Myrtus communis leaves: source of bio - actives, traditional use, their biological properties, and prospects / Hojas de Myrtus communis: fuente de bioactivos, uso tradicional, sus propiedades biológicas y perspectivas

Myrtus communis L., commonly known as true myrtle, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean area. Since ancient times, the inhabitant s of this area have been using it for its cultural and medicinal properties. Because of the vast diversity of biomolecules in its aerial parts, it exhibits several biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. This review retrospect the research on the source, biological activities with empirical evidence, chemical composition, applications, and cellular targets of extracts and essential oils obtained from M. communis leaves, which provides a perspective for further studies on the applications and formulations of extract and EO of M. communis leaves. The efficacy of constituents' individually, in association with other bioactive constituents, or in combination with available commercial drugs would provide insights in to the development of these bio - actives as future drugs and their evolving future potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and aroma industries.

Myrtus communis L., comúnmente conocido como arrayán verdadero, es una planta medicinal originaria de la zona mediterránea. Desde la antigüedad, los habitantes de esta zona lo utilizan por sus propiedades culturales y medicinales. Debido a la gran div ersidad de biomoléculas en sus partes aéreas, exhibe varias propiedades biológicas, incluidas propiedades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas y anticancerígenas. Esta revisión retrospectiva de la investigación sobre la fuente, las actividades biológicas con evi dencia empírica, la composición química, las aplicaciones y los objetivos celulares de los extractos y aceites esenciales obtenidos de las hojas de M. communis , lo que brinda una perspectiva para futuros estudios sobre las aplicaciones y formulaciones de l os extractos y EO de M. communis . La eficacia de los componentes individualmente, en asociación con otros componentes bioactivos o en combinación con medicamentos comerciales disponibles proporcionaría información sobre el desarrollo de estos bioactivos co mo medicamentos futuros y sus futuras aplicaciones potenciales en las industrias farmacéutica, alimentaria y aromática

Germplasm screening of Myrtus communius Var. Italica l. for cultivar development from dir lower (Malakand Division), Pakistan

Habb-ul-Aas is a commercial drug obtained from Myrtus communis L and widely used for abdominal disorders in Pakistan. This sclerophyllous shrub is commonly found in the Lower Dir, Malakand Division, Pakistan. This plant is used as crude drug in herbal as well as pharmaceutical industry due to presence of aromatic oil obtained from various parts of the plant. Two varieties viz., italic and baetica of the plant exist in the world; however, no study reported before about the existence of this species up to the varietal level from Pakistan. The current study was undertaken to characterize the existing germplasm by using certain morphometric parameters in relation to physiognomic features. They exhibit high variability among characters, especially for characteristics useful in selecting cultivars for commercial production. Among the various ecotypes, MBT3 possessed high shoot length (29.96cm), leaf area (2.3cm), fruit volume (0.97ml) & fruit weight (0.88g) and pulp (0.87g) and therefore recommended for the cultivar development.

Discussion on traditional Chinese medicine properties of Myrtus communis leaves based on literature analysis and Chinese medicine theory / 中国中药杂志

Myrtus communis is a traditional medicinal aromatic plant in the Mediterranean. At present, the plant has been introduced and cultivated in the southern part of China, and it is mostly used for ornamental or cosmetic purposes. Based on literature analysis and the theory of Chinese medicine, we discussed the medicinal parts and properties of M. communis in this paper to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the medicinal value of M. communis and its compatibility with traditional Chinese medicines. Literatures were searched from Web of Science(core collection), PubMed, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang by using the set conditions as key words. Then the obtained literatures were screened and classified. Finally, a total of 376 articles were included, consisting of 44 reviews, 54 germplasm resources, 78 chemical researches, 48 studies on application, extraction, or quality, 18 human trials, 132 pharmacological studies, and 2 safety studies. Based on literature analysis and theories of Chinese medicine, the leaves of M. communis were finally selected as the medicinal part of Chinese medicine, and the traditional Chinese medicine properties of M. communis leaves were deduced as pungent, bitter, and cool. The channel tropisms of M. communis leaves included lung, liver, and large intestine, with functions of detoxifying, resolving a mass, and insecticide. It was used for mouth sores, vaginal itching, hemorrhoids and warts, etc.; appropriate amount shall be applied for external use, and the decoction form shall be used for washing the affected parts; 3-12 g equivalent product shall be used in decoction, and this herb shall be put into the decoction in a later stage. The clarification of the medicinal parts of M. communis, and the determination of the Chinese medicine properties of M. communis leaves would lay a theoretical foundation for its compatibility and application with Chinese medicines, and can do more contribution to the medical and healthcare industry in our country.

The Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity of Different Fractions of Myrtus communis L. Leaves

Aims: Myrtus communis L. (Myrtle) is a plant widely used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic content of Myrtus communis L. leaves and to investigate the antioxydant activity of the methanol extract and its fractions. Methodology: Myrtus communis L. leaves were extracted using organic solvents with different polarities to get the following fractions: Methanol extract (ME), chloroform extract (CE), ethyl acetate extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AqE). Total polyphenol, flavonoid and tannins contents were evaluated for all extracts. The antioxidant capacity of different extracts was assessed using nine in vitro tests. Results: The results show that ME had the highest total phenolic content (149.25±3.11 mg GAE/g of dry extract), the  aqueous extract had the highest tannins content (83.35±0.36 mg TAE/ g of dry extract), whereas, EE had the highest total flavonoid content (38.4±0.9 mg QE/ g of dry extract).The EE exhibited an interesting antioxidant activity using ABTS radical scavenging assay (IC50=0.0015 mg/ml) and the DPPH test (IC50=0.004 mg/ml), while EA showed an important activity in the hydroxyl radical scavenging test (IC50=0.08 mg/ml), H2O2, (IC50=0.015 mg/ml), iron chelating (IC50=0.5 mg/ml) and reducing power (EC50=0.03 mg/ml). The greatest activity in inhibiting the oxidation of β-carotene/ linoleic acid was induced by CE and EE extracts (93.95%, and 90.29%, respectively). All extracts showed a very strong antiperoxidant effect against FTC and MDA tests. Conclusion: Myrtus communis L. leaves extracts have an important antioxidant activity which is most likely due to their polyphenolic content.

Evaluating the effect of Myrtus communis on programmed cell death in hydatid cyst protoscolices

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the possible involvement of programmed cell death strategy in hydatid cyst protoscolices following treatment with Myrtus communis (M. communis) as an herbal medicine.@*METHODS@#Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep liver hydatid cysts. Evaluating the effect of M. communis extract on programmed cell death and increased activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in hydatid cyst protoscolices was conducted by treating the protoscolices with different concentration (5, 50, and 100 mg/mL) of M. communis extract at 37 °C and 5% CO for 4 h by using the Bradford test and ELISA commercial kits.@*RESULTS@#The extract of M. communis at all concentrations led to initiation of programmed cell death in protoscolices and this effect, was only significant at 50 and 100 mg/mL concentrations, compared to the negative control (P < 0.05). Also, the activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in hydatid cyst protoscolices, was shown that the extract at all 3 concentrations could only increase the activity of caspases 3 and 9. Moreover, a significant increase in the activity of caspase 3 was only observed at concentrations 50 and 100 mg/mL by 37.00% and 66.19% while a significant increase in the activity of caspase 9 at the same concentrations was observed by 20.89% and 63.67%, respectively (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The extract of M. communis at different concentrations could increase the activity of caspases 3 and 9 and caused programmed cell death in hydatid cyst protoscolices however, this effect was significant at high concentrations of the extract.

Evaluating the effect of Myrtus communis on programmed cell death in hydatid cyst protoscolices

Objective To evaluate the possible involvement of programmed cell death strategy in hydatid cyst protoscolices following treatment with Myrtus communis (M. communis) as an herbal medicine. Methods Protoscolices were aseptically collected from sheep liver hydatid cysts. Evaluating the effect of M. communis extract on programmed cell death and increased activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9 in hydatid cyst protoscolices was conducted by treating the protoscolices with different concentration (5, 50, and 100 mg/mL) of M. communis extract at 37 °C and 5% CO

