Search Results (24)

This study examines the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antifungal, and insecticidal properties of Origanum syriacum (Syrian oregano plant) and Cymbopogon wimterianus (Java citronella plant) extracts. Their potential applications in food preservation and pest control are explored based on their bioactive properties. The phytochemical screening indicated a rich presence of secondary metabolites in the extract. The hydrodistillation of plant leaves resulted in an extraction yield of 4.3% Syrian oregano essential oil. The major component of the essential oil was carvacrol (79.30%). The Syrian oregano ethanolic extract contained 110.674 ± 1.842 mg GAE/g total phenols and 52.57 ± 0.086 mg RE/g total flavonoids, and exhibited a high antioxidant activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) equal to 168.28 μg/mL. Flatbread was prepared with additions of Syrian oregano and Java citronella powders, followed by analysis of moisture content, visual appearance, and sensory characteristics. The results showed that the powders of Syrian oregano and Java citronella have promising food preservative effects. These findings were supported by a significant decrease in fungal growth in several samples and a shelf life extension of one day. The inclusion of a 2% mixture of Syrian oregano and Java citronella powder in the flatbread resulted in the sample receiving the highest overall acceptability mark from consumers, while also extending its shelf life. To assess the insecticidal activity, weevils (Sitophilus granarius L.) were exposed to Syrian oregano and Java citronella essential oils. The insecticidal activity was at its peak when Syrian oregano and Java citronella essential oils were combined resulting in 7% lethal dose (LD₅₀) towards grain weevils. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction methods, evaluating long-term storage effects, and assessing the broader applicability of these extracts in various food products and agricultural settings. Full article

In the Mediterranean and Himalayan regions, the genus Mandragora (family Solanaceae), sometimes called mandrake, is widely utilized in herbal therapy and is well-known for its mythical associations. Objective: To compile up-to-date information on M. autumnalis’s therapeutic properties. Its pharmacological properties and phytochemical composition are particularly covered in managing several illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Methods: Articles on the review topic were found by searching major scientific literature databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Chemical Abstracts, and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Abstracts. Additionally, general online searches were conducted using Google Scholar and Google. The time frame for the search included items released from 1986 to 2023. Results:Mandragora has been shown to contain a variety of phytochemicals, including coumarins, withanolides, and alkaloids. The pharmacological characteristics of M. autumnalis, such as increasing macrophage anti-inflammatory activity, free radicals inhibition, bacterial and fungal growth inhibition, cytotoxic anticancer activities in vivo and in vitro against cancer cell lines, and enzyme-inhibitory properties, are attributed to these phytochemicals. Furthermore, M. autumnalis also inhibits cholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and free radicals. On the other hand, metabolic risk factors, including the inhibition of diabetes-causing enzymes and obesity, have been treated using dried ripe berries. Conclusions: Investigations into the pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics of M. autumnalis have revealed that this plant is a rich reservoir of new bioactive substances. This review aims to provide insight into the botanical and ecological characteristics of Mandragora autumnalis, including a summary of its phytochemical components and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, enzyme-inhibitory properties, as well as toxicological implications, where its low cytotoxic activity against the normal VERO cell line has been shown. More research on this plant is necessary to ensure its efficacy and safety. Still, it is also necessary to understand the molecular mechanism of action behind the observed effects to clarify its therapeutic potential. Full article

Halophila stipulacea (Forsskål and Niebuhr) Ascherson is a small marine seagrass that belongs to the Hydrocharitaceae family. It is native to the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean and has successfully invaded the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. This article summarizes the pharmacological activities and phytochemical content of H. stipulacea, along with its botanical and ecological characteristics. Studies have shown that H. stipulacea is rich in polyphenols and terpenoids. Additionally, it is rich in proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, contributing to its nutritional value. Several biological activities are reported by this plant, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-metabolic disorders, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities. Further research is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of this plant and to investigate the mechanisms of action underlying the observed effects. Full article

Seagrasses are marine angiosperms that inhabit tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They play a vital role in marine biodiversity and the ecosystem by providing habitats and food for several marine organisms, stabilizing sediments, and improving water quality. Halodule uninervis from the family Cymodoceaceae has been used in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of many ailments. Additionally, several identified bioactive metabolites have been shown to contribute to its pharmacological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. As such, H. uninervis could contribute to the development of novel drugs for various diseases. This review aims to compile the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of H. uninervis. Furthermore, details about its botanical characteristics and ecological significance are also discussed. By providing valuable insights into the role of H. uninervis in both the marine ecosystem and biomedicine, this review helps to highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for future drug discovery and development. Full article

