Almond Research Articles

A Physiological and Molecular Focus on the Resistance of "Filippo Ceo" Almond Tree to Xylella fastidiosa.

The impact of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) subsp. pauca on the environment and economy of Southern Italy has been devastating. To restore the landscape and support the local economy, introducing new crops is crucial for restoring destroyed olive groves, and the almond tree (Prunus dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb) could be a promising candidate. This work focused on the resistance of the cultivar "Filippo Ceo" to Xf and evaluated its physiological and molecular responses to individual stresses (drought or pathogen stress) and combined stress factors under field conditions over three seasons. Filippo Ceo showed a low pathogen concentration (≈103 CFU mL-1) and a lack of almond leaf scorch symptoms. Physiologically, an excellent plant water status was observed (RWC 82-89%) regardless of the stress conditions, which was associated with an increased proline content compared to that of the control plants, particularly in response to Xf stress (≈8-fold). The plant's response did not lead to a gene modulation that was specific to different stress factors but seemed more indistinct: upregulation of the LEA and DHN gene transcripts by Xf was observed, while the PR transcript was upregulated by drought stress. In addition, the genes encoding the transcription factors (TFs) were differentially induced by stress conditions. Filippo Ceo could be an excellent cultivar for coexistence with Xf subps. pauca, confirming its resistance to both water stress and the pathogen, although this similar health status was achieved differently due to transcriptional reprogramming that results in the modulation of genes directly or indirectly involved in defence strategies.

Almond Can Be Infected by Plum Pox Virus-D Isolate Penn4 and Is a Transmission-Competent Host.

Although it is currently eradicated from the United States, Plum pox virus (PPV) poses an ongoing threat to U.S. stone fruit production. Although almond (Prunus dulcis) is known to be largely resistant to PPV, there is conflicting evidence about its potential to serve as an asymptomatic reservoir host for the virus and thus serve as a potential route of entry. Here, we demonstrate that both Tuono and Texas Mission cultivars can be infected by the U.S. isolate PPV Dideron (D) Penn4 and that Tuono is a transmission-competent host, capable of serving as a source of inoculum for aphid transmission of the virus. These findings have important implications for efforts to keep PPV out of the United States and highlight the need for additional research to test the susceptibility of almond to other PPV-D isolates.

Iranian Traditional Medicine for Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity in Children: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology. Stimulants as a first-line treatment are not effective in some cases. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of traditional Persian Iranian medicine (TIM) for children and adolescents with ADHD. Data were collected mainly from PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Scopus databases until Dec 2022. The keywords related to ADHD, traditional Persian medicine (TPM), and (TIM) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened 714 abstracts and eventually, eight trials were included in the systematic reviews. Changes in the severity of ADHD symptoms were considered based on the validated cutoff on recognized rating scales as the result of the effect of TIM on ADHD. Interventions included herbal extracts of Passiflora incarnate, whey protein, Ginkgo biloba, Crocus sativus L, sweet almond syrup, and horse milk. In all studies, except G. biloba, there was evidence of a reduction in the severity of ADHD. Low evidence could be found for G. biloba. Herbal and traditional remedies are an efficient and safe solution to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. In future studies, TIM as a complementary therapy may be useful to alleviate ADHD symptoms, especially in children who are resistant to stimulant medications.

Specific Antimicrobial Activities Revealed by Comparative Evaluation of Selected Gemmotherapy Extracts.

