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Summary: This study aims to develop a novel active food packaging material from hybrid micro‐nanofibrous mats fabricated from gelatin (G)–chitosan (Ch)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–Origanum elongatum essential oil (EO), (G‐Ch‐PVA‐EO) through electro‐blowing. The fibrous mats were characterised to assess their morphologies, shelf life efficiency, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, surface‐wetting, and thermal, chemical, and physical interactions, among other factors. Results showed that the antioxidant activity was improved with the addition of EO, this enhancement is potentially linked to its rich content of phenolic components; carvacrol and P‐cymene. In addition, G‐Ch‐PVA‐EO showed higher firmness measurements compared to the control samples. Herein, low microbial counts were noted for both mesophilic aerobic bacteria (3.76 log CFU g−1) and yeast/mould (3.91 log CFU g−1) even at day 20. To conclude, the G‐Ch‐PVA‐EO microfibrous mat exhibits great promise in preserving the freshness of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to assess the phytochemical composition, phenolic component levels, and biological properties of the flowering tops of Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum. The study employed phytochemical assays, spectrophotometric techniques for quantitative analysis of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and compound identification using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties were examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the O. compactum extract had significantly high levels of total polyphenols, measuring 47.368 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram, and flavonoids, measuring 14.839 mg quercetin equivalents per gram. The phytochemical examination of O. compactum revealed that lithospermic acid accounted for 36.82 % of the chemicals detected, followed by salvianolic acid C at 12.57 % and ros-marinic acid at 6.01 %. The main constituents of O. elongatum are salvianolic acid C (14.46 %), luteolin-3-O-glucuronide (13.51 %), salvianolic acid B (12.24 %), rosmarinic acid (7.83 %), and rutin (6.18 %). The results demonstrated different levels of effectiveness against the investigated microorganisms, with the extract from O. compactum exhibiting better activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, certain yeasts, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extracts of both Origanum species demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. O. compactum has a higher total antioxidant capacity (IC50 of 35.083 μg/mL) compared to O. elongatum (IC50 of 77.080 μg/mL). However, O. elongatum has a higher reducing power (35.697 μg/mL) compared to O. compactum (42.563 μg/mL). In vivo evaluations revealed that the aqueous extracts of O. compactum and O. elongatum possess significant antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant properties. The extracts demonstrated a marked reduction in blood glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Wistar rats and effectively prolonged both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), highlighting their ability to inhibit coagulation pathways. Moreover, their comparable efficacy to standard antihyperglycemic medications and absence of severe toxicity, even at high doses, underscore their therapeutic potential for safe and effective treatment applications. Between the two species, O. compactum exhibited superior efficacy in key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant properties, making it a strong candidate for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the value of Origanum species as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agri-food industries. The findings pave the way for further exploration of their diverse applications.

The present study aims to assess the antibacterial activity of endemic Moroccan Origanum essential oils (Origanum elongatum and Origanum compactum) alone and in association with antibiotics against multidrug resistant foodborne Salmonella. The well diffusion and microdilution procedures were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The synergistic interactions between antibiotics and EOs were determined using the checkerboard assay. The results of the antibacterial activity indicated that all of Salmonella serovars isolates that were examined were highly inhibited by EOs. This effect was confirmed by the microdilution technique, where 0.125% was noted as the smallest MIC value. Based on the obtained MBC values, O. elongatum shown a bactericidal action against the tested strains as indicated by the acquired MBC values. While O. compactum showed this effect against different serovars of Salmonella isolates. Origanum EOs could be employed as an alternative to the former protocols against resistant infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irrational use of antibiotics has favored the emergence of resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to global health. To counteract antibiotic resistance, this research seeks to identify novel antimicrobials derived from essential oils that operate through several mechanisms. It aims to evaluate the quality and composition of essential oils from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum; test their antimicrobial activity against various strains; explore their synergies with commercial antibiotics; predict the efficacy, toxicity, and stability of compounds; and understand their molecular interactions through docking and dynamic simulations. The essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation from the flowering tops of oregano in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to examine their composition. Nine common antibiotics were chosen and tested alone or in combination with essential oils to discover synergistic effects against clinically important and resistant bacterial strains. A comprehensive in silico study was conducted, involving molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD). O. elongatum