Spicata Essential Oil Research Articles

Effect of the molar mass of chitosan and film casting solvents on the properties of chitosan films loaded with Mentha spicata essential oil for potential application as wound dressing

Chitosan based films endowed with antibacterial features have witnessed remarkable progress as potential wound dressings. The current study aimed at appraising the effects of the molar mass of chitosan (MM) and the film casting acids on the properties of unplasticized chitosan films and plasticized MSO-embedded chitosan films in order to provide best suited film formulation as a potential candidate for wound dressing application. The prepared films were functionally characterized in terms of their qualitative assessment, thickness, density, swelling behavior, water vapor barrier, mechanical and antibacterial properties. Overall, all chitosan films displayed thickness lower than the human dermis even though thicker and denser films were produced with lactic acid. Assessment of the swelling behavior revealed that only high molar mass (HMM) chitosan films may be regarded as absorbent dressings. Moreover, unplasticized HMM lactate (HMM-LA) films furnished lower stiffness and higher percent strain break as compared to acetate films, due to the plasticizing effect of the remaining lactic acid as alluded by the FTIR analysis. Meanwhile, they provided suitable level of moisture and indicated substantial antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, the most commonly opportunistic bacteria found in infected skin wound. Plasticized chitosan films doped with MSO were significantly thicker and more permeable to water compared to unplasticized films. Furthermore, MSO significantly potentiate the antibacterial effect of chitosan-based films. Therefore, plasticized HMM-LA/MSO chitosan film flashing good swelling behavior, adequate WVTR and WVP, suitable mechanical properties and antibacterial performances substantiated to be a promising antibacterial dressing material for moderately exuding wounds.

Transcriptome analysis of Reticulitermes flaviceps exposed to Mentha spicata essential oil and carvone indicates a potential neurotoxic mechanism of action characterized by intracellular calcium influx mediated by dopamine receptors

Reticulitermes flaviceps is an economically important pest in agriculture, forestry, and construction. Recent studies have shown an increase in research focusing on the anti-termite properties of plant essential oils, however, there remains a lack of information regarding the specific molecular mechanism involved. In this study, RNA-seq analysis was conducted on termites exposed to Mentha spicata essential oil (EO) and carvone, leading to the discovery of various genes that were expressed differentially under different treatment conditions. Numerous genes that exhibited a response to M. spicata EO and carvone found to be associated with stress-related pathways, such as drug metabolism cytochrome P450, glutathione metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, citric acid cycle, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cell apoptosis, the AMPK signalling pathway, the mTOR signalling pathway, the longevity regulation pathway, ubiquitin-mediated protein hydrolysis, and the calcium signalling pathway. The up-regulation of genes (SPHK) associated with calcium channels, such as SPHK, indicates a potential mechanism of neurotoxicity, while the up-regulation of apoptosis-associated genes, including ACTB_G1, PYG, SQSTM1, RNF31, suggests a potential mechanism of cytotoxicity. The metabolism of M. spicata EO induces oxidative stress, elevates free Ca2+ levels in mitochondria, and initiates the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately resulting in programmed cell necrosis and apoptosis, as well as facilitating cellular autophagy. The monoterpenes exhibited neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects on R. flaviceps and could be exploited to advance termiticide development and eco-friendly termite control.

Antifungal potential of essential oil of Mentha spicata (L) in the biological control against phytopathogenic fungi

<p>Mentha species are commonly used in traditional medicine for their several pharmacological properties. They are also used as spice and are known for their bactericidal, antiviral and fungicidal properties. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antifungal activity of Mentha spicata essential oil, against fungal strains isolated from infested plants, namely Altarnaria citri, Fusarium solani, Fusarim oxysporum. The results obtained illustrate the inhibitory effect of Mentha spicata essential oil on the mycelial growth of fungal strains with inhibition rates ranging from 90% to 100%. The phytopathogen Fusarium solani turns out to be the most sensitive strain with an IC50 of around 8.70 μL/L.</p>

