A new diterpenoid from Salvia santolinifolia boiss

Phytochemical study of the Salvia santolinifolia root extract resulted in the isolation of one new quinone diterpenoid, aegyptinone E (1) as well as two known ones, aegyptinone A (2) and aegyptinone D (3). All the isolated compounds were reported for the first time from S. santolinifolia. Spectroscopic analyses including 1 D and 2 D NMR and HRESIMS were used to determine the chemical structures. Aegyptinone A (2) showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, and Bacillus subtilis with MIC of 25 μg/mL.

1834 (Lamiaceae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Lagochilus ilicifolius Bunge ex Bentham, Labiat. Gen is a perennial herb with much-branched stems native to Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Gansu, N Shaanxi. It can be used clinically as a hemostatic agent. The chloroplast genome length is 151,466 bp. It contained two inverted repeat regions of 25,660 bp each, a large single-copy region of length 82,504 bp, and a small single-copy region of length 17,642 bp. Also, the GC content is 38.6%. There were 133 genes annotated, including 88 known protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using Bayesian method for plastome data of 29 species. The entire chloroplast genome of L. ilicifolius within the Lamiaceae is the first to reveal genetic taxonomy at the molecular level, and the new phylogenetic tree data can be used for future evolutionary studies.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and α-pyrones isolated from Cantinoa stricta

This study evaluated the composition and the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extracts and two isolated compounds, anamarine (ANA) and 10-epi-olguine (eOL), obtained from the leaves of Cantinoa stricta (Lamiaceae). Crude ethanolic extract (EEt) and dichloromethane extract (DCM), selected based on NMR data, were submitted to pharmacological tests in male Swiss mice. The oral administration of EEt and DCM significantly reduced the second phase of formalin-induced nociception (60%), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia (90%), and carrageenan (Cg)-induced edema (25%). ANA and eOL, the major compounds in EEt and DCM extracts, administered orally or locally (in the paw), also reduced the LPS-induced mechanical hyperalgesia (Oral ID50 1.9 and 3.9 mg/kg; Local ID50 93.4 and 677.3 ng, respectively) without changing the thermal acute nociception or the motor performance of the animals. Local administration of ANA and eOL also reduced Cg-induced edema (40 and 23%, respectively). These isolated compounds did not change the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or forskolin but reversed the hyperalgesia induced by dopamine, epinephrine, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The hyperalgesia induced by epinephrine was reversed in male but not in female mice, in which this response is not dependent on protein kinase C (PKC). These results suggest that C. stricta extracts possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity which is related to the presence of ANA and eOL. Differently from the known analgesics, these substances seem to exert their action mainly interfering with the sympathetic component of pain, possibly with PKC.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant capacity of Micromeria flagellaris Baker and M. madagascariensis Baker: Two endemic species from Madagascar as sources of essential oils

Background

The aerial parts of Micromeria madagascariensis Baker and M. flagellaris Baker are used by the population of the Vakinankaratra and Itasy regions (Madagascar) to treat breathing difficulty, fever and/or headache, wounds, and sores.

Purpose

This work aimed to characterise plant materials from M. madagascariensis and M. flagellaris to report i) chemical composition, ii) antimicrobial properties, and iii) antioxidant capacity of the essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of these species.

Materials and methods

The essential oils from M. madagascariensis (MMO) and M. flagellaris (MFO) were obtained by hydrodistillation. Their chemical composition was quantified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MMO and MFO were also tested against 7 microbial strains using the disk diffusion method and their antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay.

Results

Hydrodistillation yielded 0.26% MMO and 0.29% MFO (w/w) in relation to the fresh weight. Twenty-seven compounds were identified by GC-MS in MMO extract against 36 in MFO one. The main compounds in MMO were pulegone (24.67%), trans-menthone (24.67%), eucalyptol (8.12%), β-caryophyllene (4.98%), α-guanene (4.47), iso-menthone (3.85%), iso-pulegone (3.34%), azulene (3.28%) and 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexenone (2.82%). The main compounds in the MFO were eudesma-4,11-dien-2-ol (13.88%), δ-guanene (6.62%), pulegone (6.40%), cyperone (5.56%), 4-epi-dehydrobietinol acetate (5.39%), eucalyptol (5.12%), trans-menthone (4.67%), limonene (3.77%) and sabinene (2.29%). Regarding the chemotaxonomy, M. flagellaris was very different from M. madagascariensis and both species also differed from the other Micromeria species, as confirmed by multivariate statistical analysis. Both MMO and MFO exerted activities against a large microbial spectrum; the antimicrobial activity of MMO was higher than MFO one against S. pneumoniae and C. albicans due to the presence of pulegone as the main component. MFO showed an excellent scavenging capacity with an SC50 value of 2.17 ± 0.03 μg/mL.

Conclusion

The biological properties of the essential oils extracted from the selected species may explain their therapeutic value showing that Malagasy Micromeria species may be very important as new natural sources of bioactive compounds. This study may promote the effectiveness and quality of Malagasy Micromeria species, contributing to sustainable development and commercial valorisation of traditional preparations based on natural local resources.

Abundant incongruence in a clade endemic to a biodiversity hotspot: Phylogenetics of the scrub mint clade (Lamiaceae)

The Scrub Mint clade(Lamiaceae) provides a unique system for investigating the evolutionary processes driving diversification in the North American Coastal Plain from both a systematic and biogeographic context. The clade comprisesDicerandra, Conradina, Piloblephis, Stachydeoma, and four species of the broadly defined genus Clinopodium(Mentheae; Lamiaceae), almost all of which are endemic to the North American Eastern Coastal Plain. Most species of this clade are threatened or endangered and restricted to sandhill or a mosaic of scrub habitats. We analyzed relationships in this clade to understand the evolution of the group and identify evolutionary mechanisms acting on the clade, with important implications for conservation. We used a target-capture method to sequence and analyze 238 nuclear loci across all species of scrub mints, reconstructed the phylogeny, and calculated gene tree concordance, gene tree estimation error, and reticulation indices for every node in the tree using ML methods. Phylogenetic networks were used to determine reticulation events. Our nuclear phylogenetic estimates were consistent with previous results, while greatly increasing the robustness of taxon sampling. The phylogeny resolved the full relationship between Dicerandra and Conradina and the less-studied members of the clade (Piloblephis, Stachydeoma, Clinopodium spp.). We found hotspots of gene tree discordance and reticulation throughout the tree, especially in perennial Dicerandra. Several instances of reticulation events were uncovered between annual and perennial Dicerandra, and within the Conradina + allies clade. Incomplete lineage sorting also likely contributed to phylogenetic discordance. These results clarify phylogenetic relationships in the clade and provide insight on important evolutionary drivers in the clade, such as hybridization. General relationships in the group were confirmed, while the large amount of gene tree discordance is likely due to reticulation across the phylogeny.

