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Evaluation of antioxidant activity of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil and identification of its antioxidant constituents
Abstract
Antioxidant capacities of the essential oil extracted from parsley (Petroselinum crispum) were evaluated by three different in vitro assays: β-carotene bleaching assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Fe2+-metal chelating assay. Results showed that the parsley oil (PO) possessed a certain degree of antioxidant activities in terms of β-carotene bleaching capacity and free radical scavenging activity, but its metal chelating capacity was negligible. The antioxidant EC50 values of the β-carotene bleaching assay and DPPH free radical scavenging assay of the crude PO dissolved in methanol were measured in about 5.12 and 80.21 mg/mL, respectively. However, these values were much weaker than those of BHT in 0.01 and 0.58 mg/mL, and of α-tocopherol in 0.01 and 0.10 mg/mL. Isolation and identification of the inherent antioxidants in PO involved using various chromatographic techniques including silica gel open column chromatography, normal phase-HPLC and GC–MS. Myristicin in PO was found as a dominant compound (32.75%) that exhibited a moderate antioxidant activity. Apiol was the second dominant compound (17.54%), but it might be the major contributor to the antioxidant activity of PO. These results suggest that the PO and its two major components can be potential alternative natural antioxidants.
... It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and K, ascorbic acid, potassium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, it contains a wide range of bioactive substances, such as phenylpropenes, phenolics, and pigments (Farouk et al., 2017;US Department of Agriculture, 2019;Zhang et al., 2006). This diverse profile of parsley suggests that it has a strong potential to promote various health benefits. ...
... Phenylpropenes are mainly found in the plant's essential oils, which are responsible for their characteristic fragrances (Burčul et al., 2020). The main phenylpropenes that dominate parsley essential oils are myristicin and apiol, comprising 32.75% and 17.54% of its total chemical composition, respectively (Zhang et al., 2006). Phenolic compounds, on the other hand, contribute to both flavor and color of plants along with playing a key role in plant physiology and defense mechanisms. ...
... Kuz´ma et al., 2014; (2) Dobricˇevic´ et al., 2019; (3) Justesen and Knuthsen, 2001; (4) Farah et al., 2015; (5) Slimestad et al., 2020; (6) Henning et al., 2011; (7)Chandra et al., 2014; (8) Derouich et al., 2020; (9) Zhang et al., 2006; (10) Farouk et al., 2017. *Estimated in parsley essential oil. ...
Leafy vegetables are widely recognized for their significant contribution to human health. Among them, parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) is a promising herb with considerable potential to facilitate various favorable effects on health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the health effects of parsley, highlighting its potential in promoting several health benefits. The available studies suggest that parsley possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, exhibits potential for diabetes management, demonstrates hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, and shows promise in terms of its potential anticancer properties, among other health-promoting effects. These beneficial effects are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds in pars-ley, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, parsley contains key bioactive substances, such as myricetin and apiol, which significantly contribute to its health-pro-moting properties. In addition, parsley is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable herb and a substantial reservoir of nutrients. In conclusion, incorporating parsley into daily diet can enhance overall well-being. Considering the individual variations in potential health benefits, it is crucial to seek guidance from healthcare professionals or nutritionists. This ensures a personalized and evidence-based approach to sus-tainably integrate parsley into individuals’ daily diets.
... Furthermore, it can enhance cardiovascular well-being (Filho et al., 2018). The oil derived from the Petroselinum plant has antioxidant properties and serves as a suppressor of free radicals; not only does it help combat the harmful effects of free radicals on the body, but it also provides antioxidant benefits (Zhang et al., 2006). Parsley leaves have been discovered to contain an oil called myristicin, with Apiole being the primary constituent in this oil (Razzaghi-Abyaneh et al., 2007). ...
... As for feed consumption, the augmentation in feed consumption for Parsley's aqueous and alcoholic extract may be attributed to the elevated levels of active chemicals and flavonoids in the extract. These compounds exhibit antibacterial properties and can disrupt pathogenic fungi's cellular membranes, exhibiting antioxidant activity (Zhang et al., 2006). Parsley is abundant in apigenin, a potent antibacterial agent that effectively combats germs, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans. ...
Present experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of aqueous and alcoholic parsley (Petroselinum crispum) extracts supplemented into drinking water and stocking density on productive performance (body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, and production and economic index) and antioxidant status (malondialdehyde, glutathione and catalase) of broilers. Two different stocking densities (10 and 15 chickens / m2) and 5 different additive levels (0 - control treatment without additives; 4a - addition of 4 milliliters of aqueous extract per liter of water; 4c - addition of 4 milliliters of alcoholic extract per liter of water; 8a - addition of 8 milliliters of aqueous extract per liter of water; 8c - addition of 8 milliliters of alcoholic extract per liter of water) were evaluated. The study included 375 one-day old, unsexed ROSS 308 chicks, and were arranged as 2x5 factorial experiment (viz; factor 1 as two stocking densities and factor two as five additives). The chicks were randomly assigned to ten distinct treatment groups. Each treatment group was further divided into three replicates. Five treatment groups comprised ten chicks each (stocking density 10), while the remaining five groups contained fifteen chicks (stocking density 15). The results showed that treatment 8c was the best regarding weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, reduced mortality rates, and production and economic index at both stocking densities. Treatment 4c also showed remarkable effectiveness but was lower than 8c for all studied traits. Based on the overall performance, treatments 4c and 8c are considered the best at a density of 10 chickens/m2. Present additive treatments reduced blood serum malondialdehyde, glutathione and catalase levels at both stocking densities, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. In general, the density of 10 chickens was more effective in improving antioxidant indicators as compared to the density of 15 chickens. Keywords: Aqueous and Alcoholic Extract, Parsley, Stocking Density, Antioxidant Traits, Broiler
... These values were notably higher than those reported by Zhang et al., who found a concentration of 5.12 mg/mL. 24 Reducing power (RP) of extracts of parsley had an EC 50 value of 2.019 ± 0.07 mg/g, dm, which was relatively great compared to that of ascorbic acid, which was 0.031 ± 0.07 mg/g. These results are significantly more critical than those reported for Egyptian P. crispum, with an EC 50 of 0.93 mmol/L. ...
... This variability is due to multiple factors, including age, ambient growing conditions, and the specific plant component under scrutiny, whether the verdant leaves, sturdy stems, or tenacious roots. 24 Beyond carbohydrates, proteins have emerged as prominent components within Apiaceae plants. ...
Anemia is a widespread global health concern necessitating effective, accessible, and natural interventions. The potential of medicinal plants to address anemia has garnered significant interest. Among these plants, parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Petroselinum crispum) L.) stands out as an edible and herbal-based option for combating anemia. Aim of the study: This study investigated the potential of P. crispum (PC-Ext) as an emerging antianemic product, focusing on its physicochemical attributes, antioxidant properties, and mineral profile. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phenolic compounds in P. crispum were conducted by using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Anemia was induced in rats by intravenous injections of phenylhydrazine, administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg for two consecutive days. The antianemic activity of PC-Ext was assessed at a dose of 500 mg/kg twice daily for 5 weeks by estimating blood parameters, such as serum iron and ferritin. Additionally, the osmotic fragility test measured the capacity of red blood cells to withstand osmotic shock of various concentrations of saline. Aqueous extract of P. crispum was rich in phytochemical compounds, including syringic acid, quercetin, catechin, gallic acid, and luteolin. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of P. crispum in ameliorating phenylhydrazine-induced reductions in red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) levels. Consequently, PC-Ext exhibits significant activity against phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats, as demonstrated by its ability to prevent hemolysis. Iron estimation within PC-Ext further confirms its utility in addressing both iron deficiency and ferritin-deficiency anemia. Therefore, PC exhibits a favorable effect against both types of anemia, iron deficiency, and hemolysis. The results of this study provide robust scientific validation for ethnomedicinal use and the potential utility of P. crispum, positioning it as a promising source for future pharmaceutical development.
... These compounds are predominantly composed of carbohydrates, flavonoids such as apigenin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, luteolin, chrysoeriol and eugenol. Also, coumarins and essential oils such as myristicin and apiol, and other compounds [1,8,9]. Furthermore, the plant is a good source of iron, phosphorous, calcium, zinc and vitamins A & C [10][11][12]. ...
... Furthermore, the plant is a good source of iron, phosphorous, calcium, zinc and vitamins A & C [10][11][12]. Screened pharmacological actions of P. crispum include antimicrobial [13,14], antiinflammatory [15,16], antioxidant [9,17] Haemostasis refers to the process of stopping or preventing bleeding in response to damaged blood vessels. This involves a series of physiological events that result in the production of a localized clot at the site of injury in a very short amount of time, usually seconds to minutes [33,34]. ...
Petroselinum crispum (parsley or garden parsley), besides its use as an edible vegetable, is used in the treatment of various ailments with documented evidence validating some of these medicinal uses. The present study evaluates the impact of oral administration of P. crispum on blood coagulation parameters. Fresh leaves of P. crispum were locally sourced, authenticated and extracted using ethanol to obtain an ethanolic extract of P. crispum (PCE). Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were used for the study and were randomly assigned to five (5) animals of five (5) rats each. Group I served as the control group and was given distilled water, whereas groups II, III, and IV were treated as experimental groups and administered PCE at 200, 400, and 800mg/kg via oral gavage, respectively. Group V also received 800mg/kg of PCE with the administration terminated on the 28th day to allow for a 14-day recovery period. Platelet count (PLT) and other platelet indices were determined using an automated Haematology analyzer. Bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and plasma fibrinogen (FIB) were assayed following standard laboratory protocols. The results of the study show that the mean PLT were significantly reduced in the experimental animals compared to the control (p<0.05) while BT, CT, PT, aPTT and FIB significantly increased compared to the control (p<0.05). Also, BT, CT, PT, and aPTT recovered towards the control values after the 14-day withdrawal period. The present study shows ethanolic leaf extract of P. crispum prolonged blood coagulation. The current evidence suggests that P. crispum could be a candidate for further exploration as a natural plant-based antithrombotic agent.
... Chlorophyll-derived compounds are also used to treat cancer cells (Clark et al., 2020). Plants are one of the indicators of ecosystem health diagnosis (Xie K, 1998). Following legumes and fruits, vegetables also have important elements for balanced diet due to their vitamin content, dietary fiber content, and low carbohydrate content (Tuncay, 2011;Ziarati et al., 2018). ...
... Both growth and parsley type determine the sensitivity of plants to water stress (Daradkeh and Essa, 2019). The medicinal properties of parsley can be summarized as follows: Antioxidant properties (Taiz et al., 1998;Zhang et al., 2006;Nielsen et al., 1999;Ozsoy Sacan et al., 2006;Kolarovic et al., 2010;Wong et al., 2006) and antimicrobial properties (Manderfeld et al., 1997;Wahba et al., 2010;Wong et al., 2006), diuretic or laxative properties (Heck et al., 2000;Jakovljvic et al., 2002), hypoglycemia (Luo et al., 1999;Kumar et al., 2011;Anand et al., 1981;Afkhami et al., 2003;Sener et al., 2003), liver protection (Ozsoy Scan et al., 2006), anticoagulant properties (Gadi et al., 2009Chaves et al., 2011), contraception (Castleman, 2009), positive effect on the aorta (Sener et al., 2003), has Positive effect on bone health. Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual and sometimes biennial plant (Derakhshan et al., 2017) (Wright, 2009) of the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). ...
Ascorbic acid has been used to treat many diseases and has recently been considered seriously in the Covid 19 event. Recent studies concerned with ascorbic acid status indicated high prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in many countries which plays an essential role in nutrition and lack of it in the diet causes disease. It is also an antioxidant in vegetables that prevent chronic diseases. Similar results have been observed for chlorophyll and its derivatives in treating acute diseases. There are several medicinal products derived from chlorophyll or its derivatives to treat diseases and variation of health benefits in chlorophyll. According to studies chlorophyll is a potential cancer-preventing agent and has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-mutagenic activities. The properties of chlorophyll are determined to reduce food wastage during processing and storage. Considering the importance of ascorbic acid and chlorophyll in food and especially the important presence of these two substances in vegetables, chlorophyll (spectrophotometric method for chlorophyll) and ascorbic acid (Ascorbic acid reduces oxidation-reduction indicator dye, 2,6-dichloroindophenol, to colorless solution) were measured in two popular vegetables: parsley and dill in three consecutive months of spring 2020 and the data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 24. The results indicated that the last three months of plant growing just before harvesting, the ascorbic acid contents of both vegetables increased considerably. The results of chlorophyll contents in both substrates indicated increasing in all the stages. The average ascorbic acid reached its highest level in the third month of the spring (1.3000±0.120 mg.kg-1 for parsley and 0.2233±0.120 mg.kg-1 for dill); the difference in the amount of chlorophyll in the first and second harvest was nearly two times. The highest amount of chlorophyll in both vegetables belonged to the samples harvested in the third month of spring (0.343±0.006 mg.kg-1 for parsley and 0.580±0.006 mg.kg-1 for dill).The results of this study can help researchers to stablish a healthy and nutritious diet.