Nowadays, unprecedented health challenges are urging novel solutions to address antimicrobial resistance as multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, yeasts and moulds are emerging. Such microorganisms can cause food and feed spoilage, food poisoning and even more severe diseases, resulting in human death. In order to overcome this phenomenon, it is essential to identify novel antimicrobials that are naturally occurring, biologically effective and increasingly safe for human use. The development of gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) using plant parts such as buds and young shoots has emerged as a novel approach to treat/prevent human conditions due to their associated antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial properties that all require careful evaluations. Seven GTEs obtained from plant species like the olive (Olea europaea L.), almond (Prunus amygdalus L.), black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) were tested for their antimicrobial efficiency via agar diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for eight bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes), five moulds (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium expansum) and one yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The agar diffusion method revealed the blackberry GTE as the most effective since it inhibited the growth of three bacterial, four moulds and one yeast species, having considered the total number of affected microorganism species. Next to the blackberry, the olive GTE appeared to be the second most efficient, suppressing five bacterial strains but no moulds or yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were then determined for each GTE and the microorganisms tested. Noticeably, the olive GTE appeared to feature the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal outcome, displaying specificity for S. aureus, E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes. The other GTEs, such as blueberry, walnut, black mulberry and almond (the list indicates relative strength), were more effective at suppressing microbial growth than inducing microbial death. However, some species specificities were also evident, while the blackcurrant GTE had no significant antimicrobial activity. Having seen the antimicrobial properties of the analysed GTEs, especially the olive and black mulberry GTEs, these could be envisioned as potential antimicrobials that might enhance antibiotic therapies efficiency, while the blackberry GTE would act as an antifungal agent. Some of the GTE mixtures analysed have shown interesting antimicrobial synergies, and all the antimicrobial effects observed argue for extending these studies to include pathological microorganisms.

Almond Tree Variety Identification Based on Bark Photographs Using Deep Learning Approach and Wavelet Transform

Almond Tree Variety Identification Based on Bark Photographs Using Deep Learning Approach and Wavelet Transform

Assessment of Nutritional and Functional Properties of Complementary Food from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, Soybean and Tropical Almond Seed Composite Flour

The study evaluated the quality characteristics of complementary food produced from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, soybean, and tropical almond seed composite. The sample formulation was in ratios of 100:0:0, 90:5:5, 80:15:5, and 70:25:5 for Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, soybean, and tropical almond seed composite, respectively. A commercial complementary food was used as a control sample. A commercially available complementary food served as the control sample. The samples underwent analysis for nutritional, functional, and pasting properties using established standard methods. The obtained data were subsequently analyzed utilizing SPSS version 25. Significance was approved at p<0.05. The proximate composition of the complementary food ranged as follows: moisture (4.58-6.55%), fats (1.39-3.61%), Protein (3.67-14.15%), ash (1.94-2.78%), crude fibre (1.67-3.48%), carbohydrates (69.53-87.09%), and energy values (364.89-375.55 kcal/100 g). The micronutrients ranged as follows: calcium (0.62-4.98 mg/100 g), magnesium (1.54-2.25 mg/100 g), potassium (11.23-23.28 mg/100 g), sodium (1.24-6.42 mg/100 g), iron (3.01-8.00 mg/100 g), zinc (1.24-2.75 mg/100 g), beta carotene (6.65-27.61 mg/100 g), vitamin C (0.30-1.54 mg/100 g), vitamin B1 (0.65-1.39 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (0.72-4.29 mg /100 g). The functional properties ranged as follows; bulk density (0.50-0.85 g/mL), swelling capacity (1.52-3.19%), water absorption capacity (3.64-4.93 mL/g), oil absorption capacity (0.61-1.88 mL/g), and gelatinization temperature (57.5-66.0 °C). The pasting properties ranged as follows: peak viscosity (143.67-296.67 RVU), Trough viscosity (55.47-94.04 RVU), breakdown viscosity (87.11-202.63 RVU), setback viscosity (702.87-2642.29 RVU), final viscosity (758.33-2736.33 RVU), peak time (4.10-5.37 min), and pasting temperature (72.40-79.47 °C). The composite flour herein produced Substantially (p<0.05) enhanced the nutritional, functional, and pasting characteristics of the complementary food contrast to the control sample.

Comparing the Efficacy of Acupressure and Foot Reflexology on Sleep Quality in Patients With Leukemia: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

