Trachyspermum Ammi Essential Oil Research Articles

Antibacterial effects of chitosan-based hydrogels containing Trachyspermum ammi essential oil on pathogens isolated from dogs with otitis externa

BackgroundGrowing antibiotic resistance has made treating otitis externa (OE) increasingly challenging. On the other hand, local antimicrobial treatments, especially those that combine essential oils (EOs) with nanoparticles, tend to be preferred over systemic ones. It was investigated whether Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) EO, combined with chitosan nanoparticles modified by cholesterol, could inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens isolated from OE cases in dogs. In total, 57 dogs with clinical signs of OE were examined and bacteriologically tested. Hydrogels of Chitosan were synthesized by self-assembly and investigated. EO was extracted (Clevenger machine), and its ingredients were checked (GC-MS analysis) and encapsulated in chitosan-cholesterol nanoparticles. Disc-diffusion and broth Micro-dilution (MIC and MBC) examined its antimicrobial and therapeutic properties.ResultsStaphylococcus pseudintermedius (49.3%) was the most common bacteria isolated from OE cases, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.7%), Escherichia coli (13.3%), Streptococcus canis (9.3%), Corynebacterium auriscanis (6.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.7%), Proteus mirabilis (2.7%), and Bacillus cereus (1.3%). The investigation into the antimicrobial properties of Ajwain EO encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles revealed that it exhibited a more pronounced antimicrobial effect against the pathogens responsible for OE.ConclusionsUsing chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with EO presents an effective treatment approach for dogs with OE that conventional antimicrobial treatments have not cured. This approach not only enhances antibacterial effects but also reduces the required dosage of antimicrobials, potentially preventing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Assessment of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1 contamination, and post-harvest quality of Sorghum bicolor

The present investigation explored the antifungal effectiveness of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TAEO) against Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination, and its mechanism of action using biochemical and computational approaches. The GC–MS result revealed the chemical diversity of TAEO with the highest percentage of γ-terpinene (39 %). The TAEO exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration against A. flavus growth (0.5 µL/mL) and AFB1 (0.4 µL/mL) with radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.13 µL/mL). The mechanism of action of TAEO was associated with the alteration in plasma membrane functioning, antioxidative defense, and carbon source catabolism. The molecular dynamic result shows the multi-regime binding of γ-terpinene with the target proteins (Nor1, Omt1, and Vbs) of AFB1 biosynthesis. Furthermore, TAEO exhibited remarkable in-situ protection of Sorghum bicolor seed samples against A. flavus and AFB1 contamination and protected the nutritional deterioration. Hence, the study recommends TAEO as a natural antifungal agent for food protection against A. flavus mediated biodeterioration.

Polylactic acid films incorporated with nanochitosan, nanocellulose, and Ajwain essential oil: Synthesis, characterizations, with in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial properties for infected wound healing

Nowadays developing wound dressing with higher antimicrobial properties which is accelerates healing, considered an emerging issue. In this study, we designed polylactic acid (PLA) films incorporated with different concentrations of nanochitosan (NCH), nanocellulose (CNC), and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) essential oil (AEO) with in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial properties, for infected wound healing. In this study, AEO was extracted and the components were analyzed. The appearance, thickness, release of AEO, and the in-vitro antimicrobial properties of films were evaluated and the films with higher antimicrobial properties were used as dressing the wounds of rats. The mechanical properties of selected films with higher healing properties were analyzed. The results showed that thymol, P-cymene, and γ-terpinene were the main components of AEO. Also, all PLA films with AEO had antimicrobial properties, especially gram-positive bacteria. Finally, PLA films incorporated with 4 % NCH and 3 % AEO showed the highest antibacterial and wound healing properties. According to the results obtained in the tensile strength test, the PLA/NCH films had good strength and NCH improved the mechanical properties of the films. According to the results obtained in this study, the PLA films incorporated with NCH and AEO oil can be a suitable option for new wound dressings.

Insecticidal activity, Chemical Constituents of Trachyspermum ammi, Withania coagulans and Murraya koenigii ethanloic extracts against Bemisia tabaci.

