Microsponges-mediated targeted topical delivery of rosemary oil for hair growth promotion: optimization and in-vivo studies.

Individuals experiencing hair loss, irrespective of gender, confront significant psychological challenges. This study explores the untapped potential of rosemary oil (ROS) to stimulate hair growth, addressing its limited permeability. The focus is on innovating ROS-loaded microsponges (MS) for enhanced topical application. Utilizing Box-Behnken design (33), the study optimizes ROS-MS compositions by varying solvent volume, polymer mix, and drug concentration. The optimized ROS-MS formulation exhibits noteworthy attributes: a 94% ± 0.04 production yield, 99.6% ± 0.5 encapsulation efficiency, and 96.4% ± 1.6 cumulative ROS release within 24 h. These microsponges exhibit uniformity with a particle size of 14.1 µm ± 4.5. The OPT-ROSMS-gel showcases favorable characteristics in appearance, spreadability, pH, drug content, and extrudability. Ex-vivo skin deposition tests highlight heightened permeability of OPT-ROSMS-gel compared to pure ROS-gel, resulting in three-fold increased follicular retention. In-vivo studies underscore the superior efficacy of OPT-ROSMS-gel, revealing enhanced hair development in length, thickness, and bulb diameter, surpassing ROS-gel and minoxidil by approximately 1.2 and 1.5 times, respectively, along with nearly two-fold increase in ß-catenin levels. In conclusion, microsponges emerge as a promising ROS delivery method, effectively addressing hair loss. This research advances hair loss treatments and underscores the significance of this innovative paradigm in fostering hair growth.

Surface-Charge Tuned Polymeric Nanoemulsions for Carvacrol Delivery in Interkingdom Biofilms.

Biofilms, intricate microbial communities entrenched in extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrices, pose formidable challenges in infectious disease treatment, especially in the context of interkingdom biofilms prevalent in the oral environment. This study investigates the potential of carvacrol-loaded biodegradable nanoemulsions (NEs) with systematically varied surface charges─cationic guanidinium (GMT-NE) and anionic carboxylate (CMT-NE). Zeta potentials of +25 mV (GMT-NE) and -33 mV (CMT-NE) underscore successful nanoemulsion fabrication (∼250 nm). Fluorescent labeling and dynamic tracking across three dimensions expose GMT-NE's superior diffusion into oral biofilms, yielding a robust antimicrobial effect with 99.99% killing for both streptococcal and Candida species and marked reductions in bacterial cell viability compared to CMT-NE (∼4-log reduction). Oral mucosa tissue cultures affirm the biocompatibility of both NEs with no morphological or structural changes, showcasing their potential for combating intractable biofilm infections in oral environment. This study advances our understanding of NE surface charges and their interactions within interkingdom biofilms, providing insights crucial for addressing complex infections involving bacteria and fungi in the demanding oral context.

Application of rosemary oil nano-emulsion as antimicrobial and antioxidant natural alternative in pasteurized cream and Karish cheese.

Essential oils possess significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and are increasingly used as natural substitutes for food preservation. Therefore, this study investigated the potential application of rosemary essential oil (REO) and REO nano-emulsion in the dairy plant. The antimicrobial effects of REO and REO nano-emulsion were determined by an agar well diffusion assay after chemical profiling by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The REO nano-emulsion was characterized by a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The REO chemical profile revealed the presence of 42 chemical compounds, including 1, 8-cineole (9.72 %), and α-pinene (5.46 %) as major active components. REO nano-emulsion demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity compared to REO (P < 0.05) with a MIC value of 0.0001 mg/ml against Listeria monocytogenes and Aspergillus flavus and 0.001 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. REO nano-emulsion enhanced the oxidative stability of pasteurized fresh cream, revealing a non-significant difference compared with that inoculated with butylated hydroxy anisol (BHA; synthetic antioxidant) (P˃ 0.05). Fortified cream and Karish cheese with REO nano-emulsion were evaluated organoleptically, and the results showed higher grades of overall acceptability when compared to control samples with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Viability studies were estimated using the previously mentioned microorganisms in fortified fresh cream and Karish cheese with REO nano-emulsion. Results of the fortified cream showed a complete reduction of L. monocytogenes, A. flavus, and B. cereus on days 5, 7, and 10, respectively, and a 96.93 % reduction of P. aeruginosa by the end of the storage period. Regarding Karish cheese viability studies, C. albicans, A. flavus, and P. aeruginosa exhibited complete reduction on days 10, 10, and 15 of storage, respectively. In conclusion, REO nano-emulsion was recommended as a natural, safe, and effective antimicrobial and antioxidant additive in the dairy industry.