Efficacy of Lamium album as a natural fungicide: impact on seed germination, ergosterol, and mycotoxins in Fusarium culmorum-infected wheat seedlings

Fusarium culmorum is a major wheat pathogen, and its secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) cause damage to plants, animals, and human health. In the era of sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly methods of prevention and control are constantly needed. The use of plant extracts as biocontrol agents has gained popularity as they are a source of active substances that play a crucial role in fighting against phytopathogens. This study evaluated the impact of Lamium album on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. In a pot experiment, the effect of L. album on wheat seedlings artificially inoculated with F. culmorum was evaluated by measuring seedling growth parameters, and by using chromatographic methods, ergosterol and mycotoxins levels were analyzed. The results showed that the phytotoxic effect of L. album flower extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth was concentration dependent. The radicle length was also reduced compared to the control; however, L. album did not significantly affect the dry weight of the radicle. A slight phytotoxic effect on seed germination was observed, but antifungal effects on artificially infected wheat seedlings were also confirmed with the reduction of ergosterol level and mycotoxins accumulation in the roots and leaves after 21 days of inoculation. F. culmorum DNA was identified in the control samples only. Overall, this study is a successful in planta study showing L. album flower extract protection of wheat against the pathogen responsible for Fusarium crown and root rot. Further research is essential to study the effects of L. album extracts on key regulatory genes for mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways.

purpurascens Bentham 1830 (Lamiaceae)

Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens Bentham 1830 (Red Rubin Basil) is an aromatic herb belonging to the family Lamiaceae and is known for its medicinal uses. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and obesity. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-spasmodic properties. In our recent study, we assembled the chloroplast genome sequence of O. basilicum var. purpurascens using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology. The assembled chloroplast genome was 152,407 base pairs (bp), inclusive of a large single-copy (LSC) region accounting for 83,409 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region spanning 17,604 bp. Two inverted repeats (IRs) interspersed these regions, each 25,697 bp long. The chloroplast genome harbored 132 genes, comprising 88 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA (tRNA), and eight rRNA genes. Among these, nine genes encompassed a single intron, two presented with two introns, with the remaining devoid of any introns. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was determined to be 38%. The GC content in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions was 35.9%, 31.6%, and 43.1%, respectively. Our phylogenetic exploration of the chloroplast genomes elucidated that O. basilicum var. purpurascens exhibits close genetic affinity with O. basilicum var. basilicum and other constituents of the Ocimum genus within the Lamiaceae family.

Assessing the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and enzyme Inhibitory Effects of Pentapleura subulifera and Cyclotrichium glabrescens Extracts

The Lamiaceae family, encompassing diverse plant species, holds significant value in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Within this family, Pentapleura subulifera and Cyclotrichium glabrescens, relatively unexplored species, were investigated for their chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme-inhibiting effects. The chemical composition of hexane, methanolic, and aqueous extracts from P. subulifera and C. glabrescens were analyzed using LC-ESI-MS/MS and the non-polar hexane fraction was investigated via GC-MS. The antioxidant potential of the extracts was determined through radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating assays. Additionally, inhibitory activity against six enzymes - acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase - was examined. The aqueous extract of P. subulifera and the methanolic extract of C. glabrescens exhibited elevated phenolic content at 129.47 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 55.97 mg GAE/g, respectively. Chemical profiling of the constituents of the two plant species resulted in the identification of a total of twenty compounds. The majority of which belonged to flavonoids and quinic acid derivatives, primarily concentrated in the methanol and aqueous extracts. Among all antioxidant assays, the aqueous extracts of P. subulifera demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, with the highest recorded activity of 404.93 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g in the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) test. Meanwhile, the hexane extract of C. glabrescens exhibited the highest AChE inhibitory activity at 2.71 mg galanthamine equivalent (GALAE)/g, followed by the methanol extract of P. subulifera at 2.41 mg GALAE/g. These findings unequivocally establish the notable antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity of P. subulifera and C. glabrescens extracts, underscoring their potential as a source of valuable natural antioxidants.

Salvirrane A-F, six undescribed nordrimane sesquiterpene derivatives from Salvia castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib and their cytotoxic activities

Six undescribed nordrimane sesquiterpene derivatives, salvirrane A-F (1-6), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Salvia castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib. Comprehensive spectral analysis and a quantum chemical calculation strategy were employed to determine their structures. These compounds represent four previously unreported nordrimane carbon skeletal types in Salvia genus, including 15-nor-drimane, 11,15-di-nor-drimane, 14,15-di-nor-drimane, and 11,14,15-tri-nor-drimane sesquiterpenes. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against several human cancer cell lines (A549, H460, Hep3B, MCF7, PC3, and HeLa). The results showed that 3 exhibited low activity against MCF7 cells (IC50,72.72 ± 6.95 μM) and moderate activity against HeLa cells (IC50, 9.80 ± 0.64 μM). Moreover, the EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay demonstrates that 3 displays dose-dependent efficacy in suppressing the proliferation of HeLa cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology implied that 3 may potentially bind to Src (proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase) to exert anti-proliferative activity.

Comparative phytochemical analysis of cultivated and wild Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. subsp. raeseri infusions

The present study focuses on the chemical composition of the infusions of Sideritis raeseri subsp. raeseri from cultivated and wild populations using NMR, LC-DAD, LC-HRESIMS, and GC-MS techniques, to reveal possible differences. Mainly carbohydrates, flavonoids, and phenylethanoid glycosides were detected in the 1H-NMR spectra of both infusions. In the GC-MS analysis, carbohydrates were shown to be the main constituents in both infusions. Caffeic acid was found in traces only in the cultivated sample, while quinic and chlorogenic acids were detected in both samples. Further investigation by LC-HRESIMS unveiled the same constituents with only slight differences in the amounts. Although the Sideritis samples originated from wild and cultivated populations, similar metabolic profiles were observed in the infusions.

Micrometer insights into Nepeta genus: Pollen micromorphology unveiled

This study provides a comprehensive pollen micromorphology within the Nepeta genus, revealing intricate details about the pollen grains' structure and characteristics. The findings shed light on the evolutionary and taxonomical aspects of this plant genus, offering valuable insights for botanists and researchers studying Nepeta species. The pollen grains of 18 Nepeta species were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) in Northern Pakistan. At the microscale, pollen quantitative measurements, qualitative traits, and diverse sculpturing patterns were reported and compared. Significant differences in pollen size, shape, ornamentation, and sculpturing patterns were discovered among the Nepeta species. Our data show that exine sculpturing is quite diverse, with most species exhibiting a reticulate perforate pollen pattern. Nepeta connata, Nepeta discolor, Nepeta elliptica, revealed a distinct bireticulate perforate exine stratification. Hexazonocolpate pollen is the most common. Furthermore, the surface membrane attributes of the colpus varied greatly, ranging from rough, scabrate, psilate, to sinuate patterns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to discover the key factors influencing pollen diversity. PCA results showed that polar and equatorial diameters, colpi size, and exine thickness were the most influential pollen features between Nepeta species. This study adds to our understanding of pollen morphology in the Nepeta genus, offering information on the vast range of characteristics found in this economically important group. The extensive characterization of pollen features provides useful insights for the categorization and differentiation of Nepeta species, adding to the Lamiaceae micromorphology.

