Mentha Spicata Research Articles

Experimental study and mathematical modeling of drying kinetics of mint leaves under forced convection

In this study, we investigated the influence of temperature and air velocity on the drying behavior of Mentha spicata L. leaves using a forced convection dryer. This drying method was chosen for its cost-effectiveness and its ability to facilitate fast and efficient drying while preserving the quality of aromatic herbs. Our aim was to identify the most suitable mathematical model for accurately representing the drying process. We analyzed experimental data on moisture content obtained during thin-layer drying of Mentha spicata L. using various established empirical models from existing literature. Thirteen empirical models were applied to fit the drying curves obtained. Statistical analysis, employing key parameters such as the coefficient of determination (R2), reduced chi-square (χ2), and root mean square error (RMSE), indicated that the Midilli and Kucuk model provided the most accurate fit for the observed drying curves. This was evidenced by the highest R2 values (0.9994, 1.0000), lowest χ2 values (6.07 × 10−6, 6.28 × 10−5), and lowest RMSE values (2.17 × 10−3, 6.86 × 10−3). We observed an increasing trend in moisture diffusivity with temperature variations between 32 °C and 60 °C, while maintaining a constant airflow velocity of 1.2 m/s. Additionally, an increase in mean air velocity from 0.7 to 1.7 m/s correlated with higher moisture diffusivity. The effectiveness of the Arrhenius equation in representing the temperature dependence of diffusivity was confirmed, with an activation energy of 72 kJ/mol, consistent with previous literature findings.

Aphidicidal activity of nano-emulsions of spearmint oil and carvone against Rhopalosiphum maidis and Sitobion avenae

Different species of aphids, responsible for severe yield losses of cereal crops including wheat, (Triticum aestivum L.) are managed by insecticides, which are harmful to organisms and the environment under field conditions. Therefore, an environment friendly aphidicidal product of plant origin is required. Mentha spicata oil was found to be rich in carvone (81.88%), but the use of its oil and carvone in crop protection is lacking due to their volatility, poor solubility, and stability. A nanoformulaton not only solves these problems but also improve the efficacy and dose of the bioactive compounds. Thus, nano-emulsions of the oil and carvone prepared were characterized, and evaluated against Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn aphid) and Sitobion avenae (wheat aphid) The average droplet size of nano-emulsions of the oil and carvone was found to be 22.1 and 41.21 nm. Nano-emulsion of carvone exhibited higher aphid mortality (LC50 = 0.87–1.94 mg/mL) at 24 h and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.07–3.83 mg/mL) compared to the nano-emulsion of the oil (LC50 = 2.87–2.81 mg/mL; IC50 = 1.66–5.34 mg/mL). The repellence index (RI) in nano-emulsion of essential oil was found to be higher (84.73 and 81.72%) at the highest concentration (0.05 µL/cm2) than that of carvone (77.59 and 80.98%) for R. maidis and S. avenae. Further, in silico studies also revealed the favourable binding energy (− 6.6 to − 8.5 kcal/mol) of the main compounds in the oil with acetylcholinesterase, facilitated by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. This study suggests that the nano-emulsions of the essential oil and carvone can be explored under field conditions to establish efficacy for their utilization as aphidicidal and repellent products against aphids. In the present study, aphidicial and repellent activities of its essential oil and carvone were reported for the first time against R.maidis and S.avenae.

Characterization and Hygroscopic Behavior of Mentha crispa Powder Obtained by Foam-Mat Drying

