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Objective(s): Hyperglycemia, a prevalent metabolic condition observed in diabetes, leads to oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and other consequences. Natural compounds alleviate the adverse impacts of diabetes. We aimed to explore the effects of alpha-pinene (AP) as a monoterpene on oxidative damage and inflammation caused by high glucose (HG) in the human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. Materials and Methods: The HepG2 cells were subjected to non or HG concentration (50 mM) and treated with or without AP (8, 16, and 32 μg/ml) for 48 hr. The effect of treatments on cellular viability, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), was determined. The gene expression levels of nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) were estimated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: HG exposure significantly increased cell death, MDA formation, and depletion of GSH content and GPx, CAT, and SOD activity (P

Objective(s): Hyperglycemia, a prevalent metabolic condition observed in diabetes, leads to oxidative damage, inflammatory responses, and other consequences. Natural compounds alleviate the adverse impacts of diabetes. We aimed to explore the effects of alpha-pinene (AP) as a monoterpene on oxidative damage and inflammation caused by high glucose (HG) in the human hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. Materials and Methods: The HepG2 cells were subjected to non or HG concentration (50 mM) and treated with or without AP (8, 16, and 32 µg/ml) for 48 hr. The effect of treatments on cellular viability, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), was determined. The gene expression levels of nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) were estimated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: HG exposure significantly increased cell death, MDA formation, and depletion of GSH content and GPx, CAT, and SOD activity (P<0.05). We have also seen a significant induction in NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and DPP-4 gene expression in hepatocytes under HG conditions (P<0.05). Interestingly, co-treatment with AP in a dose-dependent manner improved cell death and altered levels of MDA and GSH, and activity of GPx and CAT (P<0.05). AP could also modulate the gene expression of NF-κB and inflammatory biomarkers dose-dependently (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested the protective effect of AP on hepatocytes under HG conditions through attenuating oxidative stress markers and suppression of inflammatory pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Renal and testicular disorders are primarily associated with oxidative damage and inflammation. Here, alpha-pinene (a type of monoterpene) was investigated for its effect on oxidative/nitrosative stress and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic factors in the kidneys and testes of rats treated with CCl4.Materials and Methods: CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 2 ml/kg (twice a week for six weeks). Alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg/day, IP) was also treated during the same period. Results: CCl4 increased the level of malondialdehyde (P

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a profound neurological disorder that affects approximately 1% of the global population. Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a natural and active monoterpene found in coniferous tree oil, primarily pine, with diverse pharmacological characteristics, including antioxidative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. This research study delves into the neuroprotective effects of α-pinene on oxidative stress, memory deficits, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in a ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ using male mice. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle, control, positive control, ketamine, α-pinene at 50 mg/kg, and α-pinene at 100 mg/kg. Treatment of the ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ with α-pinene yielded significant improvements in depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it significantly elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), dopamine levels, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while markedly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The current study establishes that α-pinene treatment effectively mitigates oxidative damage, cognitive deficits, and depressive and anxiogenic-like behaviors in the brains of ketamine-treated mice. Therefore, α-pinene treatment is an efficacious approach to forestall the neurobehavioral and neurobiochemical adverse effects of the ketamine-induced SCZ model of mice.

Objective(s): Renal and testicular disorders are primarily associated with oxidative damage and inflammation. Here, alpha-pinene (a type of monoterpene) was investigated for its effect on oxidative/nitrosative stress and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic factors in the kidneys and testes of rats treated with CCl4. Materials and Methods: CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 2 ml/kg (twice a week for six weeks). Alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg/day, IP) was also treated during the same period. Results: CCl4 increased the level of malondialdehyde (P<0.01 in the kidney and P<0.001 in the testis) and nitric oxide (P<0.001 in the kidney and P<0.01 in the testis) and decreased the levels of glutathione (P<0.05) in the kidneys and testicles of rats. CCl4 also reduced the catalase enzyme activity in the kidneys (P<0.05) but did not affect its activity in the testis. In addition, CCl4 enhanced the mRNA expression of TNF-α (P<0.01), nuclear factor-κB (P<0.05), and Bax (P<0.05 in the kidney and P<0.01 in the testis) and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.05) in both organs. Alphapinene prevented all the mentioned changes, but it did not influence the expression of Bcl-2 in the kidneys of rats receiving CCl4. Conclusion: Alpha-pinene may have the potential to prevent renal and testicular diseases by strengthening the antioxidant system in the kidneys and testis, and inhibiting oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis caused by CCl4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T‐cell acute leukemia and lymphoma have a poor prognosis. Although new therapeutic agents have been developed, their therapeutic effects are suboptimal. α‐Pinene, a monoterpene compound, has an antitumor effect on solid tumors; however, few comprehensive investigations have been conducted on its impact on hematologic malignancies. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits of using α‐pinene as an antitumor agent for the treatment of T‐cell tumors. We found that α‐pinene inhibited the proliferation of hematologic malignancies, especially in T‐cell tumor cell lines EL‐4 and Molt‐4, induced mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species accumulation, and inhibited NF‐κB p65 translocation into the nucleus, leading to robust apoptosis in EL‐4 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that α‐pinene has potential as a therapeutic agent for T‐cell malignancies, and further investigation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential anticarcinogenic effects of three phytochemicals, namely Alpha-pinene (AP), Gamma-terpinene (GT), and P-cymene (PC), on melanoma cells (A2058 cell line). Additionally, the study aims to explore the synergistic activities of these phytochemicals with Dacarbazine, a chemotherapy drug. To understand the molecular mechanism involved in apoptosis induction in the A-2058 cell line, it was used AO/EB staining for apoptosis detection and cell cycle analysis, monitored through flow cytometry. It also determined the mRNA expression levels of different apoptosis-regulatory genes, including p53, Bax, NF-kB, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and caspase-3. The antitumor activities of these phytochemicals and their combinations were investigated in a subcutaneous mouse tumor model. The tumor diameter was 21.4 ± 1.1 mm in the Dacarbazine treatment group and 42.4 ± 3.1 mm in the control group. The antitumoral activities of AP and PC in the tumor model were similar to those of Dacarbazine. On the other hand, GT exhibited remarkable antitumoral activity, with a 1.75-fold reduction in tumor diameter compared to the Dacarbazine group. When different combinations of phytochemicals and Dacarbazine were used, the GT plus Dacarbazine treatment group was found to have a 3.5-fold reduction in tumor diameter compared to the Dacarbazine group. The tumor diameters in the Dacarbazine, AP plus GT, GT plus Dacarbazine, and AP plus Dacarbazine treatment groups were 21.4 ± 1.1, 7.6 ± 2.2, 8.6 ± 0.5, and 6.2 ± 1.9 mm, respectively.

