Health-promoting activities of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extracts

Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merril. & Perry commonly known as clove is an important herb with vast health benefits to human beings. S. aromaticum belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is considered one of the earliest known species for use as a spice. Clove has great potential for agricultural, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical applications. S. aromaticum extracts are commonly used to provide aroma, medicinal, nutritional, texture, and color functions in food products. They are light yellow to orange in color, have a pleasant aroma, and are considered a carbohydrate, dietary fiber, protein, and fat source. In addition, cloves are used to preserve food by inhibiting the growth of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Penicillium digitatum, which cause foodborne illnesses and food poisoning. Furthermore, S. aromaticum extracts contain a diverse array of secondary metabolites, like flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxyphenyl propenes, eugenol, eugenol acetate, and gallic acid, with a wide range of beneficial health-promoting activities. These metabolites have active biological properties and unique aromatic structures and are safe for use in food and medicinal applications. Clove metabolites are considered as new beneficial natural antimicrobial agents to potentially combat cytotoxin genes-producing drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori, gastrointestinal disorders, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antidiabetic, anesthetic, and possess insect-repellent properties. In addition, clove has been proven to have insulin-like biological activity and regulate energy metabolism. This chapter gives insights into the effects of clove extracts on health promotion and their potential applications. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction to clove: Chemistry, functionality, and techno-applications

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a spice globally used as a food preservative and for medical applications. Nowadays, S. aromaticum is cultured in several parts of the world. S. aromaticum is rich in phenolic constituents (i.e., eugenol and eugenol acetate) and possesses the potential for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications. Eugenol is a major bioactive constituent of S. aromaticum oil recovered from buds and leaves. Eugenol biological traits have been well-investigated, including analgesic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. The health-promoting activities of clove are higher than several vegetables, fruits, and spices. Eugenol (C10H12O2) is considered safe as a food additive and is used to protect food from microorganisms and as a fumigant and pesticide. In addition, it is included in many dental formulations and helps with enhanced skin permeation of drugs. This handbook aims to establish a multidisciplinary discussion on the development of S. aromaticum phytochemistry, technology, processing, agricultural practices, functional traits, health-enhancing potential, mechanism of action, and toxicity as well as food and nonfood uses. The studies reported in this project confirm the functional applications of S. aromaticum as a medicinal plant, standing out for the significance of its novel applications. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In-Silico Validation of Clove as a Potential Nutraceutical against Sars-Cov-2

The pandemic COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has killed millions of human beings throughout the world and attaining natural immunity against this virus is the best remedy. Consumption of nutraceuticals having antiviral and immune-boosting ingredients is the natural way to fight against it. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of phytochemicals from Syzygium aromaticum and identify lead molecules through an in-silico approach. To determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, 249 phytochemicals from Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) were docked with each of the four therapeutic targets namely Spike protein (SP), Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2(ACE2), Main protease (Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Spike protein and ACE2 have a key role in viral entry into the human host and Mpro and RdRp have a key role in viral multiplication. The docked molecules with minimum binding energies <= -6 kcal/mol were considered active/hit molecules. The total number of hits obtained in the order of merit was 46, 51, 60, and 150 against RdRp, spike protein, Mpro, and ACE2, respectively, and 46 phytochemicals showed inhibitory activity on all four targets. Further, top-ranked lead molecules' protein-ligand interaction, physiochemical and ADMET prediction indicated that the compounds bicornin, casuarictin and pedunculagin have good inhibitory activity against all the selected targets. However, bicornit was recommended as the best lead for further studies since it has comparatively good inhibitory and ADMET properties. Copyright All © 2022 are reserved by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research.

Syzygium aromaticum as a bactericidal candidate: effects on the oral microbiota / Syzygium aromaticum como candidato a bactericida: efectos en la microbiota oral