The Effect of Mentha spicata Essential Oil (Supermint Oral Drops) on Gastric Residual Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Parallel-Group, Triple-Blinded, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial

IntroductionDelayed gastric emptying is a prevalent problem in intensive care unit (ICU) patients on mechanical ventilation receiving enteral nutrition. This study aimed to assess the effect of Mentha spicata essential oil (Supermint oral drops) on gastric residual volume (GRV) in this patient population. MethodsIn this clinical trial study, from 01 May 2020 to 30 January 2021, 60 mechanically ventilated ICU patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. From the first day of their feeding, patients in the intervention and control groups respectively received 20 drops of the Supermint and placebo dissolved in 40 ml of water, three times daily for four days. The GRV was measured at the baseline and during four days of intervention. Data were analyzed using a generalized estimation equation (GEE) regression model. ResultsOf the patients, 58.1 % were female. The mean age of patients was 71.5 (SD=14.2), and 65.5% were hospitalized for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The results of the GEE regression model indicated no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the baseline GRV (p=0.181). There was a significant interaction between time and the treatment group (p < 0.001), which suggested that GRV changes over time was different between the two groups. In the control group, the average GRV increased by 0.07 for each unit increase in time, while in the Supermint group, it decreased significantly by 1.09. ConclusionsThe current study's finding suggested that Mentha spicata essential oil may have the potential to reduce GRV in ICU patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding. IRCT code NOIRCT20191223045868N1. Date: 03/28/2020)Available at: https://irct.ir/trial/46580

Chemical composition and toxicity of commercial Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus citriodora essential oils on Culex quinquefasciatus and non-target insects.

Current vector control strategies based on synthetic chemicals are not eco-friendly against non-target organisms; hence, alternative approaches are highly required. Commercially purchased oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and Eucalyptus citriodora (Citriodora) were examined against the medical pest Cx. quinquefasciatus (Say) and their non-toxicity on the aquatic species was evaluated. Chemical screening with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a total of 14 and 11 compounds in Citriodora and Spearmint oils, respectively, with the highest peak (%) at carvone (70.44%) and isopulegol (30.4%). The larvicidal activity on the fourth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus showed dose-dependent mortality and significance at a 100ppm concentration 48h post-treatment with Citriodora (76.4%, P ≤ 0.001) and Spearmint (100%, P ≤ 0.001). Additionally, the photomicrograph of the fourth instar larvae revealed significant physical abnormalities in the head and midgut tissues post-exposure to Spearmint and Citriodora oils. Moreover, the histological assay revealed severe damage in the epithelial cells and gut lumen 2 to 24h post-treatment. The repellency percentage of adult Culex mosquitoes was prominent across both oils at 150ppm 210min post-exposure. Non-target toxicity on the aquatic predator showed both essential oils (Spearmint oil (17.2%) and Citriodora oil (15.2%)) are safer at the maximum treatment (200ppm) compared to temephos (75.4% at 1ppm). The in silico screening of phyto-compounds derived by both essential oils with BeeTox (online server) showed no contact toxicity to the honey bee Apis mellifera. Overall, the present research revealed that Spearmint and Citriodora essential oils and their active phyto-compounds were toxic to Cx. quinquefasciatus and harmless to the aquatic predator and honey bee.

Chemical composition and toxicity of Moroccan mentha spicata and Artemisia absinthium essential oils against Pthorimaea operculella, the potato moth

The current methods employed to mitigate losses caused by Phthorimaea operculella primarily rely on the application of synthetic insecticides. We have utilised essential oils of Mentha spicata L. and Artemisia absinthium against Phthorimaea operculella. The essential oils were obtained using hydrodistillation and analysed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Mentha spicata essential oil contained D-limonene (25.12%) and D-carvone (7.47%) while the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium was rich of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexene (27.93%) and camphor (22.50%). Five concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 µL/L of air) were applied to the four phases of P. operculella, neonate larvae, nymphs, eggs and adults. The results of the biological tests showed that spearmint oil was more toxic than wormwood oil, particularly at the adult and Chrysalide stages. Essential oils could be considered good alternatives to chemical pesticides for the protection of potato crops.

