Search Results (228)

The agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of 12 plant species against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the bacterium that is responsible for crown gall disease. Leaf, root, or flower extracts were prepared, but not all parts were used for each of the 12 plants listed. Plant extracts from leaves exhibited higher antibacterial activity than those from flowers and roots. Furthermore, the type of solvent had a significant influence on both the antibacterial activity and the flavonoid and polyphenol content. Acetone and alcohol extracts contained higher contents of these compounds than water extracts. The strongest bacteriostatic effect was of the leaf extracts of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus nicholii L.) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Based on HPTLC analysis, eucalyptus extracts contained, among others, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and quercetin, while St. John’s wort extracts contained rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin. The tansy leaf extracts (Tanacetum vulgare L.) were also rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as kaempferol-3-glucoside, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, and rutin. However, a moderate inhibitory effect against the tested bacterium was found in tansy extracts, as well as hop (Humulus lupulus L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extracts. The least effective were the root extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wiggers coll.) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), as well as the flower extracts of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Given the lack of effective chemical products and the unavailability of commercially resistant cultivars, the use of plant-based extracts for protecting against crown gall appears to be of particular interest. The preliminary results are promising and suggest that eucalyptus and St. John’s wort extracts are the most promising for controlling A. tumefaciens. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) of Mentha spicata var. crispa (Benth.) Danert and M. × piperita var. citrata (Ehrh.) Briq. and EO components are widely used in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, hygiene products, the food industry, and other fields, and have a high commercial value. The variety Mentha spicata var. crispa is also used as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive curled leaves. Studying the influence of growing conditions and harvest timing on EO yield and the major compound concentrations is one of the key research directions for Mentha species, aimed at the ascertainment of the ways of increasing EO production and quality. Gas chromatography analysis of the component composition of EOs from leaves of Mentha spicata var. crispa “Kurchavaya” (MscK) showed that it remained stable both in July and September, with carvone predominating (81% and 85%, respectively). In contrast, the EO composition from M. × piperita var. citrata “Apelsinovaya” (MpcA) leaves changed in the course of the vegetation period. In July, menthofuran dominated (30%), while in September, linalool and its acetate were predominant (34% and 47%, respectively), which was typical for this chemotype. At the same time, the content of EOs and the density of glandular trichomes (GTs) (the OE storage sites) in MscK were higher in July and decreased by September, whereas in MpcA, both EO content and the number of GTs increased from July to September. These changes may have been caused by temperature fluctuations. Thus, MscK proved to be more resistant to environmental factors than MpcA. Full article

With new emerging diseases such as COVID-19 and an increasing incidence of cancer, there remains a significant need for investigating new therapeutic options to treat a wide range of ailments and disorders. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) have been used medicinally by native people in the Midwestern United States for centuries. However, the antiproliferative and antimicrobial properties of the aqueous extracts of these plants remain unclear. In this study, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of peppermint and white snakeroot aqueous leaf extracts by examining their activity against mammalian cancer cells, bacteria, and viruses. Both peppermint and snakeroot extracts showed no reductions in viability at concentrations lower than 25 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL, respectively, in two different cancer lines, HEp-2 and DBT-9 cells, in vitro. While treatment with the snakeroot extract resulted in significant disruption to cytoskeletal organization in HEp-2 cells at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, peppermint and snakeroot extracts did not have a major impact on the viability or proliferation of the cancer cell lines tested. Peppermint and snakeroot were then evaluated for antibacterial activity against four different bacterial pathogens. Significant inhibition of bacterial replication was observed for E. coli (at concentrations greater than 0.1 mg/mL) and S. aureus (at concentrations greater than 1 mg/mL) treated with either peppermint or snakeroot extracts. No significant activity was observed against the bacterial strains P. aeruginosa and S. pyogenes. Peppermint (EC₅₀ = 2.36 mg/mL) and snakeroot (EC₅₀ = 2.64 mg/mL) significantly reduce infectivity and replication (at concentrations above 0.2 mg/mL) of the major human pathogen, human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). However, testing for antiviral activity against a mouse coronavirus (murine hepatitis virus, MHV) showed no impact on replication at concentrations up to 2.5 mg/mL. Lastly, chemical analysis of the extracts identified several prominent compounds, which were subsequently evaluated for their biological contributions to the observed plant extract phenotypes. Two of the identified compounds, 1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol) and menthol, show significant antimicrobial activity. We report that aqueous extracts of peppermint and white snakeroot exhibit specific antibacterial and antiviral activities that support further investigation for therapeutic potential. Full article

