Bioautography for evaluation of several Lavandula L. and origanum species antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

In the search of bioactive natural compounds, bioautography of plant extracts were associated in an antioxidant screening. Due to containing variety of phenolic compounds Lavandula and Origanum species are important medicinal plants. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Lavandula angustifolia, L. stoechas, L. heterophylla, Origanum majorana, O. onites, O. vulgare, O. minituflorum, and their main phenolic compounds linalool and carvacrol was carried out by TLC-bioautography method based on the DPPH· andABTS·+ assays to compare essential oils and known main active constituents. The antimicrobial activity of the materials was tested using the in vitro broth microdilution assay towards two different microorganisms. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans were used for the study. As a result of our studies, it is determined that O. vulgare showed the highest activity against S. mutans and O. onites and O. vulgare showed the highest activity against MRSA. compared to the tested antibiotic

Antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil

Introduction: We studied the chemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of essential oils from flowers of Lavandula angustifolia grown in Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: The chemical profile of essential oil was evaluated by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity was tested against six bacterial strains. The antioxidant activity by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and the antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines, MCF-7, NCI-H460, and MOLT-4, were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tests. Results: In L. angustifolia essential oil, monoterpene alcohols were the most represented class of volatiles (51.8%), including linalool, lavandulol, and terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol as the major components, followed by monoterpene esters (22.6%). The most important antibacterial activity of essential oil was expressed on Gram-negative strains. Investigated essential oil was able to reduce DPPH radicals into the neutral DPPH-H form (inhibitory concentration 50% [IC50] = 0.421 mg/ml), and this activity was dose dependent. The essential oil showed significant antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines, MOLT-4, MCF-7, and NCI-H460 cells, with IC50 values of 17, 94, and 97 µg/ml, respectively. The result of the antiproliferative assay indicates that MOLT-4 cell line was the most sensitive to investigated essential oil. Conclusion: The results revealed that L. angustifolia essential oil may be important growth inhibitor against the microbes studied. It also possesses significant antioxidant activity and demonstrated excellent antiproliferative activity against MOLT-4 cells

Multi-target neuroprotective effects of herbal medicines for Alzheimer's disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but its treatment options remain few and ineffective. To find new therapeutic strategies, natural products have gained interest due to their neuroprotective potential, being able to target different pathological hallmarks associated with this disorder. Several plant species are traditionally used due to their empirical neuroprotective effects and it is worth to explore their mechanism of action. Aim of the study: This study intended to explore the neuroprotective potential of seven traditional medicinal plants, namely Scutellaria baicalensis, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Curcuma longa, Lavandula angustifolia, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Rosmarinus officinalis. The safety assessment with reference to pesticides residues was also aimed. Materials and methods: Decoctions prepared from these species were chemically characterized by HPLC-DAD and screened for their ability to scavenge four different free radicals (DPPH•, ABTS•+, O2•‒ and •NO) and to inhibit enzymes related to neurodegeneration (cholinesterases and glycogen synthase kinase-3β). Cell viability through MTT assay was also evaluated in two different brain cell lines, namely non-tumorigenic D3 human brain endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and NSC-34 motor neurons. Furthermore, and using GC, 21 pesticides residues were screened. Results: Regarding chemical composition, chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of several flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcuminoids, phenolic diterpenoids, one alkaloid and one naphthodianthrone in the seven decoctions. All extracts were able to scavenge free radicals and were moderate glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors; however, they displayed weak to moderate acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition. G. biloba and L. angustifolia decoctions were the less cytotoxic to hCMEC/D3 and NSC-34 cell lines. No pesticides residues were detected. Conclusions: The results extend the knowledge on the potential use of plant extracts to combat multifactorial disorders, giving new insights into therapeutic avenues for Alzheimer's disease

Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Their Encapsulation into Biodegradable Material Followed by Freeze Drying

