Chamomile Research Articles

Effect of 100% Chamomile Extract on The Number of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacterial Colonies in Orthodontic Bracket (In Vitro Study)

Abstract
 Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances in malocclusion treatment consist of several components. Bracket components in fixed orthodontic appliances cause side effects such as gingivitis due to retention of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial plaque. Chamomile flower extract contains antibacterial compounds, α-bisabolol. Objective: To analyze 100% chamomile extract effectiveness of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonies in orthodontic bracket. Methods: This study using post test only control group design. Chamomile extract procure from percolation methods. Eighteen orthodontic brackets were divided into three groups, soaked in artificial saliva for 1 hour, contaminated with Staphylococcus aereus, then immersed in 100% chamomile flower extract solution, 0,2% chlorhexidine (positive control), and aquadest (negative control) for 30 minutes. Total of 0,1 ml of multilevel serial dilution from three different groups was dripped and streaked onto Brain heart infusion agar, incubated for 24 hours at 37oC for further colony counting tests. Results: S. aureus bacteria colonies in orthodontic bracket group with 100% chamomile flower extract solution was not significantly different from 0,2% chlorhexidine group (p>0,05), but significantly lower than aquadest group (p<0,05). Conclusion: The 100% chamomile extract solution as effective as Chlorhexidine 0,2% in reducing number of Staphylococcus aureus colonies in orthodontic braket.
 Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, the 100% chamomile extract, Chlorhexidine 0,2%, orthodontic brackets.

High-Quality Assembly and Analysis of the Complete Mitogenomes of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are the two well-known chamomile species from the Asteraceae family. Owing to their essential oils and higher medicinal value, these have been cultivated widely across Europe, Northwest Asia, North America, and Africa. Regarding medicinal applications, German chamomile is the most commonly utilized variety and is frequently recognized as the "star among medicinal species". The insufficient availability of genomic resources may negatively impact the progression of chamomile industrialization. Chamomile's mitochondrial genome is lacking in extensive empirical research. In this study, we achieved the successful sequencing and assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome of M. chamomilla and C. nobile for the first time. An analysis was conducted on codon usage, sequence repeats within the mitochondrial genome of M. chamomilla and C. nobile. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a consistent positioning of M. chamomilla and C. nobile branches within both mitochondrial and plastid-sequence-based phylogenetic trees. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis also showed a close relationship between M. chamomilla and C. nobile within the clade comprising species from the Asteraceae family. The results of our analyses provide valuable resources for evolutionary research and molecular barcoding in chamomile.

Rapid screening and target-guided isolation of antioxidants from German chamomile by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with off-line two-dimensional high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

German chamomile is one of the most effective herbal elements used in anti-allergic products and as an antioxidant. Herein, the antioxidant activity of different extract fractions of German chamomile was initially evaluated using an off-line2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl spectrophotometric assay. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the highest efficacy in scavenging free radicals. Based on this, a rapid screening and separation method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay was implemented to identify antioxidants in the ethyl acetate fraction of German chamomile flowers. Ten potential radical scavengers were tentatively screened from German chamomile using a target-guided isolating approach with off-line two-dimensional high-speed countercurrent chromatography and the structures of the compounds were analyzed and identified. Ultimately, 10 radical scavengers were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract with a purity quotient exceeding 90%. The results demonstrated the effectiveness and reproducibility of this method for isolating potential antioxidants from complex mixtures in a targeted manner. This strategy can be applied to the target-guided isolation of complex mixtures of natural products with broad K-values and similar structures.

Laboratory assessment of the acaricidal, repellent and anti-cholinesterase effects of Melaleuca alternifolia and Chamaemelum nobile essential oils against Hyalomma scupense ticks.