The study was conducted to determine whether the origin of medicinal plants (conventional vs. organic cultivation) may affect the content of selected bioactive ingredients. This work complements the current state of knowledge on this subject by analysing the content of selected groups of bioactive compounds in four popular herb species (Mentha piperita, Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Urtica dioica). The aim of the study was to compare the total polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, antioxidant activity (AA) and phenolic compound profile in herbal extracts of organic and conventional origin. For all species examined, it was demonstrated that water-ethanol extracts from organically grown herbs contain statistically (p << 0.05) significantly more TPC, TFC and AA than water-ethanol extracts from conventionally grown herbs. Among the analysed extracts, the highest TPC was found in organic M. officinalis (7023.3 mg GAE/100 g d.m.), while the extract of this species from conventional cultivation contained only 3679.4 mg GAE/100 g d.m. TFC in the extracts of organic and conventional M. piperita was 1607.6 and 499.4 mg QE/100 g d.m., respectively. Based on GC-MS analysis, between 15 and 25 phenolic compounds were identified, depending on the species of herbal plant. Almost all the identified compounds were phenolic acids. The studies conducted indicate a statistically significantly higher content of antioxidant compounds in herbs from organic farming compared to conventionally grown herbs, and thus their greater health-promoting potential. Full article

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders associated with increased gastric acid secretion, such as gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal pain, significantly impair quality of life and present a substantial healthcare burden. Conventional therapies may have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects, underscoring the need for safe complementary approaches. This study systematically identifies and reviews the medicinal plants used in food supplements (FSs) marketed in Latvia for digestive health, focusing on the conditions linked to excess gastric acid. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted to identify European plant species with proven protective effects on the digestive system or the ability to influence gastric acid levels. A market analysis was performed using the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service FS Register. Results: A total of 218 FS-containing medicinal plants were identified, of which 15 species were included in at least ten products. The most frequently used plants were peppermint (Mentha piperita), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), psyllium (Plantago ovata), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), caraway (Carum carvi), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). Label claims most often referred to supporting digestion, relieving bloating, and maintaining normal GI function. However, the majority of claims lacked robust clinical substantiation, and were based primarily on traditional use. Discrepancies between product information and available scientific evidence highlight regulatory and consumer protection challenges. Conclusions: This work contributes to the critical evaluation of plant-based FSs for digestive health, emphasizing the need for standardized preparations, harmonized health claim assessment, and further clinical research to establish efficacy and safety. Full article

Background: Aromatic plants like peppermint (Mentha x piperita, Lamiaceae) have a long tradition of use. Most of the plant material is used to produce herbal drugs and for the isolation of essential oils. However, since essential oils are present in very small amounts, the largest proportion of plants remains unused. Objectives: The aims of this study were the analysis of chemical, biochemical, antimicrobial, and pharmacological properties of peppermint waste material extracts (derived from stems, post-distillation waste, and deodorized leaves) in comparison with the officially prepared extract. Results: The obtained results revealed that the investigated peppermint waste extracts (PWEs) are a rich source of phenolic compounds, where rosmarinic acid was determined as the dominant one (7.05–21.19 mg/g d.e.). Antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective effect of PWE were comparable with the official extract, where the most active ones were those prepared by treating the deodorized leaves with both 45% and 75% ethanol. In addition, PWE exhibited notable antimicrobial and anticholinesterase activity. Results of pharmacological studies on experimental animals showed that peppermint extracts (official and those made from deodorized leaves) did not interfere with the effect of the tested drugs, midazolam and fluoxetine. The examined extracts neither exerted an influence on motor coordination nor acted as antidepressants. Results of the elevated plus maze test indicated that PWE affected the activity of the central nervous system. Conclusions: PWEs represent a significant source of phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid, and they can be used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce various herbal products and in the food industry as natural additives. Full article