Background and Aim: Huntington's disease is a chronic hereditary disorder that causes cognitive and movement defects in affected individuals by progressive destruction of neurons in the cerebral cortex, striatum and the hippocampus. Studies have shown that increased activity of cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and occurrence of memory impairment in Huntington's disease. Recently, alpha-pinene has been reported to improve learning and memory performance in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's models. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alpha-pinene on passive avoidance memory and CDK5 gene expression in Huntington's animal model induced by 3-nitro-propionic acid (3-NP). Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham, 3-NP (10 mg/kg),and 3 other groups receiving 3-NP (10 mg/kg) + alpha-pinene at doses of 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg (for 3 weeks,via intraperitoneal injection). Passive avoidance memory was assessed through the shuttle box device. Then, the expression level of CDK5 gene was measured by RT-qPCR method in brain cortex and hippocampus. Results: 3-NP injection caused memory impairment by decreasing step through latency (STL). Alpha-pinene at all three doses improved passive avoidance memory performance. Also, 3-NP injection caused a significant increase in CDK5 gene expression level in the brain cortex and hippocampus compared to that in the sham group. The groups which received alpha-pinene at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg in brain cortex and 1 mg/kg in hippocampus showed decreased expression level of this gene compared to the group that received 3-NP. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that alpha-pinene improves passive avoidance memory performance probably by reducing the CDK5 gene expression level in Huntington's animal model induced by 3-NP.

Abstract Neonatal hypoxia has a negative impact on the developing brain during the sensitive period. Inflammation plays a key role in the physiological response to hypoxic stress. Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of alpha-pinene, which has received a lot of attention in recent years, in this research we focused on the impact of alpha-pinene on the behavioral responses and proinflammatory factors in rats subjected to the neonatal hypoxia. This study involved Wistar rats (7-day-old) that were divided into six experimental groups, including a control group, groups receiving different doses of alpha-pinene (5 and 10 mg/kg), a hypoxia group receiving 7% O2 and 93% N2, 90 min duration for 7 days, and groups receiving alpha-pinene 30 min before hypoxia. All injections were done intraperitoneally. The rats were evaluated for proinflammatory factors 24 h after exposure to hypoxia (PND14) and at the end of the behavioral test (PND54). The results showed that hypoxia led to decreased motor activity, coordination, and memory, as well as increased inflammation. However, the rats that received alpha-pinene showed improved behavioral responses and reduced inflammation compared to the hypoxia group (all cases p

Background: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The growing concern of drug resistance of this infection has cautioned the need for new drug development. We evaluated the potential antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of a-pinene and tannic acid (TA) on Trichomonas vaginalis cells. In addition, the cytotoxicity of agents on Vero cells was investigated. Methods: Trichomonas cells were axenically cultured in TYI-S-33 medium. In vitro antiproliferative activity of a-pinene, TA, and metronidazole was investigated against Trichomonas cells. The assays were carried out in triplicate using microtiter plate and trypan blue staining method. Annexin V/PI staining with flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis induction. In addition, the cytotoxic effect was measured by MTT assay. Results: α-Pinene and TA exhibited significant inhibition of the Trichomonas cells and the lowest IC50 values were 22.9 µg/ml and 140 µg/ml at 48 hours' incubation, respectively. The CC50 was found at 116 μg/ml for β-pinene and 473 μg/ml for TA, after 48 hours of treatment. The flow cytometry study demonstrated that the natural compounds induced apoptosis in Trichomonas cells. After 24 hours of treatment, the induction of apoptosis was 5.2% - 36.6% at concentrations of 3.9 - 62.5 μg/ml for β-pinene and TA induced-apoptosis was 6.1% - 53.8% at concentrations of 125-2000 μg/ml. Conclusion: Although the results show the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of a-pinene and TA on Trichomonas cells, in vivo studies are needed to further clarify the effects of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides an overview of the biotransformation of limonene and α-pinene, which are commonly found in wood residues and citrus fruit by-products, to produce high-value-added products. Essential oils derived from various plant parts contain monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as limonene and pinenes which are often considered waste due to their low sensory activity, poor water solubility, and tendency to autoxidize and polymerise. However, these terpene hydrocarbons serve as ideal starting materials for microbial transformations. Moreover, agro-industrial byproducts can be employed as nutrient and substrate sources, reducing fermentation costs, and enhancing industrial viability. Terpenes, being secondary metabolites of plants, are abundant in byproducts generated during fruit and plant processing. Microbial cells offer advantages over enzymes due to their higher stability, rapid growth rates, and genetic engineering potential. Fermentation parameters can be easily manipulated to enhance strain performance in large-scale processes. The economic advantages of biotransformation are highlighted by comparing the prices of substrates and products. For instance, R-limonene, priced at US$ 34/L, can be transformed into carveol, valued at around US$ 530/L. This review emphasises the potential of biotransformation to produce high-value products from limonene and α-pinene molecules, particularly present in wood residues and citrus fruit by-products. The utilisation of microbial transformations, along with agro-industrial byproducts, presents a promising approach to extract value from waste materials and enhance the sustainability of the antimicrobial, the fragrance and flavour industry.