Carvacrol and Thymol Content Affects the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Origanum compactum and Thymus zygis Essential Oils

Essential oils are of great interest due to their potent pharmaceutical and biological activities. In this study, essential oils extracted from Origanum compactum and Thymus zygis originating from the Middle Atlas of Morocco were investigated. Their chemical compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, while the assessment of the trapping power of the radical (DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and the reducing antioxidant potential of ferric ions (FRAP: Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) were performed in order to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Their antibacterial potency was tested against six bacterial strains through the disk diffusion method. The chromatography analyses of the extracted essential oils highlighted the presence of two main components, namely carvacrol at 75.70% in O. compactum and thymol at 40.67% in T. zygis. The antioxidant activity tests showed that both essential oils demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity comparable to the positive control (e.g., ascorbic acid). The antibacterial activity results showed a strong antimicrobial effect for both essential oils, compared to synthetic antibiotics. This study affirms the presence of bioactive components with interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities in the essential oils extracted from Origanum compactum and Thymus zygis, which could find several applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries through the substitution of synthetic antioxidants and antibiotics.

Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs

Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the antifibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) and plant extracts that contain RA, as observed in various experimental models. RA, as well as the extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Melissa officinalis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Lycopus lucidus, Ocimum basilicum, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Perilla frutescens, have been shown to attenuate fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and abdomen in experimental animal models. Their antifibrotic effects were associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrogenic gene expression. RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Phlomoides kirghisorum Adylov, Kamelin & Makhmedov 1987 (Lamiaceae), an endemic species of Fergana Valley

Phlomoides kirghisorum Adylov, Kamelin & Makhmedov 1987 is one of the poorly studied narrow endemics of Fergana Valley, one of Central Asia's most densely human-populated regions. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and characterized the complete plastome of P. kirghisorum by using high-throughput Illumina reads. The complete chloroplast genome consisted of 151,324 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region (82,775 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,357 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (25,596 bp each). In the chloroplast genome of P. kirghisorum, 133 genes were detected, comprising 88 protein-encoding genes, eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genetic relationship between P. kirghisorum and P. alpina was very close. This study provides basic information to explore the molecular evolution of the Phlomoides genus and the Lamiaceae family.

(Lamiaceae)

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. 1858 is a Lamiaceae plant. It is mainly found in southern China. It is an excellent medicinal plant. The complete chloroplast genome of O. aristatus is 152,155 bp in length, with an average depth of 287×, and the GC content was 37.86%, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,098 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,665 bp, and an inverted repeats (IRs) region of 25,696 bp make up the genome's typical tetragonal shape. In addition, the genome consisted of 128 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 35 transfer RNA (tRNA), and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. A monophyletic group was established by O. aristatus and 13 plants from five genera of Lamiaceae, according to the phylogenetic tree. In contrast, an isolated monophyletic group was formed by the alien plant Cinnamomum aromaticum. The ML tree bootstrap value was relatively high, and O. aristatus was most closely related to Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum basilicum. This study can help with species identification and phylogenetic analysis within O. aristatus and Lamiaceae species.

Investigation Of The Biosynthesis Pathway That Generates cis-Jasmone

Researchers have established that (+)-7-iso-jasmonic acid ((+)-7-iso-JA) is an intermediate in the production of cis-jasmone (CJ); however, the biosynthetic pathway of CJ has not been fully described. Previous reports stated that CJ, a substructure of pyrethrin II produced by pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), is not biosynthesized through this biosynthetic pathway. To clarify the ambiguity, stable isotope-labelled jasmonates were synthesized, and compounds were applied to apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) via air propagation. The results showed that cis-jasmone is not generated from intermediate (+)-7-iso-JA, and (+)-7-iso-JA is not produced from 3,7-dideydro-JA (3,7-ddh-JA); however, 3,7-didehydro-JA and 4,5-didehydro-7-iso-JA were converted into CJ and JA, respectively.

Multiomics analyses of two Leonurus species illuminate leonurine biosynthesis and its evolution

The Lamiaceae family is renowned for its terpenoid-based medicinal components, but Leonurus, which has traditional medicinal uses, stands out for its alkaloid-rich composition. Leonurine, the principal active compound found in Leonurus, has demonstrated promising effects in reducing blood lipids and treating strokes. However, the biosynthetic pathway of leonurine remains largely unexplored. Here, we present the chromosome-level genome sequence assemblies of Leonurus japonicus, known for its high leonurine production, and Leonurus sibiricus, characterized by very limited leonurine production. By integrating genomics, RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and enzyme activity assay data, we constructed the leonurine biosynthesis pathway and identified the arginine decarboxylase (ADC), uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase (UGT), and serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) acyltransferase enzymes that catalyze key reactions in this pathway. Further analyses revealed that the UGT-SCPL gene cluster evolved by gene duplication in the ancestor of Leonurus and neofunctionalization of SCPL in L. japonicus, which contributed to the accumulation of leonurine specifically in L. japonicus. Collectively, our comprehensive study illuminates leonurine biosynthesis and its evolution in Leonurus.

Two new terpenoid glycosides from Isodon macrocalyx

One previously undescribed tricyclo-diterpenoid saponin (1), one undescribed dammarane triterpenoid saponin (2) and four known triterpenoids (3-6) were isolated from the aerial part of Isodon macrocalyx. Their structures were determined using 1 D- and 2 D-NMR, HRESIMS, and comparison of their spectroscopic data with previously reported data. The isolates were evaluated for their anti-HBV activity in vitro using the HBV transfected Hep G2.2.15 cell line. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate anti-HBV activity.

New triterpenoids from the aerial parts of the Uygur medicine Salvia deserta

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Salvia deserta led to the isolation of eight new pentacyclic triterpenoids including three oleanane- (1 - 3) and five ursane-type (4 - 8) triterpenoids, whose structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculation. Weak immunosuppressive potency was observed for compounds 1, 2, and 4 - 8 via inhibiting the secretion of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages RAW264.7 at 20 μM. In addition, compounds 1, 2, and 4 - 6 exhibited moderate protective activity on t-BHP-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells.