... Essential oil content (Zhang et al. 2006;Petropoulos et al. 2008) and flavonoid compounds (Boldizsár et al. 2013) have been the priority of parsley studies, however knowledge on parsley's ability to withstand abiotic stress, molecular biology, and gene function is limited. The lack of genome sequenced Apiaceae species has narrowed scientific work. ...
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman (parsley) is among the most important vegetables belong to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family with extensive use of its leaf, root and seeds, as herb and spice, in food processing, and in pharmaceutical industries. It is originated from the Mediterranean basin, whereas it can still be wild growing. In this review, we summarize comprehensive information concerning the origin, the distribution, the botanical classification, as well as the current state of the research on the phytochemistry, the cultivation practices and challenges and the germplasm biodiversity and conservation. We also present the traditional breeding and the molecular tools, like the molecular marker-assisted breeding, the transcriptomic analysis applied to elucidate the gene expression in parsley and a discussion with future perspectives. This review contributes as a guide reference for basic or applied research on parsley.
... Thanks to its rich chemical composition, it has the ability to exert a wide range of pharmacological effects [1,31]. Goutweed extracts have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal [7,37,66,84], antioxidant [3,28,36,85,86], anti-inflammatory [7,45,50,87] and chemopreventive [87,88] properties. Scientific reports also describe antirheumatic, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective effects of goutweed extracts [1,3,38,53]. ...
Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) is a species of medicinal perennial in the celery family (Apiaceae), also considered an edible plant with medicinal effects and high nutritional value. In traditional folk medicine, it was known as a remedy for gout (arthritis) and also used to relieve rheumatism or sciatica. The botanical characteristics, occurrence, nutritional composition, and traditional and present-day applications of this plant are discussed. Furthermore, the important specific plant metabolites including organic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, coumarins, polyacetylenes and terpene components of essential oil are presented and their biological activity is described. The valuable medicinal properties of Aegopodium podagria L. include anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic, sedative and protective effects on the kidneys and liver. The aim of this paper was to describe, on the basis of the available literature, the chemical composition, bioactivity and health-promoting properties of this wild edible plant. The information obtained is described and summarized in tables.
... Evidence revealed that some plants, such as tomatoes, sorrels, and parsley, have antioxidant properties and could improve the severity of melasma disease due to the reduction of free radicals [36,68]. Especially in patients with melasma, sunlight exposure caused more severe symptoms. ...
Introduction
Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin disorder characterized by acquired hyperpigmentation. Many patients with this condition prefer using herbal remedies instead of chemical agents. This study aims to review clinical trials conducted on the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating melasma.
Methods
In this scoping review, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, SID, and Magiran databases until August 2024. We designed the search strategy using MeSH database keywords “melanosis,” “herbal medicine,” “plant extracts,” “complementary therapies,” “traditional medicine,” “Persian medicine,” “clinical trials,” and their Entry Terms. We then reviewed and summarized the relevant articles.
Results
We found a total of 21 clinical trials examining the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating melasma. The literature review revealed that licorice, rhubarb, a mixture of melon seed and chickpea, sorrel, Aloe vera leaf gel, parsley, tomato, fern, olive, pine bark, and Indian gooseberry had positive effects in treating melasma. Licorice is the most extensively studied herbal remedy for melasma treatment. Some patients who used licorice, rhubarb, and parsley experienced redness and skin allergies.
Conclusion
Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating melasma. Further research, including clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses, is necessary to assess the efficacy of herbal remedies and natural products, as well as their potential adverse effects.
... This might be due to its antioxidant properties, which contribute to reducing lipid oxidation and preserving the quality of the fish samples throughout storage (Farag et al., 2021). According to Zhang et al., (2006), the dominant compound found in parsley essential oil (PEO) is myristicin, accounting for 32.75% of the composition. Myristicin exhibits a moderate level of antioxidant activity. ...
... The presence of an unsaturated hydroxyl group and a conjugated double bond in carvone provides greater free radical scavenging activity [38,39]. Apiol has two electron-donating methoxy groups which increases the stability of the benzene ring and hence increases radical scavenging activity [40]. The synergistic action of these phytocompounds provided antioxidant properties to the dill extracts. ...
Neurodegeneration diseases (NDs) are a group of complex diseases primarily characterized by progressive loss of neurons affecting mental function and movement. Oxidative stress is one of the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of NDs, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These reactive species disturb mitochondrial function and accelerate other undesirable conditions including tau phosphorylation, inflammation, and cell death. Therefore, preventing oxidative stress is one of the imperative methods in the treatment of NDs. To accomplish this, we prepared hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Anethum graveolens (dill) and identified the major phyto-components (apiol, carvone, and dihydrocarvone) by GC-MS. The extracts and major bioactives were assessed for neuroprotective potential and mechanism in hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell model and other biochemical assays. The dill (extracts and bioactives) provided statistically significant neuroprotection from 0.1 to 30 µg/mL by mitigating ROS levels, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing lipid peroxidation, and reviving the glutathione ratio. They moderately inhibited acetylcholine esterase (IC50 dill extracts 400–500 µg/mL; carvone 275.7 µg/mL; apiole 388.3 µg/mL), displayed mild anti-Aβ1–42 fibrilization (DHC 26.6%) and good anti-oligomerization activity (>40% by dill-EA, carvone, and apiole). Such multifactorial neuroprotective displayed by dill and bioactives would help develop a safe, low-cost, and small-molecule drug for NDs.
... The ABTS test revealed even higher antiradical capacities, with an IC 50 value of 0.47 ± 0.008 mg/mL, signifying a concentration required to inhibit 60 % of radicals. These values, although lower than those reported by H. Zhang et al. and Irene Marín et al., where IC 50 values were 80.21 mg/mL and 12.91 g/L for DPPH, are substantial and indicative of strong antioxidant potential [10,44]. The highest antioxidant activity ranged from 69.82 ± 3.07 to 50.06 ± 2.47 mmTrolox® eq./10 g extract for ABTS [45]. ...
This exploratory study aims to identify the volatile compounds in PC-Eo (Petroselinum crispum L. essential oil) and evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in vitro. Molecular docking, drug-likeness prediction, and pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity—ADMET) were among the in silico simulations that were used to explain the biological properties observed in vitro. For PC-Eo's chemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) was employed. The antioxidant activity of PC-Eo was evaluated using five in vitro complementary techniques, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, β-Carotene bleaching test (BCBT), reducing power (RP), and phosphomolybdenum assay (TAC). GC-MS analysis revealed that the primary components of PC-Eo are apiol (49.05 %), Myristicin (21.01 %), and 1-allyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene (13.14 %). The results of the in vitro antioxidant assays indicate that PC-Eo exhibits a superior antioxidant profile. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of PC-Eo was assessed against five strains, including 2 g-positive bacteria, 2 g-negative bacteria, and one fungal strain (Candida albicans). The disc-diffusion assay revealed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against all strains, with zones of inhibition exceeding 15 mm. The microdilution test highlighted the lowest MIC and MBC values with gram-positive bacteria, ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 % v/v for MIC and 0.5–1.0 % v/v for MBC. For the fungal strain, MIC was recorded at 1.25 % and MFC at 2.5 % v/v. PC-Eo demonstrates bactericidal and fungicidal activity based on the MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios. According to the ADMET study, the primary PC-Eo compounds have advantageous pharmacokinetic characteristics. These findings provide empirical support for the traditional uses of this plant and indicate its possible use as a natural remedy.
... The antioxidant and, consequently, oxidative stress-reducing effects [15] were studied from the perspective of the two main components of parsley oil, apiol and myristicin [16]. Antioxidant results were also proven for parsley juice in studies published in 2016 by Papuc et al. [17] and Leahu et al. [18]. ...
The status of parsley as a well-known folk medicine noted for its nutritional and medicinal properties prompted the exploration of its potential as a functional food and natural remedy. The paper aims to investigate the potential of parsley to enhance muscle function and alleviate psoriasiform dermatitis, eventually establishing it as a natural, well-tolerated alternative with specific benefits for both muscles and skin. This study examines the tolerability of parsley in a cohort of 937 participants by assessing immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactions. The findings reveal high tolerability, as 96.26% of participants experienced no adverse effects. Among the 902 individuals lacking hypersensitivity, 37.02% reported muscle cramps, with a notable 15.02% reduction observed in the subgroup consuming parsley juice. In the subset of 32 subjects with dermatitis, the application of parsley extract ointment led to a significant decrease in dermatological parameters (redness, thickness, scaling). While the control group exhibited improvements, statistical significance was not observed. Notably, four categories of affected area reduction were identified, with scaling demonstrating the most pronounced impact. The results propose that parsley holds promise for favorable tolerability, contributing to the alleviation of muscle cramps and presenting an effective alternative in dermatitis treatment. Nonetheless, sustained validation through long-term studies is imperative to substantiate these preliminary findings.
... Apigenin has also been identified as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent [31]. The major essential oil found in parsley leaves is 1, 3, 8-p-menthatriene, but other components are also present in lesser amounts including myristicin and limonene, among others [32,33]. ...
... al effects including antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial activity, anti-convulsant activity, hypnotic activity, anti-helminthic, and anti-mutagenic activity (Aissaoui &Lyoussi, 2011 andRajeshwari &Andallu, 2011). Parsley (Petroselium crispum) is a species of the Apiaceae family and utilized as an aromatic food additive and flavoring (Zhang et. al., 2006). Parts of Parsley are rich in minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorous, also contain fatty acids like linolenic and palmitic acid, furanocoumarins, essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins like tocopherols, A, C, and B complex, (Petropoulos et. al., 2008). Parsley has various biological effects in human health such as ...
... The rate of decomposition of H2O2 was measured in a spectrophotometer at 240nm at 1-minute intervals for 3 minutes. The enzymatic activity of the catalase enzyme (CAT) was expressed in international units per mL (Zhang et al., 2006). ...
High soil salinity induces osmotic and ionic stress that threaten crop production worldwide and affect food security. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of _Diodella sarmentosa_, and the results of the characterization using FTIR, XRD, EDX, TEM, UV-vis, and SEM revealed the presence of polydisperse spherical iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) with a maximum light absorption wavelength of 380 nm, and a size ranging from 2.22 to 27.83 nm. Foliar application of FeONPs on the salinized _Zea mays_ significantly (p<0.05) improved the plant's photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyl (175.71%), chlorophyll a (256.34%), chlorophyll b (77.01%), carotenoid (39.36%), root length (9.87%), and antioxidant enzyme activities. From the findings, it can be deduced that FeONPs can improve the growth and development of saline-stressed _Zea mays _by lessening the negative effects that salt has on the plant.
... Parsley is rich in specialized metabolites with medicinal properties [4]. Parsley extracts contain various metabolites, including flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, and quercetin) [5,6], carbohydrates (apiose), oils (myristicin and apiol) [7,8], and coumarins. Of these, apiin (apigenin-7-O-β-[D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside]) is a major flavonoid glycoside in parsley (up to 3.7 g/100 g dry weight) [9]. ...
The flavonoid glycoside apiin (apigenin 7-O-[β-D-apiosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucoside]) is abundant in apiaceous and asteraceous plants, including celery and parsley. Although several enzymes involved in apiin biosynthesis have been identified in celery, many of the enzymes in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) have not been identified. In this study, we identified parsley genes encoding the glucosyltransferase, PcGlcT, and the apiosyltransferase, PcApiT, that catalyze the glycosylation steps of apiin biosynthesis. Their substrate specificities showed that they were involved in the biosynthesis of some flavonoid 7-O-apiosylglucosides, including apiin. The expression profiles of PcGlcT and PcApiT were closely correlated with the accumulation of flavonoid 7-O-apiosylglucosides in parsley organs and developmental stages. These findings support the idea that PcGlcT and PcApiT are involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoid 7-O-apiosylglucosides in parsley. The identification of these genes will elucidate the physiological significance of apiin and the development of apiin production methods.
... Also, Petroselinum crispum contains zinc, β-carotene, vitamins C, B, and starch [85], calcium, iron, phosphorous, and luteolin, which may likely account for its hepatoprotective effect [86,87]. Phytochemically, the leaves, and seeds of P. crispum has been shown to contain high levels of essential oil known as apiole, while the tender buds contain psoralen and related compounds that can induce photosensitivity and these include xanthotoxin, ficusin, bergapten, majudin, heraclin and antimicrobial furocoumarins namely 8methoxypsoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, oxypeucedanin, isopimpinellin, 6'-acetylopin, and a new monoterpene glycoside [80,88,89]. Besides having significant nutritional value, parsley also exhibits antioxidant and neutralizing properties [78,90]. ...
