Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia sclarea Essential Oils: Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and Preservative Effects against Listeria monocytogenes Inoculated into Minced Beef Meat

Hydroethanolic Extract of Salvia officinalis L. Leaves Improves Memory and Alleviates Neuroinflammation in ICR Mice

Neurodegenerative disorders are known to be commonly associated with neuroinflammation. Plants with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties hold prospect in alleviating neuroinflammation. One such plant with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential is Salvia officinalis L. This study looked at effects of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of S. officinalis L. on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and associated memory impairment using an ICR mouse model. Assessment of the phytochemical constituents in S. officinalis L. and its acute toxicity was conducted. Mice were treated with S. officinalis L. extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) after LPS administration. Object recognition and elevated plus maze tests were employed to assess neuroinflammation-induced behavioral changes. Brain samples were taken to determine the levels of TNF-α and conduct histopathological analysis. The hydroethanolic extract of S. officinalis L. was found to contain alkaloids, glycoside, tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins and exhibited no observable acute toxicity. The extract showed the presence of eicosatrienoic acid, methyl ester, and phenanthrene derivatives. The extract improved memory and cognitive performance but had no significant effect on brain tissue TNF-α expression. S. officinalis L. treatment in mice with neuroinflammation also resulted in reduced mononuclear infiltration and gliosis and reduced apoptotic and necrotic neurons as well as no observable brain lesions. S. officinalis L. holds promising pharmacological activity at reducing neuroinflammation and its associated cognitive impairment.

Salicylic Acid and Chitosan Elicitors: Pre-Harvest Foliar Applications Improve Antioxidant Activity by Increasing Phenolic Compounds in Achillea gypsicola Hub-Mor

Salicylic acid (SA) and chitosan (CH) play an important role in the defense mechanism of plants by increasing secondary metabolite production in plants. In this study, their effects on volatile oil composition, phenolics, and antioxidant activity of Achillea gypsicola were investigated. Treatments included control (water + ethanol), 0.5-, 2-, and 8-mM SA, and 2, 4, and 8 g L-1 CH. The process is completely randomized with four replications, with two harvests between 2021 and 2022. As a result, 4 g L-1 CH significantly increased 1,8-cineole and borneol production. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) were obtained from the 8 g L-1 CH treatment. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a 2-fold increase in chlorogenic acid, 1.01-fold increase in gallic acid, and 0.56-fold increase in protocatechuic acid from 4 and 8 g L-1 CH treatments. Strong positive correlations were found between DPPH radical scavenging assay and iron ions chelating assay (0.803**), TFC (0.556**), and TPC (0.562**).

Analysis of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Migratory Properties of the Essential Oils Obtained from Cultivated Medicinal Lamiaceae Species

This study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of some Lamiacea essential oils (EOs). For this purpose, eight EOs, including two from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. cultivated in Romania and Spain (LA1 and LA2), Salvia officinalis L. (SO), Lavandula hybrida Balb. ex Ging (LH), Salvia sclarea L. (SS), Mentha smithiana L. (MS), Perovskia atriplicifolia Benth. (PA), and Mentha x piperita L. (MP), were evaluated in vitro in terms of antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anti-migratory activities. As regards the antioxidant capacity, expressed as the EO concentration that produces 50% of the maximum effect (IC50 value), the EOs obtained from the cultivated plants of the Lamiaceae family are ordered as follows: LA2 ˃ LA1 ˃ LH > MP > MS > SO > SS > PA. For the determination of antimicrobial activity, the reference strains used for testing were Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium, Shigella flexneri serotype 2b, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. The most intense inhibitory effect was observed in EOs of MS and MP on all tested microbial strains. The cytotoxic and anti-migratory activity of EOs was tested on two melanoma cell lines (A375 and B164A5) and on a healthy keratinocyte line (HaCaT). EOs LA1 and MP manifested the highest selectivity on the analysed tumoural cells, by reducing their migration in comparison with the control, proving to have therapeutic potential.