Objective:It was aimed to evaluate whether alpha-pinene (AP) had a beneficial effect in the testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) model for the first time.Materials and Methods:Testicular malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, and total antioxidant status levels were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) levels were determined using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used in the histopathological evaluation.Results:In the IRI group, testicular MDA, MPO, GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP levels were significantly increased, while GSH and GPx levels were decreased compared with the control group (p

Background: Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The growing concern of drug resistance of this infection has cautioned the need for new drug development. We evaluated the potential antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of α-pinene and tannic acid (TA) on Trichomonas vaginalis cells. In addition, the cytotoxicity of agents on Vero cells was investigated. Methods: Trichomonas cells were axenically cultured in TYI-S-33 medium. In vitro antiproliferative activity of α-pinene, TA, and metronidazole was investigated against Trichomonas cells. The assays were carried out in triplicate using microtiter plate and trypan blue staining method. Annexin V/PI staining with flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis induction. In addition, the cytotoxic effect was measured by MTT assay. Results: α-Pinene and TA exhibited significant inhibition of the Trichomonas cells and the lowest IC50 values were 22.9 µg/ml and 140 µg/ml at 48 hours’ incubation, respectively. The CC50 was found at 116 μg/ml for α-pinene and 473 μg/ml for TA, after 48 hours of treatment. The flow cytometry study demonstrated that the natural compounds induced apoptosis in Trichomonas cells. After 24 hours of treatment, the induction of apoptosis was 5.2% - 36.6% at concentrations of 3.9 - 62.5 μg/ml for α-pinene and TA induced-apoptosis was 6.1% - 53.8% at concentrations of 125-2000 μg/ml. Conclusion: Although the results show the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of α-pinene and TA on Trichomonas cells, in vivo studies are needed to further clarify the effects of these compounds.

This review provides an overview of the biotransformation of limonene and α-pinene, which are commonly found in wood residues and citrus fruit by-products, to produce high-value-added products. Essential oils derived from various plant parts contain monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as limonene and pinenes which are often considered waste due to their low sensory activity, poor water solubility, and tendency to autoxidize and polymerise. However, these terpene hydrocarbons serve as ideal starting materials for microbial transformations. Moreover, agro-industrial byproducts can be employed as nutrient and substrate sources, reducing fermentation costs, and enhancing industrial viability. Terpenes, being secondary metabolites of plants, are abundant in byproducts generated during fruit and plant processing. Microbial cells offer advantages over enzymes due to their higher stability, rapid growth rates, and genetic engineering potential. Fermentation parameters can be easily manipulated to enhance strain performance in large-scale processes. The economic advantages of biotransformation are highlighted by comparing the prices of substrates and products. For instance, R-limonene, priced at US$ 34/L, can be transformed into carveol, valued at around US$ 530/L. This review emphasises the potential of biotransformation to produce high-value products from limonene and α-pinene molecules, particularly present in wood residues and citrus fruit by-products. The utilisation of microbial transformations, along with agro-industrial byproducts, presents a promising approach to extract value from waste materials and enhance the sustainability of the antimicrobial, the fragrance and flavour industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemical pesticides increasing use caused increased resistance in insects and increases the residue of pesticides in agricultural products and the environment. Objective: The aims of this study was to achieve a safe method and using natural essential oils of Cupressus against adult insects of the wheat flour (Tribolium castaneum Herbst). Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in four replications in 2018. The Cupressus essential oils (EO) Clevenger by water distillation method and measured by GC-MS. Relative growth rate (RGR), repellency and nutritional indicators, and fumigant toxicity of EO on mature Tribolium castaneum Herbst were investigated in 27 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5 % relative humidity. Results: Alpha-pinene was the major component of the EO in the studied species. The results of the fumigant toxicity test of essential oils showed that increasing concentration and duration of exposure to essential oil caused an increase in the mortality of T. castaneum. Among the studied species, C. sempervirens (France) with LC50 = 256.93 µL / L air had the highest fumigant toxicity (87.5%) on T. castaneum. Conclusion: Based on the insecticides, repellents and nutritional indices effect of Cupressus essential oils on T. castaneum they can be used as a biological management method for controlling storeroom pests.

Background and Aim: Oxidative stress is an important factor in the development of memory and learning disorder which can cause neuronal damage in the hippocampus. Alpha-pinene is a polyphenolic compound from the terpene family that has shown important anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system and can affect memory. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of alpha-pinene on the improvement of working and spatial memory in rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control and 2 alpha-pinene groups (5 and 10 mg/kg IP) for 3 weeks. Spatial and working memories were assessed by Morris water maze and Y maze, respectively. Then, malondialdehyde level and total antioxidant capacity in hippocampal tissue were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: The percentage of alternation in the Y maze increased in the group which had received 10 mg/kg alpha-pinene group compared to those in the control group and the group which had received 5 mg/kg alpha-pinene. The time spent in the target area at the dose of 10 mg/kg of alpha-pinene showed a significant increase compared to that in the control group, but there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of the time to reach the target platform. Alpha-pinene at the dose of 10 mg/kg decreased the level of malondialdehyde in hippocampal tissue compared to the control group, but no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Alpha-pinene increased spatial and working memory performance in rats. One of the possible mechanisms of memory improvement in the present study could be due to the reduction of malondialdehyde in the hippocampal tissue, as one of the important indicators of oxidative stress in the central nervous system.