oil includes borneol (8.58%), p-cymene (42.56%), thymol (28.43%), and carvacrol (30.89%), whereas O. compactum oil is mostly composed of γ-terpinene (22.89%), p-cymene (15.84%), thymol (10.21%), and (E)-caryophyllene (3.63%). With O. compactum proving to be the most potent, these essential oils showed antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Certain antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, and ampicillin, have been shown to elicit synergistic effects. To fight resistant bacteria, the essential oils of O. compactum and O. elongatum, particularly those high in thymol and (E)-caryophyllene, seem promising when combined with antibiotics. These synergistic effects could result from their ability to target the same bacterial proteins or facilitate access to target sites, as suggested by molecular docking simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the stability of the examined protein–ligand complexes, emphasizing the propensity of substances like thymol and (E)-caryophyllene for particular target proteins, opening the door to potentially effective new therapeutic approaches against pathogens resistant to multiple drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of late blight disease, has gained notoriety for its destructive potential, leading to substantial losses in potato yields. Although conventional systemic fungicides have been shown to be effective in controlling plant pathogens, growing environmental concerns have prompted the need for more integrated disease management approaches. Hence, in this study, the effectiveness of wild Origanum elongatum extracts as biopesticides was explored in controlling P. infestans and potentially mitigating its devastating impact in planta. Methods: The aerial parts of O. elongatumwere subjected to sequential extraction usingwater, hexane, chloroform, and methanol. The obtained extracts were tested in vitro through the poisoned food procedure for their capacity to obstruct P. infestans growth and to defeat potato blight severity in vivo. The phyto-contents (total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)), as well as the antioxidant activities, were spectrophotometrically determined in all extracts, and the phytoconstituents of themost active extract (methanolic extract) were profiled via high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). Results: In vitro, the complete inhibition rate of the P. infestans was obtained using the methanolic extract at 5 mg/mL, followed by the hexane and chloroform extracts at 10 mg/mL. Interestingly, complete inhibition of the pathogen was achieved upon the application of the aqueous extract at 10 mg/mL. In vivo, the aqueous extract at 25 mg/mL reduced the P. infestans severity rate to 27.25%, while the methanolic extract at 20 mg/mL led to the lowest severity rate. Moreover, the hexane and chloroform extracts impaired the pathogen severity rate to 50% and 41% using 20 mg/mL, respectively. The TPC and TFC in the extracts were variable with high concentrations detected in the methanolic extract with 485.42 mg GAE/g and 58.24 mg QE/g, respectively. In addition, the methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activities, while the chloroform extract exhibited the lowest activity. Liquid chromatography (LC)- MS/MS analysis of the methanol extract revealed 56 components from diverse classes. These included organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins. Conclusion: These findings suggest that O. elongatum could be investigated as a potential source of antifungal compounds targeting different phytopathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionPhytophthora infestans, the causative agent of late blight disease, has gained notoriety for its destructive potential, leading to substantial losses in potato yields. Although conventional systemic fungicides have been shown to be effective in controlling plant pathogens, growing environmental concerns have prompted the need for more integrated disease management approaches. Hence, in this study, the effectiveness of wild Origanum elongatum extracts as biopesticides was explored in controlling P. infestans and potentially mitigating its devastating impact in planta.MethodsThe aerial parts of O. elongatum were subjected to sequential extraction using water, hexane, chloroform, and methanol. The obtained extracts were tested in vitro through the poisoned food procedure for their capacity to obstruct P. infestans growth and to defeat potato blight severity in vivo. The phyto-contents (total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)), as well as the antioxidant activities, were spectrophotometrically determined in all extracts, and the phytoconstituents of the most active extract (methanolic extract) were profiled via high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–PDA–MS/MS).ResultsIn vitro, the complete inhibition rate of the P. infestans was obtained using the methanolic extract at 5 mg/mL, followed by the hexane and chloroform extracts at 10 mg/mL. Interestingly, complete inhibition of the pathogen was achieved upon the application of the aqueous extract at 10 mg/mL. In vivo, the aqueous extract at 25 mg/mL reduced the P. infestans severity rate to 27.25%, while the methanolic extract at 20 mg/mL led to the lowest severity rate. Moreover, the hexane and chloroform extracts impaired the pathogen severity rate to 50% and 41% using 20 mg/mL, respectively. The TPC and TFC in the extracts were variable with high concentrations detected in the methanolic extract with 485.42 mg GAE/g and 58.24 mg QE/g, respectively. In addition, the methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activities, while the chloroform extract exhibited the lowest activity. Liquid chromatography (LC)–MS/MS analysis of the methanol extract revealed 56 components from diverse classes. These included organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins.ConclusionThese findings suggest that O. elongatum could be investigated as a potential source of antifungal compounds targeting different phytopathogens.

