Micromeria Fruticosa Research Articles

Phytochemical Components, Hindering Abilities on Cell Proliferation, Cell Migration and Three-Dimensional Spheroids’ Formation Capacity of Micromeria fruticosa Infusion

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anti-cancer effects of Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion on uterine cervix cancer cells, aiming to explore its potential as an alternative or supportive therapeutic approach to conventional treatments. Methods Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion was prepared and administered to uterine cervix cancer cells in vitro. Various assays were conducted to assess its impact on cell migration, proliferation, and tumorigenicity. Additionally, the phytochemical composition of the infusion was analyzed by using LC-MS to identify major functional compounds. Results The study revealed that Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion exhibited significant anti-migratory, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumorigenic effects on uterine cervix cancer cells. Analysis of the infusion identified several major functional phytochemicals, which likely contribute to its anticancer properties. Conclusion This research suggests that Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion possesses promising anti-cancer properties against uterine cervix cancer cells. The identified phytochemicals present in the infusion highlight its potential as a source of functional ingredients with anticancer effects. These findings support further exploration of Micromeria fruticosa as a potential therapeutic agent in both nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, offering new avenues for the development of alternative or supportive treatments for cervical cancer.

Micromeria fruticosa and Foeniculum vulgare essential oils inhibit melanoma cell growth and migration by targeting MMP9 and NFkB signaling

BackgroundFennel (Fe), also known scientifically as Foeniculum vulgare, and Micromeria fruticose are herbaceous plants endemic to the Mediterranean Region. The use of their essential oils for their health-promoting effects has been seen in Middle-Eastern societies, where they have been used as a type of traditional medicine. These oils have been used to treat a variety of diseases, including headaches, abdominal pains, skin and eye infections, colds, and wounds. This study looks at the chemical makeup of essential oils extracted from Palestine-grown fennel seeds and Micromeria fruticose leaves. The anticancer properties of each essential oil, as well as the combined mixture of both oils, were evaluated against the melanoma cell line.ResultsGC–MS was used to study the essential oils (EOs) from Micromeria fruticose leaves and fennel seeds that were extracted by hydrodistillation. Analysis of M. fruticose EO allowed the identification of 20 compounds, accounting for 97.73% of the EO's overall composition, with pulegone (81.77%), β-caryophyllene (2.95%), isomenthone (2.17%), piperitenone oxide (1.78%), and p-mentha-3-en-8-ol (1.38%) being the primary components. 24 phytochemicals were identified in the essential oil of fennel seeds, accounting for 100% of its composition, of which trans-anethole (93.69%), fenchone (3.93%), and sylvestrene (0.83%) were the major constituents. Although the EOs derived from M. fruticosa leaves and fennel seeds have shown potential for inhibiting the growth of several types of cancer, their impact on the proliferation and migration of melanoma cells has not been investigated. The results of our study demonstrate that the application of both oils, either separately or in combination (referred to as Mix-EO therapy), effectively suppressed the growth of melanoma cells in a manner that was dependent on the dosage. Furthermore, both treatments resulted in the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and the downregulation of apoptosis-inhibiting Bcl2 expression in an in vitro setting. The anti-proliferative effects were confirmed using a murine melanoma model in vivo. Furthermore, both the individual EOs that were assessed and their combination (Mix-EO) exhibited inhibitory properties against the migration of melanoma cells. Both EOs and Mix-EO were found to decrease the intracellular levels of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) and one of its downstream targets, matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), in melanoma and tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, we demonstrate for the first time that EOs from M. fruticose leaves, fennel seeds, and their combination exert anti-cancer characteristics by inhibiting NFkB and MMP9 in melanoma (autocrine) and tumor-associated mesenchymal stem (paracrine) cells, thereby inducing melanoma cell apoptosis and preventing cell migration.ConclusionsThe findings of our investigation indicate that the EOs derived from the fennel seeds and the M. fruticose leaves encompass a diverse array of biologically active chemicals, which have robust anticancer effects. The results of this study hold promise for application in the advancement of innovative natural medications. Additional investigation is required to delve into the medicinal capacity of these essential oils in biological entities.Graphical

The methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium L. and Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. brachycalyx P. H. Davis improve diabetes in streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic female Sprague Dawley rats

