Spicata Extract Research Articles

Metabolomics-based profiling of anti-inflammatory compounds from Mentha spicata in shanghe, China

Mentha spicata is a popular herb used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines. In the present study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis and the zebrafish model were used to investigate the potential biomarkers of M. spicata growing in Shanghe County (Shandong Province, China) and their anti-inflammatory properties. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were performed to screen the main targets of the characteristic compounds to understand their mechanisms of action. Nine potential markers including sugars (1,2), polyphenolic acids (3–5), and flavonoids (6–9) were identified from the species. The inhibitory effects on leukocyte migration confirmed that compounds 1 and 3–9 played a positive role in the protective effect of Shanghe M. spicata (SM) extract against inflammation. Akt (protein kinase B), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), and MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) were the core target proteins of the identified compounds in the anti-inflammatory process. The most significant Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment terms were response to abiotic stimulus (Biological Process), carbohydrate derivative binding (Molecular Function), and pathways in cancer. In docking simulations, 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid (3-PC, 4) and cirsimaritin (CN, 7) exhibited the highest potential affinity to the active sites of Akt and EGFR proteins, respectively; additionally, 5-demethylsinensetin (5-DS, 9) and luteolin (LN, 6) were considered the most suitable ligands for the MMP9 protein. The present study highlighted the use of SM resources as functional products with health benefits.

Effects of Thymbra spicata extract and Thymol on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice (insights to the liver function, antioxidant, and behavioral responses).

Safe chemicals for drug withdrawal can be extracted from natural sources. This study investigates the effects of clonidine and Thymbra spicata extract (TSE) on mice suffering from morphine withdrawal syndrome. Thymol, which is the active constituent in TSE, was also tested. A total of 90 mice were divided into nine groups. Group 1 was the control group, while Group2 was given only morphine, and Group 3 received morphine and 0.2 mg/kg of clonidine. Groups 4-6 were given morphine along with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of TSE, respectively. Groups 7-9 received morphine plus 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of Thymol, respectively, for 7 days. An oral naloxone challenge of 3 mg/kg was used to induce withdrawal syndrome in all groups. Improvement of liver enzyme levels (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase) (p < .01) and behavioral responses (frequencies of jumping, frequencies of two-legged standing, Straub tail reaction) (p < .01) were significantly observed in the groups receiving TSE and Thymol (Groups 4-9) compared to Group 2. Additionally, antioxidant activity in these groups was improved compared to Group 2. Nitric oxidesignificantly decreased in Groups 4 and 6 compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < .01). Superoxide dismutaseincreased dramatically in Groups 5, 8, and 9 compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < .01). Groups 5-9 were significantly different from Group 2 in terms of malondialdehydelevels (p < .01). Certain doses of TSE and Thymol were found to alleviate the narcotics withdrawal symptoms. This similar effect to clonidine can pave the way for their administration in humans.

Investigating the effectiveness of iron nanoparticles synthesized by green synthesis method in chemoradiotherapy of colon cancer

Current methods of colon cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, require new treatment methods due to adverse side effects. One important area of interest in recent years is the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles since several studies have revealed that they can improve the target specificity of the treatment thus lowering the dosage of the drugs while preserving the effectiveness of the treatment thus reducing the side effects. The use of traditional medicine has also been a favorite topic of interest in recent years in medical research, especially cancer research. In this research work, the green synthesis of Fe nanoparticles was carried out using Mentha spicata extract and the synthesized nanoparticles were identified using FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM and EDS techniques. Then the effect of Mentha spicata, Fe nanoparticles, and Mentha spicata -loaded Fe nanoparticles on LS174t colon cancer cells, and our result concluded that all three, especially Mentha spicata -loaded Fe nanoparticles, have great cytotoxic effects against LS174t cells, and exposure to radiotherapy just further intensified these results. The in vitro condition revealed alterations in the expression of pro-apoptotic BAX and anti-apoptotic Bcl2, suggesting a pro-apoptotic effect from all three components, particularly the Mentha spicata-loaded Fe nanoparticles. After further clinical trials, these nanoparticles can be used to treat colon cancer.

