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Iacovelli F, Romeo A, Lattanzio P, Ammendola S, Battistoni A, La Frazia S, Vindigni G, Unida V, Biocca S, Gaziano R, Divizia M, Falconi M. Deciphering the Broad Antimicrobial Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia Tea Tree Oil by Combining Experimental and Computational Investigations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12432. [PMID: 37569803 PMCID: PMC10420022 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tea Tree Oil (TTO) is an essential oil obtained from the distillation of Melaleuca alternifolia leaves and branches. Due to its beneficial properties, TTO is widely used as an active ingredient in antimicrobial preparations for topical use or in cosmetic products and contains about 100 different compounds, with terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene and 1,8-cineole (or eucalyptol) being the molecules most responsible for its biological activities. In this work, the antimicrobial activity of whole TTO and these three major components was evaluated in vitro against fungi, bacteria and viruses. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on a bacterial membrane model and a Coxsackievirus B4 viral capsid, to propose an atomistic explanation of their mechanism of action. The obtained results indicate that the strong antimicrobial activity of TTO is attributable to the induction of an altered membrane functionality, mediated by the incorporation of its components within the lipid bilayer, and to a possible ability of the compounds to bind and alter the structural properties of the viral capsid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Iacovelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Alice Romeo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Patrizio Lattanzio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Serena Ammendola
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Andrea Battistoni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Simone La Frazia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
| | - Giulia Vindigni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.V.); (V.U.); (S.B.)
| | - Valeria Unida
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.V.); (V.U.); (S.B.)
| | - Silvia Biocca
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.V.); (V.U.); (S.B.)
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1–00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Divizia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mattia Falconi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (P.L.); (S.A.); (A.B.); (S.L.F.)
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Romeo A, Iacovelli F, Scagnolari C, Scordio M, Frasca F, Condò R, Ammendola S, Gaziano R, Anselmi M, Divizia M, Falconi M. Potential Use of Tea Tree Oil as a Disinfectant Agent against Coronaviruses: A Combined Experimental and Simulation Study. Molecules 2022; 27:3786. [PMID: 35744913 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the relevance of proper disinfection procedures and renewed interest in developing novel disinfectant materials as a preventive strategy to limit SARS-CoV-2 contamination. Given its widely known antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, also named Tea tree oil (TTO), is recognized as a potential effective and safe natural disinfectant agent. In particular, the proposed antiviral activity of TTO involves the inhibition of viral entry and fusion, interfering with the structural dynamics of the membrane and with the protein envelope components. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the virucidal effects of TTO against the feline coronavirus (FCoVII) and the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), both used as surrogate models for SARS-CoV-2. Then, to atomistically uncover the possible effects exerted by TTO compounds on the outer surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion, we performed Gaussian accelerated Molecular Dynamics simulations of a SARS-CoV-2 envelope portion, including a complete model of the Spike glycoprotein in the absence or presence of the three main TTO compounds (terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and 1,8-cineole). The obtained results allowed us to hypothesize the mechanism of action of TTO and its possible use as an anti-coronavirus disinfectant agent.
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Clark AM, Magawa C, Pliego-Zamora A, Low P, Reynolds M, Ralph SJ. Tea tree oil extract causes mitochondrial superoxide production and apoptosis as an anticancer agent, promoting tumor infiltrating neutrophils cytotoxic for breast cancer to induce tumor regression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111790. [PMID: 34119930 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The antitumor activity of the tea tree oil (TTO) derived product, Melaleuca Alternifolia Concentrate (MAC) was characterized mechanistically at the molecular and cellular level. MAC was analyzed for its anticancer activity against human prostate (LNCaP) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines growing in vitro. MAC (0.02-0.06% v/v) dose-dependently induced the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway in both the LNCaP and MCF-7 cell lines, involving increased mitochondrial superoxide production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase 3/7 activation, as well as the presence of TUNEL+ and cleaved-PARP+ cell populations. At concentrations of 0.01-0.04% v/v, MAC caused cell cycle arrest in the G0/1-phase, as well as autophagy. The in vivo anticancer actions of MAC were examined as a treatment in the FVB/N c-Neu murine model for spontaneously arising breast cancers. Intratumoral MAC injections (1-4% v/v) significantly suppressed tumor progression in a dose-dependent manner and was associated with greater levels of tumor infiltrating neutrophils exhibiting anticancer cytotoxic activity. Induction of breast cancer cell death by MAC via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was also replicated occurring in tumors treated in vivo. In conclusion, our data highlights the potential for the Melaleuca-derived MAC product inducing anticancer neutrophil influx, supporting its application as a novel therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Clark
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Chandi Magawa
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Adriana Pliego-Zamora
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Pauline Low
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Max Reynolds
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia; Australian Botanical Bioscience Pty. Ltd., Australia
| | - Stephen J Ralph
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia.
