essential oil

In this study, to improve anti-melanogenesis properties, the green method based on an ultrasonic approach was utilized to prepare lavender essential oil (LEO) nanoemulgel.

Nano-emulsion green preparation, physico-chemical characterization, inspection morphology, animal safety study, cellar toxicity and anti-pigmentation test were performed.

The obtained results showed that with a decline in HLB value (Hydrophilic–lipophilic balance), the mean particle size declined from 157.600±3.798 to 85.566± 2.227 nm (P< 0.05). The evaluations performed with the accelerated stability test (freeze-thaw cycle) showed stability for nanoemulgel. Other factors, such as pH, spreadability, and, viscosity were also measured. In vitro cytotoxicity studies for the revealed LEO-nanoemulsion, on the HFF normal cell line showed less toxicity (73%) than pure LEO. Moreover, LEO-nanoemulsion had a higher cytotoxic impact on B16F10 melanoma cancer cells than pure LEO. The inhibitory activity of this LEO-nanoemulsion was evaluated in melanin content, which indicated that melanin synthesis is more inhibited than LEO. Furthermore, the evaluation of the inhibitory activity presented that the inhibition of L-dopa auto oxidation (87.33± 2.45%) is better than that of LEO (74.22± 3.26%) at a concentration of 5000 µg/ml. It should be noted that no skin irritation was observed with the histo-pathological examination on Wistar rat and the dermal irritation study for the LEO-nanoemulgel.

The results of the present study can be very useful for the introduction and local administration of LEO nanoemulgel for the management of hyperpigmentation conditions.

Streptococcus mutans is the microorganism associated with dental caries, a process involving the demineralization of teeth. Apium graveolens Linn. (celery), belonging to the family Apiaceae, is recognized as a medicinal plant. Some secondary metabolites produced by celery act as bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial effects.

The present study investigates the antibacterial activity of A. graveolens against S. mutans and compares the antibacterial effects of celery extract and essence against S. mutans in vitro, aiming to provide herbal prophylactic agents.

In this in-vitro study, the antibacterial activity of celery (essence) was assessed after preparing celery seed essence and celery ethanolic extract with six different concentrations. The antibacterial effects against S. mutans were evaluated using three methods The agar well diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Mean comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Dunn’s post-hoc test for pairwise comparisons. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 22.

The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited almost similar antibacterial activity across all evaluated concentrations, while the essence of celery seeds inhibited S. mutans proliferation only at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, with an inhibition zone of 21 mm. The MIC and MBC of the three evaluated groups (hydroalcoholic extract of celery leaves and stems, essence of celery seeds, and penicillin) showed significant differences (P-value = 0.005). The MIC and MBC of the second group were lower than those of the first group but higher than penicillin. The MIC and MBC values of celery extract and celery seed essence against S. mutans were 3.9 ± 1.56 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, respectively.

The ethanolic extract and essence of celery exhibited notable antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans .

Ferula assa-foetida L. is a perennial plant distributed in central and eastern Iran, also in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the present study, antioxidant activity, toxicity potential and phytochemical constituents of F. assa-foetida fruits were investigated.

Free radical-scavenging activity and general toxicity of the essential oil and different extracts of F. assa-foetida fruits were assessed in DPPH and brine shrimp lethality tests, respectively. Phytochemical analysis of the selected extract was conducted by column chromatography on Silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 columns. GC-MS technique was used for the analysis of fruits essential oil.

Among the tested samples, methanol extract showed the highest free radical-scavenging activity with IC50 value of 3.9 ± 0.5 μg/mL, as well as the lowest general toxicity with LD50 value of 45.7 ± 3.1 μg/mL. Phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract resulted in the isolation of seven compounds, namely, luteolin (1), chrysoeriol 7-O-glucoside (2), quercetin 3-O-glucoside (3), chrysoeriol 7-O-rutinoside (4), luteolin 7-O-rutinoside (5), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (6) and luteolin 7-O-glucoside (7). Twenty six compounds were also identified in the fruits essential oil, of which (E)-sec-butyl propenyl disulfide (44.02%) and (Z)-sec-butyl propenyl disulfide (27.68%) were the main compounds.

The present study introduces F. assa-foetida fruit as a source of flavonoid, caffeoylquinic acid and disulphide derivatives with known health beneficial effects and suggests it as an appropriate candidate for further pharmacological and toxicological studies.