The study presents the potential application of three essential oils (EOs) obtained from various mint species: peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.), as alternative agents against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from poultry. The aim of research was to determine the effectiveness of EOs from these mint species and their main chemical components (menthol, menthone, carvone, pulegone) against 19 clinical E. coli strains with varying drug susceptibility and the reference strain E. coli ATCC 25922. GC-MS analysis revealed a unique chemical profile for each mint species. In M. piperita, menthol (35.14%), trans-menthone (23.11%), and menthyl acetate (6.96%) were the dominant compounds. In M. spicata, the main components were carvone (58.61%) and 1,8-cineole (18.74%), while in M. pulegium, pulegone was the dominant ingredient (76.54%). Antibacterial activity tests showed that all tested E. coli strains, both susceptible and multidrug-resistant, were sensitive to the EOs. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed for peppermint oil (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration–MIC 0.5–2.0% v/v), which was attributed to its high menthol content. Menthol was also the most effective single component (MIC 0.125–0.5% v/v). The essential oils containing carvone and pulegone showed lower activity (MIC ≥ 2% v/v). Research indicates that mint EOs, particularly those rich in menthol, represent a promising alternative or complement in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant E. coli strains. Full article

Synthetic anthelmintic drugs not only contribute to the development of pathogen resistance and environmental pollution but also to the development of pathogen resistance. Therefore, identifying the anthelmintic properties of widely used medicinal plants could be of great practical interest to veterinary and human medicine. In our experiment, we evaluated the in vitro survivability of the noninvasive and invasive (L_1–2 and L_3, respectively) larvae of Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus subject to aqueous solutions of ethanolic tinctures of traditional medicinal plants (46 species). Most of the plant species we studied belonged to the families Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Artemisia absinthium, Bidens tripartita, Calendula officinalis, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, Echinacea purpurea, Helichrysum arenarium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Silybum marianum, Tanacetum vulgare, Taraxacum officinale, Tragopogon porrifolius), Rosaceae (Agrimonia eupatoria, Fragaria vesca, Sanguisorba officinalis), and Lamiaceae (Leonurus cardiaca, Mentha × piperita, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris). Other plant families were represented by 1–3 species: Fabaceae (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedysarum alpinum, Trifolium pratense), Salicaceae (Populus nigra, P. tremula, Salix alba), Fagaceae (Quercus robur), Betulaceae (Betula pendula), Juglandaceae (Juglans regia), Rhamnaceae (Frangula alnus), Acoraceae (Acorus calamus), Apiaceae (Foeniculum vulgare), Caprifoliaceae (Valeriana officinalis), Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbita pepo), Equisetaceae (Equisetum arvense), Ericaceae (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Gentianaceae (Centaurium erythraea), Hypericaceae (Hypericum perforatum), Malvaceae (Althaea officinalis), Plantaginaceae (Linaria vulgaris, Plantago major), Poaceae (Zea mays), Polygonaceae (Polygonum aviculare), and Ranunculaceae (Nigella sativa). We determined Artemisia absinthium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Salvia officinalis, and Populus nigra, whose aqueous solutions of alcohol tinctures demonstrated nematocidal properties. The other plants we studied did not affect the viability of parasitic nematode larvae. Full article

Silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs) have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their wide-ranging applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, and other fields where they may interact with the environment. Green synthesis of NPs supports sustainability by reducing chemical waste and energy use while improving their biocompatibility through plant phytochemicals. Accordingly, it is important to assess the effects of metal NPs on microorganisms, which play vital roles in ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. This study aimed to investigate microbial growth dynamics in the presence of green-synthesized silver and gold NPs (using an aqueous extract of Mentha × piperita leaves) and to evaluate potential mechanisms of their interaction. Microorganisms were cultivated in 96-well microtiter plates, and growth curves were analyzed alongside bacterial enumeration on Petri plates. Silver NPs affected the growth of Brevundimonas vesicularis USM1, Pseudarthrobacter oxydans USM2, and Pseudomonas putida USM4, although these strains exhibited partial resistance. In contrast, gold NPs did not inhibit the growth of the tested strains. The ability of Brevundimonas vesicularis USM1 to precipitate metal NPs highlights its potential for sustainable bioremediation applications. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental impact and sustainability aspects of silver and gold NPs in microbial systems. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications as natural antimicrobials and antioxidants. This study investigated the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and in silico pharmacological properties of EOs extracted from Laurus nobilis, Thymbra capitata, and Mentha piperita, three medicinal species traditionally used in northern Morocco. Hydrodistillation yielded 1.12–1.53% oils, and GC–MS analysis revealed distinct chemotypes: L. nobilis was rich in eucalyptol, linalool, methyleugenol, and α-terpinyl acetate; T. capitata was dominated by carvacrol (80.95%), and M. piperita contained high proportions of linalool (57.37%) and linalyl acetate (28.56%). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated strong activity of all oils against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as Candida species, with T. capitata showing the most potent and broad-spectrum effects (MIC 0.073–9.47 mg/mL), attributed to its high carvacrol content. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ferric reducing power) identified L. nobilis as the most active radical scavenger (IC₅₀ = 0.037 mg/mL), followed by T. capitata, whereas M. piperita displayed weaker activity. PCA confirmed that phenolic monoterpenes drive both antimicrobial and antioxidant potency, while oxygenated terpenes and sesquiterpenes contribute more selectively. ADMET predictions indicated generally favorable absorption and low toxicity, although o-cymene and carvacrol presented potential safety concerns. Molecular docking revealed α-terpinyl acetate as the most versatile ligand, with strong binding to bacterial, fungal, and oxidative enzymes, whereas other compounds exhibited more selective affinities. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of Moroccan EOs, particularly T. capitata and L. nobilis, as promising natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Full article

This study investigated the in vitro and in silico anticancer and antiviral potential of three Lamiaceae essential oils (EOs), Rosmarinus officinalis (REO), Salvia officinalis (SEO), and Mentha × piperita (MEO). The essays included both Eos tested individually and in combination. Cytotoxicity was assessed in normal dermal fibroblast (NHDF), breast (MCF7), lung (A549), and colorectal (LoVo) cell lines. Antiviral activity was evaluated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and adenovirus type-5 (AdV-5). Major identified compounds were subjected to in silico analysis against selected cancer- and virus-related protein targets. None of the EOs or their combinations showed cytotoxicity toward NHDF cells. REO exhibited significant anticancer activity against MCF7 and A549 cells, while SEO displayed the greatest antiproliferative effect on MCF7 cells. MEO showed moderate activity against MCF7 cells and weak activity against A549 cells. All EOs and combinations showed limited efficacy against LoVo cells. Combined EOs were more effective against A549 cells, showing synergism for REO combinations, whereas lower activity was noted against MCF7 cells, where the MEO + SEO combination exhibited an antagonistic effect. All EOs and their combinations effectively reduced HSV-1 and AdV-5 titers. In silico results confirmed the binding affinities between the major EO compounds and selected protein targets, supporting their potential as complementary therapeutic agents. Full article

This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and biological properties of four plant species with longstanding use in ethnobotanical traditions: Calendula officinalis, Mentha × piperita, Urtica dioica, and Juglans regia. Plant extracts were obtained using a range of solvent systems and subsequently analyzed for their content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) enabled the accurate identification and quantification of major polyphenolic constituents. The antioxidant capacity was assessed through a series of in vitro assays, and elemental analysis was conducted to determine microelement content. To evaluate potential ecological implications, acute toxicity was tested using Daphnia magna, while phytotoxic effects were also examined. The results demonstrate pronounced antioxidant activity along with notable biocidal and soil-enhancing properties. These findings underscore the potential of such plant-based formulations as sustainable alternatives to conventional agrochemicals and highlight the relevance of integrating traditional botanical knowledge with modern strategies for enhancing soil quality, crop performance, and environmental sustainability. Full article