Diverse terpenoid glycosides with in vitro cytotoxicity from Glechoma longituba

Terpenoids are the largest class of all known natural products, possessing structural diversity and numerous biological activities. Ten previously undescribed terpenoid glycosides, glechlongsides A-J (1-10), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the whole plant of Glechoma longituba, including diterpenoid glycoside and pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin. The structures of these compounds were characterized by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRESIMS spectra. In addition, glechlongsides F-I (6-9) exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines BGC-823, Be1, HCT-8, A2780, and A549 with IC50 values ranging from 3.77 to 30.95 μM, respectively.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Monarda didyma L. Growing in Trentino (Northern Italy) for Cosmeceutical Applications

Monarda didyma L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal and aromatic herb native to eastern North America and now is also cultivated in Northern Italy, which shows terminal heads of bright scarlet-red flowers, subtended by a whorl of red-tinged leafy bracts. Starting from 2018, M. didyma flowering tops have been included in the Belfrit List of botanicals. However, to date studies on the crude extract of this plant are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological and anatomical features of the flowering tops and the phytochemical profile of their ethanolic and hydroglyceric extracts (EE and HGE, respectively). HGE was the richest in total phenols (105.75 ± 5.91 vs. 64.22 ± 3.45 mg/100 mL) and especially in flavonoids (71.60 ± 5.09 vs. 47.70 ± 1.27 mg/100 mL), as confirmed also by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Fifty-three polyphenols were identified and quantified. Even if they showed a common polyphenolic profile, EE and HGE showed quantitative differences. Flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins were the most expressed metabolites in HGE, whereas flavonols were the most expressed metabolites in EE. These features confer to HGE the highest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties, detected by several in vitro and in vivo assays, highlighting a promising use of this plant extract for skincare applications.

Investigation of Volatile Components and Assessment of Antioxidant Potential in Seven Lamiaceae Plant Hydrosols

Aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, especially of the genus Thymus, have promising antioxidant applications in pharmacology, medicine, food, cosmetology, and aromatherapy. Hydrosols (HDs) were extracted by hydrodistillation from seven species of Lamiaceae, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus mongolicus, Mentha × piperita, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinali, Salvia elegans, and Leonurus artemisia. In total, 369 volatile components were determined and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among them, alcohols (2.86-28.48%), ethers (2.46-10.69%), and phenols (0.11-21.78%) constituted a large proportion, mainly linalool (0.28-19.27%), eucalyptol (0.16-6.97%), thymol (0-19.54%), and carvacrol (0-26.82%). Multivariate statistical analyses were performed and 27 differential metabolites were screened. Three different methods (ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP) were used to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of seven HDs. Thymus vulgaris hydrosols (Tv HDs) and Thymus mongolicus hydrosols (Tm HDs) had the strongest antioxidant activity and their stronger antioxidant capacity was related to their high levels of phenolic constituents, mainly thymol. The antioxidant activity of the other five Lamiaceae HDs was associated with their high alcohol (mainly linalool and eucalyptol) content, and the alcohol constituents may synergistically affect their antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the present study suggests that Lamiaceae plants can be utilized as antioxidant products or antioxidants in different industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the 'Munstead' cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia

OBJECTIVES

Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) is commercially important not only as an ornamental species but also as a major source of fragrances. To better understand the genomic basis of chemical diversity in lavender, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the 'Munstead' cultivar of L. angustifolia.

DATA DESCRIPTION

A total of 80 Gb of Oxford Nanopore Technologies reads was used to assemble the 'Munstead' genome using the Canu genome assembler software. Following multiple rounds of error correction and scaffolding using Hi-C data, the final chromosome-scale assembly represents 795,075,733 bp across 25 chromosomes with an N50 scaffold length of 31,371,815 bp. Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologs analysis revealed 98.0% complete orthologs, indicative of a high-quality assembly representative of genic space. Annotation of protein-coding sequences revealed 58,702 high-confidence genes encoding 88,528 gene models. Access to the 'Munstead' genome will permit comparative analyses within and among lavender accessions and provides a pivotal species for comparative analyses within Lamiaceae.

Yield and Composition of the Essential Oil of Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri as Affected by Harvest Season and Cultivation Method, i.e., Outdoor, Greenhouse and In Vitro Culture

Clinopodium nepeta subsp. spruneri is an aromatic herb with a mint-oregano flavor, used in Mediterranean regions in traditional medicine. The aerial parts of the plant are rich in essential oil that has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as insecticidal activity. The aim of our work was to determine the yield and composition of the essential oil of the plant, in relation to the harvest season and cultivation method, i.e., outdoor, greenhouse and in vitro culture, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as an analytical tool. Essential oil yield fluctuated similarly in outdoor and greenhouse plants during the year (0.9-2.6%), with higher percentages (2.1-2.6%) in the hottest periods June-October (flowering stage) and April (vegetative stage), and was similar to the yield in in vitro plants (1.7%). More compounds were identified in the oil of outdoor and greenhouse plants (35) compared to that of in vitro plants (21), while the main compounds were the same, i.e., pulegone (13.0-32.0%, highest in February-April, 15.0% in vitro), piperitenone oxide (3.8-31.8%, lowest in February, 34.2% in vitro), piperitone epoxide (4.6-16.4%, highest in February, 15.5% in vitro), D-limonene (2.1-8.8%, lowest in February, 10.0% in vitro), isomenthone (2.3-23.0%, highest in February, 4.6% in vitro), germacrene D (1.9-6.5% highest in December-April, 2.9% in vitro) and dicyclogermacrene (2.1-5.3%, highest in December-April, 5.2% in vitro). Therefore, greenhouse and in vitro cultures were equally efficient in yielding essential oil and its constituents as outdoor cultivation, while in outdoor and greenhouse cultivations, the harvest season, mainly due to the prevailing ambient temperatures, affected the essential oil yield and its percentage composition.

Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Herbs and Spices from Plants of the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae Families: Chemometric Interpretation of the Data

Plant products, especially medicinal herbs and spices, have been used for centuries as a remedy to support human health and improve the flavor of food. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify plant species distinguished by their high content of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity using advanced multivariate statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). To realize the purpose of the study, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (FC) content, antioxidant activity (TAC) and Fe(II) ion chelating capacity (FIC) of medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to three botanical families, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae were determined. The interpretation of the obtained data revealed that the studied samples are localized in the PCA and HCA plots according to their TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values. Chemometric analysis confirmed that medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family are richer sources of phenolic compounds and exhibit stronger antioxidant activity than those raw materials from plants in the Apiaceae family. In addition, no significant differences were found in terms of TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values between medicinal herbs and spices from the same plant species, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), caraway (Carum carvi) and lovage (Levisticum officinale). A close relationship between antioxidant properties and contents of phenolic compounds was also confirmed.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity against the Listeria monocytogenes of Essential Oils from Seven Salvia Species

In recent years, essential oils (EOs) have received interest due to their antibacterial properties. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the EOs obtained from seven species of Salvia on three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (two serotyped wild strains and one ATCC strain), a bacterium able to contaminate food products and cause foodborne disease in humans. The Salvia species analysed in the present study were cultivated at the Botanic Garden and Museum of the University of Pisa, and their air-dried aerial parts were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. The obtained EOs were analysed via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the evaluation of their chemical composition, and they were tested for their inhibitory and bactericidal activities by means of MIC and MBC. The tested Eos showed promising results, and the best outcomes were reached by S. chamaedryoides EO, showing an MIC of 1:256 and an MBC of 1:64. The predominant compounds of this EO were the sesquiterpenes caryophyllene oxide and β-caryophyllene, together with the monoterpenes bornyl acetate and borneol. These results suggest that these EOs may possibly be used in the food industry as preservatives of natural origins.

Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties of the Subfamily Nepetoideae (Lamiaceae) in Inflammatory Diseases

Nepetoideae is the most diverse subfamily of Lamiaceae, and some species are well known for their culinary and medicinal uses. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic properties of the species of this group regarding inflammatory illnesses. This study aims to collect information on traditional uses through ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and phytochemical information of the subfamily Nepetoideae related to inflammatory diseases. UNAM electronic resources were used to obtain the information. The analysis of the most relevant literature was compiled and organised in tables. From this, about 106 species of the subfamily are traditionally recognised to alleviate chronic pain associated with inflammation. Pharmacological studies have been carried out in vitro and in vivo on approximately 308 species belonging to the genera Salvia, Ocimum, Thymus, Mentha, Origanum, Lavandula, and Melissa. Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations have been performed and mostly prepared as essential oil or high polarity extracts, whose secondary metabolites are mainly of a phenolic nature. Other interesting and explored metabolites are diterpenes from the abietane, clerodane, and kaurane type; however, they have only been described in some species of the genera Salvia and Isodon. This review reveals that the Nepetoideae subfamily is an important source for therapeutics of the inflammatory process.

The complete chloroplast genome of Callicarpa dichotoma (Lour.) K.Koch (Lamiaceae)

Callicarpa dichotoma (Lour.) K.Koch is a shrub species with distribution from East Asia to Southeast Asia. We assembled and annotated for the first time the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. dichotoma. The cp genome of C. dichotoma is 154,110 bp long with the GC content of 38.09% and consists of four subregions: a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,915 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,783 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,706 bp each. The cp genome of C. dichotoma encodes a total of 114 unique genes, comprising 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic trees based on the coding sequences strongly support the position of C. dichotoma within the genus Callicarpa, confirming the previously reported monophyly of the genus.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of a methanol extract from Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. leaves

Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. (Lamiaceae) is a quite rare medicinal plant endemic to the Mediterranean basin. In this study, seven secondary metabolites from a methanol extract of its leaves have been isolated and identified by a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR experiments and ESIMS analysis). They include one ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (1), three acylated flavone glycosides (2-4), one diapigenin derivative (5) and two flavone aglycones (6-7). Stachysetin (5) was found the major compound of the extract (74.0 mg/g of dry matter). Moreover, the produced extract showed the ability in inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 = 13.7 µg/mL), in quenching the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (EC50 = 74.6 µg/mL), and in reducing the intracellular oxidative stress level in Human Dermal Fibroblast (64% inhibition at 50 µg/mL).

The complete chloroplast genome of Ocimum americanum Linnaeus 1755 and phylogenetic analysis among the Lamiaceae family

Ocimum americanum Linnaeus 1755 (Lemon basil) is an essential medicinal species in the Ocimum genus. Its leaf decoction is traditionally used to treat diabetes, constipation, diarrhea, piles, and dysentery. The essential oils from this species have intense fungicidal activity. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of O. americanum was assembled from Illumina paired-end sequencing data. The O. americanum chloroplast genome was 152,460 bp in length, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,459 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,607 bp, separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,697 bp. The genome contained 134 unique genes, including 89 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. Among them, nine genes had a single intron, and two genes contained two introns. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 38%, while the corresponding values of LSC, SSC, and IR regions were 35.8%, 31.7%, and 43.1%, respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis, all the Ocimum species formed a group closely related to Plectranthus barbatus. O. americanum was more closely related to O. gratissimum and O. basilicum than the other species of Ocimum included in this study.

Climate Change Dependence in Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Medicinal Plants in Crete, Greece

Over 80% of the global population addresses their primary healthcare needs using traditional medicine based on medicinal plants. Consequently, there's a rising demand for these plants for both household and industrial use at local, regional, national, and international levels. However, wild harvesting has negatively impacted natural ecosystems. Cultivating medicinal species has been proposed as a conservation strategy to alleviate this pressure. Yet, in this age of global climate change concerns, smallholder farmers' views on the benefits of such cultivation clash with the uncertainties of climate change impacts, amplifying their anxieties. In this context, the climate change dependence of ex situ cultivation of ten wild medicinal taxa with significant ethnopharmacological interest in Crete, Greece, were studied, projecting their potential habitat suitability under various future climate scenarios. The results demonstrated species-specific effects. Based on the potential cultivation area gains and losses, these effects can be categorized into three groups. We also outlined the spatial patterns of these gains and losses, offering valuable insights for regional management strategies benefiting individual practitioners.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Plectranthus hadiensis (Lamiaceae) and phylogenetic analysis

Plants of the genus Plectranthus are used for the treatment of digestive problems, skin diseases, and allergies, with a wide variety of uses. Here, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Plectranthus hadiensis (Benth. ex E.Mey) Codd. 1788 was assembled and characterized for the first time. The full length of the chloroplast genome is 152,484 bp, consisting of a small single-copy region of 17,686 bp, a large single-copy region of 83,380 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats of 51,418 bp. The overall GC content is 37.73%. The chloroplast genome contains 131 unique genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic tree construction based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences of 25 species (23 Nepetoideae, two Ajugoideae) of the Lamiaceae family showed that P. hadiensis exhibited the closest relationship with Isodon.

Abietane diterpenoids with anti-inflammatory activities from Callicarpa bodinieri

Nine undescribed abietane diterpenoids (1-9) and eleven known abietane analogs (10-20) were isolated from Callicarpa bodinieri. Their structures were characterized by interpreting spectroscopic data, X-ray crystallography, and ECD analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were tested by evaluation of their inhibitory effect on NO production by lipopolysaccharide in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compounds 3 and 8 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities with IC50 values of 36.35 ± 1.12 and 37.21 ± 0.92 μM. The western blotting studies demonstrated that compound 3 inhibited the expression of nitric oxide synthase and p65 that involved in the NF-κB pathway.