El cavo de olor (Syzygium aromaticum) es un árbol, originario de Indonesia, con altura variable, pero que sobre pasa los 10 metros de altura, perteneciente a la familia de las Myrtaceae y cuyas flores que no han abierto, se convierten en botones, que al secar son los mencionados clavos de olor. Poseen como componente principal el Eugenol, entre otros compuestos orgánicos. Por sus características bioquímicas y organolépticas, le proporcionan varios beneficios para la salud, por actuar como estimulantes, antioxidante, con acción antibacterial, antiespasmódicas, además de su marcada acción analgésica y anestésica. Por su parte, la microbiota oral, está conformada por un amplio conjunto de microorganismos pertenecientes al ecosistema bucal y que a través del equilibrio de los mismos, se logrará un adecuado funcionamiento y desarrollo de las funciones fisiológicas en pro de la salud bucal del individuo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo examinar los datos específicos en el uso del clavo de olor como agente bactericida en las afecciones bucodentales, encontrándose que si puede ser usado como agente bactericida por su marcado efecto sobre la microbiota oral a nivel de eliminar los microorganismos nocivos presentes en la misma, ya que actúa inhibiendo la recomposición de las proteínas, los ácidos nucleicos y la membrana de la pared celular, cambiando la permeabilidad de las células de los microorganismos, favoreciendo su muerte y a su ves favoreciendo el adecuado equilibrio de la microbiota oral, necesario para la adecuada salud bucodental(AU)

The clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a tree, native to Indonesia, with variable height, but that exceeds 10 meters in height, belonging to the Myrtaceae family and whose flowers that have not opened, become buttons, that when drying are the aforementioned cloves. Their main component is Eugenol, among other organic compounds. Due to their biochemical and organoleptic characteristics, they provide several health benefits, for acting as stimulants, antioxidant, with antibacterial, antispasmodic action, in addition to their marked analgesic and anesthetic action. For its part, the oral microbiota is made up of a wide set of microorganisms belonging to the oral ecosystem and that through their balance, an adequate functioning and development of physiological functions will be achieved in favor of the oral health of the individual. The objective of this research is to examine the specific data on the use of cloves as a bactericidal agent in oral conditions, finding that it can be used as a bactericidal agent due to its marked effect on the oral microbiota at the level of eliminating harmful microorganisms present in it, since it acts by inhibiting the recomposition of proteins, nucleic acids and the cell wall membrane, changing the permeability of the cells of microorganisms, favoring their death and in turn favoring the proper balance of the oral microbiota, necessary for proper oral health(AU)

In Silico Screening of Bioactive Compounds from Syzygium cumini L. and Moringa oleifera L. Against SARS-CoV-2 via Tetra Inhibitors

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has caused disastrous consequences for both humans and the economy. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of juwet (Syzygium cumini L.) and moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) as inhibitors of RBD spike, helicase, Mpro, and RdRp activity of SARS-CoV-2 with an in-silico approach. Samples were obtained from PubChem and RSCB PDB databases. The drug similarity analysis was determined using Swiss ADME and the Lipinski rule of five. Prediction of antivirus probabilities is carried out with PASS Online. Molecular screening is performed by molecular docking using PyRx. Visualization was used using PyMol and Discovery Studio. The bioactive compounds with the best antiviral potential had the lowest affinity bonds to the target proteins against RBD spike, helicase, Mpro, and RdRp of SARS-CoV-2. Results show that ellagic acid from java plum and myricetin from moringa have the best potential as potential antivirals. However, more research is required to validate the results of these computational predictions.

Special Issue: Health promoting activities of phytochemicals. (Special Issue: Health promoting activities of phytochemicals.)

This issue contains 17 papers providing information on the newly discovered biological activities of phytochemicals and plant extracts that can be potentially developed as treatments for various disorders (COVID-19, cancer, skin disorders, allergies and inflammation, among others) and the underlying mechanisms by which they affect biological systems.

Syzygium aromaticum as a possible source of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: evidence from a computational investigation

SARS-CoV-2, a new and fast circulating coronavirus strain, infected over 214 countries and territories worldwide and caused global health emergencies. The absence of appropriate medicines and vaccinations has further complicated the condition. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is crucial for its propagation, and it is considered a striking target. This study used several computational approaches to determine the probable antagonist of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro from bioactive phytochemicals of Syzygium aromaticum. A total of 20 compounds were screened through in silico approach. The molecular dynamics simulation studies were then carried out for further insights. We found crategolic acid, oleanolic acid, and kaempferol have considerable binding affinity and important molecular contacts with catalytic pocket residues, His41-Cys145. The pharmacological properties through ADMET analysis also showed that these compounds could be used as safe drug candidates. The molecular dynamics simulation study further confirmed these compound's stability with Mpro. However, further detailed in-vitro and in-vivo analyses are compulsory to evaluate the real potentiality of identified compounds.

