Additive effect of the probiotics Lactobacillus exopolysaccharides and the Satureja calamintha extracts on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli adhesion

Abstract This study assessed the inhibitory potential of the probiotics Lactobacillus (LB) exopolysaccharides (EPS) with or without extracts of Satureja calamintha on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEc) responsible for gastroenteritis. Methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts were prepared by cold maceration and subjected to phytochemical screening. The compounds of the extracts were determined with the colorimetric assays and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Antioxidant activities of the extracts were also evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging. Antibacterial effect on EPEc was evaluated by using both agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The in vitro test of auto-aggregation was investigated. Microbiological analysis showed that 63% of the isolated LB were producing EPS, with the amount ranging from 8.21 to 43.13 mg/L. Chemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids, more abundant in the hydromethanolic extract, which presented the highest content with 2.11 mg EGA/g of polyphenol and 1.64 mg EC/g of flavonoids and 1.71 mg EGA/g of polyphenol and 1.15 mg EC/g of flavonoids in the methanolic extract. Hydromethanolic extracts and EPS exhibited a more important activity than did the methanolic extract against EPEc. The combined action of EPS and extracts reduced the aggregation ability of EPEc and decreased the rate of their adhesion.

The chemical composition and antibacterial activity of a methanolic extract of Satureja khuzistanica

Abstract In the present study, the metabolite profiling of methanolic extract from aerial parts of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad, as an endemic medicinal plant from Iran, was evaluated using HPLC-PDA-ESI. Then, the main compound from the extract was isolated and purified by using extensive chromatographic techniques. In addition, the structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated using 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectrometry, upon which 22 compounds were identified. The antibacterial activity of diosmetin 7-rutinoside (6) and linarin (13) in combination with carvacrol as a major compound of the essential oil was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. The results indicated that the linarin, when mixed with carvacrol as the main compounds in the essential oil of the plant, has a satisfactory activity against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC values of 0.16 and 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. Further, the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index indicated that this compound had synergism with carvacrol.

Chemical compositions, radical scavenging capacities and antimicrobial activities in seeds of Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata from Turkey / Composições químicas, capacidades radicais eliminadoras e atividades antimicrobianas em sementes de Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata da Turquia

Abstract The present study determined some biological compounds, radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial capacity in seeds of Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n3) has been found to be the major polyunsaturated fatty acid of Satureja hortensis L. (66.24 ± 1.24%) and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata (48.17 ± 1.01%). Linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) is identified as the second major polyunsaturated fatty acid in the present study and oleic acid (C18:1 n9) is determined as the major monounsaturated fatty acid. Current study showed that Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata have low levels of saturated fatty acids. It has been demonstrated that ergosterol (263.1 ± 2.14 µg/g), stigmasterol (39.07 ± 0.91 µg/g) and beta-sitosterol (14.64 ± 0.49 µg/g) have been found in Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata, while ergosterol (69.41 ± 1.75 µg/g) and beta-sitosterol (19.81 ± 1.14 µg/g) have been determined in Satureja hortensis L. Also, this study determined that Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata have low lipide-soluble vitamin content. Furthermore, it has been found that Satureja hortensis L. contains naringenin (612.57 ± 2.57 µg/g), morin (86.97 ± 1.12 µg/g), quercetin (22.87 ± 0.75 µg/g), and kaempferol (20.11 ± 0.94 µg/g) while naringenin (135.91 ± 1.91 µg/g), naringin (61.23 ± 2.15 µg/g) and quercetin (47.51 ± 1.17 µg/g) have been detected as major flavonoids in the seeds of Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. The results of the present study suggest that methanol extracts of Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata have significant free radical scavenging activity. The present results revealed that Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata showed major activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, fungi and yeast.

