Thymus Capitatus Research Articles

Cyclodextrins increase phytosterol and phenolic compound production in Thymbra capitata cell cultures

Cyclodextrins increase phytosterol and phenolic compound production in Thymbra capitata cell cultures

Variations of the chemical components and biological activities of Thymus capitatus essential oil from three regions in Palestine

Thymus capitatus is a widely utilized medicinal plant in Palestine. The main goal of this study was to assess the phytochemical content of T. capitatus essential oils (EOs) from three Palestinian regions using hydro-distillation. Furthermore, the EO extracted from the plant was subjected to biological tests. GC-MS spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the elements in the EOs examined. The DPPH assay and the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay were utilized to determine the levels of antioxidant activity. The plant’s anti-lipase activity was carried out using a pancreatic lipase inhibition assay. α-amylase inhibitory activity of the EOs samples was studied compared with the hypoglycemic drug, Acarbose. An antimicrobial assay was conducted against seven common bacteria and fungi types. Additionally, Hep-G2 cells were used to assess the anticancer activity. The EO components were mainly monoterpenes, thymol, and carvacrol. Chemical components of the EOs varied between districts (Ramallah: carvacrol (31.25%), γ-terpinene (30.94%), Jenin: γ-terpinene (67%), cis-b-terpineol (12.91%), Hebron: thymol (40.35%), b-Caryophyllene (13.23%) were the main components of the EOs in the districts. The antioxidant activity of T. capitatus EOs was shown to be dose-dependent. The results showed that the three districts had nearly the same IC50, a fourth-fold of gallic acid. The Hebron sample of T. capitatus EO showed antibacterial activity with MIC values between 0.1953 and 1.5625 µg/mL. All samples showed anti-lipase activity higher than Orlistat at concentrations equal to or above 200 µg/ml. Furthermore, all three EO samples inhibited α-amylase concentration-dependently. All samples showed promising cytotoxicity results against Hep-G2, with an average percent inhibition of 85% at a concentration of 62.5 µg/mL. The chemical composition of the EO of T. capitatus is related to the plant’s origin, soil components, genetic variables, and climatic conditions, which in turn reflect the plant’s biological activity.

Characterization of Volatile Compounds and Biological Effects Capacities of Moroccan Thymus capitatus L., Essential Oils: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

The present study investigated the phytochemical composition of Thymus capitatus L. essential oil (TCEO) harvested in Morocco using GC-MS-MS analysis. Both in vitro and in silico approaches were combined to investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, dermatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties of TCEO as well as to identify the main compounds responsible of the promising properties. The TCEO was dominated by oxygenated monoterpene (63.33%) and monoterpene hydrocarbon (23.25%). In total, 20 volatile compounds were identified, and of them, carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, caryophyllene, and linalool are the major compounds. Then, the study of the antioxidant activity revealed that TCEO exhibits a good activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays as the obtained values were 67.34±1.54, 96.88±2.76, and 99.07±1.57µg/mL, respectively, compared to those of Trolox (35.38±0.91, 60.40±1.55, and 52.13±1.56µg/mL, respectively). The antibacterial activity revealed that TCEO was the most active toward the two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.125% each compared to Gram-negative ones (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) with MIC of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. For the antidiabetic tests, TCEO displayed markedly lower IC50 values, 111.79±2.88µg/mL for α-amylase and 70.42±1.68µg/mL for α-glucosidase than those of acarbose (389.04±1.65 and 187.82±2.62µg/mL, respectively). For anti-elastase activity, TCEO exhibited an IC50 value of 42.58±1.72µg/mL, indicating moderate inhibitory potency, whereas quercetin demonstrated a significantly stronger effect with an IC50 of 11.81±0.90µg/mL. In terms of anti-tyrosinase activity, TCEO showed an IC50 of 85.55±2.51µg/mL, which is notably more effective than quercetin's IC50 of 242.99±2.67µg/mL. The study of neuroprotection ability revealed that TCEO exerted a good effect as the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was 12.36±0.93mg GALAE/g, whereas that of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was 3.59±0.64mg GALAE/g. On the basis of these findings, it is believed that TCEO can serve as a readily available reservoir of natural antioxidants and antibacterial chemicals. TCEO could also provide considerable benefits for health, including antidiabetic, dermatoprotection, and neuroprotection capacities.

