THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF AROMATIC PLANT LEAF (MENTHA PIPERITA L.) AND FRUIT EXTRACT (FLACOURTIA JANGOMAS LOUR) AGAINST THE UTI BACTERIAL PATHOGENS

Medicinal plants are considered colossal producers of bioactive therapeutics agents. Fruit is an essential part of the human diet and is of great interest because of its richness in phytochemicals. The present study was chosen the objectives are assessment the antibacterial activity against the dominantly affected seven Urinary Tract Infected (UTI) pathogenic bacterial species plant leaf extracts and fruits such as Mentha piperita (L.), Flacourtia jangomas (Lour) Raeusch. Experimental UTI pathogenic organisms named as Alcaligens sp., Kliebsiella sp., E. coli, Proteus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Hence the current result has been clearly depicted that the methanol extract of Mentha piperita leaf expressed the potential signicant antibacterial activity against the ve UTI pathogenic organisms such as Alcaligens sp., and Klebsirlla sp. Proteus species and Pseudomonas sp., than other two experimental extracts of benzene and ethanol. From the present result clearly noticed three elucidated compounds are act as an antibacterial bio-compounds such Octadecanoic acid methyl ester, 1, 2, 4, 5-tetramethyl Piperone and α-Propyl tetradecanol present in methanol leaf.extract of M. piperita (L.) plant. Similarly F. jangomas (Lou.) fruit extract (methanol).possessed the antibacterial property biologically effective compounds named as Lavandulol, α-Humulene and Terpineol. Therefore, both experimental plant leaf and fruit extract possessed signicant antibacterial activity against the tested seven UTI clinical pathogenic organisms Furthermore nanoparticle study also denoted both experimental methanol extracts of M. piperita (L.), (leaf) F.jangomas (Lour) expressed the signicant nanoparticle production. It was noticed the range between 21.50 to 41.03nm and 60.52 to 19.22nm. for M. piperita (L.) F. jangomas fruit juice extract respectively. From the current research clearly showed that methanol extract of both experimental samples could be act as a potential traditional plant based medicines for urinary tract infected diseases.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extracts of Mentha arvensis Linn. and demonstration of their in vitro antibacterial activities

Abstract A study was carried out to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using plant extracts and to explore their pharmaceutical application as antibacterial agents. Dried leaves of Mentha arvensis Linn. were powdered and extracts were prepared using three different organic solvents. Preliminary screening on antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method indicated that the methanolic extract possessed higher potential than the other two. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract revealed that it possesses tannins, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids. Ag-NPs prepared using this extract were of spherical to cuboidal shape ranging in size from 40 to 70 nm. It retained essential chemical groups and had the required surface plasmon resonance. Further to the antimicrobial assay, the Ag-NPs, in contrast to the whole methanolic leaf extract, showed better (100% vs. 80%) bactericidal activity against the indicator organisms. The zones of growth inhibition for gram positive bacteria ranged between 14±0.6 and 23±0.3, while it was between 12±0.6 and 22±0.2 for gram negative bacteria. The Ag-NPs presented the minimum inhibitory concentration values of 250 µg/mL for gram positive bacteria and 250 - 500 µg/mL for gram negative bacteria. These findings suggest that the natural compounds present in M. arvensis L. possess the potency to facilitate the synthesis and antibacterial action of Ag-NPs.

Bioacessibility of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in organic peppermint leaves

