Essential oils and functional herbs for healthy aging

Augmented Anticancer Efficacy of Ailanthus Excelsa-Loaded Lipidic Nanocarriers for Breast Cancer Treatment: In-vitro and In-vivo Evaluation

BACKGROUND

One of the most lethal forms of cancer that impacts women worldwide is breast cancer (BC). The treatment results are influenced by multiple factors, such as the phase of diagnosis, hereditary and hormonal influences, medication resistance, and metastases. Ailanthus Excelsa (AE) crude extract is rich in antioxidants and possesses potent anticancer properties, as demonstrated in tests on MCF-7 cells. Additionally, both lavender oil (LO) and tea tree oil (TTO) have potential cytotoxicity against cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to boost the potency and solubility of AE against breast cancer via its loading in lipidic nanocarriers (LNPs) whose structure is based on a mixture of LO and TTO.

METHODS

The particle size, stability, and zeta potential of AE-loaded LNPs were examined over 6 months, and the measurements confirmed the good stability of the newly developed AE-LNPs.

RESULTS

The AE-LNPs have demonstrated a stronger anticancer impact compared to free AE and plain LNPs, where IC50 values were found to be 36.88 ± 3.09, 22.09 ± 2.13, and 7.49 ± 0.67µg/ml for plain NPs, free AE, and AE-LNPs, respectively. Furthermore, the AE-LNPs exhibited more pronounced anticancer effects in the Ehrlich ascites in-vivo tumor model, accompanied by significant antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. The immunohistochemical analysis of BCL-2 in tumor tissue validated the apoptotic activity of AE-LNPs.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to examine the formulation of the newly developed AE-loaded LNPs, demonstrating their efficacy in producing anti-proliferative effects and their considerable promise for BC treatment.

Neurotoxic effects of citronellol induced by the conversion of kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine

Citronellol is widely utilized in consumer products, including cosmetics, fragrances, and household items. However, despite being considered a relatively safe chemical, the health effects and toxicity mechanisms associated with exposure to high concentrations of citronellol, based on product content, remain inadequately understood. Here, we aimed to analyze the neurological effects of citronellol in zebrafish larvae using behavioral and histological analyses and elucidate the mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity in vivo. Exposure to citronellol (2, 4 and 8 mg/L) in zebrafish larvae induced a range of neurotoxic effects, including locomotor impairments, anxiety-like behaviors, oxidative stress, an inflammatory response, and apoptosis in the brain. Additionally, citronellol exposure compromised the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, permitting the infiltration of inflammatory cell into the brain. Neurotoxic effects were further sustained by increased kynurenine (KYN) metabolism to the neurotoxic metabolite 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), accompanied by altered neurosteroid levels, including reduced progesterone and allopregnanolone, and elevated cortisol. Similar metabolic dysregulation was observed in mouse models following oral administration (345, 690 and 3450 mg/kg) and in human brain organoids exposed to citronellol (1, 10 and 100 μM), suggesting conserved mechanisms across species. Notably, experiments using zebrafish, mice and brain-chip systems confirmed that citronellol crosses the BBB and accumulates in the brain. Overall, we identified a novel neurotoxic pathway involving the KYN to 3-HK metabolic pathway, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, underscoring the potential risks of prolonged citronellol exposure.

The effect of inhaled aromatherapy on cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cognitive function is the basis of human thinking and behavior. Cognitive impairment has a serious impact on each individual and imposes a financial burden to families and healthcare systems. Inhalation aromatherapy has advantages, due to its safety, convenience, lack of toxicity, and wide use in the treatment of cognitive impairment. This systematic review was conducted to provide evidence for the use of inhaled aromatherapy in patients with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

We searched nine databases for pertinent Chinese and English studies published through November 2024 studies using inhaled aromatherapy in patients with cognitive impairment. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by two researchers and evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's quality criteria and were then cross-checked. A meta-analysis was carried out using Cochrane's Review Manager (RevMan, version 5.4), and we followed the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

We included fourteen studies involving 888 patients with cognitive impairment in our study. Meta-analyses indicated that inhaled aromatherapy increased Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE, mean difference MD = 3.89 95 % CI [3.19, 4.58], P < 0.00001) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA, MD = 4.11, 95 % CI [3.54, 4.68], P < 0.00001) scores and decreased Homocysteine levels (Hcy, MD = -2.27 95 % CI [-2.80, -1.74], P < 0.00001) in patients with cognitive impairment compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Inhaled aromatherapy could improve global cognition and lower Hcy in patients with cognitive impairment.

The Potential Role of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by memory loss and cognitive disorders. The disease has been related to the presence of so-called senile plaques forming due to the buildup of amyloid β in the hippocampus. The AD therapies developed to date continue to prove insufficient, while long-term exposure to synthetic drugs tends to lead to serious side effects, which is why potential herbal treatments are generally preferable to conventional drug regimens and, as such, have been under considerable research scrutiny in recent years. There are a number of herbs, e.g., lavender Ginkgo biloba, that are already commonly employed in alleviating the symptoms of certain neurological disorders. In light of the above, the aim of the following paper is to discuss the importance of medicinal herbs, their neuroprotective properties, and their mechanisms of activity. The article presents a review of the identified therapeutic properties of phytomedicines that exhibit strong anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of ancient therapies with origins in cultures such as those of China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, India, and Rome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies these integrative therapies into five categories: (1) mind-body therapies, (2) biological practices, (3) manipulative and body practices, (4) energy medicine, and (5) whole medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. This review explores the role of biological practices utilizing aromatic plants, particularly through inhalation aromatherapy and massage with essential oils, as effective complementary strategies within health systems. The review compiles information on the most commonly used plants and essential oils for holistic health maintenance from a complementary and alternative perspective. Given their accessibility and relative safety compared to conventional treatments, these therapies have gained popularity worldwide. Furthermore, the integration of essential oils has been shown to alleviate various psychological and physiological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, neuropathic pain, nausea, and menopausal symptoms. Among the studied plants, lavender has emerged as being particularly notable due to its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects and its designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "Generally Recognized as Safe". Other essential oils under investigation include eucalyptus, damask rose, sandalwood, vetiver, calamus, frankincense, chamomile, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, orange, sage, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper. This study emphasizes the potential benefits of these aromatic plants in enhancing patient well-being. Additionally, it underscores the importance of conducting further research to ensure the safety and efficacy of these therapies.