Objective: Characterize and determine the hygroscopic behavior of Mentha crispa powder by obtaining adsorption isotherms and fitting nonlinear regression mathematical models. Theoretical Framework: Mentha crispa is an economically important species in the industry that, due to its perishability, is subjected to drying to increase its shelf life. Hygroscopicity is linked to physical, chemical and microbiological stability and it is necessary to understand its behavior to enable the use of biological products in regions with different climatic characteristics. Method: The powder was characterized according to water content, yield, water solubility index, pH, soluble solids, particle size and color. The adsorption isotherms were obtained by the indirect static method at a temperature of 25 °C. The BET, linear BET, Chung and Pfost, GAB, Halsey, Henderson, Langmuir, Oswin and modified Peleg models were adjusted to the experimental data. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the increase in drying temperature caused a darkening and degradation of the green hue of the powder. The powder isotherms presented type III behavior, with a sigmoidal shape common to food products. The Oswin and Henderson models are the ones that best represent the adsorption isotherms of Mentha crispa powders under the conditions studied. Research Implications: The research contributes to the literature with practical information on the hygroscopic behavior of the material. Originality/Value: Highlights the importance of adjusting nonlinear regression models to the adsorption isotherms of biological products. The models help to predict the behavior of a material during storage, informing the water content under a given environmental condition.

Feasibility of polylactic acid and essential oil composite with insecticidal properties for prevention of Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzophilus surinamensis in Sorghum and Pearl millet

Current study provides insight on the feasibility of polylactic acid (PLA) integrated with (1:1 ratio) of essential oils belonging to Ocimum gratissimum (OG) and Mentha spicata (MS) for prevention of major stored insect pests (Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzophilus surinamensis) in Sorghum and Pearl millet. A combination of OG and MS essential oils (1:1) was incorporated into the PLA polymer matrix. Further, SPME analysis of synthesized PLA showed the presence of volatiles corresponding to carvone (6.44 %) and thymol (6.22 %). Synthesized PLA composites were tested against S. oryzae and O. surinamensis using Sorghum and Pearl millets, and insect mortality was equivalent to commercial super bags (CSB). The head space oxygen decreased significantly in CSB and slightly in PLA bags. Thickness of EO blended PLA composite was increased (99 μm), tensile strength (23.94 MPa), WVTR (1.42 g/m2.hr) analysis, significant folding ability, and swelling capacity (0.24 %) showed slight reduction in composite film. TGA showed good thermal stability (334˚C) and XRD displayed the increased crystallinity (38.35 %) in PLAOM films, SEM and FTIR analysis of the synthesized composite films revealed complete homogenization of EO and PLA matrix. In addition, SEM analysis of insects (control & treated) revealed less topology changes in the elytra. Biodegradability study confirmed the weight loss in PLA films. Hence, current approach of using composite EO's with PLA offers sustainable solution for prevention of infestation during storage of millets.

Bioefficacy of Methanolic Leaf Extracts from Coleus amboinicus and Mentha spicata against Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) pose significant public health challenges globally, with India and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the majority of cases. Aedes aegypti, a primary vector of dengue fever, thrives in an environment with inadequate water supply and poor waste management. The increasing resistance of mosquito population to chemical insecticides necessitates the exploration of alternative control strategies, such as botanical extracts. This study evaluates the adulticidal efficacy of methanolic leaf extracts of Coleus amboinicus and Mentha spicata against the adults of Ae. aegypti. Fresh leaves of both plants were collected, dried, and extracted with methanol. Phytochemical screening revealed a moderate presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides in C. amboinicus, while phenols are highly prevalent, indicating significant biological activity. In contrast, M. spicata displayed a high concentration of alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, though saponins, phenols, and glycosides were less abundant. Adulticidal bioassays demonstrated that C. amboinicus achieved higher mortality rates across all concentrations compared to M. spicata. The LC50 value for C. amboinicus was 202.00 ppm, while M. spicata exhibited an LC50 of 230.00 ppm. Similarly, the LC90 values were 428.51 ppm and 457.40 ppm for C. amboinicus and M. spicata, respectively. These findings suggest that C. amboinicus has a more balanced and diverse phytochemical profile, which likely contributes to its superior adulticidal activity against Ae. aegypti. This study highlights the potential of C. amboinicus as a natural alternative for mosquito control, warranting further exploration and development for effective vector management.

