Phytochemical compositions and antioxidant activity of green and purple basils altered by light intensity and harvesting time.

Ocimum basilicum L. is one of the most important medicinal and vegetable crops due to its essential oil, pleasant aroma and taste. In this study, we evaluated the impact of different light intensities, including 100 %, 50 %, and 30 % of natural sunlight, on the growth, phytochemical compositions, and antioxidant activity of green and purple basil cultivars at two different harvest times: early morning and noon. The height of the plant, number of leaves per plant, length of the petiole, diameter of the stem, and fresh and dry weight of the shoot were all reduced by decreasing light intensity in both basil cultivars. When the plants of both cultivars were grown under full light intensity and were sampled at noon, they showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. The highest antioxidant activity was detected in purple basil cultivars grown under 30 and 50 % of sunlight in both harvests. The green basil cultivar showed the highest antioxidant activity when exposed to 30 % sunlight and harvested in the early morning. The highest essential oil content and yield in both basil cultivars were obtained under full sunlight in the early morning harvests. In summary, light intensity and harvest time influence the phytochemical yield, composition, and growth of two studied basil cultivars. Optimal results, particularly for medicinal purposes, were achieved by morning harvesting to maximize the essential oil yield of basils.

Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like potential of the essential oil from the Ocimum basilicum Linn leaves and its major constituent estragole on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The Ocimum species present active compounds with the potential to develop drugs for treating chronic disease conditions, such as anxiety and seizures. The present study aims to investigate the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like effect of the essential oil from O. basilicum Linn (OEFOb) leaves and its major constituent estragole (ES) in vivo on adult zebrafish (aZF) and in silico. The aZF were treated with OEFOb or ES or vehicle and submitted to the tests of toxicity, open-field, anxiety, and convulsion and validated the interactions of the estragole on the involvement of GABAergic and serotonergic receptors by molecular docking assay. The results showed that the oral administration of OEFOb and ES did not have a toxic effect on the aZF and showed anxiolytic-like effects with the involvement of GABAA, 5-HT1, 5-HT2A/2C and 5-HT3A/3B as well on anxiety induced by alcohol withdrawal. The OEFOb and ES showed anticonvulsant potential attenuating the seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) by modulation of the GABAA system. Both anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects were corroborated by the potential of the interaction of ES by in silico assay. These study samples demonstrate the pharmacological evidence and potential for using these compounds to develop new anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drugs.

5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone mitigates lead induced neurotoxicity in rats via its chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and monoaminergic properties.

Chronic exposure to lead (Pb) induces neurodegenerative changes in animals and humans. Drugs with strong antioxidant properties are effective against Pb-mediated neurotoxicity. In a prior study, we identified 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',5'-trimethoxyflavone (TMF) from Ocimum basilicum L. leaves as a potent antioxidant and neuroprotective compound. This research explores TMF's neuroprotective effects against Pb-induced brain toxicity in rats to establish it as a therapeutic agent. Rats received lead acetate (100 mg/kg, orally, once daily) for 30 days to induce brain injury, followed by TMF treatment (5 and 10 mg/kg, oral, once daily) 30 min later. Cognitive and motor functions were assessed using Morris Water Maze and horizontal bar tests. Lead, monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 levels were measured in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Pb exposure impaired cognitive and motor functions, increased Pb, TBARS, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and compromised MAO A & B and GSH levels. TMF reversed Pb-induced memory and motor deficits and normalized biochemical anomalies. TMF's neuroprotective effects against lead involve chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and monoaminergic properties, suggesting its potential as a treatment for metal-induced brain injury.

Bio-active compounds and major biomedical properties of basil (Ocimum basilicum, lamiaceae).