In vitro synergistic antibacterial activities of carvacrol, thymol and selected carvacrol-rich and carvacrol-deficient essential oil combinations

The present study investigated the antibacterial activity of carvacrol, thymol, carvacrol-rich and carvacrol-deficient commercial essential oils (EOs) including Origanum onites, Thymbra spicata, Thymbra capitata, Eucalyptus radiata, and Mentha piperita and their combinations against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 0.25 mg/mL for carvacrol, and 0.5 mg/mL for thymol against the bacteria tested. Carvacrol-rich EOs showed relatively higher antibacterial activity. Synergistic activity was observed in the combination of carvacrol with carvacrol-rich T. capitata EO against E. coli, with carvacrol-deficient M. piperita EO against S. aureus and E. faecalis, and in the combination of thymol-T. capitata EO against S. aureus. The synergism between carvacrol and carvacrol-rich EOs was not related to the total concentration of carvacrol. The synergistic combinations of carvacrol-T. capitata EO, carvacrol-M. piperita EO, and thymol-T. capitata EO are highlighted as a rational strategy for both food and cosmetic preservation and pharmaceutical applications.

Chitosan nanoparticle encapsulation of thymus capitatus essential oil: in vitro release, antioxidant, antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells

Thymus capitatus (Th. Ca) is known to treat mouth ulcers and respiratory infections in Cyprus. However, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic potential of Th. Ca. EO on MDA-MB-231 cells and its’ encapsulation into nanoparticles has not been well studied. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic potential, loading efficiency, and in vitro release profile of both Th. Ca. EO and Chitosan Nanoparticle (Ch. Np) - Th. Ca. EO. GC-MS analysis revealed 53.97% carvacrol, 14.53% borneol, and 12.09% sabinene presence in EO. The loading efficiency of Th. Ca. EO into Ch. Np. was calculated as 35.27% and the in vitro release profile reached a maximum of 68% in pH 7 for two weeks. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay showed that E. coli had an MIC50 of 0.3215 mg/ml while B. subtilis had an MIC50 of 0.5304 mg/ml. The antioxidant activity of the EO was assessed by performing a DPPH assay with an IC50 = 440 μg/ml. Trypan Blue Assay revealed that 60 µg/ml Th. Ca. EO significantly reduced the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cells by 10.7% at 48h and 20.06% at 72h. Overall, Ch. Np. - Th. Ca. EO has shown a promising formulation for the pharmaceutical industry.

Nanoemulsion of Thymus capitatus and Origanum vulgare essential oil: stability, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties

This research focuses on the assessment of cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of Thymus capitatus essential oil (TEO) and Origanum vulgare essential oil (OEO), before and after encapsulation in nanoemulsions, prepared utilizing high-pressure homogenization. These plants, indigenous to northern Albania and Mediterranean regions, produce EO with notable biological and cytotoxic activities. However, volatility, poor solubility, and chemical instability limit their practical application. Incorporating these oils into NE aims to enhance their stability and biological activity. The antimicrobial efficacy of the EO exhibited variability against different strains, showing particular effectiveness against E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and C. albicans ATCC 10231, with no effect was observed against P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The EO-loaded NE exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against MCF7, DU 145, and HT-29 cancer cell lines compared to the free oil. Encapsulation was found to augment the bioactivity of these volatile oils, with TEO-NE demonstrating superior cytotoxic effects than OEO-NE. Following encapsulation, OEO exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy relative to TEO against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Our results suggest that NE may enhance the cytotoxic and antimicrobial potential of the EOs, in different manner among EO used. The encapsulation of TEO and OEO in NE shows promising therapeutic potential, although further studies are required. However, these conclusions are drawn from in vitro analyses, underscoring the need for subsequent in vivo studies to ascertain this innovative clinical safety and efficacy.

Facilitation network in phryganic plant communities: evidence from a Mediterranean island

Plant to plant interactions are key drivers of community structure and assembly. We investigate the effect of facilitation on phryganic plant community structure, focusing on plant crown size, and whether the identified facilitative interactions related to community architecture are common in arid environments. We analysed the spatial patterns of 11 species in an arid area in Cyprus. A matrix was created to illustrate the associations between recruited and canopy species, which were found to be more positive than expected by chance, based on the Chi-square test. The corresponding indices of nestedness and connectance were calculated. The associations between recruited and canopy species were found to be positive, exhibiting a high nested structure (p < 0.001) with a 26% connectance in a non-random nested pattern. The presence of facilitative interactions was confirmed by the almost double number of recruits under the canopies of facilitators versus open ground. Ziziphus lotus, demonstrated the highest facilitation capacity (ca. 1.4 times higher than expected; covering ca. 57% of the area occupied by the nurses). Thymbra capitata and Noaea mucronata followed. The high degree of regularity in the assembly of plants within the community suggests that a facilitator’s network is fundamental for maintaining plant diversity in phryganic communities.

