Antifungal, Antioxidant and Antibiofilm Activities of Essential Oils of Cymbopogon spp

Chemical composition and biological activity of lemongrass volatile oil and n-Hexane extract: GC/MS analysis, in vitro and molecular modelling studies

Lemon grass, formally identified as Cymbopogon citratus, is a plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. The present work aimed to examine the chemical composition by GC/MS analysis and assess the biological potential of C. citratus volatile oil and n-hexane extract. The volatile oil and n-hexane extract were evaluated for antioxidant potential and tested for their enzyme inhibition against tyrosinase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. The chemical analysis of the lemongrass n-hexane extract (HE) and volatile oil (VO) revealed that the main constituents in the HE are aliphatic hydrocarbons (42.98%), triterpenoids (20.14%), and aromatic hydrocarbons (17.25%). Conversely, the main constituents of the (VO) are predominantly monoterpenes, namely α-citral (36.08%), β-citral (34.22%), and β-myrcene (13.84%). The oil showed more potent antioxidant potential in DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum (10.18, 35.69 mg Trolox equivalent/g, 98.97 and 69.73 mg Trolox equivalent/g and 43.01 mmol Trolox equivalent/g). The HE displayed higher BChE (1.53 mg Galanthamine equivalent)/g), as well as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (0.39 and 2.40 mmol Acarbose equivalent/g). The VO demonstrated more potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities (57.19 mg Kojic acid equivalent/g) along with acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. Dominant compounds exhibited the ability to bind with high affinity to various target proteins, with a particular affinity for AChE and BChE. The volatile oil and n-hexane extract of C. citratus show significant promise as a viable choice for the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at addressing oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and diabetes.

Role of rich phenolics and betanin profiles from Opuntia ficus-indica fruits in the prevention of diabetic complications using metabolomics study

Opuntia ficus-indica red fruit (OFI-RF) is a member of the Cactaceae family and native to South America. Phytochemical evaluation of the plant has revealed variable bioactive components; therefore, this study explored the medicinal value of butanol (BE) and ethylacetate extracts (EE) by evaluating their antidiabetic, antioxidant and antihypercholesterolemic properties. Selected solvents were used for phytochemical extraction according to established protocols, and then pharmacological effects of phenolic and betanin-rich extracts were evaluated. Results indicated that butanol was the most effective solvent for extracting polyphenolics followed by ethyl acetate, yielding: 148.91 ± 0.95 and 110.96 ± 0.61 μg/g, respectively. Identification analysis of OFI-RF using UPLC/HESI-MS/MS revealed a diverse range of 101 metabolites, including polyphenolics (phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, flavanols, flavanonols, flavonoids and biflavonoids), alkaloids, pyridine, betalains, coumarins, vitamins, fatty acids and other therapeutic compounds. Biological studies (in vitro and in vivo) demonstrated that both EE and BE exhibited significant antidiabetic, antioxidant and antihypercholestremic activities. These findings were further supported via histopathological examination.

Unveiling the Broad-Spectrum Efficacy of Volatile Terpenes to Fight Against SARS-COV-2-Associated Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis, a life-threatening fungal infection caused by Mucorales, affects immunocompromised patients, especially SARS-CoV-2 ones. Existing antifungal therapies, like amphotericin B, have serious health risks. The current study reviews the literature regarding an overview of SARS-CoV-2-associated mucormycosis, along with different terpenes from diverse edible sources, such as basil, ginger, and clove, which are detected till June 2024. The antifungal potential of collected terpenes, their classifications, mechanisms of action, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, and future perspectives are discussed here. The search identified 89 fungicidal volatile terpenes, belonging to about 26 families, from which 45 were selected for further in silico analysis. The results highlighted oryzalexin B (60), oryzalexin D (62), carvacrol (4), mansorin B (66), muzigadial (86), and lubimin (80) as potential antifungal agents against lanosterol 14α-demethylase, CotH3, and mucoricin as potential targets in Mucorales. CotH3 is crucial for activating GRP-78, a host co-receptor for ACE2, which is essential for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Additionally, carvacrol was in vitro investigated against Mucor racemosus via the agar diffusion method, giving an MIC value of 1 mg/mL, compared to 0.1 mg/mL of ketoconazole. This study suggests promising potential for volatile terpenes in combating SARS-CoV-2-associated mucormycosis, with the need for further refined in vitro and in vivo studies to establish clinical efficacy.

