Myrrh Extract Research Articles

Impact of Different Extraction Methods on Furanosesquiterpenoids Content and Antibacterial Activity of Commiphora myrrha Resin.

The oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora myrrha is one of the most known natural antimicrobial agents, mainly due to its furanosesquiterpenes. A validated method based on sample extraction by matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) followed by high-performance column chromatography (HPLC) determination is applied to analyze two furanosesquiterpenoids, namely, 2-methoxyfuranodiene (CM-1) and 2-acetoxyfuranodiene (CM-2), existing in C. myrrha. The trial parameters that controlled the extraction prospective were studied and optimized. These include the nature of dispersant, mass ratio of sample to the dispersant, and the volume of elution solvent. A comparative antimicrobial study that used the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Assay (MIC) method between MSPD, ultrasonic, and Soxhlet of myrrh extracts was also conducted. The optimal MSPD parameters used were (i) 15 mL of methanol applied as elution solvent; (ii) silica gel/sample mass at a 2 : 1 ratio; and (iii) a dispersing sorbent selected as silica gel. Technique retrievals were regulated from 96.87% to 100.54%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) from 1.24% to 4.45%. Commiphora myrrha-MSPD (CM-MSPD) extract showed the highest antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (156.25 μg/mL and 312.5 μg/mL, respectively) and antifungal activity (156.25 μg/mL). Yields acquired through the MSPD technique were larger than yields from other extraction techniques (sonication and traditional reflux extraction methods) with less consumption of time, sample, and solvent. The mode of antibacterial action of CM-1 and CM-2 was elucidated by performing molecular docking with bacterial DNA gyrase. Both the compounds interacted with key residues of DNA gyrase.

Investigation of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. Oil and Its Main Components for Antiviral Activity.

The resinous exudate produced by Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. is commonly known as true myrrh and has been used since antiquity for several medicinal applications. Hundreds of metabolites have been identified in the volatile component of myrrh so far, mainly sesquiterpenes. Although several efforts have been devoted to identifying these sesquiterpenes, the phytochemical analyses have been performed by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) where the high temperature employed can promote degradation of the components. In this work, we report the extraction of C. myrrha by supercritical CO2, an extraction method known for the mild extraction conditions that allow avoiding undesired chemical reactions during the process. In addition, the analyses of myrrh oil and of its metabolites were performed by HPLC and GC–MS. Moreover, we evaluated the antiviral activity against influenza A virus of the myrrh extracts, that was possible to appreciate after the addition of vitamin E acetate (α-tocopheryl acetate) to the extract. Further, the single main bioactive components of the oil of C. myrrha commercially available were tested. Interestingly, we found that both furanodienone and curzerene affect viral replication by acting on different steps of the virus life cycle.

Influence of chemically and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles on in vitro viability and infectivity of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae.

Trichinellosis is a serious worldwide parasitic zoonosis. The available therapy for the treatment of Trichinella spiralis is not satisfactory. Therefore, the recovery of effective treatment is required. This work aimed at evaluating of the in vitro effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on muscle larvae of Trichinella. The present study investigated the larvicidal properties of chemical and myrrh AgNPs on muscle larvae (ML) of T. spiralis. The used AgNPs were chemically prepared using NaBH4 as reducing agent and biosynthesized using methanolic myrrh extract. Characterization of synthesized AgNPs was monitored via UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The ML incubated with AgNPs at concentrations ranged from 1 μg/ml to 20 μg/ml. Chemical and biosynthesized AgNPs revealed marked larvicidal effect against ML of Trichinella. Additionally, this in vitro study showed degenerative changes affecting the cuticle of AgNPs treated ML. The effectiveness of AgNPs on the infectivity of Trichinella ML was also assessed. The results showed complete inhibition of the infectivity of ML exposed to sublethal doses of chemical and myrrh prepared AgNPs when used to infect animal models. This is the first report where myrrh synthesized AgNPs have been tested for their anthelminthic activity against Trichinella in an in vitro model.

