Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Six Aromatic Medicinal Plants with Cosmetic Properties

Advances in plant essential oils and drug delivery systems for skincare

Background

Essential oils, often referred to as "liquid gold," are renowned for their broad biological activity. Ancient Egyptians used essential oils' antibacterial and antiseptic effects to preserve mummies, ancient Greeks used olive oil for sun protection, and ancient Chinese used essential oils to treat wounds. When essential oils are applied to the facial skin, their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial pharmacological characteristics provide various benefits, including sunscreen, skin-whitening, and anti-aging effects.

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the application of plant essential oil in skin whitening, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial in recent years, and deeply analyzes the internal relationship between essential oil and modern drug delivery system, expounds how to overcome the limitations of essential oil through specific drug delivery system, to enhance its biological activity and stability, realize sustained release and reduce its potential toxicity, and also discusses the positive effects of essential oil on brain function through olfactory pathway, emphasizes the possible safety risks in the use of essential oil, and puts forward corresponding suggestions for use.

Methods

Using keywords such as "essential oils," "antioxidant," "anti-tyrosinase," Antibacterial Effects and anti-inflammatory," "anti-anxiety," and "drug carrier delivery systems," a comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, CNKI, Baidu, and Wanfang databases to summarize articles from the past 5 years. Further screening was performed to select studies demonstrating the efficacy of essential oils through topical or external application.

Results

Various essential oils showed their efficacy as strong oxidants, antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and skin-whitening agents. Combined with a new drug delivery system, it not only enhances the biological activity of essential oil but also reduces the inherent defects of essential oil, such as volatility, irritation, and toxicity, and has a targeted delivery effect. At the same time, the integration of essential oil into skin care products can make use of the dual functions of smell and the epidermal system to nourish and repair the skin and maximize the pharmacological effects of essential oil.

Conclusion

This review delves into the application of essential oils and delivery systems, advocating for a broader integration of natural plant resources with modern technology. By strategically utilizing essential oils, we can promote the sustainable development of the global economy. However, extensive clinical trials are still required to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of essential oil delivery systems.

Molecular characterization, chemical profile and biological properties of essential oils from Chamaemelum nobile (L.) flowers of Morocco: in vitro and in silico studies

Introduction

This study investigated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties of Chamaemelum nobile (L.) essential oil (CN-EO), harvested in Taounate, Morocco. The molecular composition and chemical profile of CN-EO were also characterized.

Methods

The CN-EO was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, while antimicrobial properties were assessed via the disk diffusion method to measure inhibition zones against various bacterial and fungal strains. Insecticidal activity was tested through bioassays to determine insect mortality and repellency rates. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences was conducted to confirm the species identity.

Results

GC-MS analysis identified 24 compounds in CN-EO, with β-Oplopenone (18.66%), Spathulenol (14.90%), and Himachalene (12.47%) as major constituents. CN-EO exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 135.8 ± 1.03 μg/mL). Antimicrobial assays revealed inhibition zones of up to 20.67 ± 0.58 mm (Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal inhibition of 40.42% ± 2.82% against Aspergillus flavus. Insecticidal tests showed total insect mortality at 166 µL/L within 48 h and a 60% repellent effect. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence revealed a 99.22% similarity with Chamaemelum nobile (L.).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the significant potential of Moroccan CN-EO in phytomedicine. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities and shows great promise as a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, antifungal, and insecticide.

Revolutionizing radiotherapy: gold nanoparticles with polyphenol coating as novel enhancers in breast cancer cells-an in vitro study

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with over 1 million new cases and around 400,000 deaths annually worldwide. This makes it a significant and costly global health challenge. Standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often used after mastectomy, show varying effectiveness based on the cancer subtype. Combining these treatments can improve outcomes, though radiotherapy faces limitations such as radiation resistance and low selectivity for malignant cells. Nanotechnologies, especially metallic nanoparticles (NPs), hold promise for enhancing radiotherapy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are particularly notable due to their high atomic number, which enhances radiation damage through the photoelectric effect. Studies shown that AuNPs can act as effective radiosensitizers, improving tumor damage during radiotherapy increasing the local radiation dose delivered. Traditional AuNPs synthesis methods involve harmful chemicals and extreme conditions, posing health risks. Green synthesis methods using plant extracts offer a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative. This study investigates the synthesis of AuNPs using Laurus nobilis leaf extract and their potential as radiosensitizers in breast carcinoma cell lines (MCF-7). These cells were exposed to varying doses of X-ray irradiation, and the study assessed cell viability, morphological changes and DNA damage. The results showed that green-synthesized AuNPs significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy at lower radiation doses, indicating their potential as a valuable addition to breast cancer treatment.

Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity Assessment of Teucrium capitatum L. Essential Oil and Extracts: Experimental and In Silico Insights

Background:Teucrium capitatum L., a member of the Lamiaceae family, is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of its essential oil and extracts, evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and investigate the interactions of their bioactive compounds with biological targets using in silico methods to better understand their mechanisms of action. Methods: Essential oil was extracted via hydrodistillation from leaves collected in Morocco, while phenolic compounds were obtained through Soxhlet and decoction extraction methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for chemical profiling. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were assessed using standard methods, including DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Molecular docking was conducted to explore interactions between major constituents and biological targets. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed significant bioactive components in the essential oil, such as β-pinene (24.5%), α-cadinol (17.02%), and shyobunol (12.13%). Extracts (hydro-ethanolic, hydro-methanolic, and aqueous via decoction) were rich in poliumoside (27.74%) and cirsimaritin (28.22%). The essential oil and extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Antioxidant assays confirmed strong activity. Molecular docking results supported strong interactions of major compounds with key biological targets. Conclusions: The high presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in Teucrium capitatum extracts contributes to their strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, supporting their potential for development as natural therapeutic agents.

Chemometric analysis of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes of conifers

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and essential oils of conifers are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. This work aimed to analyze the VOCs of 30 conifer species representing the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae families. Samples were collected from arboreta in Hungary, and their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography (SPME-GC/MS); then, chemometric analyses were performed using multivariate methods to identify characteristic VOCs of conifers. Here, we present results for monoterpene and sesquiterpene profiles of the examined conifer samples. The most abundant compounds detected were α-pinene, bornyl acetate, limonene, β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, β-myrcene, δ-3-carene, and β-phellandrene. The results showed that the following volatiles were characteristic of the conifer groups: sabinene (RRT=6.0) for the cupressoid group (which includes the Cupressaceae species), longifolene (RRT=15.0) and β-pinene (RRT=6.1) were characteristic of the pinoid group (including Picea, Pinus, and Pseudotsuga species), and camphene (RRT=5.5) and bornyl acetate (RRT=12.6) were characteristic of the abietoid group (including Abies, Cedrus, and Tsuga species). Our results on VOCs in the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae families contribute to the elucidation of biodiversity patterns of conifer species and, in addition, may support the industrial application of terpenes.

Comparative study of the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils extracted from Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas: in vitro and in silico analysis

This work aims to add value to the Lavandula genus by identifying the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of two species lavender from Oulmès in Morocco; Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas. The uniqueness lies in the integrated approach that combines in vitro and in silico analyses to assess the biological properties of the essential oils (EO). The objective of this study is to enhance the significance of the Lavandula genus by analyzing the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial effects of two lavender species found in Oulmès, Morocco: Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas. The distinctiveness is in the comprehensive methodology that merges in vitro and in silico investigations to evaluate the biological characteristics of the essential oils (EO). The extraction of essential oils (EO) by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Lavandula abrialis gave a high yield of essential oils (2.9%) compared to Lavandula stoechas (2.3%). A GC-MS analysis of the chemical composition revealed 56 chemical compounds, with some variation in the predominant components, representing between 99.98% and 100% of the EOs of the studied lavenders. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH test. This method revealed that L. stoechas EO has a higher percentage of free radical inhibition than L. abrialis. The IC50 values demonstrate that the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid is higher (1.62 g/mL) than the EOs of tested plants. Noteworthy, the EO of L. stoechas is more potent (12.94 g/mL) than that of Lavandula tibialis (34.71 g/mL). Regrading, the antibacterial tests, the EO of L. abrialis was particularly active against Staphylococcus aureus BLACT, which is inhibited at a concentration of 6.25 g/mL, while L. stoechas EO has a strong effect on Escherichia coli, with a MIC of 1.56 g/mL. Concerning the antifungal activity of the EOs, yeasts showed sensitivity toward EOs extracted from both L. tibialis and L. stoechas. Moreover, an in silico study was conducted targeting sarA protein of S. aureus (PDB ID: 2fnp) and NADPH oxidase from Lavandula sanfranciscensis (PDB: 2CDU) and results showed that Ishwarone and Selina-3,7 (11)-diene exhibited highest binding energy with -9.8 and -10.8 kcal/mol respectively. Therefore, these two compounds could be used as an antibacterial and antioxidant agents however more experimental and molecular study should be required.