Survey on threatened medicinal plants diversity of Northwestern Syria

Throughout history, many plant species have been used as natural medicines to prevent and treat human diseases. Due to its geographical location, climate, and history, Syria contains a remarkable diversity of medicinal plants. However, in recent years a prolonged period of conflict has resulted in widespread ecosystem destruction, human population displacement, and disruption of farming practices. Although poorly documented this is believed to have resulted in a significant decline in medicinal plant populations. ex situ conservation initiatives, the locations of medicinal plants exposed to deterioration were identified from the results of a questionnaire. Seeds from seven species: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), wild thyme (Thymus capitatus L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), caper (Capparis spinosa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) were collected for the establishment of ex situ collections in the future. We discuss the potential for recovery initiatives to protect and conserve these species and to support the sustainable use of medicinal plant genetic resources in Northern Syria. Such endeavours are vital for the continued well-being of the Syrian population and humanity as a whole.

The effects of Thymus capitatus essential oil topical application on milk quality: a systems biology approach

Essential oils (EO) are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as an alternative to reduce the reliance on antimicrobials in dairy cattle. While many studies have explored the beneficial properties of EO in vitro, their effects on milk quality and milk microbiota, when applied directly to the udder skin, remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Thymus capitatus essential oil (TCEO), known for its high antibacterial and antioxidant properties, on milk microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing, the lipidomic profile via liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, udder skin microbiota, and inflammatory biomarkers of dairy cows at the end of lactation. Sixteen-quarters of 12 Holstein cows were selected, and TCEO was topically applied to the udder skin twice a day for 7 days. Milk was collected aseptically on days 0, 7, 21, and 28 before morning farm milking. The results showed no significant changes in microbiota composition after the EO treatment in alpha and beta diversity or taxonomical composition at the phylum and genus levels. TCEO induced limited changes in the milk lipidome, primarily affecting diacylglycerols at T21. The treatment did not affect inflammatory biomarkers, milk sensory properties, or quality. Our study is the first to demonstrate that a local application of 10% TCEO on cow’s quarters does not significantly alter milk quality or microbiota composition in milk and skin. More studies should be conducted to ensure the safe use of TCEO in dairy cows and explore its potential benefits on antibiotic-resistant bacteria as an alternative or support for antibiotic therapy.

Enzymes Inhibition, Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Anti-quorum Sensing Properties of Essential Oils from Selected Lamiaceae Plants

Objective Lamiaceae plants have high aromatic and medicinal qualities. This work reports the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus capitatus, T. fontanesii and Lavandula stoechas together with their inhibitory effects of selected enzymes and microbial virulence factors. Methods EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical compositions determined by GC-FID/GC-MS. The enzyme inhibition of EOs on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, urease and tyrosinase were investigated alongside antimicrobial, antibiofilm and quorum-sensing inhibitions (QSI) against a range of bacteria and fungi. Results In EOs from T. capitatus, T. fontanesii and L. stoechas, 36 (100%), 27 (100%) and 42 (100%) compounds were identified respectively. High amounts of oxygenated monoterpenoids were identified in T. capitatus (83.11%), T. fontanesii (72.77%) and L. stoechas (96.53%). At 200 µg/mL, L. stoechas EO exhibits the highest anticholinesterase activity of 56.63 ± 0.79% (AChE) and 71.45 ± 0.37% (BChE), compared to galantamine with 92.22 ± 0.18% (AChE) and 80.37 ± 0.27% (BChE). At 200 µg/mL, T. capitatus EO exhibits good inhibition of α-glucosidase (64.89 ± 0.82%) and α-amylase (62.44 ± 0.78%) compared to acarbose with inhibitions of 67.30 ± 0.45% (α-glucosidase) and 80.56 ± 0.52% (α-amylase). Urease and tyrosinase inhibitions were low. The EOs demonstrated strong antimicrobial activities with inhibition diameters reaching 45.0 ± 0.5 mm and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 0.007 ± 0.32% v/v. At MIC and sub-MIC concentrations, the EOs inhibited biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Gram-positive and candida biofilms were relatively more susceptible. EOs inhibited violacein production against C. violaceum CV12472, with T. fontanesii EO being most potent. QSI zones against C. violaceum CV026 were large and L. stoechas EO was most active. EOs inhibited swimming and swarming motilities against P. aeruginosa PA01. Conclusion T. capitatus, T. fontanesii, and L. stoechas are rich in bioactive EOs which can be used to mitigate enzymes related ailments such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease and attenuate virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria.

