Phytochemical studies performed on the aerial parts of Teucrium davaeanum Coss. resulted in the isolation of an iridoid diglycoside, teucardoside; two phenylethanoid triglycosides, poliumoside and 3-O-methyl-poliumoside; a flavon C-diglycoside, vicenin-2 (apigenin-6,8-di-C-glycoside); and a newly described bisdesmosidic oleanane-type triterpene saponin, davaeanoside. Structure elucidations of all isolated metabolites are based on extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical derivatizations. The extract and isolated compounds (1–5) were tested for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. IC50 values were measured for all extracts and compounds and compared against acarbose. Results revealed weak or moderate α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity at the tested concentrations of the isolated compounds, especially compound 5. However, these findings do not exclude antidiabetic activity mediated by other mechanisms such as modulation of insulin signaling, enhancement of glucose uptake, or antioxidant effects. Further studies are warranted to explore these potential pathways. In addition, the essential oils of T. davaeanum and T. zanonii were obtained by hydrodistillation and simultaneously analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. The major compounds of T. davaeanum essential oil were germacrene D (31.4%) and bicyclogermacrene (15.9%); the main compounds of T. zanonii were β-pinene (19.5%), α-muurolene (13.4%), oxo-7,8-dihydro-β-ionol (9.2%), and α-pinene (6.9%).
The increasing burden of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance underscores the urgent need for alternatives to conventional therapeutics. Although Eucalyptus essential oils (EOs) are well recognized for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, their relatively high volatility and limited physicochemical stability restrict their practical applications. In this study, a systematic, design-driven comparative approach was employed to develop nanoemulsions containing Eucalyptus globulus, E. citriodora, and E. radiata EOs, with the aim of improving their stability and biological efficacy. Initially, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to identify species-specific chemotypes, which guided rational formulation design. A Box-Behnken design enabled the precise optimization of critical colloidal parameters, resulting in nanoemulsions with droplet sizes below 200 nm, polydispersity indices below 0.3, and ζ-potentials of approximately -22 mV. Comprehensive structural characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, together with stress testing, confirmed the robust physical stability of the formulations. In-vitro antimicrobial evaluations against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae revealed up to a 4-fold enhancement in antimicrobial activity and up to 80% inhibition of biofilm compared to the corresponding unformulated essential oils. The enhancements are most likely attributable to enhanced dispersion, increased interaction with greater microbial interfaces, and nanoscale stabilization of volatile bioactive constituents. Collectively, the optimized Eucalyptus nanoemulsions constitute reproducible, chemically well-defined nanocarrier systems with markedly improved antibacterial and antibiofilm performance, highlighting their promise as next-generation delivery systems for phytopharmaceutical applications. Further comprehensive biological and toxicological investigations are required to support the safe and effective translation of essential oil-containing nanocapsulations into practical use.
The genus Eucalyptus L’Hér., is native to Australia with 61 introduced taxa in Cyprus, including E. torquata Luehm., which has a wide distribution on the island. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible seasonal variations in the chemical composition of the essential oils of juvenile and mature leaves collected from Nicosia, Cyprus, by using multivariate statistical analysis. The leaves of 12 monthly collections were separately hydrodistilled, and GC-FID and GC/MS analyses were conducted. In general, the results revealed 1,8-cineole (mature: 3.6–27.8%; juvenile: 12.7–21.5%) and torquatone (mature: 27.6–48.8%; juvenile: 28.8–41.5%) as major compounds as well as an inverse relation between 1,8-cineole and torquatone content. Other important compounds found were α-pinene, β-eudesmol and α-eudesmol for all samples. The data support the existence of three major clusters, distinguished by the concentration of torquatone and miniatone. Minor compounds were also temporally relevant. The present study is among the first of its kind, analyzing the essential oils for a one-year period in Cyprus as well as conducting statistical analysis on E. torquata to reveal possible temporal variations between heterophyllous leaves, and also performing Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, determining the primary components of variability.