Resumo O presente estudo determinou alguns compostos biológicos, atividade de eliminação de radicais e capacidade antimicrobiana em sementes de Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. O ácido alfa-linolênico (C18: 3 n3) foi o principal ácido graxo poliinsaturado de Satureja hortensis L. (66,24 ± 1,24%) e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata (48,17 ± 1,01%). O ácido linoléico (C18: 2 n6) é identificado como o segundo principal ácido graxo poliinsaturado no presente estudo e o ácido oleico (C18: 1 n9) é determinado como o principal ácido graxo monoinsaturado. O estudo atual mostrou que Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata tem baixos níveis de ácidos graxos saturados. Foi demonstrado que ergosterol (263,1 ± 2,14 µg/g), estigmasterol (39,07 ± 0,91 µg/g) e beta-sitosterol (14,64 ± 0,49 µg/g) foram encontrados em Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata, enquanto o ergosterol (69,41 ± 1,75 µg/g) e beta-sitosterol (19,81 ± 1,14 µg/g) também foram determinados em Satureja hortensis L., este estudo determinou que Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata tem baixo teor de vitaminas lipossolúveis. Além disso, verificou-se que S. hortensis L. contém naringenina (612,57 ± 2,57 µg/g), morina (86,97 ± 1,12 µg/g), quercetina (22,87 ± 0,75 µg/g) e kaempferol (20,11 ± 0,94 µg/g) enquanto a naringenina (135,91 ± 1,91 µg/g), a naringina (61,23 ± 2,15 µg/g) e a quercetina (47,51 ± 1,17 µg/g) foram detectadas como flavonóides importantes nas sementes de Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que os extratos metanólicos de S. hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata tem significativa atividade de eliminação de radicais livres. Os presentes resultados revelaram que Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata mostrou atividade importante contra microrganismos gram-positivos e gram-negativos, fungos e leveduras.

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil and its anti-candidal activities against clinical isolates of Candida albicans isolated from women with candidiasis / Actividad anti-Candida de los aceites esenciales del Jamzad Satureja khuzistanica contra aislados clínicos de Candida albicans obtenidos de mujeres con candidiasis

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad is known as antiseptic and analgesic agent in folk medicine. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the anti-candidal activity of S. khuzistanica aerial parts essential oil against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, which were isolated from women with chronic recurrent candidiasis. For this purpose, the chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oil was determined by GC and GC-MS analysis. Then, the anti-candidal activity of essential oil and its main component (carvacrol) were determined. Carvacrol (94.1%) was the main component of essential oil, followed by β-bisabolene, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. S. khuzistanica essential oil had strong anti-candidal activity against clinical isolates of C. albicans via inhibition of germ tube formation and induction the huge punctures in the cytoplasmic structures. The cell membranes were intact in presence of essential oil or carvacrol. S. khuzistanica essential oil as the main source of carvacrol can be used for treatment of C. albicans related infections.

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad es conocido como analgésico y antiséptico en la medicina tradicional. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto anti- Candida de los aceites esenciales obtenidos de las partes aéreas de S. khuzistanica sobre aislados clínicos de Candida albicans, obtenidos de mujeres con candida diasis crónica recurrente. Para este propósito la composición química de aceites esenciales hidrodestilados fueron determinados por análisis GC y GC-MS. Luego la actividad anti-candidasica de los aceites esenciales y de su componente principal (carvacrol) fue determiando. Carvacrol (94.1%) fue el principal compuesto del aceite esencial seguido por β-bisaboleno, p-cimeno and γ-terpineno. El aceite esencial de S. khuzistanica tuvo fuerte actividad anti-candida contra aislados clínicos de C. albicans via la inhibicion de tubo germinal y la inducción de estructuras puntiformes en la membrana citoplásmatica. Las membranas celulares quedaron intactas en presencia del aceite esencial o del carvacrol. El aceite esencial de S. khuzistanica como fuente principal de carvacrol podría ser usado como tratamiento de infecciones relacionadas con Candida albicans.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis increases the content of volatile terpenes and plant performance in Satureja macrostema (Benth. ) Briq / La simbiosis micorrícica arbuscular aumenta el contenido de terpenos volátiles y el rendimiento vegetal en Satureja macrostema (Benth.) Briq

We studied the effect of Rhizophagus irregularis on plant performance and volatile terpenes content of the Mexican native medicinal plant Satureja macrostema (Benth.) Briq. (Lamiaceae) in greenhouse conditions. The growth parameters considered in this research and the composition of volatile components were quantified monthly in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants. The essential oil was collected from aerial parts and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Colonization by R. irregularis significantly increased biomass, shoot and root length, and the amount of volatile terpenes. The more concentrated volatile terpenes were limonene, β- linalool, menthone, pulegone, and verbenol acetate. It is concluded that the use of R. irregularis allows optimal growth of S. macrostema plants in low fertility soils and increased production of the main components of the essential oil.