Cuminum cyminum is a famous spice used worldwide for imparting taste to diverse food provisions, culinary and medicinal purposes, and also for appetizing purposes due to its special aromatic effect. This research work aims to estimate the yield of essential oil (EO), chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Cuminum cyminum EOs extracted by conventional methods Hydrodistillation (HD) and Steam distillation (SD) towards advanced method Superheated steam distillation (SHSD). SHSD noticed the maximum EO yield compared to the HD and SD methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis illustrated that Cumin aldehyde (51.87-23.54%) and 3-caren-10-ol (15.34-12.15%) were the most abundant compounds of Cuminum cyminum EOs. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging, ferric-reducing power assay, and DPPH free radical scavenging assay were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential. Results revealed that SHSD EO displayed the highest antioxidant potential compared to HD and SD EOs. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the resazurin microtiter plates test, microdilution broth experiment, and disc diffusion tests contradicting food pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. SHSD EO observed the highest antimicrobial potential. The results indicated that SHSD is an efficient and excellent method for extracting EOs from Cuminum cyminum seeds, which also engage in biological activities.

 Antibiotic resistance has become a global problem. This study aimed to develop and evaluate nanoemulsions' capacity to improve Cuminum cyminum's antibacterial activity essential oil as an appropriate approach to prevent microbial resistance. 

 Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the main constituent of C. cyminum essential oil. FT-IR was used to investigate the functional groups of chemical composition. A nanoemulsion was generated using high-shear homogenization, followed by several physicochemical characterizations. The antibacterial activity of essential oil in both pure and nanoemulsion forms against important food-borne pathogens, and drug-resistant bacteria was determined by measuring the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).

 Cumin aldehyde with 20.08%w/v is the main constituent of essential oil. The prepared nanoemulsions had an average size of 72 nm, particle distribution of 0.234, and zeta potential of 26 mV. Nanoemulsion formulations of essential oils are more effective compared to pure ones.   Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have the highest and the lowest antimicrobial effects of essential oil among all studied bacteria, respectively. In contrast, in resistant samples, the major and minor effects were contributed to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, respectively.

 Cumin oil-nanoemulsion had an acceptable function against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is advisable to combine this formulation with synthetic antibiotics in order to reduce bacterial resistance and serve as a preservative in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Anxiety, sleep quality deterioration and depression are among the disorders that diabetic patients encounter. Today, non-drug methods have grown significantly in an effort to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. One of these methods is aromatherapy, which uses various plant essential oils. The present study was conducted to study the effect of inhalation aromatherapy with essential oils of various plants on the anxiety and sleep quality of diabetic patients. The results of this study indicate that aromatherapy with lavender, rosemary, bitter orange blossom, and orange essential oils can reduce anxiety levels. Additionally, using lavender, rosemary, sandalwood, and bitter orange blossom essential oils helps improve the sleep quality of diabetic patients. This study highlights the beneficial effects of aromatherapy using essential oils in reducing anxiety levels and improving sleep quality among diabetic patients. As the trend towards complementary medicine continues to grow, integrating aromatherapy into patient care represents an accessible and effective non-pharmacological approach to enhance mental well-being and sleep among this population. Implementing these findings in practice may lead to improved patient outcomes and a holistic approach to diabetes management.

Davana (Artemisia pallens Wall. ex DC) is a well-known and precious essential oil-bearing plant under the family Compositae (Asteraceae). It is an erectly grown herbaceous plant exclusively cultivated as a short-term crop in south India during winter. It is distributed in the northern hemisphere in subtropical Africa, South Africa, West America, and South America; however, it is indigenous to southern India. The yearly productivity of davana oil typically falls between 8 to 10 tones. Davana oil is mainly used to flavor pastries, cakes, tobacco, and some beverages. It consists of diverse phyto-molecules and is an important and unique commodity in the fragrance, flavor, and liquor industries. It has excellent biological potential and contains volatile and nonvolatile constituents such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have high pharmacological values. Several investigations have focused on validating the importance of chemical constituents and the biological efficacy of essential oils and various extracts in multiple industries. The review focuses on the complete agronomic practices, botany, breeding, biotechnology, and chemistry of davana essential oil (DEO), viz, volatile and nonvolatile constituents, phytomedicinal and pharmacological properties, which may help researchers achieve their future goals for approaching its industrial or commercial viability as a natural product ingredient.

The antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of Parietaria officinalis from Guilan Province in northern Iran was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (Gram-positive) using the microtitre plate method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to analyze the total phenolic compounds. The amount of flavonoids present was determined using the colorimetric aluminum chloride technique. The essential oil of P. officinalis was analyzed to identify its primary components through chemical analysis. Gas Chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) using a gas chromatograph (GC) (GC-MS) were utilized to analyze the components of the essential oil from wild-grown P. officinalis in Iran. The lowest concentration that inhibits growth for Staphylococcus aureus is 0.01 mg/μL, while for Escherichia coli is 5 mg/μL. The extract showed greater effectiveness against S. aureus than the gram-negative bacteria, E. coli. The total phenolic content was measured at 72.06 (SD=1.48), equivalent to micrograms of phenolic compounds in terms of gallic acid per milligram of dry methanolic extract. The total flavonoid content was recorded at 48.14 (SD=5.05), equivalent to micrograms of flavonoid compounds per milligram of dry methanolic extract. Among 65 observed compounds, 62 components were identified, constituting approximately 98.2%. The oil was rich in geranyl acetate (15.0 %), Viridiflorol (8.9%), trans-β-Ionone (4.8%), Caryophyllene oxide (4.7%), Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (4.2%), 2,3-Epoxygeranial (4.2%), Bornyl angelate (2.3%) and (-)-Spathulenol (2.2 %). This research found that P. officinalis could be a promising natural substitute for antibiotics in treating S. aureus infections. The antibacterial effects are likely due to its phytochemical components. Results indicated that the P. methanolic extract possessed significant potential for both flavonoid and phenolic content. The extract obtained by the proposed procedure is enriched with flavonoids and is a candidate for a wide range of pharmacological properties.

This study examined the impact of a chitosan coating with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent on the quality and shelf life of silver carp fillets when stored in the refrigerator.  The ZMEO-enriched chitosan coating was prepared at concentrations of 0%, 0.3%, 0.45% and 0.6%. After packaging the filet sample, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties were evaluated and analyzed after 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days at 4 ◦C temperature.  At day 15, the chitosan coating + 0.6% ZMEO resulted in considerably reduced numbers of TVC (total viable counts), EBC (Enterobacteriaceae), and LAB (lactic acid bacteria) compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). The log CFU/g counts for TVC, EBC, and LAB were 4.78, 5.15, and 4.78, respectively. The application of chitosan coating + 0.6% ZMEO effectively suppressed the increase in thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile elemental nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), and pH in the silver carp fillets. The findings showed that applying a chitosan coating with ZMEO can prolong the nutritional value of silver carp fillets when stored in refrigerated circumstances for a maximum of 15 days, without causing any negative changes in taste, smell, or texture.  In summary, our work has demonstrated that a chitosan coating enhanced with ZMEO has the potential to effectively prolong the shelf life of silver carp fillets when stored in refrigerated conditions.

Arbutus andrachne L. is a perennial evergreen shrub widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region. This plant holds great scientific significance owing to its nutritional, pharmacological, and chemical characteristics, making it a popular choice as a medicinal plant. It is well known for its diverse applications in science and medicine.

The primary purposes of this study were to explore the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of A. andrachne and to identify the phytochemicals in A. andrachne essential oil.

The fruits of A. andrachne L. were collected and taxonomically identified. Aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts were then prepared. The fruits of A. andrachne were subjected to advanced hydrodistillation to extract essential oils, which were carefully analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify their phytochemical components. A ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay was used to test the extracts' antioxidant activity. The colorimetric assay [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) was used to test the extracts' antiproliferative activity against five specific cell lines: T47D and MCF-7 (breast cancer), Caco-2 and HCT-116 (colorectal cancer), and MRC-5 (a standard fibroblast cell line used as a control).

The main findings indicated that the essential oil of the fruits comprises 35 different components. The main ingredient in A. andrachne fruits is pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (19.87%). The methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (18.27 µmol/L Fe 2+ equivalents). Furthermore, all tested extracts exerted weak antiproliferative activity against the tested cancerous cell lines and had no significant effect on normal cell lines. At 200 µg/mL, the aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts showed high viability of the treated cells across all tested cell lines (ranging from 99.30 - 100.00%).

The A. andrachne crude extracts, with their non-cytotoxic activity on both cancerous and normal cells, present a promising natural source of antioxidants. This potential opens up various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, highlighting the relevance and impact of these findings.