Effect of Different Ratios of Mentha spicata Aqueous Solution Based on a Biosolvent on the Synthesis of AgNPs for Inhibiting Bacteria

Our work was devoted to studying the effect of different concentrations of Mentha spicata aqueous extract on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in order to obtain the most effective of these concentrations for bacteria inhibitory activity. Different concentrations of the aqueous M. spicata extract (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mM) were used as biological solvent to synthesize AgNPs by means of the reduction method. The crystal structure and morphology of the NPs were characterized UV–vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The inhibition effect of AgNPs on Escherichia coli was studied to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The dark yellow color of the M. spicata extract aqueous solution indicates the successful synthesis of the AgNPs. UV spectra of the NPs show a gradual increase in absorption with increasing concentration of aqueous M. spicata extract solution from 0.25 to 1.00 mM, accompanied by a shift in the wavelength from 455 to 479 nm along with a change in the nanoparticle size from 31 to 9 nm. The tests also showed a high activity of the particles against bacteria (E. coli) ranging between 15.6 and 62.5 µg/ml. From the AgNPs, it was confirmed that aqueous M. spicata extract is an effective biosolvent for the synthesis of different sizes of AgNPs according to the solvent concentration. The AgNPs also proved effectual for the killing of bacteria.

Interactions of Chitosan-coated Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Mentha spicata and Standard Antibiotics against Bacterial Pathogens.

Infectious diseases are caused by various multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria and in recent scenarios, nanoparticles have been used as innovative antimicrobial agents. This current research aimed to evaluate the bactericidal effect of chitosan-coated green synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Mentha spicata (MSaqu) against bacterial pathogens, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (MSAgNPs) were carried out via atomic absorption spectrometer and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Agar well and agar disc diffusion methods were used to assess the antibacterial and synergistic effect of chitosanmediated biogenic silver nanoparticles and standard antibiotics. Three types of interactions, i.e., antagonistic (↓), synergistic (↑), and additive (¥) were observed. Synergistic effect was recorded against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.5±0.25 mm↑), Serratia marcescens (19.0±1.0 mm↑), and Klebsiela pneumonia (8.5±0.25 mm↑), an additive effect was exhibited by Escherichia coli (9.0±0.0 mm¥), Streptococcus pyogenes (10.0±0.0 mm¥), and Staphylococcus aureus (7.5±0.25 mm↓) and they showed antagonistic effects when chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (CLMSAgNPs) were applied compared to chitosan, MSaqu, and MSAgNPs. Interesting antibacterial results were recorded when chitosan-coated Mentha spicata extract and silver nanoparticles were applied along with antibiotics. The synergistic effects of chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (CLMSAgNPs) + K were recorded against E. coli (14.5±0.25 mm). The synergistic effects of chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (CLMSAgNPs) + AML were recorded against E. coli (5.5±0.0 mm), S. pyogenes (10.0±0.0 mm), K. pneumonia (5.5±0.0 mm), and S. aureus (4.0±0.0 mm). The synergistic effects of chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (CLMSAgNPs) + NOR were recorded against E. coli (16.0±0.0 mm), P. aeruginosa (19.0±0.0 mm), S. marcescens (19.5±0.25 mm), S. pyogenes (11.5.0±0.25 mm), K. pneumonia (23.0±0.0 mm), and S. aureus (8.5±0.25 mm). Current findings concluded that chitosan-coated biogenic silver nanoparticles have potential bactericidal effects against infectious pathogens and could be used as forthcoming antibacterial agents.

