Search

The research aimed to assess the effect of whole lyophilized apples added to flax oil or flax ethyl esters for oxidation processes and fatty acid profiles. The samples were washed with nitrogen and sealed in PE pouches. The analyses were performed on day 0 and afterwards on 7th, 14th, 28th, 56th and 84th day of storage. The antioxidant capacity was determined by stating in the samples DPPH, ABTS•+, and FRAP. Fatty acid profiles of the test samples were analyzed using GC-MS. The addition of lyophilized apples did not limit the decrease in C18: 3, n-3 after storage. The reduction of free radicals (ABTS, DPPH) was the lowest in samples with ethyl esters mixed with lyophilized apples rather than in the case of specimens that were a mixture of flax oil and lyophilized apples. The addition of lyophilized apples limited the decrease of IV and PV in ethyl esters, and in the case of flax oil AV. Obtained data show the possibility of wider usage of apple for the improvement of stability of the ethyl esters or flax oils and at the same time there are the real possibilities of the development of such kinds of preparations for the feeding industry.

Natural compounds are an important source of desired biological activity which help to improve nutritional status, enhance productivity and bring many health benefits. The leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae) are used for preparing a beverage known as yerba mate and represent a proven source of natural polyphenols which are known to foster biological activity with the emphasis on antioxidant properties. In present work we focused on the polyphenolic content of air-dried leaves of Ilex aquifolium L., Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Mariginata’, Ilex meserveae ‘Blue Angel’, and a commercially available mate as the reference product. Liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC and LC-MS) and thin layer chromatography (TLC), were used to establish polyphenolic substances content in aqueous methanolic extracts obtained from the biological matter. Up to 20 polyphenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, including rutin, quinic acid and its caffeoyl esters, i.e. chlorogenic acid and its isomers as well as dicaffeoyl derivatives. We took chlorogenic acid and rutin as reference compounds to quantify their levels in the extracts. It was determined that in all tested plants, high levels of these antioxidants were present. This led us to the conclusion that their leaves might serve as valuable food additives.

Abstract Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. is a popular species in the world, known for its characteristic magnificent colourful leaves. The study has revealed that the contents of rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid are significantly higher in the plant tissues cultivated in vivo than when under in vitro conditions. The performed qualitative and quantitative analyses confirmed the presence (whose averaged content) of salvinorin A (6.65 µg/1 g of fresh plant) and salvinorin B (50.46 µg/1 g of fresh plant) in tissues of Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. of ‘Electric lime’ variety. The greatest quantities of these compounds were recorded for plants cultivated in vitro on the MS medium enriched with NAA (naphthyl-1-acetic acid) at a concentration of 0.5 mg∙ dm–3. The research detected differences in the amounts of compounds between plants grown in vivo and those cultivated in vitro. Addition of plant growth regulators into the breeding medium under in vitro conditions was found affecting the amounts of compounds in plant tissues.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical treatments, namely heat (70 °C for 48 h), atmospheric cold plasma (10 kW for 20 min), and ultrasonic frequency (40 kHz for 15 min), on the physicochemical and interfacial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI) in the context of oleogel production by foam template (cryogel) method. The physical modification of both SPI and WPI was monitored using SDS-PAGE, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), measuring interfacial tension, color, solubility, foam volume, foam stability, and, finally, the density and oil absorption of the produced cryogel. The findings revealed that the application of ultrasonic waves resulted in a significant reduction in the content of alpha-helical of SPI and WPI while the other treatments increased the content of random coil proteins. FTIR analysis further showed that ultrasonic and heat treatment led to a decrease in C-N tensile vibration within the range of 1200–1650 cm−1 in SPI. Meanwhile, in cold plasma treatment, an increase was observed which was confirmed by the elevation of enthalpy from 100 to 128 kJ/kg. Physical treatments significantly altered the surface properties of both SPI and WPI, where this value was reduced in SPI and increased in WPI. The cold plasma method demonstrated superior performance in enhancing the solubility of SPI from 10 to 58.2%, while the solubility of WPI decreased from 96.4 to 90.4%. By modifying the proteins, the foam volume and oil adsorption ability of the related cryogel improved, as shown by the maximum oil absorption obtained after ultrasonic treatment for SPI (11.6 g/g) and cold plasma (9.17 g/g) for WPI. These results could be useful in applying physical treatments to modify proteins and create the cryogel as an oleogel template for structuring liquid oil and producing innovative health value-added foods.