Due to the numerous health benefits and therapeutic properties, herbs and plant metabolites/extracts are gaining popularity. This is particularly evident in the current era of drug resistance and the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Ocimum basilicum, also known as basil, has been extensively studied for its pharmacological benefits, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound healing properties. As a result, this plant has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases in both humans and animals. Ocimum basilicum contains various bioactive chemical compounds, such as neryl acetate, 1,8-cineole, p-allylanisole, geraniol, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, and trans-α-bergamotene. The latest advancements in technology can be utilised to enhance the beneficial properties of raw Ocimum basilicum extract. This review compiles and presents the profile of phytocomponents and pharmacological properties of Ocimum basilicum. The findings presented here will contribute to further research on this remarkable herb, aiming to develop effective pharmaceutical solutions for various health issues in humans and animals.

A randomized double-blind active-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of topical basil (Ocimum basilicum) oil in knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Basil is a widely used herb in Persian medicine and is gaining recognition as a functional food worldwide. Aim of the study: This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a traditional formulation of basil oil in comparison with diclofenac gel in treating knee osteoarthritis, considering its established anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-oxidative properties. Materials and methods: One hundred eligible patients were equally randomized to the traditional basil oil (containing sesame oil) and diclofenac gel groups. They used their respective topical treatments thrice daily for 4 weeks. Various measurements were taken at the beginning of the study, 2, and 4 weeks after starting the intervention, including the 8-m walk test, knee pain (based on visual analog scale), flexion angle of the knee joint, analgesic consumption, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Results: No significant differences were observed between the basil oil and diclofenac gel groups in any of the measured outcomes. However, significant improvements were noted within each group for most variables. Conclusion: Topical application of the traditional formulation of basil oil appears to improve clinical symptoms and certain functional indicators of knee osteoarthritis to a similar extent as diclofenac gel. This suggests that basil oil could be considered an effective management option for this condition. Clinical Trial Registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/, identifier IRCT2017081711341N7.

Enhancing basil essential oil microencapsulation using pectin/casein biopolymers: Optimization through D-optimal design, controlled release modeling, and characterization.

A D-optimal design was employed to optimize the microencapsulation (MEC) of basil essential oil (BEO) within a biopolymer matrix using the complex coacervation technique. BEO microcapsules (BEO-MCs) obtained under the optimal conditions exhibited high yield and efficiency with 80.45 ± 0.01 % and 93.10 ± 0.18 %, respectively. The successful MEC of BEO with an average particle size of 4.81 ± 2.86 µm was confirmed by ATR-FTIR, X-RD, and SEM analyses. Furthermore, the thermal stability of BEO-MCs was assessed using TGA-DSC analysis, which provided valuable insights into the MC's thermal stability. Furthermore, the proposed model, with a high R2 value (0.99) and low RMSE (1.56 %), was the most suitable one among the tested models for the controlled release kinetics of the optimal BEO-MCs under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The successful optimization of BEO MEC using biopolymers through the D-optimal design could be a promising avenue for food and pharmaceutical industries, providing new strategies for the development of effective products.

Catalytic green synthesis of Tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles for phenolic compounds removal and molecular docking with EGFR tyrosine kinase.

In this study, tin dioxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) were successfully synthesized through an eco-friendly method using basil leaves extract. The fabricated SnO2 NPs demonstrated significant adsorption capabilities for phenol (PHE), p-nitrophenol (P-NP), and p-methoxyphenol (P-MP) from water matrices. Optimal conditions for maximum removal efficiency was determined for each phenolic compound, with PHE showing a remarkable 95% removal at a 3 ppm, 0.20 g of SnO2 NPs, pH 8, and 30 min of agitation at 35 °C. Molecular docking studies unveiled a potential anticancer mechanism, indicating the ability of SnO2 NPs to interact with the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase domain and inhibit its activity. The adsorption processes followed pseudo-second order kinetics and Temkin isotherm model, revealing spontaneous, exothermic, and chemisorption-controlled mechanisms. This eco-friendly approach utilizing plant extracts was considered as a valuable tool for nano-sorbent production. The SnO2 NPs not only exhibit promise in water treatment and also demonstrate potential applications in cancer therapy. Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) provided comprehensive insights into the results.

