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Narra J Apr 2024Second-degree burn, the most common among burn degrees, underscores the importance of timely and proper treatment in influencing prognosis. Nutmeg (), renowned for its...
Second-degree burn, the most common among burn degrees, underscores the importance of timely and proper treatment in influencing prognosis. Nutmeg (), renowned for its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, also serves as an effective antiseptic for open wounds. The aim of this study was to identify the phytochemical constituents of nutmeg essential oil and analyze the wound healing effect of nutmeg cream on second-degree burns in an animal model. An experimental study with a completed randomized design was conducted on strain Wistar rats with second-degree burn. This study had four groups and each group consisting of four rats: B (burn-treated base cream), B+N (burn-treated 3% nutmeg cream), B+SSD (burn-treated silver sulfadiazine (BSS)), and B+N+SSD (burn-treated 3% nutmeg cream and SSD in a 1:1 ratio). The phytochemical analysis of nutmeg essential oil was conducted by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The burn diameter and burn wound healing percentage were measured from day 0 to 18. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis using the least significant difference (LSD) was employed to analysis the effect. The phytochemical analysis of nutmeg essential oil found that myristicin, terpinene-4-ol, terpinene, safrole and terpinolene were the most abundant putative compounds in nutmeg essential oil. On day 0, the average burn wound diameters were 1.4 cm in all groups and increases were observed in all groups on day 3. The wound diameter decreased until day 18 with the smallest burn wound diameter was found in the B+N group (0.86±0.37 cm), followed by B+SSD (0.93±0.29 cm). The B+SSD group exhibited the highest percentage of burn wound healing (56.80±14.05%), which was significantly different from the base cream (<0.05). The percentage of burn wound healing in rats given 3% nutmeg cream was 41.88±13.81%, suggesting that nutmeg cream could promote burn wound healing in rats induced by second-degree burns.
Topics: Animals; Myristica; Wound Healing; Burns; Rats, Wistar; Rats; Disease Models, Animal; Oils, Volatile; Skin Cream; Male; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Silver Sulfadiazine
PubMed: 38798873
DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.621 -
Plant Methods May 2024Single-cell analysis, a rapidly evolving field, encounters significant challenges in detecting individual cells within complex plant tissues, particularly oil cells...
BACKGROUND
Single-cell analysis, a rapidly evolving field, encounters significant challenges in detecting individual cells within complex plant tissues, particularly oil cells (OCs). The intricate process of single-cell isolation, coupled with the inherent chemical volatility of oil cells, necessitates a comprehensive methodology.
RESULTS
This study presents a method for obtaining intact OC from Asari Radix et Rhizoma (ARR), a traditional herbal medicine. The developed approach facilitates both qualitative and quantitative analysis of diverse OCs. To determine the most reliable approach, four practical methods-laser capture microdissection, micromanipulation capturing, micromanipulation piping, and cell picking-were systematically compared and evaluated, unequivocally establishing cell picking as the most effective method for OC isolation and chemical analysis. Microscopic observations showed that OCs predominantly distribute in the cortex of adventitious and fibrous roots, as well as the pith and cortex of the rhizome, with distinct morphologies-oblong in roots and circular in rhizomes. Sixty-three volatile constituents were identified in OCs, with eighteen compounds exhibiting significant differences. Safrole, methyleugenol, and asaricin emerged as the most abundant constituents in OCs. Notably, cis-4-thujanol and tetramethylpyrazine were exclusive to rhizome OCs, while isoeugenol methyl ether was specific to fibrous root OCs based on the detections. ARR roots and rhizomes displayed marked disparities in OC distribution, morphology, and constituents.
CONCLUSION
The study highlights the efficacy of cell picking coupled with HS-SPME-GC-MS as a flexible, reliable, and sensitive method for OC isolation and chemical analysis, providing a robust methodology for future endeavors in single-cell analyses.
PubMed: 38760854
DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01184-5 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 20242,6-Diaryl-4-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones and corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone derivatives were designed to lower the major toxicity of their parent...
Chemoselective Synthesis and Anti-Kinetoplastidal Properties of 2,6-Diaryl-4-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-one -Oxides: Their Interplay in a Cascade of Redox Reactions from Diarylideneacetones.
