Antimicrobial Activities of Plant Extracts against Solanum tuberosum L. Phytopathogens

The purpose of the study was to select an environmentally friendly plant biopesticide to protect seed potatoes against phytopathogens. The scope included the evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of 22 plant water extracts, 22 water-glycol extracts, and 3 subcritical carbon dioxide extracts using the agar diffusion method against 10 potato phytopathogens. For the most effective extracts, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), chemical composition analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and in situ assays on seed potatoes were performed. Garlic water extract was finally selected as the most effective in phytopathogen growth inhibition, both in vitro and in situ, with MIC values ranging between 6.3–25 mg/mL. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural was determined to be the main component of this extract (33.24%). Garlic water extract was proposed as a potential biopesticide against potato phytopathogens.     

Anticancer Properties of Eugenol: A Review

Conventional cancer treatments have shown several unfavourable adverse effects, as well as an increase in anticancer drug resistance, which worsens the impending cancer therapy. Thus, the emphasis is currently en route for natural products. There is currently great interest in the natural bioactive components from medicinal plants possessing anticancer characteristics. For example, clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) (Family Myrtaceae) is a highly prized spice that has been historically utilized as a food preservative and for diverse medical uses. It is reckoned amongst the valued sources of phenolics. It is indigenous to Indonesia but currently is cultivated in various places of the world. Among diverse active components, eugenol, the principal active component of S. aromaticum, has optimistic properties comprising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) is a musky oil that is mainly obtained from clove. It has long been utilized all over the world as a result of its broad properties like antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Eugenol continues to pique investigators’ interest because of its multidirectional activities, which suggests it could be used in medications to treat different ailments. Anticancer effects of eugenol are accomplished by various mechanisms like inducing cell death, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis on several cancer cell lines. Besides, eugenol might be utilized as an adjunct remedy for patients who are treated with conventional chemotherapy. This combination leads to a boosted effectiveness with decreased toxicity. The present review focuses on the anticancer properties of eugenol to treat several cancer types and their possible mechanisms.     

Pinus sylvestris L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Essential Oils Inhibit Endotoxin-Induced Airway Hyperreactivity despite Aggravated Inflammatory Mechanisms in Mice

Scots pine (SO) and clove (CO) essential oils (EOs) are commonly used by inhalation, and their main components are shown to reduce inflammatory mediator production. The aim of our research was to investigate the chemical composition of commercially available SO and CO by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and study their effects on airway functions and inflammation in an acute pneumonitis mouse model. Inflammation was evoked by intratracheal endotoxin and EOs were inhaled three times during the 24 h experimental period. Respiratory function was analyzed by unrestrained whole-body plethysmography, lung inflammation by semiquantitative histopathological scoring, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and cytokine measurements. α-Pinene (39.4%) was the main component in SO, and eugenol (88.6%) in CO. Both SO and CO significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, and prevented peak expiratory flow, tidal volume increases and perivascular edema formation. Meanwhile, inflammatory cell infiltration was not remarkably affected. In contrast, MPO activity and several inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, KC, MCP-1, MIP-2, TNF-α) were aggravated by both EOs. This is the first evidence that SO and CO inhalation improve airway function, but enhance certain inflammatory parameters. These results suggest that these EOs should be used with caution in cases of inflammation-associated respiratory diseases.     

Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract: Catalytic and antimicrobial effects

In the current work, we followed a green chemistry route to prepare and characterize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract at room temperature. Suitably, the clove extract acted as a reducing agent as well as a capping agent, and these reactions occurred rapidly. The formation of the AgNPs was confirmed by the observation of the distinct absorption peak at a wavelength of 418 nm using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and a morphological study confirmed the uniform distribution of the optimally spherical nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicated the methoxy and allyl functional groups of eugenol of the clove extract to be responsible for the bioreduction of silver ions and for the stabilization of the resulting nanoparticles (flavonoids). We also found the AgNPs to be effective catalysts of the degradation of three pollutant organic dyes viz., 4‐nitrophenol, methylene blue and rhodamine B, in the presence of excess NaBH₄. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the bio‐synthesized AgNPs were also explored. Overall, the results suggested the potential use of clove extract as a resource for the synthesis of AgNPs having a broad range of possible commercial and biomedical applications.     

Natural Preparations Based on Orange,Bergamot and Clove Essential Oils and Their Chemical Compounds as Antimicrobial Agents

Since ancient times complementary therapies have been based on the use of medicinal plants, natural preparations and essential oils in the treatment of various diseases. Their use in medical practice is recommended in view of their low toxicity, pharmacological properties and economic impact. This paper aims to test the antimicrobial effect of natural preparation based on clove, orange and bergamot essential oils on a wide range of microorganisms that cause infections in humans including: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Candida parapsilosis, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Haemophilus influenza. Three natural preparations such as one-component emulsions: clove (ECEO), bergamote (EBEO), and orange (EOEO), three binary: E(BEO/CEO), E(BEO/OEO), E(CEO/OEO) and a tertiary emulsion E(OEO/BEO/CEO) were obtained, characterized and tested for antimicrobial effects. Also, the synergistic/antagonistic effects, generated by the presence of the main chemical compounds, were studied in order to recommend a preparation with optimal antimicrobial activity. The obtained results underline the fact that the monocomponent emulsion ECEO shows antimicrobial activity, while EOEO and EBEO do not inhibit the development of the analyzed strains. In binary or tertiary emulsions E(BEO/CEO), E(CEO/OEO) and E(OEO/ BEO/CEO) the antimicrobial effect of clove oil is potentiated due to the synergism exerted by the chemical compounds of essential oils.     

