Marjoram Research Articles

Protective Effect of Angelica sinensis Extract and Origanum majorana Oil on Hepatic and Renal Toxicities Induced by Nickel Chloride in Male Albino Rats

The present study was accomplished to evaluate the efficacy of Angelica sinensis root extract and Origanum majorana oil on subchronic toxicity of nickel chloride (NiCl2) in albino rats by studying the changes in the biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status related to the liver and kidneys. This study was carried out on sixty male albino rats with average body weight (120 ± 10 g), which were divided into 6 equal groups. Gp.(1): were kept as control on distilled water, rats in Gp. (2) received NiCl2 (0.75 mg/kg BW), Gp. (3) received A. sinensis root extract (300 mg/kg BW) and Gp. (4) received O. majorana oil (0.5 ml/kg BW). NiCl2 intoxicated rats in Gp. (5) and Gp. (6) were administered A. sinensis root extract and O. majorana oil at the same former doses, respectively. The treatments were daily and orally for 4 weeks. Blood and tissue samples were collected for performing the different experimental analysis after 4 weeks from starting the treatments. Comparing with the control group, results showed that NiCl2 significantly increased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and serum bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea and creatinine concentrations, besides hepatic and renal malondialdehyde concentration, while serum total proteins, albumin and hepatic and renal glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were significantly decreased. A. sinensis root extract and O. majorana oil has no adverse effects and worked on amelioration the various alterations in estimated analytes in combined treated groups. In conclusion, NiCl2 caused hepatic and renal injuries besides the induction of lipid peroxidation and reducing the antioxidant enzymes activities in these organs. Moreover, both of A. sinensis root extract and O. majorana oil provided significant protection against harmful effects of NiCl2 with superiorty of A. sinensis root extract

Development and characterization of pectin films activated by nanoemulsion and Pickering emulsion stabilized marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) essential oil

The aim of this study was to prepare the pectin films activated by marjoram essential oil-loaded nanoemulsions (NE) and Pickering emulsions (PE). Low molecular surfactant of Tween 80 and blend of whey protein isolate (WPI) and inulin were used for preparation of NE and PE, respectively. The size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, surface morphology, and antibacterial activity of fabricated NE and PE were investigated. The droplet size of MEO-loaded NE and PE were 97.5 and 233.3 nm, respectively. The obtained nanocarriers were incorporated into the pectin film formulation at three levels (2.5, 5, 7.5 %wt.) and the morphological, physical and functional properties of active films were investigated. The FT-IR, XRD and FE-SEM results exhibited the compatibility between pectin and loaded nanocarriers. The films containing PE had good mechanical and water barrier properties due to their high dense and less permeable structure. The antioxidant activity of the films containing PE were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than its value in the NE incorporated films. The encapsulation of essential oil with PE provided significantly slower release profile in the film samples compared to the NE. In conclusion, the fabricated active pectin film containing Pickering emulsion showed great potential for active food packaging.

Origanum majorana Ethanolic Extract Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Death by Triggering Abortive Autophagy and Activation of the Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway.

Colorectal cancer is considered as the third leading cause of cancer death. In the present study, we investigated the potential anticancer effect and the molecular mechanism of Origanum majorana ethanolic extract (OME) against human colorectal cancer cells. We showed that OME exhibited strong anti-proliferative activity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner against two human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). OME inhibited cell viability, colony growth and induced mitotic arrest of HT-29 cells. Also, OME induced DNA damage, triggered abortive autophagy and activated a caspase 3 and 7-dependent extrinsic apoptotic pathway, most likely through activation of the TNFα pathway. Time-course analysis revealed that DNA damage occurred concomitantly with abortive autophagy after 4 h post-OME treatment while apoptosis was activated only 24 h later. Blockade of autophagy initiation, by 3-methyladenine, partially rescued OME-induced cell death. Cell viability arose from 37% in control group to 67% in group pre-treated with 3-MA before addition of OME. Inhibition of apoptosis, however, had a minimal effect on cell viability; it rose from 37% in control group to 43% in group pre-treated with Z-VAD-FMK. We also found that OME downregulated survivin in HT-29 cells. Our findings provide a strong evidence that O. majorana extract possesses strong anti-colon cancer potential, at least, through induction of autophagy and apoptosis. These finding provide the basis for therapeutic potential of O. majorana in the treatment of colon cancer.