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Di Martile M, Garzoli S, Sabatino M, Valentini E, D'Aguanno S, Ragno R, Del Bufalo D. Antitumor effect of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and its main component terpinen-4-ol in combination with target therapy in melanoma models. Cell Death Dis 2021; 7:127. [PMID: 34059622 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) have been recently emerging for their promising biological activities in preventing tumorigenesis or progression of different tumor histotypes, including melanoma. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of a panel of EOs in different tumor models. The ability of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) and its main component, terpinen-4-ol, to sensitize the target therapy currently used for melanoma treatment was also assessed. Our results demonstrated that EOs differently affect the viability of human cancer cells and led us to select six EOs effective in melanoma and lung cancer cells, without toxic effects in human fibroblasts. When combined with dabrafenib and/or trametinib, Melaleuca alternifolia synergistically reduced the viability of melanoma cells by activating apoptosis. Through machine learning classification modeling, α-terpineol, tepinolene, and terpinen-4-ol, three components of Melaleuca alternifolia, were identified as the most likely relevant components responsible for the EO's antitumor effect. Among them, terpinen-4-ol was recognized as the Melaleuca alternifolia component responsible for its antitumor and proapoptotic activity. Overall, our study holds promise for further analysis of EOs as new anticancer agents and supports the rationale for their use to improve target therapy response in melanoma.
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Di Martile M, Garzoli S, Ragno R, Del Bufalo D. Essential Oils and Their Main Chemical Components: The Past 20 Years of Preclinical Studies in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092650. [PMID: 32948083 PMCID: PMC7565555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the last years, targeted therapy and immunotherapy modified the landscape for metastatic melanoma treatment. These therapeutic approaches led to an impressive improvement in patients overall survival. Unfortunately, the emergence of drug resistance and side effects occurring during therapy strongly limit the long-term efficacy of such treatments. Several preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of essential oils as antitumoral agents, and clinical trials support their use to reduce side effects emerging during therapy. In this review we have summarized studies describing the molecular mechanism through which essential oils induce in vitro and in vivo cell death in melanoma models. We also pointed to clinical trials investigating the use of essential oils in reducing the side effects experienced by cancer patients or those undergoing anticancer therapy. From this review emerged that further studies are necessary to validate the effectiveness of essential oils for the management of melanoma. Abstract The last two decades have seen the development of effective therapies, which have saved the lives of a large number of melanoma patients. However, therapeutic options are still limited for patients without BRAF mutations or in relapse from current treatments, and severe side effects often occur during therapy. Thus, additional insights to improve treatment efficacy with the aim to decrease the likelihood of chemoresistance, as well as reducing side effects of current therapies, are required. Natural products offer great opportunities for the discovery of antineoplastic drugs, and still represent a useful source of novel molecules. Among them, essential oils, representing the volatile fraction of aromatic plants, are always being actively investigated by several research groups and show promising biological activities for their use as complementary or alternative medicine for several diseases, including cancer. In this review, we focused on studies reporting the mechanism through which essential oils exert antitumor action in preclinical wild type or mutant BRAF melanoma models. We also discussed the latest use of essential oils in improving cancer patients’ quality of life. As evidenced by the many studies listed in this review, through their effect on apoptosis and tumor progression-associated properties, essential oils can therefore be considered as potential natural pharmaceutical resources for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (D.D.B.); Tel.: +39-0652666891 (M.D.M.); +39-0652662575 (D.D.B.)
| | - Stefania Garzoli
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Rino Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.G.); (R.R.)
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (D.D.B.); Tel.: +39-0652666891 (M.D.M.); +39-0652662575 (D.D.B.)
