Phytochemical profile and biological activities of Deverra tortuosa (Desf.)DC.: a desert aromatic shrub widespread in Northern Region of Saudi Arabia

Investigating the Wound-Healing Potential of a Nanoemulsion-Gel Formulation of Pituranthos tortuosus Essential Oil

This study explores a nanoemulsion (NE)-based gel incorporating Tunisian Pituranthos tortuosus essential oil, with a focus on its wound-healing potential. The essential oil, extracted via hydrodistillation, underwent GC-MS analysis for compositional verification. The physicochemical characterization included dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement, pH, and viscosity. The gelification of the NE facilitated topical application. The results revealed an average extraction yield of 0.45% and identified 38 compounds in the essential oil. The NE exhibited a particle size of 27 ± 0.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.3, and a zeta potential of -22.8 ± 1.4 mV. The stability of the gelified preparation was confirmed through thermodynamic stability studies, TEM observations, and zeta and size results. In vivo experiments confirmed significant wound-healing effects, highlighting the promising role of the NE-based gel in healthcare advancements. This research underscores the potential of novel phyto-based delivery systems in wound care.

Anti-Malassezia Drug Candidates Based on Virulence Factors of Malassezia-Associated Diseases

Malassezia is a lipophilic unicellular fungus that is able, under specific conditions, to cause severe cutaneous and systemic diseases in predisposed subjects. This review is divided into two complementary parts. The first one discusses how virulence factors contribute to Malassezia pathogenesis that triggers skin diseases. These virulence factors include Malassezia cell wall resistance, lipases, phospholipases, acid sphingomyelinases, melanin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), indoles, hyphae formation, hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation. The second section describes active compounds directed specifically against identified virulence factors. Among the strategies for controlling Malassezia spread, this review discusses the development of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonists, inhibition of secreted lipase, and fighting biofilms. Overall, this review offers an updated compilation of Malassezia species, including their virulence factors, potential therapeutic targets, and strategies for controlling their spread. It also provides an update on the most active compounds used to control Malassezia species.

Investigation on Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antifungal and Herbicidal Activities of Volatile Constituents from Deverra tortuosa (Desf.)

This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) obtained from stems and umbels of D. tortuosa as well the assessment of their biological activity. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant properties were determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The phytotoxic potential was assessed against dicots weeds (Sinapis arvensis and Trifolium campestre), monocots weeds (Lolium rigidum) and the crop Lepidium sativum. The antifungal activity was evaluated against four target phytopathogenic fungal strains. High diversity of compounds was detected in D. tortuosa Eos, varying among plant parts and consisting mainly of α-pinene (24.47-28.56%), sabinene (16.2-18.6%), α-phellandrene (6.3-11.7%) and cis-ocimene (5.28-7.85%). D. tortuosa EOs exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, as well as interesting variable antifungal activities depending on the dose and fungi strain. The herbicidal activity of EOs showed significant efficacy on the inhibition of germination and seedling growth of all tested herbs. These results suggest that the EOs of Deverra tortuosa represent a valuable source of antioxidant, antifungal and phytotoxic metabolites and could be potential candidates for pest management, contributing to the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

Characterization of the wild plants in Wadi Degla Protectorate, North Eastern Desert, Egypt

The present study aimed to evaluate the floristic characteristics of the wild plants in Wadi Degla Protectorate, including taxonomic diversity, life and sex forms, dispersal types, economic potential, threats, and national and global floristic distributions. Field visits were conducted during January and April (2021), and the study area was divided to 185 locations to comprise all the Wadi. From each location, plant and seed specimens were collected. In the present study, 161 plants belonged to 128 genera, and 43 families were recorded. They inhabited three habitats (upstream, midstream, and downstream). Therophytes were the most represented life form. Bisexuals were the most represented sex form. Sarcochores were the most represented dispersal type, followed by desmochores. For small geographic range - national habitat - non-abundant plants were the most represented rarity form. For national scales, the Mediterranean and Sinai regions were the richest wild plants. For global scales, the Saharo-Sindian and Mediterranean regions were the most represented elements. Medicinal plants were the most represented good, while solid wastes were the most represented threat.

