Sativum Oils Research Articles

Acaricidal and insecticidal properties of Coriandrum sativum oils and their major constituents extracted by three different methods against stored product pests

Essential oils of Coriandrum sativum were extracted by three different methods, including steam distillation (SDE), solvent (SE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), to determine their acaricidal and insecticidal properties against Plodia interpunctella, Sitotroga cerealella and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. The fumigant bioassay against P. interpunctella, S. cerealella and T. putrescentiae revealed the strongest activity (LD50 9.38, 18.76 and 4.19 μg/cm3) of oil obtained via SDE, followed by extraction via SE (LD50 > 75.20, 21.11, and > 75.20 μg/cm3) and SFE (LD50 > 75.20, 27.36, and > 75.20 μg/cm3). The contact bioassay against T. putrescentiae revealed the most potent activities of oil obtained via SDE (LD50 19.29 μg/cm2), followed by oil via SE and SFE. The chemical composition of C. sativum oils obtained by SDE, HE and SFE was analyzed by GC–MS. The C. sativum oil obtained by SDE contained linalool (66.80%) compared with oils obtained by SE and SFE (70.67–70.80%). However, camphor (6.46%) was detected in SDE but not in the other two extracts. Based on the LD50 values of six major compounds derived from the three C. sativum oils against P. interpunctella, S. cerealella and T. putresceentiae, camphor was considered the most active (2.32, 19.31 and 3.24 μg/cm3, respectively) insecticide. The three values were about real camphor concentration in the oil via SDE. These results indicate that camphor contributes to the acaricidal and insecticidal activities of oil extracted via SDE of C. sativum seeds.

Fingerprint profile and efficacy-associated markers of Nigella sativa oil for geographical origin determination using targeted and untargeted HPTLC-multivariate analysis

Efficacy directed-fingerprint analysis of high-performance thin layer chromatography is proposed to set up fingerprint activity relationship modeling for precise discrimination of chemical and effective consistency of Nigella sativa oils from different geographical origins. A whole of 27 samples of N. sativa oils from three geographical area (Egypt, Ethiopia and Syria) were collected and their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were measured. The results revealed that there was significant difference in the biological activities of the oils collected. The fingerprints of the samples had been established by high performance thin layer chromatography, subsequently the data had been utilized for the discrimination of the samples geographical origin. The loading plots of HPTLC-Principal Component Analysis (PCA) had been used to discover the crucial marker ingredients for classification. Furthermore, targeted chemical fingerprints had been established by HPTLC, and discriminant analyses were calculated depending on five common characteristic peaks. The chosen markers were quantified by validated HPTLC methods, and then the quantitative data as well as the oils bioactive properties were subjected to partial least squares regression (PLSR) analyses. Thymoquinone and free fatty acids (FFA) were revealed as potential markers to distinguish the chemical consistency and efficacy of the oils from the three different geographical origins. The suggested technique provides an applicable integrated strategy to screen for efficacy-associated markers for discrimination of N. sativa oils from distinctive geographical origins exploiting HPTLC fingerprint activity relationship modeling.

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF COCONUT AND NIGELLA SATIVA OILS ON STREPTOCOCCOUS MUTANS, LACTOBACILLI AND CANDIDA ALBICANS AN INVITRO-STUDY

Back to nature is the concept that most of workers in the medical and dental fields are searching for nowadays. Coconut oil and Nigella sativa are used to treat a wide range of health problems. In the dental field they had been documented to possess an inhibitory effect on some oral cariogenic microorganisms. Aim: Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Coconut and Nigella Sativa oils on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli and Candida albicans as a natural mean for prophylaxis against dental caries. Materials and methods: Two herbal oils (Coconut and Nigella sativa) and Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% as a positive control were used in this study. Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, and Candida albicans were isolated and incubated. Growth inhibitory effect of the tested materials was evaluated by direct contact method for each microorganism separately by adding 0.5 ml. of the tested material to each organism in a sterile tube and incubated at 37°C aerobically for Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and anaerobically for Lactobacilli then the tested microorganisms were spread on specific media. The count of the microorganisms was expressed as CFU/plate and recorded after 2 and 24 hours. Results: Coconut oil showed marked % of reduction on both SM and Candida albiacans (89.3 % and 87.3 %) after 24 hours contact period. Nigella Sativa oil showed marked reduction on SM after 2 hours only (68.33%) with no effect on Candida albicans. Both oils had no effect on LB. The highest % of reduction of all tested microorganisms was recorded with Chlorhexidine. Conclusions: Coconut oil has a great inhibitory effect on both SM and Candida albicans with this effect extending by time, but no effect on LB. Nigella sativa oil has an inhibitory effect on SM over a short contact period, but this effect decreased and even vanished by time, but it has no effect on neither Candida albicans nor LB. Chlorhexidine showed the most superior results on all tested microorganisms.