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Wang L, Gong J, Dan Y, Huang Y, Dan N, Dan W. Preparation and Characterization of Antibacterial Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrices with High Performance. ACS Omega 2020; 5:20238-20249. [PMID: 32832777 PMCID: PMC7439368 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Infection is a common complication in the process of wound management. An ideal wound dressing is supposed to reduce or even prevent the infection while promoting wound healing. A porcine acellular dermal matrix (pADM) has been already used as a wound dressing in clinic due to its capacity to accelerate wound healing. However, not only is pure pADM not antibacterial, its mechanical properties are poor. In this study, an antibacterial pADM with good performance was prepared by adding two natural products as modifiers, quercetin (QCT) and tea tree oil (TTO). The result of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) proved that the addition of modifiers did not break the natural triple-helical structure of collagen. Meanwhile, the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), mechanic experiment, and enzymatic degradation demonstrated that pADM handled with QCT and TTO (termed QCT-TTO-pADM) had better thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to enzymatic degradation than pADM. Meanwhile, QCT-TTO-pADM had excellent antibacterial activity and showed an antibacterial rate of over 80%. Furthermore, in the cytocompatibility analysis, QCT-TTO-pADM had no side effects on the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of fibroblasts. QCT-TTO-pADM could even accelerate wound healing more efficiently than pADM and glutaraldehyde-modified pADM (GA-pADM). In conclusion, QCT-TTO-pADM was a potential antibacterial wound dressing with good performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- College
of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Research
Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South
Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key
Laboratory for Leather Chemistry and Engineering of the Education
Ministry, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Juxia Gong
- College
of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Research
Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South
Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key
Laboratory for Leather Chemistry and Engineering of the Education
Ministry, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Ye Dan
- School
of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Yanping Huang
- College
of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Research
Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South
Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key
Laboratory for Leather Chemistry and Engineering of the Education
Ministry, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Nianhua Dan
- College
of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Research
Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South
Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key
Laboratory for Leather Chemistry and Engineering of the Education
Ministry, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Weihua Dan
- College
of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Research
Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan
University, No. 24 South
Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
- Key
Laboratory for Leather Chemistry and Engineering of the Education
Ministry, Sichuan University, No. 24 South Section 1, Yihuan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
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Połeć K, Wójcik A, Flasiński M, Wydro P, Broniatowski M, Hąc-Wydro K. The influence of terpinen-4-ol and eucalyptol - The essential oil components - on fungi and plant sterol monolayers. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr 2019; 1861:1093-1102. [PMID: 30926362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Antifungal and herbicidal activity of terpenes, being the components of the essential oils, is directly related to the incorporation of these compounds into cellular membranes. Thus, the differences in the lipid composition of various pathogenic membranes may be the factor determining the activity of these molecules. One of the class of lipids, which form the membrane environment are sterols. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of two terpenes: terpinen-4-ol and eucalyptol on the monolayers formed by ergosterol and β - sitosterol, which are the components of fungi and plant membranes, respectively. The modifications in the sterol monolayer properties were investigated in the surface pressure-area measurements and penetration studies as well as in a micrometer scale (Brewster angle microscopy experiments) and in nanoscale (GIXD technique). It was evidenced that although at higher surface pressure the terpene molecules are in part removed from the interface, they are able to substantially modify the condensation, morphology and molecular organization of the sterol film. It was also found that the incorporation of terpenes into sterol films is comparable for both sterols, however, β - sitosterol monolayers properties are affected more strongly than ergosterol films. Finally, the analysis of the results of the studies performed on model membrane systems and the results of antimicrobial studies reported in literature, enabled us to suggest that the activity of terpenes depends on the membrane composition and that the sterol concentration may be important from the point of view of antifungal effect of terpinen-4-ol and eucalyptol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Połeć
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Aneta Wójcik
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Flasiński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Wydro
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Broniatowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Hąc-Wydro
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Stringaro A, Colone M, Angiolella L. Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antibiofilm, and Cytotoxic Activities of Mentha spp. Essential Oils. Medicines (Basel) 2018; 5:medicines5040112. [PMID: 30347861 PMCID: PMC6313564 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since ancient times, plants have been used to preserve food, or for their health properties. Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile compounds that are obtained from botanical material, specifically from aromatic plants. Lamiaceae is one of the most important families in the production of essential oils, as it has both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The essential oils of Mentha (the Lamiaceae family) have been extensively studied for their biological actions. In this review, we report the antioxidant, antifungal, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic properties of Mentha spp. essential oils. The first objective is to provide comprehensive information about the use of essential oils in the treatment of fungal infections, or as antioxidants and integrative anticancer therapy. The second is to explore the evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating diseases without causing any serious adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Letizia Angiolella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Ganguly R, Kunwar A, Kota S, Kumar S, Aswal V. Micellar structural transitions and therapeutic properties in tea tree oil solubilized pluronic P123 solution. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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10