Antitermitic Activity of Woods Impregnated with Medical Plant Mentha Spicata (Mint) Extract against Subterranean Termite

Antitermitic Activity of Woods Impregnated with Medical Plant Mentha Spicata (Mint) Extract against Subterranean Termite

The Effective Concentration of the Crude Extract of Mentha picata and Eucalyptus against the Growth of Fusarium oxysporum

This research aims to evaluate The effect of plant extract concentration as antifungal. Fusarium fungus was isolated from the eggplant and cucumber plants that infested them. These were tested for concentrations of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum according to the food poisoning method. The inhibition rate was calculated by measuring the diameter of the colony compared to the control. The results showed that in the crude extract of Eucalyptus at a concentration of 12%, the percentage of growth inhibition was 100% on Fusarium oxysporum, compared to the crude extract of Mentha spicata where the percentage of inhibition was 80.11%. At the same concentration, and the percentage of inhibition of Eucalyptus extract At concentrations 3,6, and 9% ranged between (35.33-79.55) while the inhibition of Mentha spicata extract ranged between (17.20 - 80.11 ) at the same concentrations.

Influence of Simulated In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Biological Activity of Thymbra spicata L. Extracts

Plants or plant extracts are widely investigated for preventing/counteracting several chronic disorders. The oral route is the most common route for nutraceutical and drug administration. Currently, it is still unclear as to whether and how the pattern of phenolic compounds (PCs) found in the plants as well as their bioactivity could be modified during the gastrointestinal transit. Recent studies have revealed antioxidant and anti-steatotic properties of Thymbra spicata. Here, we investigated the possible loss of phytochemicals that occurs throughout the sequential steps of a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of T. spicata. Crude, digested, and dialyzed extracts were characterized in terms of their phenolic profile and biological activities. Total contents of carbohydrates, proteins, PCs, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids were quantified. The changes in the PC profile and in bioactive compounds upon the simulated GI digestion were monitored by HPLC–MS/MS analysis. The antioxidant activity was measured by different spectrophotometric assays, and the antiproliferative potential was assessed by using three representative human cancer cell lines. We observed that the simulated GI digestion reduced the phytochemical contents in both aqueous and ethanolic T. spicata extracts and modified the PC profile. However, T. spicata extracts improved their antioxidant potential after digestion, while a partial reduction in the antiproliferative activity was observed for the ethanolic extract. Therefore, our results could provide a scientific basis for the employment of T. spicata extract as valuable nutraceutical.

Thymol Nanopolymer Synthesis and Its Effects on Morphine Withdrawal Syndrome in Comparison With Clonidine in Rats.

The drug delivery system is valuable in the treatment of the disease. A nanopolymer as a thymol and Thymbra spicata release system was synthesized and its effects on morphine withdrawal syndrome in comparison with clonidine in rats were studied. The nanopolymer was characterized by different methods, namely, IR, HNMR, CNMR, GPC, DLS, and AFM. Thymol in T. spicata extract was assessed. The loading and release rate of thymol and T. spicata extract on the nanopolymer were evaluated by HPLC. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the T. spicata extract, thymol, extract nanopolymer, and thymol nanopolymer was studied. The frequency of jumping, rearing, and teeth chattering in naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal syndrome was studied. Synthesized nanopolymer was desirable as a carrier for the drug. The loaded amount of extract and thymol on nanopolymer was estimated 55 ± 3.2% and 48 ± 2.6% and the drug released was 71 and 68%, respectively. LD50 of the T. spicata extract, thymol, extract nanopolymer, and thymol nanopolymer was 975, 580, 1,250, and 650 mg/kg, respectively. This study showed that thymol nanopolymer was more effective than clonidine to reduce the frequency of morphine withdrawal symptoms. Our results suggest that T. spicata extract, thymol, extract nanopolymer, and thymol nanopolymer are mighty in reducing the narcotic withdrawal signs. The mechanism of action and therapeutic potential is maybe similar to clonidine.

Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Mentha spicata.

Mentha spicata, also called Mentha viridis, is a medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family characterized by its potency to synthesize and secret secondary metabolites, essentially essential oils. Different populations use the aerial parts of this plant for tea preparation, and this tisane has shown several effects, according to ethnopharmacological surveys carried out in different areas around the world. These effects are attributed to different compounds of M. spicata, in which their biological effects were recently proved experimentally. Pharmacological properties of M. spicata extracts and essential oils were investigated for different health benefits such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. In vitro and in vivo studies showed positives effects that could be certainly related to different bioactive compounds identified in M. spicata. Indeed, volatile compounds seem to be efficient in inhibiting different microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites through several mechanisms. Moreover, M. spicata exhibited, according to some studies, promising antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, which show its potential to be used as a source for identifying natural drugs against cellular oxidative stress and its related diseases. Importantly, toxicological investigations of M. spicata show the safety of this species at different doses and several periods of use which justify its use in traditional medicines as tisane with tea. Here, we report, explore, and highlight the data published on M. spicata concerning its botanical description and geographical distribution, its phytochemical compounds, its pharmacological properties, and its toxicological investigations of M. spicata.