Stimulative effect of chitosan with amino acid to enhance growth, essential oil, and some physiochemical characteristics of two Mentha cultivars

Background Mint plants (Mentha spp.) are a member of the Lamiaceae family and it has long been used in medicine. Its applications include carminative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiemetic, diaphoretic, analgesic, stimulant, emmenagogue, and anticatarrhal. Adding chitosan to medicinal plants has a major role in the process of secondary metabolism, as its addition stimulates the production of chemical compounds or essential oils in the plant. Amino acids are one of the possible strategies for increasing agricultural productivity. They are organic nitrogen polymers that are used as the building blocks of proteins and enzymes. Objective This study aimed to determine how chitosan, in combination with or without the foliar application of amino acids, affected the growth and physiological traits of two cultivars of mint. Materials and methods Two pot trail investigation studies were carried out during the two consecutive seasons 2021 and 2022 under the natural conditions of the greenhouse of the National Research Center (NRC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt. To study the effect of two levels of chitosan (1.5 and 3.0 g/l with amino acid at rates of 50 and 100 mg/l) as foliar application on growth, essential oil, and some physiochemical characteristics of two Mentha (Mentha viridis and Mentha longifolia L.) cultivars. Results and conclusion The results show significant differences between two mint cultivars in the growth parameters of mint plants. Plants of M. viridis variety were characterized by the highest significant values of herb fresh weight, number of branches/plants, essential oil (%), flavonoid content, and protein %, while the M. longifolia variety was superior in plant height, herb dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total pigments, indole acetic acid, phenol, carbohydrates %, free amino acids, flavonoid, and proline contents. Using chitosan as foliar treatments at different concentrations with or without amino acid significantly increased all studied traits. The interaction between two cultivars and foliar treatments of high rates of chitosan and amino acid gave the maximum significant increase of plant height, photosynthetic pigments and indole acetic acid, phenol, protein, free amino acid, and proline contents as well as antioxidant activities (DPPH%).

Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Mentha viridis in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

This research was designed to examine the phytochemicals of Mentha viridis (M. viridis) ethanolic extract and the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities in alloxan-induced animal models. Diabetes was induced chemically by administering a unit dose of alloxan at 120 mg/kg BW. After alloxan induction, hyperglycemic rats were dealt with ethanolic extract of leaf and whole plant, metformin, and a mixture of leaf extract with metformin and whole plant extract with metformin for two weeks. Ethanolic extract of leaf and whole plant, metformin, and a combination of both leaf and whole plant extract with metformin therapies reduced glucose levels in the blood compared with the diabetic negative control group after two weeks of treatment. However, among the therapies, the ethanolic leaf extract and the combination of whole plant extracts with metformin were found to be the most effective (p<0.05), with reductions of 62.82% and 72.89%, respectively. After diabetes induction, the serum level of TG (triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) escalated notably (p<0.05), and HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) level decreased remarkably (p<0.05) in hyperglycemic rats as opposed to healthy normal rats. Ethanolic leaf extract and a combination of whole plant extract with metformin significantly minimized the elevated extent of TG and LDL-C. They surged HDL-C, but the TC level was reduced by whole plant extract only after two weeks of treatment. The standard procedures were used to identify the phytochemical compounds of the medicinal plant M. viridis. The phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, resins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids appeared in the ethanolic leaf extract of M. viridis. The findings suggest that M. viridis might provide better glycemic control and hypolipidemic effect in diabetic rats when administered alone or combined with oral antidiabetic agents. Incorporating M. viridis extract with metformin in improving hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic conditions in diabetic rats proves that M. viridis has a synergistic effect, which could enhance the antidiabetic activity of oral hypoglycemic agents.

Mentha spicata Mediated Formulation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Exhibit Superior Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Photodegradation Propensity Compared to Chemically Formulated Counterparts

Introduction: Iron oxide nanoparticles demonstrate tremendous potential in preserving the ecological balance of the environment since they act as antimicrobial agents and efficient photocatalysts. However, environmental sustainability has challenged the synthesis protocols of nanomaterials. Method: This study compares the green synthesis method with the scalable chemical synthesis method. In this work, Iron oxide nanoparticles were fabricated via the green chemistry technique utilizing the leaf extract of Mentha spicata (M-IONP) and also via the chemical co-precipitation method (C-IONP). The synthesized IONPs were analyzed by different characterization methods such as XRD, FTIR, SEM analysis, ZETA potential measurements, and DLS spectroscopy analysis. Results: The biosynthesized and chemically synthesized IONPs were analyzed for their mechanistic action against different applications like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and degradation of harmful dyes. Interestingly, the biosynthesized IONPs (M-IONP) exhibited more effective antimicrobial efficacy towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms than chemically synthesized IONPs. Conclusion: The green synthesized M-IONP also showed significant antioxidant propensity similar to that of the standards taken. Additionally, green-synthesized M-IONP exhibited enhanced degradation efficacies against Methylene blue, chromium, and sulphamethoxazole in comparison to chemically synthesized IONP.