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Nowotarska SW, Nowotarski K, Grant IR, Elliott CT, Friedman M, Situ C. Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Action of Cinnamon and Oregano Oils, Cinnamaldehyde, Carvacrol, 2,5-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 2-Hydroxy-5-Methoxybenzaldehyde against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). Foods 2017; 6:foods6090072. [PMID: 28837070 PMCID: PMC5615284 DOI: 10.3390/foods6090072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial modes of action of six naturally occurring compounds, cinnamon oil, cinnamaldehyde, oregano oil, carvacrol, 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde, previously found to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) reported to infect food animals and humans and to be present in milk, cheese, and meat, were investigated. The incubation of Map cultures in the presence of all six compounds caused phosphate ions to leak into the extracellular environment in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde decreased the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration of Map cells, whereas oregano oil and carvacrol caused an initial decrease of intracellular ATP concentration that was restored gradually after incubation at 37 °C for 2 h. Neither 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde nor 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde had a significant effect on intracellular ATP concentration. None of the compounds tested were found to cause leakage of ATP to the extracellular environment. Monolayer studies involving a Langmuir trough apparatus revealed that all anti-Map compounds, especially the essential oil compounds, altered the molecular packing characteristics of phospholipid molecules of model membranes, causing fluidization. The results of the physicochemical model microbial membrane studies suggest that the destruction of the pathogenic bacteria might be associated with the disruption of the bacterial cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella W Nowotarska
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
| | - Krzysztof Nowotarski
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
| | - Irene R Grant
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
| | - Christopher T Elliott
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
| | - Mendel Friedman
- Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Chen Situ
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
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11
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Hąc-Wydro K, Flasiński M, Broniatowski M, Sołtys M. Studies on the Behavior of Eucalyptol and Terpinen-4-ol-Natural Food Additives and Ecological Pesticides-in Model Lipid Membranes. Langmuir 2017; 33:6916-6924. [PMID: 28654274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Effective application of the essential oils requires detailed exploration of their mechanism of action and the origin of diverse activity of their components. In this work, the influence of eucalyptol and terpinen-4-ol on artificial membranes was studied to verify whether the differences in the activity of these compounds are related to their effect on membranes. The properties of monolayers formed from structurally different lipids in the presence of terpenes were examined based on the results of the surface pressure-area measurements, penetration studies, and Brewster angle microscopy experiments. Both compounds were able to incorporate into the membrane and alter lipid/lipid interactions, making the monolayer less stable and more fluid. These effects were determined by monolayer composition (but not by its condensation per se) and the resulting rheological properties and were stronger in the presence of terpinen-4-ol. These findings confirm the hypothesis that differences in the antimicrobial potency of these terpenes are membrane-related, and membrane composition may determine their selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Hąc-Wydro
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Flasiński
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Broniatowski
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Sołtys
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University , Gronostajowa 3, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
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Wu M, Li T, Chen L, Peng S, Liao W, Bai R, Zhao X, Yang H, Wu C, Zeng H, Liu Y. Essential oils from Inula japonica and Angelicae dahuricae enhance sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR breast cancer cells to doxorubicin via multiple mechanisms. J Ethnopharmacol 2016; 180:18-27. [PMID: 26795076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Angelicae dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f.ex Franch. & Sav combined with Pueraria and Gastrodia elata Bl. combined with Inula japonica Thunb. are widely used in herb-pairs of traditional chinese medicine. Previous studies have shown that Angelicae dahuricae essential oil (ADO) enhanced puerarin internalization into ABCB1-overexpressed Caco-2 cells. These findings suggest the possibility that essential oils may enhance the absorption via certain mechanisms related to ABCB1 and reverse multidrug resistance (MDR). AIM OF THE STUDY ADO and essential oils from Inula japonica (IJO) may reverse ABCB1-mediated MDR, but this ability has not been investigated in detail in the well-established cancer cell lines. In this study, the underlying molecular mechanisms were further investigated to examine how IJO and ADO reverse MDR in the resistant human breast cancer cell line of MCF-7/ADR. Also this work may help uncover the conceivable compatibility mechanisms of above herb-pairs involved in ABCB1. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MDR human breast cancer MCF-7/ADR cells were treated with IJO, its sesquiterpene component isoalantolactone (ISO) or ADOat non- cytotoxic concentrations. The MDR ability was examined by measuring the sensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX), DOX accumulation and efflux, ABCB1 ATPase activity, ABCB1 expression, membrane fluidity, and stability and localization of lipid rafts and caveolae. Finally, the molecular modeling was performed to postulate how ISO interacts with ABCB1. RESULTS Treating MCF-7/ADR cells with IJ oil, ISO or AD oil reversed MDR 2- to 3-fold, without affecting the sensitivity of the non-MDR parental cell line. Mechanistic studies showed that these oils down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of ABCB1, and reduced the stability of lipid rafts in the cell membrane, which has previously been shown to reduce ABCB1-mediated transport. On the other hand, IJO, ISO and ADO did not inhibit ABCB1 ATPase activity, and fluorescence polarization experiments showed that low concentrations of the oils did not appear to alter membrane fluidity, unlike some MDR-reversing agents, ISO showed a higher docking score than verapamil but lower than dofequidar and tariquidar. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that IJO, ISO and ADO could reverse MDR by down-regulating ABCB1 expression and reducing lipid raft stability. These findings may be useful for developing safer and effective MDR reversal agents and also help find out the compatibility mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610081, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, PR China.