The study assessed the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of commonly used and commercially available essential oils as an alternative to synthetic preservatives. The plant sources were as follows: lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and peppermint (Mentha piperita). The antioxidant activity of essential oils was tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods. The microdilution broth susceptibility assay revealed that lavender and bergamot essential oils were more efficient in inhibiting the bacterial growth than other tested oils, with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 mu g/mL. This study also reports the successful implementation of an electrostatic extrusion technique for encapsulating essential oils into alginate beads, which enables the essential oils to maintain their free radical scavenging ability over time

Characterization of Phenolic constituents of medicinal plants and evaluation of pharmacological activities: focus in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

[ES] Los perfiles polifenólicos de las especies de plantas Cytisus multiflorus , Lamium album L. ,Lavándula dentata L., Leonurus cardiaca L. , Mentha aquatica L. y Thymus x citriodorus han sido poco estudiadas o incluso aún se desconoce , por lo que son necesarios más estudios . De igual manera, varias propiedades han sido asignadas a diferentes extractos de plantas , sin embargo se necesitan investigaciones científicas para demostrar las propiedades beneficiosas en la salud humana , ya que, en la mayoría de los casos ,los efectos biológicos se han probado exclusivamente en modelos in vitro . En este contexto, la presente Tesis Doctoral pretende mejorar el conocimiento de la composición fenólica y también de los efectos beneficiosos de seis plantas medicinales a saber multiflorus Cytisus, Lamium album L., Lavandula dentata L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Mentha aquatica L. y timo x citriodorus. La caracterización fenólica de los extractos de hidroetanólico de plantas se realizó por HPLC -DAD combinado con técnicas de RMN ESI - MSN. Además, se evaluaron las actividades hepatoprotector antioxidantes. Las propiedades anti - inflamatorias de C. multiflorus se determinaron y también se evaluaron los efectos de L. cardiaca y M. aquatica en la bioenergética mitocondrias. HPLC -DAD combina con ESI -MSN en el modo negativo plus espectroscopía de RMN son las técnicas de análisis valiosos para la caracterización fenólica de extractos etanólicos obtenidos de multiflorus Cytisus , Lamium album L., Lavandula dentata L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Mentha aquatica L. y timo x citriodorus . Las especies de plantas en el enfoque en el presente trabajo tienen perfiles fenólicos distintos. Mientras que C. multiflorus y T. x citriodorus se enriquecen en flavonas , M. aquatica contiene altas cantidades de flavanonas . Por su parte, L. dentata contiene un derivado del ácido cafeico y L. álbum y L. cardiaca contienen principalmente glucósidos feniletanoides . Según lo determinado por dos ensayos químicos , a saber, de eliminación de DPPH y ensayos de poder reductor , los seis extractos de plantas poseen alta actividad antioxidante . Los cuatro extractos antioxidantes más relevantes muestran el orden de potencia de M. aquatica > L. album> L. dentata > T. x citriodorus . Los extractos obtenidos de C. multiflorus , L. álbum, T. x citriodorus y L. dentata plantas medicinales contrarrestar eficazmente el aumento de la formación de ROS en modelos de estrés oxidativo en las células del hígado , es decir, en un ser humano las células HepG2 de hepatoblastoma . Además los extractos etanólicos ejercen efectos citoprotectores en células HepG2 de hepatoblastoma humanos bajo condiciones de estrés oxidativo . El ROS- basureros y actividades citoprotectores de C. multiflorus, L. álbum, T. extractos x citriodorus en el modelo de estrés oxidativo HepG2 están estrechamente asociados a sus componentes fenólicos. C. multiflorus extraer actividades anti- inflamatorias están mediadas a través de barrido radical NO y decremento de la expresión de la enzima iNOS , así como la inhibición de la actividad de la 5-LOX . Hígado mitocondrias gimnasio se ve afectada por M. aquatica y extractos cardiaca L. . Ambos extractos