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Antibiotics
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Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal...
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Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant-Derived Antibiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 10889

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Paola Angelini

E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Interests: biodiversity; biological activities; dermatophyte; essential oils; medicinal plants; mushrooms; non-volatile extracts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While plants have the capacity to be used as treatment components in numerous medical conditions, only 15% have been subject to phytochemical investigation, and just 6% have been assessed for their biological activity. It is widely recognized that many antimicrobial compounds identified and isolated from medicinal plants exhibit significant efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Between 1981 and 2019, a total of 162 new antimicrobial drugs received approval, with 94 of them originating from plant sources. The primary approach to combat bacterial diseases is through the utilization of antibiotics. However, in recent decades, the excessive use of antibiotics has resulted in selective pressures leading to the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Each of the currently employed antibiotics generally demonstrates insufficient effectiveness and exhibits a range of serious side effects. Therefore, it is imperative to explore novel antimicrobial agents that are more potent and less toxic than these antibiotics. Edible and medicinal plant extracts contain a diverse array of individual bioactive compounds, often numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, each found in varying concentrations. This diversity poses a significant challenge in identifying the specific compounds responsible for distinct biological activities. Indeed, the overall efficacy of edible and medicinal plant extracts stems from the collective actions of multiple compounds, which may display synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects. Edible and medicinal plants have always served as traditional remedies for a wide spectrum of diseases and ailments, with their historical use dating back to ancient times. Numerous scientific studies have illuminated their diverse beneficial properties, which encompass not only antimicrobial effects but also extend to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others.

Dr. Paola Angelini
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • antibiotic resistance
  • antimicrobials
  • bioactive constituents
  • edible plants
  • food conservation
  • food disinfection
  • medicinal plants
  • metabolomics
  • nutraceuticals
  • phytochemistry