Whitefly is one of the most widespread agricultural pests in the world. Essential oils might be used to control this insect in an environmentally responsible way. The fumigant, repellent, and anti-oviposition activity of ethanol-extracted essential oils of Trachyspermum ammi, Withania coagulans, and Murraya koenigii against Bemisia tabaci was investigated in this study. In the experiment, three essential oil concentrations (2.5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) were used. Trachyspermum ammi had the highest percentage of whitefly death in laboratory experiments due to its fumigant toxicity; the same tendency was found in contact toxicity and repellent effect. Mortality percent rises as the concentration of essential oil increases with bioassay time. As the concentration of essential oil grows with bioassay time, so does the mortality rate. The most adult whiteflies escaped from the treated plants' greenhouse due to the highest essential oil concentration. The greatest repellency was found with Trachyspermum ammi essential oil at 10 mg/mL. The essential oil had the greatest anti-oviposition efficacy against whiteflies. Trachyspermum ammi possessed the most potent anti-oviposition deterrent, followed by Withania coagulans in second place. Murraya koenigii finished third with moderate anti-oviposition, which affects the number of eggs produced in comparison to the control. As a consequence, these three oils might be used as an effective and environmentally acceptable bio-insecticide to control B. tabaci.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential oil Extracted from Trachyspermum Ammi (ajwain) Seeds: an In-vitro Study

The food industry uses essential oils derived from natural sources as flavouring and preservatives. The purpose of this study is to investigate how temperature affects the essential oil extracted from Trachyspermum ammi, seeds which has the best antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in order to find a green substitute for toxic chemically produced preservatives used in food and pharmaceutical chemistry. Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain seeds) seeds were hydrodistilled at various temperatures (60°C to 90°C). The amount of essential oil was found to decrease on increasing temperature (2.1ml, 1.5 ml and 1.0 ml at 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C respectively). Hence, 70°C was the ideal temperature for extracting the essential oil from ajwain seeds. 25 components were discovered in the essential oil extracted from ajwain seeds by GC-MS technique. The predominant ingredient was shown to be thymol (31.40%). The percentages of scavenger activity against hydrogen peroxide were 70.75%, 86.99%, and 95.28% for 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C respectively. Due to the presence of the largest concentration of thymol (67.66%), the results showed that essential oil extracted at 90°C demonstrated the highest level of antioxidant property. By using the disc diffusion method, the antimicrobial activity of an essential oil made from ajwain seeds was evaluated. MIC50 of standard essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi seeds against gram positive strain was observed 10 µL/mL of culture and 25µL/mL of culture was observed against gram negative bacteria. Essential oil extracted at 70°C showed antimicrobial activity by forming zones of inhibition with diameters including discs of 18.3 mm and 14.36 mm against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Essential oil extracted at 80°C produced zones of inhibition with diameters of 18.68 mm and 15.30 mm, respectively. In the case of essential oil extracted at 90°C, the zones of inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli had diameters of 18.690.3 mm and 15.38 mm, respectively. As a result, using Trachyspermum ammi essential oil as a food preservative and the temperature at which it is extracted are unaffected by an increase in extraction temperature. Hence, essential oil obtained from Trachyspermum ammi seeds can be used as green alternative of chemically synthesized toxic preservatives used in food and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Cytotoxic effects of Trachyspermum ammi and Ferula assafoetida on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines

Abstract Background The induction of oxidative stress is one of the most important cancer etiologies. Plant essential oils contain many effective antioxidant compounds in improving oxidative stress. In the present study, the pharmacological potential of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TAEO) and Ferula assafoetida essential oil (FAEO) was compared in oxidative stress improvement and cytotoxic effect. TAEO and FAEO were prepared by Clevenger apparatus, and the medicinal compounds in the essential oils were evaluated by GC–MS assay. The TAEO and FAEO were also evaluated as to their phenolic and flavonoid content, monovalent reducing power, and total radical scavenging activity, respectively, by Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, FRAP, and DPPH methods. The cytotoxic effect of the TAEO and FAEO was evaluated by MTT assay on MCF-7 (ER+) and MDA-MB-468 (ER−) breast cancer cell lines. Results The GC–MS analysis indicated that thymol and (E)-Sec-Butyl propenyl disulfide, respectively, were the highest components of TAEO and FAEO. The phenolic content (P < 0.0001), flavonoid content (P < 0.0001), reducing power (P < 0.0001), radical scavenging activity (P < 0.0001), and cytotoxic effect (P < 0.05) of TAEO were significantly higher than FAEO. The IC50 value of the cytotoxic effect of TAEO on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 after 72 h of incubation was, respectively, 192.5 ± 42.57 and 331.4 ± 7.24 ppm. Conclusion The cytotoxic effect of TAEO was more potent on the MCF-7 cell line, probably in an estrogen-dependent manner of cellular growth inhibition. It appears that TAEO has a high capacity for improving oxidative stress and inhibiting cell proliferation in breast cancer.

Antibacterial Activity of Trachyspermum ammi Essential Oil Against Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Human Dental Plaques

Antibacterial Activity of Trachyspermum ammi Essential Oil Against Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Human Dental Plaques

Ultrasound-assisted nanoemulsion of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and its constituent thymol on toxicity and biochemical aspect of Aedes aegypti.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika, and dengue worldwide and is managed by using chemical insecticides. Though effective, their indiscriminate use brings in associated problems on safety to non-target and the environment. This supports the use of plant-based essential oil (EO) formulations as they are safe to use with limited effect on non-target organisms. Quick volatility and degradation of EO are a hurdle in its use; the present study attempts to develop nanoemulsions (NE) of Trachyspermum ammi EO and its constituent thymol using Tween 80 as surfactant by ultrasonication method. The NE of EO had droplet size ranging from 65 ± 0.7 to 83 ± 0.09nm and a poly dispersity index (PDI) value of 0.18 ± 0.003 to 0.20 ± 0.07 from 1 to 60days of storage. The NE of thymol showed a droplet size ranging from 167 ± 1 to 230 ± 1nm and PDI value of 0.30 ± 0.03 to 0.40 ± 0.008 from 1 to 60days of storage. The droplet shape of both NEs appeared spherical under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The larvicidal effect of NEs of EO and thymol was better than BEs (Bulk emulsion) of EO and thymol against Ae. aegypti. Among the NEs, thymol (LC50 34.89ppm) had better larvicidal action than EO (LC50 46.73ppm). Exposure to NEs of EO and thymol causes the shrinkage of the larval cuticle and inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in Ae. aegypti. Our findings show the enhanced effect of NEs over BEs which facilitate its use as an alternative control measure for Ae. aegypti.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Trachyspermum Ammi (Ajwain Seeds) Seed Extract for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)

Introduction: In recent years, people are more health-conscious and avoiding the use of synthetic drugs, which are not only harmful to them but also to the environment as they are manmade. So, there is an urgent need for naturally available biologically active compounds which are environment friendly and has tremendous health benefits for the welfare of human being. Trachyspermum Ammi, commonly known as ‘Ajwain,’ is a plant native to India. It has been shown to have antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, broncho-dilating, antilithiasis, diuretic, abortifacient, antitussive, nematicidal, Anthelmintic and antifilarial properties. Furthermore, studies reveal the presence of a variety of phytochemical constituents, including carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, volatile oil (thymol, -terpinene, para-cymene, and- and -pinene), protein, fat, fibre, and mineral matter containing calcium, phosphorous, iron, and nicotinic acid. Methods: TLC of essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi, was performed and revealed the presence of. Thymol. GC-FID & GC-MS analysis of essential oil shows the presence of 31 compounds. The most existing major compounds in essential oil were Thymol (33.40 %), γ-Terpinene (16.58 %), β-Pinene (13.82 %), 2-Pinene (6.02 %), 3-Cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde, 1,3,4-tri-methyl (5.35 %), p-Cymene (3.85 %), Linalool (2.89 %) and α-Thujene (2.44 %). Results: Antimicrobial activity of essential oil showed against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, it was proven by using cup well method by observing zone of inhibition to the microbial strains at different concentrations of essential oil. The minimum inhibitory concentration was also observed. Conclusion: It was confirmed that essential oil shows the antimicrobial activity as well as shows effect to fungal strains. In conclusion, the presence of numerous essential oil ingredients, and the results of experimental studies showed that Trachyspermum ammi essential oil possessed antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal action. Vulvovaginal candidiasis can be treated with this essential oil.