Menthol is commonly used in traditional medicine and is increasingly supported by pharmacological evidence. This review provides a comprehensive and updated overview of menthol's pharmacology, therapeutic applications, and safety profile, with particular focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms that may explain its actions. Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated benefits in inflammation, pain modulation, gastrointestinal function, microbial infections, and wound healing, while additional findings indicated potential roles in neuroprotection, anti-aging strategies, and cancer prevention. Clinical data further showed effectiveness in irritable bowel syndrome, headache disorders, and skin care. Menthol is generally considered safe, although high doses or unsuitable formulations may cause adverse effects, underscoring the importance of appropriate dosing and patient selection. This review suggests that menthol represents a promising natural therapeutic agent, yet emphasizes the urgent need for standardized clinical trials and long-term safety evaluations to clearly define its role within evidence-based medicine.
Essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. Although, there are important issues to consider in the field of essential oils such as paucity of industrial standards, regulatory matters, environmental concerns, sustainable supplies, the future of essential oils looks promising, with numerous factors contributing to the growth and development of industry. Technological advancements in extraction and production, expanding research, product innovations, and increased sustainability efforts will all play a role in shaping the essential oils market in the coming years. With potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, and personal care, essential oils have the potential to become an increasingly important part of modern life. As industry continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the 21st century, it will be essential to prioritize research, innovation, and sustainability to ensure the long-term success and viability of essential oils.
AbstractIntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by gradual loss of cognitive abilities (dementia) and is a major public health problem. Here, we aimed at investigating the effects of Rosa damascena essential oil (RDEO) on learning and memory functions in a rat model of amnesia induced by scopolamine, as well as on changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) expression, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the extracted brain tissues.MethodsThe control, amnesia (scopolamine, 1 mg/kg/i.p.) and treatment (RDEO, 100 μL/kg/p.o. or galantamine, 1.5 mg/kg/i.p.) groups were subjected to Morris water maze and new object recognition tests. AChE activity was assayed by ELISA, and M1 mAChR and BDNF concentration changes were determined by western blotting. Also, using computational tools, human M1 mAChR was modeled in an active conformation, and the major components of RDEO were docked onto this receptor.ResultsAccording to our behavioral tests, RDEO was able to mitigate the learning and memory impairments caused by scopolamine in vivo. Our in vitro assays showed that the observed positive effects correlated well with a decrease in AChE activity and an increase in M1 mAChR and BDNF levels in amnestic rat brains. We also demonstrated in an in silico setting that the major components of RDEO, specifically ‐citronellol, geraniol, and nerol, could be accommodated favorably within the allosteric binding pocket of active‐state human M1 mAChR and anchored here chiefly by hydrogen‐bonding and alkyl–π interactions.ConclusionOur findings offer a solid experimental foundation for future RDEO‐based medicinal product development for patients suffering from AD.
acketing is the most popular method for strengthening reinforced concrete columns under axial loading. This repair and strengthening technique is widely used not only in Türkiye but also in other technologically developed countries. In this study, the effectiveness of this method is investigated by experimentally testing two parameters: column section geometry and jacket thickness. The specimens were enlarged on all four sides to understand how the thickness of the jacket layer affects the behavior of the column. Using the experimental data, load versus deformation curves were plotted for each specimen. The parameters (strength, rigidity, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity) that determine the behaviour of the reinforced column were then analysed. At the end of this study, the effects of column section geometry and jacket thickness on the jacketing method are discussed, providing valuable preliminary data for future experimental studies.
Objective: The main purpose of this study was to determine the chemical compositions and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the aerial parts of the recently discovered endemic species Seseli salsugineum (S. salsugineum) A. Duran and Lyskov for the first time. Methods: Essential oil from the aerial parts of S. salsugineum was isolated by using a Clevenger-type apparatus and the oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), simultaneously. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was tested against Gram-negative ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC B888), Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711), and three fungal strains: Candida albicans ATCC 24433, CandidaparapsilosisATCC 22019 and Candida krusei ATCC 6258 by broth microdilution method. Chloramphenicol and amphotericin B were used as positive controls. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. Results: Dried aerial parts of S. salsugineum yielded 0.28% (v/w) essential oil. GC and GC-MS analyses resulted in the characterization of sabinene (35.5%), kessane (10.5%), alpha-pinene (6.4%), terpinen-4-ol (5.0%) as main constituents. The essential oil was found to be effective against all tested strains (320-1280 mu g/mL). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on the chemistry and biological activity of S. salsugineum essential oil.
