Search Results (25)

Botanical insecticides have gained interest due to a rising demand for environmentally friendly pest control methods for stored-product protection. The insecticidal effectiveness of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the oleo-gum-resin of myrrh (Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.), against Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) and Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, and the metabolic shifts of the two species, were investigated in this work. A thorough gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigation showed that the composition of this EO was dominated by furanosesquiterpenes, specifically, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and curzerene. Commiphora myrrha EO treatments, especially at 1000 ppm, resulted in high adult mortality for P. truncatus (up to 85.6%), while S. zeamais showed only moderate mortality (up to 25.6%). To investigate the different species-specific effectiveness of the EO, untargeted GC-MS metabolomic profiling was conducted to elucidate the impact of the EO on the metabolism of the insects, with subsequent data analysis employing multivariate, univariate, and network methods. Each species reacts differently to the treatments (myrrh EO versus the synthetic insecticide pirimiphos-methyl (PM)), according to the analysis results. In particular, myrrh EO caused distinct shifts in metabolic pathways that varied between P. truncatus and S. zeamais. Overall, C. myrrha EO exhibits potential as a botanical insecticide, especially against P. truncatus, and it causes metabolic disturbances specific to the species. The results demonstrate the significance of metabolomic technologies in assessing bioinsecticide mechanisms and lend credence to their possible incorporation in integrated pest management methodologies or their contribution to the creation of diagnostic indicators of insecticidal exposure. Full article

Natural resins are complex mixtures of secondary metabolites produced by many plants in response to stress or injury and have long been used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Among resin-producing genera, Commiphora Jacq. (Burseraceae) stands out for the traditional and medicinal relevance of its oleogum resins, commonly known as myrrh. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the non-volatile fraction of the oleogum resin of Commiphora ornifolia (Balf.f.) J.B.Gillett, which is an endemic species of Socotra Island. Ethanol extraction followed by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (HPLC-DAD, NMR, HRMS) led to the isolation of (+)-yangambin, a furofuran lignan not previously reported in this species. Quantitative analysis showed yangambin to be present in all eight resin samples analyzed, at concentrations ranging from 3.50 (±0.02) to 9.05% (±0.19) of the ethanol extract. In addition, the analysis of the hydrolyzed polysaccharide fraction revealed the presence of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. These preliminary findings highlight the phytochemical richness of C. ornifolia oleogum resin and suggest the presence of other potentially bioactive compounds. The presence of yangambin, known for various pharmacological activities, supports further phytochemical and biological studies on this largely unexplored species. Full article

Mosquitoes pose a significant problem worldwide because of the diseases they transmit. Due to its antimicrobial and disinfectant properties, Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) has long been a popular choice in traditional medicine. This study aimed to extract C. myrrha using three different solvents—methanol, acetone, and chloroform—to identify their biochemical components and assess their larvicidal activity. The extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and their effects were evaluated against Aedes aegypti. We identified 29, 41, and 19 phytoconstituents in the acetone, methanol, and chloroform extracts, respectively, with most belonging to the sesquiterpene and phenol categories. Larval mortality rates were recorded as follows: chloroform (100%), methanol (90%), and acetone (95%) extracts of C. myrrha at a concentration of 1000 ppm, 24 h post-treatment. After 72 h, the C. myrrha extracts showed effectiveness with LC₅₀ values of 118.33, 127.67, and 142.13 ppm for chloroform, acetone, and methanol, respectively. The chloroform extract was the most effective in reducing the average number of eggs laid per day (234 eggs) compared to the untreated control group (1513 eggs) at 1000 ppm. These findings provide scientific evidence of the larvicidal efficacy of C. myrrha extracts and serve as valuable resources for developing plant-based pharmaceuticals. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a newly formulated Commiphora molmol (CM) nano-irrigant on the morphology, viability, proliferation, migration, and wound healing of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs). Different concentrations of CM nano-irrigant were prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined to be 25 and 30 mg/mL, respectively. The solution was dispersed into liposomes, which were subsequently coated with chitosan-forming chitosomes. Three concentrations of CM chitosomes were evaluated (25, 30, and 35 mg/mL) along with positive (5.25% NaOCl) and negative (basal culture media) control groups. Cellular viability and proliferation were quantified using AlamarBlue, while wound-healing ability was determined using the scratch assay, and 3D cellular migration was evaluated using the transwell migration assay. All tested concentrations induced observable changes in cellular morphology without any detrimental effects. Viability was monitored at 1, 6, and 24 h, with only Group 1 (25 mg/mL) showing no significant effect on cellular viability. Cellular proliferation was observed over 14 days, with Group 3 (35 mg/mL) being the only group that showed a significantly slower proliferative rate. All tested concentrations resulted in significant differences in transwell migration compared to the negative control. Significant differences were observed within each group across different time points (24–48 h). The results confirm the biocompatibility of the newly formulated CM nano-irrigant in terms of hBMMSCs’ viability, proliferation, morphology, migration, and wound healing. Full article

