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Background: Rhinitis is a prevalent condition affecting individuals of all age groups, resulting from factors such as cold, nasal infections, allergies, inflammation, and sinusitis. The diverse compositions of bioactive essential oils, containing many chemical components, hold significant promise in preventing and treating numerous human diseases. Certain herbs exhibit favorable physiological and medicinal values when administered individually or in combination with others. Both eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil have been traditionally used to alleviate nasal congestion. Aim: Considering the synergistic effects of bioactive oils, the present study aimed to develop nasal microemulsion systems using bioactive oils. Materials and Methods: The microemulsion was prepared with eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil based on the pseudo-ternary phase diagram with different ratios of surfactant and co-surfactant. The microemulsions were evaluated for pH, electrical conductivity, viscosity, optical transparency, droplet sizes and stability studies. Results: The microemulsion droplets were nano-sized and stable at different temperature conditions. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the microemulsion was assessed by protein denaturation assay and showed a promising result compared to the standard drug. Conclusion: Eucalyptus oil and Peppermint oil blend microemulsion formulations could be an effective platform for nasal drug delivery system for the treatment of rhinitis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The heterogeneous character of functional gastrointestinal disorders, recently renamed into disorders of gut‐brain interaction, makes finding effective treatment options challenging. Compared to synthetic drugs, phytotherapy can have broader pharmacological effects and is often better tolerated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peppermint oil and caraway oil (POCO) on gastric function and symptom levels in 32 healthy subjects in a single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized, parallel design. Methods: Gastric emptying rate was assessed using a 13C‐breath test. Intragastric pressure was measured using high‐resolution manometry in fasted state and during intragastric infusion of a nutrient drink (350 mL or until full satiation). GI symptoms were rated on a 100 mm VAS. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Key Results: POCO had no effect on intragastric pressure in fasted or fed state (p > 0.08 for all). No significant differences in gastric emptying rate were observed (p = 0.54). In the fasted state, a stronger increase in hunger and decrease in satiety were observed following POCO (p = 0.016 and p = 0.008, respectively). No differences in hunger and satiety were observed in the fed state (p > 0.31 for all). POCO induced less epigastric burning, bloating, and fullness (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Acute POCO administration did not affect gastric function in healthy subjects, but increased fasted hunger ratings. The effects of POCO on gastric function and hunger sensations in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction, and the contribution to symptom improvement, needs to be elucidated in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil are often prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasm and pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these drugs alone and combined with the well-known antispasmodic hyoscine butylbromide on the human colon. Methods: Colon samples were obtained from macroscopically normal regions of 68 patients undergoing surgery and studied in muscle bath. Drotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil were tested alone and in combination with hyoscine butylbromide on (1) spontaneous contractility induced by isometric stretch (in the presence of 1 µM tetrodotoxin) and (2) contractility induced by 10-5 M carbachol and after (3) electrical field stimulation-induced selective stimulation of excitatory (in the presence of 1 mM Nε-nitro-L-arginine and 10 µM MRS2179) and (4) inhibitory (under non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic conditions) pathways. (5) Drotaverine alone was also tested on cAMPdependent pathway activated by forskolin. Results: Compared with the vehicle, drotaverine and paracetamol (10-9-10-5 M) did not modify spontaneous contractions, carbachol-induced contractions, and responses attributed to selective activation of excitatory pathways. The addition of hyoscine butylbromide (10-7-10-5 M), concentration-dependently reduced myogenic contractions and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractile responses. The association of paracetamol (10-4 M) and hyoscine butylbromide (10-7-10-5 M) was not different from hyoscine butylbromide alone (10-7-10-5 M). At higher concentrations (10-3M-3*10-3 M), paracetamol decreased myogenic and carbachol-induced contractions. The adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, concentration-dependently reduced contractility, leading to smooth muscle relaxation. The effect of forskolin 10-7 M was concentration-dependently enhanced by drotaverine (10-6M-10-5M). Discussion: Peppermint oil reduced myogenic activity and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractions. The association of hyoscine butylbromide and peppermint oil was synergistic since the interaction index measured with the isobologram was lower than 1. No effect was seen on the neural-mediated inhibitory responses with any of the drugs studied although peppermint oil reduced the subsequent off-contraction. Drotaverine and hyoscine butylbromide have a complementary effect on human colon motility as one stimulates the cAMP inhibitory pathway and the other inhibits the excitatory pathway. Peppermint oil is synergic with hyoscine butylbromide suggesting that a combination therapy may be more effective in treating patients. In contrast, at therapeutic concentrations, paracetamol does not modify colonic contractility, suggesting that the association of paracetamol and hyoscine butylbromide has independent analgesic and antispasmodic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAcute sun exposure could lead to erythema and inflammation. This Investigation aims to determine the efficacy of the complexation of peppermint oil (PO) with cyclodextrin in enhancing its physicochemical properties. Nano-organogels were prepared by direct hot melting method. Cyclodextrin (CD) PO was prepared by co-lyophilized method and included in F6. The particle size values were all below 150 nm. F6 polymeric showed high antioxidant activity, in vitro SPF, and stability. CD nano-organogel showed the least release and the highest skin deposition values. This high skin deposition is assured by confocal microscopy. Histology revealed its anti-inflammatory effect against acute UV irradiation. PO CD nano-organogel demonstrates a promising modality for anti-inflammatory therapy against UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH), which is one of the diseases causing radicular pain and low back pain, develops as the degenerated spinal disc puts pressure on the lumbar spinal root and constricts it. • Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) essential oil is one of the essential oils used in the management of pain and anxiety. Peppermint oil is an aromatic herbal oil with analgesic and tranquilizing effects. • In this research, it was found that the inhalation of peppermint oil after lumbar discectomy surgery reduced pain and anxiety levels. This study was conducted to analyze the effects of the inhalation of peppermint oil after lumbar discectomy surgery on the pain and anxiety levels of patients. This study was performed as a randomized controlled trial from September 2022 to June 2023 with 68 patients (34 patients in the experimental group and 34 patients in the control group). A Patient Information Form, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory were used in the data collection process. The researcher administered the Patient Information Form to the patients before they underwent surgery. The State Anxiety Inventory and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale were administered to the patients after the second hour in the postoperative period. Next, for 10 minutes, only the patients in the experimental group inhaled five drops of peppermint oil dripped on a sterile gauze pad whereas no intervention was administered to the patients in the control group. Then, the State Anxiety Inventory and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale were administered again to the patients in both groups successively after the third and fourth hours in the postoperative period. After the second hour in the postoperative period, the difference between the mean pain or state anxiety levels of the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). On the other hand, after the third and fourth hours in the postoperative period, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the inhalation of peppermint oil after lumbar discectomy surgery reduced pain and anxiety levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of different essential oils against the in vitro growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 ppm) of each essential oil, including thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris L.), cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), juniper oil (Juniperus horizontalis L.), neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), lemon grass oil (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf), peppermint oil (Mentha piperita L.), and an unamended control medium. This setup aimed to evaluate their efficacy against the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii. The data were analyzed using R software in R-Studio, and means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% level of significance. Mycelium