A Review of Botany, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities of Eight Salvia Species Widespread in Kazakhstan

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, and biological activities of eight Salvia species, namely Salvia aethiopis L., S. sclarea L., S. dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser, S. deserta Schang., S. trautvetteri Rgl., S. macrosiphon Boiss., S. virgata Jacq., and S. verticillata L., which are widespread in Kazakhstan. The genus Salvia is renowned for its diverse medicinal properties, and these species are no exception, contributing to the rich natural pharmacopoeia of the region. The botanical characteristics of these species, including their morphological features, distribution, and ecological adaptations, are discussed. The present review also explores the phytochemical composition of these plants, focusing on bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for their medicinal potential. Biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects are evaluated based on available in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, the review highlights the traditional uses of these species in local medicine and suggests avenues for future research to further elucidate their pharmacological potential. This synthesis provides valuable insights into the medicinal importance of these Salvia species in Kazakhstan and supports their continued exploration for therapeutic applications.

Advances in cheese safety and quality: harnessing irradiation technologies for enhanced preservation

This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the use of gamma rays, electron beams, and X-rays to improve the safety and quality of cheese. It examines the sources, energy levels, penetration depths, and applications, focusing on the nutritional and safety benefits as well as potential health concerns. Microbial dynamics in cheese are discussed, showing how irradiation doses influence bacterial counts and cheese characteristics. Gamma rays are suitable for bulky cheeses due to their high penetration depth, while electron beams are ideal for surface treatments due to their limited penetration depth. X-rays offer a good balance between penetration depth and energy efficiency. Consumer perception and legal aspects are also addressed, with market acceptance and retail impact assessed. The review demonstrates that irradiation can reduce contamination, extend shelf life, and preserve sensory properties, making it a promising tool for cheese processing. Future research should explore the long-term effects on texture and flavour as well as the economic feasibility of large-scale production, helping the industry to meet the demand for nutritious dairy products.

Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from the Biomass of Aromatic Plants After Distillation Using NADES: A Sustainable Alternative Extraction Method

The extraction processes for medicinal plants, particularly the distillation of aromatic plants, generate significant quantities of by-products, consisting of fibrous biomass and hydrosols. These by-products pose challenges for disposal and recovery. Consequently, it is imperative to make the entire highly energy-intensive process more sustainable by valorizing all derivatives. This study aims to recover polyphenols from the exhausted biomasses of Artemisia dracunculus, Echinacea purpurea, Helichrysum italicum (from the Asteraceae family), and Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula × intermedia, Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Salvia sclarea, and Salvia rosmarinus (from the Lamiaceae family) after steam distillation. The residual biomasses were extracted using ethanol (conventional solvent) and different natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) composed of choline chloride in combination with citric and lactic acids at different molar ratios. The NADES containing choline chloride and lactic acid at the molar ratio 1:1 (CLA11) exhibited the highest recovery of representative phenols of the plants, namely chicoric and rosmarinic acids. The CLA11 solvent demonstrated a stronger extractive capacity compared to ethanol in all the biomasses belonging to the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families. Specifically, CLA11 extracts showed a higher number of compounds in UHPLC-HRMS and greater concentrations of chicoric and rosmarinic acids determined by HPLC-DAD than ethanol extracts. In conclusion, NADES were demonstrated to be a viable alternative system for the recovery of bioactive compounds that could be used to formulate new products for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Moreover, the use of NADES can enhance the sustainability of the whole production chain of essential oils being environmentally friendly.