Alpha-pinene (α- pinene), an essential oil that falls under the category of monoterpenes, has various advantages. This research delves into the potential benefits of α-pinene in alleviating nociception caused by the formalin test and the molecular mechanisms involved. Alpha-pinene (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administrated for 7 days before the formalin test. Observations of nociceptive behaviors were made during the formalin test. We examined the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the expression of COX-1 in the spinal cord. Additionally, we evaluated the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, SOD, GSH, CAT, and MDA in the skin of the hind paw that received a formalin injection. The peripheral injection of formalin triggered nociceptive behaviors, which was notably diminished by α-pinene 5 or 10 mg/kg. The biochemical evaluation revealed that α-pinene significantly moderated the evaluation in TNF-α and IL-1β in the spinal cord induced by formalin injection. Additionally, it was found that α-pinene had a decreasing effect on the expression of COX-1 protein in the spinal cord. Also, α-pinene 5 or 10 mg/kg caused a decrease of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA and an increase of SOD, GSH, and CAT at the formalin injection site. The study discovered that doses of 5 or 10 mg/ml of α-pinene can effectively relieve nociceptive response in the formalin test. Alpha-pinene pretreatment reduced the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also improved the oxidative stress condition by enhancing antioxidant factors and reducing oxidant factors.

Objective: It was aimed to evaluate whether alpha-pinene (AP) had a beneficial effect in the testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) model for the first time. Materials and Methods: Testicular malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, and total antioxidant status levels were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) levels were determined using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used in the histopathological evaluation. Results: In the IRI group, testicular MDA, MPO, GRP78, ATF6, and CHOP levels were significantly increased, while GSH and GPx levels were decreased compared with the control group (p<0.01). AP application restored these levels significantly (p<0.05). Johnsen scores were also significantly lower in the IRI group compared the control group (p<0.001), and AP treatment increased these scores significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that AP can protect the testicular tissue against IRI by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress with its antioxidant properties, thus providing a molecular basis for a novel medical treatment of testicular IRI. Future studies are needed on other mechanisms of the protective effect of AP on the pathogenesis of testicular torsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how gases interact with and are incorporated into atmospheric secondary organic aerosol particles is crucial for predicting particle effects on climate and human health. This work examined how three gaseous organic nitrates (ON) are taken up into viscous particles formed from the ozonolysis of α-pinene (AP). Experiments were performed in a flow reactor at room temperature under dry conditions, either with or without an OH scavenger present, with constant ozone and variable AP concentrations. Each ON was introduced independently into the flow reactor and was present during particle formation/growth. ON gas-phase concentrations were determined by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry, and particle phase concentrations were measured by high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry. Partition coefficients (KSOA) for each ON were independent of the initial AP concentration, except for 2-ethylhexyl nitrate which was undetectable in the particles at the lowest AP concentration. Measured KSOA values were larger than those previously determined for equilibrium partitioning, which points to a potential burying mechanism for incorporation of ON during particle growth. Estimated effective net uptake coefficients (γΟΝ) were found to increase with initial AP concentration. Concentrations of gas-phase oxidation products (including dimers and autoxidation products) predicted using an updated master chemical mechanism increased with AP concentration, with little change in the overall species distribution, consistent with increased trapping/burying of ON during particle growth and thus increased values of γΟΝ. These results provide further evidence that kinetically controlled burying can contribute significantly to particle growth, provided that the incoming gas-phase molecules have sufficient residence time on the particle surface to become buried via subsequent gas−surface collisions.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders which is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Therefore, drugs or natural agents that have suppressive effects on dopaminergic cell death may reduce the progression of such disorder. Here, the effect of natural product alpha-pinene was evaluated on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced damage in SH-SY5Y human dopaminergic cell line as an in vitro model of PD. Methods: The cells were incubated by 150 μM 6-OHDA alone or accompanied with different concentration of alpha-pinene (10–180 μM). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometry. In addition, the components of molecular apoptotic pathway such as cytochrome c release, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 levels were measured by immunoblotting. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, bicuculline, was used to find the role of GABA Type A (GABAA) receptors in the signaling of alpha-pinene. Results: The data showed that 6-OHDA produced cell damage, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased intracellular ROS and cytochrome c release, as well as increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity. Moreover, alpha-pinene (70 μM) significantly inhibited cellular and molecular abnormalities. Blockage of GABAA receptor significantly suppressed the protective effect of alpha-pinene. Conclusion: The results suggest that alpha-pinene has a protective effect against dopaminergic toxicity, and at least in part, its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties are probably involved in such protection.

Determination of the myristicin and alpha-pinene content of nutmeg is still constrained by the extended testing time in the laboratory, which is expensive and is carried out destructively. In addition, non-destructive testing using spectroscopy often faces problems in building models that only rely on algorithms that perform linearly, such as PCR and PLSR. Therefore, the present study studied Vis-NIR (381-1065 nm) as a fast, inexpensive, and non-destructive mechanism to determine the myristicin and alphapinene of nutmeg fruits from Aceh, Indonesia. Two algorithms commonly used in spectral data processing, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and machine learning represented by a support vector machine (SVM), were employed and compared to predict myristicin and alpha-pinene in nutmeg fruits. The chemical reference parameters (myristicin and alpha-pinene) were measured using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Standard normal variate (SNV) and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) preprocessing were involved as spectra enhancement before the prediction models outcome. The results show that the kernel of the radial basis function (RBF) kernel ε-SVM algorithm is better than PLSR for myristicin prediction with gamma (ε), c, and nu (ε) of 0.1, 1.0, and 0.99, respectively. Also, the ε-SVM algorithm by RBF kernel is better than PLSR for the prediction of alpha-pinene in nutmeg fruits with gamma (ε), c, and epsilon (ε) compositions of 0.01, 10, 0.1, respectively. The coefficient correlation of calibration (rc) and coefficient determination of prediction (Rp²), the root means square error of calibration (RMSEC) and prediction (RMSEP), and the ratio (RPD) for the prediction of myristicin were 0.992, 0.986, 0.941%, 1.325% and 8.348, respectively. The coefficient correlation of calibration (rc) and coefficient determination of prediction (Rp²), the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and prediction (RMSEP), and the ratio of prediction to deviation ratio (RPD) for the prediction of alpha-pinene were 0.976, 0.979, 0.305%, 0.317% and 6.826, respectively. In general, the results satisfactorily indicate that Vis-NIRS, with the appropriate algorithm, has promising results in determining myristicin and alpha-pinene on nutmeg from Aceh, Indonesia, as nondestructive measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey designed to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of α-pinene, a monoterpene commonly originated in essential oils on Toxoplasma gondii. The in vitro effect of various concentration of α-pinene against tachyzoites of T. gondii Rh strain was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The activity of α-pinene on the stimulation of apoptosis in tachyzoites of T. gondii was also examined using the caspase 3 colorimetric activity assay. In vivo assay, mice were orally received α-pinene at 2 and 4 mg/kg/day for 14 days, then, pre-treated mice were daily tested and the rate of death was recorded. α-pinene meaningfully declined (p < 0.001) the tachyzoites viability with the IC50 value of 23.3 µg/mL. α-pinene induced the apoptosis through increasing the caspase-3 activity by 35.6%. Oral treatment with α-pinene significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate infected mice with by 9th day. α-pinene + atovauone (50 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.01) improved the survival rate infected mice up to 11 days compared with the control groups. α-pinene especially in combined atovaquone at 50 mg/kg for 2 weeks meaningfully (p < 0.05) declined oxidative stress. We found the promising in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects of α-pinene on T. gondii RH strain. In addition, we found that α-pinene therapy particularly along with the reference drug declined the mortality rate of infected mice. Although, we just confirmed the stimulation of apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects as the main anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms of α-pinene; however, more surveys concerning the accurate mechanisms, toxicity, and efficacy on other T. gondii strains are required to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented work describes the autoxidation of alpha-pinene for the first time using a catalyst based on activated carbon from biomass with introduced Fe. The raw material for the preparation of the carbon material was waste orange peel, which was activated with a KOH solution. The following instrumental methods characterized the obtained catalyst (Fe/O_AC):N2 adsorption at 77 K, XRD, UV, SEM, TEM, X-ray microanalysis, and catalytic studies. It was shown that the Fe/O_AC catalyst was very active in the autoxidation of alpha-pinene. The main reaction products were: alpha-pinene oxide, verbenone, verbenol, and campholenic aldehyde.