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds as well as their antioxidant capabilities of organic peppermint leaves after each phase of simulated digestion. Moisture was determined until a constant weight was obtained in an oven at 105 °C; ash was determined after sample calcination in a muffle furnace at 550 °C. The protein concentration was determined by the Macro-Kjeldahl method and lipid content by hot-extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus. Carbohydrates were calculated from differences and energy values based on the Atwater conversion factors. Total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometry. A four-step procedure was used for in vitro digestion. Organic peppermint was found to contain the following: 78% moisture, 1.7% ash, 1.5% lipids, 0.3% proteins, 17.7% carbohydrates, and a total of 85.5 kcal/100 g. Values of 705 mg GAE/100 g of phenolic, 918 mg QE/100 g of flavonoids, and 58.8 mg/g of vitamin C were also measured. It was discovered that total phenolics had the highest bioaccessible fraction relative to flavonoids; the salivary phase was identified as that with the highest release of these compounds and thus the phase in which peppermint showed significant antioxidant activity (1509 μmol TEAC/100g). This study demonstrated that organic peppermint has a high content of phenolic compounds that can be extracted from the alimentary matrix in the salivary and intestinal phases of the digestive system. Because of the antioxidant activity of these compounds, the use of this aromatic plant as seasonings and spices is relevant.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la composición química de hojas de menta orgánica y la bioaccesibilidad de los compuestos fenólicos así como su capacidad antioxidante. Se determinó la humedad hasta obtener un peso constante en el horno a 105 °C, la ceniza se determinó en un horno de mufla a 550 °C. La concentración de proteína se determinó mediante el método Macro-Kjeldahl y los lípidos mediante extracción en un aparato Soxhlet. Los carbohidratos se calcularon por diferencia y energía basadas en los factores de conversión de Atwater. El contenido fenólico y la actividad antioxidante se determinaron por espectrofotometría. Se usó un procedimiento de cuatro pasos para la digestión in vitro. La menta orgánica contiene 78% de humedad, 1,7% de cenizas, 1,5% de lípidos, 0,3% de proteínas, 17,7% de carbohidratos y 85,5 kcal/100 g. También se midieron valores de 705 mg GAE/100g de fenólico, 918 mg QE/100 g de flavonoides y 58,8 mg/g de vitamina C. Se descubrió que los fenólicos tenían la fracción bioaccesible más alta en relación con los flavonoides; la fase salival se identificó como aquella con la mayor liberación de estos compuestos y, por lo tanto, la menta mostró una actividad antioxidante significativa (1509 μmol de TEAC/100 g). La menta orgánica tiene un alto contenido de fenólicos que se pueden extraer en las fases salival e intestinal. Debido a la actividad antioxidante de estos compuestos, el uso de esta planta como condimentos y especias es relevante.

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.

Seasonal variation in essential oil content and chemical profile of mint in southeast of Brazil / Variação sazonal no teor e perfil químico do óleo essencial de menta no sudeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the influence of seasonality in essential oil (EO) chemical composition of Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha viridis L. grown in southeast of Brazil. Leaves were collected from November 2011 until August 2013, in the middle of the following seasons: Spring (November), Summer (February), Autumn (May) and Winter (August). EO extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation in Clevenger apparatus for 1 hour. Chemical composition of EO was analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The EO content and its chemical composition were influenced by seasonality in both species. The highest EO content was obtained for M. x piperita during spring (4.26%) and for M. viridis during spring (3.30%) and summer (3.70%). Mentha x piperita increased menthol (16.31 to 41.26%), neomenthol (3.02 to 6.39%) and menthone (5.56 to 41.58%) contents during spring and summer, respectively. Whereas, M. viridis EO content did not show a quality response pattern in relation to seasonality. Therefore, harvest time for M. x piperita is recommended during spring, and for M. viridis is recommended during spring and summer.

RESUMO: O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da sazonalidade na composição química do óleo essencial (OE) de Mentha x piperita L. e Mentha viridis L. cultivadas no sudeste do Brasil. As folhas foram coletadas de novembro de 2011 até agosto de 2013, em meados das seguintes estações: primavera (novembro), verão (fevereiro), outono (maio) e inverno (agosto). A extração do OE foi realizada por hidrodestilação em aparelho de Clevenger por uma hora. A composição química do EO foi analisada por GC-FID and GC-MS. O teor de OE e sua composição química foram influenciados pela sazonalidade em ambas as espécies. O maior teor de OE foi obtido para M. x piperita na primavera (4,26%) e para M. viridis na primavera (3,30%) e verão (3,70%). Mentha x piperita aumentou o conteúdo de mentol (16,31 a 41,26%), neomentol (3,02 a 6,39%) e mentona (5,56 a 41,58%) durante a primavera e o verão, respectivamente. Já o conteúdo de OE de M. viridis não apresentou padrão de resposta de qualidade em relação à sazonalidade. Portanto, a colheita para M. x piperita é recomendada durante a primavera, e para M. viridis é recomendada durante a primavera e verão.