A Preliminary Report Regarding the Morphological Changes of Nano-Enabled Pharmaceutical Formulation on Human Lung Carcinoma Monolayer and 3D Bronchial Microtissue.

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, the development of enabled pharmaceutical nanoparticles of solid lipid type is continuously growing, because they have the potential to be used for targeted drug release leading to an increased effect of chemotherapy, being used in lung cancer nano-diagnosis and nano-therapy. The current study reports the preliminary results obtained regarding the biological effect of a new nano-enabled pharmaceutical formulation in terms of its cytotoxic and biosafety profile. Materials and Methods: The pharmaceutical formulations consist of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) obtained via the emulsification-diffusion method by loading green iron oxide nanoparticles (green-IONPs) with a pentacyclic triterpene (oleanolic acid-OA). Further, a complex biological assessment was performed, employing three-dimensional (3D) bronchial microtissues (EpiAirwayTM) to determine the biosafety profile of the SLN samples. The cytotoxic potential of the samples was evaluated on human lung carcinoma, using an in vitro model (A549 human lung carcinoma monolayer). Results: The data revealed that the A549 cell line was strongly affected after treatment with SLN samples, especially those that contained OA-loaded green-IONPs obtained with Ocimum basilicum extract (under 30% viability rates). The biosafety profile investigation of the 3D normal in vitro bronchial model showed that all the SLN samples negatively affected the viability of the bronchial microtissues (below 50%). As regards the morphological changes, all the samples induce major changes such as loss of the surface epithelium integrity, loss of epithelial junctions, loss of cilia, hyperkeratosis, and cell death caused by apoptosis. Conclusions: In summary, the culprit for the negative impact on viability and morphology of 3D normal bronchial microtissues could be the too-high dose (500 µg/mL) of the SLN sample used. Nevertheless, further adjustments in the SLN synthesis process and another complex in vitro evaluation will be considered for future research.

Construction of viral-based expression vectors for high-level production of human interferon alpha 2b in plants.

Human interferon (hINF) alpha 2b is clinically important pharmaceutical product included in combinatory therapy against chronic hepatitis C and B and complex therapy against several cancer diseases. Here, we created the genetic constructions, based on genome elements of potato virus X (PVX), carrying the infα2b gene for transient expression in plant cells. The created plasmid vector constructions were tested through Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression method in two plant species-Nicotiana benthamiana and Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil). Production of recombinant hINF alpha 2b was more efficient in N. benthamiana than that in O. basilicum plants. The average yield of hINF alpha 2b produced in N. benthamiana plants was 0.56 mg/g of fresh leaf weight (FW) or 6% of the total soluble cell proteins (TSP). The maximal level reached up to 1.2 mg/g FW or 9% TSP. We estimated that about 0.67 mg of hINF can be obtained from one N. benthamiana plant. The yield of hINF alpha 2b obtained with the PVX-based expression cassette was about 80 times higher than the yield of hINF alpha 2b obtained with a simple expression cassette in which the infα2b gene was controlled by the 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus. KEY POINTS: • PVX-based expression vectors provide efficient transient expression of infα2b gene • N. benthamiana plants can produce human interferon alpha 2b at high levels • The yield of the hINF α2b reached up to 1.2 mg/g of fresh leaf weight.

Antimicrobial and Other Pharmacological Properties of Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae.

Since ancient times, various scientists and doctors have utilized different herbs to heal diseases. Due to the rise in drug resistance and the negative effects of chemosynthetic drugs, researchers and the general public around the world have become more interested in medicinal herbs and plant metabolites/extracts. This is due to its non-toxicity and its several health benefits when used to treat diseases in clinical and medical settings. Ocimum basilicum is one such plant, possessing a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, steroids and glycosides, as well as complex pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing and antiviral properties. The results of many studies on Ocimum basilicum plant extracts are collected and presented in this review. The plant extracts have excellent potential to be used as medicinal raw materials, and exhibit an extensive variety of therapeutic capacities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Optimization of Plant Nutrition in Aquaponics: The Impact of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus mojavensis on Lettuce and Basil Yield and Mineral Status.