Infectious diseases, including vector-borne and antibiotic-resistant infections, present significant global health challenges, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives for disease control. In this study, we investigated the essential oil (EO) profile as well as larvicidal and antibacterial properties of two wild Apiaceae species used in Algeria: Daucus carota L. (DCEO) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (FVEO). EO was extracted from the aerial parts by steam distillation and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Major constituents identified in DCEO were geranyl acetate (50.07%) and elemicin (10.77%), while FVEO contained estragole (24.93%), fenchone (20.20%), and α-phellandrene (17.96%). Both EOs were highly effective towards Culex pipiens larvae, with low LC50 values of 30.6 ± 1.06 ppm for DCEO and 34.7 ± 1.06 ppm for FVEO, indicating their potential as bioinsecticides due to their bioactivity and bioavailability. Additionally, the two Eos demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43300, respectively, with DCEO showing MIC values of 10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively, and FVEO exhibiting MIC values > 20 mg/mL. However, both EOs showed limited effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 700603. These results highlight the potential applications of DCEO and FVEO as natural bioinsecticides and antibacterial agents, offering promising avenues for further research and development in pest control and food preservation.

Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) is considered a valuable spice and medicinal herb. In this study, the essential oil content and composition of the aerial parts of ajowan were investigated under different drying treatments (sun, shade, oven at 45 °C, oven at 65 °C, microwave, and freeze drying). Moreover, the phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of samples were also assessed. Fresh samples produced the highest essential oil content (1.05%), followed by those treated under sun (0.7%) and shade drying (0.95%). Based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), thirty compounds were determined in which thymol (34.84–83.1%), carvacrol (0.15–32.36%), p-cymene (0.09–13.66%), and γ-terpinene (3.12–22.58%) were the most abundant. Among the drying methods, freeze drying revealed the highest thymol content, followed by drying in a 45 °C oven. The highest TPC (total phenolic content) and TFC (total flavonoid content) were obtained in the fresh sample (38.23 mg TAE g−1 dry weight (DW)) and in the sample oven-dried at 45 °C (7.3 mg QE g−1 DW), respectively. Based on the HPLC results, caffeic acid (18.04–21.32 mg/100 gDW) and ferulic acid (13.102–19.436 mg/100 g DW) were the most abundant phenolic acids, while among flavonoids, rutin constituted the highest amount (10.26–19.88 mg/100 gDW). Overall, freeze drying was the most promising method of drying for preserving the phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) compounds and oil components.

The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis (known as Yerba mate), used as a popular beverage, are a very well-recognized plant material with various biological activities, including analeptic (because of caffeine), anti-obesity (phenolics, saponins), antimicrobial, and antiviral (phenolics, saponins). Here, the chemical compositions of the leaves of two European Ilex species (× meserveae and aquifolium) with three varieties each were investigated. The terpenoid, saponin, and polyphenolic fractions were submitted for LC-MS or GC-MS analysis against a standard Mate leaf. In addition, the aroma profiles of all the species were analysed using HS-SPME-Arrow prior to GC-MS analysis. All fractions were subjected to antiviral and cytotoxic assays. We found 86 compounds in all accessions, with limonene, linalool, and p-cymene being predominant. There were minor similarities between the volatile compositions of the European and South American species. We found ursolic and oleanolic acid to be the main compounds in the terpenoid fraction. Mono-caffeoylquinic acids and di-caffeoylquinic acids were the main constituents of the polar fractions. About 180 compounds from the saponin group were tentatively identified, of which 9 and 3 were selected as distinctive markers for I. meserveae and I. aquifolium, respectively. Based on chemical screening, I. aquifolium Silver Queen was chosen as the source of terpenoid and saponin fractions and polyphenol extracts. The most substantial inhibition of cancer cell growth was observed with saponin in the case of the MCF7 (human breast cancer) cell line, while for LoVo and L929 cell lines (human colorectal cancer and reference mouse fibroblasts), it was slightly weaker. These results should be analysed further as a promising chemoprevention of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. Saponin and polyphenolic extracts exhibited similar activities against HSV-1 and HAdV-5, with 4-log reduction in virus titres. This study focuses our attention on a field of potential antiviral formulations derived from European holly.