Ethnobotany and taxonomy of medicinal plants used for the treatment of pathologies of the respiratory system: case of the Saida region - Western Algeria)

Medicinal plants contain active ingredients with varied therapeutic properties, useful in the treatment of numerous pathologies. The aim of this study is to identify plants with therapeutic potential for respiratory ailments in the wilaya of Saïda, located in south-west Algeria. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out between 2023 and 2024, based on structured individual interviews using a pre-established questionnaire. A total of 337 participants, including healers, herbalists and local people with traditional knowledge, contributed to the study. It identified 34 plant species belonging to 33 genera and 16 families. Lamiaceae dominate with 7 species, followed by Apiaceae (5 species), Myrtaceae and Asteraceae (3 species each), then Linaceae and Liliaceae (2 species each). The other families have only one species. The most commonly used parts are leaves (37.2%), followed by fruits (5.7%), seeds (6.5%) and flowers (4.2%). The main galenic forms used are herbal teas, prepared as infusions, decoctions or macerations, with administration mainly by mouth. Respiratory ailments treated include colds, asthma, nasal congestion, coughs and Covid-19. Plant citation frequencies (FC %) remain contrasted, ranging from 24.35% for Thymus capitatus to 6.16% for Mentha spicata. This study provides a database of plants with therapeutic potential in the treatment of respiratory ailments.

Combined effect of Tetracycline compounds and essential oils on antimicrobial resistant Salmonella enterica isolated from the swine food chain.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses risks for food stakeholders because of the spread of resistant microbes and potential foodborne diseases. In example, pigs may carry Salmonella strains, which can infect humans through contaminated food preparations. Due to their antibacterial properties and capacity to modulate bacterial drug resistance, essential oils (EOs) are attracting interest as prospective substitutes for synthetic antimicrobials which can help to reverse microbial resistance. Hence, the present study evaluates the antimicrobial effectiveness of the combination of tetracycline (Tc) compounds and Coridothymus capitatus (CC), Thymus capitatus L. (TC), and Thymus serpyllum (TS) EOs on 11 tetracycline-resistant Salmonella enterica strains isolated from the swine food chain. The kind of interaction between Tc and EOs was evaluated by Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI), while the composition of the EOs phytocomplex was linked to Tc antibacterial activity by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Interestingly, the EOs increased the strains susceptibility to Tc, inhibiting their growth despite the antimicrobial resistance. In most cases, synergistic and commutative effects were detected, as the combination of EOs and Tc compounds resulted in a noticeable decrease in the concentration (from 256 to 4 μg/mL) necessary to inhibit the strains. Thymol, carvacrol, linalool, sabinene, and other EO terpenoid components were revealed as the molecules working in concert with the Tc drug to increase the susceptibility of S. enterica strains to the treatment. Comprehending which molecules of the EOs phytocomplex, beside the main compounds, affect bacterial inhibition, might help to develop a tailor-made approach related to counteract the resistance of specific strains to different antibiotics.

Quality Characteristics and Essential Oil Properties of Thymus capitatus, Mentha piperita, and Sideritis cypria Dried under Different Conditions.

The drying of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) is one of the main preservation methods for these products that can prolong their shelf life, if performed properly. The current study aimed to examine the effects of different drying conditions (sun, shade, and oven drying at 42 °C) on the quality characteristics of Thymus capitatus, Mentha piperita, and Sideritis cypria; their essential oil (EO) yield; and their biological properties (antioxidant and antibacterial activities). According to the results of the current study, oven drying resulted in faster moisture loss for all investigated species and slightly darker products. For T. capitatus, sun drying resulted in higher EO carvacrol content, whereas EOs obtained from shade and oven drying (at 42 °C) presented high total phenolic content and great antimicrobial activity. For M. piperita, shade drying resulted in a higher EO yield and higher iso-menthone content, whilst the EO obtained from oven-dried mint plants presented great antibacterial activity against the investigated foodborne pathogens. S. cypria plants dried in an air-ventilated oven produced an EO rich in β-caryophyllene and α-pinene, which also presented great antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The findings of the current study indicate that traditional drying methods, such as sun and shade, can result in good-quality dried MAPs that can yield EOs with significant biological activities, along with minimum energy consumption and lower carbon dioxide production (lower environmental carbon footprint), as opposed to oven drying. However, the drying-process duration could be a limitation at the industrial scale.