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2902 KiB  
Article
Thymus syriacus Essential Oil Extract: Potential Antileishmanial Activity Induced by an Apoptotic-like Death
by Basem Battah, Teresa Chianese, Luigi Rosati, Giacomo Petretto, Chadi Soukkarieh, Marco Ferrari, Vittorio Mazzarello, Aleksandra Barac, Aleksandar Peric and Matthew Gavino Donadu
Antibiotics 2025, 14(3), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030293 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 507
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy continues to be the cornerstone for the management of leishmaniasis. The preferred medications are pricey and have a number of unfavorable side effects. These restrictions make it necessary to produce novel antileishmanial chemicals, and plants have opportunities in this respect. Objectives: [...] Read more.
Background: Chemotherapy continues to be the cornerstone for the management of leishmaniasis. The preferred medications are pricey and have a number of unfavorable side effects. These restrictions make it necessary to produce novel antileishmanial chemicals, and plants have opportunities in this respect. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial properties of Thymus syriacus essential oil and its mechanisms of action. Results: Our findings demonstrated that Thymus syriacus essential oil, rich in thymol, exhibited potent antileishmanial activity, with an IC50 value of approximately 1 µg/mL against L. tropica promastigotes. Furthermore, the cell cycle arrest at the sub-G0-G1 phase supported the theory that the leishmanicidal effect was mediated by apoptosis. Methods: The essential oil was characterized using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Antileishmanial activity against L. tropica promastigotes was assessed, with mechanisms confirmed via flow cytometry. Conclusions: These results confirm the potential of Thymus syriacus essential oil as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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38 pages, 3303 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Ribes nigrum L. Leaf Extracts Prepared in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDESs)
by Maria-Beatrice Solcan, Ana-Maria Vlase, Gabriel Marc, Dana Muntean, Tibor Casian, George Cosmin Nadăș, Cristiana Ștefania Novac, Daniela-Saveta Popa and Laurian Vlase
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121118 - 22 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1069
Abstract
Background: Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves are valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Objectives: The overall aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of [...] Read more.
Background: Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves are valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Objectives: The overall aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial potential of extracts rich in bioactive compounds from blackcurrant leaves prepared in natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs). The objectives included the optimization of polyphenols extraction in NaDESs, characterization of the phytochemical composition by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), explanation of the chemical interactions between solvent systems and the main bioactive compound (chlorogenic acid) by molecular dynamics simulations, and evaluation of biological efficacy through antimicrobial tests. Methods: Two hydrogen-bond acceptors (HBAs) and three hydrogen-bond donors (HBDs) were tested. The experimental design included variables such as the HBA:HBD molar ratio, water percentage, extraction time, and extraction techniques used, specifically ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and ultra-turrax extraction (UTE). The evaluated responses included the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial assays were performed on four Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacterial species, as well as one fungus, Candida albicans. Results: The extracts obtained by UAE showed higher concentrations of polyphenols and increased antioxidant potential. LC-MS analysis revealed the predominant presence of chlorogenic acid. The extracts showed significant activities against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. Conclusions: This study highlights the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of blackcurrant leaves extracts prepared in NaDESs, confirming that this type of solvent enhances polyphenols extraction and offers perspectives for new therapeutic formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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12 pages, 4961 KiB  
Article
Identification of 2,4-Di-tert-Butylphenol as an Antimicrobial Agent Against Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria from Rwandan Propolis
by Florent Rouvier, Lydia Abou, Emmanuel Wafo, Perrine Andre, Julien Cheyrol, Mohamed-Mohsen Khacef, Claude Nappez, Hubert Lepidi and Jean Michel Brunel
Antibiotics 2024, 13(11), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13111080 - 13 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Acne is the most prevalent dermatological condition among humans, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents during puberty. To date, numerous compounds have been used for acne treatment, including erythromycin ointments and antiseptics, with varying degrees of success. The emergence of erythromycin-resistant C. acnes [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Acne is the most prevalent dermatological condition among humans, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents during puberty. To date, numerous compounds have been used for acne treatment, including erythromycin ointments and antiseptics, with varying degrees of success. The emergence of erythromycin-resistant C. acnes strains has spurred the search for new antimicrobial agents, particularly from natural sources. Methods: Propolis collected in Rwanda was extracted and fractionated by flash chromatography and tested against C. acnes growth by using NCLSI recommendations. Results: In our research, we identified a molecule, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) which inhivbited the C. acnes growth at a concentration of 16 µg/mL. Based on these results, we formulated an ointment (1%) using OFAP18 and petroleum jelly for the potential treatment of acne using a mouse model. Conclusions: In vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that 2,4-DTBP has anti-inflammatory properties and could effectively manage the overgrowth of C. acnes as well as serve as a potent alternative for the formulation of an active propolis ointment for acne treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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19 pages, 5712 KiB  
Article
Combination of Chromatographic Analysis and Chemometric Methods with Bioactivity Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil
by Tijana Zeremski, Olja Šovljanski, Vladimir Vukić, Biljana Lončar, Milica Rat, Nataša Perković Vukčević, Milica Aćimović and Lato Pezo
Antibiotics 2024, 13(6), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13060499 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Helichrysum italicum (immortelle) essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils worldwide and it has many beneficial properties, including antimicrobial. However, in this plant, the chemical diversity of the essential oil is very pronounced. The aim of this work was to [...] Read more.
Helichrysum italicum (immortelle) essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils worldwide and it has many beneficial properties, including antimicrobial. However, in this plant, the chemical diversity of the essential oil is very pronounced. The aim of this work was to process the GC-MS results of four samples of H. italicum essential oil of Serbian origin by chemometric tools, and evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro and in silico. Overall, 47 compounds were identified, the most abundant were γ-curcumene, α-pinene, and ar-curcumene, followed by α-ylangene, neryl acetate, trans-caryophyllene, italicene, α-selinene, limonene, and italidiones. Although the four samples of H. italicum essential oil used in this study were obtained from different producers in Serbia, they belong to the type of essential oil rich in sesquiterpenes (γ-curcumene and ar-curcumene chemotype). In vitro antimicrobial potential showed that five were sensitive among ten strains of tested microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans. Therefore, these microorganism models were used further for in silico molecular docking through the mechanism of ATP-ase inhibitory activity. Results showed that among all compounds from H. italicum essential oil, neryl acetate has the highest predicted binding energy. Artificial neural network modeling (ANN) showed that two major compounds γ-curcumene and α-pinene, as well as minor compounds such as trans-β-ocimene, terpinolene, terpinene-4-ol, isoitalicene, italicene, cis-α-bergamotene, trans-α-bergamotene, italidiones, trans-β-farnesene, γ-selinene, β-selinene, α-selinene, and guaiol are responsible for the antimicrobial activity of H. italicum essential oil. The results of this study indicate that H. italicum essential oil samples rich in γ-curcumene, α-pinene, and ar-curcumene cultivated in Serbia (Balkan) have antimicrobial potential both in vitro and in silico. In addition, according to ANN modeling, the proportion of neryl acetate and other compounds detected in these samples has the potential to exhibit antimicrobial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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9 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Activity of Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez Essential Oil and Its Main Compound 1-Nitro-2-Phenylethane against Dermatophytes
by Tainá Kreutz, Eliane Oliveira Salines Duarte, Priscilla Maciel Quatrin, Simone Braga Carneiro, Valdir F. Veiga-Junior, Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria and Letícia S. Koester
Antibiotics 2024, 13(6), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13060488 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 1225
Abstract
The essential oil of Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez (EOAC), an Amazon plant composed of a rare nitro compound, has shown scientific evidence of antifungal activity but is still unexplored against dermatophytes. The antifungal susceptibility of EOAC and its main compound, 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (NP), was [...] Read more.
The essential oil of Aniba canelilla (Kunth) Mez (EOAC), an Amazon plant composed of a rare nitro compound, has shown scientific evidence of antifungal activity but is still unexplored against dermatophytes. The antifungal susceptibility of EOAC and its main compound, 1-nitro-2-phenylethane (NP), was evaluated against dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis), evidencing antifungal activity with an inhibitory concentration lower than 256 μg/mL. The mechanism of action was also evaluated, and it is suggested that EOAC and NP have fungicidal action in the fungal membrane, since the antifungal activity occurs through a modification of the shape of the conidial structures of the fungus, showing the permeability of the intracellular content due to the visually observed plasmolysis and cytosolic extravasation through an osmotic process. These results suggest the essential oil and its main compound are promising plant-derived alternatives for treating ungual dermatophytosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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13 pages, 2235 KiB  
Article
Linalool Reduces Virulence and Tolerance to Adverse Conditions of Listeria monocytogenes
by Joel P. Dias, Fernanda C. Domingues and Susana Ferreira
Antibiotics 2024, 13(6), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13060474 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis, poses substantial societal, economic, and public health challenges due to its resistance, persistence, and biofilm formation in the food industry. Exploring subinhibitory concentrations of compounds to target virulence inhibition and increase susceptibility to adverse conditions [...] Read more.
Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis, poses substantial societal, economic, and public health challenges due to its resistance, persistence, and biofilm formation in the food industry. Exploring subinhibitory concentrations of compounds to target virulence inhibition and increase susceptibility to adverse conditions presents a promising strategy to mitigate its impact of L. monocytogenes and unveils new potential applications. Thus, this study aims to explore the effect of linalool on virulence factors of L. monocytogenes and potential use in the reduction in its tolerance to stressful conditions. This action was analysed considering the use of two sub-inhibitory concentrations of linalool, 0.312 and 0.625 mg/mL. We found that even with the lowest tested concentrations, a 65% inhibition of violacein production by Chromobacterium violaceum, 55% inhibition in biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes and 62% reduction on haemolysis caused by this bacterium were observed. In addition to its impact on virulence factors, linalool diminished the tolerance to osmotic stress (up to 4.3 log reduction after 24 h with 12% NaCl), as well as to high (up to 3.8 log reduction after 15 min at 55 °C) and low temperatures (up to 4.6 log reduction after 84 days with 12% NaCl at 4 °C). Thus, this study paves the way to further investigation into the potential utilization of linalool to mitigate the threat posed by L. monocytogenes in the field of food safety and public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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Review