Smart Packaging Based on Polylactic Acid: The Effects of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Agents from Natural Extracts on Physical-Mechanical Properties, Colony Reduction, Perishable Food Shelf Life, and Future Prospective

Changes in consumer lifestyles have raised awareness of a variety of food options and packaging technologies. Active and smart packaging is an innovative technology that serves to enhance the safety and quality of food products like fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. Smart packaging, as a subset of this technology, entails the integration of additives into packaging materials, thereby facilitating the preservation or extension of product quality and shelf life. This technological approach stimulates a heightened demand for safer food products with a prolonged shelf life. Active packaging predominantly relies on the utilization of natural active substances. Therefore, the combination of active substances has a significant impact on the characteristics of active packaging, particularly on polymeric blends like polylactic acid (PLA) as a matrix. Therefore, this review will summarize how the addition of natural active agents influences the performance of smart packaging through systematic analysis, providing new insights into the types of active agents on physical-mechanical properties, colony reduction, and its application in foods. Through their integration, the market for active and smart packaging systems is expected to have a bright future.

Analysis of the Chemical Composition and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticoagulant, and Antidiabetic Properties of Pistacia lentiscus from Boulemane as a Natural Nutraceutical Preservative

Pistacia lentiscus L. has traditionally been employed as a diuretic and stimulant in the treatment of hypertension. Our interest centered on analyzing the chemical profile of the plant's leaves and its in vitro, in vivo, and in silico antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic effects in order to valorize this species and prepare new high-value products that can be used in the agro-food and pharmaceutical industries. When this species' essential oil was hydrodistilled and subjected to GC-MS analysis, the results showed that the principal components were germacrene D (17.54%), spathulenol (17.38%), bicyclogermacrene (12.52%), and terpinen-4-ol (9.95%). The extraction of phenolic compounds was carried out by decoction and Soxhlet. The determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins of aqueous and organic extracts by spectrophotometric methods demonstrated the richness of this species in phenolic compounds. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC/UV-ESI-MS of the aqueous extract of P. lentiscus revealed the presence of 3,5-di-O-galloyl quinic acid, gallic acid, and 3,4,5-tri-O-galloyl quinic acid specific to this species. The study of antioxidant activity by three methods (DPPH, FRAP, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) revealed that P. lentiscus is a very promising source of natural antioxidants. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and aqueous extract (E0) was studied by microdilution on the microplate. The results revealed the effectiveness of the aqueous extract compared to the essential oil against Gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. aerogenes, E. cloacae, P. fluorescence, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Y. enterolitica) and candidoses (C. krusei and C. albicans). The measurements of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of the aqueous extract (E0) can significantly prolong these tests from concentrations of 2.875 and 5.750 mg/mL, respectively. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract (E0) showed a strong in vitro inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Thus, it significantly inhibited postprandial hyperglycemia in Wistar albino rats. The in-silico study of the major compounds of the essential oil and extract (E0) carried out using PASS, SwissADME, pkCSM, and molecular docking tools confirmed our in vitro and in vivo results. The studied compounds showed a strong ability to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and to passively diffuse through the blood-brain barrier, a similarity to drugs, and water solubility. Molecular docking experiments deduced the probable mode of action of the identified compounds on their respective target proteins, such as NADPH oxidase, thrombin, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Furthermore, given the demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic effects, we can affirm the richness of P. lentiscus in bioactive molecules and its use in traditional medicine as a source of preservative agent.

Chios Mastic Gum: Chemical Profile and Pharmacological Properties in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From the Past to the Future

Chios mastic gum, the product of the tree Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, has been used for more than 2500 years in traditional Greek medicine for treating several diseases, thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of its components. Despite the long-time use of mastic in gastroenterology and in particular in chronic-inflammation-associated diseases, to date, the literature lacks reviews regarding this topic. The aim of the present work is to summarize available data on the effects of P. lentiscus on inflammatory bowel disease. A comprehensive review of this topic could drive researchers to conduct future studies aimed at deeply investigating P. lentiscus effects and hypothesizing a mechanism of action. The present review, indeed, schematizes the possible bioactive components of mastic gum. Particular care is given to P. lentiscus var. Chia medicaments' and supplements' chemical compositions and their pharmacological action in inflammatory bowel disease.