... Essential oils are rich sources of biologically active compounds, and there has been growing interest in their antimicrobial properties (5). Many essential oils have also been shown to possess antioxidant activity (6). As part of the evaluation of the biological effectiveness of medicinal plants, Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Aste-raceae family) is widely found in semi-arid and arid steppes of North Africa, Spain, the Middle East, and the Northwest Himalayas (7). ...
Plants are traditionally utilized in Algeria to treat many disorders, such as Artemisia herba-alba (Asteraceae family), which is a North African species. In Algeria, it is characterized by an excellent fodder fee and by a composition of essential oils having antiseptic, vermifuge, and antispasmodic properties. The present study aims to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and chemical composition of the essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba found in northeast Algeria (Khenchela region). Artemisia herba-alba essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was identified by GC/MS. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the extracted essential oil was determined using the DPPH assay. The agar disc diffusion method was used to determine how well the essential oil killed germs. The essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS, revealing 35 constituents, of which the major ones were identified as Thujone (10.55%), borneol (5.98%), and eucalyptol (1.63%). The observed IC50 values for the DPPH assay were 18.44 ? 0.006 mg/mL. On the other hand, this oil proved effective against all tested strains in the 22.67 ? 3.215 mm range, including Listeria innocua CIP 74915.
... It has been used medicinally since ancient times for management and treatment of diabetes mellitus, jaundice, colic, cardiac, renal diseases, flatulence, oedema, rheumatism, and arterial hypertension (Eddouks et al., 2002;Kreydiyyeh, 2001). In some experimental studies, it is shown that this herb has strong diuretic (Darias et al., 2001), antihyperglycemic (Yanardag et al., 2003), antihyperlipidemic, anticoagulant (Yazicioglu and Tuzlaci, 1995), antioxidant (Zhang et al., 2006), antimicrobial (Ojala et al., 2000), and laxative activities (Kreydiyyeh, 2001). Due to these properties of the plants, it is commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals and medicine. ...
Introduction
Although drugs are often used in the treatment of metabolic diseases, their bioavailability as well as resistance to diseases and decrease in effects pose serious challenges. For these reasons, the importance of plants in the treatment and prevention of diseases is increasing day by day, and herbal sources have been in use since ancient times. Parsley is an easy-to-produce herb that is used as food around the world. It continues to be used in scientific studies due to its high phenolic and nutritional content. Due to its antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anticoagulant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and laxative activities, it still remains popular among scientific researchers. Adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, neuraminidase, and acetylcholinesterase are biomarkers of many metabolic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and influenza. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory activities of aqueous parsley extract on adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, neuraminidase, acetylcholinesterase, as well as its antioxidant activities.
Methods
Standard methods were used to determine the inhibitory effect of aqueous parsley extract on adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, neuraminidase, and acetylcholinesterase. Also, total phenolic content, DPPH (1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the extract were evaluated.
Results
Aqueous parsley extract inhibited adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, neuraminidase and acetylcholinesterase. The phenolic compounds of parsley are potentially responsible for both antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibition activities of the plant.
Conclusion
The results showed that parsley extract has inhibitory effects on the enzymes studied and has a very good antioxidant activity.
... The use of fresh P. crispum leaves as a diet supplement can decrease oxidative stress in humans (Nielsen et al. 1999). P. crispum essential oil showed a certain number of antioxidants with their free radical scavenging activities (Zhang et al. 2006). Due to these valuable compounds, P. crispum has many medicinal usages to treat diabetes, renal diseases, constipation, jaundice, colic, flatulence edema, rheumatism, and bleeding (Jouad et al. 2001). ...
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is herb with many biological and medicinal benefits for humans. However, growth on zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated sites might get severely affected due to over accumulation of heavy metals (HM) in different plant tissues. Antioxidants play a crucial role in minimizing the negative effects of HM. The present study investigates the effects of Zn and Cd stress on P. crispum morphological parameters, enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant profiling and metal accumulation in shoot/root. Plants were exposed to different concentrations of Zn (50, 100, 150 and 200 µM) and Cd (10, 20, 40 and 80 µM) along with control (no stress), in soil-less Hoagland's solution. The results showed that Zn and Cd substantially decrease the growth parameters with increased contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL). Non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, like total phenolic contents (TPC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were induced high in leaves only upon Cd stress and contrarily decreased upon Zn stress. Total flavonoid contents (TFC) were decreased under Zn and Cd stress. Enzymatic antioxidant activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were also strongly induced upon Cd stress. At the same time, SOD and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity was induced significantly upon Zn stress. Cd uptake and accumulation was notably high in roots as compared to shoots, which suggests P. crispum have a reduced ability to translocate Cd towards aboveground parts (leaves). Additionally, strong induction of antioxidants by P. crispum under Cd stress might indicate the capacity to effectively re-modulate its physiological response. However, further investigations regarding other HMs and experiments at the molecular level are still needed.
... Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is famous for its high content of bioactive compounds, such as phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and minerals [28][29][30][31][32][33]. Parsley also shows significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities [33][34][35]. Parsley leaves were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a herb. Nowadays, parsley is cultivated all over the world and is widely used as a flavoring and aromatic food additive. ...
In the last decade, fresh-cut plants have become a more popular flavoring additive in food. It is important to find an effective method for ensuring the safety and quality of plant materials used as food additives. Ozonated water is being considered by the EFSA for approval as a cidal agent for plant protection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ozonated water in improving the microbial safety of fresh-cut parsley leaves, with a particular focus on mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria and fungi. The yeasts and bacteria were identified with the MALDI-TOF MS system. Color changes on the surface of the parsley samples were measured in the CIE L*a*b trichromatic color model. The chemical composition of the essential oil was evaluated via gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GCMS). The microbial level of the fresh leaves varied and depended on the season. The highest microbial levels were found in the leaves picked in the summer and autumn, at 10⁴ to 10⁶ CFU/g for fungi and 10⁶ to 10⁸ CFU/g for bacteria. Among the isolates with the highest isolation frequency, bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus warneri, and Bacillus megaterium dominated. The dominant yeasts and molds were Candida sp., Rhodotorula sp., Cladosporium sp., and Fusarium sp. The conditions for water ozonation (ozone dose and time) were established for both mono- and mixed cultures. Time of 3 min, ozone content of 0.5, O3 mg/L or 1 min, and 1.5 mg of O3 mg/L were sufficient for a 90% reduction in the number of living microorganisms. Yeasts and bacteria were sensitive to ozone treatment, excluding P. fluorescens rods. The tested mold strains were the most resistant. However, it was noted that organic matter might reduce the decontamination effect. The effectiveness of ozonation was negatively influenced by organic compound content above 1%. Spectrophotometric measurements of parsley leaves after ozonation, especially after 3 min treatment at 1.5 O3 mg/L, revealed morphological changes. The CIELAB color space (L*a*b*) changed in the direction of lightness and yellowness; however, ΔE showed no statistically significant differences in comparison with the untreated leaves. In preliminary studies, no differences were noted in GLC-MS chromatograms for essential oils of parsley leaves before and after ozonation. The aroma of parsley treated with ozonated water was more intensely herbal than the control sample, probably due to the higher content of α and β phellandrene. The results of this study show that decontamination of parsley leaves by ozonated water containing 1.5 O3 mg/L in a closed 5 min process can effectively ensure the microbiological quality of fresh-cut parsley leaves. It can be concluded that ozone treatments in aqueous form appear to provide promising qualitative and quantitative results for the decontamination of this fresh-cut plant material. However, more work is necessary to study chemical and volatilome changes. Especially the sensory analyses should be conducted before and after ozone treatment.
... Вона виділяється як найбільш ціна в біологічному відношенні культура, багата на вітаміни, мікроелементи, фенольні речовини, флаваноїди, ефірні олії. В культурі відомі два види коренева та листкова [4][5][6]. ...
Серед зелених овочевих культур петрушка городня (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A.W. Hill) є однією з основних. Вона виділяється як найбільш ціна в біологічному відношенні культура, багата на вітаміни, мікроелементи, фенольні речовини, флаваноїди
... According to the reports by Farzaei et al. [50] and Agyare et al. [57], the primary components and active compounds that are reportedly found in the essential oils and solvent extracts of parsley consist of myristicin, apiol, monoterpene hydrocarbons, eugenol, coumarins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, particularly apigenin, apiin, and 6"-acetylapiin. In another study, four compounds isolated and identified from the methanolic extract of P. crispum, which were pabulenol, oxypeucedanin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and N-(2-phenylethyl) hexanamide, were shown to possess significant phototoxicity properties [58,59]. The essential oil of P. crispum has long been considered a potential bioinsecticide due to the many reported findings of its significant mosquitocidal, larvicidal, and repellency properties against mosquito vectors, primarily the dengue vector Ae. ...
Despite ongoing control efforts, the mosquito population and diseases vectored by them continue to thrive worldwide, causing major health concerns. There has been growing interest in the use of botanicals as alternatives to insecticides due to their widespread insecticidal properties, biodegradability, and adaptability to ecological conditions. In this study, we investigated the larvicidal activity and cytotoxicity effects of solvent extracts from three aromatic plants—Curcuma longa (turmeric), Ocimum americanum (hoary basil), and Petroselinum crispum (parsley)—against Aedes albopictus. Subsequently, we examined the phytochemical composition of the extracts through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results revealed that the hexane extracts of O. americanum and P. crispum exhibited the greatest larvicidal activity with the lowest median lethal concentration (LC50) values (<30 µg/mL) at 24 h post-treatment, with the former found to be significantly less toxic towards African monkey kidney (Vero) cells. The GC–MS analysis of the said extract indicated the presence of different classes of metabolites, including phenylpropanoids, very long-chain alkanes, fatty acids and their derivatives, and terpenes, with the most abundant component being methyl eugenol (55.28%), most of which, have been documented for their larvicidal activities. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential use and development of bioinsecticides, particularly from O. americanum.
... Then concentrations of 0 (sterile distilled water), 12.5, 25, 50, 200, 500, 1000, 1250 and 1500 microliters of each plant essential oils in Tween 20 solvents were added to the tubes. To determine the MIC and MFC of fungicides, 0 (sterol distilled water), 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 micrograms of Mancozeb and Carbendazim fungicides were added to the tubes and like the essential oil method, Tween 20 was added (Zhang et al. 2006). The lowest concentration in which significant growth of the fungus was observed compared to the control, was considered as the minimum inhibitory concentration (Hellio et al. 2000). ...
... In our study chemical composition of parsley (EO) P. crispum agrees with earlier studies from different regions all over the world (Zhang et al., 2006;Soher et al., 2014) with some differences in component percentage due to climate change and environmental factors. Also, the chemical composition of garlic (EO) A. sativum is in agreement with those (Satyal et al., 2017;Mossa et al., 2018), who reported that garlic oil from different topographical areas has shown subjective similitudes, yet quantitative contrasts in the groupings of the organosulfur compound. ...
p class="042abstractstekst">Stored product pests can cause significant damages and great economic problems in stored commodities and grain cereal. Using synthetic pesticides in the storage pest control has adverse effects on human health. In our study, the toxicity of garlic ( Allium sativum ) and parsley ( Petroselinum crispum ) essential oils (EOs) impregnating with three types of bags were assessed against Trogoderma granarium Everts, 1898 adults after different exposure intervals. GC-MS analysis of the investigated EOs revealed that the major components of parsley and garlic were 1, 3, 8-p-menthatriene (23.34 %) and di-allyl disulfide (27.9 %), with (1.40 %) alpha-terpinene and (1 %) of di-alyl tetra-sulfide as minor components respectively. Additionally, comparison the toxicity among the treated bags was assessed based on the LC 50 values and a persistence efficiency of the tested EOs was carried out by the LC90 values for each bag type. In all bag types, garlic and parsley had mortality by 100 % for clothes, and 80 % for both plastic and paper bags after 7 days of exposure, respectively. After two and five days of garlic treatment, plastic bags were the most effective, but after seven days of exposure paper bags was more effective than the other two types. Finally, cloth bags treated with EOs were the most effective packaging for insect control, indicating that this approach could be considered as an additional tool to the concept of stored product management. </p
... As shown in Figure 3, the averaged relative frequency distribution histograms of CH, CHN, CHO, CHNO, CHOP, CHOS, CHNOP, and CHNOS elemental compositions reveal that all extracts present the major biodiversity of CHO species (more hits in W 2021), with organic acids, polyphenols, lipids, and sugars, followed by CHNO compounds (more hits in R 2020), mostly represented by amino acids and alkaloids and, in smaller amount by CHNOS, with metabolites responsible for characteristic garlic flavor and bioactivity, CHOP, CHNOP, and CHOS, while CH hits are barely represented. Some metabolites have been recorded in all samples, like sebacic, azelaic, and myristic acids, α-tocopheronolactone, arginine, and apiole, known for their antioxidant activity and antitumor effects [39]. Other phytochemicals were also widely identified, such as ferulic acid, citronellic acid, fraxetin, palmitic acid, cysteic acid, asparagine, allantoic acid, pimelic acid, ribose, glucose, purine, and pyridine. ...