The utility of Ocimum basilicum, Perilla frutescens, and Mentha spicata essential oils to control larvae and engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs.

The study evaluated the larvicidal and reproductive effects of essential oils from Ocimum basilicum, Perilla frutescens, and Mentha spicata on engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Adult immersion and larval packet assays were used to evaluate their larvicidal efficacy and impact on tick reproductive abilities. For tick larvae, Perilla frutescens essential oil had the highest 50% lethal dose of 1.89 mg/mL, followed by Ocimum basilicum at 1.58 mg/mL, and Mentha spicata at 1.07 mg/mL. Regarding adult ticks, although Mentha spicata essential oil had the lowest reduced oviposition value, it showed the highest product efficacy. Overall, all tested essential oils effectively killed tick larvae and influenced the reproductive capacity of engorged female ticks, with Mentha spicata essential oil being the most potent.

Synthesis, characterization and insecticidal activity of Mentha spicata essential oil loaded polymeric nanoparticles

Chemical insecticides are often employed to manage stored grain pests. However, their use could have severe consequences for consumers and the environment. Thus, nanotechnology could present intriguing answers to issues related to agricultural and the food sectors. In the present investigation, Mentha spicata essential oil (MsEO) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MsEO/CSNPs) were synthesized and characterized using FTIR, SEM, TEM, DLS and XRD. It was observed that the average size of the nanoparticles ranged between 50 and 200 nm with 0.428 and 0.222 PDI for the MsEO loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MsEO/CSNPs1) and MsEO loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MsEO/CSNPs2), respectively. SEM and TEM studies revealed spherical nature of the nanoparticles. Loading Capacity (LC) was found to be 6.62–4.19% and encapsulation efficiency (EE) ranged from 79.5 to 82.5% in MsEO/CSNPs1 and MsEO/CSNPs2. Further, MsEO-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MsEO/CSNPs1 and MsEO/CSNPs2) demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 24.2 μg/mL and 30.9 μg/mL, suggesting that MsEO/CSNPs might be employed for an effective natural antioxidant agent. The synthesized MsEO/CSNPs showed strong insecticidal efficacy when used for Callosobruchus maculates (LC50 56 μL/L) and Sitophilus granaries (LC50 47 μL/L) in toxicity tests. These nanoparticles were also tested for cytotoxicity on the Vero cell line, and the results revealed that they were nontoxic. The findings demonstrate that Mentha spicata essential oil (MsEO) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MsEO/CSNPs) is an innovative development that might be used in a food storage pest control strategy for Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus granaries.

Promising Larvicidal Effects of Nanoliposomes Containing Carvone and Mentha spicata and Tanacetum balsamita Essential Oils Against Anopheles stephensi.

The use of synthetic pesticides to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases has causedenvironmental pollution and insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Developments of new green insecticides havethus received more attention to overcome these problems. Nanoliposomes containing carvone and essential oils were first prepared. The nanoliposomephysicochemical characteristics (particle size, morphology, and successful loading) were then evaluated byDynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and the Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed (ATR-FTIR) analyses. Larvicidal effects of carvone, Mentha spicata, and Tanacetumbalsamita essential oils were investigated against the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, in non-formulatedand nanoformulated states. The larvicidal effects of nanoformulated states were significantly more potent (7.2 folds, 3.5 folds, and 8folds) than non-formulated states. Nanoliposomes containing M. spicata and T. balsamita essential oils with particlesizes of 175 ± 8 and 184 ± 5 nm showed the best efficacies (LC50 values = 9.74 and 9.36 μg/mL). The prepared samples could be used as new green potent larvicides against An stephensi mosquito infurther field trials. It is also recommended to investigate their efficacies against other mosquitoes.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Evaluation of Mentha spicata L. and Matricaria chamomilla L. Essential Oils.