Determination of Drying Characteristics and Physicochemical Properties of Mint (Mentha spicata L.) Leaves Dried in Refractance Window.

Drying is one of the most common and effective techniques for preserving the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plants in the post-harvest phase. Therefore, in this research, the effect of the new refractance window (RW) technology on the kinetics, thermodynamics, greenhouse gasses, color indices, bioactive properties, and percentage of mint leaf essential oil was investigated in five different water temperatures in the form of a completely randomized design. This process was modeled by the methods of mathematical models and artificial neural networks (ANNs) with inputs (drying time and water temperature) and an output (moisture ratio). The results showed that with the increase in temperature, the rate of moisture removal from the samples increased and as a result, the drying time, specific energy consumption, CO2, NOx, enthalpy, and entropy decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the drying water temperature had a significant effect on the rehydration ratio, color indices, bioactive properties, and essential oil percentage of the samples (p < 0.05). The highest value of rehydration ratio was obtained at 80 °C. By increasing temperature, the main color indices such as b*, a*, L*, and Chroma decreased significantly compared to the control (p < 0.05). However, with the increase in temperature, the overall color changes (ΔE) and L* first had a decreasing trend and then an increasing trend, and this trend was the opposite for the rest of the indicators. The application of drying water temperature from 50 to 70 °C increased antioxidant, phenol content, and flavonoid content, and higher drying temperatures led to a significant decrease in these parameters (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the efficiency of the essential oil of the samples was in the range of 0.82 to 2.01%, and the highest value was obtained at the water temperature of 80 °C. Based on the analysis performed on the modeled data, a perceptron artificial neural network with 2-15-14-1 structure with explanation coefficient (0.9999) and mean square error (8.77 × 10-7) performs better than the mathematical methods for predicting the moisture ratio of mint leaves.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in a Caatinga area, in the municipality of Crato (Ceará, Brazil)

The objective of this study was to carry out an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal species and verify the versatility of these species. The research was carried out in the municipality of Crato, in São Bento neighborhood, from semi-structured interviews seeking information on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutic indications in the region. Versatility was achieved through relative importance. A total of 21 species were described (most of which are exotic), distributed in 16 families. From the total of species, there were 04 with great versatility regarding the use of Mentha spicata L., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Ruta graveolens L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. The most representative families were Lamiaceae and Rutaceae. The main parts used of the plants were leaves (42.31%), bark (30.76%), inner bark (7.69%), root, flower, and fruit (3.85% each). The most frequent forms of preparation were infusion (54.55%), lambedor (24.24%), sauce (12.12%), pulp (6.06%) and juice (3.03%). The plants are used for various health problems like flu, fever, headache, and inflammation in general. The data show that local populations hold knowledge that may be useful as a subsidy for ethnopharmacobotanical and phytochemical studies that may lead to the discovery of new herbal medicines.

Systematic metabolic engineering for improved synthesis of perillic acid in Candida tropicalis