Myrrh is the resinous substance secreted by plants of the genus Commiphora. In traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and traditional Arabic medicine, myrrh is regarded as an important medicinal material, widely used in the treatment of trauma, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and other diseases. This review explores the evolving scientific understanding of the genus Commiphora, covering facets of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, artificial cultivation, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. More than 300 types of secondary metabolites have been identified through phytochemical studies of this genus. Guggulsterone is a bioactive steroid isolated mainly from Commiphora mukul. The two isomers, Z- and E-guggulsterone, have shown a wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effects, including anti-proliferation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. However, the current scientific research on quality control of medicinal materials and identification of original plants is insufficient, which limits the reproducibility and accuracy of biological activity evaluation experiments. Therefore, the establishment of analytical protocols and standardization of extracts is an important step before biological evaluation. At the same time, in order to find more bioactive substances, it is necessary to strengthen the research on the stems, barks, and leaves of this genus. The sources used in this study include PubMed, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other databases, as well as multinational pharmacopoeias, ancient books of traditional medicine, herbal classics, and modern monographs. Full article

Myrrh has a long tradition in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, many of its (active) constituents are still unknown. In the present study, secondary metabolites were isolated from an ethanolic extract by various separation methods (liquid–liquid partition, silica and RP18 flash chromatography, CPC, and preparative HPLC), their structures were elucidated with NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and the selected compounds were tested for their effect on LPS-induced NO production by RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Among the isolated substances are 17 sesquiterpenes (1–17) including the first 4,8-cycloeudesmane (1), a triterpene (38), two phytosterols (39, 40) and one lignan (43), which were previously unknown as natural products. Numerous compounds are described for the first time for the genus Commiphora. Eight of the eleven compounds tested (1, 29, 31, 32, 34–37) showed a statistically significant, concentration-dependent weak to moderate anti-inflammatory effect on NO production in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. For the reference substance, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, an IC₅₀ of 46.0 µM was determined. These sesquiterpenes might therefore be part of the multi-target molecular principles behind the efficacy of myrrh in inflammatory diseases. Full article

Plant extracts and essential oils can be alternative environmentally friendly agents to combat pathogenic microbes and malaria vectors. Myrrh is an aromatic oligum resin that is extracted from the stem of Commiphora spp. It is used in medicine as an insecticide, cytotoxic, and aromatic. The current study assessed the effect of Commiphora myrrha resin extracts on the biological potency of the third larval stage of Aedes aegypti, as well as its antioxidant and cytotoxic properties against two types of tumor cells (HepG-2 and Hela cell lines). It also used GC–MS to determine the chemical composition of the C. myrrha resin extracts. Fifty components from the extracted plant were tentatively identified using the GC–MS method, with curzerene (33.57%) typically listed as the primary ingredient, but other compounds also make up a significant portion of the mixture, including 1-Methoxy-3,4,5,7-tetramethylnaphthalene (15.50%), β-Elemene (5.80%), 2-Methoxyfuranodiene (5.42%), 2-Isopropyl-4,7-Dimethyl-1-Naphthol (4.71%), and germacrene B (4.35%). The resin extracts obtained from C. myrrha exhibited significant efficacy in DPPH antioxidant activity, as evidenced by an IC₅₀ value of 26.86 mg/L and a radical scavenging activity percentage of 75.06%. The 50% methanol extract derived from C. myrrha resins exhibited heightened potential for anticancer activity. It demonstrated substantial cytotoxicity against HepG-2 and Hela cells, with IC₅₀ values of 39.73 and 29.41 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. Notably, the extract showed non-cytotoxic activity against WI-38 normal cells, with an IC₅₀ value exceeding 100 µg mL⁻¹. Moreover, the selectivity index for HepG-2 cancer cells (2.52) was lower compared to Hela cancer cells (3.40). Additionally, MeOH resin extracts were more efficient against the different growth stages of the mosquito A. aegypti, with lower LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and LC₉₅ values of 251.83, 923.76, and 1293.35 mg/L, respectively. In comparison to untreated groups (1454 eggs/10 females), the average daily number of eggs deposited (424 eggs/L) decreases at higher doses (1000 mg/L). Finally, we advise continued study into the possible use of C. myrrha resins against additional pests that have medical and veterinary value, and novel chemicals from this extract should be isolated and purified for use in medicines. Full article

