Isolation of the volatile fraction from Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae) by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and hydrodistillation: Chemical composition and antifungal activity

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extracts from Amomum kravanh, Citrus hystrix and Piper nigrum 'Kampot'

The fruits of Amomum kravanh, Citrus hystrix and Piper nigrum 'Kampot' are traditionally used as spices in Cambodian cuisine. In this study, the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) and supercritical CO2 extracts from all three species was determined using GC-MS, with two columns of different polarity (HP-5/DB-HeavyWAX). Differences between the chemical profile of the EOs and CO2 extracts were observed for all species. The greatest difference was detected in A. kravanh EO containing mainly eucalyptol (78.8/72.6%), while the CO2 extract was rich in fatty acids (13/55.92%) and long-chain alkanes (25.55/9.54%). Furthermore, the results for the CO2 extract of this species differed, where tricosane (14.74%) and oleic acid (29.26%) were the main compounds identified when utilizing the HP-5 or DB-HeavyWAX columns, respectively. Moreover, the EO and CO2 extract from P. nigrum 'Kampot' fruits and the CO2 extract from C. hystrix fruit peel, containing respective amounts 34.84/39.55% (for EO) and 54.21/55.86% (for CO2 extract) of β-caryophyllene and 30.2/28.9% of β-pinene, were isolated and analyzed for the first time. Generally, these findings suggest that supercritical CO2 could potentially be used for the extraction of all three spices. Nevertheless, further research determining the most efficient extraction parameters is required before its commercial application.

Apiaceae Medicinal Plants in China: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Bolting and Flowering (BF), and BF Control Methods

Apiaceae plants have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the removing dampness, relieving superficies, and dispelling cold, etc. In order to exploit potential applications as well as improve the yield and quality of Apiaceae medicinal plants (AMPs), the traditional use, modern pharmacological use, phytochemistry, effect of bolting and flowering (BF), and approaches for controlling BF were summarized. Currently, about 228 AMPs have been recorded as TCMs, with 6 medicinal parts, 79 traditional uses, 62 modern pharmacological uses, and 5 main kinds of metabolites. Three different degrees (i.e., significantly affected, affected to some extent, and not significantly affected) could be classed based on the yield and quality. Although the BF of some plants (e.g., Angelica sinensis) could be effectively controlled by standard cultivation techniques, the mechanism of BF has not yet been systemically revealed. This review will provide useful references for the reasonable exploration and high-quality production of AMPs.

Antimicrobial activities and mechanisms of extract and components of herbs in East Asia

Antibacterial drugs face increasing challenges due to drug resistance and adverse reactions, which has created a pressing need for the discovery and development of novel antibacterial drugs. Herbs have played an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases. This review aims to summarize, analyze and evaluate the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of components from popular herbs in East Asia. In this review, we have searched and summarized the scientific papers published during the past twenty-year period from electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. These herbs and their components, including alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, organic acids, coumarins and lignans, display potential antimicrobial effects. Herbal medicine formulas (HMFs) usually show stronger antibacterial activity than single herbs. Herbs and HMFs bring forth antibacterial activities by damaging cell membranes and walls, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, and increasing intracellular osmotic pressure. These herbs and their components can be developed as potential and promising novel antibacterial herbal products.

Essential Oils in Respiratory Mycosis: A Review

Respiratory mycosis is a major health concern, due to the expanding population of immunosuppressed and immunocompromised patients and the increasing resistance to conventional antifungals and their undesired side-effects, thus justifying the development of new therapeutic strategies. Plant metabolites, namely essential oils, represent promising preventive/therapeutic strategies due to their widely reported antifungal potential. However, regarding fungal infections of the respiratory tract, information is disperse and no updated compilation on current knowledge is available. Therefore, the present review aims to gather and systematize relevant information on the antifungal effects of several essential oils and volatile compounds against the main type of respiratory mycosis that impact health care systems. Particular attention is paid to Aspergillus fumigatus, the main pathogen involved in aspergillosis, Candida auris, currently emerging as a major pathogen in certain parts of the world, and Cryptococcus neoformans, one of the main pathogens involved in pulmonary cryptococcosis. Furthermore, the main mechanisms of action underlying essential oils’ antifungal effects and current limitations in clinical translation are presented. Overall, essential oils rich in phenolic compounds seem to be very effective but clinical translation requires more comprehensive in vivo studies and human trials to assess the efficacy and tolerability of these compounds in respiratory mycosis.