Spatiotemporal analysis of microstructure, sensory attributes, and full-spectrum metabolomes reveals the relationship between bitterness and nootkatone in Alpinia oxyphylla miquel fruit peel and seeds.

The Alpinia oxyphylla fruit (AOF) is a popular condiment and traditional Chinese medicine in Asia, known for its neuroprotective compound nootkatone. However, there has not been a comprehensive study of its flavor or the relationship between sensory and bioactive compounds. To address this issue, we examined AOF's microstructure, flavor, and metabolomic profiles during fruit maturation. The key markers used to distinguish samples included fruit expansion, testa pigmentation, aril liquefaction, oil cell expansion, peel spiciness, aril sweetness, and seed bitterness. A full-spectrum metabolomic analysis, combining a nontargeted metabolomics approach for volatile compounds and a widely targeted metabolomics approach for nonvolatile compounds, identified 1,448 metabolites, including 1,410 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Notably, 31 DAMs, including nootkatone, were associated with spicy peel, sweet aril, and bitter seeds. Correlational analysis indicated that bitterness intensity is an easy-to-use biomarker for nootkatone content in seeds. KEGG enrichment analysis linked peel spiciness to phenylpropanoid and capsaicin biosynthesis, seed bitterness to terpenoid (especially nootkatone) biosynthesis, and aril sweetness to starch and sucrose metabolism. This investigation advances the understanding of AOF's complex flavor chemistry and underlying bioactive principle, encapsulating the essence of the adage: "no bitterness, no intelligence" within the realm of phytochemistry.

Anethole Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac and Renal Toxicities: Insights from Network Pharmacology and Animal Studies.

Doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used as a chemotherapy drug, while anethole (AN) is primarily known as the main aromatic component in various plant species. This research focused on the impact of AN on the cardiac and renal toxicity induced by Dox and to understand the underlying mechanisms. For cardiac toxicity, Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: a Control group; a Dox group, where rats received 2.5 mg/kg of Dox intraperitoneally every other day; and two Dox + AN groups, where animals were administered Dox (2.5 mg/kg/every other day, IP) along with 125 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg of AN, respectively. The renal toxicity study included similar groups, with the Dox group receiving a single dose of 20 mg/kg of Dox intraperitoneally on the tenth day, and the Dox + AN groups receiving 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of AN for two weeks, alongside the same dose of Dox (20 mg/kg, IP, once on the 10th day). Parameters assessed included ECG, cardiac injury markers (CK, CK-MB, and LDH), and kidney function tests (Cr, BUN, uric acid, LDL, Kim-1, NGAL, and CysC). Antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and apoptotic markers were also monitored in heart and renal tissues. Gene expression levels of the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway, along with Bax and Bcl-2, were evaluated. Dox significantly altered ECG, elevated cardiac injury markers, and renal function markers. It also augmented gene expressions of TLR4/MyD88/NFκB, amplified oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers. Conversely, AN reduced cardiac injury markers and kidney function tests, improved ECG, diminished TLR4/MyD88/NFκB gene expression, and alleviated oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing inflammatory cytokines. AN also enhanced Bcl-2 levels and inhibited Bax and the cleavage of caspase-3 and 9. AN countered the lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by Dox, marking it as a potential preventive strategy against Dox-induced nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic injuries.

