scholarly journals Potential Health Benefits of Origanum heracleoticum Essential Oil: Phytochemical and Biological Variability among Different Calabrian Populations

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1801300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariangela Marrelli ◽  
Fabrizio Araniti ◽  
Maria Rosa Abenavoli ◽  
Giancarlo Statti ◽  
Filomena Conforti

The potential health benefits of the essential oils of six different populations of Origanum heracleoticum L. from Calabria (Italy) were assessed, together with the evaluation of the influence of the site of collection on their metabolic profile and biological activity. Different terpenoids were identified, being thymol, carvacrol and o-cymene among the most abundant ones. Hierarchical cluster analysis allowed the identification of two main groups, which were discriminated by the altitude of collection. The antioxidant activity was tested by means of two in vitro assays: DPPH and β-carotene bleaching test. Samples EO-4 and EO-3 were the most active in protecting linoleic acid from peroxidation, with IC50 values of 4.00 and 4.68 μg/mL after 30 minutes of incubation. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed through the evaluation of the capacity to inhibit NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. All essential oils induced a dose-depending inhibitory effect. An excellent activity was demonstrated for sample EO-4, followed by sample EO-3 (IC50 values equal to 32.77 and 49.48 μg/mL, respectively). Observed biological properties were correlated to the phytochemical content of analyzed samples.

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (21) ◽  
pp. 3910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Seon Kim ◽  
Jin-Soo Park ◽  
You Chul Chung ◽  
Sungchan Jang ◽  
Chang-Gu Hyun ◽  
...  

Biorenovation is a microbial enzyme-catalyzed structural modification of organic compounds with the potential benefits of reduced toxicity and improved biological properties relative to their precursor compounds. In this study, we synthesized a novel compound verified as formononetin 7-O-phosphate (FMP) from formononetin (FM) using microbial biotransformation. We further compared the anti-inflammatory properties of FMP to FM in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. We observed that cell viabilities and inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production were greater in FMP-treated RAW 264.7 cells than in their FM-treated counterparts. In addition, FMP treatment suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner and concomitantly decreased the mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We also found that FMP exerted its anti-inflammatory effects through the downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. In conclusion, we generated a novel anti-inflammatory compound using biorenovation and demonstrated its efficacy in cell-based in vitro assays.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3480
Author(s):  
Adriana Maite Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Eduardo Dellacassa ◽  
Tiziana Nardin ◽  
Roberto Larcher ◽  
Adriana Gámbaro ◽  
...  

The present investigation aimed to provide novel information on the chemical composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from raw citrus pomaces (mandarin varieties Clemenule and Ortanique and orange varieties Navel and Valencia). The effects of the baking process on their bioaccessibility was also assessed. Samples of pomaces and biscuits containing them as an ingredient were digested, mimicking the human enzymatic oral gastrointestinal digestion process, and the composition of the digests were analyzed. UHPLC-MS/MS results of the citrus pomaces flavonoid composition showed nobiletin, hesperidin/neohesperidin, tangeretin, heptamethoxyflavone, tetramethylscutellarein, and naringin/narirutin. The analysis of the digests indicated the bioaccessibility of compounds possessing antioxidant [6.6–11.0 mg GAE/g digest, 65.5–97.1 µmol Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g digest, and 135.5–214.8 µmol TE/g digest for total phenol content (TPC), ABTS, and ORAC-FL methods, respectively; significant reduction (p < 0.05) in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation under tert-butyl hydroperoxide (1 mM)-induced conditions in IEC-6 and CCD-18Co cells when pre-treated with concentrations 5–25 µg/mL of the digests], anti-inflammatory [significant reduction (p < 0.05) in nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages], and antidiabetic (IC50 3.97–11.42 mg/mL and 58.04–105.68 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition capacities) properties in the citrus pomaces under study. In addition, orange pomace biscuits with the nutrition claims “no-added sugars” and “source of fiber”, as well as those with good sensory quality (6.9–6.7, scale 1–9) and potential health promoting properties, were obtained. In conclusion, the results supported the feasibility of citrus pomace as a natural sustainable source of health-promoting compounds such as flavonoids. Unfractionated orange pomace may be employed as a functional food ingredient for reducing the risk of pathophysiological processes linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carbohydrate metabolism, such as diabetes, among others.