Clerodane diterpenoids from the Uygur medicine Salvia deserta with immunosuppressive activity

Six undescribed clerodane diterpenoids along with five known ones were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia deserta, a traditional Uygur medicine. Their chemical structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis (including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and IR), combined with calculated ECD method and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All the compounds possessed a terminal α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactone moiety, and were assayed for their immunosuppressive activity via inhibiting the secretion of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages RAW264.7. Among them, (5R,8R,9S,10R)-18-nor-cleroda-2,13-dien-16,15-olide-4-one obviously suppressed the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 with IC50 values of 8.55 and 13.65 μM, respectively.

East Asian-North American disjunctions and phylogenetic relationships within subtribe Nepetinae (Lamiaceae)

Biogeographic disjunctions, including intercontinental disjunctions, are frequent across plant lineages and have been of considerable interest to biologists for centuries. Their study has been reinvigorated by molecular dating and associated comparative methods. One of the "classic" disjunction patterns is that between Eastern Asia and North America. It has been speculated that this pattern is the result of vicariance following the sundering of a widespread Acrto-Teritary flora. Subtribe Nepetinae in the mint family (Lamiaceae) is noteworthy because it contains three genera with this disjunction pattern: Agastache, Dracocephalum, and Meehania. These disjunctions are ostensibly the result of three separate events, allowing for concurrent testing of the tempo, origin, and type of each biogeographic event. Using four plastid and four nuclear markers, we estimated divergence times and analyzed the historical biogeography of Nepetinae, including comprehensive sampling of all major clades for the first time. We recover a well-supported and largely congruent phylogeny of Nepetinae between genomic compartments, although several cases of cyto-nuclear discordance are evident. We demonstrate that the three disjunctions are pseudo-congruent, with unidirectional movement from East Asia at slightly staggered times during the late Miocene and early Pliocene. With the possible exception of Meehania, we find that vicariance is likely the underlying driver of these disjunctions. The biogeographic history of Meehania in North America may be best explained by long-distance dispersal, but a more complete picture awaits deeper sampling of the nuclear genome and more advanced biogeographical models.

Pogocablenes A-O, fifteen undescribed sesquiterpenoids with structural diversity from Pogostemon cablin

Fifteen previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids (pogocablenes A-O), three first discovered natural patchoulol-type ones, coupled with fourteen known ones, were isolated from the aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin. Among them, pogocablenes A and B, a pair of C2 epimers, possessed an unusual carbon skeleton with bicyclo[4.3.1]decane core. Pogocablene C, originated from eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, had an unprecedented bicyclo[5.4.0]undecane scaffold with a peroxy hemiactetal moiety. Pogocablene D possessed a rare tricyclo[5.2.2.01,5]undecane carbon skeleton derived from guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid. Pogocablene E was a 4,5-seco-guaiane derivative owning a peroxy hemiactetal unit and a spirocyclic skeleton. Pogocablene M was a nor-patchoulol-type sesquiterpenoid with α,β-unsaturated ketone moiety. Their structures with absolute configuration were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, in combination with quantum chemical calculation. In addition, the plausible biogenetic pathways of pogocablenes A-E were proposed. Furthermore, all isolates were evaluated for anti-influenza virus and anti-inflammatory effects.

(Lamiaceae) Hydroalcoholic Extract: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity and In Vitro Evaluation of Fatty Acid Accumulation

Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. is a native Mediterranean shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is well-known as a flavoring and spicing agent. In addition to its classical use, it has drawn attention because its biological activities, due particularly to the presence of polyphenols, including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, and phenolic diterpenes as carnosol. In this study, the aerial part of rosemary was extracted with a hydroalcoholic solution through maceration, followed by ultrasound sonication, to obtain a terpenoids-rich Salvia rosmarinus extract (TRSrE) and a polyphenols-rich Salvia rosmarinus extract (PRSrE). After phytochemical characterization, both extracts were investigated for their antioxidant activity through a classical assay and with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) for their DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging. Finally, their potential beneficial effects to reduce lipid accumulation in an in vitro model of NAFLD were evaluated.

Phytochemical Profiling by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS of Kalaharia uncinata (Schinz) Moldenke, Widely Used in Traditional Medicine in DR Congo

Kalaharia uncinata (Schinz) Moldenke, is a tropical erect bushy shrub or subshrub of the Lamiaceae family. It is an endemic plant species of Southern Africa, widely used in the pharmacopoeia against upper respiratory tract infections. A previously conducted ethnobotanical survey revealed that it is believed to contain bioactive substances. However, no relevant phytochemical information was available. This study aimed to perform a phytochemical characterization of K. uncinata and also to discuss the potential bioactivity of the identified phytochemical constituents based on documented data. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used for profiling and identification of the main phytochemical constituents from leaf extracts (MeOH 90 %, DCM, AcOEt, BuOH, hexane and residue) of K.uncinata. Twenty-four constituents, representing mainly flavonoids (14), followed by phenylethanoid glycosides (7), phenolic acids (2), and an iridoid glycoside (1) were tentatively identified. Most of the identified compounds are documented to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which could possibly be the rationale behind the use of K. uncinata against upper respiratory tract infections.

Labdane diterpenoids from Lagopsis supina and their anti-neuroinflammatory activity

In this study, ten labdane-type diterpenoids 1-10 were isolated from a methanol extract of the whole plant Lagopsis supina, including three undescribed compounds 1-3. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analyses such as HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR, as well as comparison with literature data. At the same time, the absolute configuration of five compounds 2-5 and 10 was confirmed for the first time by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. All the compounds were isolated from L. supina for the first time. The CCK-8 assay showed that all compounds had no significant damage to BV-2 microglial cells, and then screened their inhibitory effects of nitric oxide production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in BV-2 microglial cells. The pharmacological results showed that compound 4 greatly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO release at the concentration of 10 μM, indicating that it has potential anti-neuroinflammatory activity.

Chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. essential oils

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. (Lamiaceae) is a naturalised medicinal plant in Brazil known as 'cordão-de-frade', being used in folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as infections and inflammations. L. nepetifolia leaf and flower essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation, and their compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. The leaf essential oil major constituents were germacrene D (31.5%), and β-caryophyllene (19.2%), while in flower essential oil the main constituents were β-elemene (31.2%), and germacrene D (12.1%). The essential oils were investigated against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi using the microdilution method, exhibiting MIC50 values of 3.93-250 µg mL-1. Both oils showed excellent antifungal properties, which is a very important finding since most fungi have shown increased resistance to known antifungal agents. According to these results, the essential oils of L. nepetifolia are promising sources of new antimicrobial agents, especially for yeast.

