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Rosmarinic acid is a phenolic compound commonly found in the Lamiaceae (Labiateae) plant species. It is considered responsible for a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities of plants containing this compound. The aim of the current review is to present the fate of rosmarinic acid inside the human body, explained through pharmacokinetic steps and to briefly present the health benefits of RA. Pharmacokinetics was at first studied in animal models, but several studies were conducted in humans as well. This compound can be applied topically, pulmonary, intranasally, and via intravenous infusion. However, peroral application is the main route of entry into the human body. Presumably, it is mainly metabolized by the gut microflora, providing simple, more easily absorbed phenolic units. Inside the body, the rosmarinic acid molecule undergoes structural changes, as well as conjugation reactions. Renal excretion represents the main path of elimination. Previously conducted studies reported no serious adverse effects of herbal remedies containing RA, as well as their positive effects on human health. In addition to in vitro studies, clinical investigations suggested its benefits in dermatological, allergic, and osteoarthritic disorders, as well as for improving cognitive performance and in metabolic syndrome treatment. Future studies should investigate the kinetics during long-term application in patients who would have potential benefits from RA usage. Pharmaceutical formulations designed to prevent the fast metabolism of RA and allow its penetration into other compartments of the human body are also interesting topics for future research.

St. John’s wort has been used for centuries in traditional medicine of many cultures, and nowadays it is well-known as a clinically important antidepressant drug. Considering the rising market demand for Hyperici herba, quality control of crude drug is of paramount importance. In this paper we performed HPLC-DAD chemical profiling of St. John’s wort tea samples obtained at local markets, pharmacies and health food stores in the Balkan Peninsula countries, Austria and Turkey. Furthermore, water alcoholic extracts of the collected samples were evaluated in terms of their antioxidant potential, as well as the ability to inhibit biologically important enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B), α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Significant variability within the samples in the quantities of hypericin, hyperforin, rutin, quercetin, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid was noticed. Chemotaxonomic modelling enabled the identification of three clusters of samples based on the quantities of rutin, hypericin and hyperforin. Generally, the extracts exhibited a significant potential to inhibit MAO-A (median IC50 = 10.01 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (median IC50 = 12.40 μg/mL). The results of antioxidant potential evaluation suggest strong neutralization of hydroxyl and nitroso radicals, but moderate inhibition of lipid peroxidation process. Overall, the conducted study emphasizes the possibility of St. John’s wort teas quality control, taking into account unavoidable variability of chemical profile as well. The stated is of great importance when grinding degree of herbal material excludes taxonomic identification of biological origin as an option within quality control.

Traditional medicinal plants are used as an additional form of type 2 diabetes therapy in which oxidative stress is one of the progression factors. The aim of the study was the evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of tea mixture registered as food and marketed for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chemical profiling of the extracts included quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids, while antihyperglycemic potential was estimated through determination of inhibition potential of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Additionally, extracts were characterized for specific phenolic compounds by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The in vitro antioxidant activity was estimated by application of DPPH, OH, NO and FRAP tests. The greatest anti-α-amylase potential is attributed to the Phaseoli legumen, while the highest potential to inhibit α-glucosidase was recorded for Olivae folium. Generally, screening of the phenolic compounds enabled us to conclude that a high level of correlation exists between anti-α-amylase potential and the quantified amounts of total phenolics, as well as gallic acid, while the chlorogenic acid is most probably responsible for the inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. Therefore, the high total ratio (40%, m/m) of Olivae folium and Phaseoli legumen in the evaluated tea mixture can be stated as fully justified. However, future in vivo research is required for further understanding of the antihyperglycemic activity mechanisms of secondary metabolites found in specified herbal components, as well as to evaluate their synergistic effect when applied in a form of tea mixture.