Herbal Therapy for the Treatment of Seborrhea Dermatitis

Seborrhea dermatitis is a skin disorder that usually appears on parts of the body that have high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face, chest, and scalp. Clinical manifestations that generally appear as scaly skin and erythema. Seborrhea dermatitis is also known as one of the causes of alopecia. Treatments that can be used for seborrhea dermatitis are antifungal, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and coal tar. There are concerns about poor adherence, resistance, and some side effects of drugs that have been used in the treatment of seborrhea dermatitis. Concerns regarding these issues increase the urgency for the development of new therapeutic agents in the treatment of seborrhea dermatitis. Research on medicinal plants has enormous potential to produce compounds with new structures and bioactivity. This review discusses clinical and in vitro studies related to the activity of several medicinal plants that have potential as a treatment for seborrhea dermatitis, as well as the compounds that play a role in these activities. Literature searches were carried out on the PubMed, Taylor & Francis, and SpringerLink databases using Boolean Operators to get 25 articles that match the keywords used. Of the 25 articles, six were clinical trials, while 19 were in vitro studies of Malassezia. Several plants have potential as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of seborrhea dermatitis by inhibiting the growth of Malassezia, decreasing sebum secretion, and decreasing symptoms associated with seborrhea dermatitis such as itching, pain or burning sensation, and redness.

Bioactivity of Deverra tortuosa essential oil, its nanoemulsion, and phenylpropanoids against the cowpea weevil, a stored grain pest with eco-toxicological evaluations

The essential oil (EO) was hydrodistilled from of Deverra tortuosa aerial parts. Fifty-six components amounting 99.3% were identified in EO through using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and (GC-MS). Phenylpropanoids, dillapiole (41.6%), elemicin (7.3%) and myristicin (5.1%), and the monoterpene, sabinene (4.2%) were identified as the major terpenes. An oil-in-water nanoemulsion (particle size 70.3 nm) was developed from EO adopting a low-energy method. The EO products showed insecticidal and biochemical effects against the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus. Based on a 48-h exposure period, the oil nanoemulsion exhibited a superior contact bioactivity (LC₅₀ = 10.3 µg/cm²), followed by EO (LC₅₀ = 23.1 µg/cm²), dillapiole (LC₅₀ = 27.8 µg/cm²), and myristicin (LC₅₀ = 37.1 µg/cm²). Upon fumigation, nanoemulsion and EO were superior as fumigants (LC₅₀ after 48 h were 6.9 and 14.3 µl/l, respectively). Test materials showed a residual bioactivity against C. maculatus, where EO, dillapiole, and myristicin showed the strongest grain protecting activity. EO products significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of C. maculatus adults. Test products were safe toward the non-target earthworms and did not alter the viability of cowpea seeds. There are evidences for the potential of using EO of D. tortuosa and its nanoemulsion and phenylpropanoids as natural grain protectants against C. maculatus.

Deverra triradiata Hochst. ex Boiss. from the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia: Essential Oil Profiling, Plant Extracts and Biological Activities

Devrra triradiata Hochst. ex Boiss is an occasional plant species in the Northern region of Saudi Arabia. The shrub is favored on sandy desert wadis, gypsaceous substrate, and sandy gravel desert. In folk medicine, the plant is used for many purposes; to relieve stomach pains, against intestinal parasites, and for the regulation of menstruation. The present study describes the chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) of different plant parts of D. triradiata. In vivo and in vitro biological activities of plant extracts and essential oils were also studied. Phenylpropanoids, elemicin (flowers: 100%), dillapiole (Stems: 82.33%; and seeds: 82.61%), and apiol (roots: 72.16%) were identified as the major compounds. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded for the EOs of roots and stems (IC₅₀ = 0.282 µg/mL and 0.706 µg/mL, respectively). For plant extracts, ethyl acetate showed the highest antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ = 2.47 and 3.18 µg/mL). EOs showed high antifungal activity against yeasts with low azole susceptibilities (i.e., Malassezia spp. and Candida krusei). The MIC values of EOs ranged between 3.4 mg/mL and 56.4 mg/mL. The obtained results also showed phytotoxic potential of plant extracts both on the germination features of Triticum aestivum seeds and the vegetative growth of seedlings.

Conventional therapy and new antifungal drugs against Malassezia infections

Malassezia yeasts are commensal microorganisms occurring on the skin of humans and animals causing dermatological disorders or systemic infections in severely immunocompromised hosts. Despite attempts to control such yeast infections with topical and systemic antifungals, recurrence of clinical signs of skin infections as well as treatment failure in preventing or treating Malassezia furfur fungemia have been reported most likely due to wrong management of these infections (e.g., due to early termination of treatment) or due to the occurrence of resistant phenomena. Standardized methods for in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests of these yeasts are still lacking, thus resulting in variable susceptibility profiles to azoles among Malassezia spp. and a lack of clinical breakpoints. The inherent limitations to the current pharmacological treatments for Malassezia infections both in humans and animals, stimulated the interest of the scientific community to discover new, effective antifungal drugs or substances to treat these infections. In this review, data about the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of the most commonly employed drugs (i.e., azoles, polyenes, allylamines, and echinocandins) against Malassezia yeasts, with a focus on human bloodstream infections, are summarized and their clinical implications are discussed. In addition, the usefulness of alternative compounds is discussed.