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have been considered an important source of curative remedy for many years due to their potential chemical components which can promote health and prevent diseases. According to TCM, influenza is differentiated into two kinds, namely, wind-cold syndrome and wind-heat syndrome. Many traditional Chinese medicinal plants have been found to exert impacts against both cold and influenza viruses. This article included randomized control experiments, observational and analytical designs, and review articles which have been searched in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The most important antiviral herbs for cold and flu are honey-suckle flowers (Lonicera periclymenum L.), thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris L.), green chireta (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Nees), Calendula (Calendua officinalis L.), and peppermints leaf and oil (Mentha piperita L.). The most notable expectorant herbs for cold and flu are snake root (Ageratina altissima (L.) R.King & H.Rob), tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl) and marshmallow osha root (Althea officinalis L.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry), and sage leaf (Salvia officinalis L.). Immunostimulant herbs for cold and flu are eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globuls Labill), Echinacea root (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench), ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey), garlic (Allium sativum L.), marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.), Isatis root (Isatis tinctoria L.), ginger root (Zingiber officinale Rosc), and myrrh resin (Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl.). The most famous and practical herbal prescriptions from China are Jinchai, Rorrico, Ge Gen Decoction, Gegen Qinlian Decoction, Xin-Jia-Xiang-Ru-Yin, Yi-Zhi-Hao pellet, IMOD, and Arbidol combinations. Traditional Chinese medicinal plants and herbs with antiviral activities and prescriptions which are common in China can be considered for prevention and treatment of influenza and cold. Full article

The oleo–gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. has a long history of medicinal use, although many of its constituents are still unknown. In the present investigation, 34 secondary metabolites were isolated from myrrh resin using different chromatographic techniques (silica flash chromatography, CPC, and preparative HPLC) and their structures were elucidated with NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, CD spectroscopy, and ECD calculations. Among the isolated substances are seven sesquiterpenes (1–7), one disesquiterpene (8), and two triterpenes (23, 24), which were hitherto unknown, and numerous substances are described here for the first time for C. myrrha or the genus Commiphora. Furthermore, the effects of selected terpenes on cervix cancer cells (HeLa) were studied in an MTT-based in vitro assay. Three triterpenes were observed to be the most toxic with moderate IC₅₀ values of 60.3 (29), 74.5 (33), and 78.9 µM (26). Due to the different activity of the structurally similar triterpenoids, the impact of different structural elements on the cytotoxic effect could be discussed and linked to the presence of a 1,2,3-trihydroxy substructure in the A ring. The influence on TNF-α dependent expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) was also tested for 4–6, 9–11, 17, 18, 20, and 27 in vitro, but revealed less than 20% ICAM-1 reduction and, therefore, no significant anti-inflammatory activity. Full article

Background: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced renal injury is a common reason for kidney injury in clinical settings; therefore, continuous investigation of novel nephroprotective agents is crucial. Myrrh, the oleoresin exudates generated by the genus Commiphora, display numerous pharmacological actions. This study tried to assess the preventive effects of myrrh essential oil against I/R-induced renal damage. Methods: Rats were randomized into five groups. In the sham group, the animals were subjected to bilateral renal artery separation with no occlusion. In the sham + myrrh group; the rats were administered myrrh essential oil and then treated similarly to the sham group. Renal I/R group: the animals were challenged with renal I/R. In the myrrh + renal I/R groups, rats were administered 50 or 100 mg/kg of myrrh essential oil orally for three weeks before being confronted with I/R. Results: Serum levels of renal function tests and renal injury biomarkers, including NGAL, KIM-1, and CysC, were amplified in the renal I/R group. Animals that experienced renal I/R exhibited elevated lipid peroxidation (MDA); declined SOD, CAT, and GPx activity; declined GSH content; augmented TLR4/NFκB gene expression; and subsequent enhancement of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6). Myrrh reduced renal function tests and injury biomarkers and amended renal histological alterations. Pretreatment with myrrh reduced MDA, elevated the antioxidant enzymes’ activities and GSH content, and reduced the TLR4 and NFκB gene expression, leading to subsequent inflammation and apoptosis alleviation. Conclusions: The outcomes of the present investigation established the protective effect of myrrh essential oil against renal I/R via pointing out the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of myrrh. Full article

Recent clinical evidence supports the efficacy of a traditional medicinal product (TMP) containing a combination of myrrh (Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.), coffee charcoal (Coffea arabica L.), and chamomile flower dry extract (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in the therapy of diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Mast cells seem to play a key role in the symptom generation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To evaluate the use of the TMP in IBS treatment, the effects of the herbal extracts on the release of mast-cell mediators from stimulated RBL-2H3 cells were investigated. Therefore, degranulation was induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore A13187 (CI) or IgE stimulation, and the amounts of released β-hexosaminidase and histamine were quantified. The extracts showed no effect on the mediator release of PMA- and CI-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Myrrh and chamomile were able to reduce the β-hexosaminidase release of IgE-stimulated cells, while myrrh showed stronger inhibition of the mediator release than chamomile, which reduced only IgE-stimulated histamine release. Thus, these results indicate a mechanistic basis for the use of the herbal combination of myrrh, coffee charcoal, and chamomile flower extract in the symptom-oriented treatment of IBS patients with diarrheal symptoms. Full article

