Matricaria Chamomilla Research Articles

The effect of silver nanoparticles of aqueous Matricaria chamomilla extract on acute liver toxicity caused by acetaminophen in mice

The effect of silver nanoparticles of aqueous Matricaria chamomilla extract on acute liver toxicity caused by acetaminophen in mice

Exploration and treatment of salt-induced hyperlipidemia, adiposity and renal dysfunction by utilizing of Matricaria recutita L. whole plant concentrate in wistar rat model

Exploration and treatment of salt-induced hyperlipidemia, adiposity and renal dysfunction by utilizing of Matricaria recutita L. whole plant concentrate in wistar rat model

Integrative physiological and metabolic traits reveal the mechanisms of chamomile flowers in response to nicotine stress

BackgroundChamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is an important economic crop after tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cultivation. The nicotine released into the soil during tobacco cultivation has an impact on various aspects of chamomile growth, including plant height, flowering period, flower yield, and flower quality. We aimed to examine the effects of physiological and metabolic response of chamomile under different concentrations of nicotine stress.ResultsThe study revealed that chamomile growth was positively influenced by nicotine concentrations of 1.0 μg/g (N-1) and 10.0 μg/g (N-10). However, higher nicotine concentrations of 100.0 μg/g (N-100) and 500.0 μg/g (N-500) were found to induce stress as the highest levels of antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed under this treatment. In addition, it was observed that nicotine was transported from the roots to other organs during the entire growth period of chamomile and the nicotine levels reached saturation under N-100 treatment. A total of 1096 metabolites were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) analysis, and 48 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified among the groups via widely targeted metabolomics studies. The response of chamomile flowers to nicotine stress is associated with the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, and other substances. Metabolic regulation under nicotine stress primarily involves processes, such as aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter activity, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism.ConclusionsThis report presents the first findings on how nicotine affects the metabolism of chamomile. It also provides a comprehensive understanding of how crops can resist nicotine stress from a metabolic perspective.Graphical

Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Hematological Parameters, and Histological Features of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Diets with Supplementary Herbal Extracts Under Prolonged Water Exchange

Abstract Nile tilapia is known for its relative tolerance to some biotic and abiotic stressors. However, long-period water exchange may impair the health status and, thereby, the growth performance and feed utilization. In this regard, using herbal extracts may help to relieve the adverse impacts of low water quality on the productivity of this fish species. A 100-day feeding trial was designed to examine the effects of dietary supplements of Aloe vera leaves (AVE), and chamomile flowers, Matricaria chamomilla (CFE) extracts on water quality, growth performance, and well-being of Nile tilapia. Fish (3.95±0.05 g, n=1200) were distributed into five groups (15 fiberglass tanks, 2 m3) under a water exchange rate of 20% every two days for standard control (T0) without herbal supplements. Groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were exposed to a long water exchange period of 50% every month, wherein T1 (stressed control), T2, T3, and T4 groups were fed a diet supplemented with 0% herbal extract, 1% AVE, 1% CFE and 0.5% AVE +0.5% CFE, respectively. Results showed that feeding on a T2 diet exhibited a clear improvement under a long period of water exchange stress, and it is almost similar to their counterparts under normal conditions (T0) in terms of specific growth rate, survival rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. Moreover, the lowest levels of aspartate aminotransferase were obtained with T2 and T0. In addition, the highest white blood cell count and hemoglobin values were recorded with group T0, followed by T2, and T4, while there was no significant difference between T3 and T1. Fish under stressed conditions without herbal extracts (T1) showed the lowest performance and survival rate compared to T0 and T2 groups. In conclusion, feeding diet supplied with 1% A. vera extract to stressed fish restored their performance and well-being to the level of their counterparts under normal conditions.