Essential Oils from Citrus Peels Promote Calcium Overload-Induced Calcicoptosis in U251 Cells

Citrus peel essential oils (CPEOs) have demonstrated substantial medicinal potential for glioblastoma treatment because of their extensive antitumor effects, low potential for drug resistance, and ability to cross the human blood-brain barrier. In this study, the chemical compositions of five CPEOs were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). CCK8 assays were used to evaluate the ability of five CPEOs to inhibit U251 human glioblastoma cells, and XLB and RA were selected for further investigation. Through wound healing assays and cell cycle and apoptosis analyses via flow cytometry, it was revealed that these CPEOs inhibited cell migration, arrested the cell cycle at G1/G0, and induced apoptosis with similar levels of inhibition. After CPEOs treatment, the intracellular Ca2+ content and reactive oxygen species levels in U251 cells increased significantly, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. Additionally, the antioxidant enzyme system (SOD, POD, CAT, and GR) and the nonenzymatic defense system (GSH) were inhibited, leading to an increase in lipid peroxidation. qRT-PCR indicated the significant upregulation of intracellular calcium ion signaling pathways and the upregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes. Additionally, the activation of calcicoptosis-related indicators induced by the CPEOs could be reversed by inhibitor treatment, confirming that both of the selected CPEOs inhibit tumors by activating calcicoptosis-related pathways. These findings highlight the immense potential of CPEOs in healthcare and pharmaceutical applications by not only providing a scientific basis for the potential application of CPEOs in the treatment of glioblastoma but also offering new insights for the development of novel antitumor drugs.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Activities of Five Citrus Peel Essential Oils

Citrus peel essential oil (CPEO) is favored by people for its aromatic scent, while also possessing numerous bioactive compounds that are advantageous to human health. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of CPEOs through cell experiments. The results showed that CPEOs could increase the activity of the antioxidant enzyme system and nonenzymatic defence system in H2O2-treated RAW 264.7 cells by reducing cellular lipid peroxidation. CPEOs also reduced the nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment in RAW 264.7 cells while decreasing proinflammatory cytokines expression and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. Wound healing assays, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that CPEOs could induce apoptosis in U87 cells through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. These findings indicate that CPEOs possess excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity potential, making them suitable for use in functional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods and nutritional health products.

Effect of pain nursing intervention on patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma after decompressive craniectomy

Objective

To determine the impacts of pain nursing intervention of patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma after decompressive craniotomy.

Method

This was retrospective study. Eighty patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma who underwent unilateral decompressive craniectomy in Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2023 to November 2023 were included and divided into the observation group(n=40) and the control group(n=40) according to different nursing methods. Patients in the control group received conventional nursing intervention, while those in the observation group received pain nursing intervention. The differences in sleep quality, self-care ability, quality of life, psychological state and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

Results

After intervention, the pain degree of both groups was significantly reduced compared with that before intervention, and the reduction degree of the observation group was more than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The SS-QOL scores of both groups were significantly improved compared with before intervention, and the improvement degree of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The nursing satisfaction score of the observation group was (93.35±3.83) points, which was higher than (83.38±3.59) points of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (t=12.019, P=0.000).

Conclusion

Pain nursing intervention shows a variety of benefits in the treatment of patients with craniocerebral trauma combined with ocular trauma after decompressive craniectomy, improving their quality of life, self-care ability and nursing satisfaction.

Research on the anti-aging mechanisms of Panax ginseng extract in mice: a gut microbiome and metabolomics approach

Introduction: Aged-related brain damage and gut microbiome disruption are common. Research affirms that modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis can help reduce age-related brain damage. Methods: Ginseng, esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine, is recognized for its anti-aging capabilities. However, previous Ginseng anti-aging studies have largely focused on diseased animal models. To this end, efforts were hereby made to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Ginseng-supplemented aged mice to those pre-treated with antibiotics. Results: As a result, FMT with specific modifications in natural aging mice improved animal weight gain, extended the telomere length, anti-oxidative stress in brain tissue, regulated the serum levels of cytokine, and balanced the proportion of Treg cells. Besides, FMT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria of Lachnospiraceae, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, etc. and decreased the levels of potential pathogenic bacteria of Helicobacter and Lachnoclostridium in the fecal samples of natural aged mice. This revealed that FMT remarkably reshaped gut microbiome. Additionally, FMT-treated aged mice showed increased levels of metabolites of Ursolic acid, β-carotene, S-Adenosylmethionine, Spermidine, Guanosine, Celecoxib, Linoleic acid, etc., which were significantly positively correlated with critical beneficial bacteria above. Additionally, these identified critical microbiota and metabolites were mainly enriched in the pathways of Amino acid metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, etc. Furthermore, FMT downregulated p53/p21/Rb signaling and upregulated p16/p14, ATM/synapsin I/synaptophysin/PSD95, CREB/ERK/AKT signaling in brain damage following natural aging. Discussion: Overall, the study demonstrates that reprogramming of gut microbiota by FMT impedes brain damage in the natural aging process, possibly through the regulation of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Essential Oil Constituents as Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Agents: An Insight through Microglia Modulation

Microglia are key players in the brain's innate immune response, contributing to homeostatic and reparative functions but also to inflammatory and underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Targeting microglia and modulating their function may have therapeutic potential for mitigating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils suggest that some of their components may be useful in regulating microglial function and microglial-associated neuroinflammation. This study, starting from the ethnopharmacological premises of the therapeutic benefits of aromatic plants, assessed the evidence for the essential oil modulation of microglia, investigating their potential pharmacological mechanisms. Current knowledge of the phytoconstituents, safety of essential oil components, and anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective effects were reviewed. This review encompasses essential oils of Thymus spp., Artemisia spp., Ziziphora clinopodioides, Valeriana jatamansi, Acorus spp., and others as well as some of their components including 1,8-cineole, β-caryophyllene, β-patchoulene, carvacrol, β-ionone, eugenol, geraniol, menthol, linalool, thymol, α-asarone, and α-thujone. Essential oils that target PPAR/PI3K-Akt/MAPK signalling pathways could supplement other approaches to modulate microglial-associated inflammation to treat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in cases where reactive microglia play a part in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.

Underrated aspects of a true Mediterranean diet: understanding traditional features for worldwide application of a "Planeterranean" diet

Over the last decades, the Mediterranean diet gained enormous scientific, social, and commercial attention due to proven positive effects on health and undeniable taste that facilitated a widespread popularity. Researchers have investigated the role of Mediterranean-type dietary patterns on human health all around the world, reporting consistent findings concerning its benefits. However, what does truly define the Mediterranean diet? The myriad of dietary scores synthesizes the nutritional content of a Mediterranean-type diet, but a variety of aspects are generally unexplored when studying the adherence to this dietary pattern. Among dietary factors, the main characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, such as consumption of fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and cereals should be accompanied by other underrated features, such as the following: (i) specific reference to whole-grain consumption; (ii) considering the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices often untested when exploring the adherence to the Mediterranean diet; (iii) consumption of eggs and dairy products as common foods consumed in the Mediterranean region (irrespectively of the modern demonization of dietary fat intake). Another main feature of the Mediterranean diet includes (red) wine consumption, but more general patterns of alcohol intake are generally unmeasured, lacking specificity concerning the drinking occasion and intensity (i.e., alcohol drinking during meals). Among other underrated aspects, cooking methods are rather simple and yet extremely varied. Several underrated aspects are related to the quality of food consumed when the Mediterranean diet was first investigated: foods are locally produced, minimally processed, and preserved with more natural methods (i.e., fermentation), strongly connected with the territory with limited and controlled impact on the environment. Dietary habits are also associated with lifestyle behaviors, such as sleeping patterns, and social and cultural values, favoring commensality and frugality. In conclusion, it is rather reductive to consider the Mediterranean diet as just a pattern of food groups to be consumed decontextualized from the social and geographical background of Mediterranean culture. While the methodologies to study the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated to be useful up to date, a more holistic approach should be considered in future studies by considering the aforementioned underrated features and values to be potentially applied globally through the concept of a "Planeterranean" diet.

Medicinal herbs, especially Hibiscus sabdariffa, inhibit oral pathogenic bacteria

OBJECTIVES

Medicinal herbs are plants with potential medicinal and health benefits. In recent years, they are being increasingly used as a treatment alternative owing to their effectiveness against various diseases. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of 15 medicinal herbs on causative bacteria for dental caries and periodontal disease.

