Natural Plant Oils Research Articles

Physicochemical properties, photostability, and digestive characteristics of natural emulsion system fabricated by recombinant rice bran oil bodies for lutein ester delivery

Rice bran oil bodies (RBOBs), as natural oil-in-water emulsions, can be used as a good carrier for delivering hydrophobic functional ingredients. In this work, the lutein ester-loaded rice bran oil body (LRBOB) emulsions were successfully prepared by restructuring the RBOBs natural structure through heat treatment and high-pressure homogenization. The physicochemical properties, photostability, and in vitro digestion of LRBOB emulsions with different oil body concentrations were investigated. The LRBOB emulsion with 50% RBOBs had maximum lutein ester encapsulation efficiency (94%) with larger mean particle size (566.44 ± 18.05 nm) and zeta potential (−43.87 ± 0.8 mV), exhibiting good physical stability and an amorphous structure of lutein ester. Meanwhile, the emulsion droplets formed a network structure through mutual adsorption, as observed by CLSM. Moreover, the apparent viscosity of LRBOB emulsion was increased with the increase of RBOBs concentration, showing a shear thinning behavior. Within the linear viscoelastic range, the emulsions mainly displayed elastic rheological characteristics. Furthermore, the photooxidation studies showed that the LRBOB emulsion retained a maximum of 37% lutein ester after 96 h of UV irradiation, and the half-life was extended to 58.89 h. Meanwhile, a higher amount of RBOBs effectively reduced lipid and protein oxidation and minimized color difference, indicating that RBOBs could effectively improve the stability of lutein ester. Based on the results of in vitro simulated digestion, LRBOB emulsion showed higher free fatty acid release (32%) and lutein ester bioaccessibility (40.17%) in the adult model, but is not recommended for infant diets. This work will provide a new delivery vehicle for the utilization of raw lutein materials, expanding the potential applications of natural plant oil bodies.

Surface modified ceramic membrane for natural volatile oil enrichment with high flux and high component retention

The natural volatile oil has high medicinal value, but the extraction and separation technology were limited by low composition, complex composition, and strong volatility. This study validated the feasibility of membrane separation technology for enriching volatile oil from the aspects of membrane separation efficiency, volatile oil components, and drug efficacy. A shellac coated alumina ceramic (lac@AC) membrane with irregular nanoneedle-like surface structure was prepared to enrich the volatile oil from vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma (vpCR). Compared to the alumina ceramic (AC) membrane, the lac@AC membrane exhibited 29.77 % and 98.05 % increase in water and emulsion flux, respectively. Meanwhile, the oil rejection of lac@AC membrane increased 26.29 %. According to the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the similarity between the volatile oils obtained by membrane separation and the traditional steam distillation method was higher than 99.5 %. In addition, antibacterial experiments showed that the volatile oil obtained by membrane separation has similar antibacterial effects to the volatile oil obtained by steam distillation. Component analysis and pharmacodynamic analysis both demonstrated the feasibility of using membrane separation to obtain vpCR volatile oil. This study offers a technical reference for the efficient, high-quality, and environmentally friendly extraction of natural plant oils with complex ingredients.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OPTIMIZATION: REMARKABLE BENEFITS OF AVOCADO JUICE IN ENHANCING PRODUCTION AND REDUCING SPERMATOZOAL ABNORMALITIES IN MICE EXPOSED TO CLOVE CIGARETTE SMOKE

Cigarette smoke has the potential to disrupt hormonal balance, affect spermatogenesis processes, impair spermatozoa viability, and introduce toxic substances to spermatozoa. Avocado fruit contains proteins and vitamins such as vitamin A, B, B1, B2, E, and C, beta-carotene, linoleic acid, lecithin, calcium, iron, pantothenic acid, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, and natural plant oils. The presence of vitamin C and E in avocado is believed to enhance the quantity of Leydig cells and spermatozoa. This study aims to evaluate the potential of avocado juice in optimizing reproductive health in mice exposed to clove cigarette smoke. Male mice (Mus musculus), aged 2 months, weighing ±20g, were randomly divided into 5 groups: K- (negative control), K+ (positive control exposed to cigarette smoke without avocado juice), P1 (mice exposed to cigarette smoke and given avocado juice at a dose of 0.5 ml/20 g BW), P2 (mice exposed to cigarette smoke and given avocado juice at a dose of 0.7 ml/20 g BW), and P3 (mice exposed to cigarette smoke and given avocado juice at a dose of 0.9 ml/20 g BW). Cigarette smoke exposure was administered for 14 days. The results indicate that regular avocado juice consumption can enhance sperm production and reduce spermatozoa abnormalities in mice exposed to clove cigarette smoke. The clinical implications of these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential of avocado juice as a supplement to improve reproductive health, particularly in environments exposed to clove cigarette smoke

Inverse vulcanization induced oxygen modified porous polysulfides for efficient sorption of heavy metals.