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15 pages, 323 KiB  
Review
Essential Oils as Potential Natural Antioxidants, Antimicrobial, and Antifungal Agents in Active Food Packaging
by Aleksandra Bibow and Wiesław Oleszek
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1168; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121168 - 3 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2545
Abstract
In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the harmful impact of synthetic additives, the increased consumer focus on nutrition, and their unwillingness to use antibiotics and preservatives. The food industry has been driven to seek natural alternatives to synthetic [...] Read more.
In the last few years, there has been growing interest in the harmful impact of synthetic additives, the increased consumer focus on nutrition, and their unwillingness to use antibiotics and preservatives. The food industry has been driven to seek natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and integrate them into the production processes. Moreover, the most significant risk factor for foodborne illness is the consumption of raw or undercooked meats and milk, which may be contaminated with Listeria spp., Campylobacter spp., or Salmonella spp. This article presents a review of techniques for the functional properties of biopolymer particles loaded with essential oils that form a stable network to control their release, making them ideal for improving food packaging and processing. Such substances are employed in the manufacture of packaging materials and coated films and as emulsions, nanoemulsions, and coatings directly incorporated into the food matrix. It is of paramount importance to gain an understanding of the migration mechanism and potential interactions between packaging materials and foodstuffs. A more profound comprehension of the chemical constitution and biological characteristics of these extracts and their constituents would be advantageous for the identification of prospective applications in active food packaging. The findings of our study suggest the existence of certain constraints and deficiencies in the investigation of essential oils and their efficacy in food packaging. Consequently, further comprehensive research in this domain is imperative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Edible and Medicinal Plants)
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