In cattle, Hyalomma scupense serves as an important vector of several pathogens resulting in diseases, subsequently affecting the agricultural field as well as the economy. Resistance to chemical acaricides has become widespread affirming the need for new drugs to tick control. The goal of this study was to investigate the acaricidal, repellent activities as well as the putative mode of action of two essential oils (EOs) from Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) on Hyalomma scupense. The chemical composition of EOs was also evaluated. Different concentrations of EOs were tested in vitro for their acaricidal property on adults and larvae of H. scupense using adult immersion test (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT). Additionally, using Ellman's spectrophotometric method, the anticholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity of M. alternifolia and C. nobile EOs was assessed in order to understand their putative mode of action. The main compounds of C. nobile were α-Bisabolene (22.20%) and (E)-β-Famesene (20.41%). The major components in the analyzed M. alternifolia were Terpinen-4-ol (36.32%) and γ-Terpinene (13.69%). Adulticidal and larvicidal assays demonstrated a promising efficacy of the essential oils against tick H. scupense. The lethal concentration (LC50) values obtained for M. alternifolia and C. nobile oils were 0.84 and 0.96 mg/mL in the AIT and 0.37 and 0.48 mg/mL in the LPT, respectively. Regarding repellent activity, M. alternifolia achieved 100% repellency at the concentration of 1 mg/mL while C. nobile showed 95.98% repellency activity at concentration of 4 mg/mL. Also, M. alternifolia and C. nobile EOs displayed potent AChE inhibition with IC50 value of 91.27 and 100.12 μg/mL, respectively. In the present study, M. alternifolia and, to a lesser degree, C. nobile EOs were found to be effective in vitro acaricides, repellents and acetylcholinesteraseinhibitor against H. scupense ticks. These plants may represent an economical and sustainable alternative to toxic synthetic acaricides in the management of ectoparasites of veterinary importance.

Phytochemical, Technological, and Pharmacological Study on the Galenic Dry Extracts Prepared from German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flowers

Galenic preparations of German chamomile are used to treat mild skin diseases, inflammation, and spasms, and they have also been reported to have anxiolytic and sedative effects. The medicinal use of chamomile is well known in ethnomedicine. After obtaining its galenic preparations, there is lots of waste left, so it is expedient to develop waste-free technologies. The aims of this study were to gain knowledge of the ethnomedical status of chamomile in the past and present, develop methods for preparing essential oils and dry extracts from German chamomile flowers using complex processing, reveal the phytochemical composition of such extracts, and verify the analgesic and soporific activity of the extracts. Two methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers were developed, which allowed us to obtain the essential oil and dry extracts of the tincture and aqueous extracts as byproducts. A total of 22 phenolic compounds (7 hydroxycinnamic acids, 13 flavonoids, and 2 phenolic acids) were found in the dry extracts by using UPLC-MS/MS. In total, nine main terpenoids were identified in the chamomile oil, which is of the bisabolol chemotype. During the production of chamomile tincture, a raw material–extractant ratio of 1:14–1:16 and triple extraction are recommended for its highest yield. In in vivo studies with mice and rats, the extracts showed analgesic activity and improvements in sleep. The highest sedative and analgesic effects in rodents were found with the dry extract prepared by using a 70% aqueous ethanol solution for extraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The developed methods for the complex processing of German chamomile flowers are advisable for implementation into the pharmaceutical industry to reduce the volume of waste during the production of its essential oil and tincture, and to obtain new products.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of L-Tryptophan from Chamomile Flower: Method Development and Application for Flower Parts Characterization and Varietal Difference

Chamomile has been widely used as a functional tea due to its effects on several neurohormones, some of which are related to tryptophan. An analytical ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique was successfully optimized and validated to determine tryptophan levels in chamomile flowers. A Box-Behnken design, in conjunction with response surface methodology, was conducted based on 3 factors and 3 levels: Temperature (x1; 30, 50, and 70 °C), solvent composition (x2; 0, 40, and 80% methanol in water), and ultrasonic power (x3; 20, 60, and 100%). The main (x2) and quadratic effect of solvent (x2x2); quadratic of temperature (x1x1) and ultrasonic power (x3x3); also, the interaction of solvent-ultrasonic power (x2x3) and temperature-ultrasonic power (x1x3), significantly affected (p < 0.05) the level of L-tryptophan in the extracts. Optimum extraction conditions were achieved by applying a temperature of 54 °C for 15 min using 17% methanol in water and 69% ultrasonic power. A high recovery (94.26%) was achieved with 2 extraction cycles. The coefficient of variation (CV) demonstrated that the developed method had a satisfactory level of precision (CV < 5%) for repeatability and intermediate precision. To check the applicability of the method, the parts of 2 types of chamomile flowers (German and Roman) were evaluated. This method was successfully applied to characterize chamomile flowers based on L-tryptophan levels. HIGHLIGHTS A novel ultrasound-assisted extraction method was successfully optimized and validated for extracting L-tryptophan from chamomile flowers Solvent composition was the most influential factor in extracting L-tryptophan from chamomile flowers The level of L-tryptophan in ray and disc florets part of Roman dan German chamomile was revealed for the first time GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Fabrication of bioinspired keratin/sodium alginate based biopolymeric mat loaded with herbal drug and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles as a dual drug antimicrobial wound dressing