The applications of polysulfides derived from natural plant oil and sulfur via the inverse vulcanization in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions suffered from their low porosity and scarce surface functionality because of their hydrophobic surfaces and bulk characteristics. In this study, polysulfides from sulfur and palm oil (PSPs) with significantly enhanced porosity (13.7-24.1 m2/g) and surface oxygen-containing functional groups (6.9-8.6 wt.%) were synthesized with the optimization of process conditions including reaction time, temperature, and mass ratios of sulfur/palm oil/NaCl/sodium citrate. PSPs were applied as sorbents to remove heavy metals present in aqueous solutions. The integration of porosity and oxygen modification allowed a fast kinetic (4.0h) and enhanced maximum sorption capacities for Pb(II) (218.5mg/g), Cu(II) (74.8mg/g), and Cr(III) (68.4mg/g) at pH 5.0 and T 298K comparing with polysulfides made without NaCl/sodium citrate. The sorption behaviors of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cr(III) on PSPs were highly dependent on the solution pH values and ionic strength. The sorption presented excellent anti-interference capability for the coexisting cations and anions. The sorption processes were endothermic and spontaneous. This work would guide the preparation of porous polysulfides with surface modification as efficient sorbents to remediate heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Eucommia ulmoides seed essential oil: Preparation, characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Eucommia ulmoides seed essential oil (EUSO) is a natural plant oil rich in various nutrients, which has been widely used due to its unique medicinal effects. However, it is prone to oxidation and rancidity under many adverse environmental influences. Nanoencapsulation technology can protect and slow down the loss of its biological activity. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) loaded with EUSO were prepared by emulsification and ionic gel technology. EUSO-CSNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirmed the success of EUSO encapsulation and the encapsulation rate ranged from 36.95 % to 67.80 %. Nanoparticle size analyzer, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that CSNPs were spherical particles with a range of 200.6–276.0 nm. The results of in vitro release study indicated that the release of EUSO was phased, and EUSO-CSNPS had certain sustained-release properties. Furthermore, EUSO-CSNPs had higher antioxidant and antibacterial abilities than pure EUSO and chitosan, which was verified through free radical scavenging experiments and bacteria biofilm experiments, respectively. This technology can enhance the medicinal value of EUSO in biomedical and other fields, and will provide support for in vivo research of EUSO-CSNPs in the future.

Alternative locust control with a dilutable linseed oil emulsion

AbstractLocust swarm control is still a main topic in agriculture and is often based on the extensive use of chemical agents that can be problematic for the environment and human health. Currently, only a few alternative control agents are available on the market, such as neem oil, the fungus Metarhizium sp., and the microsporidian Paranosema locustae. In this study, we improved the formulation of a botanical insecticide that is based on linseed oil and was found to be effective against the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. To make sure that linseed oil is most effective, we first tested several natural plant oils in a comparative laboratory study. Linseed oil performed best and resulted in 100% mortality within only 2 days after a single spray treatment. However, this linseed oil formulation contains three expensive essential oils, thus we further improved it to avoid costly essential oils. A much lower concentration of linseed oil was also found to be highly effective and killed adult S. gregaria within 3 days in an experiment performed under semifield conditions. Furthermore, a concentrated stock solution of this botanical insecticide was developed to increase stability and reduce shipping costs in areas where water for dilution is available. Mechanical treatment, applied during the preparation of this linseed oil emulsion, resulted in the formation of micro‐colloids, which prevent the separation of phases and enable 1:16 dilution with water containing bicarbonate. Interestingly, only 24 h after single spray treatment, locusts became immobile and most of them were unable to jump, which would make them easy prey for natural enemies. Later, insects died due to the hardening of the linseed oil emulsion. This novel linseed oil emulsion is harmless for humans, rather easy to produce, and remains stable over weeks in its concentrated form, which suggests that it is promising alternative agent for locust control.