Green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle using Commiphora myrrh extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity and colon cancer cells viability

There is increasing attention directed to mineral nanoparticle for intensive applications in various fields of science, such as medicine, chemistry, agriculture, and biotechnology. There is also a growing attentiveness to the use of eco-friendly methods to synthesize nanoparticle without making or using environmentally dangerous substances to human health. This article describes the biological methods for green synthesis using Commiphora myrrha silver nanoparticle (AgNP) extract. C. myrrha-synthesized AgNPs, which were completed by exposing myrrh aqueous extract to silver nitrate, were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Zetasizer, and ultraviolet–visible spectral analyses. AgNPs were characterized by varying the color of the solution from light yellow to brown and then depicting the surface plasmon-resonance peaks at 445 nm. This study has promising results in the treatment of colon cancer, as it has impressive outcomes using different concentrations of AgNPs in 100 μl medium (30%) compared to control (100%). The results also showed increasing inhibition zones of antibacterial activity with AgNPs in Enterococcus faecalis (59 mm) and Bacillus cereus (51 mm) compared to myrrh aqueous extract. Fungi that were screened for growth inhibition zones were Fusarium oxysporum (20 mm), Alternaria alternata (14 mm), and Trichoderma (10 mm).

Episiotomy wound healing by Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. and Boswellia carteri Birdw. in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional Persian medicine manuscripts refer to plants such as Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. (myrrh) and Boswellia carteri Birdw. (frankincense), which could be used to improve wound healing process. Since that time, local midwives in Iran continue to provide these herbs to precipitate episiotomy wound healing. Aim of the studyTo investigate the efficacy and safety of myrrh- and frankincense-based sitz-baths on episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women. Materials and MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 primiparous women with singleton pregnancies after normal vaginal delivery at Hafez hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from July to October 2019. Study participants were randomly allocated in three groups (2 intervention groups and 1 control group). Women in intervention groups were assigned to receive either 10-min sitz-bath of myrrh extract or frankincense extract twice a day for 1 week. While the women in control group received the betadine sitz-bath for the same period of time. The main outcome was the episiotomy wound healing, which was measured using the REEDA scale before intervention, on 2nd and 7th postpartum days. ResultsAn improvement in the episiotomy wound healing was significantly greater in patients receiving myrrh than those receiving the frankincense or betadine on 2nd (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) and 7th (p = 0.043 and p = 0.015) postpartum days. However, the total REEDA score was not statistically different between the frankincense and betadine groups on 2nd and 7th postpartum days (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe present results suggest that myrrh was more efficient than frankincense and betadine in healing of the episiotomy wound and could be recommended as a safe natural therapy.

Influence of Myrrh Extracts on the Properties of PLA Films and Melt-Spun Multifilament Yarns.

A possible approach for providing new properties for textiles is the insertion of natural ingredients into the textile product during the process of its manufacture. Myrrh has long been used in medicine as an antibacterial and antifungal material. Polylactide (PLA) is a thermoplastic synthetic biopolymer obtained from renewable resources—and due its biodegradability, is also widely used in medicine. In this study, films and multifilament yarns from modified biodegradable PLA granules with ethanolic and aqueous myrrh extracts were developed and characterized. Optical microscopy was used to determine the surface morphology of PLA/myrrh multifilament yarns. Tensile tests, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied to determine, consequently, mechanical, optical properties and degree of crystallinity of PLA/myrrh films and multifilament yarns. The chemical composition of PLA/myrrh multifilament yarns was estimated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy method. The results showed that it is possible to form PLA melt-spun multifilament yarns with myrrh extract. The type of myrrh extract (ethanolic or aqueous) has a significant influence on the mechanical and optical properties of the PLA films and melt-spun yarns. The mechanical properties of PLA films and melt-spun multifilament yarns formed from PLA granules with aqueous myrrh extract decreased 19% and 21% more than PLA with ethanolic extract, respectively. Analysis of UV-vis spectra showed that, due to the yellow hue, the reflectance of PLA films and melt-spun PLA multifilament yarns modified with myrrh extracts decreased exponentially. The DSC test showed that multifilament yarns from PLA modified with aqueous extract had the highest degree of crystallization.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties Effect of Myrrh