The present study aims to test the effect of a nutrient solution, with the addition of microbial inoculum, on the growth and mineral composition of 'Hilbert' and 'Barlach' lettuce cultivars (Lactuca sativa var. crispa, L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum, L.) cultivated in a vertical indoor farm. These crops were grown in four different variants of nutrient solution: (1) hydroponic; (2) aquaponic, derived from a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with rainbow trout; (3) aquaponic, treated with Trichoderma harzianum; (4) aquaponic, treated with Bacillus mojavensis. The benefits of T. harzianum inoculation were most evident in basil, where a significantly higher number of leaves (by 44.9%), a higher nitrate content (by 36.4%), and increased vitamin C (by 126.0%) were found when compared to the aquaponic variant. Inoculation with T. harzianum can be recommended for growing basil in N-limited conditions. B. mojavensis caused a higher degree of removal of Na+ and Cl- from the nutrient solution (243.1% and 254.4% higher, in comparison to the aquaponic solution). This is desirable in aquaponics as these ions may accumulate in the system solution. B. mojavensis further increased the number of leaves in all crops (by 44.9-82.9%) and the content of vitamin C in basil and 'Hilbert' lettuce (by 168.3 and 45.0%) compared to the aquaponic solution. The inoculums of both microbial species used did not significantly affect the crop yield or the activity of the biofilter. The nutrient levels in RAS-based nutrient solutions are mostly suboptimal or in a form that is unavailable to the plants; thus, their utilization must be maximized. These findings can help to reduce the required level of supplemental mineral fertilizers in aquaponics.

Effects of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and ginger extract on serum biochemistry, oxidative stress and gill tissue damage of pearl gentian grouper during simulated live transport.

This study explored the effects of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (EOOB) and ginger extract (GE) during the transportation of pearl gentian grouper from water quality, serum biochemistry, oxidative stress, meat flavor, and gill tissue morphology. Fish (450 ± 50 g) were allocated to the following 5 treatments: control group (fish transported in water only), 5 mg/LEOOB, 10 mg/LEOOB, 3 mg/LGE, and 6 mg/LGE and transported in insulation boxes (66 × 51 × 37.8 cm) for 72 h. Samples were taken at 0, 12, 36, 60, and 72 h immediately after transport. It was found that 10 mg/LEOOB and 6 mg/LGE could reduce the levels of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), dissolved oxygen (DO), water pH, serum glucose (GLU), cortisol (COR), liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), increase the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as significantly increase the total free amino acid (TFAA) content in muscle compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, by observing the microstructure of gill tissue, it was found that compared with untreated grouper, the morphological damage of gill tissue in EOOB and GE treatment was alleviated. These results indicated that adding appropriate amounts of EOOB and GE to transport water could improve the water quality, relieve stress, and lower energy metabolism of grouper during transport. The results of this research will help to improve the survival rate of grouper after transportation and decrease economic losses to fishery.

Microfluidic-based nanoemulsion of Ocimum basilicum extract: Constituents, stability, characterization, and potential biomedical applications for improved antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

