Search Results (1,752)

The present study investigated the chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and food preservation potential of Ligusticum chuanxiong CO₂ oil (LCCO) standardised to a ligustilide content of ≥35%. The volatile composition of LCCO was characterised by GC-MS and found to be dominated by cis-ligustilide (63.3%), senkyunolide (15.8%), 3-butylidenephthalide (5.4%), and trans-neocnidilide (4.9%). In vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and broth microdilution against six bacterial and five yeast reference strains. The largest inhibition zones were observed against Enterococcus faecalis (14.33 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (13.67 mm). MIC₅₀ values ranged from 0.064 mg/mL (Yersinia enterocolitica) to 3.492 mg/mL (Candida tropicalis), while MIC₉₀ values ranged from 0.151 to 3.800 mg/mL. In situ vapour-phase antimicrobial activity was evaluated on pear, banana, white radish, and carrot at concentrations of 62.5–500 µL/L, demonstrating a clear concentration-dependent inhibitory effect across all tested food matrices and microorganisms. Insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus maculatus and Megabruchidius dorsalis was confirmed under fumigation conditions, with LC₅₀ values of 17.50% and 20.99% and LC90 values of 83.10% and 87.60%, respectively. The effect of LCCO, applied alone and in combination with vacuum packaging, on the microbiological quality of fresh white radish was evaluated over 28 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The combined treatment resulted in the lowest total viable count (2.75 log CFU/g) and coliform bacteria count (2.58 log CFU/g) on day 28. A total of 404 bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper, comprising 22 species. Acinetobacter pittii was the predominant species (33%), followed by Pantoea agglomerans (7%) and Serratia nematodiphila (7%). No Pseudomonas species were recovered from the EO vacuum treatment. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of LCCO, particularly in combination with vacuum packaging, as a natural antimicrobial agent for the postharvest preservation of fresh white radish. Full article

The biosynthesis of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu/CuO-NPs) has attracted considerable interest due to its non-toxic, eco-friendly nature and wide-ranging applications, especially in nanomedicine and biomedical fields. Traditional nanoparticle production methods often involve toxic chemicals and generate harmful byproducts. In contrast, biological synthesis provides a cleaner, safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable alternative. Various biological sources, including plants, bacteria, fungi, and yeast, have been employed for the efficient and non-toxic production of Cu/CuO-NPs. These organisms contain diverse biomolecules such as enzymes, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that function as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation. The biologically synthesized Cu/CuO-NPs are characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, TGA, XPS, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential analyzer, etc. Cu/CuO-NPs hold promise for applications in nanomedicine, primarily because of their strong antimicrobial and anticancer activities and potential use as disinfectants against infectious diseases. Various reports have suggested that the biologically synthesized Cu/CuO-NPs have exhibited significant antimicrobial and anticancer efficacies against pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses and various cancer cells. Due to their nanoscale dimensions and extensive surface area, Cu/CuO nanoparticles can readily infiltrate cell walls, disrupt membrane integrity, generate reactive oxygen species, and hinder both DNA replication and protein production, leading to cell death. The present review comprehensively describes the biological synthesis of Cu/CuO-NPs, their characterization techniques, and potential antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer applications. The modes of action for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties have also been explored critically. Full article

Background: Rosuvastatin, a potent lipid-lowering statin, and curcumin, a bioactive naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemical, both show pleiotropic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, curcumin shows also antimicrobial, anticancer, hypolipidemic and antifibrotic effects. From the pharmacodynamic point, rosuvastatin and curcumin target overlapping molecular pathways—suggesting possible pharmacodynamic synergy that has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of various diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, and inflammatory diseases. Objectives: This review aimed to systematically summarize and critically evaluate all available preclinical data concerning the combined use of rosuvastatin and curcumin, emphasizing their possible synergistic effects. Methods: A total of seven preclinical studies that investigated the combination of curcumin and rosuvastatin, three in vitro and four in vivo, conducted between 2017 and 2025, were included in the analysis. Results: While in vitro studies suggested a promising synergy in lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, in vivo findings confirmed enhanced lipid-lowering effects, potential hepatoprotection and nephroprotection when two agents are co-administered. In addition to pharmacodynamic interaction, pharmacokinetic studies also revealed that curcumin may increase systemic rosuvastatin exposure by inhibiting hepatic transporters, warranting further investigation into dosing and safety of the combination. Conclusions: While current evidence supports the therapeutic potential of the combined use of rosuvastatin and curcumin, additional pharmacokinetic, mechanistic, and clinical studies are needed to fully assess its translational value. Full article

