Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Essential Oil Extracted by Carbon Dioxide Expanded Ethanol

Multiplicative Effects of Essential Oils and Other Active Components on Skin Tissue and Skin Cancers

Naturally derived essential oils and their active components are known to possess various properties, ranging from anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer activities. Numerous types of essential oils and active components have been discovered, and their permissive roles have been addressed in various fields. In this comprehensive review, we focused on the roles of essential oils and active components in skin diseases and cancers as discovered over the past three decades. In particular, we opted to highlight the effectiveness of essential oils and their active components in developing strategies against various skin diseases and skin cancers and to describe the effects of the identified essential-oil-derived major components from physiological and pathological perspectives. Overall, this review provides a basis for the development of novel therapies for skin diseases and cancers, especially melanoma.

Identification and fungicide sensitivity of Microdochiumchrysopogonis (Ascomycota, Amphisphaeriaceae), a new species causing tar spot of Chrysopogonzizanioides in southern China

Vetiver grass (Chrysopogonzizanioides) has received extensive attention in recent years due to its diverse applications in soil and water conservation, heavy metal remediation, as well as essential oil and phenolic acids extraction. In 2019, the emergence of tar spot disease on C.zizanioides was documented in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China. Initially, the disease manifested as black ascomata embedded within leaf tissue, either scattered or clustered on leaf surfaces. Subsequently, these ascomata became surrounded by fisheye lesions, characterised by brown, elliptical, necrotic haloes, which eventually coalesced, resulting in leaf withering. Koch's postulates demonstrated that the fungus isolated from these lesions was the causal agent. Microscopic examination showed that the pathogen morphologically belonged to Microdochium. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the combined ITS, LSU, tub2 and rpb2 sequences revealed the three isolates including GDMCC 3.683, LNU-196 and LNU-197 to be a novel species of Microdochium. Combining the results of phylogenetic, pathogenicity and morphological analyses, we propose a new species named M.chrysopogonis as the causal agent of C.zizanioides in southern China. The optimum growth temperature for M.chrysopogonis was determined to be 30 °C. The in vitro fungicide sensitivity of M.chrysopogonis was determined using a mycelial growth assay. Four demethylation-inhibiting (DMI) fungicides, including difenoconazole, flusilazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole and one methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) fungicide, carbendazim, were effective against M.chrysopogonis, with mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.077, 0.011, 0.004, 0.024 and 0.007 μg/ml, respectively. These findings provide essential references for the precise diagnosis and effective management of M.chrysopogonis.

Stenocarpella chrysopogonis, a New Species Causing Leaf Streak Disease of Chrysopogon zizanioides in Southern China

Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) has been widely used in recent years for ecological environment management, restoration of degraded ecosystems, and essential oil extraction. In 2019, a leaf streak disease of C. zizanioides was observed in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China. The disease appeared as large streak lesions on the leaves, on which conidiomata were formed. A pathogenicity test with the fungus isolated from these lesions confirmed Koch's postulates and thus the fungus as the causal agent of this disease. A morphological resemblance of the pathogen to Stenocarpella was noted upon microscopic examination. Phylogenetic trees inferred from both individual and combined ITS, LSU, and tef1 sequences confirmed the pathogen as a species of the Diaporthaceae and revealed it to be closely related to Phaeocytostroma and Stenocarpella species. As morphological characters clearly placed the pathogen in the genus Stenocarpella, it was described as S. chrysopogonis.

Application of essential oils as natural biopesticides; recent advances

There is an urgent need for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly pesticide formulations since common synthetic pesticides result in many adverse effects on human health and the environment. Essential oils (EOs) are a mixture of volatile oils produced as a secondary metabolite in medicinal plants, and show activities against pests, insects, and pathogenic fungi. Their chemical composition is affected by several factors such as plant species or cultivar, geographical origin, environmental conditions, agricultural practices, and extraction method. The growing number of studies related to the herbicidal, insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal, and antimicrobial effects of EOs demonstrate their effectiveness and suitability as sustainable and environment-friendly biopesticides. EOs can biodegrade into nontoxic compounds; at the same time, their harmful and detrimental effects on non-target organisms are low. However, few biopesticide formulations based on EOs have been turned into commercial practice upto day. Several challenges including the reduced stability and efficiency of EOs under environmental conditions need to be addressed before EOs are widely applied as commercial biopesticides. This work is an overview of the current research on the application of EOs as biopesticides. Findings of recent studies focusing on the challenges related to the use of EOs as biopesticides are also discussed.