Orientation of Small Hobby High Tunnels and Potential Effects on Cut Sunflowers and Fresh Herbs

High tunnels are gaining popularity for their use in horticultural crop production. However, little is known about the effect of high tunnel orientation on plant growth and development. In this set of studies, we show tunnel orientation does not necessarily affect the production of cut sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and culinary herbs oregano (Origanum vulgare), marjoram (Origanum majorana), and garlic chive (Allium tuberosum). Two high tunnels, one with the long axis oriented north-south (NS) and the other east-west (EW), were used to test the effects of high tunnel orientation on several crops over a 5-year period: cut sunflower (2012 and 2016); marjoram, oregano, and garlic chive (2013 and 2014); and garlic chive (2015). The tunnels are 12 × 16 ft, smaller than those used in commercial production. The size would be appropriate for hobby and seasonal production of horticultural crops for local markets. Cut sunflower stems were similar lengths both years in both high tunnels. Sunflower times to harvest were different between cultivars but not between high tunnels. Oregano fresh weight yields were highest in the NS tunnel in 2013 but similar between tunnels in 2014. Marjoram fresh weights were highest in 2013 in the EW tunnel but highest in 2014 in the NS tunnel. Garlic chive fresh weights were similar between tunnels all 3 years. We show that differences are more a function of innate cultivar characteristics than which way small high tunnels are oriented.

Antibacterial eff ect of Lavandula stoechas and Origanum majorana essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli

This research examined the antimicrobial effect of Lavandula stoechas (lavender) and Origanum majorana (marjoram) essential oil against three mastitis-causing pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that the main components of the lavender and marjoram oils were 17-Pentatriacontene, Linalyl acetate, Eucalyptol, linalool and 3-Cyclohexene-1-ol,4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-,(R)-, α-terpineol, P-cymene, respectively. Broth dilution testing was performed using autoclaved whole milk instead of broth to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of essential oils alone and in combination. In addition, time-kill assay of lavender and marjoram oils were determined in milk up to 24 h. MIC values ranged from 3.12 - 4.37% v/v and MBC between 6.25 - 8.75% v/v for the lavender. The MIC and MBC of the marjoram ranged from 0.62 - 1.87% v/v and 1.25 - 3.75% v/v, respectively. The MIC ranged from 2.5 - 5% v/v and MBC between 5 - 10% v/v for lavender + marjoram combination. In time-kill assays, the presence of lavender and marjoram oils at a sub-MIC concentration significantly reduced the bacterial population in 4, 10 and 24 h. Generally, essential oil of marjoram had greater antibacterial activity than lavender against all mastitis-causing pathogens tested and has the potential to be evaluated as an alternative or adjunct to antibiotics in the treatment of bovine mastitis.

A review on research advances in ethnobotany and pharmacognosy of some medicinal plants