Dual drug antibacterial wound dressings with biological materials possess crucial wound healing characteristics including biocompatibility, non-toxicity, degradability, mechanical strength and antibacterial properties. The study focusses on fabricating keratin (K)‑sodium alginate (A) based wound dressings by loading green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using C. roseus (leaf extract) and M. recutita (Chamomile flower part) herbal drug (CH) as a bioactive dual antibacterial wound dressing for the first time. The optimized ZnO NPs and CH exhibits strong physiochemical and electrostatic interactions (FT-IR, XRD and SEM) on the fabricated K-A-CH-ZnO biopolymeric mats. Moreover, the tiny porous network of the biopolymeric mat enhances thermal stability, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and explores the water vapor transmission (2538.07 g/m2/day) and oxygen permeability (7.38 ± 0.31 g/m2) to maintain moist environment and cell-material interactions. During enzymatic degradation studies, ZnO NPs and CH of biopolymeric mat not only retains structural integrity but also increases the characteristic of swelling with sustained drug release (57 %) in 144 h which accelerates wound healing process. Also, K-A-CH-ZnO mat exhibited excellent antibacterial effects against B. subtilis and E. coli. Furthermore, NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell behavior using MTT assay and in vivo evaluations of biopolymeric mat depicted enhanced biocompatibility with increased collagen deposition at the wound site as a prominent dual drug medicated antimicrobial wound dressing.

Biljke u prirodnoj kozmetici

The paper gives an overview of the development of cosmetics through history, then shows some of the plant species and their parts that are most often used or included in cosmetic preparations. The list comprises the following plant species: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula officinalis L., Cucumis sativus L., Daucus carotа L., and Malaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel, as well as their parts used for the preparation of cosmetic preparations: aloe leaves, marigold flowers, chamomile flowers, rosemary herba, lavender herba, cucumber fruits, carrot seeds, and tea tree leaves. The cosmetic preparation of the mentioned plant species are mostly based on their extracts, macerates or essential oils. Also, the cold-pressed fatty oils from the following plant species are widely used in cosmetics: olive oil obtained from the fruits of Olea europaea L., almond oil from the seeds of Prunus dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb, coconut oil from the fruit or seed of the coconut palm – Cocos nucifera L., sunflower oil from the seeds of Helianthus annuus L., and grape seed oil from the seeds of Vitis vinifera L.

Влияние п-тирозола на морфофункциональные изменения сосудов слизистой оболочки губы в условиях экспериментального стоматита

Introduction. Oxidative stress is a non-specific pathogenetic link in inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa, which has a destructive effect on its structure and function. In this regard, natural antioxidants such as (p-tyrosol) are of great interest to researchers. The purpose of this paper was to study the effect of p-tyrosol on the morphofunctional changes in the microcirculatory during experimental stomatitis. Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out on 72 Wistar rats with experimental stomatitis. The animals were divided into four groups, each including 18 subjects: the control (intact rats; group 1 with the burn and no treatment (group 2), with the burn and subsequent administration of p-tyrosol (group 3), and with the burn and subsequent administration of Lidocaine + Chamomile flower extract (group 4). Results. The animals of group 3 had the smallest values of the altered vessels, the precapillary diffusion index and the Kernogan index on days 3, 7, and 12. On the contrary, the numerical density of the unchanged arterioles, venules, and capillaries was the greatest. VEGF expression was detected in group 3 on days 7 and 12, and in group 4, on day 12, thus indicating a more intense angiogenesis. Conclusion. On the background of p-tyrosol administration, there is an increased blood supply in the treated area due to the following factors: a growing density of unchanged microvessels, the germination of the ves-sels in the treated area, and induced angiogenesis.

Effect of neurotransmitters in drinking water and some medicinal flowers in broiler diet additives on body performances and some immune parameters

This study was conducted to under seek the incidence of some neurotransmitters in drinking water and native medicinal flowers (Alecea Kurdica – Gule Hero and Chamomile) flowers as diet additives on body growth and immune of broiler. 720 one day unsexed hatched chicks will distributed into 12 treatments, each treatment with three replicates (20 chicks), as following: T0 (control -standard diet), [T1 (0.2 g Endorphin), T2 (0.2 g Dopamine) and T3 (0.2 g Serotonin)/ L drinking water], [T4 )0.5 kg Hero flower) and T5) 0.5 kg Chamomile flower)/ 100 kg diet], T6 )0.2 g Endorphin+0.5 kg Hero flower(, T7 (0.2 g Dopamine+0.5 kg Hero flower(, T8 )0.2 g Serotonin+ 0.5 kg Hero flower(, T9 (0.2 g Endorphin+0.5 kg Chamomile flower), T10 (0.2 g/ Dopamine+0.5 kg Chamomile flower), T11= 0.2 g/ L Serotonin/ L drinking water + 0.5 kg Chamomile flower/ 100 kg diet. The addition of neurotransmitters and native flowers additives as immune modulator had significantly affected on body weight, body weight gain and production index and led to to significant increase (P≤ 0.01) in relative weights of spleen, Bursa of fabricius, Thymus and antibodies titer against ND and IB diseases, also decreased the stress ratio which represented by heterophil/ lymphocyte (H/L) especially in T3 and T11.

