Showing papers on "Melissa officinalis published in 2021"
TL;DR: Five machine learning classifiers named as a multi-layer perceptron, logit-boost, bagging, random forest, and simple logistic are deployed on an optimized medicinal plant leaves dataset, and it is observed that the multi- layer perceptron classifier shows a relatively promising accuracy of 99.01% as compared to the competition.
Abstract: This study proposes the machine learning based classification of medical plant leaves The total six varieties of medicinal plant leaves-based dataset are collected from the Department of Agriculture, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan These plants are commonly named in English as (herbal) Tulsi, Peppermint, Bael, Lemon balm, Catnip, and Stevia and scientifically named in Latin as Ocimum sanctum, Mentha balsamea, Aegle marmelos, Melissa officinalis, Nepeta cataria, and Stevia rebaudiana, respectively The multispectral and digital image dataset are collected via a computer vision laboratory setup For the preprocessing step, we crop the region of the leaf and transform it into a gray level format Secondly, we perform a seed intensity-based edge/line detection utilizing Sobel filter and draw five regions of observations A total of 65 fused features dataset is extracted, being a combination of texture, run-length matrix, and multi-spectral features For the feature optimization process, we employ a chi-square feature selection approach and select 14 optimized features Finally, five machine learning classifiers named as a multi-layer perceptron, logit-boost, bagging, random forest, and simple logistic are deployed on an optimized medicinal plant leaves dataset, and it is observed that the multi-layer perceptron classifier shows a relatively promising accuracy of 9901% as compared to the competition The distinct classification accuracy by the multi-layer perceptron classifier on six medicinal plant leaves are 9910% for Tulsi, 9980% for Peppermint, 9840% for Bael, 9990% for Lemon balm, 9840% for Catnip, and 9920% for Stevia
30 citations
TL;DR: Thirty-nine plants have been confirmed in the recent experimental anti-influenza research, which strongly shows that these plants are a rich pharmacological source.
29 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the role of seed priming with silicon nanoparticles and inoculation of seedling originated from primed seeds with rhizobacteria strains on physiological and metabolic attributes of Melissa officinalis L. putida found improvements in growth and phytochemical constituents of medicinal plants.
25 citations
TL;DR: Data on treatments of SB in children are limited and future studies with a proper design, conducted on a meaningful number of patients, and based on standardized and developed diagnostic criteria are desperately needed.
Abstract: Objective: Treatment of sleep bruxism (SB) in children is not well established. The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations on SB therapy in children between the ages of 2 and 17. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Literature searches were performed using MedLine (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library (November 30 2017). Results: The search strategy identified 268 potential articles; 10 papers were included in the qualitative synthesis and 3 in the meta-analysis, for a total of 94 patients. Hydroxyzine therapy showed the strongest efficacy on SB (OR 10.63; CI 95%, 1.48 to 76.08). Flurazepam and Melissa officinalis therapies presented lower grades of association with decreased SB symptoms. Conclusions: Data on treatments of SB in children are limited. Future studies with a proper design, conducted on a meaningful number of patients, and based on standardized and developed diagnostic criteria are desperately needed.
23 citations
TL;DR: This simple and non-laborious method can be used for elicitation of herbal plants in production of functional food and can enhance the accumulation of valuable phytochemicals in Lamiaceae species.
23 citations
TL;DR: Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) was used to treat multiple human afflictions Literary works demonstrated that it has many biological activities Today's research aims to recognise Melissa officina as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) was used to treat multiple human afflictions Literary works demonstrated that it has many biological activities Today’s research aims to recognise Melissa officina
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a mixture of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and microcapsules of Melissa officinalis essential oil (MMEO) was used for active edible films.
Abstract: Sodium caseinate (SC) based active edible films containing a mixture of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and microcapsules of Melissa officinalis essential oil (MMEO) were prepared, and their characteristics were investigated. MMEO was used at concentrations of 0, 5 and 10% w/v and the amounts of ZnONPs were 0, 0.01, and 0.03% w/v. Central composite design (CCD) was utilized to optimize the effects of MMEO and ZnONPs on the biopolymer. The mechanical test results demonstrated that increasing MMEO and ZnONPs concentrations increased tensile strength. Morphological results showed that the prepared microcapsules were homogeneously spherical in the sodium caseinate film, and the nanoparticles were evenly dispersed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results exhibited the compatibility between SC and nanocarriers. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicated that nanocomposite films had higher crystallinity than pure films of SC. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that dissociation of the intramolecular bond as well as the melting of the crystalline regions caused endothermic peaks in these compounds. The prepared films presented high antioxidant properties and the antibacterial behavior of the films was improved by incorporation of MMEO and ZnONPs into the films. The optimized film fabricated in this study had a practical potential to use as a biodegradable active edible film for food packaging.