Abstract In the present research, response parameters such as specific energy consumption (SEC), thermal efficiency (TE), energy efficiency (EF), drying time (DT), greenhouse gas (GHG) emission (such as CO2 and NOx), and quality features (color variation and shrinkage) were modeled by response surface methodology (RSM) for apple slices dried in a microwave dryer under ultrasonication (30 ℃—10 min) and blanching (80 °C—2 min) pretreatments. Also, RSM was applied to optimize two independent parameters including microwave power and sample thickness in the levels 100, 200, and 300 W and 2, 4, and 6 mm, respectively. The results indicated the significant influence (P

In the original publication [...]

This research aimed to encapsulate the Capparis spinosa fruit extract to increase its stability for incorporation into food products such as jelly or jelly powder. After extraction, the nanoliposomes containing the extract were prepared in ratios of 60-0, 50-10, 40-20, and 30-30 lecithin-to-cholesterol. The effects of lecithin-to-cholesterol concentrations on the related parameters were then evaluated. The results showed that the average particle size was in the range of 95.05 to 164.25 nm, and with an increasing cholesterol concentration, the particle size of the nanoliposomes increased. The addition of cholesterol increased the zeta potential from −60.40 to −68.55 millivolt. Furthermore, cholesterol led to an increase in encapsulation efficiency, and even improved the stability of phenolic compounds loaded in nanoliposomes during storage time. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful loading of the extract. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis revealed nano-sized spherical and almost-elliptical liposomes. For jelly powders, the water solubility index ranged from 39.5 to 43.7% (p > 0.05), and the hygroscopicity values ranged between 1.22 and 9.36 g/100 g (p < 0.05). In conclusion, nanoencapsulated Capparis spinosa extract displayed improved stability and can be used in jelly preparation without any challenge or unfavorable perception.

Cow’s milk and dairy products are the primary sources of OBCFAs, which have beneficial health properties. The goal of this study was to identify the factors that influence the content of OBCFAs in cow’s milk and to indicate which OBCFAs can serve as biomarkers for fermentation processes. The content of OBCFAs in milk depends on the species of ruminants, with studies showing that this varies between 3.33% (in goat’s milk) and 5.02% (in buffalo’s milk). These differences also stem from the animals’ energy balance, lactation phases, forage-to-concentrate ratio, and the presence of bioactive compounds in feeds, as well as management practices and environmental conditions. The OBCFAs in milk fat mainly come from rumen bacteria, but can also be synthesized de novo in the mammary gland, making them potentially useful noninvasive indicators of rumen fermentation. The concentration of BCFA is lower in colostrum and transitional milk than in full lactation milk. The proportions of total OBCFAs are higher in first- and second-parity cows. The most effective predictors of the biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen are likely C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, iso-C16:0, and iso-C13:0. OBCFAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for rumen function, because their synthesis depends on specific bacteria. Strong predictors of subclinical ruminal acidosis include iso-C14:0, iso-C13:0, and C15:0. The concentration of ∑ OBCFA >C16 in milk is associated with fat mobilization and serves as a significant marker of the energy balance in cows.