Spearmint, Mentha spicata L., and the German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla L., preparations are used against inflammatory conditions traditionally and in modern medicinal applications. This present study aimed to evaluate pharma-grade essential oils for their in vitro anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects using COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzyme assays, as well as their apoptosis potential through the caspase pathway. In addition, the (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay was applied to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic effects using HEK293/A549, MCF7, and PC3 cell lines. Major components of M. spicata essential oil were confirmed both by gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detector (FID) and GC/mass spectrometry (MS) as 72.8% carvone, 12.6% limonene, 2.2% 1,8-cineole, 1.3% myrcene, and 1% trans-dihydrocarvone. The major components of M. chamomilla essential oil were also confirmed as 47.9% α-bisabolol oxide A, 16.8% α-bisabolol, 13.8%, (Z)-β-farnesene, 5.8% α-bisabolol oxide, and 4.7% α-bisabolene oxide A. The IC50 values for M. chamomilla essential oil on A549, MCF7, PC3, and HEK293 cells were calculated as 208.54 ± 1.39, 315.44 ± 1.17, 197.52 ± 0.98, and 638.79 ± 1.15 μg/mL, respectively, whereas the IC50 values for M. spicata essential oil on A549, MCF7, and PC3 cells were 672.13 ± 2.57, 708.27 ± 2.05, and 206.49 ± 1.48 μg/mL, respectively. For M. spicata essential oil, no cytotoxic effects on healthy HEK293 cells were observed at the tested concentrations. The essential oils increased the apoptotic activity, where all results were statistically significant. According to the anti-inflammatory evaluation, both M. chamomilla and M. spicata oils showed selective COX-2 inhibitions, where the SI values were calculated as 0.30 and 0.67, respectively. Overall, both M. spicata and M. chamomilla essential oils showed selective inhibition on the COX-2 enzyme and apoptosis against the selected cancer cell lines for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, with this specific dual mode of action. The initial results encourage further detailed in vivo experimental evaluations.

Green synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of gold and silver nanoparticles using Mentha spicata essential oil

Green synthesis of bioactive nanoparticles (NPs) is getting more attractive in various fields of science including the food industry. This study investigates the green synthesizing and characterization of gold NPs (AuNPs) and silver NPs (AgNPs) produced using Mentha spicata L. (M. spicata) essential oil as well as their antibacterial, antioxidant, and in vitro cytotoxic effects. The essential oil was mixed with both Chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) solutions separately and incubated at room temperature for 24 h. The chemical composition of the essential oil was identified by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer detector (GC–MS). Au and Ag nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The cytotoxicity of both types of nanoparticles was evaluated using MTT assay on cancerous HEPG-2cell line by exposing them to various concentrations of both NPs for 24 h. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated by the well-diffusion technique. The antioxidant effect was determined by DPPH and ABTS tests. According to the results of GC–MS analysis, 18 components were identified, including carvone (78.76%) and limonene (11.50%). UV–visible spectroscopy showed a strong absorption peak of 563 nm and 485 nm, indicating the formation of Au NPs and Ag NPs, respectively. TEM and DLS demonstrated that AuNPs and AgNPs were predominantly spherical shaped with average sizes of 19.61 nm and 24 nm, respectively. FTIR analysis showed that biologically active compounds such as monoterpenes could assist in the formation and stabilization of both types of NPs. Additionally, XRD provided more accurate results, revealing a nano-metal structure. Silver nanoparticles exhibited better antimicrobial activity against the bacteria than AuNPs. Zones of inhibition ranging 9.0–16.0 mm were recorded for the AgNPs, while zones of 8.0–10.33 mm were observed AuNPs. In the ABTS assay, the AuNPs and AgNPs showed a dose-dependent activity and synthesized nanoparticles exhibited higher antioxidant activity than MSEO in both assays. Mentha spicata essential oil can be successfully used for the green production of Au NPs and Ag NPs. Both green synthesized NPs show antibacterial, antioxidant, and in vitro cytotoxic activity.