The development of herbal gels for the treating wounds and inflammation is increasing attention to researchers for finding alternatives to conventional drugs with minimal side effects. In the present study, the herbal gel was prepared using Curcuma amada rhizome extract, a combination of oregano oil extracted from Origanum vulgare leaves, and either of three polymers namely carbopol 934, sodium alginate, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Rheological parameters for prepared herbal gel were tested for pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The in-vivo excision wound healing and anti-inflammatory studies were performed on three month-old-male Wistar rats. The results show the best wound healing potential found in herbal formulations containing carbopol 934. This formulation showed good viscosity (65 cPs × 103), spreadability (25 gm × cm sec-1), in-vitro release (100%) and significant (350.97±0.27 mm2) wound contraction compared to a positive control (neomycin sulfate). The results show the highest anti-inflammatory activity in rats group treated with 200 mg kg-1 of methanol extract of C.amada compared to control (indomethacin). The gel was prepared using methanol extract of C.amada, oregano oil, and carbopol 934 which are excellent drug candidates for treating wounds and inflammation.

The Orobanche genus (broomrapes) is well-known as an herbaceous parasitic plant with a long history in traditional Asian medicine and folklore foods. The volatile components of two Orobanche species, O. laxissima and O. ramosa (branched broomrape), from two different areas, East Azerbaijan and Fars provinces, were analyzed in this study using hydrodistillation extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Essential oils from O. laxissima and O. ramosa aerial parts consisted of fourteen and eight compounds, respectively, which represented 97.15% and 99.8% of total oil compositions. O. laxissima essential oil contains carvacrol (53.35%), thymol (9.65%), and trans-caryophyllene (5.17%), while, as a substantial difference, O. ramosa essential oil mostly contains carvacrol (81.53%), α-terpinolene (4.57%), and trans-caryophyllene (3.6%). As a significant difference, O. laxissima essential oil includes a significant content of aliphatic hydrocarbons, including tricosane (5.46%), tetracosane (5.62%), and docosane (1.13%), whereas O. ramosa essential oil excludes these components. The monoterpene, and sesquiterpene profiles of both plants were similar, especially for α-terpinolene, spathulenol, and hotrienol. Although these essential oils contained similar phytochemical profiles, the differences may serve as marker references for future research on Orobanche species.

Different essential oils (EOs) with antibacterial activities are promising natural sources for providing novel disinfectant agents for hospital surfaces.

The component and antibacterial effects of six EOs, including Cuminum cyminum (CCEO), Artemisia sieberi (ASEO), Laurus nobilis (LNEO), Ferula gummosa (FGEO), Lippia citriodora (LCEO), and Cymbopogon citratus (CIEO) were assessed by GC-MS and 96-well micro-plates (IC50), against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Then, the antibacterial effects of FGEO, the most effective EO, were evaluated on the trolley surface in a hospital for 1, 3, 5 and 10 min intervals.

While CCEO, ASEO, and FGEO have the highest effects on the growth of S. aureus, CIEO and LNEO showed the best outcomes on P. aeruginosa. In addition, our finding showed that FGEO relatively decreases the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa on the trolley surface (P<0.05).

The studied EOs could be novel encouraging agents to develop further green antimicrobial agents against different infections. In addition, FGEO, one of the best disinfectant agents in the present study, showed relatively strong antibacterial effects on the surface of the trolley.

Cancer therapy necessitates innovative approaches with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. Essential oils have gained attention because of their diverse biological properties and relatively low toxicity. Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) and Oliveria decumbens essential oil (OEO) exhibit promising anti-cancer effects, particularly in modifying oxidative stress and inflammation. Both oils boast complex compositions rich in bioactive compounds, including oxygenated monoterpenes and phenolic compounds like carvacrol and thymol. Hence, this study investigates essential oils’ anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects, focusing on ZEO and OEO.

This review briefly considers the intricate mechanisms of several essential oils, encompassing anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Then the review delves into the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer properties of ZEO and OEO. 

Studies showcase the ability of ZEO and OEO to induce apoptosis in cancer cells through various pathways, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and DNA damage while sparing normal cells. Our studies further validated the immunomodulatory effects of OEO and ZEO in tumor-bearing mice, resulting in reduced tumor volume. Additionally, this review confirmed the synergistic effect of ZEO when combined with doxorubicin to inhibit cancer cells. 