‘Sulmona red garlic’ is an Italian variety characterized by a red tunica surrounding a white bulb. Red tunicae and non-commercial small bulbs are food wastes that must be studied for their added value. Hydroalcoholic extracts, obtained by separated inner and outer tunicae and peeled bulbs of small commercial ‘Sulmona red garlic’ bulbs, harvested at two different years, were first characterized with respect to their color, polyphenolic content, and antiradical activity. Then, an untargeted metabolic profile by means of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI FT-ICR) mass spectrometry led to a comparative evaluation of the chemical diversity of six different samples. The study was completed by biological tests aiming to evaluate the associated health potential. Data on monocytes/macrophages showed good biocompatibility and a promising cytoprotective effect under oxidative stress conditions of all the extracts. At a molecular level, all the garlic extracts were able to downregulate the hydrogen peroxide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression through the modulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) and peroxynitrite intracellular amounts, at different extents depending on the extract, the cell type, and the concentration. On the whole, data highlight an associated health potential of the extracts of this waste plant material both in terms of cytoprotection and of anti-inflammatory activity.
... Dentre estes, citam-se o trans-anetol (3), miristicina (4), apiol (5), eugenol (6) e metil-eugenol (7). Por outro lado, o α-pineno (8), β-pineno (9), γ-terpineno (10) e p-cimeno (11) citados por RU-BERTO; BARATTA (2000); ZHANG et al. (2006), apresentam baixa atividade, sendo entretanto capazes de aumentar a atividade ao agir sinergisticamente com outros compostos (DORMAN et al., 1995) ...
Essa revisão teve como objetivo reunir artigos recentes sobre atividades biológicas de óleos essenciais de algumas plantas da família Lamiaceae, uma vez que o Brasil é rico em plantas desta família e estas são pouco estudadas. Entre as bioatividades relatadas estão: antioxidante, bactericida, fungicida e inseticida.
The aromatic herbs studied are a natural source of antioxidants, including ascorbic acid (9–136 mg/100 g dw), carotenoids (179–434 mg/100 g), and chlorophylls (0.64–2.29 g/100 g). Significant amounts of phenolic compounds were identified, with mint aqueous extracts containing the highest levels (2.72–3.43 g GAE/100 g dw), while basil had the lowest (0.50 g/100 g). Flavonoids, the primary class of phenolics, were present in concentrations ranging from 0.27 to 1.66 g EQ/100 g. Additionally, flavonols (43–548 mg QE/100 g) and condensed tannins (127–657 mg CE/100 g) were analyzed. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts was assessed using three methods: reducing power (1.12–4.79 g AAE/100 g dw), radical scavenging activity (104–352 mg AAE/100 g), and lipid oxidation inhibition (18–69%). Increasing the extraction temperature to 100°C enhanced the extraction of phenolic compounds (1.19–7.35 g GAE/100 g dw), leading to improved reducing power (0.85–10 g AAE/100 g dw) and radical scavenging activity (136–513 mg AAE/100 g). However, the ability to inhibit linoleic acid oxidation decreased with higher temperatures. A strong correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between phenolic content and reducing power (r = 0.9), as well as between phenolic content and radical scavenging activity (r = 0.82 and r = 0.63 at 100°C). At 100°C, an inverse relationship was noted between polyphenol content and the capacity to inhibit linoleic acid oxidation.
Keywords: oxidative stress, aromatic herbs, polyphenols, reducing power, DPPH
Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees that has several biomedical properties that could contribute to the repair process of the gastric mucosa, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, healing, and gastroprotective properties. Thus, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of Mexicali propolis, its antioxidant capacity, and its effect on gastric repair. Three polarity-directed extracts were obtained: the ethanolic extract, the ethyl acetate extract, and the hexane extract. The antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and flavone/flavonol content were determined for each extract. The chemical composition was analysed using HPLC—TOF—MS (High—Performance Liquid Chromatography—Time—Of—Flight Mass Spectrometry) and GC—MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry), and a total of 52 compounds were identified. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract had the greatest effect on free radical scavenging and the content of bioactive compounds. On the basis of these results, the effect of the Mexicali ethanolic extract of propolis (MeEEP) on gastric repair was subsequently evaluated. Prior to the evaluation, MeEEP was found to exhibit low oral toxicity, as determined under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 425 guidelines. Gastric injury was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by intragastric administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg). MeEEP (300 mg/kg) was administered 6 h after the induction of injury using indomethacin and daily thereafter. The mice were sacrificed at 12, 24, and 48 h to assess the effect. As a result, MeEEP enhanced the repair of the gastric lesion by decreasing the percentage of the bleeding area and attenuating the severity of histological damage, as demonstrated by H&E staining. This effect was associated with a reduction in MPO enzyme activity and in the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, maintaining controlled inflammation in gastric tissue. Furthermore, the administration of the extract increased SOD enzymatic activity and GSH levels, reducing the degree of oxidative damage in the gastric tissue, as demonstrated by low MDA levels. Finally, after evaluating the effect on apoptosis via immunohistochemistry, MeEEP was shown to reduce the expression of the proapoptotic marker Bax and increase the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl-2. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MeEEP may enhance gastric repair through a cytoprotective mechanism by controlling inflammation exacerbation, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating apoptosis. These mechanisms are primarily attributed to the presence of pinocembrin, tectochrysin, chrysin, apigenin, naringenin, acacetin, genistein, and kaempferol. It is important to highlight that this study provides a preliminary exploration of the reparative effect of Mexican propolis, describing the potential mechanisms of action of the compounds present in Mexicali propolis.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) has been used in traditional medicine for its diverse health benefits, and recent research highlights its potential in promoting renal health due to its bioactive compounds. This review focuses on evaluating the renal health benefits and therapeutic effects of parsley, addressing the growing interest in natural interventions for kidney-related conditions. It aims to consolidate existing evidence while identifying research gaps to support parsley’s integration into renal health management. A systematic review of scientific databases was conducted, identifying relevant studies on parsley’s biochemical properties, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and essential oils, which contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and nephroprotective effects. Animal studies demonstrated reductions in oxidative stress, improvements in metabolic biomarkers, and enhanced renal function, while limited human studies revealed modest improvements in urinary composition and renal health markers. However, parsley’s safety profile, particularly at high doses, requires further investigation, including potential herb-drug interactions and safety during pregnancy. This review highlights parsley’s therapeutic potential as a natural agent for renal health and underscores the need for robust clinical trials, long-term safety evaluations, and standardized methodologies to validate its clinical significance.
Herbs for Disease Prevention and Treatment offers a comprehensive exploration of the therapeutic potential of herbs and their bioactive compounds in preventing and managing various diseases. This book delves into the use of marine macroalgae in diabetes management, the role of herbal supplements and nutraceuticals in disease prevention, and the application of herbs as dietary medicine. It also covers traditional medicinal plants, the historical and contemporary use of herbal medicine, and innovative techniques like GC-MS and LC-MS-MS for identifying phytochemicals effective against COVID-19. Additionally, it includes a review of the impact of repeated heating on plant edible oils and explores plant-based treatments for kidney diseases. Aimed at healthcare professionals, researchers, and students in the fields of herbal medicine, pharmacology, and nutrition, this book serves as an essential resource for understanding the role of herbs in modern healthcare.
Parsley is a commonly cultivated Apiaceae species of culinary and medicinal importance. Parsley has several recognized health benefits and the species has been utilized in traditional medicine since ancient times. Although parsley is among the most commonly cultivated members of Apiaceae, no systematic genomic research has been conducted on parsley. In the present work, parsley genome was sequenced using the long-read HiFi (high fidelity) sequencing technology and a draft contig assembly of 1.57 Gb that represents 80.9% of the estimated genome size was produced. The assembly was highly repeat-rich with a repetitive DNA content of 81%. The assembly was phased into a primary and alternate assembly in order to minimize redundant contigs. Scaffolds were constructed with the primary assembly contigs, which were used for the identification of AMP (antimicrobial peptide) genes. Characteristic AMP domains and 3D structures were used to detect and verify antimicrobial peptides. As a result, 23 genes (PcAMP1-23) representing defensin, snakin, thionin, lipid transfer protein and vicilin-like AMP classes were identified. Bioinformatic analyses for the characterization of peptide physicochemical properties indicated that parsley AMPs are extracellular peptides, therefore, plausibly exert their antimicrobial effects through the most commonly described AMP action mechanism of membrane attack. AMPs are attracting increasing attention since they display their fast antimicrobial effects in small doses on both plant and animal pathogens with a significantly reduced risk of resistance development. Therefore, identification and characterization of AMPs is important for their incorporation into plant disease management protocols as well as medicinal research for the treatment of multi-drug resistant infections.
Amygdalin (Vitamin B17) Effect on Glioblastoma: Focus on Oxidant Capacity and Antioxidant Status Running Title: Amygdalin anticancer effect on GBM TR Title: Glioblastoma Üzerindeki Amigdalin (B17 Vitamini) Etkisi: Oksidan Kapasite ve Antioksidan Durumuna Odaklanma Abstract: Objective: Amygdalin (Vitamin B-17) is a type of vitamin, naturally found in many fruits and plants. The aim of the study is the evaluation of Amygdalin effect on the oxidant capacity and oxidant status of the T98G cancer cells. A T98G cell line was used in the study. Cell viability and oxidative stress evaluation were done. Methods: Amygdalin 1, 4, and 8 µgr/mL doses were used. TAC and TOS values were measured. Results: According to the result, amygdalin 8 µgr/mL shows the highest anticancer effects. TAC level was 3.2 Trolox Equiv/L-1 and TOS was 3.6 H2O2 Equiv/L-1. Conclusion: Vit B17 can increase oxidative stress in T98G cells and decrease cell viability. Keywords: Amygdalin, TAC, TOS, MTT, T98G Özet: Amaç: Amigdalin (Vitamin B-17), birçok meyve ve bitkide doğal olarak bulunan bir vitamin türüdür. Çalışmanın amacı, Amigdalin'in T98G kanser hücrelerinin oksidan kapasitesi ve oksidan durumu üzerindeki etkisinin değerlendirilmesidir. Çalışmada bir T98G hücre hattı kullanıldı. Hücre canlılığı ve oksidatif stres değerlendirmesi yapıldı. Yöntemler: Amigdalin 1, 4 ve 8 µgr/mL dozları kullanıldı. TAC ve TOS değerleri ölçüldü. Sonuçlar: Sonuçlara göre, amigdalin 8 µgr/mL en yüksek antikanser etkisini göstermektedir. TAC seviyesi 3.,2 Trolox Equiv/L-1 ve TOS ise 3.6 H2O2 Equiv/L-1 idi. Sonuç: Vit B17, T98G hücrelerinde oksidatif stresi artırabilir ve hücre canlılığını azaltabilir. Anahtar kelimeler: Amigdalin, TAC, TOS, MTT, T98G
Sepsis causes release of free oxygen radicals that destroy membrane integrity.We evaluated the antioxidant effects of parsley, Petroselinum crispum(Pc), which has been used therapeutically for centuries in Anatolia, using a rat model of sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups of eight: a sham group with incised and sutured abdomen, a Pc extract(PcE) group was given 2 g/kg parsley extract for 14 days by gastric gavage, a CLP group with sepsis caused by CLP and a PcE + CLP group given parsley extract for 14 days, then made septic by CLP. PcE is given for 14 days and then sepsis is performed by the CLP procedure. The groups were compared in terms of hemogram, biochemical and histological characteristics. It has been proven that the administration of PcE before CLP-induced sepsis increases neutrophil, PLT counts and TAS levels which decrease with sepsis and decreases biochemical changes (BUN, AST, ALT, LDH, TOS, OSI) which increase with sepsis, to have a protective effect on sepsis . In the PcE + CLP group, the severity of intestinal infiltration was decreased significantly compared to the CLP group; epithelial damage was similar to the CLP group. In the PcE + CLP group, the crypt and villus length was greater and the decrease in Paneth cell degranulation intensity was found to be more than for the CLP group; also, the morphology of the cells was similar to the Sham group. PcE exhibit potential for prophylaxis for sepsis.