Comparative phytochemical profile and biological activity of three Terminalia species as alternative antimicrobial therapies

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Medicinal plants can help combat antibiotic resistance by providing novel, active molecules. Three plant species of the Terminalia genus are widely used in traditional medicine in the Mouhoun region for the treatment of cutaneous and respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is important to determine the ethnopharmacological potential of bark extracts from the trunks of these three Terminalia species.

Aim of the study

This study compared the phytochemical and biological activities of extracts from three Terminalia species to determine their ethnopharmacology.

Materials and methods

The medicinal properties of the extracts were assessed based on their ability to inhibit the growth of the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. The significant interest in these medicinal plants among the local communities were elucidated by their antioxidant properties and phytochemical composition, along with the detection key bioactive compounds. Major phytochemical groups and phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. These phytochemical findings were validated by evaluating the antioxidant capacity of the extracts using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays.

Results

Hydroethanolic, ethanolic, and hexane extracts from the bark of three Terminalia species inhibited the growth of both bacteria and fungi, as evidenced by their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).The findings showed that Terminalia species were most effective against various tested bacteria and fungi, with MICs ranging from 0.1 to 6.25 mg/mL. Terminalia avicennioides, Terminalia macroptera, and Terminalia laxiflora extracts demonstrated 50 % inhibition of DPPH at concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/mL. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several families of chemical compounds, such as total phenolics and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds identified by HPLC in ethanolic extracts of T. avicennioides, such as isorhamnetin, quercetin, and ferulic acid, are recognised for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

These findings establish an ethnobotany for these three Terminalia species, with their chromatographic characteristics facilitating the identification of key molecules of interest. The ethanolic extract of T. avicennioides can be used in phytomedicinal formulations against bacterial (P. aeruginosa and S. aureus) and fungal (C. albicans and C. glabrata) infections, both of which are recurrently recorded in certain skin and respiratory tract diseases.

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.

Appraisal terpenoids rich Boswellia carterri ethyl acetate extract in binary cyclodextrin oligomer nano complex for improving respiratory distress

Boswellia carterii (BC) resins plants have a long historical background as a treatment for inflammation, as indicated by information originating from multiple countries. Twenty-seven diterpenoids have been identified in ethyl acetate and total methanol BC, comprising seventeen boscartins of the cembrane-type diterpenoids and ten boscartols of the prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids. Moreover, twenty-one known triterpenoids have also been found, encompassing nine tirucallane-type, six ursane-type, four oleanane-type, and two lupane-type. The cembrane-type diterpenoids hold a significant position in pharmaceutical chemistry and related industries due to their captivating biological characteristics and promising pharmacological potentials. Extraction of BC, creation and assessment of nano sponges loaded with either B. carterii plant extract or DEX, are the subjects of our current investigation. With the use of ultrasound-assisted synthesis, nano sponges were produced. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of medications in nano sponges was examined using spectrophotometry. Nano sponges were characterized using a number of methods. Within nano sponges, the EE% of medicines varied between 98.52 ± 0.07 and 99.64 ± 1.40%. The nano sponges' particle sizes varied from 105.9 ± 15.9 to 166.8 ± 26.3 nm. Drugs released from nano sponges using the Korsmeyer-Peppas concept. In respiratory distressed rats, the effects of BC plant extract, DEX salt and their nano formulations (D1, D5, P1 and P1), were tested. Treatment significantly reduced ICAM-1, LTB4, and ILβ 4 levels and improved histopathologic profiles, when compared to the positive control group. Boswellia extract and its nano sponge formulation P1 showed promising therapeutic effects. The effect of P1 may be due to synergism between both the extract and the formulation. This effect was achieved by blocking both ICAM-1 and LTB4 pathways, therefore counteracting the effects of talc powder.