Mentha pulegium L. and Salvia officinalis L. Bioactive Compounds: Focus on Their Application in Agriculture and Food Packaging

Plants are a valuable source of diverse natural active compounds with distinct biological characteristics and mechanisms. Considering plant extracts and phytochemicals have biological action both in vitro and in vivo, plants are being used as alternative sources in agriculture and food industry. Mentha pulegium L. and Salvia officinalis L. from the Lamiaceae family are some of the most popular and widely utilized medicinal plants due to their bioactive compounds such as essential oils (EOs) and phenolics, which have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics. It is evident that these plants have also a variety of applications due to their various components and concentrations. This study aimed to provide an overview on the two species' composition and biological activities to review the applications of their crude extracts and EOs in agriculture as natural pesticides to protect different cultures and in food industry to produce biobased food packaging.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil enhances salt stress tolerance of durum wheat seedlings through ROS detoxification and stimulation of antioxidant defense

Salt-induced stress poses a significant barrier to agricultural productivity by impeding crop growth. Presently, environmentalists are dedicated to safeguarding food security by enhancing agricultural yields in challenging environments. Biostimulants play a crucial role in mitigating abiotic stresses in crop production, and among these, plant essential oils (EOs) stand out as organic substances with diverse biological effects on living organisms. Among the natural promoters of plant growth, Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil (RoEO) has gained considerable attention. Although the manifold effects of essential oils (EOs) on plant growth have been extensively demonstrated, their impact on salt stress tolerance in durum wheat seedlings remains unexplored. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the biostimulatory capabilities of RoEO on the durum wheat cultivar "Mahmoudi." The effects of three RoEO concentrations (1, 2.5, and 5 ppm) on seed germination, growth establishment, and the induction of salt resistance under salinity conditions (150 mM NaCl) were tested. At 5 ppm, RoEO enhanced seedlings' tolerance to salinity by improving growth and reducing membrane deterioration and oxidative stress-induced damage. The expression profile analyses of seven stress-related genes (TdNHX1, TdSOS1, TdSOD, TdCAT, TdGA20-ox1, TdNRT2.1, and TdGS) using RT-qPCR showed enhancement of several important genes in durum wheat seedlings treated with 5 ppm RoEO, even under control conditions, which may be related to salt stress tolerance. The results indicate that the application of RoEO suggests a possible alternative strategy to increase salt tolerance in durum wheat seedlings towards better growth quality, thus increasing ROS scavenging and activation of antioxidant defense.

Insight into Pelargonium odoratissimum Essential Oil Preservative Properties Effect on Ground Beef

Pelargonium plants are very popular and well-known for their essential oils (EOs), which are used for medicinal purposes and in food. This study focused on the EO of Pelargonium odoratissimum. First, its composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated, and finally, its efficacy as a natural preservative in ground beef was tested. The main EO constituents were citronellol (40.0%), nerol (15.3%), and citronellyl formate (12.6%). The antibacterial activity of POEO showed that Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was the most susceptible strain compared to the other eight strains tested. The antioxidant activity, as measured by the DPPH assay, showed a dose-dependent effect with an IC50 comparable to the standard used, gallic acid. Aerobic plate count, psychotropic bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella, were reduced by the addition of Pelargonium odoratissimum essential oils. The oxidative stability was significantly improved compared to the untreated sample. Additionally, the results for metmyoglobin demonstrated a notable preservative effect on sensory properties, including appearance, odor, color, and overall acceptability. The ability to discriminate between all samples and correlate protein and lipid oxidation processes, microbiological characteristics, and sensory measurements was made possible by principal component analysis and heat maps. This research shows the potential benefits of using POEO in the preservation of ground beef by effectively extending shelf life and improving product safety.