Combining multidimensional chromatography-mass spectrometry and feature-based molecular networking methods for the systematic characterization of compounds in the supercritical fluid extract of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F from the family Celastraceae is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) whose principal chemical constituents are terpenoids, including sesquiterpene alkaloids and diterpenoids, which have unique and diverse structures and remarkable biological activities. In order to advance pharmacological research and guide the preparation of monomer compounds derived from T. wilfordii, a systematic approach to efficiently discover new compounds or their derivatives is needed. Herein, compound separation and identification were performed by offline reversed-phase × supercritical fluid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (RP × SFC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) molecular networking. The 2D chromatography system exhibited a high degree of orthogonality and significant peak capacity, and SFC has an advantage during the separation of sesquiterpene alkaloid isomers. Feature-based molecular networking offers the great advantage of quickly detecting and clustering unknown compounds, which greatly assists in intuitively judging the type of compound, and this networking technique has the potential to dramatically accelerate the identification and characterization of compounds from natural sources. A total of 324 compounds were identified and quantitated, including 284 alkaloids, 22 diterpenoids and 18 triterpenoids, which means that there are numerous potential new compounds with novel structures to be further explored. Overall, feature-based molecular networking provides an effective method for discovering and characterizing novel compounds and guides the separation and preparation of targeted natural products.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pavón (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil

Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers, and the number of resistant strains to multiple conventional antimicrobial agents has been increasing in different parts of the world. Several studies have shown that some essential oils (EO) have bioactive compounds, which can be attributed to antimicrobial activity. Therefore, EOs have been proposed as a natural alternative to antibiotics, or for use in combination with conventional treatment for H. pylori infection. Campomanesia lineatifolia is an edible species found in the Brazilian forests, and their leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antioxidant properties are attributed to C. lineatifolia leaf extracts; however, studies related to the chemical constituents of the essential oil and anti-H. pylori activity is not described. This work aims to identify the chemical composition of the EO from C. lineatifolia leaves and evaluate the anti-H. pylori activity. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation from C. lineatifolia leaves and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. To assess the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity of the C. lineatifolia leaf's EO (6 μL/mL-25 μL/mL), we performed broth microdilution assays by using type cultures (ATCC 49503, NCTC 11638, both clarithromycin-sensitive) and clinical isolate strains (SSR359, clarithromycin-sensitive, and SSR366, clarithromycin-resistant). A total of eight new compounds were identified from the EO (3-hexen-1-ol (46.15%), α-cadinol (20.35%), 1,1-diethoxyethane (13.08%), 2,3-dicyano-7,7-dimethyl-5,6-benzonorbornadiene (10.78%), aromadendrene 2 (3.0%), [3-S-(3α, 3aα, 6α, 8aα)]-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7,7-trimethyl-8-methylene-3H-3a,6-methanoazulene (2.99%), α-bisabolol (0.94%), and β-curcumene (0.8%)), corresponding to 98.09% of the total oil composition. The EO inhibited the growth of all H. pylori strains tested (MIC 6 μL/mL). To our knowledge, the current study investigates the relation between the chemical composition and the anti-H. pylori activity of the C. lineatifolia EO for the first time. Our findings show the potential use of the C. lineatifolia leaf EO against sensitive and resistant clarithromycin H. pylori strains and suggest that this antimicrobial activity could be related to its ethnopharmacological use.

