Introduction to Essential Oils as New Agents for Corrosion Inhibition

Corrosion is a widespread problem that affects a variety of sectors, causing considerable economic losses and safety risks. Traditional corrosion inhibitors frequently use synthetic compounds, which can be poisonous and environmentally hazardous. Essential oils have recently emerged as interesting alternatives due to their natural origin, biodegradability, and potential anti-corrosion properties. This review introduces the use of essential oils as novel corrosion inhibitors. It addresses the chemical composition of essential oils, their corrosion-prevention processes, and the benefits they provide over traditional inhibitors. The review also includes contemporary research findings and case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of essential oils in a variety of acidic situations. By investigating the potential of essential oils for corrosion inhibition, this research hopes to contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable corrosion control systems

Potential Anticorrosive Effect of Hexamethylenediamine Penta(methylphosphonic) Acid on Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution

The inhibition ability of Hexamethylenediamine penta(methylphosphonic) acid (HTMP) against carbon steel corrosion in 1 M HCl at 30°C was evaluated by weight loss, electrochemical (potentiodynamic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS) methods. The experimental results showed that HTMP was a good inhibitor for the steel corrosion in 1 M HCl medium and its inhibition efficiency increased with the inhibitor concentration. Data, obtained from ac impedance measurements, were analyzed to model the corrosion inhibition process through appropriate equivalent circuit models. Adsorption of HTMP on the carbon steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Surface analysis by (SEM) supported the formation of a protective inhibitor film on the carbon steel surface. Furthermore, the theoretical study was carried out using the density functional theory (DFT) metho

Biological activities of essential oils: A mini-review

Essential oils (EOs) are derived from plants and exhibit diverse biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial effects. This review offers a thorough examination of their chemical composition and biological properties, which are crucial for pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural applications. EOs exhibit potent antimicrobial action against various bacteria and fungi, including drug-resistant strains, and display promising antiviral activity against influenza, herpes, and HIV. Additionally, they show potential as anticancer agents, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Despite their benefits, challenges such as low solubility and stability limit their use. Innovative strategies such as nanoencapsulation aim to enhance their efficacy

Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of the Chemically Characterized Essential Oil from Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Analysis

This thorough examination explores the various biological characteristics present in the essential oil derived from Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens (CNEO), a subspecies previously unrecognized and indigenous to the eastern part of Morocco. This subspecies is distinguished from C. nepeta by the distinctive feature of having purple or pale pinkish-white flowers. The study initiates with a thorough scrutiny of the phytochemical composition of CNEO via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing a nuanced spectrum of 24 terpene compounds. Among these, noteworthy constituents such as linalyl acetate (23.28%), Trifluoroacetyl-α-terpineol (13.66%), camphor (13.28%), and menthol (9.22%) are identified. These compounds, acknowledged for their notable biological and pharmacological attributes, serve as focal points for subsequent analyses. Beyond compositional elucidation, the study systematically investigates the diverse biological activities of CNEO. The essential oil exhibits substantial antioxidant potential, as substantiated by robust total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 315.07 μg AA/mg and effective inhibition of DPPH free radicals (IC50 = 112.97 ± 2.67 µg/ml). Demonstrating promising antibacterial efficacy against various strains, occasionally surpassing gentamicin, positions CNEO as a potential antibacterial agent. Equally notable antifungal efficacy, surpassing that of cycloheximide, with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) is obtained, underscoring its potent antifungal properties. The antidiabetic potential of CNEO manifests through significant inhibition of xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 30.82 ± 0.78 µg/ml), α-amylase (IC50 = 40.13 ± 1.60 µg/ml), and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 45.30 ± 0.69 µg/ml) activities, suggesting therapeutic prospects in glycemic regulation. Furthermore, the essential oil showcases compelling anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 29.78 ± 1.01 µg/ml), indicating potential dermatoprotective applications in melanin regulation. The implications of these findings provide a robust foundation for future investigations, unraveling the full therapeutic potential of CNEO within medical, cosmetic, and industrial contexts

Artemisia absinthium L. Aqueous and Ethyl Acetate Extracts: Antioxidant Effect and Potential Activity In Vitro and In Vivo against Pancreatic α-Amylase and Intestinal α-Glucosidase

Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the plants which has been used in folk medicine for many diseases over many centuries. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the Artemisia absinthium ethyl acetate and its aqueous extracts and to evaluate their effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme and the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in ethyl acetate and the aqueous extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves were determined by using spectrophotometric techniques, then the antioxidant capacity of these extracts was examined using three methods, namely, the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method, the iron reduction method FRAP, and the β-carotene bleaching method. The determination of the chemical composition of the extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography—the photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). These extracts were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit the activity of the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme, as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme, in vitro and in vivo, thus causing the reduction of blood glucose. The results of this study showed that high polyphenol and flavonoid contents were obtained in ethyl acetate extract with values of 60.34 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g and 25.842 ± 0.241 mg QE/g, respectively, compared to the aqueous extract. The results indicated that the aqueous extract had a higher condensed tannin content (3.070 ± 0.022 mg EC/g) than the ethyl acetate extract (0.987 ± 0.078 mg EC/g). Ethyl acetate extract showed good DPPH radical scavenging and iron reduction FRAP activity, with an IC50 of 0.167 ± 0.004 mg/mL and 0.923 ± 0.0283 mg/mL, respectively. The β-carotene test indicated that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts were able to delay the decoloration of β-carotene with an inhibition of 48.7% and 48.3%, respectively, which may mean that the extracts have antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid as major products in AQE and EAE, respectively. Indeed, this study showed that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts significantly inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase, in vitro. To confirm this result, the inhibitory effect of these plant extracts on the enzymes has been evaluated in vivo. Oral intake of the aqueous extract significantly attenuated starch- and sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in normal rats, and evidently, in STZ-diabetic rats as well. The ethyl acetate extract had no inhibitory activity against the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme in vivo. The antioxidant and the enzyme inhibitory effects may be related to the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid or their synergistic effect with the other compounds in the extracts

Artemisia absinthium L. Aqueous and Ethyl Acetate Extracts: Antioxidant Effect and Potential Activity In Vitro and In Vivo against Pancreatic α-Amylase and Intestinal α-Glucosidase

Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the plants which has been used in folk medicine for many diseases over many centuries. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the Artemisia absinthium ethyl acetate and its aqueous extracts and to evaluate their effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme and the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in ethyl acetate and the aqueous extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves were determined by using spectrophotometric techniques, then the antioxidant capacity of these extracts was examined using three methods, namely, the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method, the iron reduction method FRAP, and the β-carotene bleaching method. The determination of the chemical composition of the extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography—the photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). These extracts were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit the activity of the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme, as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme, in vitro and in vivo, thus causing the reduction of blood glucose. The results of this study showed that high polyphenol and flavonoid contents were obtained in ethyl acetate extract with values of 60.34 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g and 25.842 ± 0.241 mg QE/g, respectively, compared to the aqueous extract. The results indicated that the aqueous extract had a higher condensed tannin content (3.070 ± 0.022 mg EC/g) than the ethyl acetate extract (0.987 ± 0.078 mg EC/g). Ethyl acetate extract showed good DPPH radical scavenging and iron reduction FRAP activity, with an IC50 of 0.167 ± 0.004 mg/mL and 0.923 ± 0.0283 mg/mL, respectively. The β-carotene test indicated that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts were able to delay the decoloration of β-carotene with an inhibition of 48.7% and 48.3%, respectively, which may mean that the extracts have antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid as major products in AQE and EAE, respectively. Indeed, this study showed that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts significantly inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase, in vitro. To confirm this result, the inhibitory effect of these plant extracts on the enzymes has been evaluated in vivo. Oral intake of the aqueous extract significantly attenuated starch- and sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in normal rats, and evidently, in STZ-diabetic rats as well. The ethyl acetate extract had no inhibitory activity against the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme in vivo. The antioxidant and the enzyme inhibitory effects may be related to the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid or their synergistic effect with the other compounds in the extracts

Analyzing the Bioactive Properties and Volatile Profiles Characteristics of Opuntia dillenii: Exploring its Potential for Pharmacological Applications.