The Therapeutic Potential of Dalbergia pinnata (Lour.) Prain Essential Oil in Alzheimer's Disease: EEG Signal Analysis In Vivo, SH-SY5Y Cell Model In Vitro, and Network Pharmacology.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is projected by the WHO to affect over 100 million people by 2050. Clinically, AD patients undergoing long-term antipsychotic treatment often experience severe anxiety or depression in later stages. Furthermore, early-stage AD manifests with weakened α waves in the brain, progressing to diminished α and ß waves in late-stage disease, reflecting changes in emotional states and disease progression. In this study, EEG signal analysis revealed that inhalation of Dalbergia pinnata (Lour.) Prain essential oil (DPEO) enhanced δ, θ, α and ß wave powers in the frontal and parietal lobes, with a rising trend in the ß/α ratio in the temporal lobe. These findings suggest an alleviation of anxiety and an enhancement of cognitive functions. Treatment of the AD SH-SY5Y (human neuroblastoma cells) cell model with DPEO resulted in decreased intracellular levels of Aß, GSK-3ß, P-Tau, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, OFR, and HFR, alongside reduced AchE and BchE activities and increased SOD activity. Network pharmacology analysis indicated a potential pharmacological mechanism involving the JAK-STAT pathway. Our study provides evidence supporting DPEO's role in modulating anxiety and slowing AD pathological progression.

Ovicidal Toxicity and Morphological Changes in Housefly Eggs Induced by the Essential Oils of Star Anise and Lemongrass and Their Main Constituents.

This study attempted to evaluate the ovicidal activity of single-component formulations and combination formulations of lemongrass and star anise essential oils (EOs) and their main constituents against housefly eggs. The efficacies of the combinations were compared with those of single-component formulations and α-cypermethrin. Safety bioassays of all treatments and α-cypermethrin on non-target predators-guppy and molly-were conducted. Two combinations: 1% lemongrass EO + 1% trans-anethole and 1% star anise EO + 1% geranial, exhibited a strong ovicidal activity with an inhibition rate of 94.4 to 96.2%. They were 1.1 times as effective as α-cypermethrin. The two combinations also showed high synergistic activity compared to single-component formulations, with a high synergistic index and a high increased inhibition value of 37.4 to 57.7%. All EO treatments were benign for all non-target aquatic species with a high 50% lethal time (LT50) and safety index. In contrast, α-cypermethrin was highly toxic to them with a low LT50. The morphological abnormalities observed in housefly eggs at death were those such as the shrivelling of the eggs, aberrations and damage to the eggshells, hatching lines, aeropyles, plastron, and micropyle. The potential of these two combinations as a cypermethrin replacement is compelling.

Comparative analysis of the differences in volatile organic components of three lavender essential oils in Ili region using sensory evaluation, GC-IMS and GC-MS techniques.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) is a widely utilized aromatic plant, with the economic value of its essential oil (EO) largely dependent on its aroma. This study investigated the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the EOs of three species of lavender (H70-1, French blue, Taikong blue) in Ili region from 2019 to 2023 with the combination of sensory evaluation, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The EO from Taikong blue lavender exhibited greater stability in VOC composition compared to the other two varieties. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) effectively distinguished the aromas of the three EOs aroma. Combining odor activity value (OAV) and variable importance in projection (VIP) values identified five VOCs crucial for discriminating among the three lavender EO types. This study provides theoretical support for the cultivation and commercialization of lavender as an industrial crop, as well as for quality control of EO production in the Ili region.

Moringa oleifera flowers: insights into their aroma chemistry, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties.