Among leukemia patients, sleep disruptions are prevalent and can profoundly affect their overall quality of life. Acupressure and foot reflexology, modalities rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, have garnered attention for their potential to address sleep disturbances and mitigate associated symptoms. This research utilized a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design involving 102 leukemia patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. Participants were randomly allocated to 3 groups: acupressure (n = 34), reflexology (n = 34), or control (n = 34). Prior to the intervention, patients completed a demographic survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for baseline assessments. Acupressure involved stimulation of the SP6 point twice daily for 10 minutes over 4 weeks, while reflexology entailed daily 10-minute sessions with sweet almond oil on the soles for the same duration. The control group received standard care without additional interventions. Following the 4-week intervention period, post-intervention evaluations were conducted using identical measurement tools. The findings underscored the efficacy of both acupressure and foot reflexology in significantly improving sleep quality within the intervention groups (P < .001). Initially, there were no notable differences in sleep quality among the 3 groups (P > .05). Subsequently, pairwise comparisons adjusted with Bonferroni corrections revealed significant disparities in sleep quality between the acupressure and reflexology groups compared to the control group (P < .001). However, post-intervention analysis indicated no statistically significant variance in enhancing sleep quality between the acupressure and foot reflexology groups (P < .05). This study demonstrates that acupressure and foot reflexology interventions can enhance sleep quality in individuals with leukemia. These findings support the effectiveness of these complementary modalities, offering targeted relief and relaxation. While these non-invasive therapies show promise in improving well-being, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results due to study limitations.

Formulation of a probiotic product using Almond gum.

The application of probiotics in food has expanded significantly, yet its viability remains a challenge. In response to this issue, this study explores a unique approach. Almond gum, a natural extract from Prunus dulcis, is utilized as the primary carrier matrix for a novel probiotic product featuring Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast. This study involves the entrapment of S. boulardii in almond gum through centrifugation (5 min at 1300 × g) and subsequent 24 h drying at 50 °C. Sensory evaluation and other investigations were conducted at different pH levels to assess viability and performance. Post-drying entrapment efficiency was 83.85%, underscoring the benefits of choosing almond gum as a carrier matrix. Promising results were observed from viability testing conducted in gastric juice (pH 1.2) and in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). Matrix stability was assessed by measuring cfu ml-1 following 7 days' storage at different temperatures, complemented by sensory analysis. Almond gum is a promising carrier matrix for probiotic products. Its high entrapment efficiency and its viability under challenging pH conditions demonstrate its efficacy. It is rich in carbohydrates and serves a dual purpose by acting as a prebiotic source, as confirmed through ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) analysis. The study underscores the potential of this novel approach, providing insights into responses to viability challenges in probiotic food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Vegetative and Reproductive Responses Induced by Organo-Mineral Fertilizers on Young Trees of Almond cv. Tuono Grown in a Medium-High Density Plantation

Field experiments were conducted in three successive seasons (2019–2021) to evaluate the effects of four commercial organo-mineral fertilizers with biostimulating action (Hendophyt®, Ergostim®, and Radicon®) on the vegetative and productive performance of young almond trees (Prunus dulcis, cv. Tuono) grown in a semiarid climate in Southern Italy. Foliar treatments were applied three times during each season (at the swollen bud, beginning of flowering, and fruit set-beginning of fruit growth stages). Both 2020 and 2021 were adversely affected by late frosts, resulting in damage to the flowers and small fruits without any positive effect of the biostimulant applications. In contrast, the results obtained during the normal climate year (2019) indicated that the growth of trunk diameter and shoot length of trees tended to increase in biostimulant treatments compared to those of the control. The number of buds and flowers per unit length of the branch revealed no significant differences among years and all compared treatments. However, in 2019, the fruit set percentage, number, and weight of kernels per tree were significantly higher in the biostimulant treatments compared to those of the control. To this regard, the use of biofertilizers is suitable for maintaining soil fertility and improving crop productivity This information holds significance for almond tree growers.