Essential oil for the control of fungi, bacteria, yeasts and viruses in food: an overview

This review begins with a general introduction to essential oils (EO) and their relation to food and microorganisms. Classification and characteristics of EO, addressing the major compounds with antimicrobial action. Subsequently, the main microorganisms followed by a collection of the main works published in recent years that approached the influence of the EO on the protection against microorganisms and food decontamination. At last, the major gaps and future perspectives on the subject. Using EO for fighting food contamination is a way of sustainably supplying the need for new antimicrobials to ensure microbial safety and is a viable source to solve the problem of current microbial resistance. Form of application, EO composition and microbiological load are reported as the responsible factors for the treatment's success. The EO's effects on fungi and bacteria are already well known, but its effect on viruses and yeasts is something to be explored.

The beauty of biocatalysis: sustainable synthesis of ingredients in cosmetics

Covering: 2015 up to July 2021The market for cosmetics is consumer driven and the desire for green, sustainable and natural ingredients is increasing. The use of isolated enzymes and whole-cell organisms to synthesise these products is congruent with these values, especially when combined with the use of renewable, recyclable or waste feedstocks. The literature of biocatalysis for the synthesis of ingredients in cosmetics in the past five years is herein reviewed.

Chrysopogon zizanioides-a review on its pharmacognosy, chemical composition and pharmacological activities

Vetiver is a traditional plant with versatile applications in medicine, aroma, commerce, environmental-protection, and agriculture. This review was designed to compile all the latest information on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses of C. zizanioides. All the information related to this plant was gathered from several authentic sites, using keywords like Chrysopogon zizanioides, Vetiveria zizanioides, Khus, and Khas-Khas. The included resources were journaled articles, book chapters, books, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeias, and Ayurvedic Formulary of India, from science direct, PubMed, research gate etc. All the necessary, relevant, authentic, and updated information were tried to inculcate in the manuscript. The literature was collected via online sites like Pub med, Scopus, and Science direct as well. During compilation, it observed that many traditional utilities of vetiver got their authentication when tested using different disease-based pharmacological models taking various extracts of roots, leaves, and root oil as test samples. However, systematic studies for isolation of active constituents and establishing their mechanism of action are still required to be validated. On the other hand, the development of novel and robust techniques needed for oil extraction can further enhance the exploration of biological utilities faster. Moreover, the cultivators and harvesters must address carefully to prevent the linked drawback of soil erosion.

Nephroprotective activity of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash supplement in doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity model of Wistar rats

The nephroprotective effect of standardized aqueous root extract of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (Family: Poaceae) was investigated in doxorubicin-induced (20 mg/kg, ip) experimental nephrotoxicity model of Wistar rats. The freeze-dried aqueous refluxed (4 hr) root extract of V. zizanioides (25, 50; equivalent human therapeutic dose and 100 mg/kg) was administered separately to nephrotoxic Wistar rats (n = 6/group). Supplement of V. zizanioides resulted a dose-dependent reduction in raised serum creatinine, β₂ -microglobulin, and blood urea nitrogen and a subsequent increase in serum total protein and albumin in nephrotoxic rats (p < .05). An attenuation of the doxorubicin-induced features of renal parenchymal injury was observed on H- and E-stained sections of the kidney tissues. Nootkatone, dehydroaromadendrene, isokhusenic acid, α-vetivone, and isolongifolene were identified in the methanol extract of V. zizanioides based on the GC-MS chromatogram analysis. The findings revealed that the supplement of standardized aqueous root extract of V. zizanioides had a significant dose-dependent nephroprotective activity against doxorubicin-induced experimental nephrotoxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Vetiveria zizanioides is a medicinal plant with a variety of therapeutic applications in kidney-related diseases. Apparently, it is used as a food ingredient due to its fresh and elegant scent and potential bioactivities. The aqueous root extract of V. zizanioides exerted relatively high antioxidant potential in vitro, substantiating the health effects of the plant pertaining to kidney diseases as a potential source of dietary antioxidant. The administration of the plant extract resulted in significant nephroprotection against doxorubicin-induced experimental nephrotoxicity revealing the significance of V. zizanioides as a promising dietary supplement in the management of kidney disease.

Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai herbal blood and wind tonic formulations for treatment of menopausal symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Traditional Thai herbal medicine formulations have been used as alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms due to concerns from adverse effects associated with hormone therapy. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of traditional Thai herbal blood and wind tonic formulations used by a traditional Thai medicine doctor, Mr. Somporn Chanwanitsakul, in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pilot clinical study was conducted on thirty-five postmenopausal women, referring to Tambon Thung Tam Sao Health Promotion Hospital, Hat Yai, Songkhla, from October 2019 to March 2020. The participants consumed combined Thai herbal formulations including blood tonic and wind tonic thrice daily for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, end of treatment (4 weeks), and follow-up (8 weeks). Pre- and post-treatment measures included menopause rating scale, sleep quality, and quality of life questionnaire. All data were analyzed using SPSS software at the significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Therapeutic effects of Thai herbal medicine formulations on menopausal symptoms intensity were assessed by modified Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Severity of women's total menopausal symptoms decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at end of treatment and follow-up. Analysis of changes in specific symptoms indicated significantly less moderate headache, mild hot flashes, sweating, emotional instability, irritability, anxiety, sleep problem, lethargy, back pain, joint pain, muscular discomfort, dry skin, dryness of vagina, boring sex, and frequent urination (MRS score 0). In addition, subjective analysis of sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) data revealed significant post-treatment improvements in subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction over the last month (PSQI score 0). Furthermore, subjective analysis of quality of life using World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief showed significant post-treatment improvement in psychological health (score 23).

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate that Thai herbal medicine formulations used by a traditional Thai medicine doctor, Mr. Somporn Chanwanitsakul, are effective for treating menopausal symptoms and improve sleep quality and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Potential therapeutic effect of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) as an anti-inflammatory agent

Vetiver has a broad history of traditional medicinal uses, but only a handful of research article has reported its utility in treating diseases. But unfortunately, no work has been reported on the anti-inflammatory activity of its plant extract and inflammatory-linked diseases. Hence, the present review focuses on investigating the several presumptions which can be put forward to explain its anti-inflammatory property. Thus, for ensuring the same, all the databases like science direct, PubMed, book chapters, and other authenticated papers were thoroughly studied to present a connection between inflammation and the plant potential. After gaining enough knowledge on pathogenesis of inflammation, it has been observed that the release of mediators from the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway and generation of oxidative and nitrogen species are presented as the main reason for the occurrence of inflammation condition. The stimulation of antioxidant enzyme system network by the plant extract reduces the level of oxidative stress, creating a balance between oxidant and antioxidant system. Moreover, its antimicrobial activity will prevent the biological source of stimulation towards injury and the CNS depressant effect will subside the pain of inflammation. Amalgamating all the factors together, the plant can be utilized as anti-inflammatory can be and also can be proved as a beneficial perspective in the treatment of inflammation-linked disorders.

Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals

Fragrance is an integral part of cosmetic products and is often regarded as an overriding factor in the selection of cosmetics among consumers. Fragrances also play a considerable role in masking undesirable smells arising from fatty acids, oils and surfactants that are commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Essential oils are vital assets in the cosmetic industry, as along with imparting pleasant aromas in different products, they are able to act as preservatives and active agents and, simultaneously, offer various benefits to the skin. Moreover, the stimulating demand for natural ingredients has contributed massively to a renewed interest in cosmetic and wellness industries in plant derivatives, especially essential oils. This has led popular cosmetic companies to endorse natural fragrances and opt for minimally processed natural ingredients, given the potentially adverse health risks associated with artificial fragrance chemicals, which are major elements of cosmetics. Among the high-valued essential oils used as fragrances are citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and other floral oils, among others, while linalool, geraniol, limonene, citronellol, and citral are much-appreciated fragrance components used in different cosmetics. Thus, this review aimed to highlight the enormous versatility of essential oils as significant sources of natural fragrances in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. Moreover, a special focus will be laid on the different aspects related to essential oils such as their sources, market demand, chemistry, fragrance classification, aroma profile, authenticity and safety.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Essential Oils against Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Human Semen