The irrational use of antibiotics has favored the emergence of resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to global health. To counteract antibiotic resistance, this research seeks to identify novel antimicrobials derived from essential oils that operate through several mechanisms. It aims to evaluate the quality and composition of essential oils from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum; test their antimicrobial activity against various strains; explore their synergies with commercial antibiotics; predict the efficacy, toxicity, and stability of compounds; and understand their molecular interactions through docking and dynamic simulations. The essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation from the flowering tops of oregano in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to examine their composition. Nine common antibiotics were chosen and tested alone or in combination with essential oils to discover synergistic effects against clinically important and resistant bacterial strains. A comprehensive in silico study was conducted, involving molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD). O. elongatum oil includes borneol (8.58%), p-cymene (42.56%), thymol (28.43%), and carvacrol (30.89%), whereas O. compactum oil is mostly composed of γ-terpinene (22.89%), p-cymene (15.84%), thymol (10.21%), and (E)-caryophyllene (3.63%). With O. compactum proving to be the most potent, these essential oils showed antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Certain antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, and ampicillin, have been shown to elicit synergistic effects. To fight resistant bacteria, the essential oils of O. compactum and O. elongatum, particularly those high in thymol and (E)-caryophyllene, seem promising when combined with antibiotics. These synergistic effects could result from their ability to target the same bacterial proteins or facilitate access to target sites, as suggested by molecular docking simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the stability of the examined protein–ligand complexes, emphasizing the propensity of substances like thymol and (E)-caryophyllene for particular target proteins, opening the door to potentially effective new therapeutic approaches against pathogens resistant to multiple drugs.

The aim was to assess the phytochemical composition, phenolic component levels, and biological properties of the flowering tops of Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum. The study employed phytochemical assays, spectrophotometric techniques for quantitative analysis of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and compound identification using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties were examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the O. compactum extract had significantly high levels of total polyphenols, measuring 47.368 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram, and flavonoids, measuring 14.839 mg quercetin equivalents per gram. The phytochemical examination of O. compactum revealed that lithospermic acid accounted for 36.82 % of the chemicals detected, followed by salvianolic acid C at 12.57 % and ros-marinic acid at 6.01 %. The main constituents of O. elongatum are salvianolic acid C (14.46 %), luteolin-3-O-glucuronide (13.51 %), salvianolic acid B (12.24 %), rosmarinic acid (7.83 %), and rutin (6.18 %). The results demonstrated different levels of effectiveness against the investigated microorganisms, with the extract from O. compactum exhibiting better activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, certain yeasts, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extracts of both Origanum species demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. O. compactum has a higher total antioxidant capacity (IC 50 of 35.083 μg/mL) compared to O. elongatum (IC 50 of 77.080 μg/mL). However, O. elongatum has a higher reducing power (35.697 μg/mL) compared to O. compactum (42.563 μg/mL). In vivo evaluations revealed that the aqueous extracts of O. compactum and O. elongatum possess significant antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant properties. The extracts demonstrated a marked reduction in blood glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Wistar rats and effectively prolonged both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), highlighting their ability to inhibit coagulation pathways. Moreover, their comparable efficacy to standard antihyperglycemic medications and absence of severe toxicity, even at high doses, underscore their therapeutic potential for safe and effective treatment applications. Between the two species, O. compactum exhibited superior efficacy in key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant properties, making it a strong candidate for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the value of Origanum species as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agri-food industries. The findings pave the way for further exploration of their diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, the chemical variation of the essential oils of the endemic species Origanum elongatum has been studied in its biogeographical context. Essential oils of 168 individual plants collected from 30 populations growing wild in two Moroccan mountains: Rif and Middle Atlas, were analyzed by GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector), GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) and 13C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). Origanum elongatum produces an EOs yielding after hydrodistillation from 0.81% to 3.12% based on the dry weight of the original biomass. 