The natural gum Myrrh, a resinous extrude of genus Commiphora species, has found several applications, especially in traditional medicine. Myrrh has been used for treating different diseases, including inflammatory diseases, in diverse communities across the world. Allopathic usage of Myrrh, however, is limited by knowledge deficits regarding pharmacological mechanisms underlying these clinical effects, in particular, its anti-inflammatory role. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on the effect of myrrh extracts as well as its bioactive compounds on the functions of white blood cells and inflammatory mediators. Relevant information about the impact of Myrrh on the functions of white blood cells and inflammatory mediators was collected from established scientific databases such as NCBI, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A few books were also referred to as obtaining important information. Myrrh and its bioactive molecules have been shown to have potential effects on the functions of white blood cells and immunomodulatory activities. However, few studies have reported these effects. In-depth studies are necessary to determine the effect of Myrrh and its bioactive molecules on immune cells and inflammatory mediators.

ANTIPARASITIC ACTIVITY OF MYRRH CRUDE EXTRACT AND MYRRH VOLATILE OIL COMPARED TO ALBENDAZOLE AGAINST TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS MUSCULAR LARVAE IN VITRO

Trichinellosis is a foodborne zoonotic disease caused by T. spiralis affecting human and animals.Treatment with commercially available drugs has not been satisfactory due to rapid developmentof drug-resistant particularly against encapsulated larvae. There is an increasingneed to discover alternative anthelminthics agents from medicinal plants. The present studyevaluated the in vitro antiparasitic activities of myrrh crude extract and myrrh volatile oil on T.spiralis larvae compared to albendazole to estimate their sublethal concentrations on the infectivityof T. spiralis larvae in mice. The in vitro effect of these agents was evaluated by assessingmortality rate and by a scanning electron microscopic analysis of ultrastructural changes inthe cuticle of the larvae. The surface changes induced by crude myrrh extract and albendazolewere more severe than those observed after exposure to myrrh volatile oil. All responses to thesubstances were time dose-dependent and highly significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). 100% mortality rate of larvae occurred on the 4th day at 3, 5, &7mg/ml of myrrh crudeextract, on the 7th day with volatile oil while total larval death occurred on the 1st day of exposurein to 5, 10, 15 & 20μg/ml of albendazole. In vitro exposure to sublethal dose of albendazole,crude myrrh extract and volatile oil extract resulted in infectivity reduction by 100%, 98%& 88% respectively in intestinal phase and 100%, 98% &59% respectively in muscular phase.

ANTIPARASITIC ACTIVITY OF MYRRH CRUDE EXTRACT AND MYRRH VOLATILE OIL COMPARED TO ALBENDAZOLE AGAINST TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS MUSCULAR LARVAE IN VITRO

Trichinellosis is a foodborne zoonotic disease caused by T. spiralis affecting human and animals.Treatment with commercially available drugs has not been satisfactory due to rapid developmentof drug-resistant particularly against encapsulated larvae. There is an increasingneed to discover alternative anthelminthics agents from medicinal plants. The present studyevaluated the in vitro antiparasitic activities of myrrh crude extract and myrrh volatile oil on T.spiralis larvae compared to albendazole to estimate their sublethal concentrations on the infectivityof T. spiralis larvae in mice. The in vitro effect of these agents was evaluated by assessingmortality rate and by a scanning electron microscopic analysis of ultrastructural changes inthe cuticle of the larvae. The surface changes induced by crude myrrh extract and albendazolewere more severe than those observed after exposure to myrrh volatile oil. All responses to thesubstances were time dose-dependent and highly significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). 100% mortality rate of larvae occurred on the 4th day at 3, 5, &7mg/ml of myrrh crudeextract, on the 7th day with volatile oil while total larval death occurred on the 1st day of exposurein to 5, 10, 15 & 20μg/ml of albendazole. In vitro exposure to sublethal dose of albendazole,crude myrrh extract and volatile oil extract resulted in infectivity reduction by 100%, 98%& 88% respectively in intestinal phase and 100%, 98% &59% respectively in muscular phase.

In vitro induction effects of Commiphora molmo (Myrrh) extracts on cell migration through anti-inflammatory activity

Commiphora molmo (Myrrh) contains various biological activities. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms in cells remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to confirm the efficacy of inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on J774 macrophage cells of myrrh, and additionally regulatory effects of perform wound healing. Further, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (p-STAT3) and Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2) levels in macrophage cells were regulated in the presence of myrrh extract. Based on the above results, myrrh is thought to provide basic data on anti-inflammatory properties through interleukin 6 (IL-6) inhibitory activity and regulatory effects of cell migration.