Comparative Evaluation of Remote Sensing Platforms for Almond Yield Prediction

Almonds are becoming a central element in the gastronomic and food industry worldwide. Over the last few years, almond production has increased globally. Portugal has become the third most important producer in Europe, where this increasing trend is particularly evident. However, the susceptibility of almond trees to changing climatic conditions presents substantial risks, encompassing yield reduction and quality deterioration. Hence, yield forecasts become crucial for mitigating potential losses and aiding decisionmakers within the agri-food sector. Recent technological advancements and new data analysis techniques have led to the development of more suitable methods to model crop yields. Herein, an innovative approach to predict almond yields in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal was developed, by using machine learning regression models (i.e., the random forest regressor, XGBRegressor, gradient boosting regressor, bagging regressor, and AdaBoost regressor), coupled with remote sensing data obtained from different satellite platforms. Satellite data from both proprietary and free platforms at different spatial resolutions were used as features in the study (i.e., the GSMP: 11.13 km, Terra: 1 km, Landsat 8: 30 m, Sentinel-2: 10 m, and PlanetScope: 3 m). The best possible combination of features was analyzed and hyperparameter tuning was applied to enhance the prediction accuracy. Our results suggest that high-resolution data (PlanetScope) combined with irrigation information, vegetation indices, and climate data significantly improves almond yield prediction. The XGBRegressor model performed best when using PlanetScope data, reaching a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.80. However, alternative options using freely available data with lower spatial resolution, such as GSMaP and Terra MODIS LST, also showed satisfactory performance (R2 = 0.68). This study highlights the potential of integrating machine learning models and remote sensing data for accurate crop yield prediction, providing valuable insights for informed decision support in the almond sector, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of this crop in the face of evolving climate dynamics.

In vivo evaluation of Trás-os-Montes natural cosmetic ingredients: Impacts on Drosophila melanogaster longevity and genotoxicity

Our body's well-being is intricately linked to external factors, including temperature, humidity, pollution, microorganisms, and the daily food we consume. Nurturing our bodies involves harnessing the benefits of various plants that contribute to the production of diverse cosmetics. Natural elements such as almonds (Prunus dulcis), elderberries (Sambucus nigra), olives (Olea europaea), and grapes (Vitis vinifera) have demonstrated a range of biological activities, holding potential for therapeutic applications. This study aimed to assess the in vivo impact of these natural ingredients on longevity and genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Longevity was evaluated through regular observations of Drosophila mortality. The somatic mutation and recombination assay were conducted to determine the antigenotoxic potential of the natural ingredients. The findings revealed that these ingredients influenced longevity, and they also exhibited antigenotoxic potential, with elderberry yielding the most promising results. The growing importance of natural and organic cosmetics underscores the significance of identifying ingredients with antigenotoxic effects, offering a promising avenue of research in recent years. Such ingredients could play a crucial role in safeguarding against DNA damage and its subsequent consequences.

The Cardioprotective Properties of Selected Nuts: Their Functional Ingredients and Molecular Mechanisms.

Nuts have been known as a nutritious food since ancient times and can be considered part of our original diet: they are one of the few foods that have been eaten in the same form for thousands of years. They consist of various dry fruits and seeds, with the most common species being almonds (Prunus dulcis), hazelnuts (Corylus avellana), cashews (cashew nuts, Anacardium occidentale), pistachios (Pistacia vera), walnuts (Italian nuts, Juglans regia), peanuts (Arachia hypogaca), Brazil nuts (Bartholletia excels), pecans (Corya illinoinensis), macadamia nuts (Macademia ternifolia) and pine nuts. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have found nuts to possess a range of bioactive compounds with cardioprotective properties, and hence, their consumption may play a role in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The present work reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the functional ingredients of various nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecan nuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) and the molecular mechanisms of their cardioprotective action. The data indicate that almonds, walnuts and pistachios are the best nut sources of bioactive ingredients with cardioprotective properties.

Genome-wide analysis of the ABC gene family in almond and functional predictions during flower development, freezing stress, and salt stress

ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter proteins are one of the most extensive protein families known to date and are ubiquitously found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. ABCs have a variety of functions, such as plant tissue development regulation, hormone transport, and biotic and abiotic stress resistance. However, the gene characterization and function of the ABC gene family in almond (Prunus dulcis) have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we identified 117 PdABC genes using the whole genome of ‘Wanfeng’ almond obtained by sequencing and explored their protein characterization. The PdABC family members were classified into eight subfamilies. The members of the same subfamily had conserved motifs but poorly conserved numbers of exons and introns and were unevenly distributed among the eight subfamilies and on the eight chromosomes. Expression patterns showed that PdABC family members were significantly differentially expressed during almond development, dormant freezing stress, and salt stress. We found that PdABC59 and PdABC77 had extremely high expression levels in pollen. PdABC63 and PdABC64 had high expression levels during almond petal development and multiple stages of flower development. PdABC98 was highly expressed in annual dormant branches after six temperature-freezing stress treatments. PdABC29, PdABC69, and PdABC98 were highly expressed under different concentrations of salt stress. This study preliminarily investigated the expression characteristics of ABC genes in different tissues of almond during flower development, freezing stress and salt stress, and the results will provide a reference for further in-depth research and breeding of almond in the future.