Quantitative Analysis of Clove Oil by NMR Spectrometry

A procedure utilizing NMR spectrometry in the quantitative analysis of clove oil is described. The ¹H-NMR spectrum is determined with acetophenone as internal standard, the ¹³C-NMR spectrum is determined with chloroform as internal standard and 0.1M Cr(acac)₃ as relaxation reagent. The contents of eugenol are compared to the results obtained from G.C. (90.8%, s.d. 0.7%) and from chemical method (89.6% s.d. 1.2%). The result obtained from ¹H-NMR method is 90.4% (s.d. 0.3%) and from ¹³C-NMR method is 90.5% (s.d. 0.7%). The time required for the ¹H-NMR method is about 20mins and for the ¹³C-NMR method is about 2-3hours. Apparently the ¹H-NMR method proves to be more simple, rapid and accurate.     

Lipidic Matrixes Containing Clove Essential Oil: Biological Activity,Microstructural and Textural Studies

Clove essential oil (CEO) is known for having excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, but the poor stability of its components to light and temperature compromise this activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the textural, antioxidant, antimicrobial and microstructural properties of matrixes produced with representative natural waxes and CEO. Thus, waxy emulsifiers, such as beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and ozokerite wax, were employed to create such matrixes. The thermal, microstructural, textural, wetting, antioxidant, antimicrobial and infrared characteristics of the matrixes were then studied. The diverse chemical composition (long-chain wax esters in carnauba wax and short-chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons in beeswax and ozokerite wax, respectively) explained the differences in wetting, texture, melting, and crystallization characteristics. Crystal forms of these matrix systems varied from grainy, oval, to needle-like shape, but keeping an orthorhombic allomorph. The alignment and reorganization of beeswax and ozokerite wax into needle-like crystals increased the matrix strength and adhesion force compared to those of carnauba and candelilla matrixes, which showed weak strength and grainy morphology. The former two waxes and their matrixes also showed the largest plasticity. These lipidic matrixes show potential use for topical applications having acceptable antioxidant and textural properties.     

Molecular Basis of the Therapeutical Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Clues to Its Anti-COVID-19 Utility

The current COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is enormously affecting the worldwide health and economy. In the wait for an effective global immunization, the development of a specific therapeutic protocol to treat COVID-19 patients is clearly necessary as a short-term solution of the problem. Drug repurposing and herbal medicine represent two of the most explored strategies for an anti-COVID-19 drug discovery. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) is a well-known culinary spice that has been used for centuries in folk medicine in many disorders. Interestingly, traditional medicines have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory ailments, whilst clove ingredients show antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Other interesting features are the clove antithrombotic, immunostimulatory, and antibacterial effects. Thus, in this review, we discuss the potential role of clove in the frame of anti-COVID-19 therapy, focusing on the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects of clove and its molecular constituents described in the scientific literature.     

Environmentally Friendly Techniques and Their Comparison in the Extraction of Natural Antioxidants from Green Tea,Rosemary, Clove,and Oregano

Many current food and health trends demand the use of more ecological, sustainable, and environmentally friendly techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. However, extraction yields and final antioxidant activities vary between sources and are highly influenced by the given extraction method and nature and ratio of the employed solvent, especially for total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are well recognized as natural antioxidants with food applications. This review focused on the most common extraction techniques and potential antioxidant activity in the food industry for various natural antioxidant sources, such as green tea, rosemary, clove, and oregano. Green extraction techniques have been proven to be far more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economical. In general, these techniques include the use of microwaves, ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, enzymes, and deep eutectic solvents, among others. These extraction methods are described here, including their advantages, disadvantages, and applications.     

基于光谱学技术对丁香油与乙酸乙酯相抑LDL非酶糖基化、氧化修饰能力的比较

低密度脂蛋白(LDL)非酶糖基化和氧化修饰均是导致动脉粥样硬化(AS)的关键因素。前人发现,丁香可有效抑制牛血清白蛋白(BSA)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL)糖基化修饰,丁香乙酸乙酯相(EAEC)和丁香油(CBO)均具有很强的抗氧化活性。为了确定丁香抑制LDL糖基化及氧化所对应的最有效成分,在前人研究基础上采用光谱学技术对EAEC和CBO抑制LDL糖基化及氧化功能进行了比较。首先建立LDL-葡萄糖糖基化孵育体系,通过测定糖基化早期、中期和末期产物及三维荧光光谱的变化比较CBO和EAEC抑制LDL糖基化修饰的效果。其次,建立LDL-CuSO₄氧化孵育体系,通过测定荧光指标和三维荧光光谱、紫外可见波长扫描来比较两者抑制LDL氧化修饰效果。结果发现,EAEC和CBO对LDL糖基化修饰过程中产生的早期产物(Amadori产物)、中期产物(二羰基化合物)及终末期产物(戊糖素和AGEs)均具有很强的抑制效果,且EAEC的抑制效果均强于CBO;三维荧光光谱表征得到相同的结果。在LDL氧化修饰比较中,CBO对色氨酸(Trp)荧光猝灭、总荧光产物及脂褐素的生成、赖氨酸(Lys)修饰的抑制效果均显著强于非油成分的EAEC;三维荧光光谱表征也得到相同的结果;紫外、可见全波长扫描反映CBO比EAEC对共轭二烯(CD)生成及光谱红移的抑制效果更强。研究结果为后续锁定重点成分分离、纯化及研发丁香抗LDL糖基化及氧化功能食品提供参考。