BackgroundTeucrium polium and Micromeria fruticosa subspecies are known to be used in traditional medicine for diabetes treatment. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine the potential antidiabetic effects and the mechanisms of antidiabetic actions of Teucrium polium L. methanolic extract (TP) and Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. brachycalyx P. H. Davis methanolic extract (MF) on rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MethodsStreptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA) were injected intraperitoneally to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rats. Plant extracts’ antidiabetic mechanisms of action were investigated with biochemical analyses and histopathological analyses performed. ResultsTP and MF treatments reduced the blood glucose levels compared to the untreated diabetic rats. TP reduced TNF-α levels in serum, increased insulin levels in serum and pancreas, reduced SGLT-2 levels in kidneys, reduced GLUT-2 levels in the ileum; and MF reduced TNF-α levels, and increased insulin levels in serum and pancreas, increased GLP-1 levels, and reduced GLUT-2 levels in the ileum, and reduced SGLT-2 levels in kidneys. Treatments improved the histopathological results in the pancreas, kidney, and liver. ConclusionsThe results presented in this study demonstrated that TP and MF both have potential antidiabetic effects and may be effective in T2DM treatment.

GC–MS-Based Metabolites Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Properties of Different Solvent Extracts from the Botanical Parts of Micromeria fruticosa (Lamiaceae)

The present study assessed the metabolites and bioactivities of Micromeria fruticosa plant parts extracted with various solvents (ethanol, n-hexane, and water) through the steeping extraction method. Thereafter, the extracts were analyzed using GC-MS. Moreover, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. The quali-quantitative analysis of Micromeria fruticosa crude extracts revealed the occurrence of 27 secondary metabolites. Some major bioactives identified were menthone, oleamide, pulegone, and menthol. Numerous antioxidant minerals, viz., Fe, Zn, and Mn, were present. The water extract of leaves exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (89.73%), followed by the water extract of flowers (80.07%) at 100 μg/mL. The stems’ water extract demonstrated greater antimicrobial activity against all the bacteria species tested. The ethanolic leaf and aqueous stem extracts exhibited strong activity against C. albicans and E. coli. Flowers’ aqueous extract demonstrated the highest cytostatic effect on the colon cell line by reducing viability, followed by the leaves’ ethanol extract. The extraction solvents influenced the recovery of phytocompounds, and the highest pharmacological activities of the different extracts could be correlated to the presence of additional bioactives. Our results suggest that the Micromeria fruticosa plant is a favorable source of natural products with promising properties for potential nutraceutical and functional food applications.

Qualitative, Quantitative and Antimicrobial Activity Variations of the Essential Oils Isolated from Thymus Vulgaris and Micromeria Fruticosa Samples Subjected to Different Drying Conditions

Qualitative, Quantitative and Antimicrobial Activity Variations of the Essential Oils Isolated from Thymus Vulgaris and Micromeria Fruticosa Samples Subjected to Different Drying Conditions

LC-ESI-tandem MS and in silico ADMET analysis of polyphenols from Rhus coriaria L. and Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce ssp. brachycalyx P. H. Davis

BackgroundMicromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce ssp. brachycalyx P. H. Davis and Rhus coriaria L., which are Lamiaceae species, are used both as spices in food and medicinally. Lamiaceae species are known to contain high amounts of polyphenols. In this study, liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) was used for analysis of polyphenols in the plants. Under gradient elution with using 0.1% aqueous acetic acid solution and acetonitrile mobile phases, an Agilent Poroshell C18 reversed phase column was used for the simultaneous determination of 18 polyphenols, and separation was performed in 30 min. Pharmacokinetic properties of these polyphenols such as drug-like and toxicity were estimated using open-source software, pkCSM and SwissADME.ResultsThese compounds were determined to represent different classes of polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarin and tannins. ADMET predictions of polyphenols indicated that these compounds are easily absorbed and do not have toxic effects.ConclusionWhile the Rhus coriaria L. includes anthocyanidins, tannins, phenolic acid and flavonoids, the Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce ssp. brachycalyx P. H. Davis has phenolic acid, coumarin and flavonoids, according to these results. In silico ADME/Tox predictions revealed that these bioactive components are to be drug-like and non-mutagenic. These data are supportive for future analysis that can lead to their therapeutic use of the plants, suggesting that this species may be used as a natural medicinal source in the future after detailed analysis tests.Graphical abstract

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Pollen Extracts from Micromeria fruticosa, Achillea fragrantissima, and Phoenix dactylifera.