A Tau Pathogenesis-Based Network Pharmacology Approach for Exploring the Protections of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia and one of the top medical concerns worldwide. Currently, the approved drugs to treat AD are effective only in treating the symptoms, but do not cure or prevent AD. Although the exact causes of AD are not understood, it is recognized that tau aggregation in neurons plays a key role. Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) has been widely reported as effective for brain diseases such as dementia. Thus, we explored the protections of CR in AD by a tau pathogenesis–based network pharmacology approach. According to ultra-HPLC with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry data and Lipinski’s rule of five, 18 bioactive phytochemicals of CR were screened out. They were shown corresponding to 127 tau pathogenesis–related targets, among which VEGFA, IL1B, CTNNB1, JUN, ESR1, STAT3, APP, BCL2L1, PTGS2, and PPARG were identified as the core ones. We further analyzed the specific actions of CR-active phytochemicals on tau pathogenesis from the aspects of tau aggregation and tau-mediated toxicities. It was shown that neocnidilide, ferulic acid, coniferyl ferulate, levistilide A, Z-ligustilide, butylidenephthalide, and caffeic acid can be effective in reversing tau hyperphosphorylation. Neocnidilide, senkyunolide A, butylphthalide, butylidenephthalide, Z-ligustilide, and L-tryptophan may be effective in promoting lysosome-associated degradation of tau, and levistilide A, neocnidilide, ferulic acid, L-tryptophan, senkyunolide A, Z-ligustilide, and butylidenephthalide may antagonize tau-mediated impairments of intracellular transport, axon and synaptic damages, and neuron death (especially apoptosis). The present study suggests that acting on tau aggregation and tau-mediated toxicities is part of the therapeutic mechanism of CR against AD.

Phytochemical Investigation of Pilea pumila (Clearweed), Laportea canadensis (Wood Nettle), and Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle): Three Members of the Urticaceae Family

Phytochemical analysis of 3 members of the Urticaceae family (eg Pilea pumila, Laportea canadensis, and Boehmeria cylindrica) was conducted using GC-MS. P pumila and L canadensis have several recorded historical medicinal uses by Native American tribes, whereas B cylindrica does not. This study was conducted to understand the historical uses in terms of chemical composition. Plant material, separated into aerial or root portions, was dried and extracted using either ethanol or heptane at room temperature. Sterols, fatty acids and esters, terpenes and terpenoids, saturated and monounsaturated hydrocarbons, small oxygen-functionalized organic molecules, and tocopherols were observed using these methods. Plant sterols composed 30.3% to 62.2% of the observed extracts, followed by fatty acids and esters ranging from 0% to 49% and terpenes and terpenoids ranging 4.56% to 33.9%. All 3 plants contained γ-sitosterol as the dominant plant sterol and palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids and esters. The 3 plants differed significantly in the observed terpene and terpenoid composition. Germacrene D-4-ol, known to have antifungal activity, was the major terpenoid identified in P pumila (7.42%-7.76%), phytol (4.13%), α-cadinene (3.96%), and cadina-1,4-diene (5.53%) were observed in L canadensis treatments, and squalene (2.20%-7.04%), phytol (4.17%), and cadina-1,4-diene (6.68%) were observed in B cylindrica treatments . Possible rationales for Native American medicinal uses were evaluated.

Investigating the Relationship of Genotype and Geographical Location on Volatile Composition and Sensory Profile of Celery (Apium graveolens)

Numerous varieties of celery are grown in multiple countries to maintain supply, demand and availability for all seasons; thus, there is an expectation for a consistent product in terms of taste, flavour, and overall quality. Differences in climate, agronomy and soil composition will all contribute to inconsistencies. This study investigated the volatile and sensory profile of eight celery genotypes grown in the UK (2018) and Spain (2019). Headspace analysis determined the volatile composition of eight genotypes, followed by assessment of the sensory profile using a trained panel. Significant differences in the volatile composition and sensory profile were observed; genotype and geographical location both exerted influences. Two genotypes exhibited similar aroma composition and sensory profile in both locations, making them good candidates to drive breeding programmes aimed at producing varieties that consistently display these distinctive sensory properties. Celery samples harvested in the UK exhibited a higher proportion of sesquiterpenes and phthalides, whereas samples harvested in Spain expressed a higher aldehyde and ketone content. Studying the relationship between growing environment and genotype will provide information to guide growers in how to consistently produce a high-quality crop.