It is considered that different plant organic compounds, known as phytoncides are creditable for positive effects of Forest therapy on human health. Ongoing pandemic has also put these compounds in research focus considering potential use for novel corona virus treatment. This research was conducted in order to examine the potential of Tilia cordata Mill. considering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content for the use in Forest therapy. In order to determine qualitative and quantitative content of phytoncides, as well the variability among genotypes growing in the same environmental conditions, leaf samples from genotypes of T. cordata were collected from the Fruška gora (Serbia) during 2019. VOCs determined in fresh herbal material were analyzed by HeadspaceGC/MS and VOCs determined in essential oil were obtained by GC/MS. The results showed the presence of 17 different phytoncides (monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, aliphatic compounds and diterpenes) in all tested genotypes. According to the mean values of the obtained results, the most abundant classes of phytoncides among the examined genotypes were monoterpene hydrocarbons (87.05), followed by aliphatic compounds (36.59) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (34.60). The highest coefficient of variation (CV) among phytoncide content in tested T. cordata genotypes has been observed within oxygenated monoterpenes (43.12%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (28.18%), and diterpenes (27.04%). Some individual monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as o-cymene (19.92%) and a-pinene (17.40%) had the highest CV in terms of its presence in analyzed genotypes. In addition, the principal component analysis (PCA) showed more notable clustering within the VOCs determined in essential oil in comparison to VOCs determined in fresh herbal material. Considering the phytoncide content detected in T. cordata leaves, this species has high potential for the use in human health improvement within Forest therapy.

As proper wound management is crucial to reducing morbidity and improving quality of life, this study evaluated for the first time the wound healing potential of H. italicum essential oil (HIEO) prepared in the form of ointment and gel in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wound models in rats. After creating full-thickness cutaneous wounds, forty-eight diabetic rats were divided into six groups: (1) negative control, (2) positive control, (3) ointment base, (4) gel base, (5) 0.5% HIEO ointment (6) 0.5% HIEO gel. Wound healing potential was determined by the percentage of wound contraction, hydroxyproline content, redox status, and histological observation. A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in animals treated with HIEO formulations compared with other groups. The HIEO groups also showed a higher level of total hydroxyproline content, and more pronounced restitution of adnexal structures with only the underlying muscle defect indicating the incision site. Hence, our results legitimate the traditional data of the pro-healing effect of HIEO because HIEO in both formulations such as gel and ointment exhibited the significant wound repairing effect in the incision wound model.

Multiple positive effects that forests have on human health and overall well-being have been reported widely in the literature. Still, multiple elements of this relationship remain unidentified and unexplained. In this study, the composition of leaf volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) content in three common coniferous species: the Austrian pine (Pinus nigra), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Spruce (Picea abies), was analyzed. The specificity of BVOCs content in the examined species and their genotypes is observed as a plant potential to evaporate these organic compounds and potentially improve human health and well-being. Principal component analysis applied on BVOCs content among species showed significant differences between compounds that have previously been characterized as having positive effects on human health by acting as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. Variations among genotypes of the investigated species were observed in the content of BVOCs relevant for human health improvement, such as limonene, terpinolene, β-pinene, linalool, camphene, camphor, citronellol and α-cadinol. The observed intra- and inter-species variations in the BVOCs content provide an appropriate base for further research on the forest–human health relationship, breeding and selection of the most suitable genotypes for human health improvement, and could I mpact the sustainable management of forests.

Bovine mastitis is the most widespread and economically important disease worldwide. The present study aimed to determine bioactive compounds in two essential oils (EOs) from wild (Thymus serpyllum) and common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and to assess the antioxidant potential as well as antibacterial efficacy of the EOs against mastitis-associated bacteria. The study also included antibiotic susceptibility tests. The strains were previously isolated from lactating animals with clinical and subclinical mastitis. The antioxidant potential of the commercial EOs of wild and common thyme was evaluated by five in vitro assays. The antibacterial activity was performed using the microdilution technique, while antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The dominant compound in wild thyme was thymol (45.22%), followed by p-cymene (23.83%) and γ-terpinene (3.12%), while in common thyme, it was thymol (54.17%), followed by γ-terpinene (22.18%) and p-cymene (16.66%). Among the fourteen mastitis-associated bacteria, strain IX Streptococcus spp. (β-hemolytic) was the most sensitive to the tested EOs (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 0.78/1.56 and 0.39/0.78 mg/mL for T. serpyllum (TS) and T. vulgaris (TV), respectively). Regarding Streptococcus spp. β heamoliticus, MICs for TS ranged from 0.78 to 1.56 mg/mL, while for the same oil, MBCs ranged from 1.56 to 12.5 mg/mL. In the case of T. vulgaris, MICs ranged from 0.39 to 3.125 mg/ mL, while MBCs ranged from 3.125 to 6.25 mg/mL. TV is more active against E. coli, E. sakazakii, and Streptococcus spp., while it is less effective against Staphylococcus spp. than TS. The study revealed that the tested EOs possess remarkable antioxidative and antibacterial activities and could be used in the development of pharmaceutical formulation as an alternative to conventional mastitis therapy.