Which Moisturizer to Use in Scar Therapy after Burn Injuries? A Subjective and Objective Skin and Scar Evaluation after Topical Treatment with Dexpanthenol, Aloe Vera, and Plant Oil.

Background and Objectives: Good scar management in burn care is essential. Nevertheless, there are no consistent recommendations regarding moisturizers for scar management. Our aim was to investigate and compare the effects of commonly used products on normal skin and burn scars. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 skin-healthy (control group) and 12 patients with burn scars were included in this study. For an intraindividual comparison, each participant received creams consisting of dexpanthenol (P), aloe vera (A), and a natural plant oil (O) with instructions to apply them daily to a previously defined area for at least 28 days. Objective scar evaluation was performed with Visioscan®; Tewameter®; Cutometer®, and the Oxygen To See® device. Subjective evaluation was performed with an "application" questionnaire, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and with the "best of three" questionnaire. Results: After (A) a high trend of amelioration of +30%, TEWL was detected on the scar area. Blood flow increased slightly on healthy skin areas after (A) application to +104%. The application of (A) on healthy skin demonstrated a positive effect on the parameters of scaliness (+22%, p < 0.001), softness (+14%, p = 0.046), roughness R1 (+16%, p < 0.001) and R2 (+17%, p = 0.000), volume (+22%, p < 0.001), and surface area (+7%, p < 0.001) within the control group. After (P), a significant improvement of the baseline firmness parameter of +14.7% was detected (p = 0.007). (P) also showed a beneficial effect on the parameters of R1 (+7%, p = 0.003), R2 (+6%, p = 0.001), and volume (+17%, p = 0.001). (O) lead to a statistically significant improvement of volume (+15%, p = 0.009). Overall, most study participants stated (A) to be the "best of three". Conclusions: (A) performed statistically best, and is a well-tolerated moisturizing product. However, further quantitative studies are needed to provide statistically significant clarification for uniform recommendations for scar therapy.

Macro peroxide initiators based on autoxidized unsaturated plant oils: Block/graft copolymer conjugates for nanotechnology and biomedical applications

AbstractThe autoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and their esters is one of the most important reactions in food and biological systems. Autoxidation is a type of reaction between air oxygen and unsaturated plant oils. This reaction starts with a hydrogen abstraction on the methylene group adjacent double bond, leaving a radical onto the carbon atom. Molecular oxygen attacks this radical leading to produce peroxide and hydroperoxide derivatives of the oligomerized unsaturated plant oils. Because peroxide groups thermally cleave to produce free radicals, hydroperoxide derivatives of unsaturated plant oil oligomers can be used in the free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers leading to the related block/graft copolymers. The obtained copolymers combined with the biodegradable natural plant oil gain superior properties such as biodegradability and softness. In this review article, the in vitro autoxidation of well‐known unsaturated plant oils‐soybean oil, linseed oil, and castor oil and some related unsaturated fatty acids‐oleic acid, linoleic acid, and ricinoleic acid was carried out under atmospheric conditions with or without exposing white light. Because the autoxidized unsaturated oil/fatty acids contain peroxide/hydroperoxide groups (they are referred to as macro peroxide initiators) that they are used in the free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers to obtain block/graft copolymers. The improved polymerization conditions, characterization, and applications of the obtained products will be discussed.

Synergistic effect of tung oil and heat treatment on surface characteristics and dimensional stability of wood

Wood is a sustainable biomass material with undesirable intrinsic properties of hygroscopicity and dimensional instability, which restrict its broader application. Tung oil, as a natural plant oil, has shown some promise for improving wood properties. Here, a synergistic method combined with tung oil impregnation and heat treatment was used to modify wood. The results showed that both heat treatment and tung oil impregnation were helpful in decreasing the moisture absorption, water uptake, and volume swelling coefficient of wood. Moreover, the impregnated tung oil occupied the water passages and significantly reduced the porosity and permeability of wood, providing a better hydrophobic surface and thus preventing water absorption and further improving dimensional stability. Therefore, joint modification of wood by tung oil and heat treatment provides an effective and eco-friendly method that has great prospects for the future.