28 compounds were identified, with a majority of oxygenated monoterpenes among them carvacrol, thymol and p -cymene constitute the most represented compounds. Moreover, a great amount of α-terpinene, limonene, thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone were reported in some samples. Four chemical groups have been identified, namely; carvacrol, carvacrol/thymol, carvacrol/ p -cymene and thymol. The geographic distributions of these chemotypes appear to vary since the carvacrol chemotype was the most distributed, while the thymol was found more abundantly in populations from Rif. However, the carvacrol/ p -cymene chemotype was revealed only in Taza region. For the first time the whole chemical picture of the EOs of O. elongatum is presented in relation to their geographical distribution such knowledge is primordial in developing a breeding program in order to protect this species widely and intensively used for both medicinal and food uses but also supply the continuous market needs by producing high quality and stable raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, antioxidants have become essential in nutrition because of their ability to protect the body against oxidative cell damage that can produce dangerous diseases. Medicinal plants are a major source of many bioactive molecules that act directly on the body. Objective: The main objective of our work is to highlight the antioxidant potential of the essential oil (EO) of Origanum elongatum Emb and Maire (endemic plant of Morocco), determine its composition, and carry out fractionation operations to isolate the molecule (s) responsible for this activity. Materials and Methods: The measurement of the antioxidant activity of the EO is carried out by trapping the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the composition of the EO is determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The fractionation of the EO was carried out by various chromatography techniques. Results: The results show that the EO has an interesting antioxidant activity with an EC50in the order of 1.2 in comparison with a reference antioxidant, δ-tocopherol whose EC50is 0.26. The EO of O. elongatum consists of 11 compounds, of which 3 are the majority: carvacrol (60.42%), para-cymene (13.9%), and γ-terpinene (9.4%). Conclusion: Fractionation of the oil made it possible to isolate a purified antioxidant molecule consisting mainly of carvacrol (95%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil of Origanum elongatum is known by numerous biological activities, which are linked to its chemical composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydro-distillation time on the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of O. elongatum growing in the north of Morocco. The essential oil fractions were captured at nine regular time intervals after the beginning of hydro-distillation process. Maximum essential oil yield was achieved at a hydro-distillation time of 140 min. The dissolved volatile fraction was extracted from the hydrosol at the end of hydro-distillation process. The chemical composition was determined by GC-FID and GC/MS. The chemical profile of the essential oil showed the predominance of oxygenated compounds (65.14%) followed by hydrocarbon compounds (28.02%). Thymol accounted for 63.44% of the total EO. Dissolved volatile fraction was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes with 91.93% of thymol. The results revealed that hydrodistillation time produces oil fractions with specific chemical profiles. The antibacterial activity was tested against four bacterial strains. The results showed that essential oil fractions captured from 80 to 160 min had greater antibacterial activity than fractions recovered at the beginning of the distillation and the whole oil. The inhibitory zones diameters were linearly correlated with the increase of thymol concentration in each fraction up to 160 min (r-Pearson ranges between 0.95 and 0.97 with p < 0.0001). The strongest activity was observed with essential oil fractions from 141 to160 min of hydro-distillation time with MIC values ranged from 0.0312 to 0.125% (v/v) and MBC from 0.0312 to 0.25% (v/v). These data may help to reduce the cost and the time of essential oil extraction and to select the oil fraction with desirable composition for it use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Origanum elongatum is one of the most important medicinal plants in Morocco. The overexploitation by local inhabitants and the climate changes made this species highly threatened. Seed germination is one of the easiest solutions to save medicinal plants. However, the success of such operation depends in several factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature, light, darkness, pH