Spices and Mediterranean medicinal plants provide a rich resource for novel antiviral drug development. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to a pandemic with devastating outcomes, and hence, there is a global need to search for small-molecule inhibitors that can act against this viral pathogen. This review highlights studies that have investigated the antiviral activities of spices and Mediterranean herbs, as well as their mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2. Potential therapeutic target mechanisms addressed in this review comprise both host-directed and virus-directed therapies. Host-directed therapies include the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Virus-directed therapies include inhibition of papain-like protease (PLpro) and the main protease, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro). Though numerous studies have been conducted on natural products, many of these studies have been performed in silico and require further research to verify the suggested therapeutic properties. 3CLpro has been identified as the target with the largest number of proven in vitro results, with compounds from different classes of molecules shown to inhibit this essential viral protease. In silico studies have confirmed the in vitro results, while providing additional mechanistic insights. Phytocompounds can serve as a foundation for designing new antiviral therapies.
The current study evaluated the effects of parsley essential oil on broiler growth performance, carcass features, liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant activity, and lipid profile. A total of 160 unsexed 7‐day broiler chicks (Cobb500) were distributed into five groups; each group contained five replicates with eight birds each. The treatments were (1) basal diet (no additive, T1), (2) basal diet + 0.5 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T2), (3) basal diet + 1 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T3), (4) basal diet + 1.5 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T4), and (5) basal diet + 2 mL parsley essential oil/kg (T5). According to GC‐MS analysis, parsley oil contains D ‐limonene, hexadecanoic acid, α‐cyclocitral, globulol, α‐pinene, myristicin, cryophyllene, bergapten, α‐chamigrene, etc. The current results indicated that the most abundant molecules in parsley oil were D ‐limonene (18.82%), oleic acid (14.52%), α‐cyclocitral (11.75%), globulol (11.24%), α‐guaiene (7.34%), apiol (5.45%), and hexadecanoic acid (4.69%). Adding parsley essential oil to the broiler diet quadratically increased body weight (BW) during 1–3 weeks of age. The T5 group recorded the highest value (869.37 g) of BW in comparison to other treatments and the control group. The cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and total immunoglobulin, including immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in the birds fed parsley essential oil were not affected. The T3 group recorded the highest value (159 ng/mL) of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the lowest value (2.01 ng/mL) of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared to the control and other treatment. In conclusion, we recommend using parsley oil at levels of 1 mL/kg diet of broiler chicks.
This Experiment was carried out in the fields of College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad during the autumn season 2014-2015. Plants seeds (celery, parsley and Chamomile) planted in dishes, Seedlings transferred after month when seeds germination .The seedlings were planted in the field on lines between 75 cm and 40 cm between one plant and another. This experiment was carried out using the design RCBD on three replicates. The first factor represents different plants, While The second factor represents harvest dates .The results were showed that The harvest of leaves celery at three o'clock in the afternoon gave the highest percentage of volatile oil and penol, which was 0.75 ml / 100 g and 5 mg/100g. Parsley gave highest level of volatile oil at 6 pm, which was 0.5 ml / 100 g, While the harvest time at three in the morning produced the highest percentage of phenols, which reached 3.7 mg/100g. The amount of volatile oil in the flowers of chamomile plant increased when harvesting at 12 AM, which gave the highest amount of 0.063 ml / 100 g compared to the date of harvest at three in the afternoon, which produced the lowest amount of volatile oil amounted to 0.026 ml / 100 g. and harvest time at 9 pm in the content of total phenols.
Background: In the realms of herbal pharmacology, the Apiaceae family has long held the torch, with parsley, coriander, and celery at the forefront. They have been extensively utilized in traditional therapies, including their use as aphrodisiacs. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the aphrodisiac potential of three Apiaceae plants: Petroselinum crispum, Coriandrum sativum, and Apium graveolens, both individually and in combination, to substantiate their traditional medicinal usage. Methods: The administration of extracts orally (at a dose of 250 mg/kg of body weight) was carried out daily for 15 days in various groups of male rats. To induce receptivity in female rats used for mating, hormonal treatment was employed. The study encompassed the assessment of general mating behavior, which was compared to that induced by the standard reference drug, sildenafil citrate. Additionally, hematological and biochemical assays were conducted. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that oral administration of the extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg significantly heightened sexual activity in male rats. This was characterized by a substantial increase in parameters such as mounting frequency, erection frequency, ejaculation frequency, and copulatory rate, coupled with a noteworthy reduction in mounting latency, intromission latency, and latency time. However, when compared to the positive control group (sildenafil), the polyherbal formulation did not induce significant alterations in hematological parameters such as red blood cell count, white blood cell count, blood platelet count, and hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, the hepatic and renal markers in treated rats displayed no significant disturbances when administered with the individual extracts of the three Apiaceae plants or in combination, in comparison to the control group. The results also unveiled a substantial augmentation effect in blood testosterone levels following the individual administration of Apiaceae plant extracts when compared to the positive control group. The combined administration of these extracts at a dose of 250 mg/kg exhibited an even more pronounced effect in enhancing testosterone levels than administering the individual extracts. Conclusions: In conclusion, the polyherbal formulation comprising these Apiaceae plants demonstrated a substantial and sustained enhancement in the sexual activity of healthy male rats, without any discernible adverse effects. This suggests that the formulation maintains aphrodisiac properties, possibly attributed to its nerve-stimulating effects, thereby enhancing libido and potency. These findings not only support the traditional use of these herbs for their aphrodisiac properties but also propose potential applications for human use as a natural alternative for addressing male sexual disorders and as aphrodisiac agents.
Apiaceae is one of the biggest and most important plant families, comprising about
3700 species and 434 genera. Most of them are aromatic, flowering plants. The plants in this
family are beneficial for everyday use and treating diseases. They are a rich source of nutraceuti�cals and secondary metabolites attributed to different pharmacological activities. Some plants un�der this family possess antidiabetic activity through different mechanisms, such as inhibiting car�bohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, stimulating insulin secretion, and regulating glucose transport�ers. Diabetes mellitus has become a chronic metabolic disorder whose management is of utmost
importance in recent days. The present review aims to establish the use of Apiaceae family plants
in treating diabetes mellitus. The availability of plants, their bio-constituents, mode of action, and
experimental studies have also been briefly described here.
Background
Natural products are secondary metabolites obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms with diverse chemical structures resulting in diverse biological functions and drug-like properties.
Objective
This review article summarizes in detail the occurrence, detection, isolation, various pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of a natural compound i.e., 5-Allyl-1-methoxy- 2,3-methylenedioxybenzene commonly known as Myristicin.
Methods
A relevant literature search was made using the keywords essential oil, mace, myristicin, nutmeg, and pharmacological activities from different databases such as PubMed, Sci Finder, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The literature search results presented articles from 1963 to 2022. Thereafter, the articles were carefully screened and selected for review.
Results
Myristicin, an alkoxy-substituted allylbenzene is present in major to minor amounts in the essential oils obtained from different plant parts and exhibits various pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective. It forms 10 metabolites by reduction, demethylation, hydroxylation, ring formation, ring-opening, and conjugate formation. In the liver, myristicin has been metabolized by Cytochrome P450 complex enzymes to generate active metabolite (1ˈ hyroxymyristicin) responsible for cytotoxic, genotoxic and apoptotic effects (150 μM). But, myristicin at 600 μM does not produce enough 1ʼ-hydroxymyristicin to give the final toxicant.
Conclusion
Myristicin poses no major risk to human health through the consumption of herbs and spices due to its presence in low amounts. It has great potential to be used in the traditional system of medicine. We hope that this review will provide complete knowledge about myristicin on a single platform.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs especially in advanced ages. It reduces quality of life of both the patient and their relatives. In addition to its primary effects, AD causes metabolic defects and tissues are damaged due to these effects. Oxidative stress damages cells by disrupting antioxidant/oxidant balance in many tissues, especially due to AD. In individuals with AD and the elderly, lens tissue is damaged due to oxidative stress and may cause vision loss. Therefore, it is very important to investigate herbal products that both prevent/cure AD and reduce AD‐related oxidative stress, as they may have fewer side effects. In this study, the protective effects of parsley extract on lens tissues of experimental AD model induced by scopolamine were examined and evaluated through biochemical parameters. The result of biochemical experiments and principal component analysis, it was observed that parsley extract had a therapeutic effect by reducing oxidative stress in lens tissues of experimentally induced AD rats. It can be suggested that the phenolic and flavonoid‐rich content of parsley extract may have caused the reduction of oxidative damage in lens tissues and can be used to protect lens tissue against oxidative stress due to AD disease.
Despite the availability of numerous reports on the discovery of medicinal plant compounds and their properties, one may encounter contradictory results released by these reports at the level of plant families and even within species. To establish an accurate perspective of the Apiaceae family, this study examined the fruit essential oil and methanolic extract of wild and common species of this family. According to the measurement of the antioxidant property in the methanolic extract of the fruits using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ferula gummosa, Pimpinella anisum and Cuminum cyminum have high power in inhibiting free radicals. However, Bunium persicum had the strongest DPPH radicals inhibitory potential among all essential oils. The results of antimicrobial tests and their classification analysis showed that C. cyminum and B. persicum fruit essential oil with a high amount of cuminaldehyde had the most antibacterial properties. At the same time, the antifungal properties of H. persicum essential oil (rich in aliphatic ester) were stronger than those of the all the studied plants. Also, the essential oils of F. gummosa and Kelussia odoratissima had favourable antimicrobial properties compared to other studied plants. The investigation of the bacterial structure by scanning electron microscope confirmed the effect of the applied essential oils dose and their antibacterial potential. In general, for the first time, this paper determined the biological values of the fruit essential oil of some wild plants, such as K. odoratissima and H. persicum. Besides, in vitro examination and the mathematical models provided a suitable classification, which makes a comprehensive view in terms of the properties of the Apiaceae family.
Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids that contain a diverse group of over 200 aromatic volatile and non-volatile flavoring compounds. These are the secondary metabolites derived from the different parts of the plants. It has numerous uses in multiple industrial applications such as food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. EOs is extracted using a variety of methods. These various techniques have several merits and demerits in terms of the biological and physicochemical characteristics of the extracted oils. A few advanced techniques (subcritical and supercritical fluid extraction, solvent free microwave extraction) and conventional (steam distillation, solvent extraction, hydro-distillation, hydro-diffusion) techniques have been studied for the determination of EOs. Progressed methods are considered as the most consoling extraction systems due to less extraction time, low energy usage, less dissolvable used and less carbon dioxide emanation. Parameters like solvent-solute ratio, extraction temperature, size of the raw material and the extraction time have significant effect on the yield of the EOs. Production of EO is highly integrated with the physiology of the plant and its metabolic pathway. EO production sometimes also depends on the preset developmental differentiation of the synthesizing tissue. EO productivity is eco-physiologically and environment friendly. Because of their compelling and proficient properties, EOs can be utilized as antimicrobial, anticancer, mitigating and against viral specialists. These EOs can also be used as skin permeation enhancer agents.
Plants of the genus Pituranthos are well-known in folk medicine. Of particular interest, Pituranthos chloranthus bears interesting properties such as disinfectant of drinking water stored in cisterns and distinctive aroma and taste. The variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils (EO) of two organs (seeds and stems) of P. chloranthus collected from three regions of Tunisia (Gafsa, Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine) was investigated in this study. Therefore, dried seeds and stems of P. chloranthus were hydro-distilled and EO were analyzed by Gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). A total of thirty-one compounds were identified of which the main components of the stems EO were found as elemicin (7.4 - 47.1%) and apiol (15.8 - 25.3%) followed by myristicin (11.3 - 23.0%) and terpinen-4-ol (7.7 - 18.5%) whereas elemicin (45.5 - 54.0%), apiol (19.3 - 28.0%) and myristicin (6.6 - 9.0%) were identified as the most abundant compounds of the seeds’ EO. Interestingly, while the stems and seeds essential oils from Majoura displayed similar chemical composition, EO of stems and seeds of both locations Regueb and Sbeitla exhibited different ones. Besides, 1-allyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene was identified for the first time in the EO of the genus Pituranthos, and with a relatively high rate in the stems EO from Sidi Bouzid. The antioxidant activity of EO samples was evaluated by their reducing power. Our results show clearly that the seeds EO from Gafsa exhibited the highest reducing power with an EC50 = 0.42 mg/ml.
The present work aims to study the anatomical characteristics of three plant species used in Algeria for their diuretic and antilithiasic properties. Also to summarise the results obtained in detailed drawings of each part studied as well as diagrams with conventional tissue signs. For this, plant samples were collected from herbalists in the region of Tlemcen (northwestern Algeria). These were leaves and stems of Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae), leaves of Scolymus hispanicus (Asteraceae), leaves and stems of Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae); they were all examined and identified. Cross sections were made and stained using the double staining technique; they were then observed under an optical microscope. It was generally observed that the parsley leaf did not have any secretory trichomes, and the secretory duct in the midrib was located between the phloem and the lower epidermis. It was also noted that there were no secretory trichomes in the Spanish Scolyme. In addition, branched covering trichomes and secretory trichomes with octacellular head were observed in the leaf of white horehound. These findings are certainly going to help enrich the rare bibliographic data available on the anatomy of these three species.