The evaluation of energy input and output processes in agricultural systems is a crucial method for assessing sustainability levels within these systems. In this research, the investigation focused on the input and output energies and related indices in sunflower farms in Khoy County during the agricultural year 2017–2018. Data were collected from 140 sunflower producers through specialized questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Additionally, artificial neural networks (ANNs), specifically the multilayer perceptron, were employed to predict the output energy. The results revealed that a substantial portion of the total input energy was attributed to chemical nitrogen fertilizer (43.98%), consumable fuel (25.74%), and machinery (8.42%). The energy efficiency (energy ratio) in these agroecosystems was relatively low, measured at 1.57 for seed and 7.96 for seed and straw. These values should be improved. The energy efficiency in seed production was computed at 0.06 MJ·ha−1, while, for the combined seeds and straw, it was 0.57 MJ·ha−1. In particular, seed energy efficiency represents approximately 11% of the overall biological energy efficiency, highlighting that a substantial 89% of the produced energy is associated with straw. The proper use of this straw is crucial, as its improper handling could lead to a drastic decrease in overall efficiency. Furthermore, the explanatory coefficient (R2) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to predict the output energy with the best neural network were 0.94, and 1.77 for the training data, 0.97 and 1.55 for the test data, and 0.9 and 2.08 for the validation data, respectively; additionally, 0.97 and 0.42 were obtained by an ANFIS.

Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. is a globally spread species, known for its characteristic spectacularly colorful leaves of decorative value. Thanks to its rich chemical composition, the plant is used in ethnopharmacology, and it is also regarded as having high medicinal potential. The application of in vitro cultures enables the acquisition of homogeneous certified material of high quality. Additionally, excluding the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on the plants is a way to fully recognize the influence of phytohormones on the plant morphology and the biosynthetic pathways of compound production. The best way to grow C. scutellarioides “Electric Lime” under in vitro conditions is to use the basic MS medium (Murashige and Skoog medium), enriched with naphthyl-1-acetic acid at a concentration of 0.5 mg dm−3. The analysis of volatile compounds demonstrated that the content of volatile compounds in the plants cultivated under in vivo conditions was expressed at a level of 2848.59 µg g−1, whereas in the plants bred in vitro without supplementation with phytohormones, the level was 8191.47 µg g−1. The highest content was noted for copaene, α-pinene, 1-octene-3-ol, α-selinene, sabinen, γ- and δ-cadinene, 3-octanol, and β-pinene. Aroma profiling revealed a lack of boranyl acetate, 2-hexenal, and 2-hexen-1-ol in the plants cultivated under in vivo conditions. Differences were found in the volatile composition between plants bred in vivo and in vitro, with the most significant recorded for the contents of 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanol. The addition of plant growth regulators into the basic medium under in vitro conditions affected the percentage ratio and contents of specific compounds in plant tissues. The most intense biosynthesis of volatile compounds took place in the plants cultivated on the medium enriched with NAA at 10,579.11 µg g−1, whereas the least intense was noted for plants cultivated on the medium supplemented with BA, where it was recorded at the level of 5610.02 µg g−1. So far, there has been no research published which would pertain to the profiling of volatile compounds performed using the SPME (solid-phase microextraction) technique. Moreover, the very few studies conducted on the chemical composition of these compounds do not mention the specific variety of C. scutellarioides under analysis.