2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 3453-3464
Author(s):  
Evelin Korcz ◽  
László Varga ◽  
Zoltán Kerényi

Serratia species are opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms primarily known as nosocomial infectious agents, which can also cause food quality problems. The appearance of the extracellular pigment-producing Serratia marcescens in cow’s milk causes its red discoloration, posing a challenge to the dairy industry and food certification laboratories. The detection of the bacterium by conventional procedures based on microbiological methods is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and in many cases does not lead to satisfactory results due to the competitive inhibitory effect of the accompanying microflora. Following the analysis of the relevant literature, the published endpoint PCR methods and the primers used for the detection of S. marcescens were evaluated in in silico and in vitro assays, and then the procedure was tested on farm milk samples. Using the method, a total of 60 raw and pasteurized milk samples were analyzed, more than half of which (i.e., 32) were identified as S. marcescens positive. The significance of our work is mainly represented by the application of the published test methods in food industry practice. Our results highlight to the importance of detecting this bacterial species.


Author(s):  
Fabrício Freitas Fernandes ◽  
Amanda Latercia Tranches Dias ◽  
Cíntia Lacerda Ramos ◽  
Masaharu Ikegaki ◽  
Antonio Martins de Siqueira ◽  
...  

Cryptococcosis is a worldwide disease caused by the etiological agent Cryptococcus neoformans. It affects mainly immunocompromised humans. It is relatively rare in animals only affecting those that have received prolonged antibiotic therapy. The propolis is a resin that can present several biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. The standard strain C. neoformans ATTC 90112 was used to the antifungal evaluation. The tests were realized with propolis ethanol extract (PEE) G12 in concentrations from 0.1 to 1.6 mg mL-1. The evaluation of MIC and MFC were done according to DUARTE (2002)5. The inhibitory effect of PEE G12 on the fungal growing was seen at the concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1 and 1.6 mg mL-1 was considered a fungicidal one.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rihab Ben Abdallah Kolsi ◽  
Bochra Gargouri ◽  
Sameh Sassi ◽  
Donyez Frikha ◽  
Saloua Lassoued ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2110559
Author(s):  
Le Minh Ha ◽  
Ngo Thi Phuong ◽  
Nguyen Thi Thu Hien ◽  
Pham Thi Tam ◽  
Do Thi Thao ◽  
...  

In this study, we aimed at evaluating in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of various extracts of the rhizomes of Globba pendula Roxb. Three extracts ( n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water) were screened for their inhibitory effect on NO production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The ethyl acetate extract of G. pendula rhizomes (EGP) showed a potential effect with an IC50 value of 32.45 µg/mL. For in vivo study, the ethyl acetate extract was further investigated for its anti-inflammatory effect using collagen antibody-induced arthritic mice (CAIA). The level of arthritis in experimental mice significantly reduced ( P < .05) after treatment with EGP at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). This study also revealed that EGP is orally non-toxic. Ethyl p-methoxy cinamate was identified as the main constituent of EGP, which may result in its anti-inflammatory effect.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (16) ◽  
pp. 1817-1827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Vučić ◽  
Milkica Grabež ◽  
Armen Trchounian ◽  
Aleksandra Arsić

Background:: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits are widely consumed and used as preventive and therapeutic agents since ancient times. Pomegranate is a rich source of a variety of phytochemicals, which are responsible for its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. Objective:: The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of chemical structure and potential health benefits of pomegranate. Method: : A comprehensive search of available literature. Results:: The review of the literature confirms that juice and extracts obtained from different parts of this plant, including fruit peel, seeds, and leaves exert health benefits in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial and anti-tumour effects of pomegranate fruit are of particular scientific and clinical interest. Conclusion:: Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the bioactive ingredients and to reveal full potential of pomegranate as both preventive and therapeutic agent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Abate ◽  
Mauro Niso ◽  
Francesca Serena Abatematteo ◽  
Marialessandra Contino ◽  
Nicola Antonio Colabufo ◽  
...  