2,6-Diaryl-4-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones and corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone derivatives were designed to lower the major toxicity of their parent anti-kinetoplatidal diarylideneacetones through a prodrug effect. Novel diastereoselective methodologies were developed and generalized from diarylideneacetones and 2,6-diaryl-4-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones to allow the introduction of a wide substitution profile and to prepare the related -oxides. The in vitro biological activity and selectivity of diarylideneacetones, 2,6-diaryl-4-tetrahydro-thiopyran-4-ones, and their -sulfoxide and sulfone metabolites were evaluated against , , and various species in comparison with their cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts MRC-5. The data revealed that the sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones, in which the Michael acceptor sites are temporarily masked, are less toxic against mammal cells while the anti-trypanosomal potency was maintained against , , , and , thus confirming the validity of the prodrug strategy. The mechanism of action is proposed to be due to the involvement of diarylideneacetones in cascades of redox reactions involving the trypanothione system. After Michael addition of the dithiol to the double bonds, resulting in an elongated polymer, the latter-upon -oxidation, followed by eliminations-fragments, under continuous release of reactive oxygen species and sulfenic/sulfonic species, causing the death of the trypanosomal parasites in the micromolar or submicromolar range with high selectivity indexes.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Oxides; Oxidation-Reduction; Chagas Disease; Prodrugs; Mammals; Pyrans; Safrole; Sulfhydryl Compounds
PubMed: 38611899
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071620 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023This study aims to optimize the processing of Houtt. by talcum powder simmering using single-factor and orthogonal experimental methods, and the overall desirability...
This study aims to optimize the processing of Houtt. by talcum powder simmering using single-factor and orthogonal experimental methods, and the overall desirability values of dehydrodiisoeugenol and essential oils content were selected as indicators of the process. The new process reduced the total content of the three toxic components, namely myristicin, safrole and elemicin, from 1.91% to 1.16% before and after processing, indicating that the toxic components were reduced by 39%. The IC of the essential oils before and after processing were 1.002 ± 0.05 and 0.233 ± 0.05 mg/mL for DPPH scavenging activity and 0.132 ± 0.04 and 0.057 ± 0.05 mg/mL for ABTS scavenging activity, respectively. And the absorbance of the antioxidant activity against Ferric reducing power ranged from 0.213 to 0.709 and from 0.225 to 0.755, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for , and were all lower after processing than before. The antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of the essential oils after processing were better than before. The results of the survival of zebrafish embryos at different concentrations of essential oils at 0-168 h post fertilisation were higher after processing than before. These findings suggest that processing plays the role of reducing toxicity and increasing beneficial effects. They provide a scientific basis not only for the processing of , but also for the processing of other foods.
Topics: Animals; Myristica; Antioxidants; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Zebrafish; Seeds; Oils, Volatile
PubMed: 38005349
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227627 -
Molbank Sep 2023There is a growing interest in developing more efficient synthetic alternatives for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing allylic compounds. This article presents a...
There is a growing interest in developing more efficient synthetic alternatives for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing allylic compounds. This article presents a straightforward two-step protocol to produce 5-(3-azidoprop-1-en-2-yl)benzo[][1,3]dioxole from the natural product safrole. The method yielded the expected α-azidomethyl styrene , in good yield, via a dearomative rearrangement.
PubMed: 37920849
DOI: 10.3390/m1713 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Nov 2023Pepper is a spice that has been used worldwide since the Age of Discovery. The substance that is responsible for the spiciness in pepper is piperine, a type of alkaloid....
Pepper is a spice that has been used worldwide since the Age of Discovery. The substance that is responsible for the spiciness in pepper is piperine, a type of alkaloid. It has never been reported how piperine is degraded by microorganisms. In this study, we discovered a bacterium in the soil that is capable of catabolizing piperine as its sole nitrogen source. Furthermore, we discovered the enzyme involved in piperine metabolism. This enzyme decomposed the methylenedioxyphenyl group, which is the common structure in various plant-derived bioactive compounds such as sesamin, piperonal, safrole, and berberin. By utilizing this enzyme, piperine can be converted into a useful antioxidant compound. The findings about previously unknown metabolic pathways in nature can lead to the discovery of new enzymes and provide methods for the enzymatic synthesis of useful compounds.
Topics: Actinobacteria; Alkaloids; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Piperidines
PubMed: 37874289
DOI: 10.1128/aem.01145-23 -
Food Chemistry Feb 2024The addition of betel inflorescence (BI) and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) to betel quid (BQ) formulation may be detrimental to human health. Here, we assessed BI...
The addition of betel inflorescence (BI) and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) to betel quid (BQ) formulation may be detrimental to human health. Here, we assessed BI extracts prepared using artificial saliva or aqueous solution with or without adding slaked lime to mimic the release of phytochemicals from BI in the oral cavity. The extracts were also profiled by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS to understand the quality and quantity of phytochemicals released. The results indicate that slaked lime facilitates the extraction of phenolics, likely due to a high pH. In a simulated oral environment with artificial saliva, the addition of slaked lime promotes the release of safrole, a well-known carcinogen. Dominant phytochemicals detected also include eugenol, acetyl eugenol and methyl eugenol, and only a fraction of these compounds is released in the simulated oral environment. This study reveals that environmental conditions can considerably affect the extraction of phytochemicals and triggers further investigation on how chewing practices may influence the release and activity of carcinogens.