Pollen is a male flower gametophyte located in the anthers of stamens in angiosperms and a considerable source of compounds with health protective potential. In the present work, phytochemical screening was carried out as well as analysis of the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of pollen extracts from Micromeria fruticosa, Achillea fragrantissima, and Phoenix dactylifera growing wild in Palestine. Phytochemical screening examined the total flavonol, flavone and phenolic content. The DPPH (1,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods were used to assess antioxidant propriety, and disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration tests were used to test the pollen extract’s antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The highest level of total phenolic was found in the extract of Micromeria fruticosa (56.78 ± 0.49 mg GAE (Gallic Acid Equivalent)/g). The flavone and flavonol content of samples ranged from 2.48 ± 0.05 to 8.03 ± 0.01 mg QE (Quercetin Equivalent)/g. Micromeria fruticosa pollen with IC50 values of 0.047 and 0.039 mg/mL in the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively, showed the greatest radical scavenging action. In addition, this pollen showed a mild antibacterial action against the microorganisms studied, with MICs varying from 0.625 to 10 mg/mL and inhibition diameters ranging from 13.66 ± 1.5 to 16.33 ± 1.5 mm.

Changes in Volatile Compounds of Virgin Olive Oil Flavored with Essential Oils During Thermal and Photo-Oxidation

The effects of four essential oils from peppermint (Micromeria fruticosa), oregano (Origanum onites), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and laurel (Laurus nobilis) on the volatile compounds of olive oil were determined. The concentration of essential oils was 0.05% (v/w) and flavored olive oil samples were stored for 45 days at 60 °C and room temperature for thermal oxidation and photo-oxidation under fluorescent light, respectively. Control and flavored olive oils were analyzed after 15, 30, and 45th days to track the changes in their volatile compound contents using HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. Higher concentrations of diversified volatile components were detected under thermal oxidation conditions rather than photo-oxidation. According to thermal oxidation results, the E-2-hexenal values of control and flavored oils with peppermint essential oil were higher at the end of 30 days storage, while flavoring with essential oil of Thymus vulgaris resulted in the highest E-2-hexenal value for photo-oxidation. Results indicated that the main components of essential oil transferred into olive oil samples. Carvacrol was present in flavored oils with oregano and thyme. Eucalyptol and pulegone were determined as major components in flavored oils with laurel and peppermint essential oils, respectively. In both oxidation methods, these volatile components remained stable and little or no loss was observed.

Screening of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia Volatile Oils: A Comparative Study of Plants Collected from Different Regions of West Bank, Palestine.

Background The investigation of volatile oils used in traditional medicine is vital to enhance the quality of healthcare. This study is aimed at screening the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia volatile oils from three different regions in Palestine (north, middle, and south). Methods Volatile oils of three samples of M. fruticosa serpyllifolia were extracted using the microwave-ultrasonic apparatus. The antioxidant activity of the volatile oils was assessed by inhibition of DPPH free radical. The antimicrobial activity was examined using the broth microdilution method. Assessment of antifungal activity was achieved using the agar dilution method. Results Screening the biological activity of plant extracts revealed that the sample from Ramallah (middle region) possessed the most potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.45 μg/mL. The three samples exhibited broad antimicrobial activity and showed potential antifungal activity. The sample from the southern region showed the highest potency against Shigella sonnei with the lowest reported MIC; the sample from the northern region demonstrated the least potency against clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus and “methicillin”-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions The study showed that Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia volatile oil samples from different regions in Palestine possess different potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that were in line with traditional uses of the plant extracts.

Micromeria fruticosa Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. serpyllifolia (Lamiaceae) has been used widely in folk medicine to alleviate various ailments such as abdominal pains, diarrhea, colds, eye infections, heart disorders and wounds. A few reports have confirmed different therapeutic potentialities of its extracts, including the anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, analgesic, antiobesity and antidiabetic activities. This study aimed to investigate the mechanistic pathway of the antiproliferative activity of the ethanolic extract of M. fruticosa on two different cancer cell lines, namely human breast (mammary carcinoma F7 (MCF-7)) and human colorectal (human colon tumor cells (HCT-116)) cell lines. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tetrazolium (MTT) assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI, caspases 8/9 and cell cycle analyses, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to assess the effect of M. fruticosa on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cell cycle, cell cycle-related genes and protein expression profiles in MCF-7 and HCT-116. The extract inhibits cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for both cell lines was found to be 100 μg/mL. Apoptosis induction was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC/PI, that was related to caspases 8 and 9 activities induction. Furthermore, the cell cycle analysis revealed arrest at G2/M phase. The underlying mechanism involved in the G2/M arrest was found to be associated with the downregulation of CDK1, cyclin B1 and survivin that was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, anti-proliferative and calcium oxalate anti-crystallization activities of Micromeria fruticosa spp. brachycalyx and Rhus coriaria

