The Effect of Peppermint and Thyme Oils on Stabilizing the Fatty Acid Profile of Sunflower Oil

Presently, there is an increasing shift towards the utilization of natural antioxidants and compounds with protective attributes for fatty acids in order to replace synthetic counterparts that may pose health risks. This transition aligns with the growing emphasis on promoting healthy and organic food choices. Essential oils stand out in this context due to scientific validations of their antioxidant properties. There are few published research results concerning changes in the fatty acid composition in model systems with the addition of essential oils. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating peppermint and thyme oils on inhibiting changes in the fatty acid profile of sunflower oil stored at both room temperature with exposure to daylight and in a thermostat set at 40 °C. The experimental procedure involved the addition of peppermint and thyme oils, along with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), to batches of sunflower oil. The samples were then stored for 11 months. The study observed a detrimental influence of storage conditions on the quantitative changes in the fatty acid profile of the sunflower oil. The addition of BHA stabilized the content of linoleic acid in the sunflower oil (approximately 53 g/100 g of linoleic acid compared to approximately 58 g/100 g in the control sample). Meanwhile, the model system of sunflower oil with the addition of peppermint and thyme oils (40 °C) exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid to approximately 8 g/100 g after eleven months of thermostating. Similar trends to those observed for linoleic acid were noted for the total fatty acid content in the sunflower oil. Notably, the efficacy of the selected substances in inhibiting adverse transformations in fats was contingent upon their concentration and the storage temperature.

Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. Fruits against Multidrug-Resistant Strains: Inhibition of Efflux Pumps and β-Lactamase

Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health concern in recent decades, demanding a search for new effective treatments. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (EOPT) against strains carrying different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of EOPT and its ability to inhibit antibiotic resistance was evaluated through the broth microdilution method. The GC-MS analysis identified 99.59% of the constituents, with β-pinene (31.51%), α-pinene (28.38%), and β-cis-ocimene (20.22%) being identified as major constituents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOPT was determined to assess its antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (IS-58, 1199B, K2068, and K4100). The compound showed a MIC of ≥ 1024 μg/mL, suggesting a lack of intrinsic antibacterial activity. However, when the EOPT was associated with antibiotics and EtBr, a significant decrease in antibiotic resistance was observed, indicating the modulation of efflux pump activity. This evidence was corroborated with the observation of increased fluorescent light emission by the bacterial strains, indicating the involvement of the NorA and MepA efflux pumps. Additionally, the significant potentiation of ampicillin activity against the S. aureus strain K4414 suggests the β-lactamase inhibitory activity of EOPT. These results suggest that the essential oil from P. tuberculatum fruits has antibiotic-enhancing properties, with a mechanism involving the inhibition of efflux pumps and β-lactamase in MDR S. aureus strains. These findings provide new perspectives on the potential use of EOPT against antibiotic resistance and highlight the importance of Piper species as sources of bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic activities against MDR bacteria. Nevertheless, further preclinical (in vivo) studies remain necessary to confirm these in vitro-observed results.

Antinociceptive Effect of a p-Cymene/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in a Murine Cancer Pain Model: Characterization Aided through a Docking Study

Pain is one of the most prevalent and difficult to manage symptoms in cancer patients, and conventional drugs present a range of adverse reactions. The development of β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) complexes has been used to avoid physicochemical and pharmacological limitations due to the lipophilicity of compounds such as p-Cymene (PC), a monoterpene with antinociceptive effects. Our aim was to obtain, characterize, and measure the effect of the complex of p-cymene and β-cyclodextrin (PC/β-CD) in a cancer pain model. Initially, molecular docking was performed to predict the viability of complex formation. Afterward, PC/β-CD was obtained by slurry complexation, characterized by HPLC and NMR. Finally, PC/β-CD was tested in a Sarcoma 180 (S180)-induced pain model. Molecular docking indicated that the occurrence of interaction between PC and β-CD is favorable. PC/β-CD showed complexation efficiency of 82.61%, and NMR demonstrated PC complexation in the β-CD cavity. In the S180 cancer pain model, PC/β-CD significantly reduced the mechanical hyperalgesia, spontaneous nociception, and nociception induced by non-noxious palpation at the doses tested (p < 0.05) when compared to vehicle differently from free PC (p > 0.05). Therefore, the complexation of PC in β-CD was shown to improve the pharmacological effect of the drug as well as reducing the required dose.