The carbonaceous precursor was obtained via pyrolysis of commercial aramid polymer (Kevlar). Additionally the precursor was activated at 1000°C in CO2 atmosphere for different times. Obtained materials were characterised by BET; XPS; SEM and optical microscopy. The sorption capacities were determined by temperature swing adsorption performed in TGA apparatus for CO2 and C2H4 gases. The obtained materials exhibit high difference in sorption of these gases i.e. 1.5 and 2.8 mmol/g @30°C respectively and high SSA ~1600 m2/g what can be applied in separation applications. The highest uptakes were 1.8 and 3.1 mmol/g @30°C respectively. It was found that the presence of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups enhances C2H4/CO2 uptake ratio.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders which is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Therefore, drugs or natural agents that have suppressive effects on dopaminergic cell death may reduce the progression of such disorder. Here, the effect of natural product alpha-pinene was evaluated on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced damage in SH-SY5Y human dopaminergic cell line as an in vitro model of PD. Methods: The cells were incubated by 150 μM 6-OHDA alone or accompanied with different concentration of alpha-pinene (10–180 μM). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometry. In addition, the components of molecular apoptotic pathway such as cytochrome c release, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 levels were measured by immunoblotting. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, bicuculline, was used to find the role of GABA Type A (GABAA) receptors in the signaling of alpha-pinene. Results: The data showed that 6-OHDA produced cell damage, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased intracellular ROS and cytochrome c release, as well as increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity. Moreover, alpha-pinene (70 μM) significantly inhibited cellular and molecular abnormalities. Blockage of GABAA receptor significantly suppressed the protective effect of alpha-pinene. Conclusion: The results suggest that alpha-pinene has a protective effect against dopaminergic toxicity, and at least in part, its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties are probably involved in such protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 20% of all breast cancer cases and is characterized by a lack of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. Current targeted medicines have been unsuccessful due to this absence of hormone receptors. This study explored the efficacy of Tulbaghia violacea , a South African medicinal plant, for the treatment of TNBC metastasis. Extracts from T. violacea leaves were prepared using water and methanol. However, only the water-soluble extract showed anti-cancer activity and the effects of this water-soluble extract on cell adhesion, invasion, and migration, and its antioxidant activity were assessed using MCF-10A and MDA-MB-231 cells. The T. violacea extract that was soluble in water effectively decreased the movement and penetration of MDA-MB-231 cells through the basement membrane in scratch and invasion tests, while enhancing their attachment to a substance resembling an extracellular matrix. The sample showed mild-to-low antioxidant activity in the antioxidant assy. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed 61 chemical components in the water-soluble extract, including DDMP, 1,2,4-triazine-3,5(2H,4H)-dione, vanillin, schisandrin, taurolidine, and α-pinene, which are known to have anti-cancer properties. An in-depth examination of the transcriptome showed alterations in genes linked to angiogenesis, metastasis, and proliferation post-treatment, with reduced activity in growth receptor signaling, angiogenesis, and cancer-related pathways, such as the Wnt, Notch, and PI3K pathways. These results indicate that T. violacea may be a beneficial source of lead chemicals for the development of potential therapeutic medicines that target TNBC metastasis. Additional studies are required to identify the precise bioactive chemical components responsible for the observed anti-cancer effects.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential anticarcinogenic effects of three phytochemicals, namely Alpha-pinene (AP), Gamma-terpinene (GT), and P-cymene (PC), on melanoma cells (A2058 cell line). Additionally, the study aims to explore the synergistic activities of these phytochemicals with Dacarbazine, a chemotherapy drug. To understand the molecular mechanism involved in apoptosis induction in the A-2058 cell line, it was used AO/EB staining for apoptosis detection and cell cycle analysis, monitored through flow cytometry. It also determined the mRNA expression levels of different apoptosis-regulatory genes, including p53, Bax, NF-kB, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl , and caspase-3. The antitumor activities of these phytochemicals and their combinations were investigated in a subcutaneous mouse tumor model. The tumor diameter was 21.4 ± 1.1 mm in the Dacarbazine treatment group and 42.4 ± 3.1 mm in the control group. The antitumoral activities of AP and PC in the tumor model were similar to those of Dacarbazine. On the other hand, GT exhibited remarkable antitumoral activity, with a 1.75-fold reduction in tumor diameter compared to the Dacarbazine group. When different combinations of phytochemicals and Dacarbazine were used, the GT plus Dacarbazine treatment group was found to have a 3.5-fold reduction in tumor diameter compared to the Dacarbazine group. The tumor diameters in the Dacarbazine, AP plus GT, GT plus Dacarbazine, and AP plus Dacarbazine treatment groups were 21.4 ± 1.1, 7.6 ± 2.2, 8.6 ± 0.5, and 6.2 ± 1.9 mm, respectively., Competing Interests: No conflict interest., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The carbonaceous precursor was obtained via pyrolysis of commercial aramid polymer (Kevlar). Additionally the precursor was activated at 1000°C in CO2 atmosphere for different times. Obtained materials were characterised by BET; XPS; SEM and optical microscopy. The sorption capacities were determined by temperature swing adsorption performed in TGA apparatus for CO2 and C2H4 gases. The obtained materials exhibit high difference in sorption of these gases i.e. 1.5 and 2.8 mmol/g @30°C respectively and high SSA ~1600 m2/g what can be applied in separation applications. The highest uptakes were 1.8 and 3.1 mmol/g @30°C respectively. It was found that the presence of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups enhances C2H4/CO2 uptake ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chamomile has several variants, such as Anthemis Susiana Nábělek, Matricaria chamomilla L., Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert, Matricaria suaveolens Koch and etc. Medicinal herbs, extracts and essential oils are of particular importance in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. The phytoanalysis of these compounds is of particular importance. In April 2019, Anthemis Susiana Nábělek samples were collected from the Thermal Springs area of Dehloran, south of Ilam province, western Iran. The plant was dried and then pulverized. The essential oil was extracted from the plant using HSSPME and analyzed using GC-MS. GC-MS results showed that Anthemis susiana Nábělek contains 63 chemical compounds. The main chemical compounds included alpha-bisabolol oxide A (19.07%), alpha-pinene (15.50%), beta-bisabolene (12.56%), spathulenol (9.23%), beta-farnesen (8.95%), alpha-bisabolol (4.72%), caryophyllene oxide (4.46%), trans-farnesol (3.75%), and dl-limonene (3.47%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Increased mupirocin use leads to mupirocin resistance and is associated with persistence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers, prolonged hospitalization, and significant economic burdens for health systems. The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of compounds of Salvia rosmarinus L. ("rosemary", formerly Rosmarinus officinalis), alone or in combination with mupirocin, against multidrug resistant MRSA using isolates obtained from pediatric patients., Methods: The in vitro antibacterial activity of the monoterpene α-pinene (α-Pi), a rosemary essential oil constituent, alone and in combination with mupirocin, was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) and fractional bactericidal concentration indices against multidrug-resistant clinical MRSA strains. The in vivo efficacy of α-Pi, alone and in combination with mupirocin, to eradicate MRSA infection was determined using an optimized mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds. Mouse skin samples (obtained via biopsy) were assessed for toxicity, and rabbit skin samples for irritation., Results: Both in vitro and in vivo, α-Pi was active against MRSA strains and acted synergistically with mupirocin against MRSA strains. Mupirocin-monoterpene combinations exhibited FICI values of 0.2 to 0.4, reducing the MBC of topical mupirocin 33-fold. A topical formulation containing α-Pi and mupirocin enhanced the efficacy of mupirocin in an in vivo MRSA-infected mouse skin model without significantly harming the skin of mice and rabbits., Conclusions: A topical formulation combining mupirocin and α-Pi may aid in the development of innovative agents for treating MRSA infections.

Extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) has been shown, in other laboratories, to be a useful technique for the analysis of aerosols from a variety of sources.EESI-MS is applied here, for the first time, to the analysis of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed from the reaction of ozone and α-pinene. The results are compared to those obtained using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS). The SOA was generated in the laboratory and merged with electrospray droplets. The recovered ions were directed towards the inlet of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Through the use of a denuder to remove gas phase compounds, the EESI-MS technique was found to be effective for measuring the major ozonolysis products either in particles alone or in a combination of vapor phase and particulate products. Due to its relatively simple setup and the avoidance of sample collection and work-up, EESI-MS shows promise as an excellent tool for the characterization of atmospherically relevant particles.

The effect of relative humidity (RH) on the composition and concentrations of gas-phase products and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generated from the photooxidation of isoprene under high-NOx conditions was investigated. Experiments were performed with hydrogen peroxide as the OH precursor and in the absence of seed aerosol. The relative yields of most gas-phase products were the same regardless of initial water vapor concentration with exception of hydroxyacetone and glycolaldehyde, which were considerably affected by RH. A significant change was observed in the SOA composition, with many unique condensed-phase products formed under humid (90% RH) vs. dry (< 2% RH) conditions, without any detectable effect on the rate and extent of the SOA mass growth. There is a 40% reduction in the number and relative abundance of distinct particle-phase nitrogen-containing organic compounds (NOC) detected by high resolution mass spectrometry. The suppression of condensation reactions, which produce water as a product, is the most important chemical effect of the increased RH. For example, the total signal from oligomeric esters of 2-methylglyceric acid was reduced by about 60% under humid conditions and the maximum oligomer chain lengths were reduced by 7-11 carbons. Oligomers formed by addition mechanisms, without direct involvement of water, also decreased at elevated RH but to a much smaller extent. The observed reduction in the extent of condensation-type oligomerization at high RH may have substantial impact on the phase characteristics and hygroscopicity of the isoprene aerosol. The reduction in the amount of organic nitrates in the particle phase has implications for understanding the budget of NOC compounds.