Abstract Micromeria fruticosa spp. brachycalyx species (Lamiaceae) is used as a spice and flavoring agent. Rhus coriaria (Sumac) is widely used both spice and medicinally. In this study, antioxidant, anti-urease, anticholinesterase, anti-proliferative and calcium oxalate anti-crystallization activities of different extracts from M. fruticosa spp. brachycalyx aerial parts and R. coriaria leaves were investigated. Besides, the phytochemical content of these species was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. R. coriaria methanol extract showed stronger antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, ABTS) and anticholinesterase (46.85%) activity than M. fruticosa spp. brachycalyx extracts. M. fruticosa spp. brachycalyx methanol extract was found to have the highest anti-urease (11.39%) and anti-proliferative (MCF-7: 53.51%) potential. It was observed that the methanol extracts of both plants had a significant inhibition effect on calcium oxalate crystallization. R. coriaria methanol extract was determined to contain high amounts of total flavonoids (0.177 mgQE/mg extract) and tannins (0.365 mg TAE/mg extract) contents. The extracts from both plants have no cytotoxic effects on the healthy cell (L-929) and have strong biological activities in parallel with traditional use, suggesting that these plants may be used as natural sources in the future.

Anti‐tumor activity of the ethanolic extract of Micromeria fruticosa on human breast and colon cancer cells

Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. Serpyllifolia (Lamiaceae) is a perennial, aromatic shrub that usually distributed in the Mediterranean regions. The aerial parts of the plant are widely used to treat many diseases, including abdominal pains, diarrhea, colds, eye infections, heart disorders and wounds. A few reports have confirmed various therapeutic potentialities of its extract, such as anti‐inflammatory, gastroprotective, analgesic activities, antiobesity, and antidiabetic activities.AimTo investigate the mechanistic pathway for the antitumor activity of the ethanolic extract of M. fruticosa on two different cancer cell lines, namely human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7), human colorectal cancer (HCT‐116) cell lines.MethodsCell viability assay, DNA profile with PI staining, Annexin‐V/PI apoptosis assay, microarray analysis, qRT‐PCR were used to assess the effect of M. fruticosa on cytotoxicity, cell cycle proliferation, apoptosis, and genes expression profile in treated cell lines.ResultsM. fruticosa is found to exhibit potential and effective cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 and HCT‐116 cancer cell lines by attenuating cell proliferation and inducing cell cycle arrest. Microarray analysis revealed a significant reduction in cdk1, cyclin B1 and survivin levels upon M. fruticosa treatment. The qRT‐PCR confirmed the downregulation of cdk1, cyclin B1 that correlates with the observed G2 arrest in both cell lines. Moreover, results showed that the decreased levels of the cell death inhibitor, survivin is correlated to the promoted cell death in the treated cell lines.ConclusionThe findings suggest promising antiproliferative potential Micromeria fruticosa in breast and colon cancers. Further studies are needed to characterize the potential active constituent.Support or Funding InformationThis research was funded by University of Sharjah Seed Grant no.1701090113‐P and UOS‐Boehringer Ingelheim award.

Extraction of Micromeria Fruticosa L. Druce by Using Super Critical Carbon Dioxide and Optimization of Extraction Conditions on Amount of Menthone, Isomenthone and Pulegone

Taşnanesi olarak da adlandırılan Micromeria fruticosa L. Druce, tıbbi özelliklere sahip bir Akdeniz bitkisidir. Bu çalışmada, Micromeria fruticosa L. Druce’ un süper kritik CO2 ekstraksiyonunda menton, isomenton ve pulegon derişimlerine etki eden parametre değerlerini optimize etmek için yanıt yüzey yöntemi (RSM) kullanılmıştır. Bu amaçla 3-faktör ve 3-düzey Box–Behnken dizaynı uygulanarak ve sıcaklık, basınç ve zaman parametreleri bağımsız değişkenler olarak seçilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçların değerlendirilmesi Design-Expert yazılımı kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yanıt ve bağımsız değişkenler arasındaki matematiksel ilişki quadratik denklem ile açıklanmıştır. Süper kritik CO2 ekstraksiyonu için deneysel sonuçlar ile tahminlenen sonuçlar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki elde edilmiştir. Maksimum menton, isomenton ve pulegon derişimlerine ulaşmak için optimum deney koşulları 47,16 oC, 216,99 atm ve 22,45 dk olarak bulunmuştur. Micromeria fruticosa L. Druce’un temel bileşenleri açısından, süper kritik CO2 kullanılarak ekstraksiyon koşullarının optimizasyonu ile ilgili bir çalışmaya literatürde rastlanmamıştır. Bu çalışmanın ilk kez çalışılmış olması hem literatüre katkısı açısından hem de elde edilen sonuçların farmakoloji, gıda ve nutrosotik endüstrisine katkı sağlaması açısından önemli olacağı düşünülmektedir.