Since remote times herbal medicines are the primary sources of health cure of the rural people throughout the world. The knowledge on the medicinal plants is inherited from generation to generation in the family of herbal doctors. Although significant advances have been made in modern allopathic medicine, medicinal plants are extensively used even in the cities specially in Mexico and Medicinal plants are largely sold both in the rural and urban markets. One of the reasons is due to the no-availability of good doctors in the rural areas, high confidence of the rural people and high cost of the allopathic medicine. In Mexico although several hundreds of medicinal plants are known to alleviate various types of diseases, still many species are not yet explored from the rural areas. There is a great necessity to formulate a systematic research starting from ethnobotany, botany and pharmacognosy including histochemistry and finally phytochemistry. With these objectives, some advances have been made on some medicinal plant species both in north-east and high land valleys of Mexico obtained mainly through research projects and thesis projects both in the bachelor and post-graduate levels. In the first step in the north-east of Mexico, through several visits in the rural areas and herbal shops and interviews a list of common species has been made, collected and preserved in the herbarium sheets. Then on the basis of a very careful analysis, most important and common medicinal species was selected for the studies on pharmacognosy, histochemistry and pharmacological tests on animals. An analysis of pharmacognosy showed the presence of distinct morphological, anatomical and histochemical characters in each species which can distinguish among species. In the high land valleys in Puebla and Tlaxcala, a more systematic interdisciplinary research has been undertaken including ethnobotany, pharmacognosy and some preliminary phytochemistry of several medicinal plant species. The efficacy of some medicinal plant species used by the herbal specialists has also been confirmed by a specialist of high recognition in the city. The species studied are: Artemisia absinthium, Chamaemelum nobile, Chenopodium ambrosoides, Ocimum sanctum, Origanum vulgare, Origanum majorana, Lavandula angostifolia, Marrubium vulgare, Mentha spicata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Semipervivum tectorum, Thymus vulgaris and Turnera vulgaris. The medicinal herbs contained several secondary metabolites, among which alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids, cyanogenic and cardiotonic glucosides, the presence, absence and intensity of which vary among species. Although sufficient researches have been concentrated mostly on the phytochemistry in Mexico, no systematic research has been undertaken as planned. A catalogue of some medicinal plants has been made and some medicinal plant species are grown in the green house. Finally, a systematic research plant has been suggested on the medicinal plants. An interdisciplinary research including herbal specialists, botanists, agronomists and chemists is in progress.

Marjoram Relaxes Rat Thoracic Aorta Via a PI3-K/eNOS/cGMP Pathway.

Despite pharmacotherapeutic advances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global mortality. Alternative approaches, such as herbal medicine, continue to be sought to reduce this burden. Origanum majorana is recognized for many medicinal values, yet its vasculoprotective effects remain poorly investigated. Here, we subjected rat thoracic aortae to increasing doses of an ethanolic extract of Origanum majorana (OME). OME induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner in endothelium-intact rings. This relaxation was significantly blunted in denuded rings. N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) significantly reduced the OME-induced vasorelaxation. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were also increased by OME. Moreover, wortmannin or LY294002 significantly reduced OME-induced vasorelaxation. Blockers of ATP-sensitive or Ca2+-activated potassium channels such as glibenclamide or tetraethylamonium (TEA), respectively, did not significantly affect OME-induced relaxation. Similarly, verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and pyrilamine, a H1 histamine receptor blocker, did not significantly modulate the observed relaxation. Taken together, our results show that OME induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/ endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/cGMP pathway. Our findings further support the medicinal value of marjoram and provide a basis for its beneficial intake. Although consuming marjoram may have an antihypertensive effect, further studies are needed to better determine its effects in different vascular beds.

Quality and safety attributes on shredded carrots by using Origanum majorana and ascorbic acid

The increased need for consumption of raw vegetables has led to the production of minimally processed products like shredded carrots. There is a current trend towards the use of natural agents for the preservation of fresh produce quality, as alternatives to synthetic compounds such as chlorine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different washing treatments with aqueous solutions of marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil (EO) (1:1500 v/v), marjoram hydrosol (Hyd) (1:15 v/v), ascorbic acid (AA) (1%) and their respective combinations on the quality of shredded carrot under storage at 4 °C for 9 d. The EO-treated carrots had acceptable aroma and AA-treated carrots obtained acceptable carrot-like aroma. The carrots’ orange color preserved with the AA application compared to the untreated control but marjoram Hyd application resulted to a final product with darker color and increased respiration after 6 and 9 d of storage at 4 °C and 90% RH. Furthermore, the application of AA increased total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of shredded carrots, while the combination of AA with EO and Hyd increased carotenoid content. Total soluble solids were increased following the application of marjoram Hyd. The application of AA increased total acidity and lowered pH values of shredded carrots at the 9th day of storage. Decay incidents, as observed by the total viable counts and yeast and filamentous fungi, were decreased by single or combined treatment during storage. Ascorbic acid alone or in combination with Hyd or EO maintained quality and preservation of processed carrots and in that way can be proposed as alternative sanitizers.