19 citations
TL;DR: Exposure to Se-NPs enhanced the transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and rosmarinic acid (RA) synthase genes in lemon balm plants under salt conditions and is suggested to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity on M. officinalis, as well as the biosynthesis pathway of RA as a valuable secondary metabolite.
Abstract: Nanoparticles are receiving many interests due to their broad efficiency in mitigating environmental stresses. The purpose of this research was to study the potential of selenium-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on growth, physiology, and gene expression of Melissa officinalis. The pot experiment was conducted in a factorial based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three Se-NPs concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg L−1) and four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl). The foliar spray of Se-NPs improved the growth of M. officinalis plants at different salinity concentrations, from which the most effective was 50 mg L−1. Plant growth decreased by progressing salinity concentration so that the minimum growth was observed at 150 mM NaCl. The Se-NPs improved salt tolerance in M. officinalis by decreasing lipid peroxidation through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). Furthermore, exposure to Se-NPs enhanced the transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and rosmarinic acid (RA) synthase genes in lemon balm plants under salt conditions. Plants treated with 100 mg L−1 Se-NPs at non-saline conditions revealed the highest RA accumulation. According to the findings, we suggest both 100 mg L−1 Se-NPs to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity on in the M. officinalis, as well as the biosynthesis pathway of RA as a valuable secondary metabolite.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of three different magnetic fields (50mT, 100mT and 150mT) with 5 different exposure times (5min, 15min, 30min, 1h and 3h) on in vitro regeneration of explants containing preexisting meristem (axillary, shoot tip and hypocotyl buds) was compared in terms of shoot length, root length, fresh-dry weight and % water content.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the in vitro and in silico antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis essential oil (MOEO) were investigated using GC-MS analysis, and the most active structures are minor MOEO components.
Abstract: The investigation aimed to study the in vitro and in silico antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis essential oil (MOEO). The chemical composition of MOEO was determined using GC–MS analysis. Among 36 compounds identified in MOEO, the main were beta-cubebene (27.66%), beta-caryophyllene (27.41%), alpha-cadinene (4.72%), caryophyllene oxide (4.09%), and alpha-cadinol (4.07%), respectively. In vitro antioxidant properties of MOEO have been studied in 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging, and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching assays. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for the radical scavenging abilities of ABTS and DPPH were 1.225 ± 0.011 μg/mL and 14.015 ± 0.027 μg/mL, respectively, demonstrating good antioxidant activity. Moreover, MOEO exhibited a strong inhibitory effect (94.031 ± 0.082%) in the β-carotene bleaching assay by neutralizing hydroperoxides, responsible for the oxidation of highly unsaturated β-carotene. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that the MOEO components could exert an in vitro antioxidant activity through xanthine oxidoreductase inhibition. The most active structures are minor MOEO components (approximately 6%), among which the highest affinity for the target protein belongs to carvacrol.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate growth, as well as the content and chemical composition of Melissa officinalis L. essential oil, in plants subjected to mineral omission in a hydroponic system, based on the missing element technique.
Abstract: In this study, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oils (EOs) were encapsulated into collagen hydrolysates extracted from bovine tendons and rabbit skins, both mixed with chitosan (CS) by using the coaxial electrospinning technique for potential wound dressing applications. The morphology and chemical composition of the electrospun nanofibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The antimicrobial activity of the dill EO and lemon EO, as well as the electrospun samples loaded with essential oils was determined by disk diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 bacterial strains; Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Candida glabrata ATCC 90028 yeast strains; and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 9642 fungal strain. In vivo biocompatibility testing of the collagen hydrolysate-chitosan/essential oil electrospun nanofibers was based on the determination of the hematological, biochemical, and immunological profile and the evaluation of the influence produced on the oxidative stress in white Swiss mice. The synergetic effect of dill and lemon balm EOs can improve the antimicrobial activity of collagen hydrolysate-chitosan nanofibers against the most important bacterial strains. The in vivo test results suggested a good biocompatibility of electrospun samples based on collagen hydrolysate extracted from bovine tendons or rabbit skin mixed with chitosan and containing dill and/or lemon balm essential oils as encapsulated bioactive compounds.