peer reviewedIn this investigation, the study focused on the chemical constitution and the antioxidative as well as anti-inflammatory characteristics of oils and pulpy variants (Imatchan (IM), Harmocha (HA), and Aknari (AK)) sourced from O. dillenii. This inquiry encompassed both in vitro and in silico analyses. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to ascertain the phenolic constituents, while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methodologies. were applied to discern the volatile makeup. The anti-inflammatory activity was examined using BSA and LOX. Molecular docking methods assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to HPLC findings, the most abundant compounds detected in AKO and IMO cultivars were quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside followed by vanillic acid, ferulic acid and tyrolsol. The DPPH IC50 for AK, HA and IM were 38.41±1.54, 42.24±0.29 and 15.17±1.28 mg/mL, respectively. The AK, HA and IM O. dillenii oils were effective in their anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking of O. dillenii oils phenolic compounds was conducted to determine the possible targeted proteins by the phenolic compounds in O. dillenii's compounds. Overall, these fruits demonstrated the potential for new ingredients for culinary or pharmaceutical applications, providing value to these natural species that can flourish in arid conditions

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antidiabetic Activities of Ethanolic Extracts of Opuntia dillenii Fruits Collected from Morocco

peer reviewedOpuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States. O. dillenii are now used as medicinal plants in various countries. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition of ethanolic extracts obtained from seeds, juice, and peel of O. dillenii fruits collected from Morocco, and we evaluated their antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical screening revealed high quantities of polyphenols (193.73 ± 81.44 to 341.12 ± 78.90 gallic acid eq [g/100 g dry weight]) in the extracts. The major phenolic compounds determined by HPLC were gallic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid. Regarding flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside and kaempferol were the predominant molecules. Juice extracts showed weak to moderate antibacterial activity against the bacteria species Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella braenderup. All tested extracts displayed a significant inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities in vitro, with the peel extracts showing the greatest inhibitory effects. Together, these findings suggest that O. dillenii fruits are a promising source for the isolation of novel compounds with antibacterial or antidiabetic activities. For the most abundant phytochemicals identified in O. dillenii peel ethanolic extract, molecular docking simulations against human pancreatic α-amylase enzyme were performed. These indicated the presence of bioactive compounds in the extract with a better potential to decrease the enzyme activity than the commercial drug acarbose

Phytochemical characterization by HS-SPME-GC-MS and exploration of the antifungal, insecticidal and repellent activity of Ptychotis verticillata essential oil

The objective of this investigation was to assess the chemical makeup of essential oil derived from Ptychotis verticillata (PVEO), and to examine its antifungal, insecticidal, and repellent properties. PVEO was extracted through hydrodistillation, and its volatile constituents were analyzed using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of antifungal activity was carried out using the agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test against Candida glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium digitatum. We evaluated the repellent potential, as well as the contact and inhalation toxicity of PVEO against Callosobruchus maculatus. The results of the study indicated that the essential oil of P. verticillata was composed mainly of γ-Terpinen (25.86%), β-Cymene (18.70%) O-Cymen-5-ol (16.78) and α-Pinene (12.13%). PVEO showed potent antifungal activity against all strains tested. The results of insecticidal activity of this essential oil were promising in adult C. maculatus. At a dose of 20 ml · dm–3 of air, EO caused maximum mortality with an LC50 value of 5.64 ml · dm–3 for the inhalation test and 3.4 ml · dm–3 for the contact test. In addition, a significant decrease in the number of eggs laid and adult emergence was observed as EO doses increased, reaching a reduction of around 95% at a dose of 20 ml · dm–3 of air. In terms of repellent activity, PVEO also showed encouraging results. It demonstrated an average repellent activity of around 92 ± 10.95%. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations corroborated the in vitro results and demonstrated that specific p-Menthen-3-one compounds formed more robust hydrogen bonding interactions with the target receptors. These experiments underscore PVEO’s effectiveness as a fungicide against the tested fungal strains, demonstrating its role as a bio-insecticide against C. maculatus adults, and its potential as an appealing repellent. This suggests that PVEO could serve as a valuable alternative within integrated pest management strategies