Peroxyl Radical Trapping Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils and Their Phenolic Components.

Essential oils (EOs) are gaining importance as sustainable food antioxidants, but kinetic data on peroxyl radical trapping are missing. Thirteen EOs from 11 botanical species were studied in the inhibited autoxidation of cumene by oxygen-uptake kinetics. EOs of Juniperus oxycedrus, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, Thymbra capitata, Betula alba, Pimenta racemosa, and Satureja montana, containing 23-86% phenolic components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, afforded inhibition rate constants kinh in the order of 104 M-1 s-1 at 30 °C similar to reference butylhydroxytoluene (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) (BHT). They matched or outperformed BHT in the protection of olive oil. The EOs Daucus carota and Cedrus atlantica with <1% phenols and those of Apium graveolens and Tagetes minuta with no phenolics had no chain-breaking activity. Key components carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, dihydroeugenol, umbelliferone, conyferyl alcohol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, 4-allylphenol, 2,3-xylenol, 2,4-xylenol, and phenol had kinh in the range of 103-104 M-1 s-1 and, along with EOs containing them, could potentially replace BHT in the protection of food products.

GC-MS, FTIR analysis and effects of thyme (Thymbra capitata L. Cav) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oils on the growth and pathogenicity of Botrytis fabae

ABSTRACT This study examined the efficacy of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymbra capitata L. Cav) essential oils (EOs) in Botrytis fabae management. The key compounds identified in thyme EO were carvacrol (48.13%), 4-Methoxystyrene (17.32%), and cyclohexene (12.37%), whereas the rosemary EO contained α-pinene (55.08%), camphene (10.52%), and d-limonene (7.86%). In vitro tests showed that thyme EO was more effective than rosemary, achieving total inhibition of B. fabae at a concentration of 50 µL compared to 250 µL for rosemary EO. Molecular docking indicated that the primary compounds in each EO interacted with 14 alpha-sterol demethylase. Greenhouse tests confirmed that both EOs significantly reduced disease severity without phytotoxicity. These findings suggest that thyme and rosemary EOs could be effective in B. fabae management, thereby promoting eco-friendly agriculture.

Repellency, Fumigant Toxicity, Antifeedent and Residual Activities of Coridothymus capitatus and Its Main Component Carvacrol against Red Flour Beetle.

Tribolium castaneum is a challenging pest of stored products, causing significant economic losses. The present study explored the efficacy of Coridothymus capitatus essential oil and its primary constituent, carvacrol, as eco-friendly alternatives for managing this pest. To evaluate their insecticidal potential, repellency, fumigant toxicity, and antifeedant properties, progeny inhibition assays were performed. Carvacrol exhibited superior repellency compared to the essential oil, achieving a 92% repellency rate at 2 mg/cm2. Both compounds demonstrated significant fumigant toxicity against T. castaneum, with LC50 values of 168.47 and 106.5 μL/L for the essential oil and carvacrol, respectively, after 24 h. Carvacrol also outperformed the essential oil in antifeedant activity, inducing an 80.7% feeding deterrence at 1.17 mg/g. Moreover, both treatments effectively suppressed the development of the pest's progeny. These results collectively underscore the potent insecticidal properties of C. capitatus essential oil and carvacrol, particularly carvacrol, as promising candidates for the sustainable management of T. castaneum in stored product protection.

Green Synthesis of Hexagonal-like ZnO Nanoparticles Modified with Phytochemicals of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and Thymus capitatus Extracts: Enhanced Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Activities.

The green synthesis of ZnO NPs is becoming increasingly valued for its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. This study successfully synthesized hexagonal ZnO NPs using a combination of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and Thymus capitatus extracts. The use of both extracts significantly improved the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the ZnO NPs. By optimizing synthesis conditions, including ZnCl2 and extract concentrations, hexagonal wurtzite ZnO NPs were produced at room temperature with only drying at 80 °C without high-temperature annealing. The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited a hexagonal morphology with an average particle size of 160 nm and a crystallite size of 30 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of the ZnO NPs, showing a high carbon content (63.9 wt.%), reflecting the presence of phytochemicals from the extracts coated the ZnO NPs surface. The UV-Vis spectrum revealed an absorption peak at 370 nm and a bandgap energy of 2.8 eV due to lattice defects caused by organic impurities. The ZnO NPs demonstrated exceptional antioxidant activity, with a DPPH radical scavenging rate of 95.2%. They also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with inhibition zones of 25 mm against Bacillus subtilis, 26 mm against Escherichia coli, 24 mm against Salmonella typhimurium, 22 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 21 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, 20 mm against Staphylococcus hominis, and 18 mm against Bacillus subtilis at 200 ppm. Furthermore, significant antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans, with an inhibition zone of 35 mm at the same concentration. These findings underscore the effectiveness of using combined plant extracts for producing ZnO NPs with controlled morphology and enhanced biological properties, highlighting their potential for various biomedical applications.