12 May 2021
TL;DR: The findings support the potential benefits of Melissa officinalis leaf total extract as a valuable candidate for the prophylaxis of oral, pharyngeal and colorectal neoplasms.
Abstract: Melissa officinalis is a medicinal herb with an extensive pharmacological profile that has been proven to have beneficial effects in oral and gastrointestinal disorders. However, the effects of this plant in oral, pharyngeal, and colorectal malignancies, types of cancer with an increased incidence in recent years, are less investigated. The present study aims to evaluate the pharmacological profile of a Melissa officinalis total extract for potential benefits in oral, pharynx and colorectal carcinoma. The LC-MS profile of MO total extract (MOte) indicated a rich content in polyphenols, data that support the potent antioxidant capacity exhibited and the antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, MOte triggered a dose-dependent and selective decrease in the viability of tumor cells (tongue and pharynx squamous cell carcinomas, and colorectal adenocarcinoma), with the most significant effect being recorded at 100 μg/mL. At the same concentration, MOte exhibited an antiangiogenic effect by inhibiting the process of angiogenesis in ovo. Overall, our findings support the potential benefits of Melissa officinalis leaf total extract as a valuable candidate for the prophylaxis of oral, pharyngeal and colorectal neoplasms.
TL;DR: In this article, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using pure CO2, and the ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were proposed as green techniques to obtain plant-based extracts with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Abstract: Melissa officinalis L. and Origanum majorana L., within Lamiaceae family, and Calendula officinalis L. and Achillea millefolium L., within the Asteraceae, have been considered a good source of bioactive ingredients with health benefits. In this study, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using pure CO2, and the ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were proposed as green techniques to obtain plant-based extracts with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Higher values of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were achieved in UAE ethanol:water (50:50, v/v) extracts. Meanwhile, UAE pure ethanol extracts showed greater anti-inflammatory activity. RP-HPLC-PAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed a vast number of phenolic compounds in the extracts, including unreported ones. O. majorana ethanol:water extract presented the highest content of phenolics and antioxidant activity; among its composition, both rosmarinic acid and luteolin glucoside derivatives were abundant. The pure ethanol extract of A. millefolium resulted in an important content of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and flavonoid aglycones, which could be related to the remarkable inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines. Besides, borneol and camphor, found in the volatile fraction of A. millefolium, could contributed to this latter activity. Thus, this study points out that O. majorana and A. millefolium are considered a promising source of bioactive ingredients with potential use in health promotion.
13 May 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity of these EOs and studies, using bio-assay oriented fractionation, whether their differing chemical compositions influence the overall EO inhibitory activities via possible synergistic, additive, and/or competitive interactions between EOs components.
Abstract: Excessive melanin production causes serious dermatological conditions as well as minor aesthetic problems (i.e., freckles and solar lentigo). The downregulation of tyrosinase is a widespread approach for the treatment of such disorders, and plant extracts have often proven to be valuable sources of tyrosinase inhibitors. Citral (a mixture of neral and geranial) is an important fragrance ingredient that has shown anti-tyrosinase potential. It is highly concentrated in the essential oils (EOs) of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Melissa officinalis L., and Verbena officinalis L. However, only L. cubeba EO has been investigated for use as a potential skin-whitening agent. This work evaluates the in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity of these EOs and studies, using bio-assay oriented fractionation, whether their differing chemical compositions influence the overall EO inhibitory activities via possible synergistic, additive, and/or competitive interactions between EOs components. The inhibitory activity of C. schoenanthus EO and that of M. officinalis EOs, with negligible (+)-citronellal amounts, were in-line with their citral content. On the other hand, L. cubeba and V. officinalis EOs inhibited tyrosinase to considerably greater extents as they contained β-myrcene, which contributed to the overall EO activities. Similar observations were made for M. officinalis EO, which bears high (+)-citronellal content which increased citral activity.