The beauties and the bugs: A scenario for designing flower strips adapted to aphid management in melon crops

Flower strips appear to be a promising lever for promoting pest control but a careful selection of the plant species used is needed prior to implementation to avoid possible negative side effects. In the case of open field melon crops, the main pitfall would be to generate aphid and aphid-borne virus reservoirs near the crops. Combining biotests under controlled conditions and data from the literature, we assessed 18 candidate plant species, and ruled-out those posing a potential risk of hosting Aphis gossypii (melon pest and virus vector), Myzus persicae (virus vector) and/or viruses (Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV)). Five plant species made it through the selection process: cornflower, grass pea, sainfoin, salad burnet and sweet marjoram. Flower strips sown with a mix of these five plant species were evaluated in a five-year field experiment. They displayed a flowering continuum likely to provide a food resource to natural enemies throughout the growing season. Their potential to host natural enemies was compared to those of grass strips and bare soil by monitoring generalist and specialist predators within the different field margins and melon crop. Flower margins supported significantly more of these natural enemies than grass margins and bare soil. All predator taxa analyzed responded positively to the floral resources displayed. Spiders were 3.2 times more abundant in pitfall traps placed in flower margins than in bare soil. Generalist predators and aphid specialist predators collected using a vacuum sampler were 5.5 and 9.1 times more abundant in flower margins than in bare soil, respectively. Interception traps set for weekly periods showed that coccinellid and syrphid fluxes were significantly enhanced near flower margins.

Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil-Associated Polymeric Nano Dendrimer for Antifungal Activity against Phytophthora infestans.

In this study, the introduction of Origanum majorana L. essential oil into a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) G4.0 dendrimer was performed for creation of a potential nanocide against Phytophthora infestans. The characteristics of marjoram oil and PAMAM G4.0 was analyzed using transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The success of combining marjoram oil with PAMAM G4.0 was evaluated by FT-IR, TGA analysis, and the antifungal activity of this system was also investigated. The results showed that the antifungal activity of oil/PAMAM G4.0 was high and significantly higher than only PAMAM G4.0 or marjoram essential oil. These results indicated that the nanocide oil/PAMAM G4.0 helped strengthen and prolong the antifungal properties of the oil.

SECRETORY STRUCTURES AND ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED INDUSTRIAL SPECIES OF LAMIACEAE

The objective of the study was to perform micromorphological analyses of the secretory structures of leaves and stems of oil-bearing industrial plants from the Lamiaceae family such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L., syn. Origanum dubium Boiss.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In addition, an estimation of the content of volatile substances in the plant species under study was performed using GC-MS, as well as the qualitative and quantitative analysis of essential oil, that is an important component in terms of the estimation of raw material applicability for use in the industry. In the epidermal cells of studied plants, 2 types of Lamiaceae-type glandular trichomes were identified: short- and long-stalked capitate glandular trichomes with single- and bicellular secretory capitulum, and peltate glandular trichomes with eight- and over a dozen-cell secretory capitulum. Capitate trichomes were densely distributed on the surface of the epidermis, while peltate trichomes were sparse, though regular, and were situated in depressions. Glandular trichomes were found more frequently on leaves than on stems. The cuticle of the abaxial of leaf was characterized in most cases by the occurrence of larger average diameter peltate trichomes compared to the cuticle of the adaxial side of leaf. Peppermint produced the largest structures accumulating essential oil on the leaves (average diameter of peltate trichomes – 78.48 µm on the adaxial side of leaf, up to 96.43 µm), while on the stem, the highest average diameter of the peltate trichomes was observed in sage (an average of 75.53 µm, up to 85.99 µm). The lemon balm was characterized by the presence of capitate and peltate trichomes with the smallest diameter (an average of 44.26 µm). Lemon balm was characterized by the greatest density of glandular trichomes compared to other plant species. Among the plants studied, the highest content of oil was noted in the case of thyme and peppermint (2.22% and 2.20% v/w, respectively), and the lowest in green parts of lemon balm (0.17% v/w). The isolated essential oils contained predominantly components from the groups of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and it is the presence of those substances that determines the possibility of utilizing the plants studied for a variety of purposes.