METHODS

This study evaluated the effects of the extracts of 15 medicinal herbs on growth and biofilm formation in five oral pathogenic bacterial strains. The herbs were processed into extracts, and bacterial strains were cultured. Then, bacterial growth and biofilm formation were assessed using various methods. Finally, the extract of the herb Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Incubation of bacteria with the herbal extracts showed that hibiscus exerted a significant inhibitory effect on all the oral pathogenic bacterial strains evaluated in this study. In addition, the pigment delphinidin-3-sambubioside, which is found in hibiscus extract, was identified as a particularly important inhibitory component.

CONCLUSIONS

These results lay the ground work for the potential development of novel therapeutic or preventive agents against dental caries and periodontal disease, two major oral diseases.

A Compound Essential Oil Alters Stratum Corneum Structure, Potentially Promoting the Transdermal Permeation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Ingredients

BACKGROUND

The stratum corneum (SC) is the main barrier of the skin, and cosmeceuticals are different from ordinary cosmetics in that they need to deliver active ingredients targeting specific skin problems through the SC into the deeper layers of the skin. Thus, we designed a compound essential oil (CEO) extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge and Cinnamomum cassia Presl, supplemented with borneol to deliver active ingredients through the SC.

METHODS

The CEO was prepared by flash extraction combined with the microwave method. Moreover, the main components of the CEO were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). Visualization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), were used to study the permeationpromoting mechanism of the CEO on the skin. Furthermore, the permeation-promoting effects of the CEO on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients were tested via in vitro skin penetration experiments and in vivo microdialysis experiments.

RESULTS

The results indicated the ability of the CEO to alter the structure of the SC, leading to enhanced transdermal permeation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients. The 1.5% CEO group demonstrated the best permeation-promoting effect compared to the other CEO groups and blank groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the CEO displayed an expedited permeability-promoting effect on hydrophobic ingredients compared to hydrophilic ingredients.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the prepared CEO can promote the transdermal permeation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients. This study will provide a reference for the application of the prepared CEO in the development of cosmeceuticals with natural efficacy.

Molecular modelling of SdiA protein by selected flavonoid and terpenes compounds to attenuate virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the perturbing multidrug resistant (MDR) and ESKAPE pathogens contributing to the mounting morbidity, mortality and extended rate of hospitalization. Its virulence, often regulated by quorum sensing (QS) reinforces the need to explore alternative and prospective antivirulence agents, relatively from plants secondary metabolites. Computer aided drug discovery using molecular modelling techniques offers advantage to investigate prospective drugs to combat MDR pathogens. Thus, this study employed virtual screening of selected terpenes and flavonoids from medicinal plants to interrupt the QS associated SdiA protein in K. pneumoniae to attenuate its virulence. 4LFU was used as a template to model the structure of SdiA. ProCheck, Verify3D, Ramachandran plot scores, and ProSA-Web all attested to the model's good quality. Since SdiA protein in K. pneumoniae leads to the expression of virulence, 31 prospective bioactive compounds were docked for antagonistic potential. The stability of the protein-ligand complex, atomic motions and inter-atomic interactions were further investigated through molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) at 100 ns production runs. The binding free energy was estimated using the molecular mechanics/poisson-boltzmann surface area (MM/PB-SA). Furthermore, the drug-likeness properties of the studied compounds were validated. Docking studies showed phytol possesses the highest binding affinity (-9.205 kcal/mol) while glycitein had -9.752 kcal/mol highest docking score. The MDS of the protein in complex with the best-docked compounds revealed phytol with the highest binding energy of -44.2625 kcal/mol, a low root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) value of 1.54 Å and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) score of 1.78 Å. Analysis of the drug-likeness properties prediction and bioavailability of these compounds revealed their conformed activity to lipinski's rules with bioavailability scores of 0.55 F. The studied terpenes and flavonoids compounds effectively thwart SdiA protein, therefore regulate inter- or intra cellular communication and associated in virulence Enterobacteriaceae, serving as prospective antivirulence drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Fruits as nutraceuticals: A review of the main fruits included in nutraceutical patents

Fruits have relevant usefulness in the elaboration of nutraceutical compositions and, as it is considered a "natural medicine", its market has been growing exponentially each year. Fruits, in general, contain a large source of phytochemicals, carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, peptides and antioxidants that are of interest to be prepared as nutraceuticals. The biological properties of its nutraceuticals can range from antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-Alzheimer, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, among others. Furthermore, the need for innovative extraction methods and products reveals the importance of developing new nutraceutical compositions. This review was developed by searching patents of nutraceuticals from January 2015 until January 2022 in Espacenet, the search database of the European Patent Office (EPO). Of 215 patents related to nutraceuticals, 43% (92 patents) were including fruits, mainly berries. A great number of patents were focused on the treatment of metabolic diseases, representing 45% of the total patents. The principal patent applicant was the United States of America (US), with 52%. The patents were applied by researchers, industries, research centers and institutes. It is important to highlight that from 92 fruit nutraceutical patent applications reviewed, 13 already have their products available on the market.

N-Methyl Costaricine and Costaricine, Two Potent Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors from Alseodaphne pendulifolia Gamb

Studies have been conducted over the last decade to identify secondary metabolites from plants, in particular those from the class of alkaloids, for the development of new anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) drugs. The genus Alseodaphne, comprising a wide range of alkaloids, is a promising source for the discovery of new cholinesterase inhibitors, the first-line treatment for AD. With regard to this, a phytochemical investigation of the dichloromethane extract of the bark of A. pendulifolia Gamb. was conducted. Repeated column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography led to the isolation of a new bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, N-methyl costaricine (1), together with costaricine (2), hernagine (3), N-methyl hernagine (4), corydine (5), and oxohernagine (6). Their structures were elucidated by the 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques and LCMS-IT-TOF analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were more-potent BChE inhibitors than galantamine with IC₅₀ values of 3.51 ± 0.80 µM and 2.90 ± 0.56 µM, respectively. The Lineweaver-Burk plots of compounds 1 and 2 indicated they were mixed-mode inhibitors. Compounds 1 and 2 have the potential to be employed as lead compounds for the development of new drugs or medicinal supplements to treat AD.

Effect directed analysis of bioactive compounds in leaf extracts from two Salvia species by High-performance thin-layer chromatography

Extracts of two Salvia species, Salvia apiana (white sage) and Salvia officinalis (common sage) were screened for phytoconstituents with the ability to act as antidiabetic, cognitive enhancing, or antimicrobial agents, by hyphenation of high-performance thin-layer chromatography with enzymatic and microbial effect directed assays. Two bioactive zones with α-amylase inhibition (zone 1 and zone 2), 3 zones for acetylcholinesterase inhibition (zones 3, 4 and 5), and two zones for antimicrobial activity (zones 4 and 5) were detected. The compounds from the five bioactive zones were initially identified by coelution with standards and comparing the R_F values of standards to the bioautograms. Identity was confirmed with ATR-FTIR spectra of the isolated compounds from the bioactive zones. A significantly higher α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of S. apiana leaf extract was associated with a higher flavonoid and diterpenoid content. Fermented S. officinalis extract exhibited a significantly higher ability to inhibit α-amylase compared to other non-fermented extracts from this species, due to increased extraction of flavonoids. The ATR-FTIR spectra of 2 zones with α-amylase inhibition, indicated that flavonoids and phenolic acids were responsible for α-amylase inhibition. Multiple zones of acetylcholinesterase inhibition were related to the presence of phenolic abietane diterpenoids and triterpenoid acids. The presence of abietane diterpenoids and triterpenoid acids was also found responsible for the mild antimicrobial activity. Flash chromatography was used to isolate sufficient amounts of bioactive compounds for further characterisation via NMR and MS spectroscopy. Five compounds were assigned to the zones where bioactivity was observed: cirsimaritin (zone 1), a caffeic acid polymer (zone 2), 16-hydroxyrosmanol (zone 3), 16-hydroxycarnosic acid (zone 4), oleanolic and ursolic acids (zone 5).