Phytomedicine from Middle Eastern Countries: An Alternative Remedy to Modern Medicine against Candida spp Infection

Candida spp are capable of infecting both normal and immunocompromised individuals. More recently, Candida infections have spread considerably in healthcare settings, especially in intensive care units, where it is the most frequently encountered pathogen. Candida albicans is the commonest species encountered, although infections by non-albicans species have also risen in the past few years. The pathogenicity of Candida is credited to its aptitude to change between yeast and hyphal modes of growth. Candida spp produce biofilms on synthetic materials that protect them and facilitate drug resistance and act as a source for chronic and recurrent infections. Primarily, azoles antifungal agents are utilized to treat Candida infection that targets the ergosterol synthesis pathway in the cell wall. The development of antifungal resistance in Candida species is a major reason for treatment failure, and hence, there is a need to develop newer antifungal molecules and/or modifications of existing antifungals to make them more effective and less toxic. This has led researchers to oversee the plants to discover newer antimicrobials. Middle Eastern countries are well known for their landscape ranging from dry and sandy deserts to snow-capped mountains. However, they comprise enormous plant diversity with over 20,000 different species showing various types of bioactivities, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities. Especially, the antifungal potential of these phytoproducts could be exploited in the clinical setting for therapy. The present review examines some of the promising alternative natural compounds that have been tested and found effective in treating Candida infections in vitro in some Middle Eastern countries.

Deverra tortuosa (Desf.) DC from Saudi Arabia as a new source of marmin and furanocoumarins derivatives with α-glucosidase, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities

Deverra tortuosa (Desf.) DC (Syn. Pituranthos tortusus (Desf.) Benth. & Hook.f.) is a species belonging to the Apiaceae family that is common in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia. The plant is well known in traditional medicine along the Arabian ecoregion. In the framework of the present study, the crude extract of n-hexane and ethyl acetate of the seeds were fractionated to purify major bioactive secondary metabolites. Five compounds were identified for the first time from the seeds of D. tortuosa: Marmin 1, Pituranthoside 2, Isoimperatorin 3, Bergapten 4 and Isopimpinellin 5. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR, (ESI)-MS and IR spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxic, α-glucosidase and antibacterial activities of the pure phytochemicals were also evaluated.

Essential Oil of Deverra tortuosa Aerial Parts: Detailed Chemical Profile, Allelopathic, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

Essential oils (EOs) are a promising group of natural products of the aromatic plants due to their various biological effects such as allelopathic, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities. The present study aimed to construct the detailed chemical profile of the EO derived from Deverra tortuosa aerial parts along with assessing its allelopathic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant potentialities. The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The allelopathic activity of the EO was assessed against the germination and seedling growth of the weed Chenopodium murale. Also, the EO was tested against five microbes. The antioxidant activity was determined using the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). The GC/MS analysis of EO revealed the presence of 86 compounds with a preponderance of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons. Widdrol, β-phellandrene, piperitol, cubedol, α-terpinene, (E)-10-heptadecen-8-ynoic acid methyl ester, citronellyl tiglate, and m-cymene were the major compounds. A comparative profile was established between the EOs constituents of our study with the documented EOs of D. tortuosa and the other Deverra species around the world via agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal components analysis (PCA). The EO showed a substantial allelopathic activity against C. murale, as well as it showed considerable antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Thereby, the EO of D. tortuosa could be considered as a promising environmental-friendly bioherbicide against weeds. Also, it could be integrated into food preservation due to its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. However, further study is recommended for more characterization of the major compounds and evaluation of their activities, either singular or synergistic, and assess their efficiency and biosafety.

Evaluation of the Inhibitory Activities of COVID-19 of Melaleuca cajuputi Oil Using Docking Simulation

GC-MS was applied to identify 24 main substances in Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil (TA) extracted from fresh cajeput leaves through steam distilling. The inhibitory capability of active compounds in the TA from Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam over the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein in human body - the host receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and the main protease (PDB6LU7) of the SARS-CoV-2 using docking simulation has been studied herein. The results indicate that the ACE2 and PDB6LU7 proteins were strongly inhibited by 10 out of 24 compounds accounting for 70.9% in the TA. The most powerful anticoronavirus activity is expressed in the order: Terpineol (TA2) ≈ Guaiol (TA5) ≈ Linalool (TA19) > Cineol (TA1) > β-Selinenol (TA3) > α-Eudesmol (TA4) > γ-Eudesmol (TA7). Interestingly, the synergistic interactions of these 10 substances of the TA exhibit excellent inhibition into the ACE2 and PDB6LU7 proteins. The docking results orient that the natural Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil is considered as a valuable resource for preventing SARS-CoV-2 invasion into human body.

Antioxidant Activity of Natural Allylpolyalkoxybenzene Plant Essential Oil Constituents

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