The Chemical Compositions of the Volatile Oils of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Wild Garlic (Allium vineale).

Garlic, Allium sativum, is broadly used around the world for its numerous culinary and medicinal uses. Wild garlic, Allium vineale, has been used as a substitute for garlic, both in food as well as in herbal medicine. The present study investigated the chemical compositions of A. sativum and A. vineale essential oils. The essential oils from the bulbs of A. sativum, cultivated in Spain, were obtained by three different methods: laboratory hydrodistillation, industrial hydrodistillation, and industrial steam distillation. The essential oils of wild-growing A. vineale from north Alabama were obtained by hydrodistillation. The resulting essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Both A. sativum and A. vineale oils were dominated by allyl polysulfides. There were minor quantitative differences between the A. sativum oils owing to the distillation methods employed, as well as differences from previously reported garlic oils from other geographical locations. Allium vineale oil showed a qualitative similarity to Allium ursinum essential oil. The compositions of garlic and wild garlic are consistent with their use as flavoring agents in foods as well as their uses as herbal medicines. However, quantitative differences are likely to affect the flavor and bioactivity profiles of these Allium species.

Fresh cheese as a vehicle for polyunsaturated fatty acids integration: effect on physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics

Five different vegetable oils were used in the production of fresh cheese to increase the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly α-linolenic acid (ALA), the most important omega-3 fatty acid of vegetable origin. Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of functionalized cheeses were evaluated after 1 and 3 days of ripening at 4 °C while the consumer appreciation was evaluated in the final product at 3 days of ripening. After 3 days, the cheeses with Camelina sativa and Echium plantagineum oils added exhibited the highest retention of PUFAs (mostly ALA) compared to those with flaxseed, raspberry and blackcurrant oils. The addition of oil showed little effects on physico-chemical characteristics and also consumers’ evaluation highlighted that all of the fresh cheeses were considered acceptable although those with flaxseed and raspberry oils were the most appreciated.

Impact of Nigella sativa and Clove Oils on Cell Wall Genes Expression in Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Antimicrobial resistance of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) became on the top list of the serious problems that have a negative impact on public health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the in vitro antibacterial activities of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) and clove essential oils against multidrug resistant (MDR) methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates recovered from different sources with a special reference to their role on the expression of penicillin binding protein (pbp 2) and muscle ring finger (murF) genes. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of 51 staphylococcal isolates comprising 34 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and 17 coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNs) revealed a highest sensitivity against vancomycin (100%) and marked resistance patterns against β-lactam (beta-lactam) antibiotics. The results revealed that 97.1% of S. aureus isolates demonstrated a high level of MDR pattern, being resistant to more than 3 antibiotics of different classes. The in vitroantibacterial effects of clove and Nigella sativa essential oils against 11 MDR isolates using disc diffusion method indicated that both oils exhibited strong inhibitory efficiencies with inhibition zone diameters up to 45 and 20 mm, respectively. Besides, broth microdilution test of both essential oils revealed maximum activities against the tested strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) up to 0.5 and 8 µg/mL for clove and N. sativa oils, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) analysis revealed the effective role of N. sativa and clove oils on the down-regulation of S. aureus murF and pbp 2 genes. In conclusion, the above findings highlight the promising antibacterial functions of N. sativa and clove essential oils in the treatment of emergent resistant S. aureus infections.

Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus essential oils as novel control tools against the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus and fresh water snail Physella acuta

Over the past several decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L., Cannabaceae) cultivation. Besides fibre, seeds and oil, hemp contains high quantity of essential oil (EO). Hop (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) is a high-climbing, perennial vine, largely utilized in the brewing industry to add flavour and bitterness to beer. While it is known that hop also contains α- and ß-acids, and terpenes that have been found to be toxic, anti-feedant, and repellent for insects and mites, little is known about the bioactivity against problematic species of the hemp EO. In this study, the chemical composition of the EOs from C. sativa and H. lupulus was evaluated by GC–MS, and their acute toxicity was assessed against the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera Culicidae) and, the freshwater bladder snail Physella acuta (Draparnaud) (Mollusca Physidae), two problematic invasive species. Furthermore, we evaluated the toxicity of both EOs against a non-target insect, the mayfly Cloeon dipterum L. (Ephemeroptera Baetidae). Both EOs were toxic against the three tested species. The most effective EO was the C. sativa, able to kill 100% of P. acuta snails starting from 100μLL−1. C. sativa LC50 were 301.560, 282.174 and, 35.370μLL−1, while H. lupulus LC50 were 330.855, 219.787 and, 118.653μLL−1 against A. albopictus, C. dipterum and P. acuta, respectively. Relative median potency analysis showed that the C. sativa EO was more toxic than H. lupulus against A. albopictus and P. acuta, while H. lupulus was more toxic than C. sativa EO against C. dipterum. The most susceptible species to the two EOs was P. acuta, while A. albopictus resulted the least susceptible one.

An Essential Oil Blend Prevents Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 from Forming Biofilms

Essential oils are natural ingredients exhibiting antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The properties of a mix of Allium sativum, Cinnamomum cassia and Mentha piperita essential oils are established in this study on a biofilm forming pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were first determined on planktonic cells for the pure essential oils, then for the blend. A crystal violet assay provided the active concentration of a blend for bacterial biofilm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 planktonic and sessile cells were affected by a concentration of an essential oil blend of 0.125%. The active concentration of 0.1% was confirmed using a protocol developed on glass slides, for its activity on adhesion and biofilm formation. The experiment was then repeated in flow cells to monitor the structural biofilm development using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 adhesion was severely inhibited by the blend concentration at 0.5%. Its biofilm was strongly affected from a 0.1% blend concentration and was totally eradicated when the concentration reached 1%. The essential oil blend has an enlarged spectrum of activity and is effective on early biofilm development stages, with a concentration that does not involve bactericidal activities. These results are predictive for potential use of this blend as a cleanser.

Anti-diabetic activity of different oils through their effect on arylsulfatases

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by the overproduction of the reactive oxygen species which affects the integrity of the lysosomal membrane affecting lysosomal enzymes. The effect of these species is blocked by some natural products as antioxidants. In the current study, groups of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were treated by Nigella sativa (NS), olive and canola oils and subjected to the study of arylsulfatases as a model of lysosomal enzymes. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of STZ-induced diabetes on arylsulfatases in presence and absence of NS, olive and canola oils.MethodsDifferent groups of rats were induced by STZ, treated with different oils and compared to their corresponding control group. All groups were subjected for the assays of blood glucose, insulin, catalase and arylsulfatases. A comparative kinetic study of arylsulfatses was performed to detect the alteration of catalytic characterization.ResultsThe results demonstrated that diabetes causes a significant elevation in the level of hepatic arylsulfatase B and a significant reduction of hepatic catalase as an antioxidant enzyme. NS and olive oils returned catalase and arylsulfatase B activities back near to normal by fixing their catalytic properties. Furthermore, the maximum velocity of arylsulfatases A and B was significantly elevated in the induced diabetes, whereas their Km values were significantly changed. The treatment of diabetic rats by NS and olive oils reduced the degree of significance.ConclusionDiabetes induces significant alterations of the catalytic characters of arylsulfatases and some oils decrease this alteration through an antioxidant-mediated effect.