Antibacterial Activity and Anxiolytic Effect in Adult Zebrafish of Genus Lippia L. Species

Species belonging to the genus Lippia are used worldwide as foods, beverages, and seasonings. Studies have demonstrated that these species have antioxidant, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. This work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anxiolytic effect by different pathways of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of three species of Lippia (Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis). The ethanolic extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ and their phenolics were quantified. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration and modulation of antibiotic activity, and toxic and anxiolytic effects were evaluated in the zebrafish model. The extracts showed compositions with a low ratio and shared compounds. L. alba and L. gracilis showed higher amounts of phenols and flavonoids, respectively. All extracts and essential oils presented antibacterial activity, especially those obtained from L. sidoides. On the other hand, L. alba extract presented the most significant antibiotic-enhancing effect. The samples were not toxic after 96 h of exposure, but showed an anxiolytic effect through modulation of the GABA_A receptor, while L. alba extract acted via modulation of the 5-HT receptor. This new pharmacological evidence opens horizons for therapeutic approaches targeting anxiolytic and antibacterial therapies and food conservation using these species and their constituents.

LC-MS Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Turnera subulata Sm

Fungi of the Candida genus are responsible for invasive candidiasis, which affects people all over the world and has high mortality rates. This is due to their virulence factors, which give them great resistance and pathogenicity. In addition, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains makes it difficult to treat these infections. In this way, natural products have emerged as an alternative to standard drugs, where plants known for their medicinal properties such as Turnera subulata become attractive to research. The present work aimed to analyze the ethanol extract of Turnera subulata leaves against standard strains of Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis using broth microdilution techniques. The identification of the compounds in T. subulata leaves by LC-MS revealed the presence of a wide variety of substances such as carboxylic acids and terpenes, with flavonoids and fatty acids being more evident. The antifungal assays showed that the extract was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains at concentrations with a clinical relevance. However, at higher concentrations, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. It is possible that the T. subulata extract has potential as an inhibitor of fungal virulence factors without affecting the cell viability. Further research should be carried out in order to assess its inhibitory potential for other fungal virulence factors.

Trace Elements and Heavy Metal Contents in West Algerian Natural Honey

Analysis of trace elements and heavy metals in honey is essential for honey quality and safety and also monitoring environmental pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the composition of thirty-seven honey samples of different botanical origins (14 multifloral and 23 unifloral) obtained from beekeepers located in the west region of Algeria. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) methods were used to determine the levels of 19 elements in honey (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, V, Cr, Co, As, Ru, Rh, Cd, W, Pt, Au, and Pb). Ru, Rh, Pt and, Au were not detected in any of the tested honey samples. The most abundant minerals were K, Ca, Na, and Mg ranging within 153.00-989.00 mg/kg, 33.10-502.00 mg/kg, 13.30-281.00 mg/kg, and 20.80-162.00 mg/kg, respectively. Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were the most abundant heavy metals while Pb, V, Cr, W, Co, and Cd were the lowest ones (<1 mg/kg) in the honey samples surveyed. Several honey types, lavender, rosemary, mild white mustard, thyme, milk thistle, carob tree, orange tree, Euphorbia, Eucalyptus, camphor, jujube tree, sage, and harmal, were studied, and the statistical analysis was carried out using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) techniques to evaluate the data. The results showed that the analyses of mineral content were sufficient to determine the floral origin and their variability may be related to geochemical and geographical differences. On other hand, all elements detected were at levels below safe thresholds.

Antifungal Effect and Inhibition of the Virulence Mechanism of D-Limonene against Candida parapsilosis

Yeasts from the Candida parapsilosis complex are clinically relevant due to their high virulence and pathogenicity potential, such as adherence to epithelial cells and emission of filamentous structures, as well as their low susceptibility to antifungals. D-limonene, a natural compound, emerges as a promising alternative with previously described antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal activity; however, its mechanisms of action and antivirulence activity against C. parapsilosis complex species have not been elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antivirulence action, as well as the mechanism of action of D-limonene against isolates from this complex. D-limonene exhibited relevant antifungal activity against C. parapsilosis complex yeasts, as well as excellent antivirulence activity by inhibiting yeast morphogenesis and adherence to the human epithelium. Furthermore, the apoptotic mechanism induced by this compound, which is not induced by oxidative stress, represents an important target for the development of new antifungal drugs.