Mints are the most popular economic and traditional herbs. The aim of this article was chemical characterization of volatile compounds from wild populations of Mentha aquatica, M. arvensis, M. longifolia, M. microphylla, M. pulegium, M. spicata, M.×dumetorum, M.×gentillis and M.×verticillata, as well as cultivated samples of M. spicata, M.×piperita 'Alba' and M.×piperita 'Crispa'. Analyses were performed directly from dried aerial parts (herb) of collected samples by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In total 54 compounds were detected, representing from 89.99 % to 99.66 % of volatile fractions of all investigated samples. The recorded volatiles were primarily monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, while oxygenated aromatic monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and aliphatic compounds were present in lower concentrations in analyzed samples. The major components were linalool, limonene, 1,8-cineol, α-terpinyl acetate, pulegone, β-pinene and menthol. The cluster analysis revealed five main groups or chemotypes according to qualitative and quantitative content of volatiles, as well as similarities among samples. These results contribute to the knowledge on the mints chemistry in Pannonian Plain and Balkan Peninsula.

The latest report on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure assessment performed by European Food Safety Authority showed that THC levels in certain food categories are high. However, the performed study included uncertainties regarding occurrence data and hemp-food consumption patterns. The aim of the present study was to quantify the levels of “total” Δ9-THC, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) in hemp food products available on the market of countries mostly not assessed by the latest EFSA report, as well as to perform cannabinoids health risk assessment. The obtained results allowed us to identify hemp-seed oils as product type which might represent health concern. Furthermore, the analysis of hemp teas showed the possibility of Cannabis drug-type occurrence, but also questioned the justification of cannabinoids maximum transfer principle application for the exposure assessment. It was concluded, that hemp-based food products should not be consumed by population younger than 18 years.

Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L., Apiaceae) and its essential oil (EO) have been widely used. Because there are some data about the impact of aniseed EO on drug effects, this survey aimed to assess the potential of pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction between aniseed EO and acetaminophen and caffeine in mice. The chemical analysis (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) of aniseed EO has confirmed trans-anethole (87.96%) as the main component. The pharmacokinetic studies of intraperitoneally (i.p.) and orally applied acetaminophen (200 mg/kg) and caffeine (20 mg/kg) were performed in mice after 5 days of oral treatment with human equivalent dose of aniseed EO (0.3 mg/kg/day). The analysis of pharmacokinetic data showed that in the group treated by aniseed EO, the significant decrease in the peak plasma concentration of acetaminophen after oral application (p = 0.024) was revealed when compared with control group and the reduction of systemic exposure to the drug after oral application (74 ± 32% vs. 85 ± 35% in the control) was noted. The bioavailability of orally applied caffeine was also significantly decreased (p = 0.022) after the EO treatment in comparison with the control (57 ± 24% vs. 101 ± 29%). Therefore, the compromised therapeutic efficacy of acetaminophen and caffeine during the usage of aniseed EO preparations should be considered.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae) is, among numerous representatives of genus Thymus, the commonly used and cultivated species worldwide. This is mainly due to the presence of essential oil which has a number of notable and scientifically confirmed biological activities. However, the amount of thyme essential oil in the leaves is very low (0.8–2.6%), thus the majority of cultivated plant material remains unused after its isolation. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of waste material extracts prepared from decoction remaining after hydrodistillation of the thyme essential oil, deodorized leaves and stems, to elucidate their potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects and compare obtained results with officially prepared thyme leaf extract. HPLC/DAD analysis revealed rosmarinic acid (52.36–105.8 mg/g of dried extract (d.e.)) and rutin (11.01–87.11 mg/g d.e.) as dominant compounds in all investigated thyme postdistillation waste material extracts. Also, gallic, chlorogenic and ferulic acid and apigenin were present in considerable amounts. Deodorised leaf extracts were found to possess the strong antioxidant activity tested against DPPH and OH radicals and are potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation process in vitro. Also, investigated thyme leaves and deodorized thyme leaf extracts exhibit significant hepatoprotective effect when in vivo antioxidant activity was tested, especially in terms of xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity, prevention of lipid peroxidation and decrease of glutathione concentration in oxidative stress. Results of this study indicated that thyme postdistillation waste material can be used as a source of rosmarinic acid, rutin and other phenolic compounds. Also, investigated extracts could be used for the preparation of herbal medicines with antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects.