| | - Lilan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610081, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Sugang Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610081, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Wei Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610081, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Ruolan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610081, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610081, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, PR China; Center for Information in Biomedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, PR China; Center for Information in Biomedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Hongjuan Zeng
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, PR China; Center for Information in Biomedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, PR China; Center for Information in Biomedicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China.
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Alvarez MV, Ponce AG, Moreira MR. Combined Effect of Bioactive Compounds and Storage Temperature on Sensory Quality and Safety of Minimally Processed Celery, Leek and Butternut Squash. J Food Saf 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María V. Alvarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP); Mar del Plata Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Alejandra G. Ponce
- Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP); Mar del Plata Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - María R. Moreira
- Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP); Mar del Plata Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Mar del Plata Argentina
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Alvarez MV, Ponce AG, Mazzucotelli CA, Moreira MR. The impact of biopreservatives and storage temperature in the quality and safety of minimally processed mixed vegetables for soup. J Sci Food Agric 2015; 95:962-971. [PMID: 24899115 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.6770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined effects of bioactive agents (tea tree essential oil, propolis extract and gallic acid) and storage temperature on the microbiological and sensory quality of fresh-cut mixed vegetables for soup (celery, leek and butternut squash) were studied with the objective of preserving its quality and safety. RESULTS Refrigeration temperature was confirmed as the main factor to limit the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Biopreservatives applied on mixed vegetables were effective only when combined with optimal refrigeration temperature (5 °C). Bioactive compounds showed slight effectiveness in controlling the microbiota present in mixed vegetables, although coliforms were greatly reduced by gallic acid and propolis treatments, achieving 0.5-2 log unit reductions during storage. Also, these agents showed antimicrobial activity against endogenous Escherichia coli and inoculated E. coli O157:H7, exerting a bacteriostatic effect and reducing population counts by 0.9-1.2 log CFU g(-1) at 10 days of refrigerated storage. The combination of propolis treatment with refrigerated storage conditions effectively preserved the sensory quality and prolonged the sensory shelf life of fresh-cut mixed vegetables by 3 days. CONCLUSION The use of natural agents such as propolis extract to preserve the quality and safety of mixed vegetables for soup might be an interesting option to address the concerns of the consumer about the use of synthetic chemical antimicrobials potentially harmful to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- María V Alvarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W. The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains. Biomed Res Int 2015; 2015:590470. [PMID: 25722982 DOI: 10.1155/2015/590470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of fluconazole against 32 clinical strains of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans, and C. albicans ATCC 10231 reference strain, after their exposure to sublethal concentrations of tea tree oil (TTO) or its main bioactive component terpinen-4-ol. For all tested fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains TTO and terpinen-4-ol minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were low, ranging from 0.06% to 0.5%. The 24-hour exposure of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains to fluconazole with sublethal dose of TTO enhanced fluconazole activity against these strains. Overall, 62.5% of isolates were classified as susceptible, 25.0% exhibited intermediate susceptibility, and 12.5% were resistant. For all of the tested clinical strains the fluconazole MIC decreased from an average of 244.0 μg/mL to an average of 38.46 μg/mL, and the fluconazole minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFC) decreased from an average of 254.67 μg/mL to an average of 66.62 μg/mL. Terpinen-4-ol was found to be more active than TTO, and strongly enhanced fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains. The results of this study demonstrate that combining natural substances such as TTO and conventional drug such as fluconazole, may help treat difficult yeast infections.