Antimicrobial activity and chemical analysis of some edible oils (Clove, Kalonji and Taramira)

Antimicrobial activity of oils of Syzigium aromaticum (Clove), Nigella sativa (Kalonji) and Eruca sativa Miller (Taramira) was checked against bacteria and fungi by agar well diffusion assay. It was found that Gram negative bacteria were more sensitive to these oils as compared to Gram positive bacteria. Klebsiella pneumonia, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella were found to be more sensitive organisms showing large zones of inhibition. Taramira showed highest antifungal potential as compared to other tested oils. Further, oils were also checked in combination with each other and with antibiotics but no significant results were obtained. Activity units of Kalonji, Taramira and Clove oils were found to be 160, 20 and 160 AU/ml, respectively. Clove and Kalonji oils have higher MICs (that is, 1:4) as compared to Taramira oil (that is, 1:2). Effects of S. aromaticum and N. sativa oils on growing cells of K. pneumonia were found to be bactericidal. Moreover oils were chemically analyzed to determine their composition where moisture content was found to be 9.22% for Clove, 7.79% for Kalonji and 12.25% for Taramira. Acid values of Clove, Kalonji and Taramira oils were found to be 0.418, 1.673 and 0.334%, respectively whereas iodine values of Kalonji and Taramira oils were found to be 23.173 and 41.950 ml, respectively. Current study was focused to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal potential of natural edibles that is, Clove, Kalonji and Taramira oils in order to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. Taramira can be used to treat fungal infections as it exhibits maximum activity against tested fungi. Thus we can conclude that these oils can be used as bio control agents to treat bacterial and fungal infections. Key words: Antimicrobial activity, Clove, Kalonji, Taramira, chemical analysis.

Biochemical study on the impact of Nigella sativa and virgin olive oils on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity in rats

ABSTRACT Cadmium is an environmental pollutant that ranked as one of the top toxic substances rampant in many industries such as cement plants and smoke, batteries and others. The present investigation aimed to assess the possible protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and Virgin Olive oil (VOO) on rat administrated cadmium chloride (CdCl2). 40 male rats were randomly divided into four groups; 10 rats for each: control group (0.5 ml phosphate-buffered physiological saline orally); Cd-treated group (5mg\kg body weight CdCl2 orally); NSO+Cd-treated group (1 ml\kg body weight of NSO+ 5mg\kg body weight CdCl2 orally); VOO+Cd-treated group (0.5 ml\kg body weight of VOO+ 5mg\kg body weight of CdCl2 orally). All treatments were administered daily for a period of 4 successive weeks, blood and tissue sample were collected at the end of the experimental period. In all groups, potential injuries in brain and kidney were evaluated by using biochemical parameters and histopathological investigations. The current study revealed that the administration of CdCl2 induced significant increase in serum creatinine and urea. It also induced significant increase in CAT, SOD, MDA and DNA fragmentation % in brain and kidneys of rats. In addition serum acetyl cholinesterase activity and tissue GSH content were significantly decreased.. The biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological investigations where many lesions were detected in brain and kidneys treated with cadmium. Administration of each of NSO and VOO with CdCl2 showed a significant improvement in the measured biochemical parameters and histopathological pictures. The present study concluded that the VOO and NSO can be used as potentially effective therapeutic agents for workers in factories that their products are contaminated with cadmium particularly cement factories

Nigella sativa Fixed and Essential Oil Supplementation Modulates Hyperglycemia and Allied Complications in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus.

In the recent era, diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the significant threats to public health and this situation demands the attention of the researchers and allied stakeholders. Dietary regimens using functional and nutraceutical foods are gaining wide range of acceptance and some traditional medicinal plants are of considerable importance. The main objective of this instant study was to explore the antidiabetic potential of Nigella sativa fixed oil (NSFO) and essential oil (NSEO). Three experimental groups of rats received diets during the entire study duration, that is, D1 (control), D2 (NSFO: 4.0%), and D3 (NSEO: 0.30%). Experimental diets (NSFO & NSEO) modulated the lipid profile, while decreasing the antioxidant damage. However, production of free radicals, that is, MDA, and conjugated dienes increased by 59.00 and 33.63%, respectively, in control. On the contrary, NSFO and NSEO reduced the MDA levels by 11.54 and 26.86% and the conjugated dienes levels by 32.53 and 38.39%, respectively. N. sativa oils improved the health and showed some promising anti-diabetic results.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin Production and Growth of Aspergillus parasiticus by Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioides, and Nigella sativa Essential Oils

