Essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus exhibits "anti-aspergillosis" potential: in-silico molecular docking and in vitro studies

Molecular Docking and anti-MRSA effects of bioactive compounds from Cymbopogon

Molecular docking is an effective tool for screening bioactive compounds based on molecular mechanistic values. Efforts were taken to identify and screen plant secondary metabolites against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using essential oil (EO) extracted from locally available species of Cymbopogon such as C. flexuosus, C. winterianus, and C. martinii. Hydro distillation of EO followed by GCMS characterization was accomplished. The library-generated compounds were docked against penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) (PDB ID: 3ZG5). We targeted PBP2a, a transpeptidase because it produces high-level resistance to MRSA against β-lactam antibiotics through its expression. Importantly, PBP2a catalyzes cell-wall cross-linking in the face of the defy by β-lactam antibiotics. A 100ns MD simulation was conducted to find the stability of the receptor-ligand complex. The anti-MRSA activity against different clinical isolates of MRSA was performed and the genetic similarity between the isolates of MRSA was analyzed through the RAPD technique which is a quick, cost-effective, and affordable technique.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-025-00334-4.

Density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation-based bioprospection of Agathosma betulina essential oil metabolites against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B for interventive antidiabetic therapy

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by elevated blood glucose due to impaired insulin secretion/sensitivity. While conventional antihyperglycemic medications like biguanides, sulfonylureas, and other agents are commonly used, their long-term use can have side effects, prompting research into natural alternatives. This study bioprospects the antidiabetic potential of metabolites in Agathosma betulina (Buchu) essential oil through computational analysis of their ability to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a therapeutic diabetes target. Molecular dynamic simulation, supported by DFT analysis, revealed that compounds linalylanthranilate (-20.18 kcal/mol) and γ-diosphenol (-16.49 kcal/mol) found in the oil exhibited stronger PTP1B inhibition than ursolic acid (-15.98 kcal/mol). The compounds showed favorable drug-like properties complying with Lipinski's rules. This study provides the first evidence that these Buchu oil compounds could potentially serve as PTP1B inhibitors to enhance insulin receptor sensitivity, showing promise for T2DM treatment. Further validation through safety and clinical studies is recommended.

Pro-fertility and Antioxidant Potentials of Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) Protein Isolate and Essential Oil: An In vivo and In silico Studies

INTRODUCTION

Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea), a legume rich in phytochemicals, has been traditionally used to improve fertility and treat various ailments. This study used in-silico and invivo methods to evaluate the effects of cowpea protein isolate and essential oil on reproductive hormonal and antioxidant indices.

METHODS

Forty (40) female rats were divided into eight groups (n=5). After 14 days of treatment, hormone levels (progesterone, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol) and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were assessed using biochemical kits and standard procedures. Molecular docking studies were performed using PyRx and Biovia Discovery Studio 2021. The ligands generated through gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS) analysis of cowpea oil and the target proteins (SOD and CAT) were from downloaded PubChem and RCSB Protein Data Bank, respectively.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that cowpea essential oil and protein isolate significantly (p<0.05) reduced plasma CAT and SOD activities while increasing their activities in the ovary and liver tissues compared to the infertile untreated group. Consistent administration of either cowpea oil or protein isolate was observed to positively regulate the hormonal indices in the infertile treated groups. Phthalic acid, 2-cyclohexyl ethyl isobutyl ester demonstrated a strong binding affinity and binding constant with SOD and CAT, which suggests that the ligands from cowpea essential oil may have antioxidant and pro-fertility properties that could be developed to treat fertility- related issues.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that V. unguiculata has antioxidant property, and can promote fertility, possibly through its rich embedded phytochemicals, which substantiates its traditional claim.

Antifungal, molecular docking and cytotoxic effect of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. and Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle against Candida albicans

Brazil is renowned for its extensive plant biodiversity, with emphasis on Cymbopogon, C. citratus and C. nardus, with broad antimicrobial potential. Candidemias caused by Candida albicans are highly prevalent in immunosuppressed individuals and are associated with infections by biofilms on medical devices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of essential oils C. citratus and C. nardus against C. albicans in planktonic and biofilm forms. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and chemical composition evaluated by GC-FID and GC-MS. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the broth microdilution method and the synergy effect of essential oils and amphotericin B were evaluated by the checkerboard test. Biofilm activity was determined by the XTT assay. Cytotoxicity assays performed with VERO cells and molecular docking were performed to predict the effect of oil interaction on the SAP-5 enzyme site. The results showed activity of essential oils against planktonic cells and biofilm of C. albicans. Furthermore, the oils had a synergistic effect, and low cytotoxicity. Molecular docking showed interaction between Cadinene, Caryophyllen oxide, Germacrene D with SAP-5. The results indicate that Cymbopogon spp. studied are anti-Candida, with potential for further application in therapy against infections caused by C. albicans.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against biofilms formed in dental acrylic resin: a systematic review of in vitro studies