In vivo effect of essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its active compound against Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907) / Efeito in vivo do óleo essencial de Mentha x villosa e seu composto ativo sobre Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907)

Abstract Schistosomiasis treatment is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). The development of resistance of PZQ has drawn the attention of many researchers to alternative drugs. One viable and promising treatment is the study of medicinal plants as a new approach to the experimental treatment for Schistosomiasis. The present work aimed to evaluate in vivo antischistosomal activity of effect of Mentha x villosa Oil Essential (Mv-EO) and rotundifolone (ROT) against Schistosoma mansoni. Thirty-day-old female Swiss webster mice (Mus musculus) weighing 50 grams were used. Mice were infected with 80 cercariae of S. mansoni (BH strain) and orally administered Mv-EO (50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg) and ROT (35.9, 70.9 and 141.9 mg/Kg) at 45-days post infection for 5 consecutive days. All mice were euthanized 60 days after infection. Praziquantel was the positive control in the experiment. Doses of 200 mg/kg (Mv-EO) and ROT (141.9 mg/Kg) resulted in a significant reduction in fluke burden (72.44% and 74.48%, respectively). There was also marked reduction in liver, intestinal and faecal and changed oogram pattern, compared to infected untreated mice. Considering the results obtained, further biological studies are required in order to elucidate the mechanism of schistosomicidal action on against adult S. mansoni.

Resumo O tratamento da esquistossomose é dependente de uma única droga, praziquantel (PZQ). O desenvolvimento da resistência de PZQ tem atraído atenção de muitos pesquisadores por medicamentos alternativos. Um tratamento viável e promissor é o estudo das plantas medicinais como uma nova abordagem para o tratamento experimental para esquistossomose. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a atividade esquistossomicida in vivo óleo essencial de Mentha x villosa (OE-Mv) e rotundifolona (ROT) contra Schistosoma mansoni. Foram utilizados camundongos Swiss webster (Mus musculus) fêmea de trinta dias de idade pesando 50 gramas. Os camundongos foram infectados com 80 cercárias de S. mansoni (cepa BH) e administrado por via oral OE-Mv (50, 100 e 200 mg/Kg) e ROT (35,9, 70,9 e 141,9 mg/Kg) apos 45 dias de infecção durante 5 dias consecutivos. Todos os animais foram eutanasiados 60 dias após a infecção. Praziquantel foi o controle positivo no experimento. O tratamento dos camundongos infectados com doses de 200 mg/kg (OE-Mv) e rotundifolona (141,9 mg/Kg) resultaram em redução significativa dos vermes (72.44% e 74.48%, respectivamente). Foi observado também redução no fígado, intestino e fecal e alteração no padrão do oograma, em comparação aos camundongos infectados e não tratados. Considerando os resultados obtidos, mais estudos biológicos são necessários a fim de elucidar o mecanismo de ação esquistossomicida contra adultos de S. mansoni.

Preparation of self-microemulsion gel drug delivery system of Carthamus tinctorius extract based on Mentha haplocalyx oil as oil phase / 中草药

Objective: To prepare the self-microemulsion gel drug delivery system of Carthamus tinctorius extract based on Mentha haplocalyx oil as oil phase. Methods: M. haplocalyx oil was used as the oil phase, and C. tinctorius extract was used as the water phase. The prescription of self-microemulsion were optimized by pseudo-ternary phase diagram, the process and prescription of gel were screened by single-factor method and the appearance, viscosity and pH value were evaluated. Result: The optimal formulation of CTE-SMEDDS-BGs was as following: F68 was the emulsifier, anhydrous ethanol was the co-emulsifier, the Km ratio was 1:1, and the total amount of emulsifier and co-emulsifier to M. plocalyx oil was 8:2, carbopol-980 was 2%, glycerin was 6%, and C. tinctorius extract was 5 mL. The CTE-SMEDDS-BGs was obtained by adding the CTE-SMEDDS into swelling gel matrix and triethylamine was used to adjust the pH to 6.0. The characteristics of appearance were yellow translucent, moderate viscosity, uniform and delicate, non-greasy, and easy to spread on the skin, the viscosity was 4.98 × 104 mPa•s (RSD was 1.53%), pH was 6.04 (RSD was 0.44%). Conclusion: The CTE- SMEDDS-BGs with M. plocalyx oil as oil phase is simple and stable, and meets the requirements of gel topical preparations.