El efecto de Rhizophagus irregularis sobre el rendimiento vegetal y la producción de los terpenos volátiles de Satureja macrostema (Benth.) Briq. (Lamiaceae), una planta medicinal nativa mexicana, fue estudiado en condiciones de invernadero. Los parámetros de crecimiento considerados en esta investigación y los componentes volátiles, fueron cuantificados mensualmente en plantas con y sin micorrizas. El aceite esencial fue colectado de la parte aérea y fue analizado por técnicas de cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas. La colonización de R. irregularis aumentó significativamente la biomasa, longitud de tallo y raíz, y la cantidad de terpenos volátiles. Los terpenos volátiles mayoritarios fueron limoneno, β-linalol, mentona, pulegona y acetato de verbenol. Se concluye que el uso de R. irregularis permitió un óptimo crecimiento de las plantas de S. macrostema en suelos de baja fertilidad, con un aumento de los componentes principales del aceite esencial.

Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Cashew Dressing Added with Paprika Juice

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal amount of paprika juice added to cashew dressing. This study presents fundamental data on the quality and sensory characteristics of cashew dressings added with paprika juice (addition of 20%, 40% yellow, red and green paprika juice instead of water). The pH of cashew dressing added with paprika juice was 4.61~4.80, whereas that of control was 4.35. The viscosity of cashew dressing added with paprika juice was 34,130.5~36,515.3 cp while that of control was 26,558.8 cp. L value of control (73.83) was higher than those of other groups (65.45~72.23), and a value of dressing added with red paprika juice (9.81~10.42) was higher than those of other groups. Preference of cashew dressings added with paprika juice and foods was evaluated. The sweet, sour, and savory tastes showed no significant differences between control and cashew dressings added with paprika juice. Preference of color of cashew dressing with green paprika juice was higher than those of other groups, and the preference of cashew dressing added with yellow paprika juice 20% (Y20) was higher than those of other groups. The Y20 sample received the highest score in sensory evaluation. In the sensory evaluation for food and dressing (Y20), chicken cutlets and fruit salad received higher scores than other foods. It is expected that cashew added with paprika juice will be utilized as a healthy dressing.

Multiplicação in vitro de segmentos apicais caulinares de segurelha (Satureja hortensis L. ) / In vitro multiplication of apical shoot segments of Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis L. )

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de BAP, na presença e ausência de ANA, sobre a multiplicação in vitro de segmentos apicais caulinares de Satureja hortensis. Os explantes foram isolados de plântulas germinadas in vitro e cultivados em meio nutritivo MS. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x5, correspondendo às concentrações de ANA (0 e 1 µM) e de BAP (0; 5; 10; 15 e 20 µM), com seis repetições, cada uma composta por três explantes. Para a porcentagem de explantes com brotações houve efeito significativo para o fator BAP, aumentando à medida que cresce a concentração da citocinina. A variável "número de brotos por explante" apresentou interação entre os fatores, havendo a maior formação de brotos na presença de ANA na faixa de 10 - 15 µM de BAP. Na presença da auxina, o maior valor ocorreu com 15 µM de BAP tendendo a diminuir independente da presença de ANA. O enraizamento dos segmentos apicais foi maior na presença de ANA e ausência de BAP, diminuindo com o aumento da citocinina. O número de folhas foi influenciado pela maior concentração de BAP sendo que a 15 µM foi observado o maior número, tendendo à queda com aumento da concentração. A concentração de 15 µM de BAP, independente de ANA, proporcionou os melhores resultados na multiplicação da espécie produzindo aumento de brotações e número de folhas, à exceção do enraizamento que foi influenciado pela auxina.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BAP in the presence and absence of NAA, on the in vitro multiplication of shoot apical segments of Satureja hortensis. The explants were isolated from seedlings germinated in vitro and cultured in nutrient medium MS. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x5 factorial arrangement, corresponding to the concentrations of NAA (0 and 1 µM) and BAP (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 µM), with six replicates, each consisting of three explants. For the percentage of explants with shoots, there was no significant effect for the factor BAP, increasing as the concentration of BAP grows. The variable number of shoots per explant showed interaction between factors, with the highest shoot formation in the presence of NAA and BAP in the range of 10 -15 µM. In the presence of auxin, the highest value occurred with 15 µM BAP, tending to decline regardless of the presence of NAA. The rooting of the apical segments was higher in the presence of NAA and absence of BAP, decreasing with increasing cytokinin. Leaf number was influenced by the higher concentration of BAP, and the amount of 15 µMhadthe largest number, tending to decrease with increasing concentration. The concentration of 15 µM BAP, regardless of NAA, provided better results in the multiplication of the species, producing increased number of shoots and leaves, except for rooting, whichwas influenced by auxin.