Host range of Peronospora belbahrii, causal agent of basil downy mildew, in Israel

Downy mildew in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L) was first recorded in Israel in late 2011. Within one year, the disease was reported all over the country, causing devastating economic damage to basil crops. The pathogen was reported to have similarly spread widely in Europe, the USA and Asia. Seed transmission and seedling trade were suggested as possible causes for rapid spread. Here, we report that some members of the Labiatae family beside O. basilicum serve as hosts of Peronospora belbahrii in Israel, thus possibly aiding its spread and survival. One hundred and two entries of Labiatae (Syn Lamiaceae), belonging to 22 genera and 53 species, were tested for sensitivity to P. belbahrii in artificial-inoculated plants in growth chambers and in field. Following artificial inoculation of potted plants in growth chambers and of field-grown plants, sporulation of P. belbahrii was observed in seven species: Salvia eigii, Salvia fruticosa, Salvia pinnata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Nepeta curviflora, Micromeria fruticosa, and Agastache spp. Six other entries (belonging to four other genera) showed small chlorotic spots but not sporulation. All other entries were symptom-free. This is the first report showing pathogenicity of P. belbahrii to Salvia, Rosmarinus, Nepeta and Micromeria spp. in Israel. Whether these species play a role in the epidemiology of basil downy mildew in Israel needs to be studied.

A survey on wild plants with ethnobotanical use in the Bahçe and Hasanbeyli districts of Osmaniye, Turkey

This research was carried out between 2004 and 2006 in order to determine the medicinal plants used by the people of Bahce and Hasanbeyli, Osmaniye province, Turkey. As a result of interviews with the people of the region, 80 taxa belonging to 34 families were used for various purposes (medicine, food, household goods, ornaments, timber, paint, and talisman). From the endemic and rare plants used by the people, Centaurea hardajianii, Chaerophyllum libanoticum, Micromeria fruticosa subsp. barbata, Thymus eigii VU; Alcea apterocarpa, Crataegus aronia var. minuta, Helyschrysum arenarium subsp. aucheri LC; Alnus glutinosa subsp. antitaurica NT; Ferula amanicola EN and Silene confertiflora DD are classified as threatened categories. The first use of Cruciata taurica as yeast was recorded in this study.

Untargeted metabolite profiling and phytochemical analysis of Micromeria fruticosa L. (Lamiaceae) leaves

Micromeria fruticosa is an important crop, is widely used in the Mediterranean basin as food and in folk medicine, owing to its health-promoting properties, partially due to the secondary metabolite composition. However, complete information on the phyto-metabolites in M. fruticosa is still lacking. Plant leaves were extracted in methanol (80%), then the phyto-metabolites were separated on C18 column and an extensive characterization using UHPLC–DAD-ESI–QTOF–MS2 method in two ionization modes was established. A total of 215 phenolics and other compounds were tentatively identified, offering the first comprehensive study available on the phytochemicals from M. fruticosa. Over 180 phytochemicals (87 flavonoids, 41 phenolic acids, 16 terpenoids, 8 sulfate derivatives, 7 iridoids, and others) are reported in Micromeria for the first time. M. fruticosa can be a promising source of functional ingredients and has use in the food, pharma and nutraceutical industries.

Phytochemical-based nano emulsions for stored grain protection:

Stored grain losses caused by pest insects contribute significantly to the global food crisis. Currently, there are two main chemical control methods against stored product insect pests: fumigation with very toxic gases and grain protection by residual contact insecticides. Today, the global tendency is to prevent/reduce the wide use of insecticides, which have high toxicity to humans and harm the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative eco-friendly approaches for stored insect pest control. Essential oils from Micromeria fruticosa and Mentha rotundifolia (Fam. Labiatae) and their main constituent pulegone which previously were shown by us as very active against stored product insect pests, were encapsulated into coarse and nano emulsions. The insecticidal activity of the developed formulations against primary internal insect rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) and secondary external pest red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) was evaluated in laboratory and pilot experiments. It was found that the phytochemical-based nano emulsions offered significant advantages and provided powerful and prolonged biological activity compare with the coarse formulations. The developed nano emulsions could serve as a natural, effective, low-toxify for human, and environmentally preferred method for protection stored grain and dry food products from pest insects.

