parameters and do they provide potential therapeutic value in dentistry, and how do they interact with conventional medicines (drugs).” Indexed databases (PubMed/Medline, EMBASE) were searched without any time restrictions but language was restricted to English.

Results

The review highlights dental concerns of cannabis usage, the need to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS), cannabinoid receptor system, its endogenous ligands, pharmacology, metabolism, current oral health, and medical dilemma to ascertain the detrimental or beneficial effects of using cannabis–hemp products. The pharmacological effects of pure cannabidiol (CBD) have been studied extensively while cannabis extracts can vary significantly and lack empirical studies. Several metabolic pathways are affected by cannabis use and could pose a potential drug interaction. The chronic use of cannabis is associated with health issues, but the therapeutic potential is multifold since there is a regulatory role of ECS in many pathologies.

Conclusion

Current shortcomings in understanding the benefits of cannabis or hemp products are limited due to pharmacological and clinical effects not being predictable, while marketed products vary greatly in phytocompounds warrant further empirical investigation. Given the healthcare challenges to manage acute and chronic pain, this review highlights both cannabis and CBD‐hemp extracts to help identify the therapeutic application for patient populations suffering from anxiety, inflammation, and dental pain.

Plant-Derived Nanoscale-Encapsulated Antioxidants for Oral and Topical Uses: A Brief Review

Several plant-based nanoscale-encapsulated antioxidant compounds (rutin, myricetin, β-carotene, fisetin, lycopene, quercetin, genkwanin, lutein, resveratrol, eucalyptol, kaempferol, glabridin, pinene, and whole-plant bio-active compounds) are briefly introduced in this paper, along with their characteristics. Antioxidants’ bioavailability has become one of the main research topics in bio-nanomedicine. Two low patient compliance drug delivery pathways (namely, the oral and topical delivery routes), are described in detail in this paper, for nanoscale colloidal systems and gel formulations. Both routes and/or formulations seek to improve bioavailability and maximize the drug agents’ efficiency. Some well-known compounds have been robustly studied, but many remain elusive. The objective of this review is to discuss recent studies and advantages of nanoscale formulations of plant-derived antioxidant compounds.

Converting Sugars into Cannabinoids—The State-of-the-Art of Heterologous Production in Microorganisms

The legal cannabis market worldwide is facing new challenges regarding innovation in the production of cannabinoid-based drugs. The usual cannabinoid production involves growing Cannabis sativa L. outdoor or in dedicated indoor growing facilities, followed by isolation and purification steps. This process is limited by the growth cycles of the plant, where the cannabinoid content can deeply vary from each harvest. A game change approach that does not involve growing a single plant has gained the attention of the industry: cannabinoids fermentation. From recombinant yeasts and bacteria, researchers are able to reproduce the biosynthetic pathway to generate cannabinoids, such as (-)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and (-)-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV). This approach avoids pesticides, and natural resources such as water, land, and energy are reduced. Compared to growing cannabis, fermentation is a much faster process, although its limitation regarding the phytochemical broad range of molecules naturally present in cannabis. So far, there is not a consolidated process for this brand-new approach, being an emerging and promising concept for countries in which cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. is illegal. This survey discusses the techniques and microorganisms already established to accomplish the task and those yet in seeing for the future, exploring upsides and limitations about metabolic pathways, toxicity, and downstream recovery of cannabinoids throughout heterologous production. Therapeutic potential applications of cannabinoids and in silico methodology toward optimization of metabolic pathways are also explored. Moreover, conceptual downstream analysis is proposed to illustrate the recovery and purification of cannabinoids through the fermentation process, and a patent landscape is presented to provide the state-of-the-art of the transfer of knowledge from the scientific sphere to the industrial application.

Lavandula viridis L´Hér. Essential Oil Inhibits the Inflammatory Response in Macrophages Through Blockade of NF-KB Signaling Cascade

Lavandulaviridis L´Hér. is an endemic Iberian species with a high essential oil yield and a pleasant lemon scent. Despite these interesting features, this species remains unrecognized and poorly explored by the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nevertheless, it has been valued in traditional medicine being used against flu, circulatory problems and to relieve headaches. Since these disorders trigger inflammatory responses, it is relevant to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of L. viridis L´Hér. essential oil in an attempt to validate its traditional use and concomitantly to increment its industrial exploitation. Therefore, in the present study the chemical composition of this volatile extract as well as the effect on ROS production, inflammatory response and proteasome activity on LPS-stimulated macrophages were disclosed. Also, its safety profile on keratinocytes, hepatocytes and alveolar epithelial cells was depicted, envisioning a future human administration. The essential oil was characterized by high quantities of 1,8-cineole, camphor and α-pinene. From a pharmacological point of view, the essential oil showed a potent antioxidant effect and inhibited nitric oxide production through down-modulation of nuclear factor kappa B-dependent Nos2 transcription and consequently iNOS protein expression as well as a decrease in proteasomal activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was also evidenced by a strong inhibition of LPS-induced Il1b and Il6 transcriptions and downregulation of COX-2 levels. Overall, bioactive safe concentrations of L. viridis L´Hér. essential oil were disclosed, thus corroborating the traditional usage of this species and paving the way for the development of plant-based therapies.