Epilepsy manifests as recurrent spontaneous seizures associated with irregular brain activity. Recognizing the limitations of conventional antiepileptic treatments, we explored the therapeutic potential of essential oils (EOs) derived from Greek aromatic plants (Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata wild, Mentha piperita, Lavandula angustifolia and Origanum Dictamnus). Specifically, we explored their radical scavenging capacity (DPPH), as well as their antioxidant (AOP and MDA levels) and neuroprotective effect in a PTZ-induced epilepsy Balb/c mice model (animals were pretreated with EOs prior to PTZ treatment). Our results indicated that Mentha piperita emerges as the most promising EO, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity and the highest radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ = 1.9 mg/mL). Mentha pulegium also exhibited considerable antioxidant potential, demonstrating the strongest effect in the AOP assay when administered prior to PTZ treatment. Furthermore, Origanum dictamnus exhibited the strongest potential to attenuate MDA formation in the presence of PTZ. Finally, immunohistochemistry indicated a trend of neuronal preservation in animals pretreated with EOs prior to PTZ, with Mentha piperita demonstrating the most significant effect. Based on these findings, we suggest that certain EOs possess significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Further research is warranted to validate these results and elucidate the active ingredients responsible for the observed properties. Full article

Mentha piperita is an essential oil (EO)-producing species with high commercial relevance. Its EOs are widely used in the pharmaceutical, fragrance, food and cosmetic industries. This study evaluated alternative substrates to industrial fertilizers, aiming to enhance plant development and EO yield while reducing environmental impact and costs. Three treatments were tested: corrected soil (CS), soil with vermiculite, vermicompost, and rock powder (SVR), and soil with bovine manure (SM). Growth parameters, macro- and micronutrient content, antioxidant and enzymatic activity (PAL), EO yield, and chemical composition were assessed. The SM treatment resulted in the highest fresh and dry biomass, nitrogen content, and PAL. The SVR treatment showed higher potassium levels, shoot/root ratio, and arylsulfatase activity. EO yield was similar across treatments, but SM had the highest carvone content (74.18%). Anthocyanin concentration was higher in SM, whereas antioxidant activity, assessed by DPPH and β-carotene assays, was greater in CS (3.98% and 96.25%, respectively) and SVR (2.96% and 98.59%, respectively). CS also exhibited higher phenolic content (687.65 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹). Overall, CS and SVR enhanced antioxidant potential; however, considering biomass productivity, the use of bovine manure (SM) demonstrated greater potential, making it a more advantageous and sustainable alternative for M. piperita cultivation compared to the other treatments. Full article

Six aromatic plants (Lavandula pedunculata subsp. sampaioana, Lavandula stoechas subsp. luisieri, Mentha × piperita, Origanum vulgare subsp. virens, Thymus mastichina, and Thymus zygis subsp. sylvestris) were analyzed to evaluate their essential oil (EO) yield, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antifungal capacity against two mold species, green mold (Penicillium digitatum) and blue mold (Penicillium italicum). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and the antifungal activity was determined using the disk diffusion method. The results of the antioxidant activity tests showed that the essential oil of Th. zygis subsp. sylvestris has the highest value for the ABTS method (161.70 ± 0.15 mM TROLOX eq. and 864.20 ± 0.81 g TROLOX eq/g EO) and the L. stoechas subsp. luisieri essential oil in the DPPH method (33.91 ± 1.21 mM TROLOX eq. and 184.99 ± 6.58 g TROLOX eq/g EO). Furthermore, the essential oils with lower antioxidant activity were L. pedunculata subsp. sampaioana for the ABTS method (3.84 ± 0.26 mM TROLOX eq. and 20.79 ± 1.41 g TROLOX eq/g EO) and Th. mastichina for DPPH method (0.96 ± 0.03 mM TROLOX eq. and 5.31 ± 0.16 g TROLOX eq/g EO). Th. zygis subsp. sylvestris exhibited the strongest antifungal activity, with medium inhibition halo values of 60.50 ± 5.77 mm and 54.33 ± 2.93 mm for P. digitatum and P. italicum, respectively. Full article