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Nowotarska SW, Nowotarski KJ, Friedman M, Situ C. Effect of structure on the interactions between five natural antimicrobial compounds and phospholipids of bacterial cell membrane on model monolayers. Molecules 2014; 19:7497-515. [PMID: 24914896 PMCID: PMC6271777 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19067497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Monolayers composed of bacterial phospholipids were used as model membranes to study interactions of the naturally occurring phenolic compounds 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde, and the plant essential oil compounds carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and geraniol, previously found to be active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic microorganisms. The lipid monolayers consist of 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), 1,2-dihexa- decanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (DPPG), and 1,1',2,2'-tetratetradecanoyl cardiolipin (cardiolipin). Surface pressure–area (π-A) and surface potential–area (Δψ-A) isotherms were measured to monitor changes in the thermodynamic and physical properties of the lipid monolayers. Results of the study indicated that the five compounds modified the three lipid monolayer structures by integrating into the monolayer, forming aggregates of antimicrobial –lipid complexes, reducing the packing effectiveness of the lipids, increasing the membrane fluidity, and altering the total dipole moment in the monolayer membrane model. The interactions of the five antimicrobial compounds with bacterial phospholipids depended on both the structure of the antimicrobials and the composition of the monolayers. The observed experimental results provide insight into the mechanism of the molecular interactions between naturally-occurring antimicrobial compounds and phospholipids of the bacterial cell membrane that govern activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella W Nowotarska
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
| | - Krzysztof J Nowotarski
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Mendel Friedman
- Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, CA 94710, USA.
| | - Chen Situ
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK.
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Stringaro A, Vavala E, Colone M, Pepi F, Mignogna G, Garzoli S, Cecchetti S, Ragno R, Angiolella L. Effects of Mentha suaveolens Essential Oil Alone or in Combination with Other Drugs in Candida albicans. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014; 2014:125904. [PMID: 24719638 DOI: 10.1155/2014/125904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Candidosis is the most important cause of fungal infections in humans. The yeast Candida albicans can form biofilms, and it is known that microbial biofilms play an important role in human diseases and are very difficult to treat. The prolonged treatment with drugs has often resulted in failure and resistance. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistance, alternatives to conventional antimicrobial therapy are needed. This study aims to analyse the effects induced by essential oil of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh (EOMS) on Candida albicans and its potential synergism when used in combination with conventional drugs. Morphological differences between control and EOMS treated yeast cells or biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM resp.,). In order to reveal the presence of cell cycle alterations, flow cytometry analysis was carried out as well. The synergic action of EOMS was studied with the checkerboard method, and the cellular damage induced by different treatments was analysed by TEM. The results obtained have demonstrated both the effects of EOMS on C. albicans yeast cells and biofilms and the synergism of EOMS when used in combination with conventional antifungal drugs as fluconazole (FLC) and micafungin (MCFG), and therefore we can hypothesize on its potential use in therapy. Further studies are necessary to know its mechanism of action.