growth data were recorded at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours of incubation. All tested essential oils significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen compared to the control (p<0.05). After 72 hours, thyme oil at all concentrations and lemongrass oil at 1500 ppm both achieved 100% growth inhibition. In contrast, neem oil at 500 and 1000 ppm showed the lowest inhibitory effects, with rates of 27.56% and 34.62%, respectively. Lemongrass oil at 500 ppm (75.39%) showed statistical similarity to cinnamon oil at 1000 ppm (79.12%). Peppermint oil at 1500 ppm resulted in 82.73% inhibition, and cinnamon oil at 1000 ppm (75.73%) showed comparable results to peppermint oil at 1000 ppm. Thus, the study highlights the superior performance of thyme oil among the tested essential oils. These effective essential oils can potentially be used at lower concentrations to minimize potential hazards. However, further research and field trials are essential to validate these findings for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research is currently dedicated to creating biodegradable packaging materials that match the qualities of traditional synthetic packaging materials. Among these options, polylactic acid (PLA) is noteworthy. PLA is a renewable‐source‐derived thermoplastic polymer with excellent barrier properties, mechanical strength, and a strong safety profile. To enhance food product shelf life, active packaging materials, incorporating functional ingredients like antimicrobials, have gained prominence. Peppermint essential oil is one such active ingredient, offering potential improvements in preserving food freshness and safety. This study's objective is to craft antimicrobial, biodegradable food packaging materials by blending peppermint oil into PLA films. Various peppermint oil concentrations (1.25%, 1.875%, and 2.5% w/v) were blended with PLA to assess their impact on opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical and thermal properties, and antimicrobial characteristics. Higher peppermint oil concentrations increased opacity, making them advantageous for light‐sensitive food items. These films reduced WVP without affecting PLA's thermal stability. Antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), showing inhibition with 1.875% and 2.5% w/v peppermint oil concentrations. Compared to control, PLA films with peppermint oil extended the shelf life of packaged chicken breast meats from 3 to 8 days. As a result, incorporating peppermint oil into PLA films presents a promising solution for advanced antimicrobial and biodegradable food packaging. Highlights: The incorporation of peppermint oil resulted in higher opacity values.Peppermint incorporated PLA films showed antimicrobial activity.Peppermint oil addition decreased water vapor permeability of PLA films.Peppermint oil added PLA films increased the shelf life of chicken meat up to 8 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In Europe, an herbal medicine containing peppermint oil is widely used in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In Japan, however, no clinical evidence for peppermint oil in IBS has been established, and it has not been approved as a drug for IBS. Accordingly, we conducted a clinical study to confirm the efficacy and safety of peppermint oil (ZO-Y60) in Japanese patients with IBS. Methods The study was a multi-center, open-label, single-arm, phase 3 trial in Japanese outpatients with IBS aged 17–60 years and diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. The subjects were treated with an oral capsule of ZO-Y60 three times a day before meals, for four weeks. The efficacy of ZO-Y60 was evaluated using the patient’s global assessment (PtGA), IBS symptom severity score, stool frequency score, stool form score, and physician’s global assessment (PGA). The safety of ZO-Y60 was also assessed. Results Sixty-nine subjects were treated with ZO-Y60. During the four-week administration of ZO-Y60, the improvement rate of the PtGA was 71.6% (48/67) in week 2 and 85.1% (57/67) in week 4. It was also suggested that ZO-Y60 is effective against any type of IBS (IBS with constipation, IBS with diarrhea, and mixed/unsubtyped IBS). The improvement rate of the PGA was 73.1% (49/67) in week 2 and 85.1% (57/67) in week 4, also confirming the efficacy of ZO-Y60. Adverse events were observed in 14 subjects (20.3%), however, none of these adverse events were categorized as serious. Conclusion The efficacy of treatment was confirmed, subjective symptoms were improved, as was observed in previous clinical studies of ZO-Y60 conducted outside of Japan. All adverse reactions were previously known and were non-serious. These findings suggest that peppermint oil may be effective in the Japanese population and that it has an acceptable safety profile. Trial registration JAPIC Clinical Trials Information number: JapicCTI-121727 https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT1080221685 . Registration date: 2012–01-10.