Aflatoxins are highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolites produced by Aspergillus parasiticus on food and agricultural commodities. Natural products may control the production of aflatoxins. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the essential oils (EOs) of Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioides, and Nigella sativa on growth and aflatoxins production by A. parasiticus. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of the EOs were determined and compared with each other. Determination of aflatoxins (AFB(1), AFB(2), AFG(1), and AFG(2)) was performed by immunoaffinity column extraction using reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography. The major oil components were α-pinene (30%) in C. cyminum, pulegone (37%) in Z. clinopodioides, and trans-anthol (38.9%) in N. sativa oils. In broth microdilution method, C. cyminum oil exhibited the strongest activity (MIC(90): 1.6; MFC: 3.5 mg/mL), followed by Z. clinopodioides (MIC(90): 2.1; MFC: 5.5 mg/mL) and N. sativa (MIC(90): 2.75; MFC: 6.25 mg/mL) oils against A. parasiticus (p<0.05). Aflatoxin production was inhibited at 0.25 mg/mL of C. cyminum and Z. clinopodioides oils, of which that of C. cyminum was a stronger inhibitor. C. cyminum EO caused significant reductions in values of 94.2% for AFB(1), 100% for AFB(2), 98.9% for AFG(1), 100% for AFG(2), and 97.5% for total aflatoxin. It is concluded that the EOs of C. cyminum, Z. clinopodioides, and N. sativa could be used as natural inhibitors in foods at low concentrations to protect from fungal and toxin contaminations by A. parasiticus.

Investigation of Lipids Profiles of Nigella, Lupin and Artichoke Seed Oils to be Used as Healthy Oils

Nigella sativa, lupin and artichoke seed oils have been investigated. The oils were subjected to detailed studies using gas chromatographic analysis (GLC) for fatty acids (FA, as methyl esters) and whole sterols (as silyl derivatives). Whereas, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for determination of molecular species of triacylglycerols (TAG), four sterol lipids (free and acylated sterols, FS and AS, and free and acylated sterylglycosides, FSG and ASG, as their anthroylnitrile derivatives) as well as tocopherol patterns (T). The results showed that the three seed oils are rich in oleic and linoleic acids whereas, lupin had high linolenic acid content. It was found that the TAGs of the three oils showed some similarity with sunflower oil. Lupin oil had higher sterol content and it was very rich in campe- and β-sitosterol. Nigella sativa oil had a high content of isofucosterol, whereas artichoke oil was unique in having a high content of 5-stigma-, 7-stigma-, and avena- sterol. Concerning the FS and AS, Nigella sativa oil had the highest content, whereas artichoke oil had the highest content of FSG and ASG. Nigella sativa and lupin oils contained over 90 % γ-T while, artichoke oil comprised about 100 % α-T. It is recommended to use the three oils as healthy oils and folk medicine.

Biodiesel Production from Jatropha Curcas, Waste Cooking, and Camelina Sativa Oils

Process parameter evaluation and catalyst performance study was conducted for biodiesel production using jatropha curcas, waste cooking, and camelina sativa oils. Conversion of triglycerides to methyl esters involves esterification and/or transesterification, depending on the nature of the feedstock. A two-step transesterification process (acid esterification followed by alkali transesterification) was employed to produce biodiesel from high free fatty acids (FFA) in jatropha curcas and waste cooking oils, and a single-step transesterifcation process (alkali transesterifcation) was used for camelina sativa oil conversion. Catalyst selection is vital in transesterification process because it determines biodiesel yield and cost. Transesterification of jatropha curcas and waste cooking oil was optimized by using H2SO4 and ferric sulfate catalysts in the acid esterification step and a KOH catalyst in the alkali transesterification, respectively. Heterogeneous metal oxide catalysts including BaO, SrO, MgO, and CaO were used for the transesterification of camelina sativa oil. Jatropha curcas oil was observed to have yields in the range of 90−95%, with a maximum of 95% obtained at the following process conditions: acid esterification, methanol to oil molar ratio of 6:1, 0.5% of H2SO4, and 40 ± 5 °C; alkali tranesterification, methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1, 2% of KOH, and 60 °C. Waste cooking oil yielded biodiesel in the range of 85−96%, with a maximum of 96% observed at the following optimized process conditions: 2 h reaction at 100 °C, methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1, and 2% of a ferric sulfate catalyst. Comparative experiments on camelina sativa oil conversion showed that the most effective catalyst was BaO that showed >80% yield of camelina to biodiesel. Fuel properties of biodiesel produced from the three different feedstocks were determined and compared with the ASTM standards for biodiesel and petroleum diesel.