Antiviral Efficacy of Coridothymus capitatus Essential Oil Against HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Coridothymus capitatus is a perennial herb with aromatic leaves and flowers, distinct from Thymus vulgaris in its chemical composition, resulting in a unique Thymus Essential Oil (TEO). A main component of TEO, carvacrol, is known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal activity. Carvacrol has potent antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, generating interest in traditional medicine. However, studies on its antiviral activity are limited. Given the rise in viral infections and limitations of synthetic antiviral drugs, natural antiviral agents are promising due to their efficacy, lower resistance development, and reduced side effects. This study assessed the antiviral efficacy of TEO compared to that of pure carvacrol. We tested various viruses, revealing significant inhibitory effects of TEO on the replication of only Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (HSV-1) and Simplexvirus humanalpha2 (HSV-2), with specific interference during the early stages of the viral replication cycle after the adsorption period. TEO exhibited inhibitory effects at doses below the cytotoxic threshold, with IC50 values of 47 μg/mL for HSV-1 and 40 μg/mL for HSV-2. Maximum virus inhibition was achieved when TEO was added within 90 min post-infection, indicating interference with early viral replication steps. These findings highlight the potential of TEO as a natural antiviral agent and suggest further research into its mechanisms and clinical applications.

Chemical Composition, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Hemolytic Activities of Moroccan Thymus capitatus Essential Oil.

This study aimed to define the chemical composition of Moroccan Thymus capitatus essential oil, and to investigate its in vitro antioxidant and antifungal activities against human pathogenic fungi. Chemical analysis using GC-FID and GC-MS system revealed 28 constituents, representing 99 % of total compounds. Oxygenated monoterpenes represented the highest proportion (79.79 %), among which carvacrol (75.73 %) was the predominant compound, followed by linalol (2.26 %). Monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the second major fraction (16.29 %): within them, the predominant constituents were γ-terpinene (5,55 %), ρ-cymene (5,50 %), and β-caryophyllene (2.73 %). Antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH scavenging, β-carotene bleaching inhibition, and ferric reducing power. T. capitatus revealed pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50=110.53 μg mL-1), strong ferric reducing ability (EC50=644.4 μg mL-1), and a remarkable degree of protection against lipid peroxidation during β-carotene bleaching inhibition (IC50=251.76 μg mL-1). Antifungal activity was carried out against Candida, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus species by microdilution method. T. capitatus exhibited potent anticandidal activity (MIC=125-500 μg mL-1) and strong inhibition against filamentous fungi (MIC=250-500 μg mL-1). Its hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes had a low toxic effect at concentrations lower than 1250 μg mL-1. The useful antioxidant properties and broad antifungal effect of T. capitatus EO confirm its considerable potential for the food industry and for phytopharmaceutical production.

Green biosynthesis of Ag2O nanoparticles by aqueous leaves extract of Thymus capitatus (Lamiaceae): effect of silver nitrate weight in optical and their biological activity

In this study, green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O NPs) was achieved by bio-reduction of AgNO3 using Thymus Capitatus leaves extract. The effect of silver precursor contraction (0.1–1 g, AgNO3) was studied. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature of Ag/Ag2O NPs with a crystallite size range from 18 to 24 nm. SEM showed that the green synthesizing silver oxide nanoparticles having in general as cubical shape. The obtained Ag2O NPs exhibit absorption at 273 nm with a direct bandgap ranging from 3.87 to 4.02 eV and an indirect bandgap of 2.99–3.44 eV, according to Uv-visible spectra. FTIR analysis exhibit a two weak peak at 517 and 458 cm−1 attributed to silver oxide-NPs vibration, confirming the nanoparticles formation. Among the examined extracts, Ag2O NPs with 1 g weight of AgNO3 showed the highest antioxidant activity with value of 3.42, 18.98 and 18.97 mg/mL for DPPH, FRAP and TAC tests respectively.