Perillic acid has been studied as an anticancer and antimicrobial drug. Production of perillic acid has attracted considerable attention. Meanwhile, Candida tropicalis is an unconventional diploid yeast, most significantly characterized by its ability to metabolize alkanes or fatty acids for growth and proliferation. Therefore, perillic acid’s precursor (L-limonene) in C. tropicalis was firstly synthesized by expressing a Mentha spicata L-limonene synthase gene, LS_Ms in this work. Expression of a gene which encoded for a truncated version of tLS_Ms increased the production of L-limonene with a 2.78-fold increase in the titer over C. tropicalis GJR-LS-01. Compartmentalized expression of the gene tLS_Ms inhibited the production of L-limonene in C. tropicalis compared to cytoplasmic expression. Cytoplasmic overexpression of seven precursor synthesis genes significantly enhanced the production of L-limonene in C. tropicalis compared to their compartmentalized expression (mitochondria or peroxisomes), which increased by 31.7-fold in C. tropicalis GJR-tLS-01. The L-limonene titer in C. tropicalis GJR-EW-tLS-04 overexpressing the mutant gene ERG20WW in the cytoplasm was significantly increased, 11.33-fold higher than the control. The titer of L-limonene for 60 g/L glucose was increased by 1.40-fold compared to the control. Finally, a Salvia miltiorrhiza cytochrome P450 enzyme gene CYP7176 and an Arabidopsis thaliana NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase gene CPR were heterologously expressed in C. tropicalis GJR-EW-tLS-04C for the synthesis of perillic acid, which reached a titer of 106.69 mg/L in a 5-L fermenter. This is the first report of de novo synthesis of perillic acid in engineered microorganisms. The results also showed that other chemicals may be efficiently produced in C. tropicalis.Key points• Key genes cytoplasmic expression was conducive to L-limonene production in C. tropicalis.• Perillic acid was first synthesized de novo in engineered microorganisms.• The titer of perillic acid reached 106.69 mg/L in a 5-L fermenter.

New nematicidal compounds from Mentha spicata L. against Meloidogyne incognita

New nematicidal compounds from Mentha spicata L. against Meloidogyne incognita

Effect of the molar mass of chitosan and film casting solvents on the properties of chitosan films loaded with Mentha spicata essential oil for potential application as wound dressing

Chitosan based films endowed with antibacterial features have witnessed remarkable progress as potential wound dressings. The current study aimed at appraising the effects of the molar mass of chitosan (MM) and the film casting acids on the properties of unplasticized chitosan films and plasticized MSO-embedded chitosan films in order to provide best suited film formulation as a potential candidate for wound dressing application. The prepared films were functionally characterized in terms of their qualitative assessment, thickness, density, swelling behavior, water vapor barrier, mechanical and antibacterial properties. Overall, all chitosan films displayed thickness lower than the human dermis even though thicker and denser films were produced with lactic acid. Assessment of the swelling behavior revealed that only high molar mass (HMM) chitosan films may be regarded as absorbent dressings. Moreover, unplasticized HMM lactate (HMM-LA) films furnished lower stiffness and higher percent strain break as compared to acetate films, due to the plasticizing effect of the remaining lactic acid as alluded by the FTIR analysis. Meanwhile, they provided suitable level of moisture and indicated substantial antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, the most commonly opportunistic bacteria found in infected skin wound. Plasticized chitosan films doped with MSO were significantly thicker and more permeable to water compared to unplasticized films. Furthermore, MSO significantly potentiate the antibacterial effect of chitosan-based films. Therefore, plasticized HMM-LA/MSO chitosan film flashing good swelling behavior, adequate WVTR and WVP, suitable mechanical properties and antibacterial performances substantiated to be a promising antibacterial dressing material for moderately exuding wounds.

Biological Properties of Mentha viridis L. Essential Oil and Its Main Monoterpene Constituents.

This research aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic, dermatoprotective, and antibacterial activities of Mentha viridis L. essential oil (MVEO) collected in the province of Ouezzane (Northwest Morocco). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the main constituents of MVEO were carvone (37.26 %), 1,8-cineole (11.82 %), limonene (5.27 %), α-terpineol (4.16 %), and β-caryophyllene (4.04 %). MVEO showed strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, exceeding those of acarbose, but weak anti-elastase activity. The main compounds, β-caryophyllene (IC50=79.91±2.24 and 62.08±2.78 μg/mL) and limonene (IC50=90.73±3.47 and 68.98±1, 60 μg/mL), demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effects on both digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively). In silico investigations, using molecular docking, also showed the inhibitory potential of these bioactive compounds against the enzymes tested. In conclusion, MVEO, due to its main components such as limonene, 1,8-cineole, β-caryophyllene, carvone, and α-terpineol, shows promising prospects for drug discovery and natural therapeutic applications.