In this study, the essential oil and various extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) were obtained from Seseli libanotis W.D.J. Koch aerial parts. The essential oil was obtained via hydrodistillation and subjected to GC and GC/MS analysis. 42 compounds were identified as a major component of acorenone B (43.3%), following by cis-sesquisabinene hydrate (9.3%), and trans-sesquisabinene hydrate (7.7%). The antioxidant activities of the essential oil and extracts were evaluated using DPPH• and TEAC assays. While the methanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, no significant tyrosinase inhibition was observed.
Wild growing Origanum majorana L. var. tenuifolium Weston was collected from three different locations (Om1: Avtepe, Om2: Alevkayasi, Om3: Kozankoy) in North Cyprus. The essential oils were hydrodistilled and chemical composition analyses were simultaneously performed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The average yields of essential oils were 5.46-8.14%. Major compounds of flowering Om1 oil were cis-sabinene hydrate (45.0%) and terpinen-4-ol (11.1%) while those of Om3 (Kozankoy) oil were cis-sabinene hydrate (33.3%), terpinen-4-ol (12.3%) and alpha-terpineol (11.5%). In the post-flowering stage, the major compounds for Om1 and Om3, respectively, were cis-sabinene hydrate (16.7% and 18.8%), terpinen-4-ol (18.1% and 14.5%) and alpha-terpineol (23.9% and 20.0%). However, the main compound of the essential oils of the flowering and post-flowering oil of Om2 was alpha-terpineol (76.9% and 51.6%). Statistical Principal Component (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analyses (HCA) tools demonstrated the composition variations of the essential oils at different times and locations. Om1 and Om3 (HCA similarity level: 98.98%) were similar while Om2 (HCA similarity level: 46.32%) was discordant.
Coldmix® is a commercially available Eucalyptus aetheroleum and, Abies aetheroleum blend for medicinal applications. In this present study, the in vitro antiviral potential of Coldmix®, and its major constituents 1,8-cineole and α-pinene were evaluated by using the in vitro ACE2 enzyme inhibition assay as well as the direct contact test against SARS-CoV-2. The observed ACE2 enzyme inhibitory activity of Coldmix®, 1,8-cineole, and α-pinene were 72%, 88%, and 80%, respectively; whereas in the direct contact test in the vapor phase, the destruction of the virus was 79.9% within 5 min and 93.2% in the 30th min, respectively. In a similar Coldmix® vapor phase setup using the in vitro cytotoxicity cell assay, E6 VERO healthy cells were experimentally not affected by toxicity. According to the promising initial antiviral results of Coldmix® and the individually tested constituents, detailed further in vivo evaluation using different virus classes is suggested.
Rosemary is a culinary herb that is widely used in traditional medicine for its nutritional value and pharma-cological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition, in vitro anticancer, antioxi-dant, and antibacterial activities of rosemary essential oil. Rosemary essential oil components were simultaneously analysed by GC/MS and GC/FID techniques. Different concentrations of rosemary essential oil were incubated for 24 and 48 h with HepG2 and EV304 cells. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Anti-cancer activities of rosemary essential oil were investigated by immunocytochemistry using antibodies directed against Ki-67, b-catenin, c-myc, Oct-3/4, and IL-8. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity were evaluated with protein denaturation and DPPH assays, respectively. The anti-bacterial effect of rosemary essential oil was analysed by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with the broth microdilution and agar zone diffusion methods. Camphor (15.1%), verbenone (14.3%), a-pinene (13.6%), 1,8-cineole (11.8%), and borneol (7.9%) were determined as the major compounds of rosemary essential oil. The activities of the oil were found to be 508.7 mg/ml and 525.7 mg/ml against HepG2 and ECV304 cells, respec-tively. Ki-67, b-catenin, c-myc, Oct-3/4, and IL-8 immunoreactivities were significantly reduced in rosemary essential oil-treated HepG2 cells. Ki-67 and b-catenin immunoreactivities were significantly decreased only in rosemary essential oil-treated ECV304 cells. Also, the essential oil showed antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. Rosemary essential oil showed effective antibacterial activity on E. coli and K. pneumo-niae. Thus, rosemary essential oil could be a potential candidate as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.& COPY; 2023 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The genus Eucalyptus belonging to the Myrtaceae family, consists of tall, evergreen trees with leathery leaves. They are indigenous to Australia and contain about 900 species and subspecies. One important use is production of essential oils, which are valuable in both medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. There are about 62 species of Eucalyptus naturalized to Cyprus including E. camaldulensis and E. torquata. The essential oil constituents of leaves of these two species of Eucalyptus collected from Northern Cyprus were isolated by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS, simultaneously. E. camaldulensis oil yield was higher (2.4%), and major compounds identified were alpha-phellandrene (10.3%) and beta-phellandrene (30.6%), respectively. These compounds were followed by p-cymene (8.2%), bicyclogermacrene (6.1%) and spathulenol (9.3%). On the other hand, E. torquata oil yield was relatively lower (1.6%), with major compounds being alpha-pinene (18.6%), 1,8-cineole (18.8%), beta-eudesmol (10.3%) and torquatone (29.2%).