TL;DR: In this paper, an abiotic elicitor, i.e., NaCl, was applied to enhance the biosynthesis and accumulation of phenolic secondary metabolites in Melissa officinalis L. Plants were subjected to salt stress treatment by application of NaCl solutions (0, 50, or 100 mM) to the pots.
Abstract: In nature, plants usually produce secondary metabolites as a defense mechanism against environmental stresses. Different stresses determine the chemical diversity of plant-specialized metabolism products. In this study, we applied an abiotic elicitor, i.e., NaCl, to enhance the biosynthesis and accumulation of phenolic secondary metabolites in Melissa officinalis L. Plants were subjected to salt stress treatment by application of NaCl solutions (0, 50, or 100 mM) to the pots. Generally, the NaCl treatments were found to inhibit the growth of plants, simultaneously enhancing the accumulation of phenolic compounds (total phenolics, soluble flavonols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids), especially at 100 mM NaCl. However, the salt stress did not disturb the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and proper functioning of the PS II photosystem. Therefore, the proposed method of elicitation represents a convenient alternative to cell suspension or hydroponic techniques as it is easier and cheaper with simple application in lemon balm pot cultivation. The improvement of lemon balm quality by NaCl elicitation can potentially increase the level of health-promoting phytochemicals and the bioactivity of low-processed herbal products.
26 May 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the essential oil (EO) extracted by hydrodistillation (HD) using a Clevenger-type apparatus of dry leaves of M. officinalis and was analyzed by two techniques, gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization (GC-FID) and GC-MS.
Abstract: This study describes the minerals elements, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Algerian Melissa officinalis plant. The essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation (HD) using a Clevenger-type apparatus of dry leaves of M. officinalis and was analyzed by two techniques, gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eighteen minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (As, Br, K, La, Na, Sb, Sm, Ba, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Rb, Sc, Th, and Zn) were determined using neutron activation analysis technique for the first time from Algerian Melissa officinalis plant. Seventy-eight compounds were identified in the essential oil, representing 94.090% of the total oil and the yields were 0.470%. The major component was geranial (45.060%). Other predominant components were neral (31.720%) and citronellal (6.420%). The essential oil presented high antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, mainly five human pathogenic bacteria, one yeast, Candida albicans, and two phytopathogenic fungi. The results can be used as a source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research.
TL;DR: Salvanolic acid A can be further evaluated as potential Mpro inhibitor and is confirmed as the compound with the highest free energy and predicted bioactivity of 4.777.
Abstract: Background The recent outbreak of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), which has rapidly spread around the world in about three months with tens of thousands of deaths recorded so far is a global concern. An urgent need for potential therapeutic intervention is of necessity. Mpro is an attractive druggable target for the development of anti-COVID-19 drug development. Methods Compounds previously characterized by Melissa officinalis were queried against the main protease of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using a computational approach. Results Melitric acid A and salvanolic acid A had higher affinity than lopinavir and ivermectin using both AutodockVina and XP docking algorithms. The computational approach was employed in the generation of the QSAR model using automated QSAR, and in the docking of ligands from Melissa officinalis with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The best model obtained was KPLS_Radial_ 28 (R2 = 0.8548 and Q2=0.6474, which was used in predicting the bioactivity of the lead compounds. Molecular mechanics based MM-GBSA confirmed salvanolic acid A as the compound with the highest free energy and predicted bioactivity of 4.777; it interacted with His-41 of the catalytic dyad (Cys145-His41) of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), as this may hinder the cutting of inactive viral protein into active ones capable of replication. Conclusion Salvanolic acid A can be further evaluated as a potential Mpro inhibitor.
28 Jun 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the micronutrient profile of extracts and infusions from medicinal raw materials is established, which includes data on the content of such macro-and microelements as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper in extracts and infusion from 15 medicinal plants.