Anti-Cholinesterase and Anti-α-Amylase Activities and Neuroprotective Effects of Carvacrol and p-Cymene and Their Effects on Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells

Several researchers have demonstrated the health and pharmacological properties of carvacrol and p-cymene, monoterpenes of aromatic plants. This study investigated these compounds' possible anti-cholinesterase, anti-α-amylase, and neuroprotective effects. We evaluated the anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-α-amylase activities at different concentrations of the compounds. The maximum non-toxic dose of carvacrol and p-cymene against SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells was determined using an MTT assay. The neuroprotective effects of the compounds were evaluated on H₂O₂-induced stress in SH-SY5Y cells, studying the expression of caspase-3 using Western blotting assays. Carvacrol showed inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 3.8 µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ = 32.7 µg/mL). Instead, the anti-α-amylase activity of carvacrol resulted in an IC₅₀ value of 171.2 μg/mL After a pre-treatment with the maximum non-toxic dose of carvacrol and p-cymene, the expression of caspase-3 was reduced compared to cells treated with H₂O₂ alone. Carvacrol and p-cymene showed in vitro anti-enzymatic properties, and may act as neuroprotective agents against oxidative stress. Further studies are necessary to elucidate their possible use as coadjutants in preventing and treating AD in diabetic patients.

Natural essential oils derived from herbal medicines: A promising therapy strategy for treating cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment (CI), mainly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), continues to increase in prevalence and is emerging as one of the major health problems in society. However, until now, there are no first-line therapeutic agents for the allopathic treatment or reversal of the disease course. Therefore, the development of therapeutic modalities or drugs that are effective, easy to use, and suitable for long-term administration is important for the treatment of CI such as AD. Essential oils (EOs) extracted from natural herbs have a wide range of pharmacological components, low toxicity, and wide sources, In this review, we list the history of using volatile oils against cognitive disorders in several countries, summarize EOs and monomeric components with cognitive improvement effects, and find that they mainly act by attenuating the neurotoxicity of amyloid beta, anti-oxidative stress, modulating the central cholinergic system, and improving microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. And combined with aromatherapy, the unique advantages and potential of natural EOs in the treatment of AD and other disorders were discussed. This review hopes to provide scientific basis and new ideas for the development and application of natural medicine EOs in the treatment of CI.

Essential Oils: Recent Advances on Their Dual Role as Food Preservatives and Nutraceuticals against the Metabolic Syndrome

Essential oils (EO) are compounds synthesized by plants as secondary products and are a complex mixture of volatile molecules. Studies have demonstrated their pharmacological activity in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Moreover, they have been used as antimicrobial and antioxidant food additives. The first part of this review discusses the role of EO as nutraceuticals to prevent metabolic syndrome-related disorders (i.e., obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases), showing results from in vitro and in vivo studies. Likewise, the second part describes the bioavailability and mechanisms of action of EO in preventing chronic diseases. The third part presents the application of EO as food additives, pointing out their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in food formulations. Finally, the last part explains the stability and methods for encapsulating EO. In conclusion, EO dual role as nutraceuticals and food additives makes them excellent candidates to formulate dietary supplements and functional foods. However, further investigation is needed to understand EO interaction mechanisms with human metabolic pathways and to develop novel technological approaches to enhance EO stability in food systems to scale up these processes and, in this way, to overcome current health problems.

Phytotherapeutic alternatives for neurodegenerative dementias: Scientific review, discussion and therapeutic proposal

The incidence and prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative dementias have been increasing. There is no curative therapy and conventional drug treatment can cause problems for patients. Medicinal plants traditionally used for problems associated with ageing are emerging as a therapeutic resource. The main aim is to give a proposal for use and future research based on scientific knowledge and tradition. A literature search was conducted in several searchable databases. The keywords used were related to neurodegenerative dementias, ageing and medicinal plants. Boolean operators and filters were used to focus the search. As a result, there is current clinical and preclinical scientific information on 49 species used in traditional medicine for ageing-related problems, including neurodegenerative dementias. There are preclinical and clinical scientific evidences on their properties against protein aggregates in the central nervous system and their effects on neuroinflammation, apoptosis dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gabaergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems alterations, monoamine oxidase alterations, serotonin depletion and oestrogenic protection. In conclusion, the potential therapeutic effect of the different medicinal plants depends on the type of neurodegenerative dementia and its stage of development, but more clinical and preclinical research is needed to find better, safer and more effective treatments.

Plant Essential Oils as Healthy Functional Ingredients of Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements: A Review

Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile molecules endowed with health-promoting biological activities that go beyond their role as aromas and natural preservatives and can be exploited to develop functional foods and diet supplements. Their composition is briefly addressed along with regulatory aspects. The potential health benefit of human diet supplementation with EOs is outlined through a review of the recent literature on available clinical trials and preclinical research concerning EOs activity towards: (1) irritable bowel syndrome; (2) inflammatory bowel disease; (3) regulation of microbiota; (4) gastroprotection; (5) hepatoprotection; (6) protection of the urinary tract and diuresis; (7) management of metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia; (8) anti-inflammatory and pain control; (9) immunomodulation and protection from influenza; and (10) neuroprotection and modulation of mood and cognitive performance. The emerging potential in such activities of selected EOs is given focus, particularly green and black cumin, bergamot, orange, myrtle, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, lemon balm, ginger, and garlic.

Anticancer Applications of Essential Oils Formulated into Lipid-Based Delivery Nanosystems

The use of natural compounds is becoming increasingly popular among patients, and there is a renewed interest among scientists in nature-based bioactive agents. Traditionally, herbal drugs can be taken directly in the form of teas/decoctions/infusions or as standardized extracts. However, the disadvantages of natural compounds, especially essential oils, are their instability, limited bioavailability, volatility, and often irritant/allergenic potential. However, these active substances can be stabilized by encapsulation and administered in the form of nanoparticles. This brief overview summarizes the latest results of the application of nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers used as drug delivery systems of herbal essential oils or used directly for their individual secondary metabolites applicable in cancer therapy. Although the discussed bioactive agents are not typical compounds used as anticancer agents, after inclusion into the aforesaid formulations improving their stability and bioavailability and/or therapeutic profile, they indicated anti-tumor activity and became interesting agents with cancer treatment potential. In addition, co-encapsulation of essential oils with synthetic anticancer drugs into nanoformulations with the aim to achieve synergistic effect in chemotherapy is discussed.

Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective

Aging is a very complex process that is accompanied by a degenerative impairment in many of the major functions of the human body over time. This inevitable process is influenced by hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental influences such as xenobiotic pollution, infectious agents, UV radiation, diet-borne toxins, and so on. Many external and internal signs and symptoms are related with the aging process and senescence, including skin dryness and wrinkles, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, etc. Oxidative stress, a consequence of the imbalance between pro- and antioxidants, is one of the main provoking factors causing aging-related damages and concerns, due to the generation of highly reactive byproducts such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the metabolism, which result in cellular damage and apoptosis. Antioxidants can prevent these processes and extend healthy longevity due to the ability to inhibit the formation of free radicals or interrupt their propagation, thereby lowering the level of oxidative stress. This review focuses on supporting the antioxidant system of the organism by balancing the diet through the consumption of the necessary amount of natural ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, probiotics, plants' fibers, nutritional supplements, polyphenols, some phytoextracts, and drinking water.

Floralozone improves cognitive impairment in vascular dementia rats via regulation of TRPM2 and NMDAR signaling pathway

Vascular dementia (VD) is the second largest type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. At present, the pathogenesis is complex and there is no effective treatment. Floralozone has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in rats caused by a high-fat diet. However, whether it plays a role in VD remains elusive. In the present study, the protective activities and relevant mechanisms of Floralozone were evaluated in rats with cognitive impairment, which were induced by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (BCCAO) in rats. Cognitive function, pathological changes and oxidative stress condition in the brains of VD rats were assessed using Neurobehavioral tests, Morris water maze tests, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Neu N staining, TUNEL staining, Golgi staining, Western blot assay and antioxidant assays (MDA, SOD, GSH), respectively. The results indicated that VD model was established successfully and BCCAO caused a decline in spatial learning and memory and hippocampal histopathological abnormalities of rats. Floralozone (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) dose-dependently alleviated the pathological changes, decreased oxidative stress injury, which eventually reduced cognitive impairment in BCCAO rats. The same results were shown in further experiments with neurobehavioral tests. At the molecular biological level, Floralozone decreased the protein level of transient receptor potential melastatin-related 2 (TRPM2) in VD and normal rats, and increased the protein level of NR2B in hippocampus of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Notably, Floralozone could markedly improved learning and memory function of BCCAO rats in Morris water maze (MWM) and improved neuronal cell loss, synaptic structural plasticity. In conclusion, Floralozone has therapeutic potential for VD, increased synaptic structural plasticity and alleviating neuronal cell apoptosis, which may be related to the TRPM2/NMDAR pathway.

Antioxidant and Anti-Atherogenic Activities of Essential Oils from Myrtus communis L. and Laurus nobilis L. in Rat

Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic and medicinal plants, such as myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) and Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), are gaining popularity as a potential ingredient in functional foods and nutraceuticals. This study aims to investigate whether the essential oils (EOs) could be effective in weight control, antioxidative and antilipidemic status of rats by affecting microbiota and its enzymes activity and whether changes in intestinal enzyme activity affect the health of rats. The intragastric application of laurel and myrtle EOs to rats for two weeks affects weight loss, reduces glycolytic activity, lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)) and atherogenic indicators, leading to cardiovascular protection. Laurel EO can be an excellent candidate for the treatment of drug-induced obesity and related diseases, since it affects lipid metabolism in the liver and inhibits the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates into glucose in the digestive tract, leading to weight loss. In contrast, myrtle EO shows a better antioxidant capacity in most tissues, except kidneys, where it causes a pro-oxidative effect, compared to laurel EO. Myrtle EO increases the permeability and instability of the erythrocyte membrane, resulting in a loss of selectivity for the entry of toxic substances into the cell. On the other hand, myrtle EO leads to intestinal inflammation by reducing the number of probiotic bacteria and increasing Enterobacter.

Hexane extracts from fruit of two varieties of Capsicum chinense Jacq.: their volatile constituents and antiacetylcholinesterase, antileishmanial and antiproliferative activities

This article aims to investigate volatile constituents and antiacetylcholinesterase, antileishmanial and antiproliferative activities of hexane extracts from Capsicum chinense fruit (unripe bode pepper 'HE-UB' and ripe little beak pepper 'HE-RB'). HE-UB and HE-RB were screened by the microplate assay method to determine their antiacetylcholinesterase activity. Both exhibited inhibitory potential, i. e., IC₅₀ = 41.5 and 20.3 µg/mL, respectively. HE-UB (IC₅₀ = 67.19 µg/mL) and HE-RB (IC₅₀ = 38.16 µg/mL) exhibited antileishmanial activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. In addition, HE-UB and HE-RB demonstrated cytotoxic activity against different human tumor cell lines with IC₅₀ ranging from 325.40 to 425.0 µg/mL. Both GC-FID and GC-MS analyses revealed that the major component in both extracts was E-caryophyllene. In short, HE-RB was more satisfactory than HE-UB in all in vitro activities under evaluation. These findings may be used as initial data for further studies of Capsicum species.

Ameliorative effect of gel combination of Centella asiatica extract transfersomes and rosemary essential oil nanoemulsion against UVB-induced skin aging in Balb/c mice

Background: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces physiological and morphological photoaging of the skin resulting in wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. This study analyzed nanoencapsulation of a gel combination of Centella asiatica (CA) transfersomes and rosemary essential oil (REO) nanoemulsion with lipid-based nanocarriers for the ability of both biological compounds to synergistically prevent UVB radiation, along with ameliorative and anti-aging effects. Methods: To ensure the quality, lipid-based nanocarriers of transfersomes and nanoemulsion were characterized based on physicochemical properties such as particle size distribution, polydispersity index, zeta potential. In vivo studies were used to determine the biological effects of a gel combination of CA transfersomes, and REO nanoemulsion applied topically two weeks before UVB radiation (840 mJ/cm2) in BALB/c hairless mice. Results: Results showed that the optimum lipid-based nanocarriers had a particle size of 43.97 ± 5.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.64 ± 0.01, and a zeta potential of -10.91 ± 1.99 mV. In vivo experiments revealed that topical application of a gel combination of CA transfersomes and REO nanoemulsion significantly ameliorated wrinkle formation, epidermal hyperplasia, and collagen fiber arrangement caused by UVB exposure. Further, the gel combining CA transfersomes and REO nanoemulsion suppressed lipid peroxidation by decreasing the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA) and collagen destruction by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Moreover, the gel combination of CA transfersomes and REO nanoemulsion upregulated type I collagen through activation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathway, thereby recovering the density of collagen fiber reduced by UVB radiation. Conclusions: Overall, these data indicate that topical application of a gel combination of CA transfersomes and REO nanoemulsion could act synergistically and potentially prevents oxidative stress and collagen degradation in the skin from UVB-induced photoaging.

Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process

Natural substances have traditionally been used in skin care for centuries. There is now an ongoing search for new natural bioactives that not only promote skin health but also protect the skin against various harmful factors, including ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Free radicals, by disrupting defence and restoration mechanisms, significantly contribute to skin damage and accelerate ageing. Natural compounds present in plants exhibit antioxidant properties and the ability to scavenge free radicals. The increased interest in plant chemistry is linked to the growing interest in plant materials as natural antioxidants. This review focuses on aromatic and medicinal plants as a source of antioxidant substances, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and macromolecules (including polysaccharides and peptides) as well as components of essential oils, and their role in skin health and the ageing process.