Survey on the level of knowledge of medicinal plants used against Coronavirus disease, influenza and colds among travelers who came for the COVID-19 test at the Institut Pasteur de C..te d'Ivoire

Objective: This study was conducted to identify medicinal plants in the fight against Coronavirus disease, influenza and colds cited by travelers who came for their Covid test at the Institut Pasteur of C..te d'Ivoire. Methodology and Results: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 527 travelers from April 1 to June 30, 2021. The interviewed travelers were predominantly male (69.4%). Travelers going to France (28.46%) were the most numerous. The most represented age groups were 41-64 (43.83%) and 25-40 (43.26%). When the level of education is considered, the surveyed travelers have a higher level of education (89.94%). Entrepreneurs (13.85%), traders (12.66%), company directors (12.33%), students (8.54%) and health workers (6.45%) are the majority. Only 21.63% of travelers used traditional medicine in the last 12 months prior to the survey. Various plants are used to fight (33.43%) or prevent (56.57%) Coronavirus disease (7.02%), influenza (3.60%) and colds (2.84%). In total, 13 species of medicinal plants divided into 13 genera and 13 families were cited. Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) with citation frequencies (cf) of 22%, Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) with cf of 21% and Citrus limon (Rutaceae) with cf of 14% were the most cited species. Conclusion and application of results: These plants could be used for research and development of phytomedicines against Coronavirus, influenza and cold.

IN SILICO STUDY OF THE TOXICITY AND ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY PREDICTION OF JAMBLANG (Syzygium cumini) LEAVES ESSENTIAL OIL AS ACE2 INHIBITOR

ACE2 is a type 1 membrane integral glycoprotein which is highly expressed in the respiratory tract (lungs). The presence of excessive ACE2 becomes an opportunity for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the beginning of its pathogenesis. The mechanism of ACE2 inhibition or suppression of this enzyme is one of the targets for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection. Syzygium cumini (jamblang) is an aromatic herbal plant that has broad-spectrum pharmacological properties, one of which is as an antiviral. This study aims to predict toxicity and predict compound activity against ACE2 receptors (PDB ID 1R4L). Previously, the predictions of physicochemical properties have been carried out using the SwissADME application. The physicochemical properties refer to Lipinski's Five Laws. The results showed that jamblang leaf essential oil complied with Lipinski's Five Laws with 0 errors each. Furthermore, the prediction of toxicity was carried out using the pkCSM Online Tools and Protox Online Tools applications. The results of the LD50 value and the classification of toxicity classes were classified according to GHS. Jamblang leaf essential oil compound had the highest LD50 of 5000 mg/kg and belongs to class 5. The prediction of compound activity was done using the Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) application. The 1R4L receptor was said to be valid because it had an RMSD value <2. The best and lowest A. Rerank score (RS) of the comparison drugs was the essential oil compound of Jamblang leaf with RS of-73.338 kcal/mol. Jamblang leaf essential oil compounds interact with the ACE2 receptor (1R4L) in cavity 4. With this prediction, it had ACE2 inhibitory potential, so jamblang leaf essential oil compounds could be recommended for further development as candidates for antiviral drugs. © 2021, SILAE (Italo-Latin American Society of Ethnomedicine). All rights reserved.

In silico screening of the active compounds of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. as anti-coronavirus

Coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) has been pandemic since 2019 and the world is still trying to cope with it. Even though there is a new hope with the invention of the vaccine, the virus has rapid mutation rate. Therefore alternative solutions are necessary and one of them is using the herbs with their active compounds. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. is a species of Myrtaceae containing various phytochemical compounds with medicinal activity, such as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-tumour, anti-diabetes and anti-microbial. Previous studies showed that several compound contained in S. cumini had the potential of having anti-coronavirus activities. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical compounds of S. cumini and to screen their potential as an anti-coronavirus. The method used in this research were literature study and molecular docking. The results showed that S. cumini contained the active compounds of anti-coronavirus, namely betulinic acid, kaempferol, malvidin, myricetin and quercetin. Those compounds are contained in the bark of S. cumini.

Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 Utility.

The current COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is enormously affecting the worldwide health and economy. In the wait for an effective global immunization, the development of a specific therapeutic protocol to treat COVID-19 patients is clearly necessary as a short-term solution of the problem. Drug repurposing and herbal medicine represent two of the most explored strategies for an anti-COVID-19 drug discovery. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) is a well-known culinary spice that has been used for centuries in folk medicine in many disorders. Interestingly, traditional medicines have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory ailments, whilst clove ingredients show antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Other interesting features are the clove antithrombotic, immunostimulatory, and antibacterial effects. Thus, in this review, we discuss the potential role of clove in the frame of anti-COVID-19 therapy, focusing on the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects of clove and its molecular constituents described in the scientific literature.