Antimicrobial effects of edible nano-composite based on bean pod shell gum, nano-TiO2, and Mentha pulegium essential oil

Natural antioxidants in edible coatings can modify the structure and improves the functionality and applicabilityof the film in food industries. This study was done to determine the antimicrobial effect of nano-compositebased on bean pod shell gum (4% w/v), TiO2 nano-particles (NPs) (1%–2% w/v) and Mentha pulegiumessential oil (EO) (2%–4% v/v) on five food-borne pathogens in two categories, including Gram positives andthree Gram-negatives bacteria. The antimicrobial activity was tested using disk diffusion test. According to theresults, Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria. Increasing M. pulegiumEO and TiO2 NPs content increased the antimicrobial activity of the edible film based on bean pod shell gum,so that the treatment containing 4% v/v M. pulegium EO and 2% w/v TiO2 NPs led to the highest inhibitionzone (11.8–15.2 mm) compared to treatment containing 2% v/v M. pulegium EO and 1% w/v TiO2 NPs withinhibition zone range of 9.8–11.5 mm. In general, TiO2 NPs and M. pulegium EO improved the functionalproperties, including antimicrobial activity of the edible film based on bean pod shell gum which increases thepotential of films to be used for fresh products.

Chemo-biological evaluation of antidiabetic activity of Mentha arvensis L. and its role in inhibition of advanced glycation end products

Background: There has been enormous curiosity in the development of alternative plant based medicinesto control diabetes, oxidative stress and related disorders. One of the therapeutic approaches is to reducepostprandial release of glucose in the blood. Two key enzymes that are involved in reducing postprandialglucose are a-amylase and a-glucosidase. Mentha arvensis L. has been traditionally used by several tribesas a medicinal plant to treat various disorders.Objective: The present study was undertaken to test M. arvenisis L. for inhibition of postprandialhyperglycemia.Material and method: We performed various in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate efficacy of M. arvenisis L.for antidiabetic activity (postprandial hyperglycemia).Results: Methanolic extract of M. arvensis L. leaves showed DPPH free radical scavenging activity (morethan 78% mg/ml) and high antiglycation potential (more than 90% inhibition of AGE formation). Methanolic extract also showed remarkable inhibitory effects on a-amylase (more than 50% mg/ml) and aglucosidase (68% mg/ml) and significant inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemia in starch induced diabetic Wistar rats.Conclusion: The non-insulin dependent antidiabetic or inhibition of postprandial hyperglycemic activityof methanolic extract of M. arvensis L. leaves was shown by using in vitro and in vivo approaches in thepresent study.© 2018 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Blend of Herbal Extracts Taken Once Per Day for Weight Loss in Healthy Volunteers

Aims: We previously demonstrated that a blend of herbal extracts (Weighlevel®; a mixture of extracts from the leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris, Olea europaea, Mentha longifolia and from the seeds of Cuminum cyminum) taken 3 times per day produces weight loss in preclinical and clinical studies. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of a new slow-release formulation (Weighlevel® One) taken once per day on change in body weight and related measures. Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Place and Duration of Study: Health Clinics in Copenhagen, Denmark between 7 January 2016 and 5 March 2016. Methodology: Thirty-six adult subjects were randomized to consume the herbal blend (n = 20) or placebo (n = 16) once per day for 8 weeks. Weight and waist circumference were assessed weekly. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in body weight for the herbal blend group compared with placebo. Secondary assessments included waist circumference, appetite, craving, bowel health, and safety and tolerability. Results: After 8 weeks, the herbal blend group lost an average of 3.7 kg (95% CI of 3.0 to 4.5 kg); whereas the placebo group lost 0.1 kg (95% CI of -0.7 to 1.0 kg). This difference in mean weight loss between the herbal blend and placebo groups was statistically significant (P <.001). A statistically significant reduction in waist circumference was also observed for the herbal blend compared with placebo (P <.001). The herbal blend was well tolerated; no adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Daily administration of this blend of herbal extracts, administered once daily, may produce weight loss.