Organic materials have been the subject of numerous recent cosmetics studies. Plant extracts and/or plant-derived resources in the Middle East have significant potential in many cosmetic fields because they exhibit useful properties that promote the repair of cellular functions and improve skin conditions. Multiple organic substances from these resources have long-lasting environmental effects, extensive storage capacities, and affect human physiological activity. Recent studies have revealed that Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) and Boswellia serrata (frankincense) extracts can prevent aging, acne, and spots while enhancing skin moisture and suppleness. Given that myrrh and frankincense exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that significantly improve human health, their utilization in various cosmetic products has received attention from global cosmetic corporations. This review details the bioactive compounds and cosmeceutical properties of myrrh and frankincense and their use in cosmetic formulations. Full article

Oleogum resins of the genus Commiphora have been used in traditional medicines for centuries. More than 200 Commiphora species exhibit highly variable phytochemical compositions. A novel highly selective, sensitive, accurate HPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify five characteristic phytosteroids and furanosesquiterpenoids, namely (E)-guggulsterone, (Z)-guggulsterone, curzerenone, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, and myrrhone. The resulting contents and additionally GC analysis were used to classify and differentiate Commiphora oleogum resins of the species C. myrrha, C. erythraea, C. mukul, C. holtziana, C. confusa, and C. kua, as well as unspecified resins. Interestingly, a Commiphora sample from Ogaden, Ethiopia, comprised 446 ng/mg guggulsterones presumed to be unique to C. mukul from the Indian subcontinent. However, Commiphora from Ogaden differed considerably from C. mukul in respect to guggulsterones isomer’s ratio. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of Commiphora extracts, essential oils, botanical drugs containing Commiphora, and pure compounds against the epidermoid carcinoma A431, malignant melanoma RPMI-7951 and SK-MEL-28 cells was investigated in vitro. Thereby, especially C. mukul extract and C. myrrha essential oil exhibited high cytotoxicity against skin cancer cells with IC₅₀ of 2.9–10.9 µg/mL, but were less toxic to normal keratinocytes. In summary, Commiphora oleogum resins and its phytochemicals warrant further investigation aiming at chemotaxonomical classification as well as application in skin cancer treatment. Full article

A rapid, simple, and sensitive gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was established and validated for simultaneous determination of four volatile compounds, namely curzerene, methoxyfuranodiene, β-elemene, and α-pinene in rat plasma samples after oral administration of the resin extract of Commiphora myrrh using limonene as an internal standard (IS). Liquid-liquid extraction using hexane and ethyl acetate (1:1) mixture as an extracting agent was used for the samples extraction procedure. The GC–MS system was operated under selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode using Perkin Elmer Elite 5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm film thickness). Specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, and stability were used to validate the developed method. The assay showed good linearity (r² ≥ 0.998), and the lowest limits of quantification (LLOQ) were 3.97–21.38 ng/mL for the four analytes. This assay was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of the four volatile compounds in rat plasma. The antiproliferative activity of these volatile compounds was evaluated against lung carcinoma (A549) and colon (LoVo) cell lines, were each compound caused variable inhibition on cells proliferation and methoxyfuranodiene exerted the strong antiproliferative activity against both cell line according to IC₅₀ values. Full article

Gastric ulceration is a multifactorial disease defined as a defect in the gastric wall that extends through the muscularis mucosae into the deeper layers of the wall. The most common cause of gastric ulceration is alcohol consumption. In the current study, rats were gavaged by ethanol to investigate the protective (before ethanol) and curative (after ethanol) ability of Commiphora myrrh (myrrh) oil and extract against gastric ulcer oxidative alterations induced by ethanol. Myrrh significantly improved ulcer index, histomorphology, and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) impaired by ethanol. In addition, myrrh improved the antioxidant potential of gastric mucosa through enhancement of nuclear factor related to erythroid 2 (Nrf2), total glutathione (GSH), reduced GSH, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), along with significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Amelioration of gastric oxidative stress by myrrh enables gastric mucosa to counteract the ethanol’s inflammatory and apoptotic processes leading to improved gastric proliferation and healing. Interestingly, myrrh extract showed better protective and curative effects than myrrh oil against gastric ulceration. Full article