The term "Mediterranean diet," implying that all Mediterranean people have the same diet, is a misnomer. The countries around the Mediterranean basin have different diets, religions and cultures. Their diets differ in the amount of total fat, olive oil, type of meat and wine intake; milk vs. cheese; fruits and vegetables; and the rates of coronary heart disease and cancer, with the lower death rates and longer life expectancy occurring in Greece. Extensive studies on the traditional diet of Greece (the diet before 1960) indicate that the dietary pattern of Greeks consists of a high intake of fruits, vegetables (particularly wild plants), nuts and cereals mostly in the form of sourdough bread rather than pasta; more olive oil and olives; less milk but more cheese; more fish; less meat; and moderate amounts of wine, more so than other Mediterranean countries. Analyses of the dietary pattern of the diet of Crete shows a number of protective substances, such as selenium, glutathione, a balanced ratio of (n-6):(n-3) essential fatty acids (EFA), high amounts of fiber, antioxidants (especially resveratrol from wine and polyphenols from olive oil), vitamins E and C, some of which have been shown to be associated with lower risk of cancer, including cancer of the breast. These findings should serve as a strong incentive for the initiation of intervention trials that will test the effect of specific dietary patterns in the prevention and management of patients with cancer. J. Nutr. 131: 3065S-3073S, 2001.
The action of the phenolic compounds acetaminophen, salicylate, and 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA) as inhibitors of lipid peroxidation was studied under conditions suitable for establishing their antioxidant potencies. These phenolic compounds react differently with diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and protect differently sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes against lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2+/ascorbate, as evaluated by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and by the loss of the polyunsaturated fatty acyl chains. 5-Aminosalicylate reacts promptly with DPPH, suggesting a potent radical scavenger activity and was found to be the most active in inhibiting Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation. These compounds also exhibit peroxyl radical scavenging activity generated by the water-soluble 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) azoinitiator of peroxyl radicals, as evidenced by the inhibition of cis-parinaric acid fluorescence decay or oxygen consumption. 5-ASA rapidly scavenges peroxyl radicals in the aqueous phase, producing a concentration-dependent inhibition period similar to Trolox or cysteine, suggesting an antioxidant activity of chain-breaking type. By comparison, the reactivities of acetaminophen and salicylate are significantly weaker, acting essentially as oxidation retardants. Although closely related in structure, the antioxidant efficiencies of the three phenolic compounds are significantly different. The higher antioxidant activity of 5-ASA is putatively related with the p-amine relative to the hydroxyl group, potentially increasing the stability of the phenoxyl radical. Such a stabilization is not possible with salicylate and is decreased in acetaminophen by an electron withdrawing effect of the p-acetyl.
Of all proposed cancer chemopreven-tive agents, p-carotene seemed the mostpromising (7)—until recently. Numer-ous retrospective and prospective studieshave demonstrated that a reduced risk oflung and other cancers is associatedwith an increased intake of provitaminA carotenoids, the vitamin A precursorsin vegetables and fruits (2-7). Inprospective studies, elevated prediag-nostic blood P-carotene levels havebeen consistently predictive of a re-duced incidence of lung and other can-cers (2-5,7,8). However, in a large,randomized, placebo-controlled trial inFinland (9), male smokers took P-carotene daily for 5-8 years at a dosesubstantially higher than that linked toreduced risk in observational studies,and lung cancer incidence was increased18% (95% confidence interval [CI] -3%-36%), contributing substantially toan 8% excess in total mortality. Interimresults from a second large, randomizedtrial conducted in the United States withmale and female smokers and men ex-posed to asbestos have corroborated thatlung cancer incidence and total mor-tality are increased in subjects taking P-carotene supplements.'The observational studies of diet andcancer relied on food composition tablesto estimate consumption of total pro-vitamin A carotenoids, which include p-carotene, a-carotene, and chemicallysimilar carotenoids. Recently, adatabase detailing the levels of themajor individual carotenoids in U.S.foods was published (10,11). Conse-quently, we reanalyzed data from thefirst case-control study to evaluate thehypothesis that P-carotene could protectagainst cancer—a population-basedstudy of diet and lung cancer conductedin New Jersey during 1980-1981(12,13).Eligible case subjects were whitemen
Colorectal cancer is becoming increasingly common in Asian countries and still remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Efforts to prevent colon cancer have targeted early detection through screening and chemoprevention. For the last ten years our laboratory has utilized an in vivo screening assay for the testing of potential cancer preventives for colon cancer. We have conducted investigations on over 150 compounds including many with botanical or herbal origins. As part of our program on natural products we have examined a number of herbal and botanical products in the aberrant crypt foci (ACF) assay including Korean red ginseng powder, green tea catechins, curcumin from the Indian culinary spice, tumeric, compounds from garlic and onion, resveratrol from red grapes, among others. In the ginseng experiments groups of 10 F344 rats were fed ginseng powder at a dose of 0.5 g/kg or 2 mg/kg for 5 weeks. During weeks 2 and 3 rats were injected with 10 mg/kg azoxymethane to induce ACF. Controls (n=10) did not receive azoxymethane (AOM). Rats were killed by CO2 overdose and ACF counted in the rat colon. In 8 week post-initiation experiments ginseng powder inhibited the progression of established ACF, indicating a cytostatic effect. This may be due to an anti-inflammatory effect. There is a body of literature that suggests that compounds in wine, tumeric, and tea inhibit cyclooxygenases, thus reducing prostaglandin-mediated effects on the colon. As colon tumors have been shown to highly express COX-2 protein, and given, that many NSAID drugs also suppress COX-1, it is tempting to speculate that herbal products that inhibit one or both forms of the COX enzyme will be effective agents for the prevention of cancer in man.
The control of cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide, may benefit from the potential that resides in alternative therapies. The primary carcinogens stem from a variety of agricultural, industrial, and dietary factors. Conventional therapies cause serious side effects and, at best, merely extend the patient's lifespan by a few years. There is thus the need to utilise alternative concepts or approaches to the prevention of cancer. This review focuses on the many natural products that have been implicated in cancer prevention and that promote human health without recognisable side effects. These molecules originate from vegetables, fruits, plant extracts, and herbs.
To investigate the synthesis methods and the bioactivity of diindolylmethane (DIM) derivatives.
1) A 3D-Quantitative Structure-Active Relationships (QSAR) Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) study of 14 DIM derivatives was investigated to predict their anticarcinogenic activity. 2) Based on CoMFA model, a series of new derivatives of DIM were designed and synthesized. 3) Their free radical scavenging and antioxidant potentials were tested using in-vitro DPPH radical scavenging and ?-carotene antioxidant models. 4) The anticarcinogenic activities of some compounds were tested by using microculture tetrazolium assay (MTT) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) proteochromosomic assays.
1) The CoMFA model derived from DIM analogues proved a good predictive ability with q2 value of 0.827. 2) New designed compounds 3c and 4c exhibited 3-fold more potent radical scavenging activity than reference substance Vitamin E in DPPH model expressed by IC50 values. 3) The primary antitumor screening essay showed that some DIM derivatives designed exhibited the inhibitory activities to some tumor cell growth at relatively high concentration, and DIM was the most effective among them.
DIM's 3D-QSAR model is reliable. According to it, eleven DIM derivatives were synthesized, and two derivatives of them possess potent radical scavenging activities and some showed the inhibitory activities in primary anticancer assay in vitro.
The antifungal activity of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Bupleurum gibraltarium was evaluated against Plasmopara halstedii. Fungus spores were inoculated in sunflower seedlings, previously treated with several essential oil solutions, and the sporulation percentage was measured after an 11-day treatment. The oil at a concentration of 5.0 mL/L clearly inhibited the fungus sporulation. The contact between fungus sporangia and essential oil was minimized, so it seems that the oil pretreatment could activate the defense response of the sunflower seedlings against the pathogen invasion. The main compounds in the oil were sabinene (31.1%), alpha-pinene (15.6%), and 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde (10.9%), among a total of 65 components identified.
In recent years there has been a remarkable increment in scientific articles dealing with oxidative stress. Several reasons justify this trend: knowledge about reactive oxygen and nitrogen species metabolism; definition of markers for oxidative damage; evidence linking chronic diseases and oxidative stress; identification of flavonoids and other dietary polyphenol antioxidants present in plant foods as bioactive molecules; and data supporting the idea that health benefits associated with fruits, vegetables and red wine in the diet are probably linked to the polyphenol antioxidants they contain. In this review we examine some of the evidence linking chronic diseases and oxidative stress, the distribution and basic structure of plant polyphenol antioxidants, some biological effects of polyphenols, and data related to their bioavailability and the metabolic changes they undergo in the intestinal lumen and after absorption into the organism. Finally, we consider some of the challenges that research in this area currently faces, with particular emphasis on the contributions made at the International Symposium "Biology and Pathology of Free Radicals: Plant and Wine Polyphenol Antioxidants" held July 29-30, 1999, at the Catholic University, Santiago, Chile and collected in this special issue of Biological Research.
Recent evidence shows that plant polyphenols exhibit antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. By three separate and complementary methods--DPPH assay, beta-carotene-linoleic acid assay and NBT-reduction assay it was established that a polyphenol-rich extract from the medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L. with strong anti-influenza virus activity, possessed antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities. For comparative reasons caffeic acid and the synthetic antioxidant BHT were used. Total soluble phenolic constituents of the MeOH extract measured by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent were found as 34.60% (w/w). Further it was demonstrated that the EtOAc fraction, retaining the majority of the in vivo protective effect exhibited a strong O2-scavenging activity while the n-BuOH fraction, containing the majority of the in vitro antiviral activity provoked generation of O2-. The O2- scavenging activity of all three preparations correlated with the rate of the protective effect shown in the murine model of experimental influenza virus infection. The present results are in accordance with our intensive studies on the mode of the protective effect of the plant extract which showed positively that the protection may possibly be attributed to the combination of more than one biological activities and that the use of antioxidants might be an useful approach in the treatment of influenza infection.
The essential oil composition of an endemic Algerian Cruciferae, Pseudocytisus integrifolius (Salisb.) Rehder, was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS). Eighty-three components representing more than 96.5% of the oil were identified. The major components were dimethyl disulfide (33.4%), dimethyl trisulfide (24.2%), and an unsaturated nitrile (31.7%). Fractionation on a silica gel column led to the identification of trace-level compounds, in particular, polar compounds such as nitriles and aldehydes, and to the isolation of dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, and an unsaturated nitrile. Structural analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and 1H,13C NMR techniques enabled the identification of pent-4-enenitrile. Variation in essential oil composition and yields was studied according to harvesting time, drying, and parts of the plant. The essential oil of aerial parts was tested for its antibacterial activity using a paper disk method. The oil was effective on the inactivation of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and ineffective on the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus.
The writing of this book was undertaken to fill what we perceived to be a serious gap in a growing area of science, the study of herbs. For those working in research and development, access to accurate and recent information is critical. Yet scientific knowledge about the plants represented in this volume is spread throughout numerous journals, agricultural research projects, and "in-house" publications, making it extremely difficult to retrieve, review, and use. The problem is especially acute in countries where international journals and reference aids are unavailable or too costly for libraries to maintain. This bibliography is written for professional horticulturists, chemists, food scientists, pharmacologists, administrators, researchers, students, plus others with either a technical or commercial interest in herbs and related plants.
The antidiscoloring activity of green tea polyphenols and catechins on β-carotene was investigated. The residual ratio of β-carotene added in beverages and margarine was measured. Green tea polyphenols showed dose-dependent antidiscoloring activity of β-carotene on both the beverage and the margarine. The antidiscoloring effect of (−)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCg) and l-ascorbate (Vc) in a buffer solution (pH 4.0) containing β-carotene was compared under fluorescence irradiation. At 1000 μM, EGCg and Vc maintained residual β-carotene amounts of 85.4% and 78.5% and at 100 μM 79.6% and 2.9%, respectively. The strength of the antidiscoloring activity of the catechins, gallic acid (GA), and Vc was as follows: (−)-gallocatechin 3-gallate, (−)-epigallocatechin, EGCg, (+)-gallocatechin GA > Vc, (−)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin. It was suggested that the hydroxyl group at the 5‘-position of the B ring of the catechin skeleton mostly contributed to the antidiscoloring activity. Keywords: Green tea; catechins; β-carotene; antidiscoloring activity
A germplasm collection of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), consisting of 104 accessions from the USDA Plant Introduction Station including curly and flat leaf and Hamburg types, was greenhouse grown and the essential oil extracted from fresh leaves by water distillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS for essential oil content and composition. The essential oil content ranged from 0.00 to 0.16% (v/fresh weight), and the constituents include α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, α-phellandrene, β-phellandrene, terpinene, terpinolene and 1-methyl-4-isopropenylbenzene, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, thymol, myristicin, apiol, plus three unknowns, two of molecular weight 168 and one of 268. Individual accessions varied greatly in essential oil composition. In general, the major constituent was 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, followed by β-phellandrene, myristicin, and myrcene. Parsley accessions high in the specific constituents (as a percent of essential oil) 1,3,8-p-menthatriene (68%), myristicin (60%), β-phellandrene (33%), apiol (22%), myrcene (16%), terpinolene and 1-methyl-4-isopropenylbenzene (13%), and MW 268 dimer (10%) were identified. Thymol was detected in seven accessions, as 2% or less, and this is the first report of this compound in parsley leaf oil.