Morphological characteristics of leaves and DNA barcoding for identification of Mentha haplocalyx and its related species / 中草药

Objective: The morphological characteristics of plants and the application of ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences in the identification of Mentha haplocalyx and its related species were discussed in order to provide references for the identification of M. haplocalyx and its related species. Methods: The morphological characteristics such as the shape of leaf and leaf edge, villous density and glandular scale density of M. haplocalyx and its related species were observed. Alignment was performed to compare ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences of the tested materials. The data were processed and analyzed by means of comparing the morphological characteristics of plants, analyzing the DNA barcode sequences, calculating the genetic distance, and constructing NJ trees. Results: The NJ trees were constructed according to the morphological characteristics of plants combined with ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences, which showed that M. arvensis was closely related to Satureja Hortensis, Salvia miltiorrhiza was closely related to Perilla frutescens, Mentha piperita was closely related to the Monarda didyma and Agastache rugosa was closely related to Nepeta cataria. This method could distinguish M. haplocalyx from its related species. Conclusion: ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences can be used as DNA barcode of M. haplocalyx and its related species, and the combination with morphological characters of leaves is better for the identification.

Chemical composition of Mentha suaveolens and Pinus halepensis essential oils and their antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Objective: To determin the chemical compounds of Mentha suaveolens (M. suaveolens) and Pinus halepensis (P. halepensis) essential oils (Eos) and evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Methods: The chemical composition of P. halepensis and M. suaveolens EOs was determined by GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The antibacterial effect was tested against 6 bacterial strains using the well diffusion method and micro-dilution assay. Results: The major components of P. halepensis EOs were β-caryophyllene (28.04%), myrcene (23.81%) and α-pinene (12.02%). However, piperitenone oxid (56.28%), piperitenone (11.64%) and pulegone (6.16%) were the major components of M. suaveolens EOs. M. suaveolens EOs showed remarkable antioxidant activities compared with P. halepensis EOs, showing antioxidant capacity values of IC50=(64.76±2.24) μg/mL, IC50=(82.73±3.34) μg/mL, and IC50=(93.35±4.45) μg/mL, revealed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, respectively. However, P. halepensis EOs showed interesting antibacterial effects against all bacterial strains. The most sensible strains to P. halepensis EOs were Staphylococcus aureus [(34.00±0.50) mm], Listeria monocytogenes [(31.00±1.50)] mm and Proteus mirabilis [(29.00±2.25)mm]. Furthermore, the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were revealed by P. halepensis EOs against Staphylococcus aureus [MIC=MBC=0.125% (v/v)] and Listeria monocytogenes [MIC=MBC=0.25% (v/v)]. Conclusions: P. halepensis and M. suaveolens EOs contain bioactive compounds that could have potential applications against bacterial infections and oxidative stress related diseases as well as for food conservation. However, further investigations are necessary to isolate and investigate the action mechanisms of these bioactive compounds.

Nanoemulsified Mentha piperita and Eucalyptus globulus oils exhibit enhanced repellent activities against Anopheles stephensi