Effect of Drying Methods on Chemical Profile of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flowers

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is used in the food industry, stomatology, pharmacy, and medicine due to the beneficial properties of chamomile flowers, which are due to the content of terpenoids, but also flavonoids and phenolic acids. This study aims to determine and compare the effects of the drying method on the metabolic profile of chamomile flowers from sustainable, organic practice. The flowers were dried using four different methods: in the sun at a temperature of around 30 °C for 4 days, in the shade at an average temperature of 20–25 °C for 7 days, in a dryer at a temperature of 105 °C for 24 h, and in a climate chamber at a temperature of 60 °C for 48 h. The drying method affects the color, aroma, dry biomass, and chemical profile of chamomile flowers. The biggest color change was between fresh chamomile flowers and chamomile flowers dried in a climate chamber at 105 °C for 24 h, and the smallest change was observed in flowers dried in the sun. The highest contents of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were measured in flower samples dried in the sun. Drying the flowers at 105 °C caused a significant decrease in total phenols and total flavonoids compared to the drying methods in the sun and shade. Drying at 60 °C for two days had the most significant negative effect on polyphenolic compounds. GC-MS analysis of chamomile essential oil revealed a total of 49 compounds. The most abundant compounds in all samples were α-bisabolol oxide A (19.6 to 24.3%), bisabolol oxide B (19.3 to 23.2%), and β-farnesene E (15.9 to 25.5%). β-Farnesene was identified in significantly lower amounts in sun-dried flowers compared to others, indicating its sensitivity to high light intensity. Volatile compounds spiroether Z, spiroether E, and matricarin were significantly reduced in samples dried at a temperature of 105 °C compared to others, which agrees with the aroma of dried flowers. Discrimination between samples based on chemical profiles showed similarity between samples dried in the sun and in the shade compared to samples dried at higher temperatures.

Design and Development of a Topical Nanogel Formulation Comprising of a Unani Medicinal Agent for the Management of Pain.

The oil of the Unani medicinal herb Baboona (Matricaria chamomilla) has shown potential in the management of pain. However, predicaments such as poor skin penetration, skin sensitization, liable to degradation, and volatile nature restrict its use. Therefore, our group for the first time has developed a carrier-based delivery system to facilitate the direct application of chamomile oil to the forehead. The developed nanogel was characterized for physical parameters such as compatibility, TEM, and stability studies. Further, it was also evaluated for pH, viscosity, spread ability, and extrudability, as well as through texture analyses, in vitro studies, and skin irritation tests. The formulation was successfully developed with all the necessary attributes. The in vitro studies revealed the enhanced skin penetration of chamomile oil nanogel. The in vivo studies were also performed in chemically induced pain models, mimicking migraine. The studies show significant improvement of the pain threshold for chamomile nanogel when compared to the positive control group and the results were comparable to marketed diclofenac formulations. Finally, the encapsulation into nanogel reduced the skin irritation property. The nanogel formulation showed promising effects in the pain management of migraine.

Use of medicinal plants during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Medicinal plants are an integrative and complementary health practice widely used by the population. However, its use is not without risks. This study assessed the profile and associated factors with the traditional use of medicinal plants. To this end, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a southeastern Brazilian city. Descriptive analysis was performed by frequency distribution and median and interquartile range. Associated factors with the use of medicinal plants were analyzed using Poisson regression with robust variance. A total of 641 people were interviewed, of whom 258 (40.2%) reported using medicinal plants. A total of 79 distinct plants were identified, of whom Melissa officinalis (31.0%), Peumus boldus (24.4%), Mentha spicata (20.9%), Matricaria recutita L. (18.2%), Rosmarinus officinalis (17.0%), and Foeniculum vulgare (14.7%) were the most used. There were no reports of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19. However, anxiety was the most frequently cited indication for using medicinal plants, a health condition exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the use of medicinal plants for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those in COVID-19 has been identified. There was an association between the use of medicinal plants and females, non-white, lower schooling, higher income, and comorbidities.

Seeds’ similarity of cultural and natural flora under chloride load in conditions of southern Ukraine