Phytochemical analysis, hypotensive effect and antioxidant properties of Myrtus communis L. growing in Algeria

Objective: To analyze Myrtus communis chemically and evaluate the hypotensive effects and antioxidant properties of methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts from the leaves of this plant. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant potential of methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts have been investigated by using different in vitro methods. The hypotensive effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated in anaesthetized rats by using the method of invasive blood pressure recording. Moreover, ethyl acetate extract was subjected to analysis by different chromatographic methods in order to identify new compounds. Results: Chemical analysis of ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of myrecitin-3- O-α-rhamnoside. Ethyl acetate extract was found to have the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents with the values of 435.37 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried weight and 130.75 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried weight, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract also exhibited the highest activity in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis-(3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), hydroxyl radical and reducing power; whereas, methanol extract exhibited higher chelating activity than ethyl acetate extract did. Chloroform was found to be strong inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in β-carotene bleaching assay (91.19%), ferric thiocyanate method (87.55%), and thiobarbituric acid method (82.59%) as compared to butylated hydroxytoluene. Intravenous administration of methanol and ethyl acetate extract (0.04 to 12 mg/kg body weight) decreased the maximum mean arterial blood pressure with values of 20.6% and 32.49% at 12 mg/kg body weight, respectively in anesthetized rats. Conclusions: This study provides a scientific basis for the use of Myrtus communis in traditional medicine as hypertensive agent as well as additional resources for natural antioxidants.

Antibacterial activity of the essential oils of myrtle leaves against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Myrtus communis (M.communis Methods: Wild populations of M. communis collected from Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces, Southwest Iran, were examined for antibacterial activity and chemical variability in leaves. Thein vitro antibacterial activity against E. rhusiopathiae was performed by agar disc diffusion and micro-dilution assays.Results:) L. against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae) in vitro. in both assays. The results showed that the major components of the oil were α-pinene (22.3%-55.2%), 1,8-cineole (8.7%-43.8%) and linalool (6.4%-14.5%). The inhibition zones and MIC values for bacteria which were sensitive to the essential oils of M. communis were in the range of 14.7-27.0 mm and 0.031-0.25 mg/mL, respectively.Conclusions:This study demonstrates that products with valuable antibacterial activity can be The essential oils of M. communis have strong antibacterial against E. rhusiopathiae produced from leaves of M. communis against E. rhusiopathiae.

Antibacterial activity of the essential oils of myrtle leaves against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Myrtus communis (M. communis) L. against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae) in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Wild populations of M. communis collected from Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces, Southwest Iran, were examined for antibacterial activity and chemical variability in leaves. The in vitro antibacterial activity against E. rhusiopathiae was performed by agar disc diffusion and micro-dilution assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The essential oils of M. communis have strong antibacterial against E. rhusiopathiae in both assays. The results showed that the major components of the oil were α-pinene (22.3%-55.2%), 1,8-cineole (8.7%-43.8%) and linalool (6.4%-14.5%). The inhibition zones and MIC values for bacteria which were sensitive to the essential oils of M. communis were in the range of 14.7-27.0 mm and 0.031-0.25 mg/mL, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrates that products with valuable antibacterial activity can be produced from leaves of M. communis against E. rhusiopathiae.</p>

Inhibitory activity of Iranian plant extracts on growth and biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aims: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a drug resistance opportunistic bacterium. Biofilm formation is key factor for survival of P. aeruginosa in various environments. Polysaccharides may be involved in biofilm formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of seven plant extracts with known alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities on different strains of P. aeruginosa. Methodology and results: Plants were extracted with methanol by the maceration method. Antimicrobial activities were determined by agar dilution and by growth yield as measured by OD560nm of the Luria Bertani broth (LB) culture with or without extracts. In agar dilution method, extracts of Quercus infectoria inhibited the growth of all, while Myrtus communis extract inhibited the growth of 3 out of 8 bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1000 μg/mL. All extracts significantly (p≤0.003) reduced growth rate of the bacteria in comparison with the control without extracts in LB broth at sub-MIC concentrations (500 μg/mL). All plant extracts significantly (p≤0.003) reduced biofilm formation compared to the controls. Glycyrrhiza glabra and Q. infectoria had the highest anti-biofilm activities. No correlation between the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity with growth or the intensity of biofilm formation was found. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Extracts of Q. infectoria and M. communis had the most antimicrobial, while Q. infectoria and G. glabra had the highest anti-biofilm activities. All plant extracts had anti-biofilm activities with marginal effect on growth, suggesting that the mechanisms of these activities are unrelated to static or cidal effects. Further work to understand the relation between antimicrobial and biofilm formation is needed for development of new means to fight the infectious caused by this bacterium in future.

