First report on the chemical composition and the free radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Ononis aurasiaca, an endemic plant of Algeria

Biomarkers of heavy metals pollution in mangrove ecosystems: Comparative assessment in industrial impact and conservation zones

Heavy metal contamination from industrial activities in coastal regions can lead to pollution in mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves produce antioxidant compounds to mitigate the impact of free radicals. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cu and antioxidant activity in Avicennia alba and Excoecaria agallocha mangroves from areas affected by industrial activities and conservation areas, Banyuasin, South Sumatra, Indonesia. This study was conducted in September 2023 with sampling locations in the Payung Island area and the Barong River conservation area, Berbak Sembilang National Park. The samples taken included sediment and mangrove leaves. The concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cu was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Antioxidant activity test using the DPPH test, total phenol using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and phytochemical profile screening using GCMS. Statistical analysis of the correlation between antioxidant activity and heavy metal concentration using the Pearson correlation. The results showed that the highest concentration of heavy metals in sediment and mangrove leaves was found in the area affected by industrial activity, with a range of Pb values of 0.67 ± 0.16-18.70 ± 0.48 mg/kg and Cu values of 3.39 ± 0.20-6.07 ± 0.37 mg / kg. The results of sediment pollution assessment for heavy metals Pb and Cu at Igeo < 0 indicates uncontaminated, 1 < Cf < 3 indicates low contamination, and PLI 0-2 indicates not polluted. While the results of heavy metal bioaccumulation in leaves were BCF < 1, indicates low bioaccumulation. E. agallocha leaves from the Pulau Payung area showed very strong antioxidant activity of 21.63 μg/ml, and the highest total phenol content reached 398.80 mg GAE/g. Analysis of compounds with the highest antioxidant activity identified the presence of esters, aldehydes, alcohols, fatty acids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Correlation analysis shows that higher heavy metal concentrations correspond to increased antioxidant activity and total phenol content (r ≠ 0). These findings are expected to contribute to scientific knowledge that enhances environmental sustainability, supporting effective management of coastal natural resources.

First investigation of the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and larvicidal activities of the essential oil of the subspecies Ononis angustissima Lam. subsp. filifolia Murb

This study is the first to explore the essential oil of Ononis angustissima Lam. subsp. filifolia Murb., a subspecies growing in the Algerian northeastern Sahara. The chemical composition was evaluated by GC/GC-EIMS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using two methods. Thirty-four (91.6%) individual components were identified. The main constituents were linalool (12.6%), hexahydrofarnesylacetone (8.4%), β-eudesmol (6.6%), α-cadinol (6.4%) and T-cadinol (6.1%). The findings provide a chemical basis for understanding relationships between North African subspecies, supporting botanical and genetic classification. The oil exhibited moderate scavenging activity against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 102.30 µg/ml) and high activity in the β-carotene bleaching assay (91.346%). Antimicrobial tests revealed effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300), limited impact on Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922), and good inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Scedosporium apiospermum. A notable larvicidal activity was observed against Date Moth, particularly on L2 larvae.

Hepatorenal protective effects of essential oils against chemical overexposure induced oxidative damage

Chemical overexposure is a significant concern in both environmental and occupational settings, often leading to oxidative stress and subsequent cellular damage. The review covers the oxidative stress induced by chemical overexposure to substances such as pesticides (including pyrethroid, deltamethrin, β-cyfluthrin, malathion, triflumuron, methomyl, diquat, cypermethrin, thiamethoxam, and profenofos), medications (acetaminophen), nanoparticles (including zinc oxide, iron, silver, and titanium dioxide), heavy metals (including cadmium, vanadium), and some organic chemicals (including diethylnitrosamine and benzo(a)pyrene). Focusing on preclinical evidence from animal models and cell-based studies, essential oils have been shown to significantly enhance antioxidative enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, while also increasing levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and uric acid. Additionally, essential oils contribute to the restoration of biochemical parameters, including creatinine, uric acid, and urea levels, while mitigating oxidative damage by reducing cell membrane injury, apoptosis, and histopathological alterations. Additionally, this review evaluates the protective benefits of essential oils against chemical overexposure in animal models. The underlying mechanism is involved in alleviating hepatorenal damage. This review underscores the considerable promise of essential oils as candidates for medicinal applications in functional foods or medicines, particularly in preventing oxidative stress induced by various chemical overexposure.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Insights into Mentha asiatica Boriss.: A Promising Antimicrobial Plant

Mentha asiatica Boriss., a species native to Central Asia, has garnered significant attention for its diverse phytochemical profile and antimicrobial potential. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the antimicrobial activities of M. asiatica, focusing on its essential oils and other bioactive constituents. The study contextualizes the importance of natural antimicrobials in the era of rising antibiotic resistance and highlights the plant's traditional use in ethnomedicine. The main methodologies explored include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for phytochemical characterization and various in vitro assays to assess antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The essential oils of M. asiatica demonstrate a broad spectrum of activity, attributed to compounds such as menthol, menthone, and carvone. Other phytochemicals, including sesquiterpenes and terpenoids, also contribute to its bioactivity. The review underscores the potential of M. asiatica as a source of novel antimicrobial agents and calls for further research into its mechanisms of action, bioavailability, and safety profiles. The findings position M. asiatica as a promising candidate for developing plant-based antimicrobial formulations, addressing critical needs in healthcare and food preservation.