Investigating the factors that influence the aroma profile of Apium graveolens: A review

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a regularly consumed vegetable, providing strong, distinct flavours to dishes as well as health benefits. Constituents of the aroma profile of celery include a range of volatile compounds (terpenes, phthalides and aldehydes) that contribute to its characteristic odour and flavour. Vast amount of research has been completed on the aroma profile of celery. However, there is limited information stating the cultivar, origin and geographical location, despite that research on a plethora of other crops has indicated that these are key factors driving crop performance and quality attributes. This paper characterises the underlying biochemistry that determines the aroma profile of celery, whilst investigating the genetic and environmental influences leading to its variation. We make recommendations for minimum standards (MIAPAE: Minimum Information About a Plant Aroma Experiment) that should be adopted by the scientific community prior to publication of data relating to flavour and aroma characterisation of crops.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Celery and Parsley Fruit-Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity

Supercritical fluid extraction as an environmentally friendly technology was applied to isolate biologically active extracts from celery and parsley fruits for potential applications in the food industry. The extractions were performed under mild temperature conditions of 39.85 °C and at pressures of 10 and 30 MPa. The extracts were analyzed regarding their chemical composition, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxic effect. Sedanolide was the dominant component of the celery fruit extracts, comprising more than 70% of the obtained fraction, while the content of apiole in the parsley fruit SC CO₂ extracts exceeded 85%. The celery fruit extracts showed strong and moderately strong antibacterial activity against tested Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus (B.) cereus, B. subtilis, B. circulans, Listeria (L.) greyi, L. seeligeri and L. welshimeri, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 160 and 640 µg/mL, and weak activity against the selected Salmonella isolates with a MIC of 2560 µg/mL. The parsley extract obtained at 10 MPa showed strong and moderately strong antibacterial effects against Bacillus strains with obtained MICs of 160–640 µg/mL, and weak activity against Staphylococcus, Listeria, and Salmonella with a MIC of 2560 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity investigation showed that the extracts with proven antibacterial activity had no cytotoxic effect on rabbit kidney cells at concentrations of up to 640 µg/mL.

Celery and Celeriac: A Critical View on Present and Future Breeding

Cultivated for the crispy petioles and round, fleshy, and flavored hypocotyl celery and celeriac have over two centuries of breeding history in Europe. In this review paper we summarized the most recent advances touching when necessary the historical context of celery and celeriac breeding. In the post genomic era of research, the genome sequence of celery is only partially available. We comprised however in this paper the most important aspects of celery genetics that are available today and have applicability in celery modern cultivars development. We discussed the problems and traits that drive the main celery and celeriac breeding goals, like hybrid seed production, disease resistance, and interesting enlarged hypocotyl and petiole characteristics. Besides the classical breeding traits we covered the potential of integration of existing cultivars as sources for consumer oriented traits like nutraceuticals and health promoting substances. Sustainability is a subject that is continuously growing in popularity and we looked at the genetic base of celery and celeriac that makes them sources for abiotic stress resistance and candidates for phytoremediation. We explored the fundamental concepts gained in various fields of celery and related species research, as resources for future improvement of celery and celeriac germplasm. We forecast what the next years will bring to Apium breeding.

Phytochemical and biological characterization of Italian "sedano bianco di Sperlonga" Protected Geographical Indication celery ecotype: A multimethodological approach

Celery is a widely used vegetable known for its peculiar sensorial and nutritional properties. Here, the white celery (Apium graveolens L.) "sedano bianco di Sperlonga" PGI ecotype was investigated to obtain the metabolic profile of its edible parts (blade leaves and petioles) also related to quality, freshness and biological properties. A multi-methodological approach, including NMR, MS, HPLC-PDA, GC-MS and spectrophotometric analyses, was proposed to analyse celery extracts. Sugars, polyalcohols, amino acids, organic acids, phenols, sterols, fatty acids, phthalides, chlorophylls, tannins and flavonoids were detected in different concentrations in blade leaf and petiole extracts, indicating celery parts as nutraceutical sources. The presence of some phenols in celery extracts was here reported for the first time. Low contents of biogenic amines and mycotoxins confirmed celery quality and freshness. Regarding the biological properties, ethanolic celery extracts inhibited the oxidative-mediated DNA damage induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide and scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals.

Apium Plants: Beyond Simple Food and Phytopharmacological Applications

Apium plants belong to the Apiaceae family and are included among plants that have been in use in traditional medicine for thousands of years worldwide, including in the Mediterranean, as well as the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Some highlighted medical benefits include prevention of coronary and vascular diseases. Their phytochemical constituents consist of bergapten, flavonoids, glycosides, furanocoumarins, furocoumarin, limonene, psoralen, xanthotoxin, and selinene. Some of their pharmacological properties include anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, nematocidal, anti-rheumatism, antiasthma, anti-bronchitis, hepatoprotective, appetizer, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, breast milk inducer, anti-jaundice, antihypertensive, anti-dysmenorrhea, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and spermatogenesis induction. The present review summarizes data on ecology, botany, cultivation, habitat, medicinal use, phytochemical composition, preclinical and clinical pharmacological efficacy of Apium plants and provides future direction on how to take full advantage of Apium plants for the optimal benefit to mankind.