Abstract: Medicinal plants contain biologically active substances that have a physiological effect on the human body. In the territory of Ukraine, 15 of the most important medicinal plants grow from a medical point of view, among which are Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Micronutrients are necessary for the body in small quantities, not being a source of energy, they take part in their assimilation, as well as in the regulation of various functions and the implementation of the processes of growth and development of the human body. The study aims to establish the micronutrient profile of extracts and infusions from medicinal raw materials – Сalendula officinalis and Melissa officinalis. The established micronutrient profile includes data on the content of such macro- and microelements as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper in extracts and infusions from Melissa officinalis L officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Sodium predominates from certain macronutrients, the superiority of which is manifested in Сalendula officinalis when infused. A large amount of calcium also passes into the aqueous-alcoholic infusion from Сalendula officinalis. Copper and zinc prevail among the determined microelements in water extracts of Сalendula officinalis. Comparing the results obtained, we can say in the affirmative about the micro- and macro elements that have passed into extracts that Сalendula officinalis is richer in these substances. Because infusions and extracts are recommended to be added as an additional ingredient to vegetable and fruit juices, their positive infusion on the human body will increase the recommended daily requirement of potassium and sodium. Based on the results of this study, extracts and infusions of Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis can be considered as an essential source of micronutrients for enriching fruit and vegetable juices in canned food for health purposes
TL;DR: In this article, the in vitro antifungal activity of nine commercial essential oils (EOs) such as Thymus vulgaris (thyme red), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Lavandula vera (lavender), Pinus sylvestris (pine), Foeniculum vulgaris (fennel), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Salvia officinalsis (sage), Eugenia caryophyllata (clove) and Pelargonium asperum (geranium), and
Abstract: The epidemiology of yeast infections and resistance to available antifungal drugs are rapidly increasing, and non-albicans Candida species and rare yeast species are increasingly emerging as major opportunistic pathogens. In order to identify new strategies to counter the threat of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms, essential oils (EOs) have become an important potential in the treatment of fungal infections. EOs and their bioactive pure compounds have been found to exhibit a wide range of remarkable biological activities. We investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of nine commercial EOs such as Thymus vulgaris (thyme red), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Lavandula vera (lavender), Pinus sylvestris (pine), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Salvia officinalis (sage), Eugenia caryophyllata (clove) and Pelargonium asperum (geranium), and some of their main components (α-pinene, carvacrol, citronellal, eugenol, γ-terpinene, linalool, linalylacetate, terpinen-4-ol, thymol) against non-albicans Candida strains and uncommon yeasts. The EOs were analyzed by GC-MS, and their antifungal properties were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration parameters, in accordance with CLSI guidelines, with some modifications for EOs. Pine exhibited strong antifungal activity against the selected non-albicans Candida isolates and uncommon yeasts. In addition, lemon balm EOs and α-pinene exhibited strong antifungal activity against the selected non-albicans Candida yeasts. Thymol inhibited the growth of all uncommon yeasts. These data showed a promising potential application of EOs as natural adjuvant for management of infections by emerging non-albicans Candida species and uncommon pathogenic yeasts.
TL;DR: A systematic review and a meta-analytic approach were considered to investigate the effects of lemon balm as a medicinal herb on anxiety and depression in clinical trials and its side effects.
Abstract: A systematic review and a meta-analytic approach were considered to investigate the effects of lemon balm as a medicinal herb on anxiety and depression in clinical trials and its side effects. All randomized clinical trials published up to October 30, 2020 that examined lemon balm in patients with symptoms of depression or anxiety, with acute or chronic manifestations, were searched in 12 online databases. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software. Continuous data were analyzed using standardized mean differences. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Chi2 , I2 , and p value tests. Based on meta-analysis results, lemon balm significantly improved mean anxiety and depression scores compared with the placebo (SMD: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.33; p = 0.003), (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.21; p = 0.0005) respectively, without serious side effects. Current evidence suggests that lemon balm may be effective in improving anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly in the acute setting. Due to the high level of heterogeneity between studies, results should be interpreted with caution. The small number of clinical trials and differences between their methods were the limitations of the present study. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the lemon balm.
TL;DR: A review on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities in the cardiovascular system and cardiotoxicity of Melissa officinalis (MO), with the special emphasis on the protective mechanisms in different cardiovascular pathologies is provided in this article.