Effects of Watercress Oil on the Thermal and Chemical Burn Injuries in Rabbits

This study was conducted to reveal the effect of watercress oil on skin burns in rabbits. Twenty-four male rabbits were used in this study and divided into eight groups. Four groups were burned by concentrated hydrochloric acid and the others by a hot glass rod (80°C) for three times. These groups were divided into two controls: two treated by the antibiotic Baneocin (Bacitracin zinc 250 IU and Neomycin 5000 IU); two treated by watercress oil and two treated by watercress and Nigella sativa oils, 1:1). The epithilialization, the contracting ability of wounds, the closure time and the time necessary for hair to grow were recorded in all groups. A histological examination was processed to test the peripheries of wounds; their thickness, their growth, the hair follicle repairing and the inflammatory cell response. Watercress acted as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and initiated the epithelialization from the peripheries of the wounds. The contracting ability and closure time in both antibiotic and watercress groups were significantly different from those of controls. It was concluded that watercress oil could be an effective therapy in healing skin burns in rabbits, whatever the cause of the burn may be. However, watercress oil and Nigella sativa oils (1:1) had no effect on healing these types of burns under these circumstances.

Antioxidant property ofNigella sativa (black cumin) andSyzygium aromaticum (clove) in rats during aflatoxicosis

Aflatoxins, a group of closely related, extremely toxic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, can occur as natural contaminants of foods and feeds. Aflatoxins have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic to different animal species. Nigella sativa (black cumin) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oil are used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and have antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of these volatile oils to scavenge free radicals generated during aflatoxicosis. Sixty male rats were divided into six treatment groups, including a control group, and the groups were treated for 30 days with Nigella sativa and Syzygium aromaticum oils with or without aflatoxin. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experimental period for haematological and biochemical analysis. The results indicated that exposure to aflatoxins resulted in haematological and biochemical changes typical for aflatoxicosis. Treatment with Nigella sativa and Syzygium aromaticum oil of rats fed an aflatoxin-contaminated diet resulted in significant protection against aflatoxicosis. Moreover, Nigella sativa oil was found to be more effective than Syzygium aromaticum oil in restoring the parameters that were altered by aflatoxin in rats.

In vitro effect of essential oils from Cinnamomum aromaticum, Citrus limon and Allium sativum on two intestinal flagellates of poultry, Tetratrichomonas gallinarum and Histomonas meleagridis.

Essential oils may be effective preventive or curative treatments against several flagelated poultry parasites and may become primordial either to organic farms, or as more drugs are bannished. The anti-flagellate activity of essential oils obtained from fresh leaves of Cinnamomum aromaticum, Citrus limon pericarps and Allium sativum bulbs was investigated in vitro on Tetratrichomonas gallinarum and Histomonas meleagridis. On T. gallinarum, the minimal lethal concentration (MLC) at 24 hours was 0.25 microliter/ml for C. aromaticum oil, and 0.125 microliter/ml for C. limon and A. sativum oils. On H. meleagridis, MLC was 0.5 microliter/ml for C. aromaticum oil and 1 microliter/ml for C. limon and A. sativum oils at 24 and 48 hours. Moreover, no synergistic effects were evidenced in vitro. The essential oil constituents, based on their GC retention times have been also identified. The major component is trans-cinnamaldehyde (79%) for C. aromaticum; limonene for C. limon (71%) and diallyl tri- and disulfide (79%) for A. sativum. Even if concentration and protocol adaptations are required for successful in vivo treatments, it appears that these oils may be useful as chemotherapeutic agents against several poultry parasites.