Background • Pruritus is a symptom that greatly affects the quality of life in patients with liver disease and liver cirrhosis. Since most pharmacological methods for itching have limited efficacy, there is a need to assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological methods. Purpose • This systematic review aims to examine the effects of nonpharmacological methods on itching in individuals with liver disease and liver cirrhosis. Methods • PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) criteria were used as the basis for creating the systematic review protocol and writing the article. Studies were searched in “Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL” databases, and studies from January 1, 2016, to January 1, 2024, were included in this systematic review. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the PICOS method, and these studies included in the review were evaluated using the revised Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical evaluation lists according to their types. Results • Five randomized controlled trials with a total of 257 participants were included in this systematic review. While one of the studies was published in 2016, the others were published after 2016. The nonpharmacological interventions used in the studies consisted of baby oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, curcumin capsules, and ultraviolet light. In all five studies included in the review, it was found that nonpharmacological methods significantly reduced itching, with advantages such as being non-invasive, easy application, cheap, and very low toxicity and side effects. Conclusions• Based on the findings, nonpharmacological methods have a positive effect on itching in individuals with liver disease and liver cirrhosis. It is recommended to conduct more studies with higher methodological quality, using larger sample groups, different interventions, randomization, and blinding methods, to examine the effectiveness of nonpharmacological methods in patients with liver disease and liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of liquorice root extract were utilized to create carbonated granules that enhance drug release and stomach retention. Effervescent granules offer advantages for drug delivery such as improved drug release, enhanced stomach retention and patient friendly dosage form. Three varieties (F1, F2, and F3) were created, with F2 being the best. Comparing F2 to F1 and F3, F2 performed better in terms of size, buoyancy, pH, and stability. According to this study, these carbonated granules containing peppermint oil and liquorice may be useful for administering medication to the stomach. We ought to investigate their functionality and stability in further detail. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of liquorice root extract were utilized to create carbonated granules that enhance drug release and stomach retention. Three varieties (F1, F2, and F3) were created, with F2 being the best. Comparing F2 to F1 and F3, F2 performed better in terms of size, buoyancy, pH, and stability. According to this study, these carbonated granules containing peppermint oil and liquorice may be useful for administering medication to the stomach. We ought to investigate their functionality and stability in further detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionDrotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil are often prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasm and pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these drugs alone and combined with the well-known antispasmodic hyoscine butylbromide on the human colon.MethodsColon samples were obtained from macroscopically normal regions of 68 patients undergoing surgery and studied in muscle bath. Drotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil were tested alone and in combination with hyoscine butylbromide on (1) spontaneous contractility induced by isometric stretch (in the presence of 1 µM tetrodotoxin) and (2) contractility induced by 10–5 M carbachol and after (3) electrical field stimulation-induced selective stimulation of excitatory (in the presence of 1 mM Nω-nitro-L-arginine and 10 µM MRS2179) and (4) inhibitory (under non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic conditions) pathways. (5) Drotaverine alone was also tested on cAMP-dependent pathway activated by forskolin.ResultsCompared with the vehicle, drotaverine and paracetamol (10−9–10−5 M) did not modify spontaneous contractions, carbachol-induced contractions, and responses attributed to selective activation of excitatory pathways. The addition of hyoscine butylbromide (10−7–10−5 M), concentration-dependently reduced myogenic contractions and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractile responses. The association of paracetamol (10−4 M) and hyoscine butylbromide (10−7–10−5 M) was not different from hyoscine butylbromide alone (10−7–10−5 M). At higher concentrations (10−3M–3*10−3 M), paracetamol decreased myogenic and carbachol-induced contractions. The adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, concentration-dependently reduced contractility, leading to smooth muscle relaxation. The effect of forskolin 10–7 M was concentration-dependently enhanced by drotaverine (10−6M–10−5M).DiscussionPeppermint oil reduced myogenic activity and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractions. The association of hyoscine butylbromide and peppermint oil was synergistic since the interaction index measured with the isobologram was lower than 1. No effect was seen on the neural-mediated inhibitory responses with any of the drugs studied although peppermint oil reduced the subsequent off-contraction. Drotaverine and hyoscine butylbromide have a complementary effect on human colon motility as one stimulates the cAMP inhibitory pathway and the other inhibits the excitatory pathway. Peppermint oil is synergic with hyoscine butylbromide suggesting that a combination therapy may be more effective in treating patients. In contrast, at therapeutic concentrations, paracetamol does not modify colonic contractility, suggesting that the association of paracetamol and hyoscine butylbromide has independent analgesic and antispasmodic properties.