Formation of quality indicators of products based on fruits and berries

Fruits and berries are an integral part of a healthy diet. The seasonality of production, short-term preservation in fresh form predetermines the need for their processing in order to provide the population with the necessary nutrients year-round. Common sauces are tomato and mayonnaise sauces. The assortment of fruit sauces is limited, and the traditional technologies of their production do not make it possible to preserve the biologically active substances of vegetable raw materials in them as much as possible and do not always differ in high organoleptic indicators. The established relationship between the quality of the fruit product, its color, nutritional value, and digestibility is directly dependent on polyphenols, which are chemically active and extremely unstable. One of the adopted technological solutions aimed at preserving the polyphenols of cherries and black currants during the development of sauce technology is the use of aromatic plant raw materials widely distributed in Ukraine. Previous studies have suggested that the leaves of black currant, walnut, oregano, elderflower, and chamomile flowers are able to preserve polyphenols from oxidation. Studies have confirmed the assumptions. It was established that the adopted concentrations of additives are optimal and make it possible to preserve cherry and blackcurrant bioflavonoids by 34...82 % more compared to traditional products. According to the organoleptic parameters, the products are advantageously distinguished by their intense color and pleasant aroma, characteristic of the raw materials. The radioprotective properties of cherry and blackcurrant sauces were investigated. Their positive influence on the removal of radionuclides from the body has been proven. Sauces reliably have radioprotective, immunomodulating properties and can be used in therapeutic and preventive and baby nutrition

Comparison of essential oil content and composition in two German chamomile (Matricaria chamomile L.) genotypes

Two German chamomile genotypes (wild and domestic) were investigated for essential oil content and composition. Wild and domestic chamomile flowers were collected from Noor-Abad and Karaj regions and dried before essential oil extraction using distillation method. Essential oil components were identified by analytical gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results revealed that essential oil efficiency in domestic and wild chamomile was recorded as 0.87 and 0.77%, respectively. Amongst fifteen different components identified in essential oil samples, (E)-â-farnesene, á -bisabolol oxide A and B and chamazulene were found to be the major components with frequency of 12.86, 31.86, 5.24 and 6.16% in domestic species and 8.83, 2.52, 1.81 and 55.606% in wild species. Irrespective of slight reduction in essential oil content and its components, wild German chamomile genotype can be used as valuable source in future domestication programmes.

Imaging metabolic mechanisms and the binding behavior of nutrients/transporters of edible Matricaria flowers VOCs

To promote the consumption of flowers and to utilize the nutritional value of proteins, the efficacy of the beneficial components of flowers has been intensively studied. Anthemis nobilis was used as the study object, and all its volatile components (VOCs) were fingerprinted using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS). GC–MS fingerprints of five parts of Anthemis nobilis were established using three proteins, bovine lactoferrin (BLF), bovine lactoglobulin (β-Lg), and human serum albumin (HSA), as nutrient transporters. The interactions between the volatile components from different parts of the mother chrysanthemum plant and the nutrient/transport proteins were investigated. The results of fingerprinting showed that the flavor components were dominated by alkenes. In addition, this study revealed that among the three nutrient transporters, the strongest binding to the adsorbed volatile components was HSA, followed by BLF, and β-Lg was second. In addition, a characteristic molecule, camphene, was screened. Integrated molecular simulation using fluorescence spectroscopy was used to validate the results of the interaction of the nutrient/transport proteins systems with characteristic molecule. The properties of the characteristic molecules such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity in vivo were analyzed using ADMET to provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of flower-flavored dairy products.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants in the canton of Arajuno, province of Pastaza, Ecuador

The World Health Organization promotes the use of medicinal plants to facilitate access to alternative treatments. Ancestral ethnographic knowledge is integrated into basic healthcare, benefiting cultural traditions and compensating for the limitations of medical services, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This study characterized the traditional use of medicinal plants in the canton of Arajuno, province of Pastaza, Ecuador. A total of 160 ethnobotanical questionnaires were applied, identifying 30 families and 49 medicinal plants. The most commonly used were Chamaemelum nobile, Piper aduncum L., Maytenus laevis, Kalanchoe pinnata, Solanum dulcamara L., and Aloysia triphylla, employed to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and anti-infective conditions. Leaves were the most used part of the plants, and infusion was the most common preparation method. These findings highlight the importance of ancestral knowledge in traditional medicine and its role in community health