Green Technology for Remediation of Water Polluted with Petroleum Crude Oil: Using of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms Combined with Magnetic Nanoparticles Capped with Myrrh Resources of Saudi Arabia.

Crude oil pollution of water bodies is a worldwide problem that affects water ecosystems and is detrimental to human health and the diversity of living organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) combined with the presence of magnetic nanoparticles capped with natural products based on Myrrh to treat fresh water contaminated by crude petroleum oil. Magnetic nanoparticles based on magnetite capped with Myrrh extracts were prepared, characterized, and used to adsorb heavy components of the crude oil. The hydrophobic hexane and ether Myrrh extracts were isolated and used as capping for magnetite nanoparticles. The chemical structures, morphologies, particle sizes, and magnetic characteristics of the magnetic nanoparticles were investigated. The adsorption efficiencies of the magnetic nanoparticles show a greater efficiency to adsorb more than 95% of the heavy crude oil components. Offsets of Water hyacinth were raised in bowls containing Nile River fresh water under open greenhouse conditions, and subjected to varying crude oil contamination treatments of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 mL/L for one month. Plants were harvested and separated into shoots and roots, oven dried at 65 °C, and grounded into powder for further analysis of sulphur and total aromatic and saturated hydrocarbons, as well as individual aromatic constituents. The pigments of chlorophylls and carotenoids were measured spectrophotometrically in fresh plant leaves. The results indicated that the bioaccumulation of sulphur in plant tissues increased with the increased level of oil contamination. Water analysis showed significant reduction in polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The increase of crude oil contamination resulted in a decrease of chlorophylls and carotenoid content of the plant tissues. The results indicate that the water hyacinth can be used for remediation of water slightly polluted by crude petroleum oil. The presence of magnetite nanoparticles capped with Myrrh resources improved the remediation of water highly polluted by petroleum crude oil.

Corrosion Inhibition Effect and Adsorption Activities of methanolic myrrh extract for Cu in 2 M HNO3

Corrosion Inhibition Effect and Adsorption Activities of methanolic myrrh extract for Cu in 2 M HNO3

Bactericidal activity of Myrrh extracts and two dosage forms against standard bacterial strains and multidrug-resistant clinical isolates with GC/MS profiling

Myrrh is the resinous exudate obtained by the incision in Commiphora molmol trees (Family Burseraceae). The bactericidal activity of its hexane extract was compared to its essential oil (MEO) using viable count technique against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps. aeruginosa). MEO exhibited a better activity with > 99.999% killing of both tested strains after 2 h contact time. MEO was tested using the same technique against four multidrug resistant isolates: S. aureus (MRSA, sputum), Escherichia coli (E. coli, urine), Ps. aeruginosa (wound) and Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia, sputum). Highest bactericidal activity was observed against Ps. aeruginosa while lowest was against K. pneumonia (99.59 and 54.04% killing, respectively after 2 h contact time). A cream and mouthwash were formulated using 5% v/v MEO. The cream showed a better activity against Ps. aeruginosa than S. aureus (95.11 and 86.76% killing, respectively after 2 h contact time). The in vitro treatment of ca 107 CFU/ml S. aureus cells suspended in 10% saliva with the mouthwash produced ca 46% killing within the first 15 min reaching ca 99.999% after 30 min. Cytotoxic studies of both the essential oil and hexane extract on human liver cancer (Hep G2), human breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116) revealed a promising in vitro activity. Highest activity was recorded for the essential oil on MCF-7 with IC50 10.93 ± 0.32 μg/ml. GC/MS analysis allowed the identification of 17 and 9 compounds representing 92.01 and 99.99% of the hexane extract and essential oil, respectively. Furano-eudesma-1,3-diene (15.99%) and 2-acetoxy-furano-diene (26.82%) were the major identified compounds in the hexane extract and essential oil, respectively. These results indicate that Myrrh essential oil is a promising antibacterial and cytotoxic agent that can be formulated in suitable dosage forms.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON CLINICAL EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF FORMULATED AND MARKETED MYRRH EXTRACT IN CAPSULES