Saline soils make up almost 25% of the entire earth’s surface. Their areas, unfortunately, have a steady tendency to expand due to the aridization of the climate and the global increase in the average annual air temperature of the planet. The increased concentration of salts in the soil limits the diversity of cultural and conditions the poverty of natural flora, forms areas of risky agriculture in the south of Ukraine. Seeds are a unique product of evolution, the main generative organ of plants, characterized by a number of morphological, physiological and biological features, among which there is adaptation heterogeneity. It is established that by the number of germination days (the seeds of the cultural flora sprouts for 7–10 days, and in wild representatives this indicator extends to 10–12 days) the plants can be arranged in the following order: seven days –Secale cereale L., Triticum durum L., Avena sativa L., Hordeum vulgare L., Helianthus annuus L., Matricaria recutita L.; ten days – Beta vulgaris L., Phaseolus vulgaris L. and twelve days – Valeriana officinalis L. It is found that the most optimal for germination is the aquatic environment, so the plants are arranged according to the list: Helianthus annuus L. → Avena sativa L. → Triticum durum L. → Matricaria recutita L. → Secale cereale L. → Hordeum vulgare L. → Beta vulgaris L. → Valeriana officinalis L. → Phaseolus vulgaris L. It is proved that Na+ and Cl–ions differentially affect the seed germination energy: at a concentration of 0.1% NaCl – Triticum durum L. → Helianthus annuus L. → Hordeum vulgare L. → Secale cereale L. → Phaseolus vulgaris L. → Avena sativa L. → Matricaria recutita L. → Beta vulgaris L. → Valeriana officinalis L.; at a solution concentration of 0.2% NaCl – Secale cereale L. → Triticum durum L. → Helianthus annuus L. → Avena sativa L. → Matricaria recutita L. → Hordeum vulgare L. → Phaseolus vulgaris L. → Valeriana officinalis L. → Beta vulgaris L. The results obtained indicate that the chloride load in the seeds of plants manifests itself in the form of distress as well as eustress. It has been proved that the diagnostic features of chloride hermesis were more clearly manifested in the representatives of the cultural flora than the natural ones.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles using the plant-based reducing agent Matricaria chamomilla induce cell death in colorectal cancer cells.

There is a need to treat cancer cells with safe and natural nanoparticles to avoid the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Chamomile is considered a safe, natural plant with anticancer activity. We synthesize simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (SNs) using Chamomile (CHM) to tune their anticancer properties. SN-CHM was synthesized by reducing 1 mM silver nitrate aqueous solution in 100 mL with the aqueous ethanolic flower extract of CHM (18 mg/mL, w/v). The reaction proceeded overnight at 600 rpm and 28°C. SN-CHM was characterized for their % yield, average diameter, charge, morphology, and silver release. Moreover, SN-CHM was investigated for its antioxidant and anticancer activities at 200 µg/mL and 5 mg/ mL, respectively. A 59.12% yield and a uniform SN-CHM size of 115 ± 3.1 nm with a ζ-potential of -27.67 ± (-3.92) mv were observed. The UV-visible absorption showed shifts from 379.5 to 383.5 nm for CHM and SN-CHM, respectively. Moreover, Ag+ was ultimately released from SN-CHM after 5 h. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed characteristic absorption peaks of CHM and produced SN-CHM. Furthermore, SN-CHM showed moderate antioxidant activity. SN-CHM inhibited the % viability of SW620 and HT-29 cell lines at 20 μM. SN-CHM may also greatly upregulate the apoptotic gene BAX while considerably downregulating the anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and BCL-Xl. CHM can be a safe soft drink, especially when conjugated with Ag ions as anticancer NPs. SN-CHM is considered potent anticancer activity against SW620, and HT-29 cell lines.

A review of the effect of fertility agents (Herbs and drugs) on the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating fertility through its interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of fertility agents, including herbs and pharmaceutical drugs, on the hypothalamus and its role in fertility regulation. The hypothalamus directly influences the HPG axis by secreting GnRH, a hormone crucial for sexual development and ovulatory cycles. GnRH can be secreted in pulsatile or surge modes, with distinct implications for reproductive function. The HPG axis further regulates reproductive organs and hormonal production, affecting processes like oocyte maturation, ovulation, and steroid hormone synthesis. Herbal remedies have been used historically in various cultures to address fertility issues. Several plants, such as Withania somnifera, Punica granatum, Camellia sinensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Vitex agnus-castus, and Nigella sativa, have been studied for their potential to enhance fertility by modulating the HPG axis and influencing sex hormone levels. Pharmaceutical fertility drugs like clomiphene citrate and metformin also have a significant impact on the hypothalamus. Clomiphene citrate acts as a partial estrogen agonist in the hypothalamus, leading to increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) production and subsequent elevation of gonadotropin levels. Metformin, primarily used for diabetes management, can restore ovarian function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and improve pregnancy outcomes. Understanding the intricate interactions between fertility agents and the hypothalamus is crucial for developing effective treatments for infertility and optimizing reproductive health.