Abstract: This review aimed to provide a summary on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities in the cardiovascular system and cardiotoxicity of Melissa officinalis (MO), with the special emphasis on the protective mechanisms in different cardiovascular pathologies. MO is a perennial aromatic herb commonly known as lemon balm, honey balm, or bee balm, which belongs to Lamiaceae family. Active components are mainly located in the leaves or essential oil and include volatile compounds, terpenoid (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes), and polyphenolic compounds [rosmarinic acid (RA), caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercitrin, rhamnocitrin, luteolin]. For centuries, MO has been traditionally used as a remedy for memory, cognition, anxiety, depression, and heart palpitations. Up until now, several beneficial cardiovascular effects of MO, in the form of extracts (aqueous, alcoholic, and hydroalcoholic), essential oil, and isolated compounds, have been confirmed in preclinical animal studies, such as antiarrhythmogenic, negative chronotropic and dromotropic, hypotensive, vasorelaxant, and infarct size-reducing effects. Nonetheless, MO effects on heart palpitations are the only ones confirmed in human subjects. The main mechanisms proposed for the cardiovascular effects of this plant are antioxidant free radical-scavenging properties of MO polyphenols, amelioration of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, activation of M2 and antagonism of β1 receptors in the heart, blockage of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, prevention of fibrotic changes, etc. Additionally, the main active ingredient of MO-RA, per se, has shown substantial cardiovascular effects. Because of the vastness of encouraging data from animal studies, this plant, as well as the main ingredient RA, should be considered and investigated further as a tool for cardioprotection and adjuvant therapy in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
TL;DR: In this paper, the most promising EO compounds against SARS-CoV-2 based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties were identified and compared.
Abstract: Essential oils (EOs) and their compounds have attracted particular attention for their reported beneficial properties, especially their antiviral potential. However, data regarding their anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential are scarce in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to identify the most promising EO compounds against SARS-CoV-2 based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties. A systematic literature search retrieved 1669 articles; 40 met the eligibility criteria, and 35 were eligible for analysis. These studies resulted in 465 EO compounds evaluated against 11 human and/or SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Ninety-four EO compounds and seven reference drugs were clustered by the highest predicted binding affinity. Furthermore, 41 EO compounds showed suitable drug-likeness and bioactivity score indices (≥0.67). Among these EO compounds, 15 were considered the most promising against SARS-CoV-2 with the ADME/T index ranging from 0.86 to 0.81. Some plant species were identified as EO potential sources with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, such as Melissa officinalis Arcang, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Eugenia brasiliensis Cambess, Zingiber zerumbet Triboun & K.Larsen, Cedrus libani A.Rich, and Vetiveria zizanoides Nash. Our work can help fill the gap in the literature and guide further in vitro and in vivo studies, intending to optimize the finding of effective EOs against COVID-19.
TL;DR: It is suggested that treatment with ALS-L1023 may reduce weight gain, elevated glucose levels, and β-cell loss, by changing the expression of fatty acid-oxidizing enzymes in the liver and skeletal muscle, including inflammatory factors in the pancreas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the green synthesis of nanoparticles with two concentrations (0, 40, 60mM) and their effect on the molecular and biochemical biosynthesis pathway of rosmarinic acid in a new method, low cost, and safe for the environment has been investigated.
Abstract: Recently, numerous investigations have been done to study graphene and silver nanoparticle in the fields of agriculture and medicine. In the present study, the green synthesis of nanoparticles with two concentrations (0, 40, 60 mM) and their effect on the molecular and biochemical biosynthesis pathway of rosmarinic acid in a new method, low cost, and safe for the environment has been investigated. The transcript levels of key genes in the rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway (Tyrosine aminotransferase, rosmarinic acid synthase, and phenylalanine-ammonia lyase) were studied using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Then, the rosmarinic acid content was evaluated using HPLC. The results showed that a concentration-dependent manner was observed in treated plants. At the biochemical level, the use of nanocomposites at concentration of 40 mM showed higher soluble carbohydrate (37%), flavonoids (21%), total phenol (35%) as well as total protein (47%) compared to the control plants. HPLC results showed that rosmarinic acid content in the treated plants with a low concentration of nanocomposite (40 mM) was more affected than plants treated with a high concentration of nanocomposite (60 mM) (26%) and also compared to other treatments. At the molecular level, the result showed that Tyrosine aminotransferase and rosmarinic acid synthase gene expression was positively correlated with both silver nanoparticle concentrations and nanocomposite treatments, but phenylalanine-ammonia lyase gene expression was positively correlated only with nanocomposite at 40 mM concentration. It can conclude that the nanocomposite at low concentration is more likely to induce molecular and biochemical parameters. And also, in the rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway, the Tyrosine aminotransferase -derived pathway is more efficient than the phenylalanine-ammonia lyase -derived pathway by causing a nano-elicitor. Therefore, it was concluded that studied elicitor at low concentration, can create plants with higher production capacity.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the in vitro and in vivo safety profile of an MO aqueous extract by assessing cell viability on normal (HaCaT-human keratinocytes) and tumor (A375-human melanoma) cells and its impact on physiological skin parameters by a non-invasive method.