Plants are being researched as potential sources of novel drugs, which has led to a recent acceleration in the discovery of new bioactive compounds. Research on tissue culture technology for the synthesis and processing of plant compounds has skyrocketed, surpassing all expectations. These plants can be bought either raw or as extracts, where some of the chemicals are extracted by mashing the plant in water, alcohol, or another solvent. The use of herbal medicine may open new chances for reducing the onset of infections and treating different diseases including cancer. A perennial plant that blooms in the winter, Cyclamen, is one of the most widely used potted flowers in many nations. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, sterols, and glycosides are the main active components of Cyclamen. Analgesic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties have all been demonstrated as potential effects of various extracts of Cyclamen tubers. However, the use of this medicinal plant in official medicine will require further research in the areas of pharmacology. Furthermore, it is necessary to create standard operating procedures for a crude herbal medication. In this regard, this review aims to highlight the key characteristics of the Cyclamen plant, such as its various parts, species, stages of development, and geographic range; pinpoint its intriguing bioactivities, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and its anti-cancerous effects; and ascertain its potential medicinal uses and the main future perspectives. Full article

Natural remedies have been indispensable to traditional medicine practices for generations, offering therapeutic solutions for various ailments. In modern times, these natural products continue to play a pivotal role in the discovery of new drugs, especially for cancer treatment. The marine ecosystem offers a wide range of plants with potential anticancer activities due to their distinct biochemical diversity and adaptation to extreme situations. The seagrass Halodule uninervis is rich in diverse bioactive metabolites that bestow the plant with various pharmacological properties. However, its anticancer activity against invasive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still poorly investigated. In the present study, the phytochemical composition of an ethanolic extract of H. uninervis (HUE) was screened, and its antioxidant potential was evaluated. Moreover, the anticancer potential of HUE against MDA-MB-231 cells was investigated along with the possible underlying mechanisms of action. Our results showed that HUE is rich in diverse phytochemicals that are known for their antioxidant and anticancer effects. In MDA-MB-231 cells, HUE targeted the hallmarks of cancer, including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The HUE-mediated anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects were associated with the downregulation of the proto-oncogenic STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken together, H. uninervis could serve as a valuable source for developing novel drugs targeting TNBC. Full article

Driven by concerns over polluted industrial wastewater, particularly heavy metals and dyes, this study explores biosorption using chemically cross-link chitosan derivatives as a sustainable and cost-effective depollution method. Chitosan cross-linking employs either water-soluble polymers and agents like glutaraldehyde or copolymerization of hydrophilic monomers with a cross-linker. Chemical cross-linking of polymers has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the wet-strength properties of materials. The chitosan thus extracted, as powder or gel, was used to adsorb heavy metals (lead (Pb²⁺) and copper (Cu²⁺)) and dyes (methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV)). Extensive analysis of the physicochemical properties of both the powder and hydrogel adsorbents was conducted using a range of analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). To gain a comprehensive understanding of the sorption process, the effect of contact time, pH, concentration, and temperature was investigated. The adsorption capacity of chitosan powder for Cu(II), Pb(II), methylene blue (MB), and crystal violet (CV) was subsequently determined as follows: 99, 75, 98, and 80%, respectively. In addition, the adsorption capacity of chitosan hydrogel for Cu(II), Pb(II), MB, and CV was as follows: 85, 95, 85, and 98%, respectively. The experimental data obtained were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The isotherm study revealed that the adsorption equilibrium is well fitted to the Freundlich isotherm (R² = 0.998), and the sorption capacity of both chitosan powder and hydrogel was found to be exceptionally high (approximately 98%) with the adsorbent favoring multilayer adsorption. Besides, Dubinin has given an indication that the sorption process was dominated by Van der Waals physical forces at all studied temperatures. Full article