Immediate and long-term effects of polysaccharides-based formulations on human skin

A new trend in cosmetic formulations is the use of biotechnological raw materials as the polysaccharides from Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are supposed to enhance cell renewal, improve skin hydration and micro-relief. Botanical extracts of Myrtus communis leaves contain different sugars, which may provide the same benefits. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate through objective and subjective analysis the immediate and long-term effects of cosmetic formulations containing polysaccharides biotechnologically-originated and / or the ones contained in Myrtus communis extracts. Three polysaccharide-based and placebo formulations were applied on the forearm skin of 40 volunteers. Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), viscoelasticity and skin micro-relief measurements were made before and 2 hours after a single application and after 15 and 30 day-periods of daily applications. Answers to a questionnaire about perceptions of formulation cosmetic features constituted the subjective analysis. All polysaccharide-based formulations enhanced skin hydration. Formulations with isolated or combined active substances improved skin barrier function as compared to placebo, in the short and long term studies. Formulations containing Myrtus communis extracts had the highest acceptance. Results suggest that daily use of formulations containing these substances is important for protection of the skin barrier function.

Uma nova tendência em formulações cosméticas é a utilização de matérias-primas biotecnológicas como os polissacarídeos de Klebsiella pneumoniae, que pode aumentar a renovação celular e melhor a hidratação e micro-relevo da pele. Por outro lado, o extrato vegetal de Myrtus communis contém diferentes polissacarídeos, que também podem proporcionar benefícios à pele. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi a avaliação dos efeitos imediatos e em longo prazo, de formulações cosméticas contendo polissacarídeos obtidos por processo biotecnológico e/ou de extrato de M. communis por meio de análises objetivas e subjetivas. Três formulações contendo os polissacarídeos e um placebo foram aplicadas na pele dos antebraços de 40 voluntários. As medidas foram realizadas antes e após 2 horas da aplicação das formulações e após 15 e 30 dias de aplicações diárias em termos de hidratação da pele, perda transepidérmica de água (TEWL), viscoelasticidade e micro-relevo da pele. Para a análise subjetiva, os voluntários responderam um questionário a fim de obter-se informações sobre a percepção relativa à qualidade de cosméticos. Todas as formulações provocaram aumento da hidratação cutânea. As formulações que continham os polissacarídeos melhoraram a função barreira da pele, em curto e em longo prazo. A formulação contendo extrato de M. communis apresentou maior aceitação. Os resultados sugerem que o uso diário dos polissacarídeos avaliados é importante na proteção da função barreira da pele.

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana de folhas de Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) / Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) leaves

O óleo essencial e o extrato etanólico obtidos a partir de folhas de Myrtus communis foram avaliados quanto 'a atividade inibitória frente a vários microrganismos. Os halos de inibição de crescimento foram avaliados através das técnicas de "template" e difusão em disco para as linhagens de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis e Serratia marcescens. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que o óleo de M. communis apresentou atividade antibacteriana superior ao extrato etanólico frente a todas as bactérias. A atividade demonstrada tanto para o óleo como para o extrato etanólico frente a algumas linhagens, foi melhor evidenciada pela técnica "template". E. coli foi resistente ao óleo e extrato etanólico testados.

We have studied the crude essential oil and crude ethanol extract from Myrtus communis leaves for possible antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. The halos of growth inhibition had been evaluated through the techniques of "template" and disk diffusion assays to the strains Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens. The results demonstrated that M. communis oil presented superior antibacterial activity to all strains. The template assay was the best method to determine the antibacterial activity exhibited by the oil and extract to the strains. E. coli was resistant to the oil and ethanol extract tested.