Unveiling the mechanism of essential oil action against skin pathogens: from ancient wisdom to modern science

Essential oils are among the most well-known phyto-compounds, and since ancient times, they have been utilized in medicine. Over 100 essential oils have been identified and utilized as therapies for various skin infections and related ailments. While numerous commercial medicines are available in different dosage forms to treat skin diseases, the persisting issues include their side effects, toxicity, and low efficacy. As a result, researchers are seeking novel classes of compounds as substitutes for synthetic drugs, aiming for minimal side effects, no toxicity, and high efficacy. Essential oils have shown promising antimicrobial activity against skin-associated pathogens. This review presents essential knowledge and scientific information regarding essential oil's antimicrobial capabilities against microorganisms that cause skin infections. Essential oils mechanisms against different pathogens have also been explored. Many essential oils exhibit promising activity against various microbes, which has been qualitatively assessed using the agar disc diffusion experiment, followed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration for quantitative evaluation. It has been observed that Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans have been extensively researched in the context of skin-related infections and their antimicrobial activity, including established modes of action. In contrast, other skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogens, Propionibacterium acnes, and Malassezia furfur have received less attention or neglected. This review report provides an updated understanding of the mechanisms of action of various essential oils with antimicrobial properties. This review explores the anti-infectious activity and mode of action of essential against distinct skin pathogens. Such knowledge can be valuable in treating skin infections and related ailments.

In vitro efficacy of essential oils against various Candida species

Candida species are responsible for the most common fungal infections worldwide. We studied the in vitro antifungal activity of a large panel of essential oils (EOs) against various Candida species. The EOs activity against Candida spp. was tested using a gradient microdilution assay ranging from 4% to 0.008% (v/v). After a preliminary screening including 31 EOs, seven selected EOs were tested against 13 clinical isolates and four reference strains belonging to six Candida species. Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cymbopogon giganteus EOs exhibited the best antifungal activity against all clinical and reference strains, with MIC ranges of 0.015%-0.25% (v/v). EOs from Litsea citrata, Backhousia citriodora and Ocimum sanctum presented MIC ranges of 0.03%-0.5% (v/v). The antifungal efficacy of EOs was independent of the susceptibility of Candida strains to usual antifungal agents. These EOs could have a promising antifungal action.

Essential oils as promising treatments for treating Candida albicans infections: research progress, mechanisms, and clinical applications

Candida albicans: (C. albicans) is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe mucosal and systemic fungal infections, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditional chemical drug treatments for C. albicans infection have limitations, including the potential for the development of drug resistance. Essential oils, which are secondary metabolites extracted from plants, have gained significant attention due to their antibacterial activity and intestinal regulatory effects. It makes them an ideal focus for eco-friendly antifungal research. This review was aimed to comprehensively evaluate the research progress, mechanisms, and clinical application prospects of essential oils in treating C. albicans infections through their antibacterial and intestinal regulatory effects. We delve into how essential oils exert antibacterial effects against C. albicans infections through these effects and provide a comprehensive analysis of related experimental studies and clinical trials. Additionally, we offer insights into the future application prospects of essential oils in antifungal therapy, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the development of safer and more effective antifungal drugs. Through a systematic literature review and data analysis, we hope to provide insights supporting the application of essential oils in antifungal therapy while also contributing to the research and development of natural medicines. In the face of increasingly severe fungal infections, essential oils might emerge as a potent method in our arsenal, aiding in the effective protection of human and animal health.