This paper reports on the findings from a study that aimed to identify and characterize the constituents of Ocimum basilicum extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, as well as assess the physicochemical properties and stability of nanoemulsions formulated with O. basilicum extract. The GC-MS analysis revealed that the O. basilicum extract contained 22 components, with Caryophyllene and Naringenin identified as the primary active constituents. The nanoemulsion formulation demonstrated excellent potential for use in the biomedical field, with a small and uniform particle size distribution, a negative zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency for the O. basilicum extract. The nanoemulsions exhibited spherical morphology and remained physically stable for up to 6 months. In vitro release studies indicated sustained release of the extract from the nanoemulsion formulation compared to the free extract solution. Furthermore, the developed nanoformulation exhibited enhanced anticancer properties against K562 cells while demonstrating low toxicity in normal cells (HEK293). The O. basilicum extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with a potential synergistic effect observed when combined with the nanoemulsion. These findings contribute to the understanding of the constituents and potential applications of O. basilicum extract and its nanoemulsion formulation in various fields, including healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Further optimization and research are necessary to maximize the efficacy and antimicrobial activity of the extract and its nanoformulation. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This study characterized the constituents of O. basilicum extract and assessed the physicochemical properties and stability of its nanoemulsion formulation. The O. basilicum extract contained 22 components, with Caryophyllene and Naringenin identified as the primary active constituents. The nanoemulsion formulation demonstrated excellent potential for biomedical applications, with sustained release of the extract, low toxicity, and enhanced anticancer and antimicrobial properties. The findings contribute to the understanding of the potential applications of O. basilicum extract and its nanoemulsion formulation in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, highlighting the need for further optimization and research.

Examining the varied concentrations of Mentha spicata and Ocimum basilicum affect the synthesis of AgNPs that restrict the development of bacteria.

This work examined the effects of varied concentrations of Ocimum basilicum and Mentha spicata aqueous extracts in order to determine the concentration that has the strongest antibacterial impact through the green synthesis technique of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). In order to synthesize AgNPs using the reduction method, different quantities of reducing and stabilizing agents: (a) 0.75 mM Ocimum basilicum and 0.25 mM Mentha spicata; (b) 0.5 Mentha spicata and 0.5 mM Ocimum basilicum; and (c) 0.25 mM Ocimum basilicum and 0.75 mM Mentha spicata were utilized. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis spectra were used to analyze AgNPs' crystal structure and shape. The antibacterial potency of E. coli ATCC 35218 was investigated utilizing AgNPs employing the well diffusion, MBC, MIC, and the time-kill curve. Ocimum basilicum water solution's dark yellow hue denotes the completion of the AgNPs' synthesis. As the aqueous Ocimum basilicum solution concentration increases between 0.25 and 0.75 mM, the AgNPs' UV spectra show a gradually increasing absorption. This, in turn, caused the nanoparticle size to alter from 73.57 to 89.05 nm and the wavelength to change from 468 to 474 nm. The experiments also revealed that the nanoparticles had a significantly antibacterial activity against E. coli, of the sample prepared with 1 mM Ocimum basilicum. Based on the synthesis of AgNPs, it has been shown that an aqueous extract of Ocimum basilicum outperforms Mentha spicata as a powerful reducing agent and stabilizing agent for the production AgNPs in various sizes. This is true regardless of the solvent content.

Polysaccharides and Phenolic Compounds Recovered from Red Bell Pepper, Tomato and Basil By-Products Using a Green Extraction by Extractor Timatic®.

Fruits and vegetables processing produces significant amounts of by-products rich in valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and dietary fiber. Food by-product re-use promotes the eco-sustainability of several crops. This study aimed to apply green extractions of bioactive compounds from by-products of basil, tomato, and red bell pepper production. Tests were performed by applying extraction procedures both at laboratory scale and using the Timatic® extractor. Water and ethanol 10% and 20% were used for extraction of red bell pepper and tomato, testing different temperatures (30, 50, and 90 °C; water at 90 °C and ethanol 20% were applied for basil. The obtained phenolic extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS. Polysaccharides of tomato and red bell pepper were extracted at laboratory scale and chemically characterized using 1H-NMR to define the methylation and acylation degree, and DLS to estimate the hydrodynamic volume. Laboratory extraction tests allowed efficient scaling-up of the process on the Timatic® extractor. Phenolic content in the dried extracts (DE) ranged 8.0-11.2 mg/g for tomato and red bell pepper and reached 240 mg/g for basil extracts. Polysaccharide yields (w/w on DM) reached 6.0 and 10.4% for dried tomato and red bell pepper, respectively. Dry extracts obtained using the Timatic® extractor and water can be useful sources of bioactive phenols. The study provided new data on tomato and red bell pepper polysaccharides that may be useful for future applications.