Diyarbakır/Türkiye’nin Altı Farklı Bölgesinden Toplanan Matricaria chamomilla L. Örneklerinin Kamazulen İçeriği ve Hipoglisemik Potansiyeli

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the oldest and most widely known medicinal plants belonging to Asteraceae family. An artifact named chamazulene forms from the sesquiterpene structured lactones such as matricin during the hydro-distillation of flowering tops of chamomile. These compounds are associated with the anti-inflammatory potential of chamomile along with flavonoids, other sesquiterpenoids, and essential oil of the plant. However, not all M. chamomilla specimens grown in different regions or species known and used as chamomile contains sesquiterpene lactone components. Thus, chamazulene content of chamomile has become a pharmaceutical interest. A traditional and well-established indication of the plant is diabetes. Protective and beneficial effects of chamomile on diabetic complications and glycemic control have been proposed by several studies. However, the mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. Flowering tops of chamomile samples were collected from six different localities of Diyarbakır/Türkiye. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained by hydro-distillation. Petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (Me), and infusion (INF) extracts were prepared. Qualitative analysis of the EOs resulted in no chamazulene content. Bismil district might be eligible for medicinal chamomile culture with its high essential oil yield. In-vitro hypoglycemic potentials of the extracts and EOs were evaluated by α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. All EOs and EA extracts (except M4-Bismil samples) showed the highest inhibitory activities comparable to that of standard acarbose. α-Glucosidase inhibition might be a significant mechanism of action contributing to the antidiabetic effects of chamomile.

Protective Effects of Crude Flavonoids And Alkaloids Extracts of Matricaria Chamomilla L. in Chicks against Pentylenetetrazole-induced Convulsions

Protective Effects of Crude Flavonoids And Alkaloids Extracts of Matricaria Chamomilla L. in Chicks against Pentylenetetrazole-induced Convulsions

Effects of Dietary Zinc and/or an Herbal Mixture on Intestinal Microbiota and Barrier Integrity in Lambs

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the impact of feed supplementation with organic zinc and/or a medicinal plants mixture on the composition and enzymatic activity of intestinal microflora as well as on the duodenal and jejunal barrier integrity in lambs. A total of 28 lambs were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments (n = 7) and were fed an unsupplemented basal diet (BD), or the BD enriched with organic Zn (Zn, 70 mg/kg diet), an herbal mixture (Herbmix, 100 g/day) or a combination of both additives (Zn+Herbmix). The Herbmix contained 33% each of Fumaria officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Matricaria chamomilla and 1% Artemisia absinthium. No significant effect on the fecal microbiota composition was observed due to the 35-day or 70-day dietary treatment. The intake of Zn alone resulted in decreased bacterial enzyme activities, such as β-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase. The transepithelial electrical resistance of the small intestinal mucosa was not influenced by the dietary treatment, whereas simultaneous feeding of Zn and Herbmix exhibited higher claudin-1 and occludin levels in the jejunal mucosa. These results indicate that dietary intake of organic zinc and/or medicinal plants in the mentioned dosage did not alter the diversity of intestinal bacteria in growing lambs but did significantly influence bacterial enzyme activity. Supplementing the zinc and herbs combination showed the potential to regulate intestinal permeability by increasing the level of tight junction proteins in the jejunal mucosa.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Matricaria recutita Essential Oil against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia: In Vitro Study.

To evaluate in vitro the antibacterial efficacy of Matricaria recutita (chamomile) essential oil at 50 and 75% against Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 and Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611 at 24 and 48 hours. The sample consisted of 80 discs and Mueller-Hinton Agar, the medium chosen for the culture. To determine the bacterial sensitivity, discs were placed in each Petri dish with concentrations of essential oil at 50 and 75%, distilled water and 0.12% chlorhexidine. Subsequently, the inhibition halos were measured in millimeters at 24 and 48 hours after culture, with the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. In groups treated with Porphyromonas gingivalis, measurements at 24 and 48 hours yielded 22.14 ± 2.61 and 22.63 ± 2.67 mm for 0.12% chlorhexidine, 18.90 ± 0.41 and 19.22 ± 0.54 mm for 75% essential oil, and 15.55 ± 0.45 and 15.77 ± 0.46 mm for 50% essential oil, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed among the groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the antibacterial efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine and 50 and 75% essential oil of Matricaria recutita on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia at 24 and 48 hours. The study demonstrates that essential oil derived from Matricaria recutita may effectively combat bacteria associated with periodontal disease. This discovery has the potential to impact dental practice by introducing a natural treatment option. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the clinical significance and potential applications of this finding.

