Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Mentha Species

The genus Mentha L. (Lamiaceae) is distributed all over the world and can be found in many environments. Mentha species, one of the world’s oldest and most popular herbs, are widely used in cooking, in cosmetics, and as alternative or complementary therapy, mainly for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like flatulence, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, it is well documented that the essential oil and extracts of Mentha species possess antimicrobial, fungicidal, antiviral, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. The economic importance of mints is also evident; mint oil and its constituents and derivatives are used as flavoring agents throughout the world in food, pharmaceutical, herbal, perfumery, and flavoring industry. To provide a scientific basis for their traditional uses, several studies have been conducted to determine the chemical composition of mints and assess their biological activities. This chapter describes the therapeutic effects and uses of Mentha species and their constituents, particularly essential oils and phenolic compounds; some additional biological activities will also be considered

PRELIMINARY SURVEY OF COUNTERFEITING OF ALBENDAZOLE AND METRONIDAZOLE MARKETED IN LUBUMBASHI

Objective: Counterfeit medicines represent a major health risk in the treatment of various pathologies. They are responsible for resistance emergence in the treatment of infectious diseases. This study was conducted in order to identify illegal and legal drugs marketed in the city of Lubumbashi and assess the quality of all samples concerned by this study.Methods: The study included albendazole and metronidazole for oral administration. Visual inspection of medicines, investigation of the authenticity of drugs from pharmaceutical regulatory authorities, and determination of content were used as study parameters.Results: A total of 34 samples were collected including 19 of albendazole and 15 of metronidazole. 11 (32%) samples were not permitted to be marketed. 9 (26 %) samples were substandard according to the US Pharmacopoeia in terms of the content of active ingredient: all of them, the active ingredient was found to present in a lower amount (under-dosing). The proportion of non-compliance is highest among medicines not permitted to be marketed (78% vs 8.0%; p˂0.005). Conclusion: It is obvious that strengthening the capacity of drug regulatory authority of the DR Congo can reduce the influx of counterfeit/substandard drugs in Lubumbashi.Keywords: Medicines, Counterfeiting, Antiparasitics, DR Congo, Lubumbash

Natural Compounds Inhibiting <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> Biofilm Formation by Targeting Quorum Sensing Circuitry

The biofilm lifestyle mode certainly represents one of the most successful behaviors to facilitate bacterial survival in diverse inhospitable environments. Conversely, the ability of bacteria to develop effective biofilms represents one of the major obstacles in the fight against bacterial infections. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the biofilm formation is intimately connected to the quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms, a mode of cell-to-cell communication that allows many bacteria to detect their population density in order to coordinate common actions. In this chapter, we propose an overview (i) on P. aeruginosa QS mechanisms and their implication in biofilm formation, and (ii) on natural products that are known to interfere with these QS mechanisms, subsequently disrupting biofilm formation. The concluding remarks focus on perspectives of these compounds as possible antibiotherapy adjuvants

Impact of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Dendritic Cells from Allergic Patients in an Experimental Model of Intestinal Epithelium

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram positive nonpathogenic commensal organisms present in human gastrointestinal tract. In vivo, LAB are separated from antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DC) by the intestinal epithelial barrier. In this study, the impact of one LAB strain (Lactobacillus casei ATCC393) on human monocyte-derived DC from allergic and healthy donors was assessed by using a polarized epithelium model. Confocal and flow cytometer analyses showed that immature DC efficiently captured FITC-labelled L. casei through the epithelial layer. After interaction with L. casei, DC acquired a partial maturation status (i.e., CD86 and CD54 increase) and increased their interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12 production. Interestingly, after activation by L. casei in the presence of experimental epithelium, DC from allergic patients instructed autologous naïve CD4(+) T cells to produce more interferon-γ than without the epithelium. Thus by modulating human DC reactivity, LAB and intestinal epithelium might modify T cell immune response and regulate the development of allergic reaction

Phenolic composition, in vitro antioxidant effects and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of three Algerian Mentha species: M. spicata (L.), M. pulegium (L.) and M. rotundifolia (L.) Huds (Lamiaceae)