This study focused on testing the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Origanum syriacum (O. syriacum) and Cimbopogon winterianus (C. winterianus) extracts and their essential oils (EOs). The bacteria were isolated from urine samples and identified by a VITEK assay, and the fungi were isolated from spoiled food samples and further identified by MALDI-TOF. The susceptibility of the microbial isolates was assessed by determining the bacteriostatic and bactericidal/fungicidal effects by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) broth microdilution assay and time-kill test. The antibiofilm activities were assessed by the antibiofilm screening assays. The bacterial isolates included three Gram-negative isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Citrobacter freundii) and two Gram-positive isolates (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus intermedius). The fungal isolates included Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The O. syriacum and C. winterianus extracts exhibited bacteriostatic and fungistatic activities (MIC 1.25–2.5 mg/mL for the bacterial isolates and 2.5–5 mg/mL for the fungal isolates). However, their EOs exhibited bactericidal (MBC 5–20%) and fungicidal (MFC 1.25–10%) activities, meaning that the EOs had a better antimicrobial potential than the extracts. The antibiofilm activities of the mentioned extracts and their EOs were relatively weak. The O. syriacum extract inhibited S. aureus, S. intermedius, and K. pneumonia biofilms at a concentration of 0.3125 mg/mL and C. albicans and A. niger biofilms at 0.625 mg/mL. No antibiofilm activity was recorded for C. winterianus extract. In addition, the packaging of grapes with C. winterianus extract preserved them for about 40 days. The results reflect the significant antimicrobial activity of O. syriacum and C. winterianus extracts and their EOs, thus suggesting their potential in food packaging and preservation. Full article

Globally, cancer is one of the primary causes of both morbidity and mortality. To prevent cancer from getting worse, more targeted and efficient treatment plans must be developed immediately. Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of natural products for several illnesses, and these products have played a significant role in the development of novel treatments whose bioactive components serve as both chemotherapeutic and chemo-preventive agents. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules obtained from plants that have potential applications in both cancer therapy and the development of new medications. These phytochemicals function by regulating the molecular pathways connected to the onset and progression of cancer. Among the specific methods are immune system control, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, preventing proliferation, raising antioxidant status, and inactivating carcinogens. A thorough literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Google Patent, Patent Scope, and US Patent to obtain the data. To provide an overview of the anticancer effects of several medicinal plants, including Annona muricata, Arctium lappa, Arum palaestinum, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hibiscus, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Moringa oleifera, Nerium oleander, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Withania somnifera L., their availability, classification, active components, pharmacological activities, signaling mechanisms, and potential side effects against the most common cancer types were explored. Full article

Certain plants like Rosemarinus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia and Origanum vulgare have been used in the food industry for centuries. Cymbopogon winterianus (Java Citronella plant) is one of the most significant plants. The objective of this study is to screen for secondary metabolites by phytochemical screening, evaluate the antioxidant contents of extracts and investigate the use of the Java Citronella plant in food preservation and as an insecticide. Java Citronella powder was added to bread and evaluated for its moisture content, and a visual and sensory analysis was performed. Sitophilus granarius (L.) weevils were exposed to Java Citronella essential oil (JCEO). The phytochemical screening revealed that the extracts were abundant in secondary metabolites. The JCEO had a yield of 0.75%. The aqueous extract had a higher total phenolic content of 49.043 ± 0.217 mg GAE/g than the ethanolic extract, which was 24.478 ± 1.956 mg GAE/g. The aqueous extract had a total flavonoids content 27,725.25 ± 54.96 µg RE/g higher than the ethanolic extract, with 24,263 ± 74 µg RE/g. The ethanolic extract had stronger antioxidant activity, with anIC₅₀ = 196.116 μg/mL higher than the aqueous extract at 420 μg/mL. The 2% Java Citronella powder in the bread was preferred by consumers, and had a shelf life of 6 days. JCEO killed all the weevils with a high dose of 10% after 48 h. The Java Citronella showed insecticidal and food preservative activity. The results should help in future research to enhance the applications of Java Citronella in various domains, from food technology to insecticides. Full article