GC-MS Chemical Characterization and Antibacterial Effect of the Essential oil of Piper mosenii

Commercialized mouthwashes are generally expensive for the most financially vulnerable populations. Thus, several studies evaluate the antimicrobial potential of herbal products, such as essential oils, to reduce the activity of microorganisms in the mouth. The objective of this research was to carry out the chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Piper mosenii (EOPm), providing data that enable the development of a low-cost mouthwash formulation aimed at vulnerable communities. The analysis of the antibacterial potential and modulator of bacterial resistance was verified by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC. The chemical components were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, where 23 chemical constituents were detected, with α-pinene, being the major compound. The EOPm showed a MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL for all bacterial strains used in the tests. When the EOPm modulating activity was evaluated together with chlorhexidine, mouthwash and antibiotics against bacterial resistance, the oil showed a significant synergistic effect, reducing the MIC of the products tested in combination, in percentages between 20.6% to 96.3%. Therefore, it is recommended to expand the tests with greater variation of EOPm concentration and the products used in this research, in addition to the evaluation of toxicity and in vivo tests, seeking the development of a possible formulation of mouthwash accessible to the vulnerable population.

Occurrence of mycotoxins in selected agricultural and commercial products available in eastern Poland

The objective of this study was the estimation of the content of 13 mycotoxins (diacetoxyscirpenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, fusarenone X, aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone) in various products from the eastern part of Poland. The content of mycotoxins in the analysed samples was assayed using the extraction method combined with HPLC-MS/MS analysis. We found mycotoxins in 25 of the 92 samples tested (27%). Contamination with mycotoxins was noted most frequently in samples of cereals – 56% – and also in samples of flour and cocoa, in which a content of mycotoxins was noted in 24 and 16% of the samples, respectively. The most frequently identified were the following – deoxynivalenol detected in 18 samples (72%), zearalenone detected in eight samples (32%), toxin HT-2 detected in four samples (16%), ochratoxin A identified in three samples (12%), and toxin T-2 detected in one sample (4%). In one analysed sample of mixed flour and in one analysed sample of wheat and rye flour, the maximum allowable concentration was exceeded in the case of two identified mycotoxins – deoxynivalenol (2,250 μg/kg) and ochratoxin A (15.6 and 17.1 μg/kg).

Optimization of Glycerol-Water Extraction of Selected Bioactive Compounds from Peppermint and Common Nettle

Current trends in the industry indicate that extraction solvents should conform with the ideals of so-called "green chemistry". Therefore, the objective of the presented study was to optimize the conditions for the extraction of polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll from peppermint leaves (Mentha × piperita L., Lamiaceae) and from common nettle leaves (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) via green chemistry. The obtained experimental results were subjected to modelling by means of the multiple regression method, while the optimization of the system was addressed via the application of the desirability function. As a result of the use of glycerol-water systems for the extraction of the tested active compounds from mint leaves and nettle leaves, extracts with higher concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll were most often obtained, when compared with the use of classical solvents such as water and ethanol. In this work, we demonstrate that the extraction temperature has significant influence on the concentration of the determined components in the extracts. To obtain the highest values of the analysed parameters, leaves of peppermint should be extracted with glycerol-water mixture at the proportions of 30.5:69.5 at a temperature of 50 °C, while the optimal conditions for the extraction of leaves of common nettle were the glycerol-water proportions of 12.5:87.5 and extraction temperature of 20 °C. Comparing the average percentage differences between the highest values of the analysed parameters obtained in the experiment and the approximated values for various temperatures with the level of desirability, one can note a high correlation that, in the analysed examples, amounted to 0.9681. The study showed that glycerol can be an alternative solvent in the extraction of polyphenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll, replacing, e.g., ethanol-which, for various reasons, cannot always be used.

Determination of the content of selected trace elements in Polish commercial fruit juices and health risk assessment

The objective of the study was to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), aluminium (Al), thallium (Tl), antimony (Sb) and uranium (U) in the apple and orange juices and black currant nectar in relation to the kind of packaging. Also, probabilistic risk assessment (non-carcinogenic) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ and THQ*). Aluminium (Al) was present at the highest concentration in the analysed juices and nectars, with average concentration ranging from 1.34 mg/kg in orange juices (glass) to 4.26 mg/kg in black currant nectar (glass). Fruit juices and nectars kept in tetra pack packaging were characterised by elevated concentrations of Al and Sb, while the products in glass packaging contained significantly higher concentrations of As compared with the products in tetra pack packaging. Although the average concentrations of trace elements were lower than the standard limit, exposure to non-carcinogenic factors was demonstrated.