PubMed: 37703774
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137411 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023Biogenic silver nanoconjugates (AgNCs), derived from medicinal plants, have been widely explored in the field of biomedicines. AgNCs for the first-time were synthesized...
Biogenic silver nanoconjugates (AgNCs), derived from medicinal plants, have been widely explored in the field of biomedicines. AgNCs for the first-time were synthesized using ethyl acetate seed extracts of Abrus precatorius and their antiproliferative and antiangiogenic efficacies were evaluated against cervical and oral carcinoma. Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light Scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for characterization of AgNCs. Antiproliferative activity was investigated using MTT, DNA fragmentation and in-vitro antioxidant enzyme activity assays. In-vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to evaluate antiangiogenic activity. A total of 11 compounds were identified in both the extracts in GCMS analysis. The synthesized AgNCs were spherical shaped with an average size of 97.4 nm for AgAPE (Sox) and 64.3 nm for AgAPE (Mac). AgNCs possessed effective inhibition against Hep2C and KB cells. In Hep2C cells, AgAPE (Mac) revealed the highest SOD, catalase, GST activity and lower MDA content, whereas AgAPE (Sox) showed the highest GSH content. On the other hand, in KB cells, AgAPE (Sox) exhibited the higher SOD, GST activity, GSH content, and least MDA content, while AgAPE (Mac) displayed the highest levels of catalase activity. Docking analysis revealed maximum binding affinity of safrole and linoleic acid with selected targets. AgAPE (Sox), AgAPE (Mac) treatment profoundly reduced the thickness, branching, and sprouting of blood vessels in the chick embryos. This study indicates that A. precatorius-derived AgNCs have enhanced efficacies against cervical and oral carcinoma as well as against angiogenesis, potentially limiting tumour growth.
Topics: Chick Embryo; Animals; Humans; Abrus; Catalase; Nanoconjugates; Silver; Mouth Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Carcinoma; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 37598190
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40079-8 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... Jun 2023Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the seeds of Houtt....
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the seeds of Houtt. (nutmeg oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The additive contains myristicin (up to 12%), safrole (2.30%), elemicin (0.40%) and methyleugenol (0.33%). For long-living and reproductive animals, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) considered of low concern the use of the additive in complete feed at 0.2 mg/kg for laying hens and rabbits, 0.3 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 0.5 mg/kg for sheep/goats, horses and cats, 0.6 mg/kg for dogs and 2.5 mg/kg for ornamental fish. For short-living animals, the Panel had no safety concern when the additive is used at the maximum proposed use level of 10 mg/kg for veal calves, cattle for fattening, sheep/goats, horses for meat production, and salmon and for the other species, at 3.3 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 2.8 mg/kg chickens for fattening, 5.0 mg/kg for piglets, 6.0 mg/kg for pigs for fattening and 4.4 mg/kg for rabbits for meat production. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive was considered of low concern at 0.2 mg/kg. The use of nutmeg oil in animal feed was expected to be of no concern for consumers and the environment. The additive should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Based on the presence of safrole, nutmeg oil is classified as carcinogen (category 1B) and handled accordingly. Since nutmeg oil was recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be the same, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.
PubMed: 37333988
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8066 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023Alkenylbenzenes are naturally occurring secondary plant metabolites. While some of them are proven genotoxic carcinogens, other derivatives need further evaluation to... (Review)
Review
Alkenylbenzenes are naturally occurring secondary plant metabolites. While some of them are proven genotoxic carcinogens, other derivatives need further evaluation to clarify their toxicological properties. Furthermore, data on the occurrence of various alkenylbenzenes in plants, and especially in food products, are still limited. In this review, we tempt to give an overview of the occurrence of potentially toxic alkenylbenzenes in essential oils and extracts from plants used for flavoring purposes of foods. A focus is layed on widely known genotoxic alkenylbenzenes, such as safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole. However, essential oils and extracts that contain other alkenylbenzenes and are also often used for flavoring purposes are considered. This review may re-raise awareness of the need for quantitative occurrence data for alkenylbenzenes in certain plants but especially in final plant food supplements, processed foods, and flavored beverages as the basis for a more reliable exposure assessment of alkenylbenzenes in the future.
PubMed: 37299054
DOI: 10.3390/plants12112075