Metabolomics-based profiling of anti-inflammatory compounds from Mentha spicata in shanghe, China

Mentha spicata is a popular herb used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines. In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis and the zebrafish model were used to investigate the potential biomarkers of M. spicata growing in Shanghe County (Shandong Province, China) and their anti-inflammatory properties. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to screen the main targets of the characteristic compounds to understand their mechanisms of action. Nine potential markers including sugars (1,2), polyphenolic acids (3–5), and flavonoids (6–9) were identified from the species. The inhibitory effects on leukocyte migration confirmed that compounds 1 and 3–9 played a positive role in the protective effect of Shanghe M. spicata (SM) extract against inflammation. Akt (protein kinase B), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), and MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) were the core target proteins of the identified compounds in the anti-inflammatory process. The most significant Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment terms were response to abiotic stimulus (Biological Process), carbohydrate derivative binding (Molecular Function), and pathways in cancer. In docking simulations, 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid (3-PC, 4) and cirsimaritin (CN, 7) exhibited the highest potential affinity to the active sites of Akt and EGFR proteins, respectively; additionally, 5-demethylsinensetin (5-DS, 9) and luteolin (LN, 6) were considered the most suitable ligands for the MMP9 protein. The present study highlighted the use of SM resources as functional products with health benefits.

Antiviral Effect of Different Essential Oils on Avian Coronavirus.

Plant essential oils (EOs) possess established antimicrobial properties; however, research on their antiviral activity, particularly against avian coronaviruses, remains limited. EOs offer a promising plant-based alternative for viral control, especially in scenarios where conventional chemical use is restricted. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral effects of six different essential oils derived from Syzygium aromaticum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon martinii, Cymbopogon citratus, Mentha piperita, and Mentha spicata against avian coronavirus (AvCov) at 0.1% and 1% dilutions. The antiviral effects of the EOs were assessed via virus isolation from embryonated chicken eggs, and the ability of the EOs to inhibit AvCoV replication was evaluated. The EOs from Syzygium aromaticum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon martinii, and Cymbopogon citratus completely inhibited AvCov replication at a 1% dilution. Conversely, absent to partial inhibitory effect was observed at the 0.1% dilution for all tested EOs, with O. vulgare derived EO exhibiting the greatest inhibitory effect (over 70%). Notably, EOs from Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata were unable to completely inhibit AvCov at either concentration. Our findings highlight the potent antiviral activity of the EOs from Syzygium aromaticum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon martinii, and Cymbopogon citratus against AvCov at a 1% dilution. The complete inhibition observed for these EOs suggests their potential for AvCov control. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action, optimize formulations, and evaluate the efficacy against other coronaviruses, including those relevant to human health.

Effective control of Varroa destructor mites with Juniperus excelsa, Juglans regia, Origanum onites, and Mentha spicata leaf extracts: a study of honey bee colonies

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of plant leaf extracts from Juniperus excelsa (J. excelsa), Juglans regia (J. regia), Origanum onites (O. onites), and Mentha spicata (M. spicata) in controlling Varroa destructor (V. destructor) mites, a major cause of honey bee colony loss. This research seeks to identify eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for pest control in beekeeping practices. Forty honey bee colonies naturally infested with mites were selected. The colonies were divided into five groups, one control group and four treatment groups, which received varying concentrations of the plant leaf extracts. This study was conducted in two phases: determining the optimal dosage and conducting a field study during autumn and spring, during which the mite infestation levels were evaluated using the powdered sugar method. The powdered sugar method revealed that a 25% concentration of plant leaf extract was the most effective. In the autumn treatment, the efficacy rates were 87% for J. regia, 86% for J. excelsa, 83% for O. onites, and 68% for M. spicata. During spring treatment, rates were slightly reduced but remained promising, with 66% for O. onites, 63% for J. regia, 61% for J. excelsa, and 55% for M. spicata. This study highlights that plant leaf extracts offer a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional therapies for controlling Varroa in beekeeping when used at the appropriate dosage. This research provides valuable insights into sustainable pest management and the potential for innovative, environmentally friendly pest control solutions based on aromatic plant products.