Use of Mentha spicata essential oil for prolonging postharvest life of fresh vegetables

Abstract Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae), commonly called spearmint, is cultivated worldwide for its remarkable aroma and commercial value. Antimicrobial effectiveness of essential oils against many foodborne microorganisms when applied directly has been extensively demonstrated. The antimicrobial potential of Mentha spicata essential oil in the vapor phase against different microorganisms (Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807, Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671, Enterococcus faecalis CCM 4224, Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus CCM 2461, Candida albicans CCM 8186, C. glabrata CCM 8270, C. krusei CCM 8271, C. tropicalis CCM 8223) was determined by in situ method on vegetable model (carrot, radish, potatoes, and kohlrabi). The vapor phase was determined for seven days in Petri dishes with four concentrations (500, 250, 125, 62.5 μL.L−1) of M. spicata essential oil on the food models. M. spicata essential oil against Yersinia enterocolitica on carrot, potato, and kohlrabi model in concentration of 500 μL.L−1 was the most effective. M. spicata essential oil shows good potential as preservative and shelf-life prolongation of vegetables.

Novel Approach for Improving Papaya Fruit Storage with Carnauba Wax Nanoemulsion in Combination with Syzigium aromaticum and Mentha spicata Essential Oils

Application of hydrophobic coatings, such as carnauba wax nanoemulsions, combined with natural antimicrobials, has been demonstrated to be an effective solution in extending the shelf life of fruits. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN) coatings containing free or encapsulated with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) essential oils of Syzigium aromaticum (CEO) and Mentha spicata (MEO) for the post-harvest conservation of papaya fruit. The chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) was analyzed using GC-MS. Subsequently, coatings incorporating free and encapsulated EOs were prepared and applied to papaya fruit. Fruit was evaluated for post-harvest quality parameters during 15 days of storage. Clove essential oil presented as main compounds eugenol (89.73%), spearmint and carvone (68.88%), and limonene (20.34%). The observed reduction in weight loss in coated fruit can be attributed to the formation of a physical barrier provided by the coating. Compared to the control group, which experienced the highest weight loss of 24.85%, fruit coated with CWN and CWN-MEO:β-CD exhibited significantly lower weight loss percentages of only 5.78% and 7.5%, respectively. Compared to the control group, which exhibited a release of ethylene at a rate of 1.3 µg kg−1 h−1, fruit coated with CWN, CWN-MEO:β-CD, and CWN-MEO coatings demonstrated a lower ethylene release rate at 0.7 µg kg−1 h−1. Although the physical-chemical properties of papayas, including pH, Brix, titratable acidity, color, and texture, remained largely unchanged during storage with the coatings, analysis of incidence and severity of papaya post-harvest deterioration revealed that coatings containing essential oils effectively acted as antifungals in the fruit. Microscopy images showed that CWN and CWN-MEO:β-CD coatings are more uniform compared to the others. The edible coatings, especially CWN and CWN-MEO: β-CD, can act as antimicrobial coatings on papaya fruit, increasing their conservation during post-harvest storage.

Enhancement of the anti-microbial activity of Mentha spicata essential oil on storage by glycerosomes.

Mentha spicata essential oil (EO) is isolated from the aerial parts of Mentha spicata L. with pronounced antibacterial effects as food preservative in food industry. Nevertheless, its application in the clinical industry and food is significantly restricted by its poor water solubility and physicochemical instability. Glycerosomes of this EO were prepared to enhance its anti-microbial stability. The EO was encapsulated in the glycerosomes and characterized for its physical properties. The optimized EO-loaded glycerosomes displayed entrapment efficiency of 93.2 ± 7.5%, release efficiency of 75.4 ± 6.1%, the particle size of 276nm, and zeta potential of - 30.4 mV. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showed spherical morphology of the glycerosomes. EO release from optimized formulation of glycerosomes best fitted with a first-order kinetic model. Compared with free EO, EO-loaded glycerosomes showed better storage stability. The results indicated that the incorporation of EO in glycerosomes possessed sustained release properties and significantly enhanced antibacterial effects in storage.