Antimicrobial secondary metabolites from the aerial parts of Perilla frutescens

Phytochemical research of Perilla frutescens aerial parts led to isolation of 12 secondary metabolites, including one new 3-benzoxepin glucoside, perillafrutoside A (1), one new megastigmane glycoside, perillafrutoside B (2), and 10 known compounds. Their chemical structures were identified based on 1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD spectroscopic analyses. The structure of 2 was elucidated based on revision of the previously reported stereoisomer, (6R,9R)-blumenyl α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside. Evaluation of their antimicrobial effect revealed that compounds 1 and 5-11 inhibit Enterococcus faecalis growth, compounds 6, 7 and 9 suppress Staphylococcus aureus growth, whereas compounds 6 and 11 attenuate Candida albicans growth. This is the first report of the isolation of 3-5, 8-10 and 12 from the genus Perilla and the antimicrobial effect of compounds 3, 8 and 10.

Phytochemical constituents from Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. and their nitric oxide production inhibitory activities

A new megastigmane glycoside, (3S,4R,7E)-megastigma-5,7-diene-9-one-3,4-diol 3-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and a new cyanogenic glycosyl derivative, (S)-2-(6'-O-R-rosmarinoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-phenylacetonitrile (2) were isolated from the methanol extract of the Elsholtzia ciliata together with twelve known compounds, 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene (3), citrusin C (4), 1,2-di-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4-allylbenzene (5), manglieside B (6), 4-allyl-2-hydroxyphenyl 1-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), (-)-isolariciresinol 3α-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), 7R,8R-threo-4,7,9-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), 7R,8R-threo-4,7,9,9'-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), cedrusin-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), icariside E3 (12), everlastoside L (13) and rosmarinic acid (14). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basic of extensive 1D and 2D-NMR experiments, as well as their mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of the compounds 1 and 2 were successfully indicated by both theoretical and calculated CD spectra. Compounds 3-7, 9 and 10 potential inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 6.71, 8.97, 12.38, 14.27, 16.13, 13.54, 16.27 µM, respectively, compared to that of the positive control of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA), IC50 = 32.51 µM.

Chemical Profile and Bioactivity Evaluation of Salvia Species from Eastern Europe

The Salvia genus comprises about 1000 species endowed with medicinal, aromatic, cosmetic, and ornamental applications. Even though the genus is one of the most-studied taxa of the Lamiaceae family, data on the chemical composition and biological properties of certain locally used Salvia species are still scarce. The present work aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of ten Salvia species that grow in Eastern Europe (e.g., the Republic of Moldova). LC-HRMS/MS metabolite profiling allowed for the annotation of 15 phenolic and organic acids, 18 flavonoids, 19 diterpenes, 5 sesterpenes, and 2 triterpenes. Multivariate analysis (e.g., principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis) revealed that S. austriaca, S. nutans, and S. officinalis formed individual clusters, whereas the remaining species had a similar composition. S. officinalis showed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC = 0.625 mg/mL). As evaluated in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, S. officinalis was one of the most potent radical scavenging and metal-reducing agents (CE50 values of 25.33, 8.13, and 21.01 μg/mL, respectively), followed by S. verticillata, S. sclarea, S. kopetdaghensis, S. aethiopis, and S. tesquicola. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong correlations with rosmarinic acid, luteolin-O-glucuronide, and hydroxybenzoic acid. When the cytotoxic activity was evaluated in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, no significant reduction in cell viability was observed over the concentrations ranging from 25 and 100 μg/mL. The results confirm the potential use of understudied Salvia species as promising sources of antioxidant compounds for developing novel pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmeceutical products.

Lavandula austroapennina: Assessment of the Antiviral Activity of Lipophilic Extracts from Its Organs

In a framework aimed at the recovery and enhancement of medicinal plants endemic to the territory of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, Lavandula austroapennina N.G. Passal., Tundis and Upson has aroused interest. An insight into the chemical composition of the corolla, calyx, leaf, stem, and root organs was carried out following ultrasound-assisted maceration in n-hexane. The obtained lipophilic extracts were explored using ultra-high-performance chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS). The extracts from the different organs varied in their relative content of fatty acids, ursanes, and oleanane-type triterpenes. In particular, the oleanolic acid content appeared to increase in the order of corolla < leaf < stem. An MTT assay was performed to verify the possible cytotoxicity of the organ extracts of L. austroapennina at a concentration ranging from 12.5 to 400 µg/mL on the Vero CCL-81 cell line. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), alpha human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), and poliovirus type 1 (PV-1) was evaluated via a plaque reduction assay in the same cellular model. All the extracts did not show cytotoxic effects after 2 and 24 h exposure times, and the antiviral efficacy was particularly important for the stem extract, capable of completely inhibiting the tested viruses at low doses. The antiviral activity in a non-enveloped virus PV-1 allowed the assertion that the extracts from the organs of L. austroapennina, and especially the stem extract, interfered directly with the viral envelope. This study underlines how much knowledge of a territory's medicinal plant heritage is a harbinger of promising discoveries in the health field.

Variation in Terpenoid and Flavonoid Content in Different Samples of Salvia semiatrata Collected from Oaxaca, Mexico, and Its Effects on Antinociceptive Activity

Salvia semiatrata Zucc. (Lamiaceae) is endemic to Oaxaca, Mexico, and is known for its analgesic properties. Terpenoids and phenolic compounds with antinociceptive potential have been characterised from this species. The aim of this research was to determine the variation in terpenoids and flavonoids in ethyl acetate extracts of S. semiatrata collected from ten different localities, as well as to evaluate the antinociceptive effect between plants with higher and lower contents of these secondary metabolites. Quantification of S. semiatrata compounds was performed via HPLC-DAD, whereas in vivo evaluation of the antinociceptive effect was performed via formalin test. The results showed that the most abundant groups of metabolites are oleanolic acid (89.60-59.20 µg/mg), quercetin (34.81-16.28 µg/mg), catechin (11.30-9.30 µg/mg), and 7-keto-neoclerodan-3,13-dien-18,19:15,16-diolide (7-keto) (8.01-4.76 µg/mg). Principal component and canonical correspondence analysis showed that the most contrasting localities in terms of compound content and climatic variables are Miahuatlán and Santiago Huauclilla. The differences in metabolite content between the two locations did not affect the antinociceptive effects evaluated at a dose of 300 mg/kg, p.o. In conclusion, the results indicate that S. semiatrata is effective in relieving pain, regardless of the site of collection, reinforcing its traditional use as analgesic.

Yield performance, mineral profile, and nitrate content in a selection of seventeen microgreen species

Introduction

Originally regarded as garnish greens, microgreens are increasingly valued for their nutritional profile, including their mineral content.

Methods

A study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions utilizing a selection of seventeen microgreen species belonging to seven different botanical families to investigate the genetic variation of macro- and micro-minerals and nitrate (NO3 -) content. Plants were grown in a soilless system using a natural fiber mat as the substrate. After germination, microgreens were fertigated with a modified half-strength Hoagland solution prepared using deionized water and without adding microelements. At harvest (10 to 19 days after sowing, based on the species), yield components were measured and dry tissue samples were analyzed for the concentration of total nitrogen (N), NO3 -, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B.