Cedryl formate is a synthetic fragrance compound, which is an ester derivative of the sesquiterpenoid cedrol, found in different parts of the cedar tree/cedarwood with a characteristic fragrance. Cedryl formate is used in cosmetics and personal care products like fragrances, perfumes, as well as in the chemical and agriculture industries in various forms. In the present work, the microbial transformation of the formate was evaluated by 13 fungal cultures to produce new derivatives. Among the evaluated, the plant pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger NRRL 326, biotransformed to the metabolite 8-cedren-3β-ol derivative with 6.2% yield. The structure of the chromatographically purified metabolite was elucidated by NMR and spectroscopic methods.
: Amongst all cancer types, liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality. It is frequently stated as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and occurs in hepatocytes. Genetic alterations of hepatocytes such as Wnt/β-catenin and JAK / STAT signaling pathways play a key role for the development of the HCC. Currently, there are a few available treatments for HCC; such treatments include transplantation, surgical resections and anti-cancer drugs. Most of the anti-cancer drugs target the signaling pathways for achieving an effective treatment. However, these treatments have some undesirable side effects. Thus, there is a need for discovering alternative anti-cancer agents with no or lesser side effects. Plant constituents are promising anti-cancer agents. Cynara cornigera L. contains plenty of phenolic compounds including quercetin, apigenin, etc. This study aimed to analyze the anti-cancer property of the fractionated methanol extract of the flowers of C. cornigera . All the fractions obtained were analyzed to determine the cytotoxic activity on HepG2 cells. Two of the fractions containing polyphenolic compounds had a significant cytotoxic activity related to non-canonical Wnt11 signaling pathways on HepG2 cells.
Abstract Origanum spp. are used both for culinary purposes and for their biological activities. In this study, commercial Origanum majorana, Origanum minutiflorum, Origanum vulgare , and Origanum onites essential oils and their prominent constituent carvacrol were evaluated for their in vitro and in silico angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitory potentials. The essential oils were analysed by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, where carvacrol was identified as the major component (62 – 81%), confirming the quality. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays were conducted both with the essential oils (20 µg/mL) and with carvacrol (5 µg/mL). The comparative values of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 percent inhibition for O. majorana, O. minutiflorum, O. vulgare , and O. onites essential oils were determined as 85.5, 79.1, 74.3, and 42.8%, respectively. As a result of the enzyme assays, carvacrol showed 90.7% in vitro angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 inhibitory activity. The in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition of the essential oils (in the same order) was 89.4, 78.9, 81.1, and 73.5%, respectively, where carvacrol showed 74.8% inhibition. In addition, protein–ligand docking and interaction profiling was used to gain structural and mechanistic insights into the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials of major Origanum essential oil constituents. The in silico findings agreed with the significant enzyme inhibition activity observed in vitro . Further in vivo studies are suggested to confirm the safety and efficacy of the oils.