These unprecedented times have forced the scientific community to gather to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts in diverse directions have been made. A multi-university team has focused on the identification of the host (human) proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, with the aim of hampering these interactions that may cause severe COVID-19 symptoms. Sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors surprisingly belong to the “druggable” host proteins found, with the pan-sigma receptor modulator PB28 displaying the most potent anti–SARS-CoV-2 activity in in vitro assays. Being 20-fold more active than hydroxychloroquine, without cardiac side effects, PB28 is a promising antiviral candidate worthy of further investigation. Our research group developed PB28 in 1996 and have thoroughly characterized its biological properties since then. Structure–affinity relationship (SAfiR) studies at the sigma receptor subtypes were also undertaken with PB28 as the lead compound. We herein report our knowledge of PB28 to share information that may help to gain insight into the antiviral action of this compound and sigma receptors, while providing structural hints that may speed up the translation into therapeutics of this class of ligands.


2009 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trinidad P. Trinidad ◽  
Aida C. Mallillin ◽  
Anacleta S. Loyola ◽  
Rosario S. Sagum ◽  
Rosario R. Encabo

Dietary fibre has been shown to have important health implications in the prevention of risks of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the potential health benefits of legumes as a good source of dietary fibre. Six to ten local legumes were studied as follows: cowpeas, mung beans, pole sitao, chickpeas, green peas, groundnuts, pigeon peas, kidney beans, lima beans and soyabeans. The following studies were conducted: (a) mineral availability, in vitro; (b) glycaemic index (GI) in non-diabetic and diabetic human subjects; (c) the cholesterol-lowering effect in human subjects with moderately raised serum cholesterol levels. The highest Fe availability among legumes was for lima beans (9·5 (sem 0·1)) while for Zn and Ca, the highest availability was for kidney beans (49·3 (sem 4·5)) and pigeon peas (75·1 (sem 7·1)), respectively. Groundnuts have the lowest Fe (1·3 (sem 1·1)), Zn (7·9 (sem 1·3)) and Ca (14·6 (sem 2·8)) availability. Legumes are low-GI foods ( < 55), ranging from 6 (chickpeas) to 13 (mung beans). Kidney beans showed significant reductions for both total (6 %) and LDL-cholesterol (9 %), and groundnuts for total cholesterol (7 %; P < 0·05). We conclude that mineral availability from legumes differs and may be attributed to their mineral content, mineral–mineral interaction and from their phytic and tannic acid content; legumes are considered low-GI foods and have shown potential hypocholesterolaemic effects. The above studies can be a scientific basis for considering legumes as functional foods.


2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (4) ◽  
pp. G747-G753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina Caballero-Alomar ◽  
Carmen Santos ◽  
Diego Lopez ◽  
M. Teresa Mitjavila ◽  
Pere Puig-Parellada

We examined in vitro the source and role of basal nitric oxide (NO) in proximal segments of guinea pig taenia caeci in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) conditions. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we measured the effect of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10–4 M), the neuronal blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10–6 M), or both on spontaneous contractions and on the production of basal NO. Both l-NAME and TTX, when tested alone, increased the amplitude and frequency of contractions. NO production was abolished by l-NAME and was inhibited by 38% by TTX. When tested together, l-NAME in the presence of TTX or TTX in the presence of l-NAME had no further effect on the amplitude or frequency of spontaneous contractions, and the NO production was inhibited. These findings suggest that basal NO consists of TTX-sensitive and TTX-resistant components. The TTX-sensitive NO has an inhibitory effect on spontaneous contractions; the role of TTX-resistant NO is unknown.


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