Novel Perceptions on Chemical Profile and Biopharmaceutical Properties of Mentha spicata Extracts: Adding Missing Pieces to the Scientific Puzzle.

Mentha spicata is one of the most popular species in the genus, and it is of great interest as a gastrointestinal and sedative agent in the folk medicine system. In this study, different M. spicata extracts, obtained by the use of four solvents (hexane, chloroform, acetone and acetone/water) were chemically characterized using HPLC-ESI-MS n, which allowed for identification of 27 phenolic compounds. The extracts’ antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. In addition, neuroprotective effects were evaluated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells, and the ability of the extracts to prevent the hydrogen peroxide-induced degradation of dopamine and serotonin was observed. The best antioxidant effect was achieved for all the extraction methods using acetone/water as a solvent. These extracts were the richest in acacetin, eriodictyol, hesperidin, sagerinic acid, naringenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, chrysoeriol and apigenin. The intrinsic antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties of the acetone/water extract could also explain, albeit partially, its efficacy in preventing prostaglandin E2 overproduction and dopamine depletion (82.9% turnover reduction) in HypoE22 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Thus, our observations can provide a scientific confirmation of the neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects of M. spicata.

Preclinical evaluation of anticataract activity of Mentha spicata leaves on isolated goat lens by an in vitro model

One of the major complications seen in patients with diabetes mellitus is cataract. Many medicinal plants have been used for preventing this major secondary complication. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the anticataract activity of the leaf extract of Mentha spicata extract (ME) on glucose-induced cataractogenesis on isolated goat lens. The freshly isolated goat lenses taken were divided into five experimental groups and incubated for 72 hours: 55 mM glucose alone (Group I), 100 μg/ml ME + 55 mM glucose (Group II), 300 μg/ ml ME + 55 mM glucose (Group III), 500 μg/ml ME + 55 mM glucose (Group IV), and 12 ng/ml Enalapril + 55 mM glucose (Group V), respectively. Various biochemical parameters such as total protein, H2 O2 , malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione, Cu2+-induced lipoprotein dienes, and enzymatic antioxidants like catalase and guaiacol peroxidase were measured in the lens homogenate after incubation. Complete opacity was observed in Group 1 which underwent glucose-induced cataractogenesis correlating with high levels of MDA, reduced amounts of total protein, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants compared to Group II. Due to the presence of ME in Group II, pre-oxidative damage to the lenses caused by glucose was prevented. Hence, it was seen that the leaf extract of M. spicata prevented glucose-induced oxidative damage in the lenses, which may help in delaying the onset of cataract.

The effect of Thymbra spicata extract and its bioactive component Thymol on non-small-cells lung cancer cell line A549

IntroductionAlternative medicine is important in cancer treatment. The apoptotic effect of Thymol and extracted Thymol from Thymbra spicata on non-small-cells lung cancer was studied.Material and methodsThymol was evaluated in Thymbra spicata extract by HPCL. Cell viability was assessed by MTT method. DCF and flu3-AM probe was used for ROS and cai2+ analysis, respectively. Western blotting was performed to measure NOX2 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.ResultsObtained data showed that Thymol was 1.51 mg/g in Thymbra spicata extract. Treatment with Thymol and extracted Thymol from Thymbra spicata resulted in cell death at high concentrations [LC50= 111±4.5 and 119±5.2 μM, respectively]. Subsequently, Thymbra spicata extract and its bioactive component increased ROS and Cai2+ production, NOX2, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.ConclusionsThis study revealed the anticancer effects of Thymol and Thymbra spicata extract on non-small-cells lung cancer and at least part of that effect was related to the increase in the NOX2 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Our results demonstrated that TSE and Thymol at high concentrations (180, 120, and 80 μM) decreased the growth of A549 cells. It appeared that cytotoxic activity was exerted through activation of NOX2, ROS generation, increase in Cai2+, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Present results demonstrated that TSE and thymol may be potential therapeutic agents for human lung cancer.