Objective: The development of myrrh extract from natural origin capable of eradicating schistosomal infection has gained the interest of many scientists. Recently, myrrh extract is considered as the drug of choice from natural origin used to treat schistosomiasis. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hard gelatin capsules of myrrh extract in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni compared to Mirazid which is the only herbal drug present in the market.&#x0D; Methods: In the present study, the clinical evaluation of different doses of formulated myrrh extract hard gelatin capsules against different grades of S. mansoni infections (mild, moderate, and heavy) was carried out and compared with marketed soft gelatin capsules Mirazid.&#x0D; Results: In all types of S. mansoni infection, it was clear that the efficacy of n-hexane and alcohol myrrh extracts hard gelatin capsules was higher than or equal to that of Mirazid soft gelatin capsules.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hard gelatin capsules of myrrh extract (mixed doses) are more effective and more economic as a pharmaceutical dosage form for pharmaceutical manufacturers than Mirazid soft gelatin capsules. Consequently, with its lower price, it can reach the poor patient which is the main patient of schistosomiasis.

Comparison of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Commiphora molmol and Sodium Hypochlorite as Root Canal Irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Objective The investigation aims to compare antimicrobial efficacy of the extract of Commiphora molmol, against Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Design T he dehydrated oleo-gum resin of Commiphora molmol was extracted by using 70% ethanol and was suspended in 99.8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a dissolving agent in a 1:2 volume to produce an aqueous solution at room temperature. Agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution methods assay were utilized to determine both the antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration, of alcoholic extract of Commiphora molmol against E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. The values of the inhibition zones were determined based on the concentration of the investigated material. One hundred and forty extracted human premolar teeth were instrumented and immersed in bacterial suspension of E. faecalis or F. nucleatum (70 teeth in each species suspension). Prepared teeth were then immersed in the myrrh extract solution, 2.5% NaOCl, DMSO, or Cefotaxime and incubated for 30 and 60 minutes. Results The largest inhibition zone diameter for both bacterial species was obtained by the 100mg/100μL concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.03mg/300μL for both E. faecalis and F. nucleatum. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) results showed that 0.03mg/μL myrrh extract and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite significantly reduced bacterial growth at both 30 and 60 minutes of different treatments of root canals, compared to DMSO group (negative control) and the antibiotic group (positive group). Conclusion Myrrh extract was proven to have considerable antibacterial activity against both F. nucleatum and E. faecalis.

Application of myrrh extract as an eco-friendly dye and antimicrobial agent on wool and silk fabrics part 2: antimicrobial activity and fastness property

ABSTRACTWe investigate the dyeing and antimicrobial properties of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) extracts on wool and silk fabrics, the use of eco-friendly materials such as sumac (Rhus coriaria), manjakani (Quercus infectoria), alum, and ferrous sulfate as mordants. The mordanting methods were optimized.The best conditions of dyeing process were discussed in the first part of this study. Dyed fabrics were assessed for color strength (K/S), color fastness, and antimicrobial activity. Non-mordanted dyed wool and silk showed color fastness of grade 4–5. Dyed fabrics showed good antimicrobial activity, which was enhanced by mordanting.

Application of myrrh extract as an eco-friendly dye and antimicrobial agent on wool and silk fabrics part 1: Dyeing with myrrh extract

ABSTRACTThis part investigates the dyeing properties of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) extract on wool and silk fabrics and the use of eco-friendly materials such as sumac (Rhus coriaria) and manjakani (Quercus infectoria) as mordants. The dyeing conditions (e.g., myrrh concentration, pH, and bath temperature) were optimized.Dyed fabrics were assessed for color strength (K/S), tensile strength, and stiffness.Also, the FTIR for myrrh, sumac, and manjakani was determined.The results show that the best results got in these experiments for dyeing with myrrh extract are: 100% myrrh extract, pH 4.5, temperature 100°C, and the time of 60 min.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of henna, pomegranate and myrrh herbal ointment blend