Abdominal pain or malaise is a usual symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional bowel illness. One of the primary active elements within peppermint oil (PO), which has been used to treat IBS, is thought to be Menthol and L-Menthol. It's unclear what PO's fundamental mechanism of action is while treating IBS. The purpose of this study was to explore the main compounds in PO for the treatment of IBS and their mechanisms of action. The constituents of volatile oil were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the mechanism of action of volatile oil in IBS treatment was investigated by network pharmacology. Methods from network pharmacology were applied to investigate PO's potential central pathways and core targets in the management of IBS. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was employed to assess the binding activity among key therapeutic targets and the relevant drugs. The results of the molecular docking simulation demonstrated a robust interaction between the eight main therapeutic targets as well as the matching drugs. In conclusion, this research clarified that the G-protein coupled receptor signaling process, which is related to the cyclic nucleotide second messenger and is activated by phospholipase C, might be responsible for the effectiveness of PO during the treatment of IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The development of novel and ecofriendly tools plays an important role in insect pest management. Nanoemulsions (NEs) based on essential oils (EOs) offer a safer alternative for human health and the environment. This study aimed to elaborate and evaluate the toxicological effects of NEs containing peppermint or palmarosa EOs combined with β‐cypermethrin (β‐CP) using ultrasound technique. Results: The optimized ratio of active ingredients to surfactant was 1:2. The NEs containing peppermint EO combined with β‐CP (NEs peppermint/β‐CP) were polydisperse with two peaks at 12.77 nm (33.4% intensity) and 299.1 nm (66.6% intensity). However, the NEs containing palmarosa EO combined with β‐CP (NEs palmarosa/β‐CP) were monodisperse with a size of 104.5 nm. Both NEs were transparent and stable for 2 months. The insecticidal effect of NEs was evaluated against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae adults, as well as Culex pipiens pipiens larvae. On all these insects, NEs peppermint/β‐CP enhanced pyrethroid bioactivity from 4.22‐ to 16‐folds while NEs palmarosa/β‐CP, from 3.90‐ to 10.6‐folds. Moreover, both NEs maintained high insecticidal activities against all insects for 2 months, although a slight increase of the particle size was detected. Conclusion: The NEs elaborated in this work can be considered as highly promising formulations for the development of new insecticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Numerous bioassay methods have been used to test the efficacy of repellents for ticks, but the comparability of results across different methods has only been evaluated in a single study. Of particular interest are comparisons between bioassays that use artificial containers (in vitro) with those conducted on a human subject (in vivo) for efficacy testing of new potential unregistered active ingredients, which most commonly use in vitro methods. Methods We compared four different bioassay methods and evaluated three ingredients (DEET [N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide], peppermint oil and rosemary oil) and a negative control (ethanol) over a 6-h period. Two of the methods tested were in vivo bioassay methods in which the active ingredient was applied to human skin (finger and forearm bioassays), and the other two methods were in vitro methods using artificial containers (jar and petri dish bioassays). All four bioassays were conducted using Ixodes scapularis nymphs. We compared the results using nymphs from two different tick colonies that were derived from I. scapularis collected in the US states of Connecticut and Rhode Island (northern origin) and Oklahoma (southern origin), expecting that ticks of different origin would display differences in host-seeking behavior. Results The results between bioassay methods did not differ significantly, even when comparing those that provide the stimulus of human skin with those that do not. We also found that tick colony source can impact the outcome of repellency bioassays due to differences in movement speed; behavioral differences were incorporated into the assay screening. DEET effectively repelled nymphs for the full 6-h duration of the study. Peppermint oil showed a similar repellent efficacy to DEET during the first hour, but it decreased sharply afterwards. Rosemary oil did not effectively repel nymphs across any of the time points. Conclusions The repellency results did not differ significantly between the four bioassay methods tested. The results also highlight the need to consider the geographic origin of ticks used in repellency bioassays in addition to species and life stage. Finally, our results indicate a limited repellent efficacy of the two essential oils tested, which highlights the need for further studies on the duration of repellency for similar botanically derived active ingredients and for evaluation of formulated products. Graphical Abstract