Amelioration of altered antioxidant enzyme activity by Satureja khuzistanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To examine the possible protective effect of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKE) on antioxidant enzyme activity in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.@*METHOD@#Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic, with no treatment, and group three treatment with SKE at 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After eight weeks, animals were anaesthetized. Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure antioxidant enzymes activity.@*RESULTS@#SKE significantly increased the serum level of glutathione and the serum activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group.@*CONCLUSION@#The findings showed that SKE exerts beneficial effects on the antioxidant enzymes activity in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects of Satureja khozestanica essential oil on LDL oxidation induced-CuSO(4) in vitro

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess various antioxidative activities of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) and its effect on oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by CuSO4 in vitro by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde (MDA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The formation of conjugated dienes, lag time and MDA were measured. Inhibition of this Cu-induced oxidation was studied in the presence of several concentrations of SKE. Also total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging of SKE were determinated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was demonstrated that SKE was able to inhibit LDL oxidation and decrease the resistance of LDL against oxidation. The inhibitory effects of SKE on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 µg/mL. Total antioxidant capacity of SKE was (3.20±0.40) nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE. The SKE showed remarkable scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl, IC50 (5.30±0.11) ng/mL.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study shows that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.</p>

Scolicidal Effects of Olea europaea and Satureja khuzestanica Extracts on Protoscolices of Hydatid Cysts

Treatment of hydatid disease is mainly surgical, with medical treatment being reserved as a coadjuvant treatment. Use of effective scolicidal agents during surgery of cystic echinococcosis is essential to reduce the recurrence rate. The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Satureja khuzestanica leaves and aqueous extracts of Olea europaea leaves on hydatid cyst protoscolices. Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices were collected from the liver of sheep infected with the hydatid cyst. Various concentrations of plant extracts were used in different exposure times for viability assay of protoscolices. Among the olive leaf extracts tested, 0.1% and 0.01% concentrations had strong scolicidal effects in 120 min. S. khuzestanica 0.1% had very strong scolicidal effects in 30, 60, and 120 min of exposure times and the mortality rate decreased with the lower concentration. The finding have shown that the scolicidal activity of S. khuzestanica against cystic echinococosis protoscolices were more effective, while the O. europaea extract showed less effects.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.

Antioxidants and infertility treatment, the role of Satureja Khuzestanica: a mini-systematic review

The use of antioxidants in the treatment of infertility has been suggested and recent studies have indicated that oral administration of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil [SKEO] to rats induces significant antioxidative effects. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of antioxidants in infertility and also to assess the effectiveness of Satureja Khuzestanica in infertility management. Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant trials published from respective database inception dates to August 2010. Study selection, and data extraction were performed by authors. Fifteen trials on evaluation of antioxidants in infertility and seven studies on the effectiveness of Satureja Khuzestanica were identified. Only 4 of the 15 trials were with application of allocation concealment and three studies were done in in-vitro environment. Despite the methodological and clinical heterogeneity of the trials, 14 of the 15 [93.33%] trials showed an improvement in either sperm quality or pregnancy rate after antioxidant therapy. The human and animal studies of Satureja Khuzestanica showed a significant antioxidative potential of the plant and its effectiveness for infertility improvement. The use of oral antioxidants in infertility could improve sperm quality and pregnancy rates. Improved fertility observed by SKEO in rats might be due to its antioxidative effect. Further studies and clinical trials in humans are necessary to evaluate SKEO effectiveness in fertility disturbances

Effects of Valeriane officinalis, Satureja hortensis and Mentha piperita extracts on the withdrawal syndrome signs in mice