Objective: To formulate nanoemulsion from essential oils of Mentha (M.) piperita L. and Eucalyptus (E.) globulus L. and to compare their repellant activity with normal essential oils and N,N-diethyl-m toluamide (DEET) as a standard chemical compound. Methods: In this study, protection time of essential oils and DEET was evaluated on four human subjects using test cage, and their values were determined against Anopheles stephensi. Furthermore, ED50 values for the above essential oils were determined using the ASTM E951-94 method. The compositions of essential oils were determined using GC-MS, and droplet size and zeta potential of the nanoemulsion were measured with dynamic light scattering. Results: The results (expressed as mean±SD) showed that protection time of M. piperita 50%, M. piperita Nano 50%, E. globulus 50%, E. globulus Nano 50%, and DEET 25% was (2.89±0.45) h, (4.17±0.28) h, (0.96±0.27) h, (5.51±0.02) h, and (6.10±0.47) h, respectively. ED50 values were 29.10 (95% CI: 23.36-36.06) μg/cm2 for Mentha, 19.39 (15.35-23.99) μg/cm2 for Mentha Nano, 36.10 (28.70-48.01) μg/cm2 for Eucalyptus, 18.50 (14.65-23.23) μg/cm2 for Eucalyptus Nano, and 3.62 (2.68-4.55) μg/cm2 for DEET, respectively. E. globulus Nano and M. piperita Nano provided significantly longer protection than normal essential oils E. globulus and M. piperita (P<0.01). Conclusions: The preparation of nanoemulsion from the essential oils of M. piperita and E. globulus, significantly increases the protection time and reduces ED50 values of these essential oils, hence, M. piperita Nano and E. globulus Nano can be good alternatives to DEET and other chemical compounds.

Comparative study for morphological identification, chemical component analysis, and DNA barcode determination of three plants and their varieties in Genus Mentha / 药学学报

The morphological identification, chemical component analysis, and DNA barcode determination were investigated on Genus Mentha (including Mentha haplocalyx Briq., Mentha piperita Linn., Mentha spicata Linn. and Mentha cultivated) in order to reveal the origin of Herba Mentha as a drug, and ensure the accuracy in clinic application. The morphological characters, chemical composition analysis by GC-MS/MS and DNA content measure by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were reported in this study for inter- or intra- species divergence. Based on the morphology, axillary verticillasters was recognized as the typical character for Mentha haplocalyx Briq. Carvone was used as an index component for chemical composition analysis of Mentha spicata Linn. Gene clustering analysis divided 22 batches of samples into two molecular groups. Mentha haplocalyx Briq. is distinguishably different from Mentha spicata Linn. Mentha piperita Linn. and other cultivated plants were distributed between these two species. The results obtained by morphological identification, chemical composition analysis, and DNA barcode determination show good correlations, but each identification method has its limit. In view of the fact that hybridization of the plants in Genus Mentha is common, identification relying on only one method is not recommended.

Chemical composition of Mentha suaveolens and Pinus halepensis essential oils and their antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Objective: To determin the chemical compounds of Mentha suaveolens (M. suaveolens) and Pinus halepensis (P. halepensis) essential oils (Eos) and evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Methods: The chemical composition of P. halepensis and M. suaveolens EOs was determined by GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The antibacterial effect was tested against 6 bacterial strains using the well diffusion method and micro-dilution assay. Results: The major components of P. halepensis EOs were β-caryophyllene (28.04%), myrcene (23.81%) and α-pinene (12.02%). However, piperitenone oxid (56.28%), piperitenone (11.64%) and pulegone (6.16%) were the major components of M. suaveolens EOs. M. suaveolens EOs showed remarkable antioxidant activities compared with P. halepensis EOs, showing antioxidant capacity values of IC

Nanoemulsified Mentha piperita and Eucalyptus globulus oils exhibit enhanced repellent activities against Anopheles stephensi

Objective: To formulate nanoemulsion from essential oils of Mentha (M.) piperita L. and Eucalyptus (E.) globulus L. and to compare their repellant activity with normal essential oils and N,N-diethyl-m toluamide (DEET) as a standard chemical compound. Methods: In this study, protection time of essential oils and DEET was evaluated on four human subjects using test cage, and their values were determined against Anopheles stephensi. Furthermore, ED

Uso de antioxidantes naturais em hambúrgueres elaborados com carne mecanicamente separada de aves / Use of natural antioxidants in hamburgers prepared with mechanically separated poultry meat / Uso de antioxidantes naturales en hamburguesas elaboradas con carne mecánicamente separada de aves