Assessment of structural brain changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using the MRI-based brain atrophy and lesion index

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often have cognitive impairment and structural brain abnormalities. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based brain atrophy and lesion index can be used to evaluate common brain changes and their correlation with cognitive function, and can therefore also be used to reflect whole-brain structural changes related to T2DM. A total of 136 participants (64 men and 72 women, aged 55–86 years) were recruited for our study between January 2014 and December 2016. All participants underwent MRI and Mini-Mental State Examination assessment (including 42 healthy control, 38 T2DM without cognitive impairment, 26 with cognitive impairment but without T2DM, and 30 T2DM with cognitive impairment participants). The total and sub-category brain atrophy and lesion index scores in patients with T2DM with cognitive impairment were higher than those in healthy controls. Differences in the brain atrophy and lesion index of gray matter lesions and subcortical dilated perivascular spaces were found between non-T2DM patients with cognitive impairment and patients with T2DM and cognitive impairment. After adjusting for age, the brain atrophy and lesion index retained its capacity to identify patients with T2DM with cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that the brain atrophy and lesion index, based on T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, is of clinical value for identifying patients with T2DM and cognitive impairment. Gray matter lesions and subcortical dilated perivascular spaces may be potential diagnostic markers of T2DM that is complicated by cognitive impairment. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of University of South China (approval No. USC20131109003) on November 9, 2013, and was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration No. ChiCTR1900024150) on June 27, 2019.

Immunomodulatory and Antiprotozoal Potential of Fabricated Sesamum radiatum Oil/Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Au Polymeric Bionanocomposite Film

A unique morphological Sesamum radiatum oil/polyvinylpyrrolidone/gold polymeric bionanocomposite film was synthesized using the S. radiatum oil dispersed in a polymeric polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix and decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The chemical and physical characteristics as well as the thermal stability of the synthesized bionanocomposite film were investigated using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The microscopic analysis confirmed well dispersed AuNPs in the PVP- S. radiatum oil matrix with particle size of 100 nm. Immunomodulatory and antiprotozoal potentials of the suggested bionanocomposite film were evaluated for lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 microglia and against L. amazonensis, L. mexicana promastigotes and T. cruzi epimastigotes, respectively. The results exerted outstanding reduction of inflammatory cytokines' (IL-6 and TNFα) secretions after pretreatment of bionanocomposite. The bionanocomposite exhibited large inhibitory effects on certain cell signaling components that are related to the activation of expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, AuNPs and bionanocomposite exhibited excellent growth inhibition of L. mexicana and L. amazonensis promastigotes with IC50 (1.71 ± 1.49, 1.68 ± 0.75) and (1.12 ± 1.10, 1.42 ± 0.69), respectively. However, the nanomaterials showed moderate activity towards T. cruzi. All outcomes indicated promising immunomodulatory, antiprotozoal, and photocatalytic potentials for the synthesized S. radiatum oil/PVP/Au polymeric bionanocomposite.

The terpenes camphene and alpha-bisabolol inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain via Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels

T-type calcium channels are known molecular targets of certain phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Here we explored the modulation of Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels by terpenes derived from cannabis plants. A screen of eight commercially available terpenes revealed that camphene and alpha-bisabolol mediated partial, but significant inhibition of Cav3.2 channels expressed in tsA-201 cells, as well as native T-type channels in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. Both compounds inhibited peak current amplitude with IC50s in the low micromolar range, and mediated an additional small hyperpolarizing shift in half-inactivation voltage. When delivered intrathecally, both terpenes inhibited nocifensive responses in mice that had received an intraplantar injection of formalin, with alpha-bisabolol showing greater efficacy. Both terpenes reduced thermal hyperalgesia in mice injected with Complete Freund's adjuvant. This effect was independent of sex, and absent in Cav3.2 null mice, indicating that these compounds mediate their analgesic properties by acting on Cav3.2 channels. Both compounds also inhibited mechanical hypersensitivity in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Hence, camphene and alpha-bisabolol have a wide spectrum of analgesic action by virtue of inhibiting Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels.

Medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements for dementia therapy: potential therapeutic targets and clinical evidence

Spices and herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Also, in the last decades, the use of different nutritional supplements has been implemented to treat all kinds of diseases, including those that present an alteration in cognitive functioning. Dementia is a clinical syndrome in which a person's mental and cognitive capacities gradually decline. As the disease progresses, the person's autonomy diminishes. As there is not an effective treatment to prevent progressive deterioration in many of these pathologies, nutritional interventions have been, and still are, one of the most widely explored therapeutic possibilities. In this review, we have discussed a great number of potentially interesting plants, nutritional derivatives and probiotics for the treatment of dementia around the world. Their action mechanisms generally involve neuroprotective effects via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, b-amyloid and tau anti-aggregate actions; brain blood flow improvement, and effects on synaptic cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which may optimize cognitive performance in patients with cognitive impairment. As for their efficacy in patients with cognitive impairment and/or dementias, evidence is still scarce and/or their outcomes are controversial. We consider that many of these substances have promising therapeutic properties. Therefore, the scientific community has to continue with a more complete research focused on both identifying possible action mechanisms and carrying out clinical trials, preferably randomized double-blind ones, with a greater number of patients, a long-term follow-up, dose standardization and the use of current diagnosis criteria.

Investigation on the Antibacterial Activity of Electronic Cigarette Liquids (ECLs): A Proof of Concept Study

BACKGROUND

The key ingredients of e-cigarettes liquid are commonly propane-1,2-diol (also called propylene glycol) and propane-1,2,3-triol (vegetal glycerol) and their antimicrobial effects are already established. The nicotine and flavors which are often present in e-liquids can interfere with the growth of some microorganisms.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of combining these elements in e-liquids is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effects of these liquids on bacterial growth in the presence or absence of nicotine and flavors.

METHODS

Susceptibilities of pathogenic strains (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Sarcina lutea) were studied by means of a multidisciplinary approach. Cell viability and antioxidant assays were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All e-liquids investigated showed antibacterial activity against at least one pathogenic strain. Higher activity was correlated to the presence of flavors and nicotine.

DISCUSSION

In most cases, the value of minimal bactericidal concentration is equal to the value of minimal inhibitory concentration showing that these substances have a bactericidal effect. This effect was observed in concentrations up to 6.25% v/v. Antioxidant activity was also correlated to the presence of flavors. Over time, the viability assay in human epithelial lung A549 cells showed a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth.

CONCLUSION

Our results have shown that flavors considerably enhance the antibacterial activity of propane-1,2-diol and propane-1,2,3-triol. This study provides important evidence that should be taken into consideration in further investigative approaches, to clarify the different sensitivity of the various bacterial species to e-liquids, including the respiratory microbiota, to highlight the possible role of flavors and nicotine.

Three chemotypes of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil and their main compounds affect differently the IL-6 and TNFα cytokine secretions of BV-2 microglia by modulating the NF-κB and C/EBPβ signalling pathways

BACKGROUND

The essential oils possess both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, therefore they can provide an effective treatment against infections. Essential oils are widely used as supportive ingredients in many diseases, especially in the acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract. Neuroinflammation is responsible for several diseases of the central nervous system. Some plant-derived bioactive molecules have been shown to have role in attenuating neuroinflammation by regulating microglia, the immune cells of the CNS.

METHODS

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of three chemotypes of thyme essential oil and their main compounds (geraniol, thujanol and linalool) were examined on lipopolysaccharide-induced BV-2 microglia. Three different experimental setups were used, LPS pretreatment, essential oil pretreatment and co-treatments of LPS and essential oils in order to determine whether essential oils are able to prevent inflammation and can decrease it. The concentrations of the secreted tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) proinflammatory cytokines were measured and we analysed by Western blot the activity of the cell signalling pathways, NF-κB and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) regulating TNFα and IL-6 proinflammatory cytokine expressions in BV-2 cells.