This study assessed the wound healing potential and antimicrobial activity of henna, pomegranate and myrrh extract formulations and their blend in excision, and dead space wound models in rats in comparison to a marketed ointment (gentamycin). The natural extracts were used in ointment formulations alone or in a combination of three extracts at a total concentration of 15% w/w in medications. The percent of wound contraction in case of henna, myrrh, pomegranate, the blend and gentamycin (10 mg/kg) were 85.90–98.5%, 88.35–99.52%, 93.55–100%, 97.30–100%, and 90.25–100% from days 16 to 20, respectively. The blended formulation showed the highest increase in the percent of wound contraction and decrease in the epithelisation period compared to other formulations and showed comparable results to the standard ointment. The histological studies of excision biopsy at day 24 showed healed skin structures with normal epithelisation, the restoration of adnexa and fibrosis within the dermis in all of the formulation- and gentamycin-treated groups while the control group lagged behind in the formation of the amount of ground substance in the granulation tissue. The formulations showed antimicrobial activity against Candida, Staphylococcus aureus, mucous membrane infections and E. coli topical infections. The study proved the wound healing potential and antimicrobial activity of the herbal extract.

Anticancer activity of aqueous myrrh extract alone and in combination with cisplatin in HeLa cells

Purpose: To study the impact of an aqueous myrrh extract on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells in vitro . Methods: First, 100 g of ground myrrh resin was boiled in 1000 mL of distilled water for 30 min. Different components of the decoction were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of high (20 μg/mL) and low (10 μg/mL) concentrations of cisplatin, serial concentrations of myrrh (20, 40, 60, and 80 μg/mL), and a combination of both were evaluated using cell proliferation assay, DNA fragmentation, and electron microscopy. Results: All four myrrh concentrations decreased the viability of HeLa cells (16.25 % p < 0.01). A significant further decrease occurred when myrrh was combined with 10 μg/mL cisplatin (11.42 % p < 0.01). This was confirmed by quantifying DNA fragmentation. Ultrastructurally, HeLa cells showed typical apoptosis after treatment with 10 μg/mL cisplatin or a high dose of myrrh. The use of 20 μg/mL cisplatin or the combined therapy resulted in cell necrosis with ruptured cell membranes and autophagosomes. The effect of combined therapy was more lethal than the effect of either of them alone. Conclusion: Myrrh induces apoptosis and autophagy and enhances the activity of cisplatin in vitro . It is potentially a basis for further studies of other types of cancer cell. The clinical use of myrrh in the palliative therapy of human cervical carcinoma might be justified. Keywords: Cervical cancer, Cell viability, Chemotherapy, DNA fragmentation, Myrrh, Cisplatin, Cell ultrastructure, HeLa cells

Synergistic interactions of chamomile flower, myrrh and coffee charcoal in inhibiting pro-inflammatory chemokine release from activated human macrophages

Abstract Background The herbal medicinal product Myrrhinil-Intest®, a combination of myrrh, chamomile flower extract and coffee charcoal is used for the maintenance therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. In vitro studies revealed that the herbal components influence chemokine signaling of human macrophages as part of an anti-inflammatory mechanism. However, the occurrence of synergistic effects remains unexplored. Aim The present study aims to investigate the synergistic effect of dual combinations of the plant extracts on the pro-inflammatory chemokine (CXCL13) release from activated human macrophages. Methods The single effect of myrrh, chamomile flower and coffee charcoal extract on CXCL13 release from lipopolysaccharide stimulated human macrophages was investigated using ELISA and IC50 values were determined. Budesonide served as positive control. To characterize the combined effect, IC50 values were used to prepare combinations of two plant extracts in different proportions to each other (3:5; 1:1; 5:3). Interpretation of the data was based on isobologram analysis and calculation of a combination index (CI). Results LPS-induced CXCL13 release from human macrophages was inhibited after treatment with myrrh (IC50 = 19 μg/ml), chamomile flower (IC50 = 82 μg/ml) and coffee charcoal (IC50 = 106 μg/ml) whereby the extent of inhibition was comparable to budesonide. All combinations of two plant extracts resulted in synergistic effects with varying magnitude (CI from 0.82 to 0.42). The combination of myrrh and coffee charcoal (ratio of 3:5) exhibited the strongest synergistic effect (CI = 0.42). Increasing amounts of coffee charcoal resulted in increased synergistic activity. Conclusion Synergistic effects between all plant components contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of all dual combinations of the plant components and support the composition of the herbal combination.