Repellence and larvicidal effects of some selected plant extracts against adult Anopheles arabiensis and Aedes aegypti larvae under laboratory conditions

Insecticides and repellent chemicals are used to control the exposure to disease vectors. In this study, the repellence activity of ethanol extracts of the leaves of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) was evaluated against the adult stages of female Anopheles arabiensis. In addition, the larvacidal effect of seed powder of neem (Azadrichiata indica) was evaluated against the 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti under laboratory condition. M. spicata caused average percent repellence effects ranging from 95 to 97% at six different concentrations whilst, R. officinalis induced between 63 and 74%. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there was no significant difference in the repellence effect among the different concentrations of M. spicata extracts used against An. arabiensis (F = 0.848; P = 0.542). In contrast, statistically significant variation in the repellence effects were observed among the different concentrations of ethanolic extracts of R. officinalis against An. arabiensis females (F = 3.609; P = 0.032). The mean percent larval mortality against Ae. aegypti caused by the seed powder of A. indica at a concentration of 5 g/250 mL was 58% at 24 h and 81% at 48 h. There was no significant difference in larval mortality between 24 and 48 h of exposure (t = 2.328; P = 0.145). In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of M. spicata and R. officinalis could be used as potential sources of repellents against An. arabiensis. Besides, A. indica seed powder could be a potential source of larvicides against the larvae of Ae. Aegypti.

In vitro antileishmanial activity of hydroalcoholic Thymbra spicata extract on Leishmania major promastigotes.

Cutaneous leishmaniosis is a major worldwide public health problem with annual incidence of 1.5 million cases across 98 countries. Treatment still relies on the use of chemical drugs with increasing resistance and side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-leishmanial effect of the hydroalcoholic Thymbra spicata extract on Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes. In this study, 1×105 L. major promastigotes were cultured in 96-well plates and treated with different concentrations of hydroalcoholic T. spicata extract (12.5 to 400 μg/ml) then incubated at 25°C for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Lethal percentage of promastigotes in each well was determined. RPMI 1640 medium containing L. major promastigotes with glucantime or without any treatment were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of T. spicata extract and glucantime was calculated by GraphPad Prism software. The results indicated a significant decrease in the number of promastigotes treated with T. spicata extract and glucantime in comparison with negative control (P<0.0001). LC50 values for T. spicata extract were 18.49, 8.58, and 1.64 μg/ml after 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. In addition, anti-leishmanial effect of T. spicata extract and glucantime were dependent on concentration (P<0.0001). Our study revealed T. spicata extract as an herbal product against L. major promastigotes. However, more investigations are needed to find its antileishmanial activity in vivo and clinical trial studies.

Capacity of Mentha spicata (spearmint) Extract in Alleviating Hormonal and Folliculogenesis Disturbances in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rat Model

Capacity of Mentha spicata (spearmint) Extract in Alleviating Hormonal and Folliculogenesis Disturbances in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rat Model

Phytochemical Analysis and Efficacy Of Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) and Mint (Mentha Spicata) Extracts Against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) on Baby Corn (Zea Mays)