Background: This study investigated the effect of central administration of α-pinene and the interaction of α-pinene with GABAA receptor on pulpal nociception-induced changes in learning and memory performances in rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six adult male Wistar rats were used. Pulpal nociception was induced by intradental application of capsaicin (100 μg/rat). α-pinene (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 μg/rat) was injected centrally 10 min before the administration of capsaicin. In addition, α-pinene (0.4 μg/rat) was co-injected with bicuculline (0.5 μg/rat). Spatial and passive avoidance learning and memory were assessed using Morris water maze (MWM) and shuttle box tasks, respectively. Results: Experimental results of the MWM test showed that capsaicin increases escape latency and distance traveled to the hidden platform (P < 0.01). The effect was prohibited by α-pinene at the dose of 0.4 μg/rat. Moreover, capsaicin-treated animals spent less time in the target zone than capsaicin + α-pinene (0.4 μg/rat)-treated rats (P < 0.05). In the shuttle box test, α-pinene (0.2 μg and 0.4 μg) prevented an increased number of acquisition trials and time spent in the dark chamber induced by capsaicin, whereas it increased step-through latency (P < 0.01). However, the effects of α-pinene (0.4 μg/rat) in both tests were prohibited by bicuculline (0.5 μg/rat). Conclusion: The data showed that central administration of α-pinene might reduce pulpalgia-induced learning and memory impairment, at least partially, via modulation of GABAA receptors.

Background and Aim: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease which presents with a wide range of clinical features, including cutaneous and visceral forms in Iran. Leishmania (L) major is one of the agents responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis transmitted by the bite of sand fly. In this study we assessed the antileishmania effect of pistacia Atlantica (alpha-pinene) in culture and also its therapeutic effects on Balb/c mice infected with L. Major. Material and Method: Certain amount of promastigots was challenged with increasing concentrations of pistacia atlantica extract. MTT test was used to assess promastigote survival after 24, 48 and 72 hours. For in vivo assessment, in the stationary phase, 0.1 ml solution containing 2×106 promastigotes were injected subcutaneously into the base of the tails of the mice. Four weeks after injection, cutaneous lesions appeared and different doses of the extract were applied daily in the form of an ointment for 3 weeks. Diameters of the lesions were measured at the end of each week and therapeutic effect of the extract on the lesions was assessed. Results: The results of MTT test revealed remarkable effect of the treatment on the growth of promastigots. IC50 values for glucantime and alpha pinene were found to be 10 µg/ml and 1.46 µg/ml respectively. 30 % ointment of the extract decreased the lesion diameter significantly while 15% ointment and treatment for control group were ineffective. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed antileishmanial effect of alpha-pinene on Leishmania major promastigots, in vitro. Moreover, topical ointment of the extract can reduce size of the lesions caused by the parasite, in vivo.

Photodegradation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) prepared by ozone-initiated oxidation of D-limonene is studied with an action spectroscopy approach, which relies on detection of volatile photoproducts with chemical ionization mass-spectrometry as a function of the UV irradiation wavelength. Efficient photodegradation is observed for a broad range of ozone (0.1-300 ppm) and D-limonene (0.02-3 ppm) concentrations used in the preparation of SOA. The observed photoproducts are dominated by oxygenated C1-C3 compounds such as methanol, formic acid, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and acetone. The irradiation wavelength dependence of the combined yield of the photoproducts closely tracks the absorption spectrum of the SOA material suggesting that photodegradation is not limited to the UV wavelengths. Kinetic simulations suggest that RO(2)+HO(2)/RO(2) reactions represent the dominant route to photochemically active carbonyl and peroxide species in the limonene SOA prepared in these experiments. Similar photodegradation processes are likely to occur in realistic SOA produced by OH- or O(3)-initiated oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds in clean air.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a profound neurological disorder that affects approximately 1% of the global population. Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a natural and active monoterpene found in coniferous tree oil, primarily pine, with diverse pharmacological characteristics, including antioxidative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. This research study delves into the neuroprotective effects of α-pinene on oxidative stress, memory deficits, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in a ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ using male mice. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle, control, positive control, ketamine, α-pinene at 50 mg/kg, and α-pinene at 100 mg/kg. Treatment of the ketamine-induced mice model of SCZ with α-pinene yielded significant improvements in depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it significantly elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), dopamine levels, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while markedly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The current study establishes that α-pinene treatment effectively mitigates oxidative damage, cognitive deficits, and depressive and anxiogenic-like behaviors in the brains of ketamine-treated mice. Therefore, α-pinene treatment is an efficacious approach to forestall the neurobehavioral and neurobiochemical adverse effects of the ketamine-induced SCZ model of mice., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial and personal relationships with other individuals or institutions that could affect their investigation reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Objectives: Renal and testicular disorders are primarily associated with oxidative damage and inflammation. Here, alpha-pinene (a type of monoterpene) was investigated for its effect on oxidative/nitrosative stress and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic factors in the kidneys and testes of rats treated with CCl 4 ., Materials and Methods: CCl 4 was injected intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 2 ml/kg (twice a week for six weeks). Alpha-pinene (50 mg/kg/day, IP) was also treated during the same period., Results: CCl 4 increased the level of malondialdehyde ( P <0.01 in the kidney and P <0.001 in the testis) and nitric oxide ( P <0.001 in the kidney and P <0.01 in the testis) and decreased the levels of glutathione ( P <0.05) in the kidneys and testicles of rats. CCl 4 also reduced the catalase enzyme activity in the kidneys ( P <0.05) but did not affect its activity in the testis. In addition, CCl 4 enhanced the mRNA expression of TNF-α ( P <0.01), nuclear factor-κB (P<0.05), and Bax ( P <0.05 in the kidney and P <0.01 in the testis) and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 ( P <0.05) in both organs. Alpha-pinene prevented all the mentioned changes, but it did not influence the expression of Bcl-2 in the kidneys of rats receiving CCl 4 ., Conclusion: Alpha-pinene may have the potential to prevent renal and testicular diseases by strengthening the antioxidant system in the kidneys and testis, and inhibiting oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis caused by CCl 4 ., Competing Interests: None.