de plantas disminuyen la relación del control respiratorio sin afectar la eficiencia phosphorilative de las mitocondria . En conclusión , C. multiflorus , L. álbum, L. dentata , L. cardiaca , M. aquatica y T. x citriodorus son buenas fuentes de compuestos fenólicos. Teniendo en cuenta el papel fisiopatológico de estrés oxidativo en varias enfermedades , junto con la alta capacidad antioxidante se muestra para la mayoría de la extractos de plantas en el presente documento en el foco, que si es posible proponer como agentes preventivos potenciales . Adicionalmente , C. multiflorus parece ser un agente potencial en los trastornos relacionados con la inflamación.[EN] The polyphenolic profiles of the plant species Cytisus multiflorus, Lamium album L., Lavandula dentata L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Mentha aquatica L. and Thymus x citriodorus are poorly studied or even still unknown, and thus more studies are necessary. In a same way, several properties have been assigned to different plant extracts, however scientific investigations are needed to prove the beneficial properties in human health since, in most cases, the biological effects have been exclusively tested in in vitro models. In this context, the present Doctoral Thesis intended to improve the knowledge of the phenolic composition and also of the beneficial effects of six medicinal plants namely Cytisus multiflorus, Lamium album L., Lavandula dentata L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Mentha aquatica L. and Thymus x citriodorus. For that, phenolic characterization of hydroethanolic extracts of plants was performed by HPLC-DAD combined with ESI-MSn and NMR techniques. Additionally, the antioxidant, hepatoprotective activities were evaluated. The anti-inflammatory properties of C. multiflorus were determined and the effects of L. cardiaca and M. aquatica in mitochondria bioenergetics were also evaluated. HPLC-DAD combined with ESI-MSn in the negative mode plus NMR spectroscopy are valuable analytical techniques for phenolic characterization of ethanolic extracts obtained from Cytisus multiflorus, Lamium album L., Lavandula dentata L., Leonurus cardiaca L., Mentha aquatica L. and Thymus x citriodorus. The plant species in focus in the present work have distinct phenolic profiles. While C. multiflorus and T. x citriodorus are enriched in flavones, M. aquatica contains high amounts of flavanones. In turn, L. dentata contains a derivative of caffeic acid and L. album and L. cardiaca mainly contain phenylethanoid glycosides. As determined by two chemical assays, namely DPPH scavenging and reducing power assays, the six plant extracts possess high antioxidant activity. The four most relevant antioxidant extracts show the potency order of M. aquatica > L. album > L. dentata > T. x citriodorus. The extracts obtained from C. multiflorus, L. album, T. x citriodorus and L. dentata medicinal plants effectively counteract the increased ROS formation in oxidative stress models in liver cells, namely in a human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells. Additionally the ethanolic extracts exert cytoprotective effects in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells under oxidative stress conditions. The ROS-scavenging and cytoprotective activities of C. multiflorus, L. album, T. x citriodorus extracts in the HepG2 oxidative stress model are closely associated to their phenolic constituents. C. multiflorus extract anti-inflammatory activities are mediated through NO¿ radical scavenging and decrement of the expression of the enzyme iNOS, as well as inhibition of 5-LOX activity. Liver mitochondria fitness is affected by M. aquatica and L. cardiaca extracts. Both plant extracts decrease the respiratory control ratio without affecting the phosphorilative efficiency of mitochondria. In conclusion, C. multiflorus, L. album, L. dentata, L. cardiaca, M. aquatica and T. x citriodorus are good sources of phenolic compounds. Having in mind the physiopathologic role of oxidative stress in several diseases, together with the high antioxidant capacity shown for the majority of the plant extracts herein in focus, it if feasible to propose them as potential preventive agents. Additionally, C. multiflorus seems to be a potential agent in inflammation-related disorders