Antioxidantes são substâncias utilizadas para preservar alimentos por meio do retardamento da deterioração, da rancidez e descolorações decorrentes da oxidação. Os antioxidantes disponíveis incluem os sintéticos e os naturais, no entanto, devido à possibilidade de efeitos carcinogênicos e mutagênicos, cada vez mais, existe uma busca pelo uso de antioxidantes naturais. A CMS (Carne Mecanicamente Separada) origina-se do processamento da carne, sendo formado pelo dorso, pescoço e da desossa da ave após processamento da carne para formação dos cortes. A legislação brasileira recomenda no máximo até 30% de CMS na produção de hambúrgueres, demonstrando a possibilidade de seu aproveitamento em um produto de maior valor comercial. Além disso, por ser uma carne extremamente processada está mais sujeita à oxidação, o que faz com que seja necessário o uso de antioxidantes visando, principalmente, aumentar o tempo de prateleira. Dessa forma, fazem-se necessárias pesquisas avaliando o uso de antioxidantes naturais, tais como os óleos essenciais. Em pesquisa recente desenvolvida por nosso grupo de pesquisa foi avaliado a produção de hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de aves (frangos e galinhas) e adicionado de óleo essencial de hortelã ou orégano como antioxidante em diferentes níveis (0,04; 0,06 e 0,08%) e resultados prévios demonstraram uma boa aceitabilidade no teste de preferência para qualquer um dos níveis utilizados. No entanto, os resultados da avaliação da capacidade antioxidante e análise microbiológica devem ser avaliados para se definir o melhor nível de uso dos óleos essenciais de orégano ou hortelã como antioxidante natural em produtos elaborados com CMS de aves.(AU)

Antioxidants are used to preserve food by delaying deterioration, rancidity and discoloration caused by oxidation. Antioxidants can be either synthetic or natural; however, due to the possibility of carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, there has been an increasing search for the use of natural antioxidants. Mechanically separated meat (MSM) originates from the meat processing, being formed by the back, neck and the deboning process of poultry, and the subsequent processing of the meat to form the cuts. The Brazilian legislation recommends a maximum of 30% of MSM in the production of hamburgers, demonstrating the possibility of its use in a product with greater commercial value. Moreover, since this is an extremely processed meat, it is more prone to oxidation, requiring the use of antioxidants to increase shelf life. Thus, research is needed to evaluate the use of natural antioxidants such as essential oils. In recent research developed by this research group, the production of hamburgers made with MSM from poultry and the addition of mint or oregano essential oil as antioxidant at different levels (0.04, 0.06, and 0.08%), with prior results showing good acceptability in the preference test for all the levels used. However, the antioxidant capacity assessment and microbiological analysis must be evaluated in order to determine the optimal usage level of oregano or mint essential oils as natural antioxidants in products made with poultry MSM.(AU)

Los antioxidantes son sustancias utilizadas para preservar los alimentos por medio de retraso del deterioro, de la rancidez y de las decoloraciones resultantes de la oxidación. Los antioxidantes disponibles incluyen los sintéticos y los naturales, sin embargo, debido a la posibilidad de efectos carcinogénicos y mutagénicos, cada vez más existen búsquedas por el uso de antioxidantes naturales. La CMS (carne mecánicamente separada) se origina del procesamiento de la carne, siendo formado por el dorso, el cuello y el deshuesado del ave después del procesamiento de la carne para la formación de los cortes. La legislación brasileña recomienda al máximo hasta un 30% de CMS en la producción de hamburguesas, demostrando la posibilidad de su aprovechamiento en un producto de mayor valor comercial. Además, por ser una carne extremadamente procesada está más sujeta a la oxidación, lo que hace que es necesario el uso de antioxidantes, buscando principalmente aumentar el tiempo de estantería. De esa forma, se hacen necesarias investigaciones evaluando el uso de antioxidantes naturales, tales como los aceites esenciales. En investigación reciente desarrollada por nuestro grupo de investigadores se evaluó la producción de hamburguesas elaboradas con CMS de aves (pollos y gallinas), agregado de aceite esencial de menta u orégano como antioxidante en diferentes niveles (0,04, 0,06 y 0, 08%), resultados previos demostraron una buena aceptación en la prueba de preferencia para cualquiera de los niveles utilizados. Sin embargo, los resultados de la evaluación de capacidad antioxidante y el análisis microbiológico deben ser evaluados para definir el mejor nivel de uso de los aceites esenciales de orégano o menta como antioxidante natural en productos elaborados con CMS de aves.(AU)