Erythroxylum nummularium is a native Brazilian species with limited phytochemical and pharmacological characterization. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological properties of methanolic extracts and fractions obtained from the leaves, branches, stem bark, and stem of the plant. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total alkaloid content (TAT), and GC–MS profiling were combined with antioxidant (DPPH, β-carotene bleaching, TAC), antimicrobial, toxicological, and antinociceptive assays. The extracts exhibited substantial variation in TPC, TFC, and metabolite profiles, which strongly influenced their biological activities. The ethyl acetate fraction from the leaves (ELEN) showed the highest TPC and TFC, correlating with superior antioxidant performance, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, low toxicity in Artemia salina, and significant antinociceptive effects in mice, with an LD₅₀ above 2000 mg/kg. In the antioxidant assays, the ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark (ESBEN) exhibited the highest overall activity, likely due to its elevated levels of highly polar phenolics and flavonoids. Among the fractions characterized by GC–MS, DSBEN, DLEN, and DBEN were the most active, with phenolic acids, their methylated derivatives, and low-molecular-weight organic acids contributing synergistically to antioxidant activity. These findings identify E. nummularium as a promising source of structurally diverse metabolites with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antinociceptive potential and support further investigation toward the development of natural bioactive agents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a critical threat to global public health. Eugenol is a bioactive compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that has attracted increasing interest as a naturally derived antimicrobial agent with potential complementary applications to conventional antibiotics, but its clinical application is severely limited by its high volatility, low water solubility and thermo-oxidative instability. The main objective of this study was to develop eugenol-loaded microparticles using a ternary biopolymer matrix, to characterise their main physicochemical properties, and to evaluate their in vitro antimicrobial efficacy against clinically relevant bacterial reference strains. Methods: The microparticles were formulated from an emulsion of maltodextrin, gum arabic and soy lecithin, and encapsulated using a spray-drying technique. Product recovery, particle morphology assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution determined by laser diffraction, and encapsulation efficiency quantified by GC-FID were analysed. Subsequently, antimicrobial activity was evaluated by comparing the microparticles with free eugenol using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against eight bacterial strains. Results: The spray-drying process achieved a product recovery of 61.88% and an encapsulation efficiency of 52.45%. The resulting microparticles exhibited a smooth, spherical morphology with diameters of less than 20 µm. In microbiological assays, microencapsulation significantly reduced MIC values by 4- to 16-fold compared with free eugenol for susceptible strains. The formulation exhibited potent activity against most of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens tested, except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which remained resistant to both formulations. Conclusions: The encapsulation of eugenol in this optimised biopolymer matrix substantially improved its antimicrobial efficacy against the tested bacterial strains. These findings highlight the potential of spray-dried eugenol microparticles as a promising antimicrobial formulation and provide a basis for their further development for topical applications. Further studies are warranted to evaluate their pharmaceutical performance and antimicrobial mechanisms. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health challenge that has created an urgent need for new antibacterial agents capable of overcoming emerging resistance mechanisms. Among nitrogen-containing heterocycles, pyrrolidine has been widely investigated in medicinal chemistry due to its structural versatility, favourable physicochemical properties, and ability to enhance interactions with biological targets. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of pyrrolidine-based compounds investigated for antibacterial applications. Relevant studies describing clinically approved antibiotics, natural products, synthetic derivatives, hybrid molecules, and antibacterial adjuvants containing a pyrrolidine scaffold were collected, classified, and critically evaluated, with particular emphasis on structural features, antibacterial activity, and structure–activity relationships. The reviewed evidence demonstrates that the pyrrolidine moiety is present in several antibacterial drug classes, including carbapenems, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, lincosamides, streptogramins, and tetracyclines, where it contributes to improved target affinity, antibacterial potency, and pharmacokinetic behaviour. Numerous recently reported pyrrolidine derivatives have shown promising activity against clinically relevant, multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The pyrrolidine scaffold is valuable for the design of next-generation antibacterial agents and resistance-modifying compounds, though further in vivo studies and pharmacological evaluation are required to support their clinical development. Full article