Effect of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil, fractions and its derivatives on resistant fungal Strains

Persistentantimicrobial drugs treatmenthas resulted in antimicrobial resistance in fungi. There is always a gap for newer antifungal agent. As fungi are associated with multiple health risks in humans and many diseases in crops as well.Objective: To find alternate natural antimicrobial agent as compared to the synthetic one. Method:Essential oil of Trachyspermumammi was isolated, fractionated, and subjected to GC-MS analysis. Components from fractions were derivatized to check their antimicrobial potential against fungal resistant strains. Results:Analysis showed γ -terpinene (39%), α-phellandrene (1.3%), α-pinene (0.5%), Sabinene (0.15%), β-pinene (4.40%), β-myrcene (1.14%), O-cymene (15.78%), p-cymefne (38.78%), and other components were less than 1%. Fractional components were derivatised and their antifungal action was studied. Conclusion: Ajwain oil components found to be good against resistant fungal strains. While some derivatives showed more and some less antimicrobial action.

Combination effect of red light irradiation and Traychspermum ammi essential oil on colorectal cancer cells (SW480).

Colon cancer is the third significant reason for death related to cancers in the world. There are various treatments for colon cancer, which have several side effects. Polyphenol agents are a type of antioxidant in plants that have diverse biological properties, such as anti-cancer effects. Here, we investigate the effect of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TEO) and red light irradiation on the colorectal cancer cell line (SW 480). The colorectal cancer cell lines were irradiated at 660nm for 90s and then the cells were incubated with different TEO concentrations. In another study, cells initially were treated with various TEO concentrations and then irradiation for 90s. Effect of TEO and the red light irradiation on viability of the cell, ROS generation, and cell cycle was assessed by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. The findings demonstrated that early incubation with TEO and then irradiation decreased the SW 480 cells survival more than the early irradiation at 660nm and then essential oil. In addition, TEO treatment at IC50 concentration in combination with low-level laser irradiation induces ROS generation in SW 480 cells as compared to the dark group. In addition, TEO treatment at IC50 in combination with low-level laser irradiation induces G0/G1 arrest of the cell cycle in SW 480 cells in comparison to the dark group. This study revealed that the Trachyspermum ammi essential oil in combination with low-level laser results in more reduction in survival which leads to ROS generation and cell cycle arrest in SW 480 colorectal cancer cells.

Antimicrobial core–shell electrospun nanofibers containing Ajwain essential oil for accelerating infected wound healing

Treatment of skin injuries is still facing major challenges, such as chronicity and infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistance pathogens. An effective treatment of such wounds should accelerate the wound healing process while preventing bacterial contamination. Here, a novel core–shell nanofiber mat was fabricated comprising gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol (as a core) and aloe vera/arabinose/polyvinylpyrrolidone (as a shell) for accelerating the healing process of bacteria-infected wounds. Trachyspermum Ammi (Ajwain) essential oil (EO), as a potent and natural antimicrobial agent against microorganisms, was incorporated into the core of nanofiber mats using coaxial electrospinning. The microscopy images demonstrated the successful fabrication of the core–shell structure with a uniform fiber size of 564 ± 106.35 nm. Moreover, Ajwain EO-loaded nanofiber mat (core–shell/EO) provided excellent antimicrobial activity and antioxidant ability. The in vitro and ex vivo release of Ajwain EO from the fabricated nanofiber mat corroborated a prolonged release profile. Furthermore, in vivo antibacterial activity, wound closure, and histomorphological examinations showed the high efficacy of the core–shell/EO mat in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness rat wounds compared to standard control treatment with a gauze. Overall, these results represent the core–shell/EO mat's potential as a newly developed wound dressing for bacteria-infected full-thickness skin injuries.