Results and discussion

Genotypic variations were observed for all of the examined parameters. Nitrogen and K were the principal macronutrients accounting for 38.4% and 33.8% of the total macro-minerals concentration, respectively, followed in order by Ca, P, S, and Mg. Except for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), all the tested species accumulated high (1,000-2,500 mg kg-1 FW) or very high (>2,500 mg kg-1 FW) NO3 - levels. Eight of the studied species had a K concentration above 300 mg 100 g-1 FW and could be considered as a good dietary source of K. On the other hand, scallion (Allium fistulosum L.), red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), and Genovese basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) microgreens were a good source of Ca. Among micro-minerals, the most abundant was Fe followed by Zn, Mn, B, and Cu. Sunflower, scallion, and shiso (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) were a good source of Cu. Moreover, sunflower was a good source of Zn, whereas none of the other species examined could be considered a good source of Fe and Zn, suggesting that supplementary fertilization may be required to biofortify microgreens with essential microminerals. In conclusion, the tested microgreens can be a good source of minerals showing a high potential to address different dietary needs; however, their yield potential and mineral profile are largely determined by the genotype.

Authentication and identification of Lamiaceae family with cyclic voltammetry fingerprint-PCA-LDA and determination of the used phenolic contents for classification using chromatographic analyses

Todays, it is essential to evaluate and check the quality of herbal medicines in to protect the public health. As medicinal plants, the extracts of labiate herbs are used directly or indirectly to treat a variety of diseases. Increase in their consumption has led to the fraud in herbal medicines. Hence, modern accurate diagnostic methods must be introduced to differentiate and authenticate these samples. Electrochemical fingerprints have not been evaluated for their capacity to distinguish and classify various genera within a family. Since it is essential to classify, identify, and distinguish between these closely related plants in order to guarantee the quality of the raw materials, the authenticity and quality of 48 dried and fresh Lamiaceae samples, which include Mint, Thyme, Oregano, Satureja, Basil, and Lavender with various geographic origins, were examined. The present study focused on (a) classification and authentication Labiate herbs extracts and (b) identification of active compounds in samples by Gas chromatography and HPLC methods. This was accomplished using principal component analysis (PCA) and PCA-linear discriminate analysis (PCA-LDA). The results of the clustering revealed that PCA-LDA categorized mint species more accurately than PCA. In addition to certain flavonoids including ferulic acid, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, HPLC and GC analysis of the ethanolic extract revealed the presence of phenolic acids such as rosmarenic acid, methyl rosmarenate, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Comparing results of PCA-LDA with chromatographic analysis show that the authentication and detection of fraud samples were correctly performed using chemometyrics technique based on CV fingerprints. Even, there was no need to completely identify components of the mint samples.

Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Leaf Surface Extract: Discovering New Diterpenes as Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) Binding Agents

Premna, a genus consisting of approximately 200 species, predominantly thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. Many of these species have been utilized in ethnopharmacology for diverse medicinal applications. In Saudi Arabia, Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer (Lamiaceae) grows wildly, and its slightly viscid leaves are attributed to the production of leaf accession. In this study, we aimed to extract the surface accession from fresh leaves using dichloromethane to evaluate the anticancer potential. The plant exudate yielded two previously unknown labdane diterpenes, Premnaresone A and B, in addition to three already described congeners and four known flavonoids. The isolation process was accomplished using a combination of silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, the structures of which were identified by NMR and HRESIMS analyses and a comparison with the literature data of associated compounds. Furthermore, we employed a density functional theory (DFT)/NMR approach to suggest the relative configuration of different compounds. Consequently, we investigated the possibility of developing new chaperone inhibitors by subjecting diterpenes 1-5 to a Surface Plasmon Resonance-screening, based on the knowledge that oridonin, a diterpene, interacts with Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) 1A in cancer cells. Additionally, we studied the anti-proliferative activity of compounds 1-5 on human Jurkat (human T-cell lymphoma) and HeLa (epithelial carcinoma) cell lines, where diterpene 3 exhibited activity in Jurkat cell lines after 48 h, with an IC₅₀ of 15.21 ± 1.0 µM. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed a robust interaction between compound 3 and Hsp70 key residues.

Thymus richardii subsp. nitidus (Guss.) Jalas Essential Oil: An Ally against Oral Pathogens and Mouth Health

The genus Thymus L., belonging to the Lamiaceae family, contains about 220 species with a distribution that mainly extends in Europe, northwest Africa, Ethiopia, Asia, and southern Greenland. Due to their excellent biological properties, fresh and/or dried leaves and aerial parts of several Thymus ssp. have been utilized in the traditional medicine of many countries. To evaluate not only the chemical aspects but also the biological properties, the essential oils (EOs), obtained from the pre-flowering and flowering aerial parts of Thymus richardii subsp. nitidus (Guss.) Jalas, endemic to Marettimo Island (Sicily, Italy), were investigated. The chemical composition of the EOs, obtained by classical hydrodistillation and GC-MS and GC-FID analyses, showed the occurrence of similar amounts of monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The main constituents of the pre-flowering oil were β-bisabolene (28.54%), p-cymene (24.45%), and thymol methyl ether (15.90%). The EO obtained from the flowering aerial parts showed as principal metabolites β-bisabolene (17.91%), thymol (16.26%), and limonene (15.59%). The EO of the flowering aerial parts, and its main pure constituents, β-bisabolene, thymol, limonene, p-cymene, and thymol methyl ether were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and for their antibiofilm and antioxidant properties.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils of Satureja macrostema (Moc. and Sessé ex Benth.) Briq

Satureja macrostema is a plant that is located in various regions of Mexico and is used in a traditional way against illness. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained from leaves Satureja macrostema and the chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant effect of the oil was assayed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC). In vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was determined using a broth microdilution assay and thin layer chromatography-direct bioautography (TLC-DB) to identify active antibacterial compounds. The EOs analysis showed 21 compounds, 99% terpenes, and 96% oxygenated monoterpenes, with trans-piperitone epoxide (46%), cis-piperitone epoxide (22%), and piperitenone oxide (11%) as more abundant compounds. Likewise, S. macrostema EOs showed an antioxidant activity of DPPH = 82%, with 50% free radical scavenging (IC₅₀) = 7 mg/mL and TEAC = 0.005, an antibacterial effect against E. coli of 73% inhibition, and 81% over S. aureus at dose of 100 µL of undiluted crude oil. The TLC-DB assay showed that the most active compounds were derived from piperitone. The comparison with other studies on S. macrostema shows variability in the compounds and their abundances, which can be attributed to climatic factors and the maturity of plants with similar antioxidant and antibacterial activities.