Several studies have demonstrated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, sedative and smooth muscle relaxant activities of the Valeriane Officinalis [VO], Satureja Hortensis [SH], and Mentha Piperita [MP]. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts from these plants on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs in mice. 112 male albino mice [25-30 g] were used. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency by Marshall method. Different doses of the aqueous extracts of VO [25, 50, 100 mg/kg] and SH [25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg IP] and the hydroalcoholic extract of MP [50, 100, 200, 500 mg/kg IP] were injected to morphine-dependent mice 30 min before the naloxone injection [2mg/kg]. Control mice received saline. The severity of the morphine withdrawal responses was estimated by recordeing the number of jumping and the amount of weight feces during 3o min after naloxone injection. The results showed that the extracts of VO [25 mg/kg], SH [200 mg/kg], and MP [all doses] significantly [P<0.05] decreased the number of jumping. Also, the VO [50 and 100 mg/kg], SH and MP [all tested doses] significantly decreased the weight of stool. Our findings indicate that the extracts of VO, SH, and MP may diminish the morphine withdrawal syndrome signs

vitro antifungal activity of Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad against Cryptococcus neoformans

Finding the antifungal activity of Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad extract against Cryptococcus neoformans isolates. The dilution in agar method was used to test the plant extracts against C. neoformans. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] was described as the lowest concentration capable to inhibit any visible fungal growth. All nine C. neoformans strains used in this study were environmental isolates. The MIC value of Satureja Khuzestanica against C. neoformans isolates observed in this study demonstrated that the extract of this plant have antifungal activity. The MIC of extract of Satureja Khuzestanica ranged from 62.5-2000 microg/ml-1. The extract of this plant at concentration of 500 microg/ml-1 inhibited 78% of C. neoformans isolates. This study demonstrated that the extract of Satureja Khuzestanica has anticrptococcal activity. Our work open viewpoints of find more efficient medicines of herbal origin in the treatment of fungal mycoses

[ antimicrobial activity of thyme, sweet marjoram, savory and eucalyptus oils on escherichia coli, salmonella typhimurium, aspergillus niger and aspergillus flavus]

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in aviculture threatens the health of fowl and humans. Thyme [Zataria multiflora Boiss], sweet marjoram [Origanum majorana], savory [Satureja hortensis] and eucalyptus [Eucalyptus globules] are Iranian herbal medicines that are used in folk medicines. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these oils separately and in combination against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus in vitro condition. The antimicrobial activity of essential oils against different isolates of microorganisms was evaluated by disc diffusion and macro broth dilution assays. The results showed that the antimicrobial activity of thyme, sweet marjoram and savory oils against different bacteria and fungi were more than the eucalyptus oil. When ethanol was used as a solvent in comparison with dimethyl sulfoxide, the antimicrobial activity of oils was increased. The type of solvent creates meaningful discrepancy on effectiveness of oils [p<0.001]. In disc diffusion method, the fungi were sensitive than bacteria and A. niger was more sensitive than A. flavus. The sensitivity of bacteria was dependent to the type of bacteria and essential oil and the oils showed inhibitory effect against fungi and the fungicidal effect of oils were weaker than bactericidal effect. The antimicrobial activities of effective oils were related to thymol and carvacrol components in respect. Due to limitations in usage of chemical compounds in poultry and food industries, the essential oils look to be appropriate alternatives for some disinfectants to control the human and animal diseases in the future

Trypanocidal activity of some medicinal plants against the epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Some of medicinal plants are a potential source of new drugs to improve the treatment of Chagase disease whose treatment is still a challenge. Here in this screening, the in vitro trypanocidal activity of some fractions for 16 medicinal plants, collected from the northern part of Iran, has been reported. Aerial parts of the plants were dried carefully and followed by extraction with hexane and methanol, successively, by maceration at room temperature. Different concentrations of the plant extracts in ethanol were investigated against the epimastigotes of T. cruzi. The movement of epimastigotes was observed under a microscope. We assumed that immobilized organisms were died. The negative control contained ethanol in the same proportion utilized to dissolve the drugs. Each assay was performed in duplicate together with gentian violet as a positive control Results show that hexane extracts of Rubus hyrcanus and Salvia sclerae have been observed the most activity against the epimastigotes of T. cruzi [MLC = 12.5 micro g/ml]. None of methanol fractions shows trypanocidal activity except Salvia sclerae [MLC = 50 micro g/ml]. Echium amoenum, Satureja macrantha, S. atropatana and Stachys laxa did not display activity lower than 100 micro g/ml in both hexane and methanol extracts. Some of Iranian medicinal plants [Salvia sclerae, Marrubium vulgare and Rubus hyrcanus] could be the promising source of active components against the epimastigotes of T. cruzi and need to further phytochemical and pharmacological studies