Essential oil and extracts from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. cultivated in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) is a perennial, aromatic, medicinal, and decorative plant widespread in the Mediterranean. Due to the high content of essential oil and numerous beneficial properties, it is an extremely valued plant species. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, lavender is cultivated mainly for the needs of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In this research, the antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of essential oil (EO) and extracts isolated from lavender were evaluated. L. angustifolia EO was isolated using whole plant material in the flowering period by steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) with flame-ionization (FID) and mass spectrometric (MS) detection. Extracts were prepared by ultrasonic extraction in solvents of different polarities. Total phenolic content in extracts was determined using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant activity of EO and extracts was examined by two methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), while the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential was determined using modified Ellman’s method. The EO was high in content of linalool (27.72%) and linalyl acetate (22.82%), followed by α-pinene (9.82%), lavandulol acetate (7.32%), trans-caryophyllene (5.70%), and others. In total, 24 components were identified. Total phenol content was highest in water and ethanol extracts (45.3 and 14.40 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract). Polar extracts indicate good antioxidant power according to both methods, while EO can be considered as good inhibitor of AChE

Antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil

Introduction: We studied the chemical composition and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of essential oils from flowers of Lavandula angustifolia grown in Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: The chemical profile of essential oil was evaluated by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial activity was tested against six bacterial strains. The antioxidant activity by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and the antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines, MCF-7, NCI-H460, and MOLT-4, were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tests. Results: In L. angustifolia essential oil, monoterpene alcohols were the most represented class of volatiles (51.8%), including linalool, lavandulol, and terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol as the major components, followed by monoterpene esters (22.6%). The most important antibacterial activity of essential oil was expressed on Gram-negative strains. Investigated essential oil was able to reduce DPPH radicals into the neutral DPPH-H form (inhibitory concentration 50% [IC50] = 0.421 mg/ml), and this activity was dose dependent. The essential oil showed significant antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines, MOLT-4, MCF-7, and NCI-H460 cells, with IC50 values of 17, 94, and 97 µg/ml, respectively. The result of the antiproliferative assay indicates that MOLT-4 cell line was the most sensitive to investigated essential oil. Conclusion: The results revealed that L. angustifolia essential oil may be important growth inhibitor against the microbes studied. It also possesses significant antioxidant activity and demonstrated excellent antiproliferative activity against MOLT-4 cells

Lavandula angustifolia biological characteristics: An in vitro study

Objective: Lavender is an aromatic shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The flowers and leaves in different forms of extracts are used as herbal medicine. The accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, reduction of acetylcholine due to hyperactivity of acetylcholinesterase, and glutamate neurotoxicity are known to be involved in decreased level of cognitive function. In our previous study, we proved that the aqueous extract of lavender improves learning and memory. This in vitro study was designed to evaluate antiaggregative, antioxidant, and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of the herbal medicine. Methods: Thin layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, thioflavin, atomic force microscope (AFM), Elleman,and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl techniques were used for qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, antiaggregative characteristics, anti-acetylcholinestrase activity and antioxidant activity of the lavender extract, respectively. Results: We found chromatographic peaks of caffeic acid and luteolin-7-glycosid in the lavender extract. Our results indicated that aqueous extract of lavender dose-dependently inhibits the formation of Aβ aggregate. The AFM technique showed that lavender largely diminished the Aβ fibril formation. We also observed a considerable radical scavenging activity of the extract. Conclusions: Prevention of Aβ plaque formation and antioxidant activity along with nontoxic features of the lavender extract promise possible effectiveness of this plant on improving some neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Potential of Medicinal Use of Essential Oils from Aromatic Plants

The use of medicinal plants rich in essential oils can represent a viable source for the control of some diseases, being able to constitute a possible therapeutic alternative due to its effectiveness. Essential oils are natural volatile fractions extracted from aromatic plants and formed by classes of substances such as esters of fatty acids, mono and sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, aldehyde alcohols and, in some cases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, among others. Essential oils have been used by mankind for medicinal purposes for several centuries, with reports coming from Ancient Egypt. In this sense, the present work aims to approach the biological activities of essential oils such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiprotozoal, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of different plant matrices rich in essential oils