Improving Productivity and Health Status of Lactating Zaraibi Goats with Echinacea Purpurea or/and Chamomile Flower Supplementation

Improving Productivity and Health Status of Lactating Zaraibi Goats with Echinacea Purpurea or/and Chamomile Flower Supplementation

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

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

Metal and pesticide residues levels accumulated in leafy vegetables and several fragrant medicinal plants in Baghdad Governorate / Iraq

The levels of some heavy metals (cadmium, lead, chromium) and pesticide residues (Malathion, Dimethoate, Profernofoes, PrimiohosMe) were estimated in some aromatic medicinal plants (chamomile, anise seeds, coriander, fennel) and leafy vegetables (cabbage, celery, grape leaves, and coriander, Mint, lettuce, spinach, and watercress) are commonly used and collected frm various markets. Organophosphorus pesticides have also been detected in some aromatic medicinal plants and leafy vegetables. Where, chamomile samples showed only Malathion, while in coriander malathion is 0.86 and Dimethoate have been detected in Anise seeds, profernofoes in chamomile were predominant, and leafy vegetables have also been detected some Organophosphorus pesticides in green mint Malathion, profernofoes is dominant, the findings showed that some heavy metals were present in some of the samples that were collected. Lead and chromium levels, as well as varying amounts of cadmium and chromium, were found in grape leaves in the majority of the samples that were examined. Samples of chamomile flowers had the greatest average amounts of cadmium and chromium, whereas samples of anise seeds had the highest levels of lead.

The role of phytocomponents in the complex therapy of chronic non-calculous cholecystitis

Non-calculous cholecystitis is a form of cholecystitis caused by dysfunction or hypokinesis of the gallbladder. The polyetiology and multiplicity of the pathogenesis of this disease requires different approaches to its correction. In this situation, phytopreparations containing components of origin provide special attention in combination with the main therapy. Curcumin has a strong protective effect against cholestasis through farnesoid X receptors, resulting in a release of bile acid homeostasis and counteracting inflammatory inflammation and as a manifestation of cholestasis. Several studies show that curcumin requires a contraction of the gallbladder. Despite the presence of many useful properties, the widespread use of curcumin in medical practice was limited by its limited bioavailability. Forms with increased bioavailability have been synthesized, such as kavacarcumin. The use of artichoke leaf extract in gastroenterology is based on its strong antidyspeptic effect, mediated by choleretic activity. As study show, the choleretic effect of the artichoke was more pronounced than that of the reference drug. In the description, there is no direct effect of chamomile phytocomponents on the state of bile compatibility and the function of bile outflow, however, an indirect effect on its work is possible. The results make chamomile flower extract a good addition to therapy. Thus, due to the occurrence of synergistic components, the complex is found in individuals, in patients with chronic diseases of the biliary tract, with functional disorders, the period of treatment in long-term complex therapy, with the prevention of exacerbation and prolongation of remission, as well as in healthy individuals for the prevention of these diseases.

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

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

Bioassay-Guided Assessment of Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts from Medicinal Plants via High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography.

Natural products and their analogues have contributed significantly to treatment options, especially for anti-inflammatory and infectious diseases. Thus, the primary objective of this work was to compare the bioactivity profiles of selected medicinal plants that are historically used in folk medicine to treat inflammation and infections in the body. Chemical HPTLC fingerprinting was used to assess antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid content, while bioassay-guided HPTLC was used to detect compounds with the highest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The results of this study showed that green tea leaf, walnut leaf, St. John's wort herb, wild thyme herb, European goldenrod herb, chamomile flower, and immortelle flower extracts were strong radical scavengers. Green tea and nettle extracts were the most active extracts against E. coli, while calendula flower extract showed significant potency against S. aureus. Furthermore, green tea, greater celandine, and fumitory extracts exhibited pronounced potential in suppressing COX-1 activity. The bioactive compounds from the green tea extract, as the most bioactive, were isolated by preparative thin-layer chromatography and characterized with their FTIR spectra. Although earlier studies have related green tea's anti-inflammatory properties to the presence of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the FTIR spectrum of the compound from the most intense bioactive zone showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity can be attributed to amino acids and heterocyclic compounds. As expected, antibacterial activity in extracts was related to fatty acids and monoglycerides.