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes growth in turkey fillets by alginate edible coating with Trachyspermum ammi essential oil nano-emulsion

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TAEO). Moreover, the present study comparatively investigated TAEO in the forms of emulsion and Nano-emulsion in alginate-based edible coatings against inoculated Listeria monocytogenes in turkey fillets during 12 days in cold storage (at a temperature of 4 ± 1 °C). Alginate solutions with two levels of TAEO (in emulsion and Nano-emulsion forms) were prepared in this study. The bacterial count was performed on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Based on the obtained results of the current study, a comparison of different treatments with the blank samples (without any coating) showed that the highest considerable result was observed in the samples with Nano-emulsion coating (P < 0.05). Nano-emulsion loaded alginate coating prevented the growth of listeria in turkey fillets even after 12 days of cold storage. According to the findings of this study, the application of alginate edible coatings containing TAEO, especially in Nano-form, can be very effective in controlling the growth of L. monocytogenes, as a foodborne pathogen, during storage; therefore, it is a good choice to be applied in the meat industry.

Inhibition of Staphylococcus Aureus in Hamburger Using Chitosan Film Containing the Nanoemulsion of Trachyspermum Ammi and Bunium Persicum Essential Oils

Introduction: Antimicrobial agents such as essential oils have wide applications, and their use in edible films has been reported to enhance the shelf life of meat and its products. The present study aimed to assess the effects of chitosan films on the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger samples in storage conditions (temperature: 4±1°C). Methods: The prepared films contained 0.8% nanoemulsion of Bunium persicum essential oil (NBPEO) and 1.6% nanoemulsion of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (NTEO). The hamburger samples were inoculated with S. aureus and divided into several groups, including control (no film), chitosan with 7.5% cellulose nanofiber (Ch-CNF), chitosan with 7.5% cellulose nanofiber, 0.8% NBPEO, and 1.6% NTEO (Ch-CNF-NEO). The samples were preserved in storage conditions (temperature: 4°C), and bacterial count was carried out on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Data analysis was performed using Bonferroni post-hoc test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: According to the results, S. aureus count significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared to the control samples. In addition, the maximum reduction rate was observed in the Ch-CNF-NEO treatment (1.41 log CFU/g) compared to the control samples. Conclution: According to the results, it is offered that nanocomposite film of chitosan with nanoemulsion of essential oils practically be applied in hamburger to enhance its safety against S. aureus.

Characterization, antifungal properties and in silico modelling perspectives of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil

Essential oils are responsible for wide range of biological activities, the reason why, the present research is focused on the profiling of essential oil from Trachyspermum ammi L. for antifungal activity against pathogenic Candida and Aspergillus spp. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis of essential oil resulted identification of seventeen compounds, where thymol (38.75%), p-cymene (31.61%), γ-terpinene (23.70%) and β-pinene (3.32%) were most abundant. In vitro antifungal activity against virulent strains of Candida and Aspergillus spp. revealed C. albicans 4791 as the most susceptible (6.9 μg mL−1). In order to study the possible mechanism of action, molecular modelling tools have been utilized to predict lowest binding energies in docking of major monoterpenes with glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase which revealed stable interactions such as H-bonded, π-alkyl and π-cationic bonds with crucial amino acid residues.

Molecular and in silico evidences explain the anti-inflammatory effect of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil in lipopolysaccharide induced macrophages

This study presents the anti-inflammatory potential of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (TAEO) against Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. TAEO displayed the anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitric oxide production and impact on the expression of nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Besides, TAEO effectively inhibited the COX-2 enzyme activity with IC50 value at 4.49 μg/mL. Furthermore, the molecular docking and simulation studies suggest a strong interaction between COX-2 and the important TAEO components thymol, (-5.88 kcal/mol) and carvacrol (-6.30 kcal/mol). The thymol and carvacrol docked complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds (at alanine 188 and tyrosine 371) and several hydrophobic interactions at phenylalanine 196, tyrosine 371, tryptophan 373, and leucine 376 and alanine 185, alanine 188, phenylalanine 196, tryptophan 373, leucine 376, and leucine 377, respectively. These results collectively suggest the anti-inflammatory role of TAEO.