Determination of the Level of Selected Elements in Canned Meat and Fish and Risk Assessment for Consumer Health

The objective of the study was to determine the content of cobalt, silver, tin, antimony, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, vanadium, chromium, manganese, nickel, and uranium in canned meat and canned fish by means of ICP-MS apparatus and mercury analyzer. Also, probabilistic risk assessment (non carcinogenic) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ). It was found that Mn was the element with the highest concentration in the analyzed products, with average concentration of 0.216 mg·kg^-1 in canned meat and 1.196 mg·kg^-1 in canned fish. The average contents of other elements were as follows (respectively, for canned meat and fish): Co 0.018 and 0.028 mg·kg^-1, Ag 0.0386 and 0.0053 mg·kg^-1, Sn 0.059 and 0.200 mg·kg^-1, Sb 0.0268 and 0.0377 mg·kg^-1, Pb 0.202 and 0.068 mg·kg^-1, Hg 0.00003 and 0.02676 mg·kg^-1, Cd 0.00496 and 0.0202 mg·kg^-1, As 0.002 and 0.857 mg·kg^-1, V 0.0003 and 0.095 mg·kg^-1, Cr 0.244 and 0.590 mg·kg^-1, Mn 0.216 and 1.196 mg·kg^-1, Ni 0.004 and 0.088 mg·kg^-1, and U < LOQ and 0.047 mg·kg^-1. The concentration of As was the highest among other toxic elements in canned fish; therefore, the THQ value of this element revealed the highest level amounting up to 0.77576 (THQ_max).

Effect of rapeseed oil aromatisation with marjoram on the content of volatile fraction and antioxidant properties

The aim of the paper was to study how the process of aromatisation with marjoram affected the composition of volatile fraction and antioxidant properties of rapeseed oil. Different methods of aromatisation were used: direct addition of marjoram essential oil, classical macerations of marjoram herb, and maceration assisted with ultrasound or microwave. The dominant aromatic component in the volatile fraction was γ-terpinene with concentration in the range from 3.15 μg/mL (microwave assisted maceration) to 8.82 μg/mL (classic maceration with shaking). The content of this compound in the mixture of rapeseed oil with essential oil was 152.09 μg/mL. The sample aromatized by the direct addition of essential oil contained the highest amount of volatile substances but simultaneously it had the lowest antioxidant activity.

Effects of Ultrasound Technique on the Composition of Different Essential Oils

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the stability of the composition of selected essential oils in the model systems containing methanol and hexane solutions which were treated with ultrasound. Solutions of the oils, with a concentration of 90 mg/ml, were subjected to the effect of ultrasounds with a frequency of 20 kHz and an output power of 200 W for periods of 2 min and 10 min at 50% and 80% power. The experiment has shown no significant effect on the composition of the essential oils resulting from the applied parameters of the process in the tested model systems. The study indicates that the sonication parameters adopted in the experiment can be applied in the case of analogous systems containing essential oils in their composition.

SECRETORY STRUCTURES AND ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED INDUSTRIAL SPECIES OF LAMIACEAE

The objective of the study was to perform micromorphological analyses of the secretory structures of leaves and stems of oil-bearing industrial plants from the Lamiaceae family such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L., syn. Origanum dubium Boiss.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In addition, an estimation of the content of volatile substances in the plant species under study was performed using GC-MS, as well as the qualitative and quantitative analysis of essential oil, that is an important component in terms of the estimation of raw material applicability for use in the industry. In the epidermal cells of studied plants, 2 types of Lamiaceae-type glandular trichomes were identified: short- and long-stalked capitate glandular trichomes with single- and bicellular secretory capitulum, and peltate glandular trichomes with eight- and over a dozen-cell secretory capitulum. Capitate trichomes were densely distributed on the surface of the epidermis, while peltate trichomes were sparse, though regular, and were situated in depressions. Glandular trichomes were found more frequently on leaves than on stems. The cuticle of the abaxial of leaf was characterized in most cases by the occurrence of larger average diameter peltate trichomes compared to the cuticle of the adaxial side of leaf. Peppermint produced the largest structures accumulating essential oil on the leaves (average diameter of peltate trichomes – 78.48 µm on the adaxial side of leaf, up to 96.43 µm), while on the stem, the highest average diameter of the peltate trichomes was observed in sage (an average of 75.53 µm, up to 85.99 µm). The lemon balm was characterized by the presence of capitate and peltate trichomes with the smallest diameter (an average of 44.26 µm). Lemon balm was characterized by the greatest density of glandular trichomes compared to other plant species. Among the plants studied, the highest content of oil was noted in the case of thyme and peppermint (2.22% and 2.20% v/w, respectively), and the lowest in green parts of lemon balm (0.17% v/w). The isolated essential oils contained predominantly components from the groups of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and it is the presence of those substances that determines the possibility of utilizing the plants studied for a variety of purposes.