Natural Oils\\Silicon based materials for imparting new properties to cellulose based fabrics

Water-repellent cotton and blended (cotton/polyester) fabrics have been obtained by treating them with solutions made of PDMS with mesoporous silica microcapsules loaded with different natural plant oils in presence of a crosslinker. The microcapsules were formed by using Emulsion solvent evaporation method using mesoporous silica as shell materials and natural oils (flaxseed oil, castor oil, olive oil, and soybeans oil) as a core material. The formed silica mesoporous micro capsuled were characterized by using different techniques. Different formulation ratios of PDMS, silica, silica loaded with oils, and different kinds of crosslinkers were tested to find out the best formulation recipe by using pad- the dry-cure method. The treated fabric was characterized by using different techniques.

Hypolipidemic Activity of Olive Oil-Based Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Containing Atorvastatin.

Currently, hyperlipidemia is a growing health issue that is considered a risk factor for obesity. Controlling body weight and modifying life style in most of cases are not adequate and the condition requires medical treatment. Statin drugs (mainly Atorvastatin (ATO)), have been used broadly and for long time as medications for handling higher levels of lipid, especially bad cholesterol, which accordingly controls the prevalence of obesity. Still, the obstacle that stands in front of any formulation is the poor solubility of the drug. Low solubility of ATO came up with poor absorption as well as poor bioavailability. This paved the way for the present study, which aimed to exploit nanotechnology and develop certain nanolipid carriers that could accommodate hydrophobic drugs, such as ATO. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) containing ATO was fabricated using olive oil. Olive oil is natural plant oil possessing confirmed hypolipidemic activity that would help in improving the efficacy of the formulation. Via applying the Quality by Design (QbD) approach, one NLC formula was selected to be optimized based on appropriate size and higher entrapment. Optimized ATO-NLC was scrutinized for zeta potential, in vitro study and kinetic profile. Moreover, stability testing and in vivo hypolipidemic behavior was conducted. The optimized NLC formulation seemed to show particle size (254.23 nm) with neutral zeta potential (−1.77 mV) and entrapment efficiency (69.56%). The formulation could be prolonged for 12 h and provided higher % of release (97.17%). Stability testing confirmed the role of modifying the surface of the formulation with PEG-DSPE in providing a highly stable formulation that could withstand three months storage in two altered conditions. Ultimately, optimized ATO-NLC could successfully lower total cholesterol level in rats induced with obesity and fed a high-fat diet. Remarkably, ATO-NLC prepared with olive oil, in addition to shielding its surface, would provide a stable formulation that holds up the synergistic action between olive oil and ATO.

Action of eco-friendly natural oils fumes on control greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.)

The experiments were carried out to evaluate impact of four natural plant oils (namely: Cinnamonium zeylanicum (L.), Cinnamonium camphore, Cuminum cyminum (L.) and Origanum majorana (L.) and three commercial monoterpene oils (namely: Geraniol, a-Pinene and Citronella) toward different stages of greater wax moth. The results indicated embryonic development, the first larval stars and adult stages were the most affect by fumes of the tested oils more than last larval stage. The results indicated that embryonic development of exposed eggs affected by fumes of all tested oils, especially at high concentration (2 and 3 pl/150 ml). On other side, Continuous exposure of 1st instar larvae to C. zeylanicum (3 and 5 pl/150 ml) fumes caused larval mortality percent reach to 63 and 83.3% and failed adult emergence (0.0%) while continuous exposure to all tested monoterpenes concentrations caused depression in adult emergence percentage ranged between 0.0 - 13.3% compared to control. Different concentrations of C. zelyanicum, Geraniol and Citronella were caused highly significance depression in the longevity of exposed adults (male and female) and oviposition activity. This study indicated that the fumes of natural or commercial oils had ability to reduce the greater wax moth population through their effect on its sensitive stages (eggs, 1st larval and adult stages).

Enhancement of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Optimized Niosomal Colchicine Loaded into Jojoba Oil-Based Emulgel Using Response Surface Methodology.