Drought due to climate change or reduced precipitation is one of the main factors limiting the growth and establishment of plants and is one of the most critical challenges facing humans. To investigate the effect of different levels of drought stress on some pine species, this research was carried out as a factorial experiment using two factors and a completely randomized design. It included five populations of four pine species (Pinus brutia Ten. var. eldarica, P. nigra Arnold, P. mugo, and P. banksiana Lamb (including populations 8310055 and 8960049), and three levels of irrigation (100%, 75%, or 50% FC, denoted as normal, mild or intense drought stress, respectively) with three replicates. The findings showed that, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, visual quality, the content of nutrients, protein content, and fresh and dry weight all decreased significantly when plants were exposed to intense drought stress. However, raised proline levels, electrolyte leakage percentage, soluble sugars levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity. We detected a decline in most growth traits when comparing mild drought stress conditions to normal irrigation, yet acceptable quality seedlings when compared to intense drought stress. Intense drought stress had a substantial impact on many pine seedlings. PCA results showed that among different pine species, the level of resistance to drought is as follows: P. mugo> P. brutia var. eldarica> P. nigra> P. banksiana 8310055> P. banksiana 8960049. Our novel finding was that, P. mugo is a resistant species in arid and semi-arid regions, and P. banksiana species, especially its population of 8960049, is sensitive.

Hemp is used as a source of fiber, oil and bioactive substances including volatile and cannabinoid-containing substances. This paper presents, for the first time, results on the evaluation of drying methods (convective, vacuum–microwave and combined convective pre-drying and vacuum–microwave finishing drying) of hemp leaves on the qualitative and quantitative changes in secondary metabolites, including essential oils, cannabinoids and sterols. A ranking and descriptive test of hemp leaves was also performed. Drying kinetics was presented using three models, including logarithmic, Midilli and modified Page. The SPME-Arrow technique was used to determine 41 volatile compounds, of which caryophyllene, β-myrcene and α-humulene were dominant in dried and fresh leaves. Regarding the essential oils obtained, 64 were identified, with caryophyllene, humulene epoxide II and limonene being the dominant ones. For preserving the highest amount of oils, the best method was the convective pre-drying followed by vacuum–microwave finishing drying (CD60-VMD) combined method, where the retention of volatile compounds was 36.08%, whereas the CD70 and 240-VMD methods resulted in the highest loss of 83%. The predominant cannabinoids in fresh hemp leaves were CBDA 6.05 and CBD 2.19 mg g−1. Drying caused no change in the cannabinoid profile of the plant material. β-Sitosterol, campesterol and lupeol were dominant in the phytosterol and triterpene fractions. No changes in either quality or quantity were observed in any of the variants found.

Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is an aromatic industrial plant with different applications. Selection of cultivars with high-value metabolites such as flavonoids—with acceptable yields—can lead to elite cultivars for mass propagation in various industries. A field experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate metabolites and some yield-related morphological data. In the present investigation, for the first time 13 flavonoid components of nine Iranian damask rose cultivars were compared using LC-MS/MS. As a result, 13 flavonoids were identified, most of which were reported for the first time in rose petals. Phloridzin (72.59–375.92 mg/100 g dw), diosmetin (82.48–153.16 mg/100 g dw) and biochanin A (0–1066.89 mg/100 g dw) were the most abundant, followed by trans-chalcone (0–106.29 mg/100 g dw) and diosmin (41.55–84.57 mg/100 g dw). Levels of naringenin also ranged from 3.77 in B111 to 54.70 mg/100 g dw in C294, while luteolin varied from 4.37 in B111 to 28.87 mg/100 g dw in C294. The SPME Arrow technique also was applied to determine the real aroma of the studied cultivars. Phenethyl alcohol was the most abundant compound, in the range of 69.28 to 77.58%. The highest citronellol/geraniol (C/G) was observed in D234 (4.52%) and D237 (4.30%), while the lowest amount belonged to A104 (1.28%). Rose oxide, as the most crucial factor for odor, ranged from 0.06% in D237 to 0.15% in D211. Based on cluster and principal component analysis (PCA), D234 cultivar can be suggested as a promising cultivar with high yield, high C/G content and high rose oxide, while D234 and C294 were the most valuable cultivars in terms of flavonoids with high yield. Finally, these cultivars can be introduced for further breeding programs and industrial cultivation.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical treatments, namely heat (70 °C for 48 h), atmospheric cold plasma (10 kW for 20 min), and ultrasonic frequency (40 kHz for 15 min), on the physicochemical and interfacial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI) in the context of oleogel production by foam template (cryogel) method. The physical modification of both SPI and WPI was monitored using SDS-PAGE, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), measuring interfacial tension, color, solubility, foam volume, foam stability, and, finally, the density and oil absorption of the produced cryogel. The findings revealed that the application of ultrasonic waves resulted in a significant reduction in the content of alpha-helical of SPI and WPI while the other treatments increased the content of random coil proteins. FTIR analysis further showed that ultrasonic and heat treatment led to a decrease in C-N tensile vibration within the range of 1200–1650 cm−1 in SPI. Meanwhile, in cold plasma treatment, an increase was observed which was confirmed by the elevation of enthalpy from 100 to 128 kJ/kg. Physical treatments significantly altered the surface properties of both SPI and WPI, where this value was reduced in SPI and increased in WPI. The cold plasma method demonstrated superior performance in enhancing the solubility of SPI from 10 to 58.2%, while the solubility of WPI decreased from 96.4 to 90.4%. By modifying the proteins, the foam volume and oil adsorption ability of the related cryogel improved, as shown by the maximum oil absorption obtained after ultrasonic treatment for SPI (11.6 g/g) and cold plasma (9.17 g/g) for WPI. These results could be useful in applying physical treatments to modify proteins and create the cryogel as an oleogel template for structuring liquid oil and producing innovative health value-added foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question being posed by scientists around the world is how different chemical modifications of naturally occurring compounds will affect their antimicrobial properties. In the current study, sulfur derivatives of camphor containing a sulfur atom were tested to detect their antimicrobial and antibiofilm potentials. The new compounds were tested on eight Gram-positive strains (S. aureus (3 isolates), S. epidermidis (4 isolates), and E. faecalis (1 isolate)) and eight Gram-negative strains (E. coli (6 isolates), A. baumannii (1 isolate), and P. aeruginosa (1 isolate)). The ability of the strains to eradicate a biofilm was evaluated under standard stationary and flow-through conditions using the Bioflux system. Two synthesized compounds, namely rac-thiocamphor (1a) and (S, S)-(+)-thiocamphor (2a), exhibited an effect on the 24 h biofilm formed by the Gram-positive strains. Our results are an important contribution to the science of natural compounds and allow us to classify our sulfur derivatives of camphor as potential prophylactic agents in treating skin infections, antiseptics, and disinfectants. The Gram-negative strains were excluded from further stages of the tests due to their high activity (MIC ≥ 512 µg/mL). On the other hand, the compound with the strongest antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive strains was 2a, as it led led to a reductions in cell viability of 17–52% (for MIC), 37–66% (for 2MIC), and 40–94% (for 4MIC). In addition, the experimental retention index of thiocamphor was calculated for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have been carried out on the antioxidant effects of medicinal plants in edible oils. One of those plants is turmeric, which, due to its biological and antioxidant compounds such as curcuminoids, has a strong antioxidant effect and prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids (FAs). In this study, turmeric at different levels (5% and 10% w/w) was used to increase the oxidative stability of the milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) seed oil (MTSO). Additionally, to improve the performance of turmeric, cold plasma (CP) treatment was used at different durations (5 and 10 min). The effect of turmeric on the quality parameters of MTSO was investigated during different storage times (1, 30, and 60 days). The results indicated that the addition of turmeric treated with CP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the acidity value (AV) (1.00–0.62 mg NaOH/g oil) and the peroxide value (PV) (4.47–3.65 mEq O2/kg oil) and also increased the total phenolic content (1003.23–1116.90 mg/GAE/100 g oil), antioxidant activity, α‐tocopherol, and finally the oxidative stability compared to the control sample and oil containing untreated turmeric. Furthermore, gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the oil sample of the FA profile containing CP‐treated turmeric revealed the higher ratio of unsaturated FAs (i.e., linoleic and arachidonic acid) and lower saturated FA content (palmitic and stearic acid) compared to oil samples containing untreated turmeric. To conclude, CP treatment increased turmeric performance and improved the quality characteristics of MTSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases, including vector-borne and antibiotic-resistant infections, present significant global health challenges, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives for disease control. In this study, we investigated the essential oil (EO) profile as well as larvicidal and antibacterial properties of two wild Apiaceae species used in Algeria: Daucus carota L. (DCEO) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (FVEO). EO was extracted from the aerial parts by steam distillation and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Major constituents identified in DCEO were geranyl acetate (50.07%) and elemicin (10.77%), while FVEO contained estragole (24.93%), fenchone (20.20%), and α-phellandrene (17.96%). Both EOs were highly effective towards Culex pipiens larvae, with low LC50 values of 30.6 ± 1.06 ppm for DCEO and 34.7 ± 1.06 ppm for FVEO, indicating their potential as bioinsecticides due to their bioactivity and bioavailability. Additionally, the two Eos demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43300, respectively, with DCEO showing MIC values of 10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively, and FVEO exhibiting MIC values > 20 mg/mL. However, both EOs showed limited effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 700603. These results highlight the potential applications of DCEO and FVEO as natural bioinsecticides and antibacterial agents, offering promising avenues for further research and development in pest control and food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be considered as the new antibacterial agents. The antibacterial effects of synthesized AgNPs from Iranian pistachio hulls on several antibiotic-resistant bacteria were assessed in this study. Materials and Methods: In an experimental study, AgNPs were synthesized by reducing Ag+ ions using pistachio hulls. Several methods characterized the qualities of AgNPs. Antibacterial activities of the AgNPs against six gram-positive and gram-negative standard bacteria and 30 multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates were investigated by well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Results: The aqueous extract of pistachio hulls had an acceptable potential to synthesize AgNPs, and the formed nanoparticles displayed suitable size and acceptable stability in solutions. Antibacterial activities of the AgNPs were detected against two standard strains, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, with growth inhibition zones of 13 and 11 mm, respectively. MIC were 10 mg/ml for E. coli and 20 mg/ml for S. aureus. MBC for both bacteria was the same as MIC. MIC and MBC AgNPs against 15 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates ranged from 40 to 10 mg/ml. In extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli isolates, 11 and 3 isolates have MIC equal to 20 and 10 mg/ml, respectively. Three ESBL E. coli isolates had 10, 5 and 2.5 mg/ml MBC; in other isolates, MBC and MIC were the same. Conclusion: The green synthesis of AgNPs using pistachio hull can replace common chemical and physical methods. AgNPs displayed antibacterial activities, and they could replace some antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overcoming drug resistance and specifically targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical challenges in improving cancer therapy. Nowadays, the use of novel and native medicinal plants can provide new sources for further investigations for this purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of S. bachtiarica, an endemic plant with diverse medicinal applications, in suppressing and targeting cancer and cancer stem cells in glioblastoma and breast cancer. The effect of S. bachtiarica on viability, migration, invasion, and clonogenic potential of MDAMB-231 and U87-MG cells was assessed in both two- and three-dimensional cell culture models. Additionally, we evaluated its effects on the self-renewal capacity of mammospheres. The experimental outcomes indicated that S. bachtiarica decreased the viability and growth rate of cells and spheroids by inducing apoptosis and inhibited colony formation, migration, and invasion of cells and spheroids. Additionally, colony and sphere-forming ability, as well as the expression of genes associated with EMT and stemness were reduced in mammospheres treated with S. bachtiarica. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the anti-cancer effects of S. bachtiarica, particularly in relation to breast CSCs. Therefore, S. bachtiarica may be a potential adjuvant for the treatment of cancer.