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant widely used in traditional medicine. RESULTS: The aroma constituents present in the fresh flowers of M. oleifera versus the hydrodistilled oil and hexane extract were studied using GC-MS. Aldehydes were the major class detected in the fresh flowers (64.75%) with E-2-hexenal being the predominant component constituting > 50%. Alkane hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and aldehydes constituted > 50% of the hydrodistilled oil, while alkane hydrocarbons exclusively constitute up to 65.48% of the hexane extract with heptacosane being the major component (46.2%). The cytotoxicity of the hexane extract was assessed on RAW 264.7 macrophages using the MTT assay which revealed no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations of 1 µg/mL and displayed IC50 value at 398.53 µg/mL as compared to celecoxib (anti-inflammatory drug) with IC50 value at 274.55 µg/ml. The hexane extract of Moringa flowers displayed good anti-inflammatory activity through suppression of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the hexane extract was found to be 12.51 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g extract and 0.16 ± 0.01 mg RuE/g extract, respectively. It displayed moderate antioxidant activity as indicated by the in vitro DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum (PBA) assays. No metal chelating properties were observed for the extract. The enzyme inhibitory potential of the hexane extract was evaluated on acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterases (for neuroprotective assessment), α-amylase and α-glucosidase (for antihyperglycemic assessment), and tyrosinase (for dermoprotective assessment) revealing promising results on cholinesterases, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that M. oleifera leaves can be considered as a multidirectional ingredient for preparing functional applications.

Assessment of Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Liposomes Loaded with Curcumin and Lippia origanoides Essential Oil.

(1) Introduction: Curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils have a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, their physicochemical instability, low solubility, and high volatility limit their therapeutic use. Encapsulation in liposomes has been reported as a feasible approach to increase the physicochemical stability of active substances, protect them from interactions with the environment, modulate their release, reduce their volatility, improve their bioactivity, and reduce their toxicity. To date, there are no reports on the co-encapsulation of curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils in liposomes. Therefore, the objective of this work is to prepare and physiochemical characterize liposomes loaded with the mixture of these compounds and to evaluate different in vitro biological activities. (2) Methods: Liposomes were produced using the thin-layer method and physiochemical characteristics were calculated. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of both encapsulated and non-encapsulated compounds were evaluated. (3) Results: Empty and loaded nanometric-sized liposomes were obtained that are monodisperse and have a negative zeta potential. They inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. (4) Conclusions: Encapsulation in liposomes was demonstrated to be a promising strategy for natural compounds possessing antimicrobial activity.

Topping and NPK fertilization alter seed germination, plant growth and active components of Valeriana amurensis.

Introduction: Valeriana amurensis, a tall herbaceous plant, has been traditionally utilized as a herbal remedy both in China and Russia. Methods: This study was set to explore how to cultivate high quality seedlings, considering factors such as seedling time, seeding density, shading, and plastic film mulching. In addition, we investigated the impact of topping and fertilizer on the growth and quality of V. amurensis. Results: According to the percentage of seed germination, the seeds of V. amurensis were sowed with 0.88 g m-2 density using plastic film mulching from late April to mid-May (germination percentage was more than 30%). The optimal Transplanting time was identified as late September, ensuring a high survival rate of 98%. Generally, topping showed the most improved growth indices in late fruit period (21.87 for number of radical leaves) and withering period (6.50 for number of buds and 234.81 for number of roots). Topping increased the yields of valtrate (10.91 mg per plant), valepotriates (809.51 mg per plant) and essential oil (395.64 mg per plant) in withering period. Nitrogen fertilizer promoted maximum root growth and increased the biomass of V. amurensis. Meanwhile, N fertilizer significantly increased the yields of valtrate to 10.46 mg per plant and valepotriates to 772.32 mg per plant among three types of fertilizers. Seedlings are obtained according to rational sowing factors and transplanting time. Topping and nitrogen fertilization emerge as superior strategies to enhance the growth and medicinal quality of this valuable plant. Discussion: This study provides actionable insights for the cultivation V. amurensis.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of oregano essential oil on Listeria monocytogenes cells, toxins and biofilms.