International audienceThe leaves of three Mentha species harvested in Algeria, Mentha spicata L. (MS), Mentha pulegium L. (MP) and Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds (MR) were examined for their content in polyphenols and for some activities-linked biological properties these could impart. The contents in total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu and the aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Whereas MS showed the highest TPC (12.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dry weight), MR had the highest content in TFC (3.3 ± 0.1 mg quercetin equivalents of dry weight). The pharmacological properties of these extracts were evaluated by assessing in vitro their antioxidant and antityrosinase activities. The modulation of mushroom tyrosinase activity was measured by colorimetry of the melanins formed in the presence of tyrosine. MS exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity (RSA) in all assays: (i) the IC50s values to neutralize the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radicals (ABTS+) and the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH) were 10.3 ± 0.9 and 16.2 ± 0.2 μg/mL, respectively; and (ii) its original electrochemically measured superoxide quenching index value is 188 ± 37 μg/mL (AI50). MR however showed the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 108 ± 20 μg/mL). A silica gel thin-layer chromatography (TLC) technique revealed the presence of caffeic and rosmarinic acids and diosmin in all extracts. These results were confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of three Ericaceae from Algeria

International audienceHerbs of the Ericaceae family are commonly found in Algeria and used in traditional medicine as antiseptic, diuretic, astringent, depurative, and to treat scalds and wounds. The methanolic extracts of three species, Arbutus unedo L. (A. unedo, leaves), Erica arborea L. (E. arborea, flowered aerial parts), and Erica multiflora L. (E. multiflora, flowered aerial parts), were compared regarding their content in phenolic compounds, their antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. A. unedo harbors the highest content in total phenolics and flavonoids, followed by E. arboreaE. multiflora. The contents in total phenolics and flavonoids showed a correlation with the measured antioxidant (hydrogen-donating) activities; this was particularly the case for flavonoids content. The A. unedo extract showed antibacterial activity against all the tested strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, S. aureus C100459, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027); however, the E. arborea and E. multiflora extracts showed antibacterial activity only against Gram positive bacteria. Some polyphenols were identified in the three herbs by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and mass spectrometry detection; from these, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, naringin, quercetin and kaempferol are reported for the first time in E. multiflora

Contribution à l’Analyse du Marché des Plantes Médicinales dans la Région de Lubumbashi, RD Congo : Acteurs et Enjeux Socio-Économiques

Malgré le risque d’usage, la croissance du marché incontrôlé des plantes médicinales reste moins renseignée dans la région de Lubumbashi. Pour comprendre son fonctionnement, une enquête a été initiée auprès de 118 tradipraticiens et herboristes, choisis de manière raisonnée. Les données recueillies renseignent que 85 % des praticiens exerçaient ce commerce comme activité principale pour assurer leur survie, en facilitant les soins à la population. Près de 166 espèces de plantes, collectées à l'état sauvage, étaient vendues en circuit court sans autorisation de mise en marché. La majorité d'entre elles proviennent des zones rurales des provinces du Haut-Lomami et du Haut-Katanga (respectivement 46 % et 35 %). En moyenne, un commerçant vendait 52,4 ± 4,1 kg de produit brut et 32,5 ± 3,1 kg en poudre par trimestre. Les prix étaient fixés en fonction de l’apparence des clients et de la perception de la maladie. L’investissement de 6 dollars dans un kilogramme de produits à base des plantes médicinales rapportait un taux de marge d’environ 35 %, déterminé par les dépenses et les recettes (p : 0,000 &lt; 0,05). Cependant, ce marché incontrôlé interpelle sur la qualification des tradipraticiens et la qualité de leurs services. Il nécessiterait de le réglementer pour un accès sécurisé aux plantes par les consommateurs. Although there is a risk associated with their use, the uncontrolled market for medicinal plants in the Lubumbashi region has not been well documented. To gain insight into this market, a survey was conducted with 118 traditional practitioners and herbalists, who were selected in a thoughtful manner. The collected data indicates that 85% of practitioners rely on this business as their primary source of income, as it facilitates healthcare for the population. A total of 166 plant species were sold in the short circuit without marketing authorization, most of which were collected from rural areas of the Haut-Lomami and Haut-Katanga provinces (46% and 35%, respectively). On average, each trader sold 52.4 ± 4.1 kg of raw product and 32.5 ± 3.1 kg of powder per quarter. Prices were determined based on the appearance of the customers and their perceived illnesses. Investing $6 in a kilogram of herbal products yielded a margin rate of approximately 35%, as determined by expenses and revenues (p: 0.000 &lt; 0.05). However, the unregulated nature of this market raises concerns about the qualifications of traditional practitioners and the quality of their services. Regulation is necessary to ensure secure access to plants for consumers