Ameliorating effects of Acacia arabica and Ocimum basilicum on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model through mitigation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum. The disease is characterized by oxidative stress and severe inflammation. Research has shown the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects induced by consuming the Acacia arabia and Ocimum basilicum. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment with O. basilicum together with A. arabica on healing, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the course of experimental colitis in rats. Methods: A total number of 50 male rats were selected and randomly assigned to five groups of 10 rats each. Colitis was induced in rats by enemas with a 4 % acetic acid solution. Four days after the colitis induction, the rats were orally treated for the next 4 days with saline or a combination of A. arabica and O. basilicum (1000 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg). Results: Acetic acid-induced colitis increased the colon's macroscopic and histopathological damage scores; increased colon levels of MDA (Malondialdehyde), MPO (Myeloperoxidase), TNF-α (Tissue necrosis factor α), IL6 (Interleukin 6), and IL17 (Interleukin 17); and decreased SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), GPx (Glutathione Peroxidase), and IL10 (Interleukin 10) levels in the treated rats compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Overall, a combination of A. arabica and O. basilicum reduced macroscopic and histopathological damage scores (P < 0.01) of the colon, and MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL6 (P < 0.001), and IL17 (P < 0.01) levels of the colon. Furthermore, it increased SOD, GPx, and IL10 levels compared to the colitis group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: A. arabica and O. basilicum have improving effects on UC by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

WGA-M001, a Mixture of Total Extracts of Tagetes erecta and Ocimum basilicum, Synergistically Alleviates Cartilage Destruction by Inhibiting ERK and NF-κB Signaling.

Tagetes erecta and Ocimum basilicum are medicinal plants that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects against various diseases. However, their individual and combined effects on osteoarthritis (OA) are unknown. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the effects of T. erecta, O. basilicum, and their mixture, WGA-M001, on OA pathogenesis. The administration of total extracts of T. erecta and O. basilicum reduced cartilage degradation and inflammation without causing cytotoxicity. Although WGA-M001 contained lower concentrations of the individual extracts, it strongly inhibited the expression of pathogenic factors. In vivo OA studies also supported that WGA-M001 had protective effects against cartilage destruction at lower doses than those of T. erecta and O. basilicum. Moreover, its effects were stronger than those observed using Boswellia and Perna canaliculus. WGA-M001 effectively inhibited the interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of the activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway and ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, RNA-sequence analysis also showed that WGA-M001 decreased the expression of genes related to the IL-1ß-induced NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. Therefore, WGA-M001 is more effective than the single total extracts of T. erecta and O. basilicum in attenuating OA progression by regulating ERK and NF-κB signaling. Our results open new possibilities for WGA-M001 as a potential therapeutic agent for OA treatment.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)-A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Biotechnological Development.

An urgent demand for natural compound alternatives to conventional medications has arisen due to global health challenges, such as drug resistance and the adverse effects associated with synthetic drugs. Plant extracts are considered an alternative due to their favorable safety profiles and potential for reducing side effects. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a valuable plant resource and a potential candidate for the development of pharmaceutical medications. A single pure compound or a combination of compounds exhibits exceptional medicinal properties, including antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses, antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, antifungal properties, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic potential, neuroprotective qualities, and anticancer properties. The plant contains various phytochemical constituents, which mostly consist of linalool, eucalyptol, estragole, and eugenol. For centuries, community and traditional healers across the globe have employed O. basilicum L. to treat a wide range of ailments, including flu, fever, colds, as well as issues pertaining to digestion, reproduction, and respiration. In addition, the current research presented underscores the significant potential of O. basilicum-related nanotechnology applications in addressing diverse challenges and advancing numerous fields. This promising avenue of exploration holds great potential for future scientific and technological advancements, promising improved utilization of medicinal products derived from O. basilicum L.