Foliar application of various biostimulants produces contrasting response on yield, essential oil and chemical properties of organically grown sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Its morphological, productive and chemical characteristics are affected by abiotic and biotic factors. The use of biostimulants seems to be one of the most interesting innovative practices due to fact they can represent a promising approach for achieving sustainable and organic agriculture. Despite a large application in horticulture, the use of biostimulants on MAPs has been poorly investigated. On this basis, a field experiment in a 2-year study was done to assess the effect of foliar treatments with different types of biostimulants (containing seaweeds, fulvic acids and protein hydrolysates) and two frequencies of application on morphological, productive, and chemical characteristics of S. officinalis grown organically in Mediterranean environment. Morphological, productive, and chemical parameters were affected by the factors. The biostimulant application generated higher plant height, chlorophyll content, relative water content, biomass yield and essential oil yield compared to control plants. In addition, more frequent application of biostimulants produced higher biomass and essential oil yield. The application of fulvic acid and protein hydrolysates every week produced the highest total fresh yields (between 3.9 and 8.7 t ha-1) and total dry yields (between 1.3 and 2.5 t ha-1). The essential oil yield almost doubled (33.9 kg ha-1) with a higher frequency of protein hydrolysates application. In this study, 44 essential oil compounds were identified, and the frequency factor significantly influenced the percentage of 38 compounds. The highest percentage of some of the most representative monoterpenes, such as 1,8-cineole, α-thujone and camphor, were observed in biostimulated plants, with average increases between 6% and 35% compared to control plants. The highest values for total phenolics, rosmarinic acid, antioxidant activity were obtained in control plants and with a lower frequency of biostimulant applications. This study emphasizes how biostimulant applications may be used to improve sage production performance and essential oil parameters when produced in agricultural organic system. At the same time, biostimulants application caused a decrease in total phenolic, antioxidant activity and rosmarinic acid values.

Chemometric Analysis Evidencing the Variability in the Composition of Essential Oils in 10 Salvia Species from Different Taxonomic Sections or Phylogenetic Clades

Essential oil (EO) of Salvia spp. has been widely used for culinary purposes and in perfumery and cosmetics, as well as having beneficial effects on human health. The present study aimed to investigate the quantitative and qualitative variations in EOs in wild-growing and cultivated pairs of samples from members in four Salvia sections or three clades, namely S. argentea L. (Sect. Aethiopis; Clade I-C), S. ringens Sm. (Sect. Eusphace; Clade I-D), S. verticillata L. (Sect. Hemisphace; Clade I-B), S. amplexicaulis Lam., and S. pratensis L. (Sect. Plethiosphace; Clade I-C). Furthermore, the natural variability in EO composition due to different genotypes adapted in different geographical and environmental conditions was examined by employing members of three Salvia sections or two phylogenetic clades, namely S. sclarea L. (six samples; Sect. Aethiopis or Clade I-C), S. ringens (three samples; Sect. Eusphace or Clade I-D), and S. amplexicaulis (five samples; Sect. Plethiosphace or Clade I-C). We also investigated the EO composition of four wild-growing species of two Salvia sections, i.e., S. aethiopis L., S. candidissima Vahl, and S. teddii of Sect. Aethiopis, as well as the cultivated material of S. virgata Jacq. (Sect. Plethiosphace), all belonging to Clade I-C. The EO composition of the Greek endemic S. teddii is presented herein only for the first time. Taken together, the findings of previous studies are summarized and critically discussed with the obtained results. Chemometric analysis (PCA, HCA, and clustered heat map) was used to identify the sample relationships based on their chemical classes, resulting in the classification of two distinct groups. These can be further explored in assistance of classical or modern taxonomic Salvia studies.

Mixture design of α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole: A multiobjective response followed by chemometric approaches to optimize the antibacterial effect against various bacteria and antioxidant activity

α-Pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole are compounds naturally present in essential oils, although their amounts vary from oil to oil. Although several studies have reported their antibacterial and antioxidant effects, there are few reports on the synergistic or antagonistic effects of their combinations. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined antibacterial effect of these three compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prediction of their optimal combination using the mixture design approach. The experimental antibacterial activity of the α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole mixtures depended on the proportion of each compound in the mixture and the target strain, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.31 to 1.85 mg/mL. Using the increased simplex-centroid mixture design, the mixture containing 0.33% of each molecule proved to be the most effective against Bacillus cereus and had the lowest MIC values. In addition, α-pinene, α-terpineol, and 1,8-cineole showed significant antioxidant activity against 2,2-picryl-1-hydrazyl radical (DPPH), with IC50 values of 24.53 ± 0.05, 65.63 ± 0.71, and 63.58 ± 0.01 μg/mL, respectively. Statistical planning and the development of utility profiles of the substance mixtures can predict the optimal composition that will exhibit the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus as well as antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the mixtures can contribute significantly to their successful use as natural preservatives in various applications.