Numerous traditional and clinically approved indications have created constant raise of demand for Hyperici herba in the world. However, the quality of the plant material depends on the plant source and abiotic factors of the habitats. The scope of the research was to find out whether other Hypericum species have similar chemical characteristics for potential medical use. Hypericum maculatum Crantz is in some Pharmacopoeias listed together with Hypericum perforatum L. as biological source of H. herba, because of similar chemical composition. Often the full taxonomic identification stating the used subspecies of H. maculatum is being avoided. Therefore, the aim of study was to chemically characterize water–alcoholic extracts of subspecies Hypericum maculatum Crantz subsp. maculatum. The samples were collected at three localities, with different habitat characteristics during three ontogenetic phases. The amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated, as well as the amounts of ferulic and chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercitrin, amentoflavone, apigenin, hypericin, and hyperforin. Chemical composition and ecological characteristics were analyzed by PCA methods. Source of sunlight and soil acidity were shown as ecological factors that potentially could be cause for chemical profiling of samples. Biological potential of extracts was estimated through antioxidant assays and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-amylase with the aim to explore potential use of plant in the treatments of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. All the extracts exhibited notable antioxidant potential in the used test systems as well as the ability to inhibit AChE and α-amylase. H. maculatum subsp. maculatum exhibits notable correspondence in chemical composition and biological activity with H. perforatum.

Oxidative stress has been associated with cervical cancer. Our aim was to examine lipid peroxidation and the extent of oxidative stress in women diagnosed with different stages of cervical cancer in order to evaluate its potential role in the evolution of cancer.We measured the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, activities of antioxidative enzymes and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine in 153 subjects. Enzymatic activity as well as TBARS concentration were measured spectrophotometrically, while 8-OHdG was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PPatients were categorized: group II H-SIL; group III FIGO Ia-Ib and group IV FIGO IIa-IV.Our results showed highly significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation in group IV when com pared to the control group, group II and group III (p0.001). Activity of superoxide dismutase was also significantly higher in group IV when compared to control group (p0.01), group II (p0.01) and group III (p0.05). Activity of catalase was also significantly higher in group IV when compared to control group (p0.005), group II (p0.005) and group III (p0.05). Activity of glutathione-S-transferase was also significantly higher in group IV when compared to control group (p0.05), group II (p0.05) and group III (p0.05). Activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase showed no significant differences among the groups. Level of 8-OHdG was significantly higher in group IV than in the other groups (p0.01).It can be concluded that oxidative stress is possibly involved in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, demonstrated by increased lipid peroxidation and an altered antioxidant defense system and higher levels of 8-OHdG.Utvrđeno je da postoji veza između oksidativnog stresa i cervikalnog karcinoma. Naš cilj bio je da ispitamo lipidnu peroksidaciju i nivo oksidativnog stresa kod žena kojima je dijagnostikovan cervikalni karcinom u različitim fazama da bi se otkrila njegova eventualna uloga u razvoju karcinoma.Merili smo koncentraciju reaktivnih supstanci tiobarbiturne kiseline, aktivnosti antioksidativnih enzima i 8-hidroksi-2-deoksigvanozina kod 153 ispitanice. Enzimska aktivnost kao i koncentracija TBARS merene su spektrofotometrijski, dok je 8-OhdG određen pomoću gasne hromatografije – masene spektrometrije. Pacijentkinje su podeljene u kategorije: grupu II H-SIL; grupu III FIGO Ia-Ib i grupu IV FIGO IIa-IV.Naši rezultati pokazali su vrlo značajan porast nivoa lipidne peroksidacije u grupi IV u poređenju s kontrolnom grupom, grupom II i grupom III (p0,001). Aktivnost superoksid-dismutaze bila je takođe značajno viša u grupi IV u poređenju s kontrolnom grupom (p0,01), grupom II (p0,01) i grupom III (p0,01). Aktivnost katalaze bila je isto značajno viša u grupi IV u poređenju s kontrolnom grupom (p0,005), grupom II (p0,005) i grupom III (p0,05). Aktivnost glutation-S-transferaze je takođe bila značajno viša u grupi IV u poređenju s kontrolnom grupom (p0,05), grupom II (p0,05) i grupom III (p0,05). Aktivnosti glutation peroksidaze i glutation reduktaze nisu ukazale na značajne razlike između grupa. Nivo 8-OHdG bio je značajno viši u grupi IV nego u ostalim grupama (p0,01).Može se zaključiti da oksidativni stres potencijalno učestvuje u patogenezi cervikalnog karcinoma, na šta ukazuju povišena lipidna peroksidacija i promene su sistemu antioksidativne zaštite i povišen nivo 8-OHdG.