Insulin-Mimetic Activity of Herbal Extracts Identified with Large-Scale Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy.

Diabetes mellitus is a spreading global pandemic. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the predominant form of diabetes, in which a reduction in blood glucose uptake is caused by impaired glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane in adipose and muscle cells. Antihyperglycemic drugs play a pivotal role in ameliorating diabetes symptoms but often are associated with side effects. Hence, novel antidiabetic compounds and nutraceutical candidates are urgently needed. Phytogenic therapy can support the prevention and amelioration of impaired glucose homeostasis. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), 772 plant extracts of an open-access plant extract library were screened for their GLUT4 translocation activation potential, resulting in 9% positive hits. Based on commercial interest and TIRFM assay-based GLUT4 translocation activation, some of these extracts were selected, and their blood glucose-reducing effects in ovo were investigated using a modified hen's egg test (Gluc-HET). To identify the active plant part, some of the available candidate plants were prepared in-house from blossoms, leaves, stems, or roots and tested. Acacia catechu (catechu), Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Saponaria officinalis (common soapwort) revealed their potentials as antidiabetic nutraceuticals, with common soapwort containing GLUT4 translocation-activating saponarin.

Multi-season-based estimation of genetic diversity, correlation and path analysis in spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) half-sib populations

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is popular for its medicinal benefits and industrial uses, in this study forty-three half-sib progenies were evaluated over three seasons at CSIR-CIMAP, Research Centre Pantnagar to study genetic variability, correlation, path coefficient analysis and Mahalanobis D2 diversity by using five morphological and two biochemical traits. These forty-three half-sib populations were derived from nine commercially existing spearmint varieties through an intra-population improvement method. Results of correlation and path coefficient studies indicated the paramount importance of certain key traits in the selection process. Notably, traits such as herb yield per plot (kg), plant height (cm) and oil content (%) emerged as pivotal, exhibiting positive correlations, high heritability and moderate to high genetic advance. These attributes, therefore need primacy in the selection of superior lines. Furthermore, genotypes OPSP-106, OPSP-92, OPSP-47, OPSP-35 and OPSP-76 showed significant genetic divergence. These accessions hold promise as parent candidates for hybridization experiments aimed at finding transgressive segregants in later generations. Additionally, this study highlighted the presence of specific oil components, such as carvone and limonene, offering insights into potential avenues for targeted breeding efforts. This study provides a holistic view of the genetic makeup of Mentha spicata genotypes, enabling informed decisions in breeding programs. By prioritizing traits and maximizing genetic diversity, the results of this investigation will contribute to the development of improved spearmint varieties with enhanced morphological and biochemical characters, thus advancing the medicinal and industrial applications of spearmint.

The use of herbal medicine in patients with inflammatory bowel disorders in Iran: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe use of complementary and alternative medicine, particularly herbal medicine, is increasing, especially in chronic disorders. This study aims to identify common herbal medicines used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and to investigate their relationship with the quality of life, disease severity, and levels of anxiety, stress, and depression experienced by these patients. MethodsA total of 104 eligible patients with inflammatory bowel disease and in the middle years of life (20- 60 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. Data collection was conducted using various assessment tools, i.e. a self-administered ethnomedicine questionnaire, Partial Mayo scoring index assessment, Crohn's disease activity index, Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. ResultsThe findings of the present study revealed that 61.5% of the patients surveyed commonly used herbal medicine to alleviate their symptoms in the past year. Among the various herbs, Matricaria chamomilla L., Zataria multiflora Boiss., and Mentha Spicata L. were found to be most commonly used. Furthermore, a significant association was identified between herbal medicine use and age, Body Mass Index, marital status, level of education, alcohol consumption, Quality of Life, and severity disorder scores of the patients. ConclusionOur results suggested a significant association between herbal medicine use and lower severity disorder scores and higher quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, these findings may not be generalizable to all patients with inflammatory bowel disease, or to patients in other geographical regions.