In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils against Saprolegnia parasitica.

Saprolegnia spp. water molds severely impact fish health in aquaculture, fish farms and hobby fish tanks colonizing mature and immature stages of fishes, as well as eggs. Considering that there are no drugs licensed for treating and/or control the organism, efficient and environmental low-impact methods to control these oomycetes in aquaculture are needed. The aim of the present report was to evaluate the in vitro sensitivity of Saprolegnia parasitica to essential oils (EOs) from Citrus aurantium L., Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, Citrus limon Burm. f., Citrus paradisi Macfad, Citrus sinensis Osbeck, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Cymbopogon flexuosum (Nees ex Steud.) Watson, Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Illicium verum Hook.f., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Origanum majorana L., Origanum vulgare L., Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér., Syzygium aromaticum Merr. & L.M.Perry, and Thymus vulgaris L., by microdilution test. The most effective EOs assayed were T. vulgaris and O. vulgare, followed by C. flexuosum, L. cubeba and C. bergamia. These EOs could be of interest for controlling Saprolegnia infections. Nevertheless, further safety studies are necessary to evaluate if these products could be dispersed in tank waters, or if their use should be limited to aquaculture supplies.

A Research on Species Diversity and Ethno Botanical Utilization of Lamiaceae Family in Southern Turkey

Lamiaceae/Labiatae family includes the highest number of commercially used species such as mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, marjoram and sage. These species are generally used as flavoring additives in meat dishes, sausage products, seafood, stews, salads, canned foods, sauces and soups. In this study, the species diversity of Lamiaceae family members in Akseki-İbradı-Manavgat districts of Antalya in southern Turkey and their ethnobotanical utilization in the region and in the literatures were presented. 149 taxa (131 at species level) belonging to 27 genera of Lamiaceae were identified in the study area. Of these, 50 taxa (33.56%) are endemic to Turkey. The native people harvest species from wild populations and generally air-dry them under sun or on shadow places. They consume and sell mainly air-dried Origanum onites (Turkish oregano) leaves. They obtain essential oil traditionally by steam distillation from Origanum majorana (white marjoram) due to its high oil yield and efficiency. Herbal treatments are used for cure various diseases such as strong cough, chronic cold, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders and skin problems. Wild-crafting of populations may cause genetic erosion of the species. The sustainability of these species should be maintained by genetic resource conservation programs by in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.

Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibitory Activity of Medicinal Plant Essential Oils Against Escherichia coli Isolated from UTI Patients.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), caused by Escherichia coli 80% to 85% of the time, are one of the most important causes of morbidity and health care spending affecting persons of all ages. These infections lead to many difficult problems, especially increasing resistance to antibiotic drugs. Bacterial biofilms play an important role in UTIs, responsible for persistent infections leading to recurrences and relapses. In this study, we have investigated the antibacterial activity of five medicinal plant essential oils against UTIs caused by E. coli using disc diffusion and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) methods. In addition, biofilm inhibitory action of oils was realized by crystal violet. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed a variability between oils in terms of compound numbers as well as their percentages. Antibacterial activity was observed only in cases of Origanum majorana, Thymus zygis and Rosmarinus officinalis, while Juniperus communis and Zingiber officinale did not showed any effect towards E. coli isolates. T. zygis essential oil demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli isolates, followed by O. majorana and R. officinalis. Further, oils showed high biofilm inhibitory action with a percentage of inhibition that ranged from 14.94% to 94.75%. R. officinalis oil had the highest antibiofilm activity followed by T. zygis and O. majorana. Accordingly, tested oils showed very effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against E. coli UTIs and can be considered as good alternative for antibiotics substitution.