Enquête sur la contrefaçon de quelques anti-infectieux administrés per os commercialisés dans la ville de Lubumbashi

Introduction: La production, la vente et la consommation des médicaments contrefaits sont de sérieux problèmes qui pèsent sur la Santé Publique particulièrement des pays en développement et pour lesquels il existe peu d'informations dans certains pays. Cette étude a été menée en vue de contribuer à la  détermination de la prévalence des médicaments contrefaits, particulièrement celle des anti-infectieux  consommés dans la ville de Lubumbashi en République Démocratique du Congo. Méthodes: L'étude a visé des médicaments anti-infectieux administrés per os commercialisés dans la ville de Lubumbashi. L'inspection visuelle attentive de l'emballage, l'interprétation de l'étiquetage et  l'observation attentive du produit ont servi de paramètres d'études. Les échantillons ont été acquis par  achat auprès des fournisseurs licites et illicites. Résultats: Cinq molécules: ampicilline, amoxycilline, ciprofloxacine, mebendazole et metronidazole ont  été colletées. Sur 60 échantillons rassemblés: 31,7% se sont avérés contrefaits. L'ampicilline et le  mebendazole sont les produits les plus contrefaits dans cette étude avec 26,3%, suivi de metronidazole avec 21,05%. 78,9% des médicaments contrefaits proviennent du secteur informel. La provenance de  47,4% d'anti-infectieux contrefaits est l'Inde, suivi de la Chine avec 26,3%.Conclusion: Cette étude a montré la circulation des médicaments contrefaits dans la ville de  Lubumbashi à un taux non négligeable. Une étude des caractéristiques physico-chimiques et de l'activité biologiques permettra d'évaluer l'impact de ces médicaments dans la prise en charge des infections.Key words: Médicaments, contrefaçon, anti-infectieux, Lubumbashi, RD Congo

Analyse du Marché des Plantes Médicinales dans la Région de Lubumbashi : Acteurs et Enjeux Socio-Economiques

Malgré le risque d’usage, la croissance du marché incontrôlé des plantes médicinales reste moins renseignée dans la région de Lubumbashi.&nbsp; Pour comprendre son fonctionnement, une enquête a été initiée sur 118 tradipraticiens et herboristes, choisis de manière raisonnée.&nbsp; Les informations recueillies renseignent 85% des praticiens, exercent ce commerce comme principale activité pour leur survie, en facilitant les soins à la population. Près de 166 espèces de plantes, récoltées à l’état sauvage qui circulent sur le marché en circuit court ne sont pas soumises à des autorisations de mise en marché. Elles proviennent surtout des zones rurales des provinces du Haut- Lomami (46 %) et Haut- Katanga (35%). En moyenne, un marchand vendait 52,4 ± 4,1 kg de produit brut et 32,5 ± 3,1 kg en poudre par trimestre. Les prix étaient fixés en fonction de l’apparence des clients et de la perception de la maladie. L’investissement de 6 dollars dans un kilogramme de produits à base des plantes médicinales rapporte un taux de marge d’environ 35%, déterminé par les dépenses et les recettes (0,000 &lt; 0,05). Ce taux de marge démontre que la vente de petites quantités est moins profitable en absence de qualité. De ce fait, Il faut accroitre la valeur ajoutée des produits pour une meilleure rentabilité. Il y a aussi nécessité de réglementer le marché pour un accès sécurisé aux plantes par les consommateurs. &nbsp; Although there are risks involved, the unregulated market for medicinal plants in the Lubumbashi region is not well understood. To gain insight into this market, a survey of 118 traditional practitioners and herbalists, selected at random, was conducted. The results indicate that 85% of these practitioners rely on this trade as their primary source of income, which allows them to provide essential care to the population. Nearly 166 wild-harvested plant species are sold in informal markets without the required marketing authorizations. These products originate mainly from rural areas in Haut – Lomami (46%) and Haut-Katanga (35%) provinces. On average, each dealer sells 52.4 ± 4.1 kg of raw product and 32.5 ± 3.1 kg of powder per quarter. Prices vary according to customers' perception of illness and appearance. Investing $6 in one kilogram of herbal products generates a margin rate of approximately 35%, calculated from expenses and revenues (0,000 &lt; 0.05). This rate implies that selling small quantities of the products is less profitable without quality assurance. Therefore, enhancing the added value of the products is necessary for profitability improvement. Additionally, market regulation is crucial to assure safe and secure access to plants for the consumers