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a prevalent foodborne pathogen with a remarkable capacity to form biofilms on utensil surfaces. The Listeriolysin O (LLO) exhibits hemolytic activity, which is responsible for causing human infections. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect and mechanism of oregano essential oil (OEO) on L. monocytogenes, evaluated the effects on its biofilm removal and hemolytic activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of OEO against L. monocytogenes was 0.03% (v/v). L. monocytogenes was treated with OEO at 3/2 MIC for 30 min the bacteria was decreased below the detection limit (10 CFU/mL) in PBS and TSB (the initial bacterial load was about 6.5 log CFU/mL). The level of L. monocytogenes in minced pork co-cultured with OEO (15 MIC) about 2.5 log CFU/g lower than that in the untreated group. The inhibitory mechanisms of OEO against planktonic L. monocytogenes encompassed perturbation of cellular morphology, elevation in reactive oxygen species levels, augmentation of lipid oxidation extent, hyperpolarization of membrane potential, and reduction in intracellular ATP concentration. In addition, OEO reduced biofilm coverage on the surface of glass slides by 62.03% compared with the untreated group. Meanwhile, OEO (1/8 MIC) treatment reduced the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes to 24.6% compared with the positive control. Molecular docking suggested carvacrol and thymol might reduce the hemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes. The results of this study demonstrate that OEO exhibits inhibitory effects against L. monocytogenes, biofilms and LLO, which had potential as natural antimicrobial for the inhibition of L. monocytogenes.

Microbial and physicochemical changes in green bell peppers treated with ultrasonic-assisted washing in combination with Thymus vulgaris essential oil nanocapsules.

In this study, the effect of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TVO) nanoemulsion (NE, 500 mg/L) in combination with ultrasound (ultrasound-NE) on the microbial and physiological quality of green bell pepper was investigated. The TVO-NE droplet size and zeta potential were 84.26 nm and - 0.77 mV, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the TVO and TVO-NE against E. coli and S. aureus were about 0.07 and 7 g/L, respectively. The NE-ultrasound treatment exhibited the lowest peroxidase activity and respiration rate with no detrimental effect on texture, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, pH, and TSS. Although the NE-ultrasound treatment showed the highest weight loss and electrolytic leakage, it exhibited the best visual color and appearance. The NE-ultrasound treatment descended the total viable/mold and yeast counts significantly compared to control. Results showed that treating the bell peppers with NE-ultrasound can result in bell peppers with good postharvest quality and extended shelf life.

Efficacy of aromatherapy with Lavandula angustifolia oil on postoperative pain after cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy through inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil in relieving pain during the immediate postoperative period of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: A single-blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial, with 52 patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery were randomly distributed into experimental (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups. The primary outcome was whether or not pain was relieved and secondary outcomes included changes in vital signs, sleep and facial relaxation. The control group received industry standard care and application of an essential oil-free ceramic diffuser necklace. The experimental group received the inhalation intervention with pure Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, with a drop of the oil on a ceramic diffuser necklace at a distance of 15-20 cm from the patient's nose for 30 min. Pain was measured using the Numerical Visual Scale, and vital signs using the multiparametric monitor before the intervention, 10 minutes after its start and 30 minutes after the total end of inhalation. Face relaxation was assessed before and after the intervention and sleep was assessed at the end of inhalation. RESULTS: There was a decrease in pain levels (p < 0.001) 30 min after the end of inhalation in the Experimental Group, with a decrease in the measurements of Mean Blood Pressure (p= 0.008) and Respiratory Rate (p = 0.011). Furthermore, facial relaxation and sleep had a large effect size of 2.54 and 1.28, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lavandula angustifolia essential oil was effective in relieving pain, causing sleep and relaxation, proving to be a low-cost and easy-to-use tool that the nursing team can use in their care.

Understanding emulsifier influence on complex coacervation: Essential oils encapsulation perspective.

The objective of this research was to explore the viability of pea protein as a substitute for gelatin in the complex coacervation process, with a specific focus on understanding the impact of incorporating an emulsifier into this process. The study involved the preparation of samples with varying polymer mixing ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) and emulsifier content. As core substances, black pepper and juniper essential oils were utilized, dissolved beforehand in grape seed oil or soybean oil, to minimize the loss of volatile compounds. In total, 24 distinct samples were created, subjected to freeze-drying to produce powder, and then assessed for their physicochemical properties. Results revealed the significant impact of emulsifier addition on microcapsule parameters. Powders lacking emulsifiers exhibited higher water solubility (57.10%-81.41%) compared to those with emulsifiers (24.64%-40.13%). Moreover, the emulsifier significantly decreased thermal stability (e.g., without emulsifier, Ton = 137.21°C; with emulsifier, Ton = 41.55°C) and adversely impacted encapsulation efficiency (highest efficiency achieved: 67%; with emulsifier: 21%).

