Nanovesicles loaded with origanum onites and satureja thymbra essential oils and their activity against food-borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms

Food poisoning is a common cause of illness and death in developing countries. Essential oils (EOs) could be effective and safe natural preservatives to prevent and control bacterial contamination of foods. However, their high sensitivity and strong flavor limit their application and biological effectiveness. The aim of this study was firstly the chemical analysis and the antimicrobial evaluation of the EOs of Origanum onites L. and Satureja thymbra L. obtained from Symi island (Greece), and, secondly, the formulation of propylene glycol-nanovesicles loaded with these EOs to improve their antimicrobial properties. The EOs were analyzed by GC-MS and their chemical contents are presented herein. Different nanovesicles were formulated with small average sizes, high homogeneity, and optimal ζ-potential. Microscopic observation confirmed their small and spherical shape. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the formulated EOs were evaluated against food-borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms compared to pure EOs. Propylene glycol-nanovesicles loaded with O. onites EO were found to be the most active formulation against all tested strains. Additionally, in vitro studies on the HaCaT cell line showed that nanovesicles encapsulated with EOs had no toxic effect. The present study revealed that both EOs can be used as alternative sanitizers and preservatives in the food industry, and that their formulation in nanovesicles can provide a suitable approach as food-grade delivery system

Phytochemical investigation of the fern asplenium ceterach (Aspleniaceae)

The fern Asplenium ceterach L. (syn. Ceterach Officinarum Willd.) is used in lOcal traditiOnal medicine against kidney stOnes, gallstOnes, tO facilitate diuresis and tO treat benign prOstatic hyperplasia. The aim Of this study was first tO investigate the chemical cOmpOsitiOn Of this fern and then tO study the chemical prOfile Of the herbal preparatiOns used in lOcal medicine due tO its diuretic prOperties. In tOtal, nine secOndary metabOlites frOm the methanOl extract Of the aerial parts have been isOlated; three flavOnOids, namely kaempherOl-3-O-β-D-gentiObiOside (1), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucurOnide (2), quercetin-3-O-β-DgentiObiOside (3), three phenOlic acids, i.e. Caffeic acid (4), chlOrOgenic acid (5) and p-cOumarOyl-4-O-β-D-glucOside (6), as well as three phenOls, 4-vinylphenOl- 1-O-β-D-glucOpyranOside (7), 3-(1-O-β-D-glucOpyranOsyl-4-hydrOxyphenyl)-prOpiOnic acid (8), and 4-β-O-D-glucOsyl-3,4-dihydrOxybenzyl alcOhOl (9). MOreOver, the cyclOhexane residue has been submitted tO GC-MS and NMR analyses and revealed the presence Of ethyl esters Of palmitic, linOleic and α- linOlenic acids. Finally, based On NMR, TLC and HPLC analyses, it was evident that the chemical fingerprints Of all herbal preparatiOns were quite similar, with chlOrOgenic acid being the main cOmpOund and caffeic acid present Only in traces. © 2018 Natural Product Incorporation. All rights reserved

NMR analysis of cultivated Sideritis euboea Heldr.

Introduction: Over the last decades, the demand of medicinal plants has vastly increased. The health trend and social changes are leading to a growing demand for herbal products, as medicines and in particular as food supplements. Various cultivations of medicinal plants have been developed in order not only to respond on this enormous market, but also to offer high-quality products. Cultivated plants have attracted great scientific interest for their rich and high standard chemical compositions. Objective: Our study focuses on the phytochemical profile of cultivated Sideritis euboea Heldr., a shrub with a great commercial value. The whole isolation course of all extracts, fractions and sub-fractions was continuously monitored and traced down using an NMR strategy, which permitted their detail characterisation and enabled us to choose the more abundant extract. Methods: Aerial parts of cultivated S. euboea were extracted with solvents of increasing polarity and their secondary metabolites were identified by NMR analyses. Results: So far, using various analytical methods, 16 secondary metabolites have been isolated from the methanol extract; two iridoids, seven flavones, five phenylethanoid glucosides and two phenolic acids. In addition to the previous investigation of the wild population, the present study revealed that its chemical profile is similar and even richer in phenolic compounds. Conclusion: The metabolic profile of cultivated S. euboea was studied through 1H-NMR spectra; the structures of the isolated secondary metabolites were assigned based on their one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR spectra. The NMR strategy allowed us to detect even the minor compounds in the extracts. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