Development of Silver Nanoparticles Green-formulated by Matricaria Chamomilla as Novel Chemotherapeutic Nanoformulation for the Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

To develop modern chemotherapeutic nanoformulation from plant extract to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma. The use of biodegradable polymers to deliver drugs via nanoparticles solves a number of issues. AgNPs nanoparticle composites could be a promising material with applications in biological and pharmaceutical sciences. The biomolecules in the extract give the AgNPs additional stability against oxidation and corrosion. As a result, we are interested in reporting the synthesis, characterization, and uses of unique AgNPs decorated with Matricaria chamomilla extract. We developed a natural chemotherapeutic nanoformulation containing M. chamomilla aqueous extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma. UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize AgNPs. The antioxidant activities of AgNO3, M. chamomilla, and AgNPs were evaluated using the DPPH assay in the presence of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a positive control. The MTT assay was employed on the HSC-4, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cell lines to assess the cytotoxicity and anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma effects. Silver nanoparticles demonstrated reduced cell viability and anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma capabilities in HSC-4, Ca9-22, and HSC-3 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with minimal damage to the normal cell line. The HSC-3 cell line showed the strongest anti-oral squamous cell carcinoma characteristics of AgNPs when tested against the above cell lines. According to the findings, silver nanoparticles containing M. chamomilla aqueous extract may treat different forms of oral squamous cell carcinoma in people.

Determination of Nutrient Contents of Some Medicinal Plants Sold by Herbalists in Bingöl

Objective: In this study, the nutritional parameters such as moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate and nutritive value of sage (Salvia officinalis), linden (Tilia platyphyllos), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), daisy (Matricaria chamomilla) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) plants sold in Bingol herbalists and widely used for treatment among the public were determined by analysis. Methods: In 2019, 5 different medicinal plant samples were obtained from 3 different herbalists in Bingöl. Afterwards, the nutritional contents of these plants were analyzed using official Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods and different biochemical methods. Results: Moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate percentages and nutritional values (kcal/100g) of the studied plant samples (0.10 %- 5.67, 4.67 - 11.89, 6.59 - 18.22, 2.12 - 6.80, 16.65 - 29.16, 40.18 - 63.68 %and 245.66kcal - 347.49kcal), respectively. The moisture contents of sage, linden and daisy samples were determined as 0.85 % to 4.84 % and they were found safe for consumption according to the Herbal Tea Standard of the TS 12933 Turkish Standards Institute,but ash levels exceeding the limit level of thyme samples (10.78-11.89 %) were found to be unsuitable. The moisture content of the thyme and ginger samples (0.10 - 5.67 %) (maximum 12 % for both), as well as the ash content of the thyme samples (maximum 14 %) and ginger (maximum 12 %) all fall within the Turkish Food Codex limit values.While statistically significant differences were observed in moisture, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate and nutritional value groups (p<0.05), no difference was observed in crude protein and crude fat groups (p>0.05). The crude protein content of daisy (D2,D3) and linden (L1,L2) samples, the crude fiber content of daisy (D2,D3) and thyme (T1,T2,T3) samples, the carbohydrate content of ginger (G1,G2,G3) and sage (S1,S3) samples were all found to be high. Conclusion: Plants such as Salvia officinalis and Zingiber officinale, which are rich in carbohydrates, crude protein and crude fiber content, are used for medicinal purposes. In addition, plants with high nutritional value can be added to the herbal combination content of individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Extraction and Optical Study of Natural Dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Application

Extraction and study of the optical properties of natural dyes from several plant parts such as leaves, flowers, tubers, and fruits have been carried out using a simple maceration method and UV-Vis absorption characterization. The samples were divided into several groups in this study, namely the flower group (Tagetes sp., Paeonia sp., Centaure sp., Chrysanthemum sp., Carthamus tinctorius, Gomphrena globosa, Myosotis sylvatica, Lavandula sp., Clitoria ternatea, Matricaria chamomilla, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Rosa sp.); the leaf group (Mangifera indica, Moringa oleifera, Graptophyllum pictum, Spinacia oleracea, Citrus hystrix, and Terminalia sp.); and the tuber and fruit group (Solanum lycopersicum, Cucurbita moschata, Garcinia mangostana, Curcuma longa, Beta vulgaris, and Caessapina sp.). The extract of natural dyes was successfully produced using a low-cost and simple extraction approach via dehydration, immersion for 2×24 hours in ethanol, and followed by filtration. The optical properties of the dyes in UV and visible light range were observed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in the wavelength of 400-700 nm. The absorption behaviour showed dominant peaks at different wavelengths for each group. Potentially, to do a combination of dyes (co-sensitization: using more than a dye with different absorption spectra to achieve a panchromatic response) to widen the wavelength absorption for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications.