Abstract: Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant well-known for its multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer and beneficial effects on skin recovery. In this context, the present study was aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo safety profile of an MO aqueous extract by assessing cell viability on normal (HaCaT-human keratinocytes) and tumor (A375-human melanoma) cells and its impact on physiological skin parameters by a non-invasive method. In addition, the antioxidant activity and the antiangiogenic potential of the extract were verified. A selective cytotoxic effect was noted in A375 cells, while no toxicity was noticed in healthy cells. The MO aqueous extract safety profile after topical application was investigated on SKH-1 mice, and an enhanced skin hydration and decreased erythema and transepidermal water loss levels were observed. The in ovo CAM assay, performed to investigate the potential modulating effect on the angiogenesis process and the blood vessels impact, indicated that at concentrations of 100 and 500 µg/mL, MO aqueous extract induced a reduction of thin capillaries. No signs of vascular toxicity were recorded at concentrations as high as 1000 μg/mL. The aqueous extract of MO leaves can be considered a promising candidate for skin disorders with impaired physiological skin parameters.
TL;DR: Results indicated that the essentials oil composition of two genotypes of lemon balm was affected both qualitatively and quantitatively by different LED light sources; hence, LED lights might be used to improve monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and antioxidant activity in the selected genotypes.
Abstract: Nowadays, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a new lighting technology, have been emerged as an alternative source of light for plants due to their wavelength specificity, the narrow width of their bands, small size, solid structure, long lifetime, and low heat generation. Here we investigated the effect of different LED light sources on the essential oil components and antioxidant activity of Melissa officinalis. Two genotypes of lemon balm (Ilam and Isfahan) were subjected to four artificial light treatments, including white, red, blue, red + blue LEDs, and greenhouse light as natural lighting. The LED lights significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights and leaf number in the two genotypes as compared to greenhouse condition. The results showed that the content and composition of essential oil in the two genotypes were variable under different light treatments and the total amount of compounds in the Ilam genotype was higher than the other genotype. The results of analysis of the essential oil by GC/MS indicated that the highest amount of monoterpenes in the genotypes was related to citronellal under red + blue LED lamps (15.3 and 17.2% in Ilam and Isfahan genotypes, respectively) but blue, white, and greenhouse condition had the most effect on sesquiterpenes content in both genotypes. The results showed that the observed variation between the two genotypes in the essentials oil composition was related to the relative percentage of the constituents and not to the appearance or lack of a specific component. Red + blue lighting also provided the highest radical scavenging activity in both genotypes (80.77 and 82.09% for Ilam and Isfahan genotypes, respectively). Based on principal component analyses (PCA), three main groups were identified regarding genotypes and all light treatments. Overall, results indicated that the essentials oil composition of two genotypes of lemon balm was affected both qualitatively and quantitatively by different LED light sources; hence, LED lights might be used to improve monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and antioxidant activity in the selected genotypes.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the antimicrobial properties of a Lamiaceae plant, called Melissa officinalis, focusing on its potential application as a food preservative is presented.
Abstract: Melissa officinalis, a Lamiaceae plant, is a source of biologically active compounds and it is widely used in traditional medicine, cosmetic and culinary. Due to consumers demand for more natural and safer alternatives for food preservation, as well as considering Melissa officinalis antimicrobial effects, it could be seen as a potential natural food preservative. This work reviews Melissa officinalis' antimicrobial activity, focusing on its potential application as a food preservative. The studies on the plant showed antimicrobial effects on a wide range of microorganisms, including important foodborne pathogens. The antimicrobial effect has also been demonstrated in different food matrices, showing the plant's potential to be used as a food preservative in the future.