The antioxidant activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and thymol in murine macrophages

Abstract Essential oils are abundant resources of several bioactive compounds, which possess therapeutic effects and have been at the heart attention of the research as the natural additives for the shelf-life extension of food products. This study aimed to investigate, in vitro radical scavenging and antioxidant capacities of Ttrachyspermum ammi (TEO) and its main components. Furthermore, this study sought to determine the antioxidant enzyme responses to TEO at the gene expression levels. The inhibitory effects of TEO and its main components on superoxide and nitric oxide production and NADH oxidase (NOX) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. TEO and thymol displayed a robust antioxidant activity while γ-terpinene and p-cymene have presented a few antioxidant activities. TEO at 10 μg/mL strongly reduced NO but potently increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. TEO significantly decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression but upregulated NOX mRNA in LPS-stimulated macrophages at 10 μg/mL. TEO had strong synergism with LPS to enhance ROS, a condition that is suitable against tumors propagation. Thymol at 10 μg/mL reduced NO, and ROS production and iNOS mRNA and NOX mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages but γ-terpinene and p-cymene did not show such activities. These differential activities between TEO and its pure chemical components strongly recommend that TEO antioxidant activity may be mainly due to the presence of thymol and also a strong synergism between all monoterpenes and monoterpenoids components of essential oils to the presentation a biological action.

Cysticidal Activity of Trachyspermum ammi Essential Oil against Acanthamoeba Isolates from Dental Clinic and Hospital Water Networks

Cysticidal Activity of Trachyspermum ammi Essential Oil against Acanthamoeba Isolates from Dental Clinic and Hospital Water Networks

The optimization of gelatin-CMC based active films containing chitin nanofiber and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil by response surface methodology

The effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC: 4–16 wt%), chitin nanofiber concentrations (CHNF: 2–5 wt%) and Trachyspermum ammi (Ajowan) essential oil (AJEO: 0.26–1 v/v%) on the physical and antimicrobial characteristics of the gelatin-based nanocomposite films were studied by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimization was based on maximizing contact angle, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain at break (SAB), lightness (L), antibacterial activity, while minimizing water vapour permeability)WVP(, solubility, swelling, yellowness index (YI), and total color difference (ΔE) values. An increase in the CMC/gelatin ratio in the film formulations caused a decrease in WVP, SAB, ΔE, and YI. In addition, the incorporation of CHNF improved their mechanical strength and barrier properties. Furthermore, the addition of AJEO clearly improved the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while reducing the mechanical and light barrier properties. The optimal values of CMC, CHNF and AJEO for composition of the gelatin film were 15.83 (wt%), 3 (wt%) and 0.74 (v/v%), respectively.

Enhancement of Antibiotic Activity and Reversal of Resistance in Clinically Isolated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Trachyspermum ammi Essential Oil

Background and objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has resulted in a worldwide threat due to the virulence and broad distribution in the hospital and community. Novel antibiotics are required to combat the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil alone and in combination with fifteen antibiotics of different classes against a standard and five clinical strains of MRSAs was investigated. Methods: Chemical composition of the essential oil was investigated by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The possible synergistic interaction of several antibiotics in combination with essential oil was screened by disc diffusion method. Interaction of the essential oil and the candidate antibiotic was investigated by checkerboard assay. Results: The essential oil was rich in thymol (74.2%), p-cymene (16%), and γ-terpinene (7.1%). Combination of sub-inhibitory concentrations of essential oil with vancomycin or gentamicin increased their inhibition zones against MRSA ATCC 33591 and clinically isolated MRSAs. All of the clinically isolated MRSAs were resistant to gentamicin, while combination of gentamicin with the essential oil caused augmentation of the antibacterial activity and 4 to 520-fold decrease in gentamicin minimum inhibitory concentrations was observed against different MRSA strains with fractional inhibitory concentration indices ranging from 0.50 to 0.75. Combination of essential oil with ciprofloxacin or imipenem increased the inhibition zones against some clinically isolated MRSAs. Conclusion: Combination of sub-inhibitory concentrations of T. ammi essential oil and gentamicin could be considered as a new choice for treatment of infectious diseases caused by MRSA strains.