The monoterpene composition (emission and tissue internal concentration) of major forest tree species in the United States is discussed. Of the 14 most commonly occurring compounds (α-pinene, β-pinene, Δ3-carene, d-limonene, camphene, myrcene, α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, sabinene, ρ-cymene, ocimene, α-thujene, terpinolene, and γ-terpinene), the first six are usually found to be most abundant. Expected regional variability based on the monoterpene composition fingerprints and corresponding tree species distribution and abundance is examined. In the southeast, a-pinene and β-pinene seem to dominate monoterpene emissions, while in the northern forests emissions are distributed more evenly among the six major compounds. In some parts of western forests, β-pinene and Δ3-carene can be more abundant than α-pinene. Among the other eight compounds, β-phellandrene and sabinene occasionally are significant percentages of expected local monoterpene emissions. Ocimene and ρ-cymene are estimated to be more common in regions dominated by deciduous broadleaf forests, although total emission rates are generally lower for these forests relative to those dominated by conifers. These percentages are compared with monoterpene composition measured in ambient air at various sites. Estimated monoterpene emission composition based on local forest species composition agrees fairly well with ambient measurements for the six major compounds. The past assumption that α-pinene composes approximately 50% of total monoterpene emissions appears reasonable for many areas, except for possibly the northern coniferous forests and some areas in the west dominated by true firs, spruce, and western pines (lodgepole and ponderosa pines). The oxygenated monoterpenes such as camphor, bornyl acetate, and cineole often compose high percentages of the monoterpenes within plant tissues, but are much less abundant in emission samples. Even after adjusting for lower vapor pressures of these compounds, emission rates relative to the hydrocarbon monoterpenes are often lower than would be expected from their internal concentrations. More study is warranted on monoterpene emission rates and composition, especially from the spruces, true firs, hemlocks, cedars, and some deciduous species such as the maples. Non-invasive canopy level and whole ecosystem flux studies are also needed to establish uncertainty estimates for monoterpene emission models. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carpesium cernuum L., one of the two Carpesium species occurring in Europe, in the Far East and India, found use as a vegetable and a traditional medicinal remedy for several ailments. In the present study, compositions of essential oils distilled from roots and shoots of C. cernuum plants, cultivated in the open field, have been studied by GC-MS-FID supported by NMR spectroscopy. The analyses led to the identification of 120 compounds in total, of which 115 were found in aerial parts and 37 in roots of the plants. The major constituents found in the oil from shoots were: α-pinene (35%) and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, 12%), whereas 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (55%), thymyl isobutyrate (9%) and thymol methyl ether (8%) predominated in the essential oil obtained from the roots. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oils distilled from C. cernuum were also tested. The essential oil from aerial parts of the plant demonstrated good inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MIC: 15.6 μL/mL).

Alpha-pinene (α- pinene), an essential oil that falls under the category of monoterpenes, has various advantages. This research delves into the potential benefits of α-pinene in alleviating nociception caused by the formalin test and the molecular mechanisms involved. Alpha-pinene (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administrated for 7 days before the formalin test. Observations of nociceptive behaviors were made during the formalin test. We examined the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the expression of COX-1 in the spinal cord. Additionally, we evaluated the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, SOD, GSH, CAT, and MDA in the skin of the hind paw that received a formalin injection. The peripheral injection of formalin triggered nociceptive behaviors, which was notably diminished by α-pinene 5 or 10 mg/kg. The biochemical evaluation revealed that α-pinene significantly moderated the evaluation in TNF-α and IL-1β in the spinal cord induced by formalin injection. Additionally, it was found that α-pinene had a decreasing effect on the expression of COX-1 protein in the spinal cord. Also, α-pinene 5 or 10 mg/kg caused a decrease of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA and an increase of SOD, GSH, and CAT at the formalin injection site. The study discovered that doses of 5 or 10 mg/ml of α-pinene can effectively relieve nociceptive response in the formalin test. Alpha-pinene pretreatment reduced the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also improved the oxidative stress condition by enhancing antioxidant factors and reducing oxidant factors. • Alpha-pinene 5 and 10 mg/kg can effectively alleviate pain in the formalin test. • Alpha-pinene decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines at the injection site of formalin. • Alpha-pinene improve the oxidative stress condition at the formalin injection site. • Alpha-pinene pretreatment also reduced TNF-α and IL-1β in the spinal cord. • Alpha-pinene pretreatment reduce the expression of COX-1 in the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic oxidation of alpha-pinene was investigated using potassium permanganate as an oxidant. The reaction consumed catalyst following stoichiometric amount instead of the catalytic one. The keto-carboxylate compound 2 was afforded as the oxidation product. Further study of its complex compound with copper(II) and zinc(II) was also reported including their activity for inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In overall, the complex compound shows important result by inhibiting the bacterial growth.

Although juniper (Juniperus communis) berry essential oil (JEO) has been used in skin care products, research on its biological activity in human skin cells is scarce. In the current study, we explored the biological activity of JEO (with alpha-pinene as the major active component) in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts, which were designed to mimic the disease biology of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. We analyzed the levels of 17 important protein biomarkers pertinent to inflammation and tissue remodeling. JEO exhibited robust antiproliferative activity and significantly inhibited the increased production of the proinflammatory chemokines interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC). Additionally, JEO significantly inhibited tissue remodeling biomarkers, namely collagen I, collagen III, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-I). Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), an immunomodulatory protein molecule, was also significantly downregulated by JEO. Moreover, we found that JEO robustly modulated global gene expression. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis also showed that JEO affected many important signaling pathways that are closely related to metabolism, inflammation, immune response, wound healing, and cancer biology. This study provides the first evidence of the biological activity of JEO in human dermal fibroblasts. Thus, JEO is a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory conditions in the skin.