Molecular characterization of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ infecting almond (Prunus dulcis) and evaluation of biochemical defenses produced in the plants

AbstractIncreasing incidences of phytoplasma infestations in Almond trees warrants the better management approach to prevent yield losses. Disease management rely on identification of the pathogen based on molecular profiling. The present study aimed, to identify the phytoplasma agent in almond trees and to measure the biochemical responses it causes in the host. Direct and Nested PCRs performed using phytoplasma specific primer pairs 16S rRNA, detected the presence of phytoplasma agent in symptomatic trees but not in symptomless trees. Phylogeny based on the sequence analysis revealed that the infecting agent was closely related to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ (16SrIX‐B subgroup). Then the study was carried out to determine the responses of physiological and biochemical mechanisms in almond trees infected with phytoplasma. Total chlorophyll and protein contents of infected almond trees were lower compared to healthy control, on the other hand, the levels of catalase and peroxidase activity increased in infected trees. Higher levels of stress‐related metabolites such as proline (20.53–39.23 μmol/g), phenol (3.00–4.44 mg GAE/g), salicylic (94.96–138.22 ng SA/mg protein) and jasmonic acid (965.86–1465.10 ng JA/mg protein) were observed in infected trees compared to asymptomatic trees, respectively in healthy and infected trees. The results showed that the Ca. P. phoenicium, which was detected for the first time in Türkiye, was able to change the physiological and biochemical mechanisms. The pathogenic agent could possess a potential danger in almond production areas. It is crucially important that this agent should be considered in certification programs.

Controlling sensory analysis results: tools and importance in assessor selection. Case study: PROVA-ALABE proficiency test

The PROVA-ALABE essay aims to characterize the olfactory, tactile and taste changes underlying the sensory evaluation of wines. It allows assessors to understand the extent to which their perception of a wine is harmonized with that of the other assessors in the trial, contributing to their qualification, as well as the corresponding panel, in detecting and recognizing the most prevalent defects in wines. This work aimed to provide a critical summary of outcomes achieved through interlaboratory tests to identify a primary defect in deliberately contaminated wines. Over three years, interlaboratory tests were performed, corresponding to 60 wines mainly altered with a specific compound. These tests aimed to identify different defects, such as mould, lactic, acescent, reduced, oxidized, vegetable, animal, acidic, bitter, astringency, and others (plastic, sulphur dioxide, bitter almond). However, wine's complexity introduces factors that can affect assessors' perception, with the same defect being perceived differently based on the panel's experience, training, and cultural backgrounds, which can be problematic for an objective analysis. Results of rejection rates and assessor identification percentages suggest that oxidation, mould, and animal defects are more easily recognized. Participation in interlaboratory tests is mandatory for accredited laboratories, serving as an interesting tool for demonstrating results consistency across sensory laboratories. Additionally, such participation can provide valuable information about assessors' performance.

Alkylated analogues of aza-galactofagomine as potential inhibitors of β-glucosidase

The synthesis of four N-2-alkylated aza-galactofagomine (AGF) analogues was achieved by intermolecular reductive hydrazination or alkylation of suitably protected AGF. The synthesized compounds were evaluated as potential ?-glucosidase inhibitors. The preliminary screening of inhibitor activity, conducted with sweet almond ?-glucosidase immobilized in agar, as well as the standard inhibition assay with the same enzyme, showed inhibitory potency of the synthesized analogues. In addition, these results are in a good agreement with docking analysis of the human acid ?-glucosidase, the enzyme implicated in Gaucher's disease.