A comprehensive tool in recycling plant-waste of Gossypium barbadense L agricultural and industrial waste extracts containing gossypin and gossypol: hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Improper management of agricultural and industrial cotton wastes causes environmental pollution and worsens the climate change challenge. Green recycling of cotton could contribute to a circular economy. One of the economic values of cotton wastes lies in their bioactive components. Two types of cotton wastes-agricultural and industrial-of the species Gossypium barbadense L. Giza 95 were targeted in the current study, aiming to maximize their medicinal value and investigate the anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities of their phytochemical extracts. Phytochemical extraction was performed using different solvents extraction. An anti-inflammatory effect was tested in carrageenan-induced acute edema in a rat paw model. A carbon tetrachloride chronic model of liver injury was used for the assessment of hepatoprotective potential. Liver enzymes (AST and ALT), oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH), inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein), and histopathological features were investigated. As a result, ethyl acetate proved to be the solvent of best choice to extract the gossypin polyphenolics, where the extracted amount reached 14,826.2 µg/g, followed by butanol (8751.4 µg/g extract). The chloroform (CHCL3) fraction showed the highest amounts of gossypol (190.7 µg/g extract), followed by petroleum ether. Cotton waste's composition analysis showed a wide range of components, including 33 metabolites such as gossypetin, polyphenolics, and other metabolites that possess therapeutic effects. Both chloroform extract and industrial waste extracts showed superior anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in comparison to other extracts. All tested extracts (ethyl acetate, chloroform, and industrial waste) showed proper antioxidant activities.

Antifungal Properties of Essential Oils Derived from the Genus Cymbopogon: A Systematic Review

Essential oils (EOs) are products of secondary metabolism with recognized organoleptic characteristics and biological properties. Recently, there has been a growing demand for EOs in the national and international market, mainly due to the recognition of their use as complementary medicine practices, and the increased use in the industries of pharmaceutics, cosmetics, well-being, veterinary and agroecology, boosting the productive sector. In this context, EOs from grasses of the Cymbopogon (Poaceae) are promising sources of bioactive compounds, due to their recognized biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, repellent, and larvicide. Thus, the present study aims to carry out a review of the scientific literature of the main works related to the evaluation of the antifungal action of essential oils extracted from plants of the Cymbopogon genus, compiling the species that showed the best results and relating them to their main chemical constituents. This review covers the following species: C. citratus, C. flexuosus, C. winterianus, C. martinii, C. nardus, C. giganteus, C. schoenanthus, C. khasans, and C. proximus. Among them, C. citratus was the most assessed, being associated with the vast majority of studies (61.9 %), and it was also the species that showed the best results in terms of MIC.

Biological Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoaggregates Prepared from the Aqueous Extract of Cymbopogon citratus against Candida spp

Cymbopogon citratus is commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of nervous and gastrointestinal disturbances and other medical issues because of its potent antioxidant capacity. The current study evaluated the anti-candida effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from an aqueous extract of C. citratus against different Candida spp. The aqueous extract was prepared from the fresh leaves of C. citratus. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared and validated by UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and zeta size analysis. C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. famata, C. rhodotorula, and C. glabrata were used in the antifungal assay. Microscopical imaging were used to investigate the different morphological changes induced by treatment. FTIR spectrum confirmed the existence of various functional groups of biomolecules capping the nanoparticles. The average particle size of synthesized AgNPs was 100.6 nm by zeta-sizer and 0.012 to 0.059 mm by TEM. In the antifungal assay, AgNPs aggregates induced significant inhibition of the growth of all species (p < 0.05) compared to the control and the biofilm maturation in C. famata and C. albicans. These considerable antifungal activities might lead to the development of appropriate alternative remedy for the treatment of fungal infections.