RESULTS

Our results showed definite alterations in the effects of essential oil chemotypes and their main compounds at the different experimental setups. Considering the changes of IL-6 and TNFα secretions the best reduction of inflammatory cytokines could be reached by the pretreatment with the essential oils. In addition, the main compounds exerted better effects than essential oil chemotypes in case of LPS pretreatment. At the essential oil pretreatment experiment, the effect of linalool and geraniol was outstanding but there was no major difference between the actions of chemotypes and standards. Main compounds could be seen to have large inhibitory effects on certain cell signalling components related to the activation of the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Thyme essential oils are good candidates to use in prevention of neuroinflammation and related neurodegeneration, but the exact ratio of the components has to be selected carefully.

Kuwanon G protects HT22 cells from advanced glycation end product-induced damage

The incidence of diabetic encephalopathy is increasing as the population ages. Evidence suggests that formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) plays a pivotal role in disease progression, but limited research has been carried out in this area. A previous study demonstrated that Kuwanon G (KWG) had significant anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties. As AGEs are oxidative products and inflammation is involved in their generation it is hypothesized that KWG may have effects against AGE-induced neuronal damage. In the present study, mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 was used. KWG was shown to significantly inhibit AGE-induced cell apoptosis in comparison with a control treatment, as determined by both MTT and flow cytometry. Compared with the AGEs group, expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax was reduced and expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased in the AGEs + KWG group. Both intracellular and extracellular levels of acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase were significantly elevated after KWG administration in comparison with controls whilethe level of acetylcholinesterase decreased. These changes in protein expression were accompanied by increased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase synthesis and reduced production of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Intracellular signaling pathway protein levels were determined by western blot and immunocytochemistry. KWG administration was found to prevent AGE-induced changes to the phosphorylation levels of Akt, IκB-α, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-α and β, p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect of KWG against AGE-induced damage was via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3αβ signaling pathway. The findings of the present study suggest that KWG may be a potential treatment for diabetic encephalopathy.

Can limonene be a possible candidate for evaluation as an agent or adjuvant against infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing pandemic and presents a public health emergency. It has affected millions of people and continues to affect more, despite the tremendous social preventive measures. The therapeutic strategy relies on suppressing infectivity and inflammation, along with immune modulation. The identification of candidate drugs effective for COVID-19 is crucial, thus many natural products including phytochemicals are also being proposed for repurposing and evaluated for their potential in COVID-19. Among numerous phytochemicals, limonene (LMN), a dietary terpene of natural origin has been recently showed to target viral proteins in the in-silico studies. LMN is one of the main compounds identified in many citrus plants, available and accessible in diets and well-studied for its therapeutic benefits. Due to dietary nature, relative safety and efficacy along with favorable physicochemical properties, LMN has been suggested to be a fascinating candidate for further investigation in COVID-19. LMN showed to modulate numerous signaling pathways and inhibits inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, prostanoids, and eicosanoids. We hypothesized that given the pathogenesis of COVID-19 involving infection, inflammation, and immunity, LMN may have potential to limit the severity and progression of the disease owing to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. The present article discusses the possibilities of LMN in SARS-CoV-2 infections based on its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Though, the suggestion on the possible use of LMN in COVID-19 remains inconclusive until the in-silico effects confirmed in the experimental studies and further proof of the concept studies. The candidature of LMN in COVID-19 treatment somewhat appear speculative but cannot be overlooked provided favorable physiochemical and druggable properties. The safety and efficacy of LMN are necessary to be established in preclinical and clinical studies before making suggestions for use in humans.

Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Protects Zebrafish against Cognitive Dysfunction by Regulating Cholinergic and Antioxidants Systems

Thymus vulgaris L. is an aromatic herb used for medicinal purposes such as antimicrobial, spasmolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor, and may have beneficial effects in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The present study aimed to investigate whether Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil enhances cognitive function via the action on cholinergic neurons using scopolamine (Sco)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of memory impairments. Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO, 25, 150, and 300 µL/L) was administered by immersion to zebrafish once daily for 13 days, whereas memory impairment was induced by Sco (100 μM), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, delivered 30 min before behavioral tests. Spatial memory was assessed using the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR). Anxiety and depression were measured in the novel tank diving test (NTT). Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to study the phytochemical composition of TEO. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress response in the brain of zebrafish were determined. TEO ameliorated Sco-induced increasing of AChE activity, amnesia, anxiety, and reduced the brain antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that TEO may have preventive and/or therapeutic potentials in the management of memory deficits and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish with amnesia.

Essential Oil Quality and Purity Evaluation via FT-IR Spectroscopy and Pattern Recognition Techniques

Essential oils are highly volatile, aromatic concentrated extracts from plants with wide applications. In this study, fast, easy-to-use attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was combined with chemometric techniques to verify essential oils’ taxonomy and purity. Principal component analysis (PCA) clustered 30 essential oil samples into three different groups based on plant botanical family and concentration. The first group contained highly concentrated oils from the Asteraceae family, the second group contained highly concentrated oils from the Lamiaceae family, while the last group contained three highly concentrated essential oils from different botanical families and commercial-grade essential oils. Thus, commercial-grade oil samples did not cluster with the corresponding concentrated oil samples despite their similar spectral patterns or botanical family. A loading plot identified infrared (IR) bands that correspond to carbonyl, vinyl, methyl and methylene group vibrations as the most important spectral bands that can be used as marker bands for discrimination between different botanical plant family groups. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) confirmed the results obtained by PCA. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric algorithms provides a direct and non-destructive method for chemotaxonomic classification of medicinal and aromatic essential oils and an assessment of their purity.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Thyme, Hemp and Coriander Extracts: A Comparison Study of Maceration, Soxhlet, UAE and RSLDE Techniques

Appropriate and standardized techniques for the extraction of secondary metabolites with interesting biological activity from plants are required. In this work, a comparison of different conventional and unconventional extraction techniques (maceration—M, Soxhlet—S, ultrasound assisted extraction—UAE, and rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction—RSLDE) was investigated. Bioactive compounds were extracted from Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Cannabis sativa L. (industrial hemp) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) and chemically characterized for their volatile fraction and polyphenolic content by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV). Linalool (48.19%, RSLDE) and carvacrol (21.30%, M) for thyme, caryophyllene (54.78%, S) and humulene (14.13%, S) for hemp, and linalool (84.16%, RSLDE) for coriander seeds were the main compounds among terpenes, while thyme was the richest source of polyphenols with rosmarinic acid (51.7 mg/g dry extract-S), apigenin (7.6 mg/g dry extract-S), and luteolin (4.1 mg/g dry extract-UAE) being the most abundant. In order to shed light on their potential as natural food preservatives, the biological activity of the extracts was assessed in terms of antioxidant activity (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid—ABTS˙⁺, ferric reducing antioxidant power—FRAP, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl—DPPH˙ assays) and phenolic content (Folin–Ciocâlteu method). For thyme, Soxhlet extracts showed best performances in FRAP and ABTS˙⁺ assays (74 mg TE/g dry extract and 134 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively), while Soxhlet and RSLDE extracts recorded similar activity in DPPH˙ (107–109 mg TE/g dry extract). For hemp and coriander, indeed, RSLDE extracts accounted for higher antioxidant activity as evidenced by FRAP (80 mg TE/g dry extract and 18 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively) and ABTS˙⁺ (557 mg TE/g dry extract and 48 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively) assays. With respect to DPPH˙, the best results were observed for UAE extracts (45 mg TE/g dry extract and 220 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively). Our findings suggest that all the investigated techniques are valid extraction methods to retain bioactive compounds and preserve their activity for application in food and pharmaceutical formulations. Among them, the innovative RSLDE stands out for the slightly higher antioxidant performances of the extracts, coupled with the facility of use and standardization of the extraction process.