Evaluation of weed control efficacy and crop safety of the PPO-inhibiting herbicide tiafenacil in California orchard cropping systems

Abstract Tiafenacil is registered in the United States for use in annual crops such as corn and soybean, but not on orchard crops. Field studies were conducted to determine orchard crop safety and efficacy of tiafenacil on important California orchard weeds. To evaluate crop safety, tiafenacil was applied at 74, 148, and 222 g ai ha−1 alone and with 38 g ai ha−1 of tolpyralate three times per year at the base of almond, pistachio, prune, and walnut trees. The first treatment was applied 2 mo after the trees had been transplanted. In all four tree crop experiments, treatments were applied once in May 2020, then three times again during the winter of 2021 and 2022 at 21-d treatment intervals. There were no visual foliar injury symptoms or treatment-related effects on tree trunk diameter change even at the highest tested rate of tiafenacil applied seven times over three growing seasons. In a separate study of weed control, in most instances, tiafenacil applied at 12 g ai ha−1 performed similarly to that of tiafenacil plus glufosinate. Control of glyphosate-resistant hairy fleabane with tiafenacil applied alone at 25 g ai ha−1 was 65% by 14 d after treatment. Tiafenacil applied at 50 g ai ha−1 to hairy fleabane performed similarly to glufosinate plus glyphosate. In a greenhouse study, tiafenacil applied at 12 g ha−1 provided 95% to 100% control of barnyardgrass and junglerice, and there was no significant difference between tiafenacil applied alone or with glufosinate. Saflufenacil applied alone or in a mixture with glufosinate was not as effective as the tiafenacil treatments for grass weed control. Based on experiments conducted over three growing seasons in four tree fruit and tree nut crops, tiafenacil crop safety appeared to be acceptable even at up to 2- or 3-fold the expected use rate.

Wild almond (amygdalus nana l.) Oil physical and chemical indicators, fatty acids and the study of element components

The wild almond (Amygdalus nana L.) seeds from the Nurota district in the Navoi region of the mountains have been used, and the extraction of the seed oil was established using the cold-pressing method. The main physical-chemical indicators of the oil were defined. The composition of the oil, including the induction of the oil and argon plasma emissions, as well as the fatty acid components, were studied using chromatographic and spectrometric methods, and elemental analysis was carried out. The macroelements (Ca, Na, Al, P, K) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, Co, Ni) present in the oil composition were determined. Additionally, a microbiological purity assessment and a quantitative analysis of the heavy metals present in the oil content were conducted.

Biljke u prirodnoj kozmetici

The paper gives an overview of the development of cosmetics through history, then shows some of the plant species and their parts that are most often used or included in cosmetic preparations. The list comprises the following plant species: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula officinalis L., Cucumis sativus L., Daucus carotа L., and Malaleuca alternifolia (Maiden &amp; Betche) Cheel, as well as their parts used for the preparation of cosmetic preparations: aloe leaves, marigold flowers, chamomile flowers, rosemary herba, lavender herba, cucumber fruits, carrot seeds, and tea tree leaves. The cosmetic preparation of the mentioned plant species are mostly based on their extracts, macerates or essential oils. Also, the cold-pressed fatty oils from the following plant species are widely used in cosmetics: olive oil obtained from the fruits of Olea europaea L., almond oil from the seeds of Prunus dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb, coconut oil from the fruit or seed of the coconut palm – Cocos nucifera L., sunflower oil from the seeds of Helianthus annuus L., and grape seed oil from the seeds of Vitis vinifera L.

Amygdalin prevents multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced lung epithelial cell injury by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe bacterial pneumonia. Amygdalin is the main active pharmaceutical ingredient of bitter almond, which has broad-spectrum antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and immunomodulatory effects. It is also the main ingredient of Yinhua Pinggan granule, which is commonly used to moisten the lung and relieve cough. However, little is known about the effects of amygdalin on MRSA. In this study, we found that amygdalin exhibited good antimicrobial activity in vitro against MRSA. Amygdalin has a protective effect on MRSA infected cells, and the effect is better when combined with levofloxacin. It also can reduce the adhesion and invasion of MRSA to cells. Amygdalin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can significantly reduce the increase of inflammatory factors and the production of ROS caused by infection. The protective mechanism of amygdalin on cells may be related to inhibiting the expression of NLRP3, ASC and IL-1β pyroptosis pathways. Taken together, our study suggests that amygdalin exerts antibacterial effects by affecting biofilm formation, the expression of virulence factors, and drug resistance genes. Amygdalin combined with levofloxacin has a protective effect on A549 cells infected with MRSA, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory response, oxidative damage and pyroptosis.