Study on Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms of the Essential Oil of the Flowers of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (EOFHCB) in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders by GC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking.

BACKGROUND: Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (Huanghuacai), a plant of the genus Hemerocallis in the family Asphodelaceae, is widely planted in China. Based on our survey results, the chemical compounds in the essential oil of the flowers of Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (EOFHCB) and relevant pharmacological activities have never been studied systematically. OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily decipher the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of EOFHCB in the treatment of anxiety disorders by GC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular docking. METHODS: EOFHCB compositions were identified using GC-MS, and their targets were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction databases. The targets of anxiety disorders were obtained by GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM databases. The STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction networks, and the DAVID database was used to carry out GO enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The EOFHCB-components-targetspathways- anxiety disorders network was constructed by Cytoscape software (Version 3.10.0). Finally, the result was verified by molecular docking. RESULTS: 28 chemical components were identified by GC-MS, including 3-furanmethanol (28.43%), 2-methyl-1-butanol (27.13%), nerolidol (10.62%), and so on, which correspond to 241 potential targets. Several 2440 biological processes, 187 cellular compositions, and 311 molecular functions were enriched by GO enrichment analysis and 174 pathways by KEGG enrichment analysis. The key targets are PTGS 2, SRC, DRD 2, ESR 1, MAOB, and SLC6A4. The most important pathway is the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. CONCLUSION: EOFHCB exerts its therapeutic effects on anxiety disorders through multicomponents, multi-targets, and multi-pathways, which provided new ideas and methods for the in-depth research of aromatic Chinese medicine in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Physical and biological properties of alginate-based cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions: Study of two different production strategies.

Nanoemulsions are a promising alternative for essential oil incorporation into active coatings. The influence of the preparation steps order on nanoemulsions' physical properties is still little explored. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the sequence of preparation steps and of the oil and polymer concentration on the stability, physical properties, and antifungal activity of alginate-based cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions. The nanoemulsions were produced by two strategies: (I) preparation directly into an alginate solution (Ultra-Turrax at 10,000 rpm for 5 min + Ultrasound 150 W for 3 min); and (II) preparation in water (Ultra-Turrax at 10,000 rpm for 5 min + Ultrasound 150 W for 3 min) followed by homogenization with a sodium alginate solution (Ultra-Turrax at 10,000 rpm for 1, 3 or 5 min). The nanoemulsion prepared by the second strategy showed better stability, physical properties, and antifungal activity. In general, the presence of alginate hindered the cavitation effects of ultrasound, leading to the increase of droplets size and consequently affecting emulsions stability, turbidity, and antifungal properties.

Preparation of Perilla frutescens L. essential oil hydrogel beads and preservation application research in strawberry.

Perilla frutescens L. essential oil (PLEO) has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can effectively maintain the quality of fruits and extend their shelf life. In this study, sodium alginate and chitosan were used as wall materials, and PLEO microcapsule powder was used as the core materials to prepare PLEO hydrogel beads. The best results were obtained by using 2%w/v sodium alginate and 1.5%w/v chitosan as wall materials, with a core-to-wall ratio of 2:1 and homogenized for 15 min producing PLEO hydrogel beads with encapsulation efficiency of 82.61 %. For strawberries preservation, PLEO hydrogel beads preservation group had a better effect after 5 d of storage, showing a lower decay rate (15.71 %), better maintaining the hardness of 1.75 kg/cm2, and a weight loss of 3.29 %. Furthermore, organic acids and total phenols were retained more in this group, the number of microorganisms was significantly reduced, and sensory qualities were improved, especially taste and color. This study provides important insights into the application of natural preservatives in the food industry and promotes sustainable practices in food preservation.