Some essential oils, such as ZEO and OEO, present promising natural compounds in cancer therapy, offering diverse mechanisms of action targeting various aspects of tumor biology.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Current treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often involve numerous side effects. Consequently, it is essential to discover new anticancer compounds that are safer and more effective.

The aim of this research is to investigate the anticancer effects of Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. essential oil.

The anticancer properties of H. longiflorus Benth. essential oil were investigated on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells using MTT assay, double staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide, and flow cytometry. The essential oil of H. longiflorus Benth. was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

The essential oil significantly reduced the viability of breast cancer cells depending on the concentration (dose) and duration. Results from double fluorescent staining and flow cytometric analysis also indicated that apoptosis is the primary mechanism of cell death. Non-targeted GC-MS metabolomic data analysis of the essential oil revealed the presence of various anticancer compounds, including α-pinene, linalool, and caryophyllene, in the essential oil.

In conclusion, the essential oil of H. longiflorus Benth. is a promising source of anticancer metabolites that can be further evaluated for drug therapy or as a co-treatment with conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

Several pharmacological effects were described for Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed and it has been used traditionally to treat various diseases. In this review article, the updated and comprehensive anti-oxidant effects of N. sativa and its main constituent, thymoquinone (TQ), on various disorders are described. The relevant articles were retrieved through PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus up to December 31, 2023. Various extracts and essential oils of N. sativa showed anti-oxidant effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal and liver, neurologic, respiratory, and urogenital diseases by decreasing and increasing various oxidant and anti-oxidant marketers, respectively. The main constituent of the plant, TQ, also showed similar anti-oxidant effects as the plant itself. The anti-oxidant effects of different extracts and essential oils of N. sativa were demonstrated in various studies which were perhaps due to the main constituent of the plant, TQ. The findings of this review article suggest the possible therapeutic effect of N. sativa and TQ in oxidative stress disorders.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) due to high sensitivity and qualifying the volatile compounds is one of the most practical methods for the analysis of essential oils. Accurate identification of trace components and complete separation of overlapped and embedded peaks are difficult to achieve even if precise conditions are imposed on the chromatographic separation process. In this study, the essential oil of Lamium amplexicaule L. (L. amplexicaule) after extraction by the Clevenger apparatus, was analyzed by GC/MS. This study focuses on the characterization of the trace and co-eluted components of essential oils in the mentioned species using chemometric methods. Advanced multivariate curve resolution (MCR) methods were used to overcome the problem of background, baseline offset and overlapping peaks and recognition of the noises from the trace components in GC/MS. The analysis of GC/MS data without chemometric methods revealed that eighteen components exist in the L. amplexicaule essential oil. It is noteworthy that, by a combination of MCR with GC/MS method, this number was extended to more than twenty-five. Using chemometric tools and methods, components with a percent higher than 0.01%, were identified from noises and other overlapped peaks were resolved for 85.56% of the total relative content of the L. amplexicaule essential oil. The most important volatile constituents were identified as hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, hexadecanoic acid and trans-phytol respectively.

Maintenance and quality of fresh cherry fruit during storage is important therefor the aim of present study is to estimate the effects of post-harvest thyme, basil and mint (TEO, BEO and MEO) essential oils (EOs) on the biochemical traits and shelf life of cherry fruit during storage at 1±0.5 ℃ and 90 to 95% humidity. Fruit were dipped in deionized water (control), (EOs) at 250 and 500 μl l-1 concentrations for 5 min and evaluation of traits were performed on 0, 5, 10 and 15 days after harvest. All treatments had a significant effect on the measured variables. Firmness, anthocyanins and superoxide dismutase activity were improved with 500 μl l-1 MEO treatment. Fruit treated with 500 μl l-1 TEO exhibited the highest cell membrane stability index, phenol, vitamin C, catalase, polyphenol oxidase activity during the storage period. The maximum TSS and pH was observed at 500 μl l-1 BEO. At the end of the storage period, the lowest fresh weight loss and relative fresh weight were observed in the 500 μl/l TEO and Total acidity was in 250 μl l-1 MEO treatment, respectively. Over the cold storage, 500 μl l-1 TEO was found to be the best treatment to maintain fruit quality in terms of postharvest life with 21 days. This experiment revealed that post-harvest treatment with 500 μl l-1 thyme, basil and mint essential oil prolonged the storage-life and preserved the valuable marketing characteristics of cherry fruit.