The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome in children involves multiple factors. Thus, treatment options are variable, targeting both diet and the child's and parents' behavior via pharmacological and psychological interventions or neuromodulation. Parents are increasingly interested in complementary and alternative therapies for children with irritable bowel syndrome, especially when other treatments have been tried without relieving the child's symptoms. This paper examines current evidence for the benefits and side effects of herbal remedies and spices in pediatric patients with IBS. The benefits of peppermint oil, STW5, psyllium fiber, Curcuma, ginger, and other herbal medicines are discussed based on findings in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of an alginate coating containing peppermint essential oil (PEO) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) against Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157: H7 inoculated on beef fillets and subsequently stored at a temperature of 4 ± 1 °C for 12 days. Methods: Beef fillet samples were divided into four groups: CON group (without any coating solution), ALG group (coated with alginate solution), ALG + PEO group (coated with alginate solution containing 0.1 % (w/v) PEO), and ALG + SLN-PEO group (with alginate solution in combination SLN containing 0.1 % (w/v) PEO). The samples were then analyzed for the presence of inoculated E. coli O157: H7 and S. Typhimurium during refrigerated storage. Results: The ALG + SLN-PEO coating had a larger impact in controlling the growth of pathogenic bacteria on beef fillets compared to the other treatment groups. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the ALG + SLN-PEO coating could potentially be used in the food industry to reduce the risks associated with contamination of beef fillets by E. coli O157: H7 and S. Typhimurium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-depth studies on essential oil–based nanoemulsions (NEs) have centered on a variety of oral health issues. NEs improve the delivery of nonpolar active agents to sites and thereby boost the dissolution and distribution of the agents. Metronidazole-peppermint oil-tranexamic acid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (MZ-PO-TX-SNEDDS) were created and loaded into novel lozenges to act as antifungal, hemostatic, antimicrobial, and analgesic dosage forms after dental extractions. The design-of-experiments approach was used in creating them. To generate the NEs, different concentrations of MZ-PO (240, 180, and 120 mg), 2% TX (600, 450, and 300 mg), and Smix1:1 (600, 400, and 200 mg) were used. The ideal formulation had serum levels of 1530 U/mL of interleukin-6, a minimal inhibitory concentration against bacteria of 1.5 µg/mL, a droplet size of 96 nm, and a blood coagulation time of 16.5 min. Moreover, the produced NE offered better MZ release. The adopted design was used to produce the ideal formulation; it contained 240 mg of MZ-PO, 600 mg of 2% TX, and 600 mg of Smix1:1. It was incorporated into lozenges with acceptable characteristics and an improved capability for drug release. These lozenges had reasonable coagulation times, IL-6 serum levels, and MIC values. All of these characteristics are desirable for managing symptoms following tooth extractions. Therefore, these lozenges loaded with MZ-PO-TX-SNEDDs might be considered a beneficial paradigm for relieving complications encountered after tooth extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil mainly contains volatile constituents making it vulnerable upon exposure to the external environment. The encapsulation method is known to protect the bioactive components of the essential oil from damage, in which alginate was used as the hydrogel in this study. This work investigates the physicochemical stability of the peppermint oil encapsulated within alginate beads (1.5% and 2.0%) during its five weeks of storage. Peppermint oil (PO) was added at four different weight ratios to alginate, which were 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1. The encapsulation technique involves mixing alginate and oil using a homogeniser. Constituents profiling was done weekly using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Investigation revealed that 1.5% (w/w) alginate in a weight ratio of 1:1 has the highest encapsulation efficiency, which was 42.00%, while for 2.0% (w/w) alginate, the weight ratio of 1:2 gave a maximum encapsulation efficiency of 33.38%. Assessment of the beads' diameter with time showed little physical changes throughout storage time. The constituents profile of the oil indicates a decline in the chemical constituents between a pure sample and the encapsulated peppermint oil. This might be associated with the heat generated during mixing or exposure to the light during the preparation stage. Even so, the analysis of the encapsulated oil each week suggested no striking changes, indicating the stability of the peppermint oil encapsulated in the alginate beads.

Piroxicam is a popular anti-inflammatory drug that displays palliative and antipyretic activity. Peppermint oil is a common flavoring used in foods and drinks. To investigate the defensive action of Peppermint oil against the hepatic and renal histological damage induced by Piroxicam in mice.