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Shao X, Cheng S, Wang H, Yu D, Mungai C. The possible mechanism of antifungal action of tea tree oil on Botrytis cinerea. J Appl Microbiol 2013; 114:1642-9. [PMID: 23495848 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Tea tree oil (TTO) has been confirmed in previous study as a potential natural antifungal agent to control Botrytis cinerea and grey mould in fresh fruit. However, the mechanism of its action has not been clearly revealed, and some hypotheses mainly depended on the results obtained from the bacterial test. For the antifungal mechanism, the effect of TTO on the mycelium morphology and ultrastructure, cell wall and membrane, and membrane fatty acid composition of B. cinerea was investigated in vitro experiments. METHODS AND RESULTS Tea tree oil in vapour or contact phase exhibited higher activity against the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. Observations using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed that the mycelial morphology and ultrastructure alternations caused by TTO are the markedly shriveled or flatted empty hyphae, with thick cell walls, ruptured plasmalemma and cytoplasmic coagulation or leakage. Furthermore, TTO caused significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity after 4-h treatment and markedly higher absorbance at 260 nm and electric conductivity in the external hyphae of fungi after 16-h treatment. Moreover, decreased unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio of the fungal membrane was also observed after TTO treatment. CONCLUSIONS The methodology used in this study confirmed that the cell wall destroyed firstly in the presence of TTO, and then the membrane fatty acid composition changed, which resulted in the increasing of membrane permeability and releasing of cellular material. The above findings may be the main reason for TTO's antifungal ability to B. cinerea. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Understanding the mechanism of TTO antifungal action to B. cinerea is helpful for its commercial application on the preservation of fresh fruit and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Shao
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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Abstract
Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential oil, steam-distilled from the Australian native plant, Melaleuca alternifolia. It has a minimum content of terpinen-4-ol and a maximum content of 1, 8-cineole. Terpinen-4-ol is a major TTO component which exhibits strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil exerts antioxidant activity and has been reported to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections affecting skin and mucosa. Several studies have suggested the uses of TTO for the treatment of acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and chronic gingivitis. It also accelerates the wound healing process and exhibits anti-skin cancer activity. This review opens up new horizons for dermatologists in the use of this herbal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Pazyar
- Department of Dermatology, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Ireland DJ, Greay SJ, Hooper CM, Kissick HT, Filion P, Riley TV, Beilharz MW. Topically applied Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil causes direct anti-cancer cytotoxicity in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice. J Dermatol Sci 2012; 67:120-9. [PMID: 22727730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil (TTO) applied topically in a dilute (10%) dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) formulation exerts a rapid anti-cancer effect after a short treatment protocol. Tumour clearance is associated with skin irritation mediated by neutrophils which quickly and completely resolves upon treatment cessation. OBJECTIVE To examine the mechanism of action underlying the anti-cancer activity of TTO. METHODS Immune cell changes in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice in response to topically applied TTO treatments were assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Direct cytotoxicity of TTO on tumour cells in vivo was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Neutrophils accumulate in the skin following topical 10% TTO/DMSO treatment but are not required for tumour clearance as neutrophil depletion did not abrogate the anti-cancer effect. Topically applied 10% TTO/DMSO, but not neat TTO, induces an accumulation and activation of dendritic cells and an accumulation of T cells. Although topical application of 10% TTO/DMSO appears to activate an immune response, anti-tumour efficacy is mediated by a direct effect on tumour cells in vivo. The direct cytotoxicity of TTO in vivo appears to be associated with TTO penetration. CONCLUSION Future studies should focus on enhancing the direct cytotoxicity of TTO by increasing penetration through skin to achieve a higher in situ terpene concentration. This coupled with boosting a more specific anti-tumour immune response will likely result in long term clearance of tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demelza J Ireland
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M504), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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Ireland DJ, Kissick HT, Beilharz MW. Alpha-Tocopheryl succinate: toxicity and lack of anti-tumour activity in immuno-competent mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2007; 46:508-12. [PMID: 17923224 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 06/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS), an analogue of vitamin E (VitE), inhibits peritoneal human malignant mesoethelioma xenograft development in immuno-compromised mice via the induction of apoptosis of tumour cells [Tomasetti, M., Gellert, N., Procopio, A., Neuzil, J., 2004. A vitamin E analogue suppresses malignant mesothelioma in a preclinical model: a future drug against a fatal neoplastic disease? Int. J. Cancer 109, 641-642]. We tested the effect of systemic alpha-TOS treatment in our immuno-competent and syngeneic murine mesothelioma model. VitE analogues such as alpha-TOS have been developed for clinical use as supplements mainly for the treatment of VitE deficiency and are considered safe and non-toxic when taken orally. In our murine model of mesothelioma alpha-TOS was not only ineffective at inhibiting established tumour development at the published doses, but resulted in severe side effects characterized by both behavioural changes, intra-peritoneal abnormalities and the destruction of T cells. Toxicity of alpha-TOS has not been reported to date perhaps due to a lack of studies conducted in fully immuno-competent hosts. Our results suggest that the translation of animal studies to clinical treatment with alpha-TOS requires careful consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demelza J Ireland
- Microbiology and Immunology (M502), School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, 6009 Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Silva CJ, Barbosa LCA, Maltha CRA, Pinheiro AL, Ismail FMD. Comparative study of the essential oils of sevenMelaleuca (Myrtaceae) species grown in Brazil. FLAVOUR FRAG J 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/ffj.1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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