Acute and chronic wounds remain a major clinical burden, motivating the design of multilayer biomedical composite systems capable of combining structural support, antimicrobial protection, and controlled release of therapeutic agents within a single device. These architectures integrate natural and synthetic biomaterials, hydrogels, electrospun membranes, bioactive nanoparticles, and 3D-printed scaffolds to reproduce the multifunctionality of the native extracellular matrix. This review examines how layer-by-layer design and biomaterial selection govern mechanical strength, as well as bioactivity, and how these parameters can be tuned to the distinct phases of wound repair. Particular emphasis is placed on strategies for incorporating growth factors, antimicrobial agents, metal/metal-oxide nanoparticles to enhance re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and infection control; emerging gene-based delivery strategies are also discussed. The main technologies and biomaterial combinations reported to date are compared, alongside a critical overview of their in vitro and in vivo performance. Reproducibility, scalability, and regulatory standardization remain the main barriers to clinical translation. We conclude by outlining priority research directions to advance multilayer composites from bench-scale prototypes toward approved wound-care products. Full article

Although most upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) have a viral etiology, antibiotics are widely prescribed, thus contributing substantially to antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the potential beneficial effects of a novel strain, Limosilactobacillus reuteri LMG P-27481, against major URT pathobionts (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae) with the aim of reducing or delaying antibiotic use. Antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities were evaluated using L. reuteri alone or combined with resveratrol, a natural compound with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Both agents inhibited pathogen growth, while their combination showed additive antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. Antioxidant assays demonstrated significant antioxidant capacity for both agents, with enhanced effects in combination in NBT and ABTS assays but antagonistic in ORAC. Immune mediators (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-25, IL-33, CCL17, CCL22) were assessed in epidermal, epithelial, and macrophage cell lines, together with epidermal integrity markers (Filaggrin, Loricrin, Involucrin) in a 3D reconstructed human skin model (EpiDermFT^TM). L. reuteri, resveratrol, and their combination exerted cell-specific effects in the different models, modulating cytokine expression and production, and barrier integrity. Our findings support the potential efficacy of oral L. reuteri LMG P-27481 plus resveratrol in URTIs. Full article

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO₂) is an efficient and environmentally friendly process for extracting bioactive compounds from plant material. This investigation examined the combined effects of air-drying temperature of the leaves and SFE-CO₂ operating conditions on the extraction yield, volatile compound composition, and antimicrobial activity of Pistacia lentiscus leaf extracts. Extractions were performed at pressures ranging from 100 to 200 bar and temperatures ranging from 35 to 55 °C. Extraction yield increased with extraction pressure and temperature, while fresh leaves yielded the highest extract, highlighting the importance of pretreatment on extractability. Chemical analysis revealed notable variations in monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes depending on drying temperature and extraction parameters, confirming the high sensitivity of the volatile compound composition to processing conditions. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize process variables in order to enhance antimicrobial activity. The extracts inhibited both bacterial and fungal strains, confirming that the extraction conditions exert a direct influence on biological properties. The quadratic model identified the optimal combinations of drying and supercritical CO₂ extraction parameters, thereby providing a rational strategy to maximize the antimicrobial potency of P. lentiscus extracts. Overall, controlling pretreatment and supercritical extraction conditions allows for targeted modulation of chemical composition and bioactivity, thereby promoting the development of natural antimicrobial agents and valuable functional components. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize copper(I) iodide nanoparticles (CuI NPs) through a green route using taxo (banana passion fruit) extract as a natural capping and stabilizing agent, and to evaluate their antimicrobial performance against microorganisms isolated from concrete, together with a preliminary cytotoxicity screening. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV–Vis spectra recorded in the 200–704 nm range showed a strong absorption band at 224 nm, consistent with electronic transitions associated with nanostructured CuI. FTIR analysis revealed extract-derived biomolecules adsorbed on the nanoparticle surface, with bands assigned to aliphatic C–H, aromatic moieties, and C–O/C–O–C vibrations, supporting the formation of an organic capping layer. DLS analysis showed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 32 nm in aqueous suspension, whereas TEM revealed particle sizes ranging from 13 to 42 nm. XRD confirmed a predominantly cubic CuI phase, while SEM–EDS identified Cu and I as the main elements, with minor signals attributed to residual organic coating and/or trace species from the synthesis medium. The CuI NPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against microorganisms isolated from medium-strength concrete, producing inhibitory effects at all tested concentrations (0.014, 0.0087, and 0.0035 mol/L). Preliminary cytotoxicity screening using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF), human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), and human glioblastoma (U251) cell lines showed dose- and time-dependent reductions in metabolic viability. The 1.0 mol/L formulations, particularly the precipitated fraction, produced stronger cytotoxic effects, whereas the 0.1 mol/L formulations, especially the residual fraction, preserved comparatively higher metabolic viability. Overall, these findings suggest that taxo-mediated CuI NPs are promising antimicrobial candidates for concrete biodeterioration control, while further colloidal and biological studies are required to better define their behavior under cell-culture conditions and optimize their safe application. Full article