Effect of the ultrasound-assisted preliminary maceration on the efficiency of the essential oil distillation from selected herbal raw materials

The objective of the study was the estimation of the ultrasound-assisted preliminary maceration effect on the efficiency of essential oil distillation and on its qualitative and quantitative composition. The experiment included analyses on three herbal materials, i.e. peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita L.), marjoram herb (Origanum majorana L.), and chamomile flowers (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert). The study showed that the application of preliminary water maceration of raw material, augmented with ultrasounds, had a statistically significant increasing effect on the amount of oil distilled, in the case of mint leaf from 1.32% to 1.46% v/w, and in the case of marjoram herb from 1.13% to 1.27% v/w. In the case of chamomile flowers no significant effect of ultrasound on the amount of oil obtained was observed. Generally, comparing the composition of essential oils obtained in the experiments with the requirements of the relevant standards no unfavourable effect of the distillation augmenting techniques applied was noted. Therefore, it should be expected that the studied distillates of volatile fractions will have the desired biological activity.

[Brain functional imaging using magnetoencephalography]

Neuromagnetism, the study of neural function by the measurement of magnetic fields, is a new, quickly developing branch of science. Magnetoencephalography is the measurement of weak magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity in the human brain. By measuring the magnetic field evoked around the head, a map of the functional organisation of the brain can be deduced with a sub-centimetre spatial resolution and a millisecond temporal resolution. Although MEG has been used since the early 1970 s it is only recently that large multi channel facilities have been combined with sophisticated analysis techniques and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to provide a tool for fundamental study of the brain. The author presents 9 the other functional imaging tools such as Positron Emission Tomography /PET/, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging /fMRI/ et Encephalography /EEG/.

Genetic factors in myasthenia gravis: a family study

We studied forty-four patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and their families. Thirty percent of patients had a confirmed family history of autoimmune disease; in one case this was MG. In all the families with autoimmune disease, the affected relatives were related to the patients through the maternal line. HLA-B8 and DR3 were increased in patients due to the high incidence of these antigens in female, nonthymoma patients with onset before 40 years. HLA-B5 was increased in patients with older onset. The haplotype A1-B8-DR3 was not found to be increased given the presence of B8 or DR3.

Occupational exposure to cadmium and kidney dysfunction

Investigations were carried out in an alkaline battery factory. The study group consisted of 102 persons and the control group of 85 persons. Cadmium in blood (Cd-B) and cadmium in urine (Cd-U), as well as beta 2-microglobulin (B2-M), retinol binding protein (RBP), amino acids in urine were determined. Exposure to cadmium was high; Cd-B and Cd-U concentrations were higher than recommended, 10 micrograms/l and 10 micrograms/g creat. In 65% and 56% of workers, respectively. Excretion of B2-M and RBP in urine was higher than the accepted upper limits of 380 and 130 micrograms/g creat. in about 20% of the workers. A significant correlation was observed between: log Cd-U.log Cd-B (r = 0.85), log B2-M.log RBP (r = 0.66), log Cd-U.log B2-M (r = 0.52), and log Cd-U.log RBP (r = 0.55). To evaluate the admissible period of occupational exposure to cadmium, an integrated exposure index (Cd-B x years of exposure) is proposed. According to the dose-response relationship, an increase of low molecular protein excretion in urine can be expected in 10% of the cases at Cd-U amounting to 10 to 15 micrograms/g creat. and Cd-B x years of about 300 to 400.

Serum manganese concentration in healthy population of the city of Lódź

The reported study was carried out in 80 healthy subjects from the population of the City of Lódź not exposed occupationally to metals. Manganese was determined by the method of atomic absorptiometry (method error +/- 12%). The concentration of manganese in the serum ranged from the values below the detectability of the method (below 0.10 micrograms/100 ml - 1 case) to 0.78 micrograms/100 ml, the mean value was 0.39 +/- 0.18 micrograms/100 ml (means +/- SD). No significant differences were found in manganese concentration in relation to age, sex and smoking.