Abstract Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) is a pest with devasting effects on maize. A laboratory biassay was conducted to analyse the phytochemicals and determine the efficacy of M. spicata and R. officinalis extracts on FAW. Treatments were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications. The factors included solvent [Methanol (Me), dichloromethane (DCM), distilled water (Di)] and the plant species (M. spicata and R. officinalis). Coragen SC 200 (Co) and Distilled water (Di) were the positive and negative controls, respectively. FAW rearing, plant extract preparation and phytochemical screening were done using standard procedure. Data collection and analysis was done using standard procedures. The extract yield was highest for R. officinalis regardless of the solvent used. Me-R. officinalis and Di-M. spicata extracts yielded the highest. Saponins, glycosides, alkaloid, flavonoids and tannins. Flavonoid contents were 7.9036 mg/mL and 6.0073 ± 0.6117 mg/mL in methanolic extract of M. spicata and R. officinalis, respectively. M. spicatha and R. officinalis extracts caused 100% mortality to 3rd instar larvae. Based on the findings, both M. spicata and R. officinalis have several secondary metabolites that confer insecticidal activity of the plants against FAW, hence should be evaluated under field conditions.

Green Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles Mediated by Mentha Spicata Extract Induce Plant Systemic Resistance against Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Globally, plant viral infection is one of the most difficult challenges of food security, where considerable losses in crop production occur. Nanoparticles are an effective control agent against numerous plant pathogens. However, there is limited knowledge concerning their effects against viral infection. In the present study, the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Mentha spicata was achieved. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the crystalline nature of the prepared ZnO NPs. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that the resultant ZnO NPs were spherical in shape with a particle size ranged from 11 to 88 nm. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy detected different functional groups, capping and stability agents, and showed Zn-O bond within wavenumber of 487 cm−1. Under greenhouse conditions, the antiviral activity of biological synthesized ZnO NPs (100 µg/mL) against Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was evaluated. The double foliar application of the prepared ZnO NPs, 24 h before and 24 h after TMV-inoculation, was the most effective treatment that showed a 90.21% reduction of viral accumulation level and disease severity. Additionally, the transcriptional levels of PAL, PR-1 (salicylic acid marker gene), CHS, and POD genes were induced and up-regulated in all ZnO NPs treated plants. Notably, the results exhibited that aqueous extract of Mentha spicata was an effective reducing agent for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs, which showed significant antiviral activity. Finally, the detected protective and curative activity of ZnO NPs against TMV can encourage us to recommend its application for plant viral disease management. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the antiviral activity of the green synthesized ZnO NPs.

Evaluation of electrochemical properties of zinc oxide based semiconductor nanoparticles biosynthesized with Mentha spicata for optoelectronic applications

ZnO Nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, using different percentages of Mentha spicata extract, and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV–Vis. In order to be used in optoelectronic applications, the nanoparticles were subjected to a pellet manufacturing process to evaluate their electrochemical properties by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The synthesized ZnO NPs were approximately 20–70 nm in size, had a Wurtzite tetragonal phase and a band gap of 3.43 to 3.71 eV. The electrochemical properties increased as a function of the extract concentration.

Choleretic Properties of Baccharis spicata Aerial Parts Extracts in Male Wistar Rats

Many Baccharis species, Asteraceae, called “carquejas” are traditional folk herbs used for the treatment of hepatic disorders in South American countries. Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers. and B. crispa Spreng. are included in the Argentine Pharmacopeia. However, the analysis of commercial samples showed that B. spicata (Lam.) Baill. often replaces official Baccharis spp. although there are no scientific studies that support its use. In this work, Wistar rats were administered with different doses of ethanol extract form aerial parts and its derived aqueous and ethylacetate extracted fractions. We determined that the bile flow significantly increased when the ethanol extract-treated groups were compared with the control. Moreover, the aqueous and ethylacetate fractions induced an increase not only in bile flow compared with the control group, but also in the biliary excretion of bile salts. In addition, the ethanol extract and ethylacetate fraction significantly induced expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A, the enzyme that initiates the classic bile acid biosynthetic pathway), suggesting that both treatments can induce bile secretion through a bile salt-dependent mechanism. In order to provide a chemical analysis useful for the quality control of B. spicata extract and fractions, HPLC-UV/DAD and HPLC-MS were carried out. Our results demonstrate that the aqueous fraction was enriched in monocaffeoylquinic acids and the ethylacetate fraction in dicaffeoylquinic acids. The obtained results suggest that B. spicata-derived extracts cause a significant increase in bile flow as well as in bile salts concentration, demonstrating a choleretic activity produced by caffeoylquinic acids.