Cornus mas L. fruits are a valuable source of bioactive natural products with potential applications in functional foods and food preservation. In the present study, supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO₂) extraction was applied for the recovery of lipophilic fractions from Cornus mas fruits under different operating conditions of pressure, temperature, and extraction time. The influence of extraction parameters on the extraction yield was investigated using a design of experiments (DoE) approach. The chemical composition of the obtained extracts was characterized via high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC), revealing a fatty acid profile dominated by linoleic acid (58–63%) and oleic acid (22–24%), followed by palmitic acid (8–9%), stearic acid (2–4%), arachidic acid (about 2%), and behenic acid (about 1%). The extracts were further evaluated for antimicrobial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as against the yeast Candida albicans. The results demonstrated that supercritical CO₂ extraction represents an effective green technology for the selective recovery of lipophilic bioactive compounds from Cornus mas fruits. The extracts exhibited measurable antimicrobial activity in broth microdilution assays against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as Candida albicans, supporting their potential as natural antimicrobial agents. The combination of green extraction technology, analytical characterization, and bioactivity evaluation contributes to the valorization of Cornus mas fruits as a source of food-derived natural products. Full article

Chitosan, a chitin-derived biopolymer, is widely used in agriculture and food preservation. Fungal-derived chitosan offers a sustainable alternative to crustacean sources, and Ganoderma lucidum represents a promising source of this functional material. This study characterized fungal chitosan (F.Cs) extracted from G. lucidum cell-wall chitin by FT-IR, molecular weight, viscosity, and degree of deacetylation. Its antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro, and its preservative and disease control efficacy against Monilinia fructicola on postharvest apples was compared to commercial chitosan (C.Cs). DNA/protein leakage of the studied FGs and C.Cs were investigated to reveal the antimicrobial mechanisms. In particular, F.Cs exhibited promising in vitro antimicrobial activity, with MIC/MFC values of 0.75/0.75 mg/mL against M. fructicola and 0.75/1.5 mg/mL against Botrytis cinerea, compared to C.Cs. In addition, F.Cs induced greater membrane damage in M. fructicola than C.Cs, as evidenced by higher DNA leakage (24% vs. 13%) and more pronounced protein leakage (102% vs. 98%). In vivo assay demonstrated that F.Cs formed an effective protective coating layer, reducing fruit moisture loss, preserving firmness s, and significantly limiting M. fructicola-induced decay compared to C.Cs. Particularly, F.Cs (1.5%) were most effective, reducing disease incidence to 12.5% (preventive) and 20.8% (curative), with decay rates of 18 and 31%, respectively. C.Cs (1.5%) provided moderate protection, with disease incidences of 37.5 and 43.7% in preventive and curative treatments, respectively. These results demonstrate the superior efficacy of F.Cs over C.Cs in preserving apple quality and enhancing resistance to M. fructicola, highlighting the potential of G. lucidum-derived chitosan as a sustainable, multifunctional biopolymer for postharvest disease control and fruit quality preservation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance among ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) pathogens has become a major global health threat, significantly reducing the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Plant-derived compounds have emerged as promising antibiotic adjuvants capable of restoring antibiotic activity through multiple resistance-modulating mechanisms. This review aims to critically evaluate the current evidence regarding phytochemicals that enhance antibiotic efficacy against drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. Methods: Relevant studies investigating plant-derived compounds with antibiotic adjuvant activity against ESKAPE pathogens were identified and critically analyzed. Particular attention was given to mechanisms of action, synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics, structure–activity relationships, and translational evidence from in vivo studies. Results: Numerous phytochemicals have demonstrated the ability to potentiate antibiotic activity through efflux pump inhibition, biofilm disruption, membrane permeabilization, and quorum sensing interference. For instance, the flavonoid quercetin inhibits the NorA efflux pump in Staphylococcus aureus, restoring ciprofloxacin susceptibility, while the sulfur-containing compound ajoene from garlic disrupts quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, sensitizing biofilms to tobramycin. Although several compounds exhibit promising synergistic effects in vitro, significant barriers remain regarding bioavailability, standardization, pharmacokinetics, and clinical translation. Conclusions: Plant-derived antibiotic adjuvants represent a promising strategy to combat multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. However, greater emphasis on translational research, standardized methodologies, and clinically relevant experimental models is required to facilitate their development toward therapeutic applications. Full article