Recent progression in investigational studies aiming to integrate natural products and plant oils in developing new dosage forms that would provide optimal therapeutic effect. Therefore, the aim of the present exploration was to inspect the influence of jojoba oil in boosting the anti-inflammatory effect of colchicine natural product. To our knowledge, there is no formulation comprising colchicine and jojoba oil together to form a niosomal emulgel preparation anticipated for topical application. Colchicine is a natural product extracted from Colchicum autumnale that has been evidenced to show respectable anti-inflammatory activity. Owing to its drawbacks and low therapeutic index, it was preferable to be formulated into topical dosage form. The current study inspected colchicine transdermal delivery by developing niosomal preparation as a potential nanocarrier included into emulgel prepared with jojoba oil. Box Behnken design was constructed to develop 17 niosomal emulgel formulations. The optimized colchicine niosomal emulgel was evaluated for its physical characteristics and in vitro release studies. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was estimated via carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema method. The developed colchicine niosomal preparation revealed particle size of 220.7 nm with PDI value 0.22, entrapment efficiency 65.3%. The formulation was found to be stable showing no significant difference in particle size and entrapment efficiency up on storage at 4 °C and 25 °C for 3 months. The optimized colchicine niosomal emulgel exhibited a pH value 6.73, viscosity 4598 cP, and spreadability 38.3 mm. In vitro release study of colchicine from niosomal emulgel formulation was around 52.4% over 6 h. Apparently, the proficient anti-inflammatory activity of colchicine niosomal emulgel was confirmed via carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema test. Overall, the results recommend the combination of niosomal preparation with jojoba oil-based emulgel that might signify a favorable delivery of anti-inflammatory drug such as colchicine.

Evaluation Efficacy and Persistence of Some Volatile Plant Oils on Immature Stages of Galleria mellonella (L.)

The Experiment was carried out to measure the effect of four natural plant oils (namely: Cinnamonium zeylanicum L., Syzygium aromatic L., Citrus aurantium amara, and Lavandula spica) on controlling the greater wax moth and their ability to persist. The methodology included collecting and rearing the greater wax moth under laboratory conditions to be able to isolate the target tested stages. The immature stages (eggs and larvae) of the experiment moth were exposed to fumes of tested oils (50 &amp;micro;l/500 ml) to calculate hatchability and mortality percentage. The results were clear that fumes of C. zeylanicum and S. aromatic were caused 100% unhatching eggs after zero time as the same recorded by comparable compound (paradix) and able to persist their effect at the closed and limited zone for 60 days. On another side, C. zeylanicum and S. aromat were affected on last larval instars and emerged adults. The accumulative effect was appeared in the case of treatment by C. zeylanicum which was caused sterility to emerged adults and reduced eggs deposition to zero. The data indicated that some natural product compounds could be used as an alternative way of control insect pests.

Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Applications Are Affected by Type of Oils Used in Their Composition.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have gained significant attention as tools for the dermal delivery of therapeutics due to their stability, biocompatibility, and ability to improve drug bioavailability. The use of natural plant oils (NPO) in NLC formulations has numerous benefits for the skin due to their therapeutic potential. This work shows the effect of NLC composition on bioavailability in epidermal cells and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Sixteen systems containing fixed (sunflower, olive, corn, peanut, coconut, castor, and sweet almond) and essential (eucalyptus) oils, with different solid lipid (SL): liquid lipid (LL) ratios, were engineered. The structural properties, bioavailability, and antimicrobial action of the particles was studied. The choice of NPO influenced the physicochemical stability by changing the diameter of NLC formulations (between 160 nm and 185 nm) and Z-potential (between −46 mV and −61 mV). All of the systems were characterized by concentration-dependent cytocompatibility with human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn). The SL:LL ratio in some NLC systems impacted cell cytotoxicity differently. Antimicrobial properties were observed in all 16 systems; however, the type of oil and SL:LL ratio affected the activity of the formulations. Two NLC-NPO systems were found to be non-cytotoxic to human cells lines at concentrations that completely inhibited bacterial growth. These results present a strong argument that the use of natural oils in NLC formulations presents a promising tool for the treatment of skin infections.

A Review on Antifungal Efficiency of Plant Extracts Entrenched Polysaccharide-Based Nanohydrogels.

Human skin acts as a physical barrier; however, sometimes the skin gets infected by fungi, which becomes more severe if the infection occurs on the third layer of the skin. Azole derivative-based antifungal creams, liquids, or sprays are available to treat fungal infections; however, these formulations show various side effects on the application site. Over the past few years, herbal extracts and various essential oils have shown effective antifungal activity. Additionally, autoxidation and epimerization are significant problems with the direct use of herbal extracts. Hence, to overcome these obstacles, polysaccharide-based nanohydrogels embedded with natural plant extracts and oils have become the primary choice of pharmaceutical scientists. These gels protect plant-based bioactive compounds and are effective delivery agents because they release multiple bioactive compounds in the targeted area. Nanohydrogels can be applied to infected areas, and due to their contagious nature and penetration power, they get directly absorbed through the skin, quickly reaching the skin’s third layer and effectively reducing the fungal infection. In this review, we explain various skin fungal infections, possible treatments, and the effective utilization of plant extract and oil-embedded polysaccharide-based nanohydrogels.