Marjoram physiological and molecular performance under water stress and chitosan treatment

Chitosan as natural product might have potential application in the production of Origanum majorana “Marjoram”, a known historic plant with economic importance in the agriculture and pharmaceutical industries. Under three irrigation periods (1, 3, and 5 days) in marjoram plants for 8 weeks, chitosan was applied as water solution at 50, 200 and 500 ppm. Chitosan increased selected morphological parameters and associated with elevated physiological and molecular performance. Enhanced metabolism of the treated plants was expressed as increased rates of stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates. In addition, soluble sugars and proline levels were higher. Elevated expression of MnSOD Cu/ZnSOD, FeSOD, APX, DREB2 and ERF3 s were also detected. Further elevated expression of CYP71D179/182 and CYP71D178 PII, essential oil composition-related genes, was also found. The SOD and APX enzymes were more active and there were reductions in the levels of reactive oxygen species. Thymol and cis-Sabinene were higher in treated plants essential oils. Chitosan may alleviate water stress in marjoram by enhancing the metabolism and stress related genes in treated plants.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil Alone and in Combination with Origanum majorana and Caryophyllus aromaticus Essential Oils against Some Foodborne Bacteria

Background: Food spoilage and foodborne diseases are two important problems in the food industry. On the other hand, consumers’ tendency to use natural additives is increasing. Hence, plant essential oils (EOs) can be safe alternatives in this regard. Objective: The objectives were to determine the chemical composition and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus EO against some foodborne bacteria alone and in combination with Origanum majorana and Caryophyllus aromaticus EOs. Materials and Methods: Chemical composition of C. citratus EO was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Further, antibacterial activity of the EO against foodborne bacteria was assessed using disk diffusion method. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the EO was determined by microdilution broth method and then the minimum bactericidal concentration value was determined. Checkerboard synergy testing was also performed to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Finally, time-kill curves were drawn based on the bacterial population (CFU/mL) against time (h). Results: The major compounds of C. citratus EO were isothymol, thymol, trans-caryophyllene, and cymene. The most and the least sensitive foodborne bacteria to C. citratus EO were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of C. citratus EO against all the evaluated bacteria were 0.1% and The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged between 0.1 and &gt;2% (v/v). The combination of C. citratus and O. majorana EOs showed a synergistic activity against Salmonella typhimurium and partial synergism against B. subtilis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, S. aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. Moreover, the combination of C. citratus and C. aromaticus EOs demonstrated partial synergism against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, and additive interaction against S. typhimurium; however, the combination was indifferent against E. coli O157:H7 and B. subtilis. Furthermore, C. citratus plus O. majorana EOs and C. citratus plus C. aromaticus EOs showed a bactericidal effect against S. typhimurium after 24 hours in the time-kill assay. Conclusion: In general, the synergism, partial synergism, and additive effects of C. citratus in combination with C. aromaticus and O. majorana EOs strengthen the antimicrobial activity, expand the spectrum of activity, reduce the concentrations required, decrease the side effects, and prevent the alteration of organoleptic properties of food.