Streptococcus mutans is the primary etiological agent of dental caries due to its ability to form acidogenic biofilms on tooth surfaces. Natural monoterpenes have attracted considerable interest as potential antibiofilm agents for oral healthcare. The present study investigated the antibiofilm activity and possible mechanism of action of (+)-endo-borneol isolated from the essential oil of Achillea millefolium against S. mutans. The chemical composition of the essential oil was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and (+)-endo-borneol was isolated by chromatographic separation. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated using the crystal violet biofilm assay, while antimicrobial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The influence of subinhibitory concentrations of (+)-endo-borneol on the expression of the biofilm-associated genes gtfB and yycF was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Molecular docking was performed to investigate ligand–protein interactions, using a ligand geometry pre-optimized by density functional theory (DFT, B3LYP/6-31G**). The essential oil inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation by up to 98%, whereas isolated (+)-endo-borneol reduced biofilm biomass by 97–98% at concentrations of 2–10 mg/mL. The MIC and MBC values of (+)-endo-borneol were 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of (+)-endo-borneol modulated the transcription of gtfB and yycF, indicating activation of bacterial regulatory responses. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding of (+)-endo-borneol to biofilm-related protein targets. These findings demonstrate that (+)-endo-borneol is a promising natural antibiofilm compound with potential application in the development of novel preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare products targeting S. mutans biofilms. Full article

Cyclamen cyprium Kotschy, an endemic species of Cyprus, remains largely unexplored in terms of its chemical content and biological activity, despite the well-documented effects of other Cyclamen spp. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition and biological activities of leaf extracts from the endemic C. cyprium and to compare them with those of Cyclamen persicum, the most extensively investigated species within the genus, in order to evaluate interspecific variation in phytochemical composition and bioactivity. Plant extracts prepared with methanol, ethanol, and acetone were assessed for total phenolic and flavonoid content. Their antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), metal chelating ability, antimicrobial activity, and possible inhibitory effect related to α-amylase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that solvent type significantly influenced extraction efficiency, with acetone yielding the highest phenolic (127.88 mg gallic acid/g) and flavonoid (110.42 mg rutin/g) content, while methanol extracts exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 30.18 μg/mL). Overall, C. persicum showed greater antioxidant capacity compared to C. cyprium, although both species demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity (MIC = 0.31 mg/mL) and enzyme inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ values ranging from 14.07 to 39.64 μg/mL). Present findings highlight the presence of bioactive compounds (such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin) in C. cyprium, supporting their potential as a natural source of antioxidant and pharmacologically relevant agents. Studying both C. cyprium and C. persicum thus provides essential comparative context, revealing species-specific bioactivities and supporting the broader pharmaceutical relevance of the genus. Full article