Recent advances in the catalytic deoxygenation of plant oils and prototypical fatty acid models compounds: Catalysis, process, and kinetics

With the inevitable human innate aspirations for better urban mobility and sustainable economic development, bio-based transportation fuels are projected to play an essential role in the foreseeable automotive transportation sector. Agricultural-based renewable diesel (RD) is the prospective fuel of tomorrow due to its excellent fuel properties and environmentally friendly attributes. This review summarises the evolution of research works related to upgrading of plant oils and fatty acids to diesel-like hydrocarbons via catalytic deoxygenation (CDO) technologies in the past decade. Throughout this review paper, a strong emphasis is put on the fundamental chemistry, reaction mechanism, and kinetic modelling. The influence of the key process parameters that may affect the diesel hydrocarbon product yields/selectivity including the types of feedstock, types of catalyst, and key operating conditions are also explicated. This paper also addresses the technical barriers, challenges, and prospects of CDO technologies that could potentially bridge between the existing research gaps and industrial practices in these areas. In summary, this paper will help scientific researchers and industrial practitioners to explore the recent scientific advances and potential strategies in producing sustainable diesel fuel from natural plant oils and fatty acids.

Combined thermal analysis of plant oils

The paper deals with the study of seven selected natural plant oils. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermally stimulated discharge (TSD) methods were used. It has been found that most of the oils tested are in a glassy state at low temperature and have multiple transitions in the low temperature range. DSC shows complex melting-like processes or glass transition. For both DMA and TSD, the scaffold supportive method was used and found as a suitable one. DMA and TSD proved more sensitive than DSC and revealed at least two transitions between − 120 and − 40 °C. In the case of three oils (argan, avocado and sunflower), current reversal was observed by TSD; this symptom cannot be fully explained at the moment.

The common diabetes drug metformin can diminish the action of citral against Rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma most commonly found in pediatric patients. Despite progress, new and improved drug regimens are needed to increase survival rates. Citral, a natural product plant oil can induce cell death in cancer cells. Another compound, metformin, isolated originally from French lilac and used by diabetics, has been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer in these patients. Application of citral to RMS cells showed increase in cell death, and RD and RH30 cells showed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) values as low as 36.28 μM and 62.37 μM, respectively. It was also shown that the citral initiated cell apoptosis through an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free calcium. In comparison, metformin only showed moderate cell death in RMS cell lines at a very high concentration (1,000 μM). Combinatorial experiments, however, indicated that citral and metformin worked antagonistically when used together. In particular, the ability of metformin to quench the ROS induced by citral could lead to the suppression of activity. These results clearly indicate that while clinical use of citral is a promising anti-tumor therapy, caution should be exercised in patients using metformin for diabetes.

Ultrasound pretreatment combined with supercritical CO2 extraction of Iberis amara seed oil

Ultrasound pretreatment (USP) combined with supercritical CO2 extraction (SCE) was carried out to obtain Iberis amara seed oil (IASO) in the present study. The maximal oil yield (25.28 ± 0.39 %, w/w, dry basis) acquired by SCE from ultrasound-treated seeds with ultrasonic energy density of 1.25 W/mL during 10 min, was 28 % higher than that obtained from the untreated seeds. Furthermore, the obtained oil samples were determined for physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, contents of various phytocompounds and antioxidant activity. The results showed that USP + SCE resulted in better oil quality, slightly enhanced the selectivity of monounsaturated fatty acids in the obtained oil, as well as improved the contents of phytocompounds and antioxidant activity of IASO samples, when compared with traditional techniques. Our study revealed that ultrasound pretreatment combined with SCE can be considered efficient and environmentally-friendly for plant oil extraction at industrial scale. Furthermore, IASO has high nutritional value. Therefore, Iberis amara seeds can potentially be used as easily available sources of natural plant oil in the pharmaceutical, biodiesel and dietary supplement industries.