This study aimed to answer the question formulated according to the PICO strategy: 'Which essential oils show antimicrobial activity against biofilms formed on dental acrylic resin?' composed by population (dental acrylic resin), intervention (application of essential oils), comparison (denture cleansers, antifungal drugs, chlorhexidine, and oral mouthwashes), and outcome (antibiofilm activity). In vitro experimental studies evaluating the activity of EOs on biofilm formed on acrylic resin were included. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the search was performed in the PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, and Lilacs databases and in the gray literature using Google Scholar and ProQuest in December 2023. A manual search of the reference lists of the included primary studies was performed. Of the 1467 articles identified, 37 were selected for full-text reading and 12 were included. Twelve EOs were evaluated, of which 11 showed activity against Candida spp., 3 against Staphylococcus aureus, and 1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The EOs of Cymbopogon citratus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cymbopogon nardus showed higher action than chlorhexidine, C. nardus higher than Listerine, C. citratus higher than nystatin, and Melaleuca alternifolia higher than fluconazole and nystatin. However, chlorhexidine was more effective than Lippia sidoides and Salvia officinalis, sodium hypochlorite was more effective than L. sidoides, nystatin was more effective than Zingiber officinale, Amphotericin B more effective than Eucalyptus globulus and M. alternifolia. In conclusion, the EOs of C. zeylanicum, C. citratus, C. nardus, and M. alternifolia showed antimicrobial activity to reduce biofilm on dental acrylic resin.

Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil: Extraction, GC-MS, Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, and In Silico Molecular Docking for Protein Targets Related to CNS

This study analyzed the chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil from Puebla, México, assessed its antioxidant activity, and evaluated in silico protein-compound interactions related to central nervous system (CNS) physiology. GC-MS analysis identified myrcene (8.76%), Z-geranial (27.58%), and E-geranial (38.62%) as the main components, with 45 other compounds present, which depends on the region and growing conditions. DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu assays using the leaves extract show a promising antioxidant effect (EC₅₀ = 48.5 µL EO/mL), reducing reactive oxygen species. The bioinformatic tool SwissTargetPrediction (STP) shows 10 proteins as potential targets associated with CNS physiology. Moreover, protein-protein interaction diagrams suggest that muscarinic and dopamine receptors are related to each other through a third party. Molecular docking reveals that Z-geranial has higher binding energy than M1 commercial blocker and blocks M2, but not M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, whereas β-pinene and myrcene block M1, M2, and M4 receptors. These actions may positively affect cardiovascular activity, memory, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. This study highlights the significance of understanding natural product interactions with physiological systems to uncover potential therapeutic agents and advanced knowledge on their benefits for human health.

Enzymatic and proteomic exploration into the inhibitory activities of lemongrass and lemon essential oils against Botrytis cinerea (causative pathogen of gray mold)

Introduction

Essential oils (EOs) have been demonstrated as efficacious against B. cinerea. However, the underpinning enzymatic and proteomic mechanism for these inhibitory effects is not entirely clear.

Methods

Thus, this study examined the effects of lemon (Le) and lemongrass (Lg) EOs (individually and in combination) against B. cinerea based on enzymatic and proteomic analyses. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD038894.

Results and discussion

Both EOs (individually and in combination) displayed abilities to induce scavenging as observed with the reduction of H2O2. Measured malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased in all EOs treated B. cinerea mycelia compared to the control. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was highest in Lg treated B. cinerea (206% increase), followed by combined (Le + Lg) treatment with 73% compared to the untreated control. Based on GC-MS analysis, the number of volatile compounds identified in lemon and lemongrass EOs were 7 and 10, respectively. Major chemical constituent of lemon EO was d-limonene (71%), while lemongrass EO was a-citral (50.1%). Based on the interrogated LC-MS data, 42 distinct proteins were identified, and 13 of these proteins were unique with 1, 8, and 4 found in Le-, Lg-, and (Le + Lg) EOs treated B. cinerea, respectively, and none in control. Overall, 72% of identified proteins were localized within cellular anatomical entity, and 28% in protein-complexes. Proteins involved in translation initiation, antioxidant activity, protein macromolecule adaptor activity and microtubule motor activity were only identified in the Lg and (Le + Lg) EOs treated B. cinerea mycelia, which was consistent with their APX activities.