and salinity stress on O. elongatum seeds germination. Mature seeds were isolated from O. elongatum harvested from Temsamane area belonging to Driouch province (North-east of Morocco) at post-flowering stage. The in vitro seed germination tests were carried out in Petri dishes. The influence of the above parameters was evaluated by following the evolution of germination over time. The results showed that the temperature range between 15 and 20 °C at light using an aqueous medium were more suitable for germination of O. elongatum seeds. The optimum pH ranged between 6 and 7. Finally, the germination was negatively proportional to NaCl concentration. These data may serve as guidelines for species-specific propagation protocols, promoting ex situ conservation of this threatened medicinal plant. Highlights • Temperature range between 15 and 20 °C at light using an aqueous medium were more suitable for germination of O. elongatum seeds. • Salt stress had a negative effect on the seed germination of O. elongatum. • The pH range between 6 and 7 were qualified as the optimum pH of germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymus satureioides and Origanum elongatum , endemic, aromatic and sources of honey in Morocco, are rich in essential oils (EOs). In Southwest, Varroa destructor affects less bee colonies foraging in thyme ( Thymus satureioides ) formations. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the composition of T. satureioides and O. elongatum EOs in relation to origins and phenological stages and (ii) to investigate the acaricidal activity against Varroa destructor. Essential oils obtained showed differences in the chemical composition according to plant species but did not vary drastically with the vegetative stage of growth and origins. The main constituents found in T. satureioides EOs were borneol (20.07%–48.23%) and α-terpineol (5.12%–18.16%), smaller amounts of camphen (5.10%–14.44%) and α-pinene (2.43%–7.63%), whereas thymol (0.14%–8.64%) or carvacrol (0.88%–15.23%). O. elongatum EOs contained carvacrol (67.34%–81.72%), γ-terpinene (3.29%–10.75%), para-cymene (3.62%–7.81%) and thymol (1.79%–9.17%). The apiary tests revealed a variable efficacy from 50 to 94% depending on the composition of essential oils. EOs with carvacrol as major compound produced a better effect than other EOs with dominant borneol. However, the blend containing high levels of carvacrol (55.35%) and borneol (20.60%) exhibited much higher activity than all treatments. A synergistic effect between the compounds of T. satureioides and O. elongatum EOs was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • After soaking in 0.4 g/L at 303 K, the inhibition efficiency reached 94.1% and 91.6% for OEAq and OEEt, respectively. • SEM and EDX studies support the formation of inhibitors film on steel surface. • Theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement. The inhibitory effect investigation of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Origanum elongatum Plant (will be referred to in this paper, respectively, as "OEAq and OEEt") on mild steel corrosion in HCl solutions has been evaluated. The analysis and characterization of both products extracted (OEAq and OEEt) were performed using HPLC-UV-ELSD-MS techniques. Various electrochemical techniques was used such as weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in order to advance in the inhibition process. An appreciable inhibitory effect for both tested inhbitory has been obtained from all the combined results. Experimental results revealed that OEAq and OEEt can be considered as good green inhibitors and that OEAq is more efficient than OEEt with a maximum inhibition efficiency of 94.1% at 0.4 g/L at 303 K. The inhibition efficiency of each inhibitor increases sharply with increasing concentration and a decreasing of efficiency was observed with increasing temperature for both inhibitors. Both OEAq and OEEt were seen to act as a mixed type inhibitors from PDP study and according to EIS technical, their corrosion process is charge transfer controlled. Thermodynamic and activation parameters were determined to discuss the inhibitory behaviour of tested extracts molecules. The two extracts OEAq and OEEt obey to Langmuir adsorption isotherm model as a result of their adsorption on mild steel surface. Morphology of the metal specimen surface without and with inhibitors was investigated using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX spectrum. The electronic characteristics of major compounds of OEAq and OEEt (MC-OEAq and MC-OEEt) were studied using the DFT method (density functional theory), the Fukui indices and MD (molecular dynamics) modelling in order to predict the spontaneous adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils of Origanum elongatum Emberger et Maire grown from seeds from Morocco, harvested at a natural site and in the CNPPMAI collection were analyzed by GC/MS; 67 constituents were identified, among which carvacrol predominated (> 65%), accompanied by γ-terpinene, p-cymene and linalool in small amounts. Two samples were unusually thymol-rich (≈ 15% versus < 1.5% in the other extracts, with carvacrol 55-64%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]