A key concern in agriculture is how to feed the expanding population and safeguard the environment from the ill effects of climate change. To feed a growing global population, food production and security are significant problems, as food output may need to double by 2050. Thus, more innovative and effective approaches for increasing agricultural productivity (hence, food production) are required to meet the rising demand for food. The world’s most widely cultivated grains include corn, wheat, and rice, which serve as the foundation for basic foods. This review focuses on some of the key most up-to-date approaches that boost wheat, rice, corn, barley, and oat yields with insight into how molecular technology and genetics may raise the production and resource-efficient use of these important grains. Although red light management and genetic manipulation show maximal grain yield enhancement, other covered strategies including bacterial-nutrient management, solar brightening, facing abiotic stress through innovative agricultural systems, fertilizer management, harmful gas emissions reduction, photosynthesis enhancement, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and varietal improvement also enhance grain production and increase plant resistance to harmful environmental circumstances. This study also discusses the potential challenges of the addressed approaches and possible future perspectives. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. When treating patients, therapeutic agents have side effects; hence, the use of natural compounds found in medicinal plants including pomegranate. Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) is a new technique evolving to the detriment of traditional methods such as maceration. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anticancer effect of pomegranate peel extracts obtained by maceration and UAE at three different ultrasonic power levels (P₁ = 10 W; P₂ = 50 W; P₃ = 100 W) on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. Phytochemical screening highlighted the presence of primary and secondary metabolites in pomegranate peels. In addition, the ethanolic extract obtained by UAE at 50 W was shown to be the most concentrated in phenolic and flavonoid compounds and have the most powerful antioxidant activity, which reached a maximum activity of 92% as determined by DPPH test. Similarly, the MTT cell viability test showed that the extract obtained by UAE at 50 W had the most potent inhibitory effect compared to the other extracts. In conclusion, the UAE at 50 W was shown to be the most suitable and efficient extraction technique to obtain bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel extracts that can be used in the treatment of CRC. Full article

The skin serves as the body’s first line of defense, guarding against mechanical, chemical, and thermal damage to the interior organs. It includes a highly developed immune response that serves as a barrier against pathogenic infections. Wound healing is a dynamic process underpinned by numerous cellular activities, including homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, that require proper harmonious integration to effectively repair the damaged tissue. Following cutaneous damage, microorganisms can quickly enter the tissues beneath the skin, which can result in chronic wounds and fatal infections. Natural phytomedicines that possess considerable pharmacological properties have been widely and effectively employed forwound treatment and infection prevention. Since ancient times, phytotherapy has been able to efficiently treat cutaneous wounds, reduce the onset of infections, and minimize the usage of antibiotics that cause critical antibiotic resistance. There are a remarkable number of wound-healing botanicals that have been widely used in the Northern Hemisphere, including Achiella millefolium, Aloe vera, Althaea officinalis, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus, Jojoba, plantain, pine, green tea, pomegranate, and Inula. This review addresses the most often used medicinal plants from the Northern Hemisphere that facilitate the treatment of wounds, and also suggests viable natural alternatives that can be used in the field of wound care. Full article

The pomegranate fruit is made of white to deep purple seeds that are enclosed in a white, spongy, astringent membrane, also known as pericarp, covered by a thick red skin and a crown-shaped calyx. It contains a variety of beneficial ingredients, including flavonoids, ellagitannin, punicalagin, ellagic acid, vitamins, and minerals. Pomegranates possess numerous health benefits, and their use in disease treatment has been widely recognized since antiquity. This fruit was known to exhibit several biological properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Pomegranate has been used in a variety of medical systems for the treatment and therapy of a wide range of diseases and illnesses. This review summarizes studies highlighting the potential role of pomegranate in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to respiratory and digestive systems. Full article

Herbal medicine has been gaining special interest as an alternative choice of treatment for several diseases, being generally accessible, cost-effective and safe, with fewer side-effects compared to chemically synthesized medicines. Over 25% of drugs worldwide are derived from plants, and surveys have shown that, when available, herbal medicine is the preferred choice of treatment. Origanum syriacum (Lamiaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in the Middle East, both as a home and a folk remedy, and in the food and beverage industry. Origanum syriacum contains numerous phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, essential oils, and many others. Because of its bioactive compounds, O. syriacum possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic capacities. In addition, it can be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and peptic ulcers. In this review, the chemical compositions of different types of extracts and essential oils from this herb will first be specified. Then, the pharmacological uses of these extracts and essential oils in various contexts and diseases will be discussed, putting emphasis on their efficacy and safety. Finally, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of O. syriacum phytochemicals in disease treatment will be described as a basis for further investigation into the plant’s pharmacological role. Full article