The genus Genista L.: A rich source of bioactive flavonoids

The genus Genista L. (family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae), with its cosmopolitan distribution, has attracted the human interest since ancient times, as it is used in folk medicine and mainly in the Mediterranean area for the treatment of respiratory diseases, rheumatic disorders, diabetes and ulcer, while it is also well known for its yellow pigment. The chemical composition of the Genista species revealed the presence of more than 108 flavonoids. Isoflavones, belonging to the group of phytoestrogens, are important secondary metabolites of the genus. The extracts of the Genista species may act as important source of bioactive phytochemicals for the treatment of many human ailments, mainly inflammation and pain, estrogen related pathology, hyperglycaemia, cancer and microbial infections. Therefore, the present review summarizes and discusses the flavonoid derivatives from the genus Genista, together with their structural features and pharmacological properties, aiming to highlight the recent advances in current knowledge on Genista species as a source of bioactive flavonoids. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

Greek traditional Mediterranean diet and plant-based culinary practices: HYDRIA Greek national survey

Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs are major components of Greek culinary practices. This study focuses on reporting their consumption and describing the composed dishes (Greek recipes) in which they were included based on the dietary habits of the HYDRIA study participants. The consumption pattern was determined according to the answers to the two HYDRIA survey questionnaires, namely, the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ) and the two 24-hour dietary recalls (24-HDRs). In the FPQ, the percentages of elderly people who consume tomatoes, onions, and garlic almost every day are higher compared with those of adults of both sexes. The two 24-HDRs provided additional information for the total adult population's consumption: 85.7 % for onions, 84.8 % for tomatoes and tomato products, 48.1 % for garlic, and 47.5 % for herbs. The mean consumption for adults was 94.3 g/day (tomatoes and tomato products), 19.9 g/day (onions), 0.6 g/day (garlic), and 2.5 g/day (herbs), while the mean consumption of the above items for the elderly was 94.8, 21.2, 0.8, ad 2.7 g/day, respectively. According to the detailed data provided by the two 24-HDRs, many recipes contained all four studied ingredients. Most of these are “Lathera” recipes based on vegetables, and the first part of their cooking method is known as "Tsigarisma", a version of sauteing. The present findings could be used as a reference for the consumption and culinary practices of the studied major ingredients of the Greek Traditional Mediterranean Diet, as well as to encourage future research focusing on their synergy during culinary practices. © 2023 Elsevier Inc

Phytochemical study of Stachys candida Bory & Chaubard (Lamiaceae)

Phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of Stachys candida Bory & Chaubard, growing wild in Greece led to the isolation of eleven bioactive secondary metabolites. Nine flavones, one of them methylated, one phenylethanoid glycoside and one phenolic acid were isolated from the methanol extract of this plant. The structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was achieved on the basis of NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D spectra). The phytochemical profile was appeared to be similar with other Greek endemic Stachys species, while a strong difference was the absence of iridoids. Importantly, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds has extensively been described. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

Phytochemistry and evidence-based traditional uses of the genus achillea l.: An update (2011–2021)

Knowledge within the field of phytochemistry research has accelerated at a tremendous speed. The excess of literature reports featuring plants of high ethnopharmacological importance, in combination with our interest in the Asteraceae family and traditional medicine, led us to acknowl-edge the value of the Achillea L. genus. In a broad context, the various Achillea species are used around the globe for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including gastrointestinal problems, haemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pains, diuresis, inflammation, infections, and wounds, as well as menstrual and gynaecologic abnormalities. The present review aims to provide and summarize the recent literature (2011–2021) on the phytochemistry of the Achillea genus. In parallel, this study attempts to bridge the reports on the traditional uses with modern pharmacological data. Research articles that focused on secondary metabolites, traditional uses and pharmacological activities were collected from various scientific databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Reaxys and Google Scholar. This study revealed the presence of 141 phytochemicals, while 24 traditionally used Achillea spp. were discussed in comparison to current data with an experimental basis. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Sustainable diets & medicinal aromatic plants in Greece: Perspectives towards climate change

In recent years, climate change continuously concerns the scientific community about its effects on agrobiodiversity, food safety and human health. Remodeling to sustainable diets and lifestyles is proved to be the most radical need to tackle this grave phenomenon. The goals of this commentary are to present the Greek traditional Mediterranean diet as a principal sustainable diet, to emphasize the role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Greece as indispensable components of this healthy dietary pattern, and to discuss the potential results of climate change at their phytochemical content. Moreover, the impact of climate challenge at the occurrence of Greek MAPs and their survival is also described. Multiple approaches for addressing this challenge are proposed, as well as recommendations for specific actions with a focus on Greek traditional Mediterranean diet and MAPs of Greece. © 2021 Elsevier Lt