The potential role of nanoyttria in alleviating oxidative stress biomarkers: Implications for Alzheimer's disease therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that requires immediate attention. Oxidative stress that leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species is a contributing factor to the disease progression by promoting synthesis and deposition of amyloid-β, the main hallmark protein in AD. It has been previously demonstrated that nanoyttria possesses antioxidant properties and can alleviate cellular oxidative injury in various toxicity and disease models. This review proposed that nanoyttria could be used for the treatment of AD. In this paper, the evidence on the antioxidant potential of nanoyttria is presented and its prospects on AD therapy are discussed.

Coexisting flavonoids and administration route effect on pharmacokinetics of Puerarin in MCAO rats

A pharmacokinetic comparison was made to evaluate the influence from other components in the Radix Puerariae Extract on pharmacokinetic behavior of Puerarin. Samples of blood and brain were collected by microdialysis and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated from the concentration versus time data using non-compartmental methods. In addition, a comparative pharmacokinetic study of Puerarin in stroke rats was studied after administration of the Radix Puerariae Extract via different routes to find an effective way to deliver drug into brain. Obvious pharmacokinetic differences were also observed in comparison between the Puerarin group and the Radix Puerariae Extract group based on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. The Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) of Puerarin in olfactory bulb of the Extract group significantly reduced when it was intravenously administered. However, the AUCs of Puerarin in plasma are 134.72 and 1707.02 mg/L min, via intranasal and intravenous administration of the Radix Puerariae Extract, respectively. The AUC of the intranasal group in brain is seven times higher than that of intravenous administration. Other ingredients in the Extract may affect the disposition of Puerarin and its transportation through the blood–brain barrier via intravenous administration. But intranasal administration is an effective route to deliver isoflavone-C-glycoside with poor hydrophilicity into brain.

Antidepressant-Like Effect of Terpineol in an Inflammatory Model of Depression: Involvement of the Cannabinoid System and D2 Dopamine Receptor

Depression has a multifactorial etiology that arises from environmental, psychological, genetic, and biological factors. Environmental stress and genetic factors acting through immunological and endocrine responses generate structural and functional changes in the brain, inducing neurogenesis and neurotransmission dysfunction. Terpineol, monoterpenoid alcohol, has shown immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects, but there is no report about its antidepressant potential. Herein, we used a single lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to induce a depressive-like effect in the tail suspension test (TST) and the splash test (ST) for a preventive and therapeutic experimental schedule. Furthermore, we investigated the antidepressant-like mechanism of action of terpineol while using molecular and pharmacological approaches. Terpineol showed a coherent predicted binding mode mainly against CB1 and CB2 receptors and also against the D2 receptor during docking modeling analyses. The acute administration of terpineol produced the antidepressant-like effect, since it significantly reduced the immobility time in TST (100-200 mg/kg, p.o.) as compared to the control group. Moreover, terpineol showed an antidepressant-like effect in the preventive treatment that was blocked by a nonselective dopaminergic receptor antagonist (haloperidol), a selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist (sulpiride), a selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist/inverse agonist (AM281), and a potent and selective CB2 cannabinoid receptor inverse agonist (AM630), but it was not blocked by a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist (caffeine) or a β-adrenoceptor antagonist (propranolol). In summary, molecular docking suggests that CB1 and CB2 receptors are the most promising targets of terpineol action. Our data showed terpineol antidepressant-like modulation by CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors and D2-dopaminergic receptors to further corroborate our molecular evidence.

High-performance thin-layer chromatography linked with (bio)assays and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy as a method for discovery and quantification of bioactive components in native Australian plants

Many native Australian plants have a long history of use as medicinal and culinary herbs and some are considered to be equivalents to the Mediterranean herbs. However, while therapeutic properties of Mediterranean herbs are well documented, there is limited information on the medicinal use of the Australian native herbs. Extracts of five native Australian plants were characterised with FTIR-ATR spectroscopy in the fingerprint region and screened for enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities via effect-directed analysis (EDA) based on bioautography. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with microchemical and biochemical derivatization assays was used for EDA screening. Detected compounds with biological activities were identified via FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. All herbs showed antioxidant activity with lemon myrtle being the most active. The α-amylase inhibition, observed in native thyme, sea parsley and native bush was associated with the presence of phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. The investigation of botanicals by a fast, hyphenated HPTLC method, has allowed an effect-directed high-throughput screening, fast characterization of complex mixtures and detection of biologically active phytochemicals (bioprofiling).

Hyphenated TLC as a Tool in the Effect-Directed Discovery of Bioactive Natural Products

Complex samples such as botanical extracts contain hundreds of compounds. Since we can only identify compounds that are stable, extractable, separable and detectable from complex botanical extracts, minimal sample treatment and different detection methods are essential. A combination of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with non-targeted screening via bioassays (enzymes), microchemical and biological (microorganisms) detection allows for the fast and quantitative bioprofiling of complex samples. Further hyphenation of HPTLC with spectroscopic methods of identification enables targeted identification of bioactive natural products via Effect Directed Analysis (EDA).

Carvacrol, a Plant Metabolite Targeting Viral Protease (Mpro) and ACE2 in Host Cells Can Be a Possible Candidate for COVID-19

The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in December 2019, resulting in the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Coronaviruses are solely accountable for rising mortality and socioeconomic saddles. Presently, there are few repurposed drugs such as remdesivir or favipiravir approved for the treatment of COVID-19, although vaccines and plasma therapy is also subject to emergency approval. However, some potential natural treatments and cures have also been proposed. Molecules of natural origin showed therapeutic importance such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, and could be useful drug candidates for treating COVID-19. In recent years, essential oils have shown promising therapeutic effects against many viral diseases. Carvacrol is one of the monoterpene phenol with abundant presence in essential oils of many aromatic plants, including thyme and oregano. It is being used as food flavoring, additive, and preservatives. Carvacrol is also used as a fragrance in cosmetic products. A number of research studies have shown biological actions of carvacrol with its therapeutic potential is of clinical significance. The in vitro and in vivo studies have shown multiple pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, hepatoprotective, and spasmolytic. This review highlights the various biological and pharmacological properties of carvacrol within the scope of COVID-19.

Medical management, prevention and mitigation of environmental risks factors in Neurology

The human environment and exposures arising therefrom are major contributors to neurological disorders ranging from stroke to neurodegenerative diseases. Reduction of exposure to environmental risk factors, with the goal of disease prevention or control, is addressed at the individual as well as the societal level and in recognition of differential subject vulnerability. We examine some practical solutions in high-income countries that may allow a better adaptation to environmental risks and reduce their adverse impact on the nervous system. We consider the citizen's role in reducing unhealthy exposures and explore new approaches to treatment.