The catechins, including epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and the theaflavins, including theaflavin (TF), theaflavin monogallate (TF-1), and theaflavin digallate (TF-2), were extracted from green tea and black tea, respectively. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability, superoxide-scavenging efficiency, and lipid oxidation-inhibition ability of the pure compounds listed above as well as epicatechin (EC), carnosol, carnosic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were investigated.
The DPPH radical-scavenging ability of the catechins was EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC and of the theaflavins was TF-2 > TF-1 > TF. EGCG, ECG, EGC, TF-2, TF-1, and TF showed higher DPPH radical- and superoxide-scavenging abilities than carnosol, carnosic acid, and BHT. EGCG, ECG, EGC, carnosol, and carnosic acid showed higher lipid oxidation-inhibition activity, as measured by the Rancimat method, than BHT and theaflavins.
Essential oils obtained by simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) from leaves, petioles and roots of three types of parsley (turnip-rooted, plain leaf and curly leaf type), sown on three different dates, were analysed by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) analysis. Parsley plants were found to produce mainly β-phellandrene, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, α-,p-dimethylstyrene, myristicin, β-myrcene and apiole. In some cases α- and β-pinene were also found, whereas β-elemene was detected, especially in the curly leaf type. The growth stage, plant tissue and date of sowing, as well as the climate conditions, all had a significant effect on the essential oil composition by altering the ratio of the above substances. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of freeze-dried and irradiated parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) leaves and stems were determined on methanol and water extracts. The total phenolic content was quantified with the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent. Several mechanisms of potential antioxidant activity of all extracts, including determining relative free radical-scavenging and ferrous ion-chelating activities, as well as reducing power, were examined. Assessment of the total antioxidant activity of all extracts was done using an iron-induced linoleic acid oxidation model system. Antimicrobial activity towards Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli by different extracts was assessed by determining cell damage. Total phenolic content varied between parsley and cilantro, leaf and stem, as well as methanol and water extracts. Methanol-derived leaf extracts exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) greater radical-scavenging activity towards both lipid- and water-soluble radicals, which was attributed to the total phenolic content. Ferrous ion-chelating activity was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the stem methanol extracts, and corresponded to antioxidant activity. Prooxidant activity was a feature of all aqueous extracts and corresponded to the reducing activity of both leaf and stem parts of parsley and cilantro. Bacterial cell damage, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) greater growth inhibition of B. subtilis and E. coli, corresponded to ferrous sequestering activity of methanol-derived stem extracts.
The essential oils, isolated by hydrodistillation, from the aerial parts of Thymus caespititius, Thymus camphoratus and Thymus mastichina, collected during the vegetative phase, were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The antioxidant property of these oils was tested, with and without peroxidation inducer, by the egg yolk-based thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances assay, in the concentrations of 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg l−1. α-Terpineol (32%) dominated Th. caespititius essential oil and 1,8-cineole (58%) that of Th. mastichina. Linalool (17%), linalyl acetate (15%) and 1,8-cineole (11%) were the main components of Th. camphoratus oil. The oils demonstrated antioxidant capacity in the absence of radical inducer 2,2′-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (ABAP), mainly that of Th. caespititius at 250 and 500 mg l−1, comparable in some cases to that of α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The presence of ABAP diminished the antioxidant ability of all essential oils tested, Th. caespititius oil still showing the highest antioxidant capacity at 500 mg l−1. At 250 and 500 mg l−1, for BHA, and 500 mg l−1, for α-tocopherol, the antioxidant capacity significantly increased in the presence of ABAP.
About 100 pure components of essential oils have been tested for their antioxidant effectiveness. The main classes of compounds, namely monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, benzene derivatives, and non isoprenoid components comprising alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, which are the most common constituents of essential oils, have been analysed. Two model systems for the antioxidant efficacy have been used; the first exploiting the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) method using egg yolk as oxydable substrate, the second measuring the formation of hydroperoxydienes from linoleic acid in a micellar system, using in both cases 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (ABAP) as a radical initiator, and α-tocopherol as a reference compound. From a general point of view phenols were confirmed to possess the highest antioxidant activity. In particular some monoterpene hydrocarbons, namely, terpinolene, α- and γ-terpinene showed a significant protective action, whereas among the oxygenated components, beside the aforesaid phenols, allylic alcohols manifested an appreciable activity. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and non isoprenoid components subjected to this study showed a low, if any, antioxidant effect. The role of the different model systems and the relationship between structure and antioxidant effectiveness are discussed.
Glutathione S-transferase (GST) assay-guided fractionation of parsley leaf oil from the edible plant Petroselinum sativum Hoffm. (Umbelliferae) led to the isolation of myristicin. Myristicin showed high activity as an inducer of the detoxifying enzyme GST in the liver and small intestinal mucosa of female A/J mice. Reduction of myristicin yielded dihydromyristicin that retained the GST-inducing activity. Myristicin and dihydromyristicin were tested for their capacity to inhibit benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced tumor formation in female A/J mice. A 65% inhibition of the tumor multiplicity in the lung was observed as the result of treatment of myristicin. Dihydromyristicin produced small or insignificant reduction of lung tumor formation. In the forestomach, myristicin showed a 31% inhibition of tumor formation; while dihydromyristicin exhibited a 27% inhibition. Comparison of the structures and activities indicated that the saturation of the isolated double bond in myristicin resulted in a significant decrease in the inhibitory activity against B[a]P-induced tumorigenesis. The present results showed that myristicin, an active inducer of GST activity, is an effective inhibitor of B[a]P-induced tumorigenesis in mice. Stimulation of GST activity by myristicin could be a major mechanism for its inhibition of B[a]P or other carcinogens that may be detoxified in the same manner. As a culinary herb parsley is regularly consumed by humans. Parsley leaf oil is also used extensively for garnishing and seasoning. The results of this study indicate that as a major volatile aroma constituent of parsley myristicin may be an effective cancer chemopreventive agent.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was added at levels of 0.5 and 2.0% to the diet of inbred F344 rats for 2 years. The higher dose of BHA induced a significant increase in the incidence of papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma in both sexes. Both the higher and lower doses increased the incidences of hyperplasia of the forestomach, considered to be associated with neoplasias. The incidences of these neoplastic changes were dose-dependent. Neoplastic changes in other organs were not increased significantly by BHA. These results show that BHA is carcinogenic in the forestomach of F344 rats.
The anti-cancer efficacy of dietary beta-carotene (BC, 120 mg/kg diet, daily) was evaluated during diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 200 mg/kg body weight)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Sprague-Dawley rats. BC treatment was carried out throughout the study, before initiation or selection/promotion phase of hepatocarcinogenesis in a defined experimental protocol. In red blood cells (RBC) and microsomal fractions from hepatic nodular and non-nodular surrounding parenchyma, the enzymatic lipid peroxidation increased significantly by more than 3-fold, 9- to 10-fold and 4- to 7-fold respectively 18 weeks following initiation by DEN as compared to normal control animals. RBC membrane protein damage was estimated by alanine release and was found to increase more than 5-fold in the same time period in DEN control rats. A decrease in hepatic cytosolic and microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase activities was observed, whereas the activities of the oxygen-derived free-radical scavenger enzymes, like cytosolic catalase and superoxide dismutase, were shown to increase significantly at the same time point. However, BC exposure in the different phases to hepatocarcinogenesis substantially changed all the above parameters in limiting the action of DEN. Results showed that the most significant beneficial effect of BC during hepatocarcinogenesis was exerted mainly in long term continuous and/or the initiation phase of carcinogenicity, rather than in the selection/promotion phase. Moreover, the volumetric and numerical densities of the preneoplastic lesions were all appreciably reduced by exposure to BC. We conclude that long term intake of BC could reduce cancer risk by preventing hepatic lipid peroxidation and RBC membrane protein damage due to its antioxidant actions.
It is well accepted that extracellular ligands trigger nuclear signals through a cascade of protein-protein interactions. Many of these pathways have been carefully defined and provide an important framework by which we can understand and intervene in the processes they initiate. Recent data in the literature indicate that many extracellular ligands generate and/or require reactive free radicals or derived species to successfully transmit their signals to the nucleus. Thus, a novel signaling mechanism akin to one solely dependent on protein-protein interactions may exist. Here, we review this information, identify both the sources and targets of free radicals generated by various growth factors and cytokines, discuss how specificity can be achieved, and explore the pathophysiological implications.
An HPLC method for evaluation of the free radical-scavenging activity of foods by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) is reported. The activity was evaluated by measuring the decrease of DPPH detected at 517 nm. By using this novel method, we determined the free radical-scavenging activity of several antioxidants: ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, Trolox, and cysteine. The results gave good correlation between the radical-scavenging activity determined by HPLC and by conventional colorimetry. This methodology was applied to determine the free radical-scavenging activity of 8 beverages. The activity of coffee was the highest, followed by red wine, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, rosé wine, white wine, and orange juice. The results well agree with those of previous reports. This method is expected to be useful for a simple and rapid determination of free radical-scavenging activity in colored foods, because coloring substances in foods do not interfere with the measurement.
Free radical reactions have excited excessive research in the past two decades. Since then it has been proven that these mechanisms may be important in the pathogenesis of certain diseases and aging. Many synthetic antioxidant components have shown toxic and/or mutagenic effects, which have directed most of the attention on the naturally occurring antioxidants. Their use has mainly centered around prevention, and the maintenance of health. Parsley, Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A. W. Hill belonging to the Apiaceae family, is a well-known spice and vegetable. Its herb and root are widely known for their effects on digestion, stomach, kidney, blood, and liver. The essential oil obtained from the fruit has also strong action on the central nervous system. Characteristic constituents are: flavonoids (apiin, luteolin-, apigenin-glycosides), essential oil (apiol, miriszticin), cumarines, (bergapten, imperatorin) and vitamin C. In our experimental work, various extracts prepared from different vegetative organs of parsley have been investigated. The chemical composition of the extracts and fractions were analyzed by chromatographic (GC, HPLC) and spectroscopic (UV, UV-VIS) techniques. We intended to provide evidence for the antioxidant activity of vegetable drugs and also studied the free radical scavenger activities by means of spectrophotometry (H-donor activity, reducing capability, chelat formation) and chemiluminometry. To prove the free radical scavenging effect of the extracts, the reduced intensity of the H2O2/.OH-isoluminol, microperoxidase system was studied in vitro. The highest correlation was found between the chemical property and the antioxidant effect of the flavonoid rich samples. At the same time it was also observed that the essential oil plays a significant role in the scavenging effect as well. More experiments are in progress to study the most promising compounds in the vegetative and generative organs of parsley.
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The antimicrobial activity of plant oils and extracts has been recognized for many years. However, few investigations have compared large numbers of oils and extracts using methods that are directly comparable. In the present study, 52 plant oils and extracts were investigated for activity against Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia col, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, using an agar dilution method. Lemongrass, oregano and bay inhibited all organisms at concentrations of < or = 2.0% (v/v). Six oils did not inhibit any organisms at the highest concentration, which was 2.0% (v/v) oil for apricot kernel, evening primrose, macadamia, pumpkin, sage and sweet almond. Variable activity was recorded for the remaining oils. Twenty of the plant oils and extracts were investigated, using a broth microdilution method, for activity against C. albicans, Staph. aureus and E. coli. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.03% (v/v) thyme oil against C. albicans and E. coli and 0.008% (v/v) vetiver oil against Staph. aureus. These results support the notion that plant essential oils and extracts may have a role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives.
Herbs have been used as food and for medicinal purposes for centuries. Research interest has focused on various herbs that possess hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, antitumor, or immune-stimulating properties that may be useful adjuncts in helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In different herbs, a wide variety of active phytochemicals, including the flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, sulfides, polyphenolics, carotenoids, coumarins, saponins, plant sterols, curcumins, and phthalides have been identified. Several of these phytochemicals either inhibit nitrosation or the formation of DNA adducts or stimulate the activity of protective enzymes such as the Phase II enzyme glutathione transferase (EC 2.5.1.18). Research has centered around the biochemical activity of the Allium sp. and the Labiatae, Umbelliferae, and Zingiberaceae families, as well as flaxseed, licorice root, and green tea. Many of these herbs contain potent antioxidant compounds that provide significant protection against chronic diseases. These compounds may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, inhibit lipid peroxidation, or have antiviral or antitumor activity. The volatile essential oils of commonly used culinary herbs, spices, and herbal teas inhibit mevalonate synthesis and thereby suppress cholesterol synthesis and tumor growth.