FUNGITOXITY OF Mentha spicata OIL ON THE GROWTH OF FUNGI OF THE GENERA Colletotrichum AND Fusarium

Increasingly, the population has been concerned that the production of these foods is free of pesticide residues, so it is necessary to search for viable and effective alternatives to control pests and diseases. Thus, the use of essential oil from plants with insecticidal and fungicidal potential has been successfully studied. The study aimed to demonstrate the effect of Mentha spicata essential oil on the control of Fusarium and Colletotrichum fungi in vitro. The essential oil of M. spicata used was purchased from the chemical industry Ferquima, being diluted in a 2% Tween 20 solution (being 98 mL of distilled water + 2 mL of Tween 20), which was added in 60 mL of a PDA culture medium, resulting in final essential oil concentrations: 0 ppm; 0.83 ppm; 1.67 ppm; 8.33 ppm, and 16.67 ppm and poured into 90 mm diameter Petri dishes. The evaluations took place periodically every 48 hours for eight days, performing measurements of the diameters of the colonies. The results evidenced that the analyzed fungi, when submitted to treatments of different doses, suffered fungistatic action according to the gradual increase of the doses. Thus, it is possible to conclude that M. spicata oil provided the in vitro growth control of Fusarium sp. and Colletorichum sp.

Characterization of a Thymbra spicata essential oil–pectin nanoemulsion, and antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria

Characterization of a Thymbra spicata essential oil–pectin nanoemulsion, and antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria

Bio-Converted Spirulina for Nutraceutical Chewing Candy Formulations Rich in L-Glutamic and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acids

This study aimed at evaluating changes of microalgae Spirulina during its fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No. 122 strain, and further at incorporating Spirulina bio-converted for nutraceuticals rich in L-glutamic (L-Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) into sucrose-free chewing candy (gummy) preparations. Fermented Spirulina had higher b* (yellowness) coordinates than untreated (non-fermented), and fermentation duration (24 and 48 h) had a statistically significant effect on colour coordinates. The highest contents of L-glutamic and gamma-aminobutyric acids (4062 and 228.6 mg/kg, respectively) were found in 24 and 48 h-fermented Spirulina, respectively. Fermentation increased the content of saturated fatty acids and omega-3 in Spirulina, while monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-6 were reduced. The addition of fermented Spirulina (FSp) significantly affected hardness, decreased lightness and yellowness, and increased the greenness of chewing candies. All chewing candy samples (with xylitol) prepared with 3 and 5 g of FSp and 0.2 µL of Citrus paradise essential oil received the highest scores for overall acceptability, and the highest intensity (0.052) of emotion "happy" was elicited by the sample group containing xylitol, agar, ascorbic acid, 3 g of FSp, and 0.1 µL of Mentha spicata essential oil. As an outcome of this research, one may conclude that fermented Spirulina has significant potential as an innovative ingredient in the production of healthier sucrose-free nutraceutical chewing candies.

The effect of irrigation with treated and untreated wastewater on the yield and chemical composition of essential oil of Mentha spicata L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Today, the lack of quality water supply has led to the tendency to use unconventional water to irrigate agricultural products. Considering the importance and application of essential oils of mint plants in various pharmaceutical, food, and health industries and also considering the approach of using unconventional waters in the cultivation of medicinal plants, the present study aimed to investigate and compare the chemical composition of essential oils of two species of Mentha spicata L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. which was designed and implemented for the first time under the influence of different treatments of municipal and industrial wastewater. For this purpose, first R. officinalis cuttings and roots of M. spicata were prepared and after preparing and leveling the ground, in the spring of 2020, it was transferred to the planting site and planted in the form of creek and ridges. The treatments studied in this study included well water (WW), treated municipal wastewater (TMW), untreated municipal wastewater (UMW), treated industrial wastewater (TIW), and untreated industrial wastewater (UIW) in a randomized complete block design with four repeat runs. After watering the plants continuously for 3months, the plant branches were collected and transferred to the laboratory for drying. After extracting the essential oil by water distillation (Clevenger) method, the analysis and identification of the compounds were performed by a chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). The results showed that the highest and lowest yields of M. spicata belonged to the samples treated with UMW and WW, respectively. Also, R. officinalis essential oil irrigated with UMW and UIW had the highest and lowest yields, respectively. The number of essential oil compounds in of M. spicata was between 5 and 19 and in R. officinalis between 14 and 23 under different treatments. The results of the analysis of essential oil compounds showed that D-carvone (57.77-57.44%) and D-limonene (8.70-26.65%) for M. spicata and α-pinene (26.12-34.85%), 1,8-cineole (18.95-23.70%), and camphene (9.93-12.80%) for R. officinalis were predominant compounds in all studied treatments. The results show that UMW is a suitable and efficient treatment to have the best quantity of M. spicata essential oil and the best quality and quantity of R. officinalis essential oil.