Therapeutic Potential of Green-Engineered ZnO Nanoparticles on Rotenone-Exposed D. melanogaster (Oregon R+): Unveiling Ameliorated Biochemical, Cellular, and Behavioral Parameters.

Nanotechnology holds significant ameliorative potential against neurodegenerative diseases, as it can protect the therapeutic substance and allow for its sustained release. In this study, the reducing and capping agents of Urtica dioica (UD), Matricaria chamomilla (MC), and Murraya koenigii (MK) extracts were used to synthesize bio-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and against rotenone-induced toxicities in D. melanogaster for the first time. Their optical and structural properties were analyzed via FT-IR, DLS, XRD, EDS, SEM, UV-Vis, and zeta potential. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fabricated ZnO-NPs were evaluated employing cell-free models (DPPH and ABTS) and the well diffusion method, respectively. Rotenone (500 µM) was administered to Drosophila third instar larvae and freshly emerged flies for 24-120 h, either alone or in combination with plant extracts (UD, MC, an MK) and their biogenic ZnO-NPs. A comparative study on the protective effects of synthesized NPs was undertaken against rotenone-induced neurotoxic, cytotoxic, and behavioral alterations using an acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay, dye exclusion test, and locomotor parameters. The findings revealed that among the plant-derived ZnO-NPs, MK-ZnO NPs exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, followed by UD-ZnO NPs and MC-ZnO NPs. In this regard, ethno-nano medicinal therapeutic uses mimic similar effects in D. melanogaster by suppressing oxidative stress by restoring biochemical parameters (AchE and proteotoxicity activity) and lower cellular toxicity. These findings suggest that green-engineered ZnO-NPs have the potential to significantly enhance outcomes, with the promise of effective therapies for neurodegeneration, and could be used as a great alternative for clinical development.

Ethnobotanical Investigation of Plants Used for Respiratory Tract Infections in Pirot District (Southeastern Serbia)

IntroductionIt is important to evaluate alternative respiratory infection treatments using herbal medicines, whose efficacy and safety have been shown in pharmacological and clinical studies. The study aimed to provide a review that will help screen plants used for respiratory infections that deserve further investigation and eventually develop an effective antiviral agent. MethodsThe Pirot District (Serbia) population was surveyed using a semistructured questionnaire to determine how many individuals were familiar with the useful properties of plants against respiratory infections. The surveyed population included 531 individuals from 152 villages, with 1 221 reports on the use of plants against respiratory infections. The most reported taxa are systematised by the most frequent application with the informants’ calculated consensus factor. ResultsPlants reported for the treatment of respiratory infections (65 plant taxa) were distributed among 31 families, of which the most important were Lamiaceae (14 species) and Rosaceae (10 species), and the most abundant were Lamiaceae (433 reports) and Compositae (274 reports). The most used plant taxa were Thymus spp., Matricaria chamomilla, and Sambucus nigra. The primary indications for use were the common cold (640 reports), cough (330 reports), sore throat (80 reports), and bronchitis (67 reports). Discussion/ConclusionsThe use of 21 plant taxa in respiratory disorders has not been reported in other ethnobotanical studies in the Balkans. The presented data may be a good starting point for further phytopharmacological research in the quest for suitable drugs against viral respiratory tract infections.

ÇOCUK HASTALIKLARINDA GELENEKSEL OLARAK KULLANILAN BAZI BİTKİLER

Objective: Different types of pediatric diseases negatively affect the lives of many people, physically. Here, we aimed to document some medicinal plants used as traditional folk medicine in pediatrics treatment. Result and Discussion: 117 taxa and 53 families have been identified as traditional herbal medicines used in defined pediatric diseases. The most frequently used medicinal plant species according to the number of citations Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Juglans regia L., Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott, Rosa canina L., Mentha x piperita L., Matricaria chamomilla L. All findings are expected to form the basis for new pharmaceutical products and become a handbook for healthcare professionals.