Marrubium vulgare L. (horehound) is a member of the Lamiaceae, represented also with Marrubii herba as an EMA monograph with traditional medicinal uses as an expectorant in patients having cough associated with a cold.In this present study, the antiviral potential of different M. vulgare extracts was compared using in vitro angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS), and neuraminidase enzyme (NA) assays, respectively.Standardized dried extract, aqueous ethanol and other liquid extracts of the European Pharmacopoeia quality Marrubii herba were prepared using different extractionmethods.ACE2, TMPRSS and NA enzyme inhibitions were performed usingcommercial kits at 20-50 µg/mL concentrations.Among the tested extracts, the 30% ethanol extract inhibited the ACE2 enzyme by 78%, the TMPRSS enzyme by 69%, and the NA enzyme by 75%, respectively.The comparative experimental results showed that the best inhibitory activity was observed by the 30% ethanol extract.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antiviral activity potential of different M. vulgare extracts.As a conclusion, in line with the experimental data from this study, Marrubium aqueous ethanol extracts can be utilized against cold and flu due to its antiviral potential.More in vivo and clinical work is needed to verify the safe and efficient use of horehound preparations.
Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oil is wide spread in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Dill is a member of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. It has the following biological activities: antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antihypercholesterolemic, antispasmodic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory. Aqueous extract of dill seed has reported effects on sex hormones and infertility potential. Moreover, boiled dill seed has an impact on reducing labor duration in giving birth. Implantation and placentation are necessary for a healthy pregnancy in the early stages. Angiogenesis is responsible for these essential processes. This study aimed to investigate dill seed oil's cytotoxic and antiangiogenic effects on rat adipose tissue endothelial cells (RATECs). Dill seed oil showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on RATECs. It disrupted endothelial tube formation and depolymerized F-actin stress fibers. According to this study, depolymerization of F-actin stress fiber by dill seed oil could inhibit angiogenesis by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation and motility. In other words, dill seed oil can be a new anti-angiogenic agent and a novel contraceptive.
The genus Teucrium L., belonging to the family Lamiaceae, is divided in ten sections including Polium (Mill.)Schreb.In Cyprus, this section is represented by five endemic species: T. micropodioides, T. cyprium, T. karpasiticum, T. kyreniae and T. salaminium.Essential oils of the aerial parts of these species were separately obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus.Chemical compositions of the obtained oils were analyzed by GC and GC/MS, simultaneously.The essential oil yields ranged between 0.03-0.75(v/w).The major components of the essential oil of T. kyreniae were β-caryophyllene (21.2%), (Ε)-nerolidol (10.9%), carvone (8.8%) and α-humulene (7.9%).T. salaminium essential oil was dominated by β-caryophyllene (15.2%), caryophyllene oxide (13.9%), germacrene D (11.6%) and bicyclogermacrene (10.0%).Major components of the oil of T. cyprium were β-pinene (35.4%), α-pinene (10.6%) and spathulenol (8.4%).Major compounds of the oils of T. micropodioides samples, collected from two different locations, were (1) limonene (47.0%), β-pinene (16.0%) and β-caryophyllene (6.9%), (2) δ-cadinene (11.2%), 1-epi-cubenol (7.8%), cubebol (4.7%), cubenol (4.1%), respectively.Main constituents of the essential oil of T. karpasiticum were limonene (43.9%), β-pinene (16.0%), α-bisabolol oxide A (7.8%), β-caryophyllene (5.5%) and α-pinene (4.6%).The section Polium, is considered a complex and the diversity of oil compositions from the species belonging to this section provided additional proof to this consideration.
Aim of the study is to evaluate the potential use of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm.& Link and Origanum dubium Boiss.essential oils and their major constituents; thymol and carvacrol in cancer therapies.For this aim hMSC-telo1 cells and their tumorigenic counterpart were exposed to varying concentrations of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm.& Link and Origanum dubium Boiss.essential oils, thymol and carvacrol and cellular viability and proliferation have been evaluated by MTT assay.TUNEL assay has used for evaluation of apoptosis.Study suggested that, Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm.& Link essential oil and thymol have an enhancer effect once combined with conventional chemotherapeutic agents.0.005 v/v % of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm.& Link, 0.005 v/v % and 0.05 v/v % of thymol showed enchancer effect by sparing the normal hMSC-telo1 cells from the cytotoxicity of Deferasirox while these combinations were cytotoxic towards tumorigenic hMSC-telo1 cells.