Background: Numerous bioassay methods have been used to test the efficacy of repellents for ticks, but the comparability of results across different methods has only been evaluated in a single study. Of particular interest are comparisons between bioassays that use artificial containers (in vitro) with those conducted on a human subject (in vivo) for efficacy testing of new potential unregistered active ingredients, which most commonly use in vitro methods. Methods: We compared four different bioassay methods and evaluated three ingredients (DEET [N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide], peppermint oil and rosemary oil) and a negative control (ethanol) over a 6-h period. Two of the methods tested were in vivo bioassay methods in which the active ingredient was applied to human skin (finger and forearm bioassays), and the other two methods were in vitro methods using artificial containers (jar and petri dish bioassays). All four bioassays were conducted using Ixodesscapularis nymphs. We compared the results using nymphs from two different tick colonies that were derived from I.scapularis collected in the US states of Connecticut and Rhode Island (northern origin) and Oklahoma (southern origin), expecting that ticks of different origin would display differences in host-seeking behavior. Results: The results between bioassay methods did not differ significantly, even when comparing those that provide the stimulus of human skin with those that do not. We also found that tick colony source can impact the outcome of repellency bioassays due to differences in movement speed; behavioral differences were incorporated into the assay screening. DEET effectively repelled nymphs for the full 6-h duration of the study. Peppermint oil showed a similar repellent efficacy to DEET during the first hour, but it decreased sharply afterwards. Rosemary oil did not effectively repel nymphs across any of the time points. Conclusions: The repellency results did not differ significantly between the four bioassay methods tested. The results also highlight the need to consider the geographic origin of ticks used in repellency bioassays in addition to species and life stage. Finally, our results indicate a limited repellent efficacy of the two essential oils tested, which highlights the need for further studies on the duration of repellency for similar botanically derived active ingredients and for evaluation of formulated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) have gained economic importance due to their biological activities, and increasing amounts are demanded everywhere. However, substantial differences between the same essential oil samples from different suppliers are reported—concerning their chemical composition and bioactivities—due to numerous companies involved in EOs production and the continuous development of online sales. The present study investigates the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of two to four samples of five commercially available essential oils (Oregano, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Clove, and Peppermint oils) produced by autochthonous companies. The manufacturers provided all EOs' chemical compositions determined through GC-MS. The EOs' bioactivities were investigated in vitro against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The antibacterial and antibiofilm effects (ABE% and, respectively, ABfE%) were evaluated spectrophotometrically at 562 and 570 nm using microplate cultivation techniques. The essential oils' calculated parameters were compared with those of three standard broad-spectrum antibiotics: Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid, Gentamycin, and Streptomycin. The results showed that at the first dilution (D1 = 25 mg/mL), all EOs exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested, and MIC value > 25 mg/mL. Generally, both effects progressively decreased from D1 to D3. Only EOs with a considerable content of highly active metabolites revealed insignificant differences. E. coli showed the lowest susceptibility to all commercially available essential oils—15 EO samples had undetected antibacterial and antibiofilm effects at D2 and D3. Peppermint and Clove oils recorded the most significant differences regarding chemical composition and antibacterial/antibiofilm activities. All registered differences could be due to different places for harvesting the raw plant material, various technological processes through which these essential oils were obtained, the preservation conditions, and complex interactions between constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This systematic review summarizes published data on Menthacarin, the proprietary combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil, in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Efficacy was assessed by meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the manufacturer's information system for clinical studies investigating the safety and efficacy of Menthacarin. Efficacy analyses included change from baseline of epigastric pain and general improvement of the patients' condition. Results: Five randomized trials involving 580 patients were found, demonstrating significant effects of Menthacarin on symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD) compared to placebo or similar effects compared to a reference drug. Seven other studies reported favorable results on therapeutic application in FD patients with concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and on tolerability in FD patients from 12 years of age. Three trials in FD with 249 patients were eligible for meta-analysis. Results demonstrate a significant reduction in pain intensity (standardized mean difference: 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39–1.21) and in item 2 of the Clinical Global Impression Scale (risk ratio: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81–3.87) for Menthacarin. Conclusions: Menthacarin was shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of FD and represents a promising option for symptoms of IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]