Staphylococcus spp. is not only a commensal bacteria but also a major human pathogen that causes a wide range of clinical infections. Recent evidence suggests that Staphylococcus has the ability to colonize the reproductive system and to affect its structure and functions. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical properties and antibacterial effects of select essential oils (EOs): Amyris balsamifera L., Boswellia carterii Birdw., Canarium luzonicum (Blume) A. Gray, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl., Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera Y. Fuita, Citrus x aurantium L., Gaultheria procumbens L., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Melaleuca ericifolia Smith., Melaleuca leucadendra L., Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Santalum album L., and Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Roberty against 50 Staphylococcus spp. cultures isolated from human semen, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, S. capiti, S. epidermidis, S. haemoliticus, and S. hominis. The disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods were used to assess the antimicrobial potential and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the selected EOs. The best anti-Staphylococcus activities were found with both methods for the essential oils of C. luzonicum (Blume) A. Gray, A. balsamifera, C. camphora, and P. cabli.

Recent advances of green pretreatment techniques for quality control of natural products

A few advancing technologies for natural product analysis have been widely proposed, which focus on decreasing energy consumption and developing an environmentally sustainable manner. These green sample pretreatment and analysis methods following the green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) criteria have the advantage of improving the strategy of chemical analyses, promoting sustainable development to analytical laboratories, and reducing the negative effects of analysis experiments on the environment. A few minimized extraction methodologies have been proposed for replacing the traditional methods in the quality evaluation of natural products, mainly including solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid phase microextraction (LPME). These procedures not only have no need for large numbers of samples and toxic reagent, but also spend a small amount of extraction and analytical time. This overview aims to list out the main green strategies on the application of quality evaluation and control for natural products in the past 3 years.

Essential Oils with High Activity against Stationary Phase Bartonella henselae

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that can cause cat scratch disease, endocarditis in humans and animals, as well as other complications, leading to acute or chronic infections. The current treatment for Bartonella infections is not very effective due to antibiotic resistance and also persistence. To develop better therapies for persistent and chronic Bartonella infections, in this study, with the help of SYBR Green I/PI viability assay, we performed a high-throughput screening of an essential oil library against the stationary phase B. henselae. We successfully identified 32 essential oils that had high activity, including four essential oils extracted from Citrus plants, three from Origanum, three from Cinnamomum, two from Pelargonium, and two from Melaleuca, as well as frankincense, ylang-ylang, fir needle, mountain savory (winter), citronella, spearmint, elemi, vetiver, clove bud, allspice, and cedarwood essential oils. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination of these 32 top hits indicated they were not only active against stationary phase non-growing B. henselae but also had good activity against log-phase growing B. henselae. The time-kill assay showed 13 active hits, including essential oils of oregano, cinnamon bark, mountain savory (winter), cinnamon leaf, geranium, clove bud, allspice, geranium bourbon, ylang-ylang, citronella, elemi, and vetiver, could eradicate all stationary phase B. henselae cells within seven days at the concentration of 0.032% (v/v). Two active ingredients, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, of oregano and cinnamon bark essential oils, respectively, were shown to be very active against the stationary phase B. henselae such that they were able to eradicate all the bacterial cells even at the concentration ≤ 0.01% (v/v). More studies are needed to identify the active components of some potent essential oils, decode their antimicrobial mechanisms, and evaluate their activity against Bartonella infections in animal models.

Encapsulation of Essential Oils for the Development of Biosourced Pesticides with Controlled Release: A Review

Essential oil (EO) encapsulation can be carried out via a multitude of techniques, depending on applications. Because of EOs’ biological activities, the development of biosourced pesticides with EO encapsulation is of great interest. A lot of methods have been developed; they are presented in this review, together with the properties of the final products. Encapsulation conserves and protects EOs from outside aggression, but also allows for controlled release, which is useful for applications in agronomy. The focus is on the matrices that are of interest for the controlled release of their content, namely: alginate, chitosan, and cyclodextrin. Those three matrices are used with several methods in order to create EO encapsulation with different structures, capacities, and release profiles.