Influence of heating on antiradical activity of essential oils of thyme, summer savory and clove by 2, 2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] method

Great interest has recently been focused on the addition of herbs and their derivatives to foods and biological systems, due to their well-known abilities to scavenge free radicals. For this reason, the antiradical activities of essential oils of thyme [Thymus vulgaris L.], summer savory [Satureja hortensis L.] and clove [Syzygium aromaticum L.] were studied. The essential oils of these medicinal plants were analyzed by GC/MS and the major chemical components were identified. Also, antiradical activities of these essential oils were evaluated by using DPPH radical. Samples were kept at 120 and 180°C for 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 hours to evaluate the influence of heating on the essential oils, then compared with controls [essential oils before heat treatment]. Results showed that clove oil had the highest antiradical activity and followed by summer savory and thyme oil, respectively. The essential oils showed various behaviors under different treatments of heating. All tested essential oils had radical scavenging activities at room temperature. These essential oils showed various behaviors under different heat treatments which it may be due to their different compositions

Susceptibilidade in vitro de bactérias bucais a tinturas fitoterápicas / Susceptibility in vitro of the buccal bacterias to phytotherapics tinctures

O Brasil dispõe de uma diversidade de substâncias naturais com propriedades terapêuticas bastante difundidas dentro da Odontologia Preventiva. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a atividade antibacteriana das tinturas de jucá, aroeira, gengibre, alfavaca, própolis, romã e hortelã da folha graúda, sobre as linhagens de S. aureus (ATCC 25923), S. mutans (ATCC 2575), S. sobrinus (ATCC 27609), S. mitis (ATCC 9811), S. sanguis (ATCC 10557) e L. casei (ATCC 7469), utilizando-se a clorexldina 0,12% como controle positivo. Determinou-se a diluição inibitória máxima (DIM) em meio de cultura Agar Mueller Hlnton, das tinturas nas formas pura (1:0) e diluídas de 1:1 até 1:32. Observou-se susceptibilidade variada das bactérias, sendo o S. aureus o microorganismo mais sensível. Dentre as tinturas, o jucá, a aroeira e a própolis apresentaram uma significativa atividade antibacteriana sobre S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. mitis, S. sanguis e L.casei, sendo que o gengibre e a alfavaca apresentaram os menores espectros de ação frente às linhagens bacterianas avaliadas.

In vitro anti-epimastigote activity of some Iranian medicinal plants

Some medicinal plants are a potential source of new drugs, in order to improve the treatment of Chagas disease whose treatment is still a challenge. In this study, the in vitro anti-epimastigote activity of certain fractions of Achillea biebersteinii, A. millefolium, Satureja mutica and S. macrantha was evaluated. Diethyl ether fractions of Achillea species and acetone fractions of Satureja species were the most active fractions [MLC=12.5 microg/ml] against the epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, the ethiological agent causing Chagas disease. The trypanocidal activity seems to be decreased by fractionation, using MeOH and water as the solvents. The results obtained from assay revealed that Achillea and Satureja species could be a source of active trypanocidal compounds

A Study on Dietary Behavior of Children According to the Their Preferences for Fast Food / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary behavior of children according to their preference for fast food. The study was carried out on 470, 6th grade students (boys : 236, girls : 234) in September, 2002. The results are summarized as follows : The mean body mass index was 18.72 kg/m2 for boys and 17.76 kg/m2 for girls. The subjective health disorder symptoms for the group preferring fast food was not significantly different than that of the other groups. The group preferring fast food consumed an inadequate volume of food, and they had an irregular and unbalanced diet. Their intake of green vegetables, vegetables, protein foods, and seaweed was significantly lower than that of the other groups. The food habit score for the group preferring fast food was lower than that of the other groups, and they had irregular meal times and had unbalanced diets. The group preferring fast food had a preference for sweet tastes, whilst members of the other group preferred a savory taste. The first choice for fast food by the group preferring fast food was hamburgers, the reason being that it tasted good. Results show that children who have a preference for fast food need to correct their dietary behavior. As a result, proper nutritional education and intervention is required in order to improve the consuming habits of children and their preference for fast food.