Improving the structure and properties of whey protein emulsion gel using soluble interactions with xanthan and basil seed gum.

Applying hydrocolloids in the structure of protein emulsion gel can improve its properties. Interaction of whey protein concentrate (WPC) (5%) with xanthan gum (XG) and basil seed gum (BSG) at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) was investigated to improve mechanical and structural properties of emulsion gel. Results illustrated that gums created a stronger structure around the oil droplets, which confocal images approved it. Also, the particle size decreased and uniformed by cooperating 0.6% gum in comparison with WPC (46.87 µm). The lowest and highest hardness values were observed in emulsion gel formed by WPC (1.27 N) and 0.6BSG: WPC (3.03 N), respectively. Also, the increase of gum concentration had a positive on consistency parameter of texture, so the value was 11.48 N s in WPC emulsion gel and it reached 0.6BSG: WPC (25.71 N s) and 0.6XG: WPC (19.96 N s). Evaluating the stability of the treatments by centrifugation indicated that 0.6BSG: WPC (89.10%) and 0.6XG: WPC (74%) had the highest level of stability. Increasing gum concentration increased the consistency and viscosity. Also, the viscoelastic properties of emulsion gel improved by 0.6% BSG. The elastic modulus of the WPC, 0.6XG: WPC, and 0.6BSG: WPC emulsion gels at the same frequency (1 Hz) was 240.90, 894.59, and 1185.61 Pa, respectively. In general, the interaction of WPC solution with hydrocolloids, especially BSG, is suggested to prepare more stable and elastic emulsion gels.

Application timing and duration of LED and HPS supplements differentially influence yield, nutrient bioaccumulation, and light use efficiency of greenhouse basil across seasons.

Three primary factors that impact plant growth and development are light quantity, quality, and duration. Commercial growers can manipulate these parameters using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to optimize biomass yield and plant quality. There is significant potential to synergize supplemental lighting (SL) parameters with seasonal variation of ambient sunlight to optimize crop light use efficiency (LUE), which could increase biomass while reducing SL electricity costs. To determine the best lighting characteristics and durations for different crops, particularly for enhancing the yield and nutritional quality of high-value specialty crops produced in greenhouses during the winter, a thorough efficacy comparison of progressive incremental daily light integrals (DLIs) using LED and high-pressure sodium (HPS) sources is required. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of differential application timing and DLIs of supplemental blue (B)/red (R) narrowband wavelengths from LED lighting systems and HPS lamps on greenhouse hydroponic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. 'Genovese') production. We assessed edible biomass, nutrient bioaccumulation, and LUE. Nine light treatments included: one non-supplemented natural light (NL) control, two end-of-day (EOD) HPS treatments applied for 6 h and 12 h, five EOD 20B/80R LED treatments applied for 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 18 h, and one continuous LED treatment (24 h). Each SL treatment provided 100 µmol·m-2·s-1. The DLI of the NL control averaged 9.9 mol·m-2·d-1 during the growth period (ranging from 4 to 20 mol·m-2·d-1). SL treatments and growing seasons significantly impacted biomass and nutrient bioaccumulation; some SL treatments had lower yields than the non-supplemented NL control. January growing season produced the lowest fresh mass (FM) and dry mass (DM) values compared to November, which had the highest. Mineral analyses revealed that both growing seasons and lighting types impacted macro and micronutrient accumulation. Additionally, the efficiency of each treatment in converting electrical energy into biomass varied greatly. EOD supplements using LED and HPS lighting systems both have merits for efficiently optimizing yield and nutrient accumulation in basil; however, biomass and nutrient tissue concentrations highly depend on seasonal variation in ambient sunlight in conjunction with a supplement's spectral quality, DLI, and application schedule.