Antioxidative, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of a nanogel containing Mentha spicata L. essential oil and electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

BackgroundAs the largest organ, the skin has been frequently affected by trauma, chemical materials, toxins, bacterial pathogens, and free radicals. Recently, many attempts have been made to develop natural nanogels that, besides hydrating the skin, could also be used as antioxidant or antibacterial agents.MethodsIn this study, the chemical composition of the Mentha spicata essential oil was first investigated using GC–MS analysis. Its nanoemulsion-based nanogel was then investigated; successful loading of the essential oil in the nanogel was confirmed using FTIR analysis. Besides, nanogel’s antioxidative, anticancer, and antibacterial activities were investigated.ResultsCarvone (37.1%), limonene (28.5%), borneol (3.9%), β-pinene (3.3%), and pulegone (3.3%) were identified as five major compounds in the essential oil. By adding carboxymethylcellulose (3.5% w/v) to the optimal nanoemulsion containing the essential oil (droplet size of 196 ± 8 nm), it was gelified. The viscosity was fully fitted with a common non-Newtonian viscosity regression, the Carreau-Yasuda model. The antioxidant effect of the nanogel was significantly more potent than the essential oil (P < 0.001) at all examined concentrations (62.5–1000 µg/mL). Furthermore, the potency of the nanogel with an IC50 value of 55.0 µg/mL was substantially more (P < 0.001) than the essential oil (997.4 µg/mL). Also, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after treatment with 1000 µg/mL nanogel was about 50% decreased compared to the control group. Besides, the prepared electrospun polycaprolactone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanofibers mat with no cytotoxic, antioxidant, or antibacterial effects was proposed as lesion dressing after treatment with the nanogel. High potency, natural ingredients, and straightforward preparation are advantages of the prepared nanogel. Therefore, it could be considered for further consideration in vivo studies.

Bio-nanocomposite edible coatings based on arrowroot starch/cellulose nanocrystals/carnauba wax nanoemulsion containing essential oils to preserve quality and improve shelf life of strawberry

This study investigated the effects of bio-nanocomposite coatings developed using arrowroot starch (AA), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN), and Cymbopogon martinii and Mentha spicata essential oils (CEO and MEO, respectively) on the physicochemical, microbiological, bioactive, antioxidant, and aromatic characteristics of strawberries cv. ‘Oso Grande’ in refrigerated storage for 12 days. The coatings improved the shelf life and stability of strawberries, minimizing their weight loss (2.6–3.9 %), as well as changes in color and texture (except for those coated with CEO), titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid content, and antioxidant activity compared with uncoated control strawberries. The bio-nanocomposite coatings containing MEO and CEO also exhibited antimicrobial activity, reduced visible fungal deterioration (40–60 %), and reduced microbial load (3.59–4.03 log CFU g−1 for mesophilic aerobic bacteria and 4.45–5.22 log CFU g−1 for fungi and yeast) during storage. They also significantly reduced the severity of decay caused by inoculation with Botrytis cinerea or Rhizopus stolonifer. The coatings altered the volatile profile of the fruits during storage, decreasing aldehyde and alcohol concentrations and increasing ester concentrations. Thus, these bio-nanocomposite coatings, especially those containing MEO, can be used as antimicrobial coating materials to preserve the post-harvest quality of fresh strawberries.