Antimicrobial activity of extracts and phthalides occurring in Apiaceae plants

Apiaceae plants exhibit a broad spectrum of activities, for instance, antithrombotic, hypotensive, antioxidant, and insecticidal. They also provide a source of phthalides, which display antimicrobial activity. Considering the fact of rising resistance of both bacteria and fungi against commonly used antibiotics, developing of new naturally derived compounds is undeniably attractive approach. To our best knowledge, there are no other reviews concerning this subject in the literature. In view of above, an attempt to summarize an antimicrobial potential of isolated compounds and extracts from Apiaceae plants has been made, by specifying techniques of activity determination and methods of extraction. Techniques of antimicrobial activity evaluation are mainly based on bioautography, diffusion, and dilution methods. Therefore, we focused on in vitro data described in literature so far.

Natural Products: An Alternative to Conventional Therapy for Dermatophytosis?

The increased incidence of fungal infections, associated with the widespread use of antifungal drugs, has resulted in the development of resistance, making it necessary to discover new therapeutic alternatives. Among fungal infections, dermatophytoses constitute a serious public health problem, affecting 20-25 % of the world population. Medicinal plants represent an endless source of bioactive molecules, and their volatile and non-volatile extracts are clearly recognized for being the historical basis of therapeutic health care. Because of this, the research on natural products with antifungal activity against dermatophytes has considerably increased in recent years. However, despite the recognized anti-dermatophytic potential of natural products, often advantageous face to commercial drugs, there is still a long way to go until their use in therapeutics. This review attempts to summarize the current status of anti-dermatophytic natural products, focusing on their mechanism of action, the developed pharmaceutical formulations and their effectiveness in human and animal models of infection.

Celery Seed and Related Extracts with Antiarthritic, Antiulcer, and Antimicrobial Activities

Celery preparations have been used extensively for several millennia as natural therapies for acute and chronic painful or inflammatory conditions. This chapter reviews some of the biological and chemical properties of various celery preparations that have been used as natural remedies. Many of these have varying activities and product qualities. A fully standardized celery preparation has been prepared known as an alcoholic extract of the seeds of a plant source derived from northern India. This is termed, Celery Seed Extract (CSE) and has been found to be at least as effective as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen in suppressing arthritis in a model of polyarthritis. CSE can also reduce existing inflammation in rats. CSE has also been shown to provide analgesia in two model systems. CSE, in addition to acting as an analgesic and inflammatory agent, has been shown to protect against and/or reduce gastric irritation caused by NSAIDs, as well as act synergistically with them to reduce inflammation. The CSE was fractionated by organic solvent extractions, then subjected to column chromatography followed by HPLC and was characterized by mass spectrometry. This yielded a purified component that had specific inhibitory effects on Helicobacter pylori but was not active against Campylobacter jejuni or Escherichia coli. Additionally, toxicology studies did not reveal any clear signs of toxicity at doses relevant to human use. Also, unlike many dietary supplements, the available data suggest that CSE does not significantly affect the p450 enzyme systems and thus is less likely to alter the metabolism of drugs the individual may be taking. CSE may be a prototype of a natural product that can be used therapeutically to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Cryptococcosis: epidemiology, fungal resistance, and new alternatives for treatment

Cryptococcosis is an important systemic mycosis and the third most prevalent disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. The incidence of cryptococcosis is high among the 25 million people with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with recent estimates indicating that there are one million cases of cryptococcal meningitis globally per year in AIDS patients. In Cryptococcus neoformans, resistance to azoles may be associated with alterations in the target enzyme encoded by the gene ERG11, lanosterol 14α-demethylase. These alterations are obtained through mutations, or by overexpressing the gene encoding. In addition, C. gattii and C. neoformans present a heteroresistance phenotype, which may be related to increased virulence. Other species beyond C. neoformans and C. gattii, such as C. laurentii, have been diagnosed mainly in patients with immunosuppression. Infections of C. albidus have been isolated in cats and marine mammals. Recent evidence suggests that the majority of infections produced by this pathogen are associated with biofilm growth, which is also related with increased resistance to antifungal agents. Therefore, there is a great need to search for alternative antifungal agents for these fungi. The search for new molecules is currently occurring from nanoparticle drugs of plant peptide origin. This article presents a brief review of the literature regarding the epidemiology of cryptococcosis, as well as fungal resistance and new alternatives for treatment.