The present study was designed to define the phenolic and terpene profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extracts and essential oils of the leaves and seed cones of Juniperus foetidissima species, on which there has been little previous research. The content of 44 phenolics in extracts was determined using LC–MS/MS. A comparable qualitative composition, including dominant compounds catechin, quercitrin, epicatechin, rutin and quercetin-3- O -glucoside, was found in both extracts. GC–MS analysis showed a simple terpene composition, with monoterpenes dominant and sabinene most abundant compound, 39.9% in leaves and 29.9% in seed cones. Antioxidant activity was determined by several assays. All results of antioxidant tests were comparable to BHT, a well-known synthetic antioxidant. A novel method for estimation of anti-inflammatory potential by means of inhibition of COX-1 and 12-LOX activity was described. Essential oils showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, especially of leaves. To conclude, J. foetidissima showed great bio potential, and its usage in production of food and beverages should be considered.

The study shows the influence of the origin of plant material and biological source on the in vitro antioxidant (neutralization of DPPH and OH radical, nitric oxide, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation) and anticholinesterase activity of chemically characterized and quantified ethanol extracts of ten St. John’s wort samples. The investigated samples were: five Hypericum perforatum species representatives collected at different localities, one commercial sample of Hyperici herba purchased at a local market and four Hypericum species autochtonous to the Balkan Peninsula (H. maculatum subsp. immaculatum, H. olympicum, H. richeri subsp. grisebachii and H. barbatum). All the examined extracts exhibited notable antioxidant potential, but in most of the cases indigenous Hypericum species expressed stronger effects compared to the original source of the drug, H. perforatum. The changes in the content of phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, hyperforin and hypericin, related to the source of the drug affected the investigated activities. Since all of the investigated species have shown prominent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in vitro activity, they could be further investigated as potential substances in preventing of Alzheimer’s disease.

The present study was designed to define the phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of Plantago altissima L., which has never been studied before and to compare it with closely-related, renowned, well-studied Plantago lanceolata L. The presence and content of 44 phenolics in methanol extracts were studied using LC–MS/MS. A similar qualitative composition including dominant compounds as p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, gallic and chlorogenic acid, besides apigenin, luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside was found between both extracts. Antioxidant activity of extracts was determined using several assays. All results of these tests were comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene, a well-known synthetic antioxidant. Anti-inflammatory potential was studied by means of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) inhibitory activity. Activity of P. altissima towards COX-1/12-LOX inhibition (IC50 = 4.4 and 3.6 mg/mL, respectively) was inferior to activity of P. lanceolata (IC50 = 2.0 and 0.8 mg/mL, respectively). Treatment of four cell lines resulted in a considerable dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, where P. lanceolata exerted a stronger effect (IC50 = 172.3, 142.8, 405.5 and 551.7 μg/mL for HeLa, MCF7, HT-29 and MRC-5 cell lines, respectively). To conclude, P. altissima showed certain bio-potential, but was clearly inferior to P. lanceolata.

The antioxidant properties of methanol extracts of Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum L., Rubiaceae) herb from two different localities in Serbia were evaluated. Antioxidant activity was assessed in four different model systems. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) was examined by measuring the scavenging activity of extracts on 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazil (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical (OH), as well as on hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the protective effects of lipid peroxidation (LP) in corn oil were evaluated by the TBA-assay using the Fe2+/ascorbate system of induction. The amount of dried extract, the content of total phenolics, flavonoids and chlorophylls was also determined. Extracts from both locations expressed very strong scavenger activity, reducing the DPPH⊙ (IC50=3.10 µg/mland 8.04 µg/ml) and OH radical formation (IC50=0.05 µg/ml and 0.54 µg/ml) and neutralising H2O2 (IC50=4.98 µg/ml and 3.80 µg/ml), in a dose dependant manner. Also, examined extracts showed notable inhibition of LP (IC50=11.69 µg/ml and 19.47 µg/ml). The observed differences in antioxidant activity could be partially explained by the levels of phenolics (2.44–4.65 mg and 4.57–5.16 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract), flavonoids (6.38–10.70 µg and 15.56–17.96 µg quercetin equivalents/g dry extract) and chlorophylls in the investigated Lady’s Bedstraw extracts.

