Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Albanian Oregano

Antimicrobial activity of methanolic and aqueous methanolic extracts of oregano was tested against: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas spp, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028. Antimicrobial activity of oregano essential oil was also tested against: E.coli, P.aeruginosa, S.aureus and C. albicans. Only oregano essential oil was active against microorganisms selected. Essential oil of oregano was analysed by GC-MS. Eighteen components were identified representing 99.48% of the oil. Monoterpenes phenols and derivatives (borneol, 4-terpineol, carvacrol methyl ether, thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol) represented 74.66 % of essential oil. Carvacrol, p-cymene, thymol and γ-terpinene were the main components. Sesquiterpenes such as trans-caryophyllene, α-humulene, β-bisabolene, δ-Cadinene, caryophyllene oxide were also found

Microbiologically Contaminated and Over-Preserved Cosmetic Products According Rapex 2008-2014

We investigated the Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) database from January 2008 until week 26 of 2014 to give information to consumers about microbiologically contaminated cosmetics and over-preserved cosmetic products. Chemical risk was the leading cause of the recalls (87.47%). Sixty-two cosmetic products (11.76%) were recalled because they were contaminated with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently found microorganism. Other microorganisms found were: Mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecium, Enterobacter gergoviae, Rhizobium radiobacter, Burkholderia cepacia, Serratia marcescens, Achromabacter xylosoxidans, Klebsiella oxytoca, Bacillus firmus, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii. Nine cosmetic products were recalled because they contained methylisothiazolinone (0.025%–0.36%), benzalkonium chloride (1%), triclosan (0.4%) in concentrations higher than the limits allowed by European Regulation 1223/2009. Fifteen products were recalled for the presence of methyldibromo glutaronitrile, a preservative banned for use in cosmetics. Thirty-two hair treatment products were recalled because they contained high concentrations of formaldehyde (0.3%–25%)

The phytochemistry of Ganoderma species and their medicinal potentials

The Ganoderma genus is known for its diverse use as a functional food and therapeutic agent. This fungus has over 428 species, with Ganoderma lucidum being the most studied. The Ganoderma species produce several secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, phenols, and triterpenes, which are largely responsible for their therapeutic properties. Throughout this review, several extracts obtained from Ganoderma species have been studied to delve into their therapeutic characteristics and mechanisms. Such properties like immunomodulation, antiaging, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been demonstrated by several Ganoderma species and are supported by a large body of evidence. Although its phytochemicals play a vital role in its therapeutic properties, identifying the therapeutic potentials of fungal-secreted metabolites for human health-promoting benefits is a challenging task. Identification of novel compounds with distinct chemical scaffolds and their mechanism of action could help suppress the spread of rising pathogens. Thus, this review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the bioactive components in different Ganoderma species and the underlying physiological mechanisms.peer-reviewe

Microbiologically Contaminated and Over-Preserved Cosmetic Products According Rapex 2008–2014

We investigated the Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) database from January 2008 until week 26 of 2014 to give information to consumers about microbiologically contaminated cosmetics and over-preserved cosmetic products. Chemical risk was the leading cause of the recalls (87.47%). Sixty-two cosmetic products (11.76%) were recalled because they were contaminated with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently found microorganism. Other microorganisms found were: Mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecium, Enterobacter gergoviae, Rhizobium radiobacter, Burkholderia cepacia, Serratia marcescens, Achromabacter xylosoxidans, Klebsiella oxytoca, Bacillus firmus, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii. Nine cosmetic products were recalled because they contained methylisothiazolinone (0.025%–0.36%), benzalkonium chloride (1%), triclosan (0.4%) in concentrations higher than the limits allowed by European Regulation 1223/2009. Fifteen products were recalled for the presence of methyldibromo glutaronitrile, a preservative banned for use in cosmetics. Thirty-two hair treatment products were recalled because they contained high concentrations of formaldehyde (0.3%–25%)

Quantitative determination of phenolics compounds in Origanum vulgare extract by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection

Phenolic compounds in 80% MeOH extract of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) were analysed by reversed phase HPLC, follewed by tandem mass spectrometric detection. For the first time thirty nine phenolics, corresponding to flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, coumarins and lignans were quantified in oregano extract. Quinic acid, naringenin, luteoline-7-O-glucoside, caffeic acid, apigenin and luteolin were the most abundant phenols detected in oregano extract

Effects of different essential oils on HaCat keratinocytes against hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress

The effect of different concentrations of common juniper, oregano, laurel, lavander, sage and myrtie essential oils on human skin cell HaCat in vitro was explored. This study has demonstrated that all essential oils were cytotoxic to human keratinocytes in vitro at a concentration of 1% (v/v). At a concentration of 0.1%, all essential oils, with the exception of Laurus nobilis L., were still irritating. At lower concentrations all essential oils showed no toxicity and no protective effect on HaCat human keratinocytes from oxidative stress induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide

Composition in Phenolic Compounds of Elderflower from Albania. Investigation of Antimicrobial Activity

Dried samples of elder flower were analysed HPLC-DADMS/MS to find out the major phenolic compounds. Five hydroxycinnamates (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-Ocaffeoylquinic acid, 1-/5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, 1/5,3di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, x,4-di-Ocaffeoylquinic acid) and six flavonol glycosides (quercetin-3-Orhamnosylglucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rhamnetin/isorhamnetin-3-O-hexoside, rhamnetin/isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnosylglucoside, rhamnetin/isorhamnetin-3-O-acetylhexoside and naringenin) were identified. Two more flavonoid were tentativly identified as quercetine-O-dihexoside and naringenin chalcone. Antimicrobial activity of methanolic and aqueous methanolic extracts of S.nigra were tested against: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas spp, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19111 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028. Elder flower extracts (1 mg/mL) failed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms tested