Study on antiviral activity and characteristic spectrum of phenolic fraction of Mentha haplocalyx / 中草药

Objective To explore the anti-influenza virus effect of phenolic fraction of Mentha haplocalyx in vitro, and to establish the HPLC characteristic spectrum of phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx for its quality evaluation. Methods MTT method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx on influenza virus PR8 infecting MDCK cells in three ways, including adding drug firstly, adding drug and virus simultaneously and adding virus firstly. The characteristic spectrum of phenolic fraction samples of 12 batches of M. haplocalyx was established by HPLC method. The similarity of which was analyzed with Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chinese Materia Medica (2.0 version). Results The phenolic fraction at 0.31—10 μg/mL showed antivirus PR8 activities in different degrees under three adding drug ways. Phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx at six dilution concentrations displayed obvious antivirus PR8 effect under two adding drug ways including adding drug firstly and adding virus firstly, and virus inhibition rates of which were 14.17%—41.31% and 45.64%—87.48%, respectively. Total of 11 peaks were chosen as the common characteristic peaks of spectrum with the similarity degrees more than 0.9 of 12 batches of samples, which illustrated that different batches of phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx were of high similarity. Conclusion Phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx had better antiviral effect in vitro. The characteristic spectrum method established in this paper was simple, stable and reproducible, which could reflect the whole profile of phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx and provide reference for quality control and efficacy stability of phenolic fraction of M. haplocalyx.

Study on difference of flavonoids content in stems and leaves of Mentha Haplocalycis Herba in different harvest periods / 中国中药杂志

The dynamic changes of active components in stems and leaves of Mentha Haplocalycis Herba(mint) at different harvest periods were investigated, and the optimum harvest time of mint was explored. In this study, hesperidin, diosmin, didymin and buddleoside were selected as flavonoids index components of mint, and the QAMS method was established to measure the contents of these flavonoids in mint. The contents of 4 flavonoid glycosides in the mint stems and leaves from three habitats harvested in different time were studied and evaluated comprehensively using statistical analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the contents of 4 components in the leaves are higher than that in the stems despite of habitats and harvest time, and they all exhibited dynamic changes along with the harvest periods within the same habitat. Three harvest periods in mid April, mid September and late October scored higher in comprehensive evaluation in Jiangsu region, the genuine producing area of Mentha Haplocalycis Herba. Combined with the yield and contents of active compounds, the optimum harvest time of mint in Jiangsu region was mid September and late October, which is basically consistent with the traditional harvesting periods.

Mentha pulegium crude extracts induce thiol oxidation and potentiate hemolysis when associated to t-butyl hydroperoxide in human's erythrocytes

ABSTRACT Mentha pulegium (Lamiaceae) tea has been used as a traditional medicine; however, the modulatory effect of M. pulegium extracts on damage to human erythrocytes associated to t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) exposure remains to be investigated. Accordingly, we perform this study in order to test the hypothesis that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. pulegium could modulate the hemolysis associated to t-BHP exposure, non-protein thiol (NPSH) oxidation and lipid peroxidation (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) in human erythrocytes. Samples were co-incubated with t-BHP (4 mmol/L) and/or aqueous or ethanolic extracts (10-1000 mg/mL) during 120 min to further analysis. We found that both extracts, when associated to t-BHP, potentiate NPSH oxidation and hemolysis. Moreover, both extracts significantly prevents against t-BHP-induced TBARS production. A significant correlation among hemolysis and NPSH levels was found. Taking together, our data points that the association of M. pulegium extracts with t-BHP culminates in toxic effect to exposed erythrocytes, besides its protective effect against t-BHP-induced TBARS production. So, we infer that the use of this extract may exert negative effect during painful crisis in sickle cell anemia. However, more studies are still necessary to better investigate/understand the mechanism(s) involved in the toxic effect resultant from this association.