Growth Responses of Origanum majorana L. to Methyl Jasmonic Acid under Limited Irrigation Conditions

Water deficit is one of the most important factors in reducing medicinal plants’ yield. Origanum majorana L. grows in the some regions of world and it is cultivated for consumption and pharmaceutical purposes. In order to study the effects of methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA) on O. majorana L. under limited irrigation conditions, a factorial experiment was performed as a complete randomized design with three replications. Experimental factors including different limited irrigation conditions such as keeping the pots at field capacity during the experiment (control), irrigation pots in 75 % field capacity (mild limited irrigation), and irrigation plants in 50 % field capacity (moderate limited irrigation), and spraying treatments include 100 μM MeJA and control with water. At flowering stage, fresh weight, dry weight, and essential oil percentage (EO %) and yield, and essential oil composition were measured. Results indicated that moderate limited irrigation decreased plant weight and essential oil yield compared to the control. However, both mild and moderate limited irrigations increased EO % compared to the control. Foliar spray of MeJA improved growth parameters such as O. majorana L. fresh and dry weight just under mild limited irrigation conditions, while under moderate limited irrigation application of MeJA could not significantly change these parameters. Under mild limited irrigation conditions, MeJA causes significant reductions of 16.9 and 12.0 % in EO % and yield, respectively. Although limited irrigation did not have a significant effect on all of the O. majorana L. essential oil components, MeJA application changed O. majorana L. essential oil composition. With an increase in the limited irrigation level, MeJA application diminished the content of monoterpene hydrocarbons components from 20.56 to 18.21 % and increased oxygenated monoterpenes from 62.73 to 65.44 %. Results of this study revealed that MeJA could alleviate drought stress damages by stimulating oxygenated monoterpenes production and, therefore, could improve essential oil production under water stress conditions.

Chemical Composition and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of the Origanum majorana Essential Oil Extracted by Microwave-assisted Extraction, Conventional Hydro-distillation and Steam distillation

This work aims to highlight the effect of the extraction methods used on the chemical composition and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of the Origanum majorana Essential oil. Accordingly, three different extraction methods namely; Microwave-assisted extraction (MWE), hydro-distillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD) were used for O. majorana essential oils (EOs) extraction. There is variability in the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from the different extraction methods used. Overall, HD showed the highest % of oxygenated monoterpenes (66.8 %), while SD showed the highest % of monoterpene hydrocarbons (46.85 %). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes showed the lowest percentage of the EOs (3.6 % HD, 1.4 % MWE and 0.7 % SD). Terpinene-4-ol was the major components of O. majorana EO with different percentages 28.49 % HD, 22.28 % MWE and 26.72 % SD. EOs was tested for their antimicrobial activity against ten pathogenic microbes (fungi, yeast and bacteria). EOs extracted by SD method showed antimicrobial activities against all tested pathogens with variation degree. This result could be useful in designing the best extraction method.Key word: Microwave-assisted extraction, hydro-distillation, steam distillation, essential oil, antimicrobial activities and Origanum majorana.

Origanum Majorana Essential Oil: Some Pharmacological and Toxicological Aspects

Origanum majorana L or Majorana hortensis Moench is an aromatic plant, rich in essential oils and native to the Mediterranean region, but commercially grown in southern Europe and worldwide throughout the year.

Eco-compatible sonochemical synthesis of 8-aryl-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]-dioxolo[4,5-g]quinolin-6(5H)-ones using green TiO2

A green and an aqueous-mediated sonochemical synthesis of 8-aryl-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]-dioxolo[4,5-g]quinolin-6(5H)-ones from the multi-component reaction of Meldrum's acid, 3,4-methylenedioxy aniline and various aromatic aldehydes is described in the presence of catalytic amount of TiO2 NPs for the first time using high power sonicator. Initially, TiO2 NPs has also been synthesized by the biochemical method using leaf extract of Origanum majorana plant as a reducing and capping agent under sonication. Under the sonication, the catalytic activity of synthesized TiO2 NPs found to be excellent for synthesis of a series of 8-aryl-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]-dioxolo[4,5-g]quinolin-6(5H)-ones with operational simplicity, high yield under green reaction conditions without any environmental issue. The structure of TiO2 NPs was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD and EDX studies.