In retrospect, basic research in the fields of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) during the past two decades appears to have followed a logical course, beginning with the findings that NO and cGMP are vascular smooth muscle relaxants, that nitroglycerin relaxes smooth muscle by metabolism to NO, progressing to the discovery that mammalian cells synthesize NO, and finally the revelation that NO is a neurotransmitter mediating vasodilation in specialized vascular beds. A great deal of basic and clinical research on the physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of NO in cardiovascular function has been conducted since the discovery that endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is NO. The new knowledge on NO should enable investigators in this field to develop novel and more effective therapeutic strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of numerous cardiovascular disorders. The goal of this review was to highlight the early research that led to our current understanding of the pathophysiologic role of NO in cardiovascular medicine. Furthermore, we discussed the possible mechanism of some drugs interfering with NO signaling cascade.
Prokaryotic cells employ redox-sensing transcription factors to detect elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and regulate expression of antioxidant genes. In Escherichia coli, two such transcription factors, OxyR and SoxR, have been well characterized. The OxyR protein contains a thiol-disulfide redox switch to sense hydrogen peroxide. The SoxR protein uses a 2Fe-2S cluster to sense superoxide generated by redox-cycling agents, as well as to sense nitric oxide. Both proteins are turned on and off with very fast kinetics (approximate minutes), allowing rapid cellular responses to oxidative stress. The mechanisms by which these and other prokaryotic proteins sense redox signals have provided useful paradigms for understanding redox signal transduction in eukaryotic cells.
A byproduct of normal aerobic metabolism is the generation of dangerously reactive intermediates of the reduction of O2. These include O2-, H2O2, and HO. and arise because of the predisposition of O2 for univalent reductions. These reactive oxygen species (ROS), and others that they can engender, threaten all cellular macromolecules, and defenses are needed. Among those known to date are: superoxide dismutases to convert O2- into O2 + H2O2; catalases to dismute H2O2 into O2 + H2O; and peroxidases to reduce H2O2 into 2H2O) and to reduce ROOH into ROH and H2O. These defenses are aided by enzymes that repair or recycle oxidatively damaged nucleic acids and proteins. A role for such oxidative damage in aging and neurodegenerative diseases is well supported.
The superoxide free radical has come to occupy an amazingly central role in a wide variety of diseases. Our metabolic focus on aerobic energy metabolism in all cell types, coupled with some chemical peculiarities of the oxygen molecule itself, contribute to the phenomenon. Superoxide is not, as we once thought, just a toxic but unavoidable byproduct of oxygen metabolism. Rather it appears to be a carefully regulated metabolite capable of signaling and communicating important information to the cell's genetic machinery. Redox regulation of gene expression by superoxide and other related oxidants and antioxidants is beginning to unfold as a vital mechanism in health and disease.
Prenylated flavonoids found in hops and beer, i.e., prenylchalcones and prenylflavanones, were examined for their ability to inhibit in vitro oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The oxidation of LDL was assessed by the formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the loss of tryptophan fluorescence. At concentrations of 5 and 25 microM, all of the prenylchalcones tested inhibited the oxidation of LDL (50 microg protein/ml) induced by 2 microM copper sulfate. The prenylflavanones showed less antioxidant activity than the prenylchalcones, both at 5 and 25 microM. At 25 microM, the nonprenylated chalcone, chalconaringenin (CN), and the nonprenylated flavanone, naringenin (NG), exerted prooxidant effects on LDL oxidation, based on TBARS formation. Xanthohumol (XN), the major prenylchalcone in hops and beer, showed high antioxidant activity in inhibiting LDL oxidation, higher than alpha-tocopherol and the isoflavone genistein but lower than the flavonol quercetin. When combined, XN and alpha-tocopherol completely inhibited copper-mediated LDL oxidation. These findings suggest that prenylchalcones and prenylflavanones found in hops and beer protect human LDL from oxidation and that prenylation antagonizes the prooxidant effects of the chalcone, CN, and the flavanone, NG.
DNA oxidative damage was measured in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells, in the same cells committed to granulocytic differentiation with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and in mature human peripheral granulocytes (HPG). DNA damage was evaluated as single strand breaks and 8-OHdG adducts, measured by single cell electrophoresis or by monoclonal antibodies, respectively. The basal levels of either marker of DNA damage were higher in undifferentiated HL-60 cells than in HPG and DMSO- or RA-differentiated cells. Treatment with H(2)O(2) increased 8-OHdG formation in all cells, but the levels of DNA damage remained higher in undifferentiated cells as compared to the differentiated ones. Three lines of evidence suggested that the higher levels of DNA damage observed in undifferentiated cells were at least in part attributable to a reduced detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS). First, undifferentiated cells were shown to accumulate higher levels of dichlorodihydrofluorescein-detectable ROS than HPG and DMSO- or RA-differentiated cells. Second, undifferentiated HL-60 cells were characterized by reduced levels of GSH and lower GSH/GSSG ratios as compared to the differentiated cells. Third, pretreatment of undifferentiated HL-60 cells with antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol or beta-carotene suppressed the elevation of ROS and the formation of 8-OHdG induced by H(2)O(2). Further evidence for the importance of the oxidant/antioxidant balance was obtained by modulating the iron-catalyzed decomposition of H(2)O(2) to hydroxyl radicals in undifferentiated HL-60 cells. In fact, pretreatment with FeSO(4) increased the formation of 8-OHdG induced by H(2)O(2), whereas pretreatment with the iron chelator deferoxamine produced the opposite effect. These results illustrate correlations between the oxidant/antioxidant balance and DNA damage and suggest that the capability of a cell population to withstand oxidative stress and DNA damage may depend on its degree of differentiation.
The isolation and structure elucidation of antifungal constituents of the steam-distilled essential oil fraction of Artemisia dracunculus are described. Antifungal activities of 5-phenyl-1,3-pentadiyne and capillarin against Colletrotichum fragariae, Colletrotichum gloeosporioides, and Colletrotichum acutatum are reported for the first time. The relative abundance of 5-phenyl-1,3-pentadiyne is about 11% of the steam-distilled oil, as determined by GC-MS. Methyleugenol was also isolated and identified as an antifungal constituent of the oil.
We studied the antioxidative action to evaluate the effect of citrus essential oil components on human LDL in vitro. Among the authentic volatile compounds tested, gamma-terpinene showed the strongest antioxidative effect, and inhibited both the Cu(2+)-induced and AAPH-induced oxidation of LDL. gamma-Terpinene added after 30 min (mid-lag phase) and 60 min (propagation phase) of incubation of LDL with Cu(2+) inhibited LDL oxidation.
The chemical composition of the essential oil from Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura was analyzed by means of GC and GC-MS. Eighty-five constituents were identified representing 96.23 % of the total oil. Camphor (19.31 %), 1,8-cineole (19.25 %), borneol (18.96 %), camphene (4.64 %), and beta-caryophyllene (3.46 %) were found to be the major components. Furthermore, the oil exhibited antibacterial activity against six Gram-(+) and six Gram-(-) bacteria in tests using the broth dilution method.
While the antioxidative properties of green and black tea have been extensively studied, less attention has been given to these properties in oolong tea. The reducing powers, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities, the amount of total phenolic compounds, the inhibitory effect on FeCl(2)/H(2)O(2) (Fenton reaction system)-induced DNA damage, and the inhibitory effect on erythrocyte hemolysis of an oolong tea water extract (OTE) were evaluated in the present study. The OTE was found to have strong antioxidative activities in all of the model systems tested. When the OTE was separated into different fractions according to molecular weight, it was found that the fractions with higher amounts of phenolic compounds (lower molecular weight) have stronger antioxidative activities. The present results support the concept that oolong tea contains several low molecular weight antioxidants that may have health promotion activities.
Antioxidant activity of Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO) was determined using two different assays. In the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, 10 microL/mL crude TTO in methanol had approximately 80% free radical scavenging activity, and in the hexanal/hexanoic acid assay, 200 microL/mL crude TTO exhibited 60% inhibitory activity against the oxidation of hexanal to hexanoic acid over 30 days. These results were equivalent to the antioxidant activities of 30 mM butylated hydroxytoluene in both tests at the same experimental conditions. This indicated that the TTO could be a good alternative antioxidant. Inherent antioxidants, i.e., alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpinolene, and gamma-terpinene, in the crude TTO were separated and identified chromatographically using silica gel open chromatography, C(18)-high-pressure liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antioxidant activities decreased in the following order in both assays: alpha-terpinene > alpha-terpinolene > gamma-terpinene.
The chemical composition of the essential oil of the Sardinian Rosmarinus officinalis L. obtained by hydro distillation and steam\hydro distillation was studied using GC-FID and MS. Samples were collected at different latitude and longitude of Sardinia (Italy). The yields ranged between 1.75 and 0.48% (v/w, volume/dry-weight). A total of 30 components were identified. The major compounds in the essential oil were alpha-pinene, borneol, (-) camphene, camphor, verbenone, and bornyl-acetate. Multivariate analysis carried out on chemical molecular markers, with the appraisal of chemical, pedological, and random amplified polymorphic DNA data, allows four different clusters to be distinguished. The antimicrobial and antifungal tests showed a weak activity of Sardinian rosemary. On the other hand, an inductive effect on fungal growth, especially toward Fusarium graminearum was observed.
GC and GC-MS analysis of ajwain essential oil showed the presence of 26 identified components which account for 96.3% of the total amount. Thymol (39.1%) was found as a major component along with p-cymene (30.8%), gamma-terpinene (23.2%), beta-pinene (1.7%), terpinene-4-ol (0.8%) whereas acetone extract of ajwain showed the presence of 18 identified components which account for 68.8% of the total amount. The major component was thymol (39.1%) followed by oleic acid (10.4%), linoleic acid (9.6%), gamma-terpinene (2.6%), p-cymene (1.6%), palmitic acid (1.6%), and xylene (0.1%). Moreover, the oil exhibited a broad spectrum of fungitoxic behavior against all tested fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium monoliforme, Fusarium graminearum, Pencillium citrium, Penicillium viridicatum, Pencillium madriti, and Curvularia lunata as absolute mycelial zone inhibition was obtained at a 6-microL dose of the oil. However, the acetone extract showed better antioxidative activity for linseed oil as compared with synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyl toluene and butylated hydroxyl anisole.
Antioxidant compounds in rosemary extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were separated by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) on packed capillary columns. The columns contained silica particles coated with SE-54 (5% phenyl, 95% methyl silicone) and Carbowax 20 M [poly(ethylene glycol)]. The use of coated packed capillary columns allowed the separation of polar compounds by SFC with neat CO2. The SFC conditions were selected on the basis of previous work. High pressures (up to 370 atm; 1 atm = 10,325 Pa) and moderate temperatures (up to 100 degrees C) were used to separate the compounds responsible for the antioxidant activity such as carnosic acid and camosol while lower pressures were sufficient to separate the compounds of the essential oil.
The chemical composition of the essential oil of Chysactinia mexicana was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Seventeen compounds were characterized; eucalyptol (41.3%), piperitone (37.7%), and linalyl acetate (9.1%) were found as the major components. The essential oil of leaves and piperitone completely inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth at relatively low concentrations (1.25 and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively).
The essential oil and gum of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia, commonly known as the mastic tree, are natural antimicrobial agents that have found extensive uses in medicine in recent years. In this work, the chemical composition of mastic oil and gum was studied by GC-MS, and the majority of their components was identified. alpha-Pinene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene were found to be the major components. The antibacterial activity of 12 components of mastic oil and the oil itself was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Furthermore, attempts were made to separate the essential oil into different fractions in order to have a better picture of the components responsible for its antibacterial activity. Several trace components that appear to contribute significantly to the antibacterial activity of mastic oil have been identified: verbenone, alpha-terpineol, and linalool. The sensitivity to these compounds was different for different bacteria tested (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis), which suggests that the antibacterial efficacy of mastic oil is due to a number of its components working synergistically. The establishment of a correlation between the antibacterial activity of mastic oil and its components was the main purpose of this research. Mastic gum was also examined, but it proved to be more difficult to handle compared to the essential oil.
Plant polyphenol antioxidants and oxidative stress
- Urqulaga
Herbals, cancer prevention and health. Presented at the American Institute for Cancer Research 11th Annual Research Conference on diet, nutrition and cancer
- Wargovich