The chemical composition and antioxidant properties of the essential oil and EtOH extract of immortelle (Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don subsp. italicum, Asteraceae) collected in Montenegro were evaluated. The essential oil was characterized by GC/MS analysis, and the content of total phenolics and flavonoids in the EtOH extract was determined using the FolinCiocalteu reagent. The free-radical-scavenging capacity (RSC) of both the essential oil and the EtOH extract was assessed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Moreover, the inhibition of hydroxyl radical ((.) OH) generation by the EtOH extract of immortelle was evaluated for the first time here. Neryl acetate (28.2%) and γ-curcumene (18.8%) were the main compounds in the essential oil, followed by neryl propionate (9.1%) and ar-curcumene (8.3%). The chemical composition of the oils of the examined and additional 16 selected Helichrysum italicum taxa described in literature were compared using principal component (PCA) and cluster (CA) analyses. The results of the statistical analyses implied the occurrence of at least four different main and three subchemotypes of essential oils. Considering the antioxidant properties, the EtOH extract of immortelle exhibited similar potential as propyl gallate and quercetin, while the essential oil exhibited relatively weak DPPH(.) -scavenging capacity.

Eterična olja origana (Origanum vulgare L.), mete (Mentha piperita L.), janeža (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), in borovih (Abies alba Mill.) iglic in storžev, ter njihove sestavine timol, karvakrol, mentol in anisaldehid smo testirali kot snovi z protiglivno aktivnostjo proti plesnim vrste Penicillium verrucosum. Najnižje minimalne inhibitorne koncentracije (MICs) smo določili eteričnemu olju origana, ter karvakrolu, timolu, in mentolu. Rast plesni vrste P. verrucosum je bila popolnoma inhibirana po 21 dneh inkubacije v prisotnosti ½ MIC timola (0,0625 mg mL-1), medtem ko so eterično olje origana (½ MIC, ¼ MIC), timol (¼ MIC) in karvakrol (½ MIC, ¼ MIC) inhibirali rast plesni od 8,3 % do 70.8 %. Dodatek mentola v koncentracijah ¼ MIC in ½ MIC (0.1875 mg mL-1 in 0.3750 mg mL-1) pa ni imel inhibitornega vpliva na rast plesni vrste P. verrucosum. Popolno inhibicijo tvorbe ohratoksina A smo določili le v primeru, ko je bila tudi rast teh plesni popolnoma inhibirana (pri ½ MIC timola). Največjo inhibicijo tvorbe ohratoksina A (96,9 %) po 21 dnevih inkubacije smo določili pri ¼ MIC timola (0.0313 mg mL-1). Pospešeno tvorbo ohratoksina A (od 13,9 % do 28,8 %) pa smo določili pri ¼ MIC eteričnega olja origana (0.2930 mg mL-1) in ½ MIC karvakrola (0.1953 mg mL-1). Protiglivni vplivi so bili odvisni od testirane snovi, njene koncentracije ter časa interakcij med protiglivno snovjo in plesnimi vrste P. verrucosum. Rezultati nakazujejo možnosti uporabe eteričnega olja origana v živilih namesto kemijskih konzervansov. Ker pa so živila kompleksna okolja v katerih je potrebno upoštevati več dejavnikov, so potrebne nadaljnje raziskave., Essential oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), and pine (Abies alba Mill.) needles and cones, and their active substances thymol, carvacrol, menthol, and anisaldehyde were tested for antifungal activity against Penicillium verrucosum. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were achieved for essential oil of oregano, followed by carvacrol, thymol, and menthol. These antifungal components were further investigated, as the main aim of our study was to elucidate the effect of natural antifungals on ochratoxin A production. During 21 days of exposure, the growth of P. verrucosum, and subsequently the production of ochratoxin A, was fully inhibited by thymol at ½ MIC (0.0625 mg mL-1), but menthol at ¼ and ½ MIC (0.1875 and 3750 mg mL-1) showed no growth inhibition. After 21 days of incubation, the greatest inhibitory effect on ochratoxin production (inhibition was 96.9 %) was also achieved with thymol at ¼ MIC (0.0313 mg mL-1). Essential oil of oregano (¼ MIC, 0.2930 μL mL-1) and carvacrol (½ MIC, 0.1953 μL mL-1) stimulate production of ochratoxin A at 13.9 % to 28.8 %, respectively. The observed antifungal effects depended on the agent, the concentration used, and the time of interaction between the agent and P. verrucosum. Our results indicate the possibility of using oregano essential oil as a substitute for artificial preservatives in certain foods, but further research is needed.

© 2012 Mimica-Dukic et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The Effect of Plant Secondary Metabolites on Lipid Peroxidation and Eicosanoid Pathway