Chemical Composition and Enzymatic Screening of Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia Volatile Oils Collected from Three Different Regions of West Bank, Palestine.

Introduction Volatile oils (VOs) have been commonly used in cosmetics and food as fragrances, flavoring, and preservative agents or in alternative medicine for their therapeutic effects. This necessitates investigating those plants and their VOs. This study was conducted to investigate the chemical compositions of the VOs of Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia growing widely in three regions in Palestine (i.e., Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus districts representing south, middle, and north of West Bank). Afterwards, VOs were subjected to in vitro screening and their enzymatic properties were compared. Methods The analysis of chemical components of VOs was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antilipase activity was evaluated using porcine pancreatic lipase and p-nitrophenyl butyrate. The antiamylase activity was assessed using porcine pancreatic α-amylase, starch, and 3,5-dinitrosalicylic. Results Plant extracts yield range was 0.67 to 0.99 w/w%. GC-MS analysis showed the high percentages of oxygenated components in the range of 86.1-89.88% and nonoxygenated components in the range of 4.38-4.71%. Seven components were observed, pulegone was the most abundant component in the three samples in the range of 74.43-86.04%, and isomenthone was the second most abundant component with the range of 3.16-14.41%. The sample collected from Nablus showed the most potent antilipase and antiamylase activity with IC50 values of 39.81 μg/mL and 3.31 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions The study showed that Micromeria fruticosa serpyllifolia volatile oils samples from different regions in Palestine contained different proportions of phytochemicals which provided different potential biological activities such as antiobesity and antidiabetes activities that were in line with traditional uses of the plant extracts. The plant extracts showed higher antilipase and antiamylase potency than that of the relative references and there were significant differences in these activities compared to each other.

Fumigant activity of some plant essential oils and their consustent against to Stegobium paniceum and Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera:Anobidae)

In this study, fumigant activity of essential oils obtained from five plants (Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae), Micromeria fruticosa (Lamiaceae), Anethum graviolens (Apiaceae), Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae) and Mentha spicata (Lamiaceae)) were tested against Stegobium paniceum and Lasioderma serricorne (Coleptera: Anobidae) in the laboratory condition. For this purpose, essential oils obtained by using Neo-Clavenger apparatus were applied at 20% (v/v) concentration, dead and live individuals were recorded at the end of 24 hours. Also, fumigant activities of plant essential oils at different temperatures (10-15-20-25-30°C) was determined. In addition, fumigant activities of eight essential oil components (Menton, Eugenol, Carvone, Limonene, Menthol, Diapiol, Methyl-eugenol, Linolol) were tested against S. paniceum. At the end of the study, A. graviolens and M. spicata essential oils showed the highest activity for L. serricorne with 97.63% activity and the highest activity was found in M. spicata essential oil with a mortality rate of 97.76% for S. paniceum. Among the essential oil components, Eugenol has the highest fumigant activity of with 60.79% mortality rate. These results indicate that the M. spicata essential oil and eugenol could have significant potential as fumigant in the control of L. serricorne and S. paniceum.

Cytotoxic activity of the aqueous extract of Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. serpyllifolia on human U-87 MG cell lines

Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. serpyllifolia, which is widely used in folk medicine as a medicinal herbal tea, is grown in different areas of Turkey and the Mediterranean region. The present study was conducted to evaluate the aqueous extract of Micromeria fruticosa subsp. serpyllifolia for its antioxidant and antiproliferative activity on a human glioblastoma multiforme cell line (U-87 MG), which has not been reported before. Here, the extract was added to cultures at 8 different concentrations (0-200 ?g/mL). Cell viability and cell membrane damage was determined using the MTT and LDH assays for 48 h, respectively. To examine the oxidative effects, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured. The extract displayed considerable antiproliferative activities at the high concentrations of 175 and 200 ?g/mL. Furthermore, the extract caused a significant increase in the release of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner; 200 ?g/mL of extract enhanced the release of LDH. Treatments with extract at higher doses increased TOS levels and decreased TAC levels in human U-87 MG cells. Our study suggests that the aqueous extract of Micromeria fruticosa ssp. serpyllifolia was capable of inducing growth inhibition of cancer cells. These results encourage further research to assess the value of the extract in modern phytotherapy.