The chemical composition and the preservative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects of Thymus broussonetii Boiss. essential oil: an in vitro and in silico approach.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and preservative efficacy of Thymus broussonetii Boiss. essential oil (EO) in a topically applied formulation using a challenge test. Methods: The essential oil was extracted from the aerial part of T. broussonetii using hydrodistillation, and the obtained EO was further analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant effect of the EO was evaluated using three methods: the inhibition of free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ß-carotene-linoleic acid, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The antimicrobial activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of this EO were assayed by the disk-diffusion method and the broth microdilution method, respectively. The preservative efficacy of T. broussonetii EO was assayed at 1% and 2% (v/w) in a topical cream formulation using a challenge test against standard-specific microorganisms recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia. Furthermore, the identified phytochemical compounds were docked for their effect on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, human casein kinase 1 alpha 1 (CSNK1A1), glycogen synthase kinase 3, Staphylococcus aureus nucleoside diphosphate kinase, Escherichia coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl-carrier protein] synthase, Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR ligand-binding domain, and sterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51) from Candida albicans. The ADME/toxicity was predicted by analyzing the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion parameters. Results and discussion: chemical composition of the EO revealed the presence of thymol (63.09%), p-cymene (11%), and γ-terpinene (8.99%) as the major components. The antioxidant assays revealed that the essential oil exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as indicated by the minimum inhibitory concentration IC50 (IC50 = 210 ± 0.3 µg/mL for the DPPH assay, IC50 = 145 ± 0.1 µg/mL for the ß-carotene assay, and IC50 = 84 ± 0.21 µg/mL for the FRAP assay) when compared to quercetin and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as controls. The investigated essential oil exhibited important antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms, and the MICs of the EO against bacteria and fungi were 0.02%-1%. Moreover, the EO of T. broussonetii evaluated at 2% (v/w) in a cream formulation succeeded in satisfying the A criteria for preservation efficacy against S. aureus, E. coli, and Aspergillus brasiliensis but exhibited less efficacy against P. aeruginosa (1.78 log reduction in the number of CFU/g after 7 days of evaluation) and C. albicans (1.09 log reduction in the number of CFU/g after 14 days of evaluation) when compared to the synthetic preservative phenoxyethanol 1% (v/w). In silico results showed that the antimicrobial activity of T. broussonetii EO is mostly attributed to thymol, terpinen-4-ol, and aromadendrene, while the antioxidant activity is attributed to thymol. These results indicate that the EO of T. broussonetii possesses important antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and can, therefore, be used as a natural preservative ingredient in the cosmetic industry.

The genus Myrsine: A review of phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

BACKGROUND: Myrsine (the family Primulaceae) contains flowering species. Pharmacologically, the plants of this genus belong to a list of medicinal plants that induce infectious and inflammatory treatments. There are no scientific publications that review phytochemistry and pharmacological activities. OBJECTIVE: The compilation and classification of phytochemicals, chromatographic information, essential oils, and pharmacological reviews are the ultimate aim. METHODS: References on phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Myrsine species were collected from various sources, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science from the 1990s to present. The main keyword "Myrsine" was used alone or in combination with others to search for references. RESULTS: Chromatographic procedure of Myrsine extracts led to the purification of 134 compounds. Flavonoids, mono-phenols, saponins, quinones, megastigmanes, and lignans were the main phytochemical classes. Myrsine Volatile compounds are monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and aliphatic compounds. Myrsine constituents established a widespread panel of pharmacological activities, such as cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-parasite, tyrosine inhibition, and hepatoprotection, especially anti-inflammation. Novel flavonoids myrsininones A-B are better than the standard triclosan against bacteria Staphylococcus warneri, S. mutan, S. sanguis, and Actinomyces naeslundii. M. seguinii aerial part ethanolic extract inhibited LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated inflammatory Raw 264.7 cells via Src/Syk/NF-κB (sarcoma kinase/spleen tyrosine kinase/ nuclear factor-kappa B) and IRAK-1/AP-1 (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1/activating protein-1) signaling inhibition. Generally, Myrsine plant extracts showed no toxicity. CONCLUSION: Myrsine constituents are good antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory agents. However, the majority of earlier research focuses on the pharmacological analyses of M. africana. Thus, comprehensive findings for the remaining species are needed.