Fighting cytokine storm and immunomodulatory deficiency: By using natural products therapy up to now

A novel coronavirus strain (COVID-19) caused severe illness and mortality worldwide from 31 December 2019 to 21 March 2023. As of this writing, 761,071,826 million cases have been diagnosed worldwide, with 6,879,677 million deaths accorded by WHO organization and has spread to 228 countries. The number of deaths is closely connected to the growth of innate immune cells in the lungs, mainly macrophages, which generate inflammatory cytokines (especially IL-6 and IL-1β) that induce "cytokine storm syndrome" (CSS), multi-organ failure, and death. We focus on promising natural products and their biologically active chemical constituents as potential phytopharmaceuticals that target virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Successful therapy for this condition is currently rare, and the introduction of an effective vaccine might take months. Blocking viral entrance and replication and regulating humoral and cellular immunity in the uninfected population are the most often employed treatment approaches for viral infections. Unfortunately, no presently FDA-approved medicine can prevent or reduce SARS-CoV-2 access and reproduction. Until now, the most important element in disease severity has been the host's immune response activation or suppression. Several medicines have been adapted for COVID-19 patients, including arbidol, favipiravir, ribavirin, lopinavir, ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, dexamethasone, and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs, such as tocilizumab, glucocorticoids, anakinra (IL-1β cytokine inhibition), and siltuximab (IL-6 cytokine inhibition). However, these synthetic medications and therapies have several side effects, including heart failure, permanent retinal damage in the case of hydroxyl-chloroquine, and liver destruction in the case of remdesivir. This review summarizes four strategies for fighting cytokine storms and immunomodulatory deficiency induced by COVID-19 using natural product therapy as a potential therapeutic measure to control cytokine storms.

Alternatives to Antimicrobial Treatment in Bovine Mastitis Therapy: A Review

Despite preventive and therapeutic measures, mastitis continues to be the most prevalent health problem in dairy herds. Considering the risks associated with antibiotic therapy, such as compromised effectiveness due to the emergence of resistant bacteria, food safety issues, and environmental impact, an increasing number of scientific studies have referred to the new therapeutic procedures that could serve as alternatives to conventional therapy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide insight into the currently available literature data in the investigation of non-antibiotic alternative approaches. In general, a vast number of in vitro and in vivo available data offer the comprehension of novel, effective, and safe agents with the potential to reduce the current use of antibiotics and increase animal productivity and environmental protection. Constant progress in this field could overcome treatment difficulties associated with bovine mastitis and considerable global pressure being applied on reducing antimicrobial therapy in animals.

Beyond the Risk of Biofilms: An Up-and-Coming Battleground of Bacterial Life and Potential Antibiofilm Agents

Microbial pathogens and their virulence factors like biofilms are one of the major factors which influence the disease process and its outcomes. Biofilms are a complex microbial network that is produced by bacteria on any devices and/or biotic surfaces to escape harsh environmental conditions and antimicrobial effects. Due to the natural protective nature of biofilms and the associated multidrug resistance issues, researchers evaluated several natural anti-biofilm agents, including bacteriophages and their derivatives, honey, plant extracts, and surfactants for better destruction of biofilm and planktonic cells. This review discusses some of these natural agents that are being put into practice to prevent biofilm formation. In addition, we highlight bacterial biofilm formation and the mechanism of resistance to antibiotics.

Structurally Diverse Metabolites from the Ophiorrhiza japonica Bl. and Their Antioxidant Activities In Vitro and PPARα Agonistic Activities In Silico

Ophiorrhiza japonica Bl. is a traditional Chinese materia medica widely used to treat several diseases. Chemical and pharmacological studies on O. japonica have been carried out; however, neither of them has been fully explored. In this study, an array of compounds was isolated from the title plant, including a new anthraquinone, ophiorrhizaquinone A (1), three alkaloids 2–4 and seven other compounds 5–11 with diverse structural types. Additionally, compounds 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11 were isolated from the genus of Ophiorrhiza for the first time. Antioxidant bioassays in vitro using DPPH and ABTS were performed, and the results showed that compound 3 exhibited modest antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 0.0321 mg/mL and 0.0319 mg/mL, respectively. An in silico study of PPARα agonistic activities of compounds 2 and 3 was conducted by molecular docking experiments, revealing that both of them occupied the active site of PPARα via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions effectively. This study enriched both the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of O. japonica.