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Ruta angustifolia, a wild plant which largely grows in Morocco, is commonly used in folk medicine and is believed to possess several therapeutic properties. In the present work, we aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Ruta angustifolia collected from the Rif region in Morocco. The employment of gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detector and mass spectrometry detection led to the identification of five major components, representing 91.69 % of the total volatile fraction with a dominance of nonyl methyl ketone (accounting for % 86.97 % of the whole sample). The tested essential oil displayed moderate antioxidant activity and a strong antifungal effect against Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea with MIC values equal to 7 µL/mL and 0.81 µL/mL respectively. However, no antibacterial effect was revealed against Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacterial strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, essential oils were extracted from rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) from the eastern region of Morocco using hydrodistillation (Hd) and steam distillation (Sd). The yield, chemical composition, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity of the essential oils obtained by the two methods were compared. Determining the chemical composition of rosemary essential oil, with GC-MS, showed a significant qualitative and quantitative difference in certain components. The Sd method improved the extraction of sesquiterpene compounds with high molecular weight and low vapour pressure. The findings reveal that sesquiterpene and oxygenated monoterpenes in essential oils improved the antioxidant activity and thermal stability. Determining antioxidant activity using DPPH and the β-carotene bleaching assay showed that the Sd and Hd oils presented good radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 4960 μg/mL for Hd oil and 4570 μg/mL for Sd oil), capable of delaying β-carotene discolouration with 16.3 and 9.71% inhibition for Sd and Hd respectively. Thermal stability analysis of the oil products was performed using TGA/DTG analysis, and the results showed that the decomposition points of Hd oil and Sd oil were 362 and 368 K respectively. Furthermore, to identify intermolecular interactions and develop better knowledge of phenomena occurring during the extraction of the family of sesquiterpene compounds by water, quantum chemical calculation and molecular simulation by molecular dynamics (MD) were performed. The results suggested the relative stability of caryophyllene-water and the development of intermolecular bonding interactions of van der Walls and steric effect, improving extraction of the substance studied under steam distillation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irrational use of antibiotics has favored the emergence of resistant bacteria, posing a serious threat to global health. To counteract antibiotic resistance, this research seeks to identify novel antimicrobials derived from essential oils that operate through several mechanisms. It aims to evaluate the quality and composition of essential oils from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum; test their antimicrobial activity against various strains; explore their synergies with commercial antibiotics; predict the efficacy, toxicity, and stability of compounds; and understand their molecular interactions through docking and dynamic simulations. The essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation from the flowering tops of oregano in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to examine their composition. Nine common antibiotics were chosen and tested alone or in combination with essential oils to discover synergistic effects against clinically important and resistant bacterial strains. A comprehensive in silico study was conducted, involving molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MD). O. elongatum oil includes borneol (8.58%), p-cymene (42.56%), thymol (28.43%), and carvacrol (30.89%), whereas O. compactum oil is mostly composed of γ-terpinene (22.89%), p-cymene (15.84%), thymol (10.21%), and (E)-caryophyllene (3.63%). With O. compactum proving to be the most potent, these essential oils showed antibacterial action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Certain antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, and ampicillin, have been shown to elicit synergistic effects. To fight resistant bacteria, the essential oils of O. compactum and O. elongatum, particularly those high in thymol and (E)-caryophyllene, seem promising when combined with antibiotics. These synergistic effects could result from their ability to target the same bacterial proteins or facilitate access to target sites, as suggested by molecular docking simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the stability of the examined protein–ligand complexes, emphasizing the propensity of substances like thymol and (E)-caryophyllene for particular target proteins, opening the door to potentially effective new therapeutic approaches against pathogens resistant to multiple drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asteraceae family is well known for its toxic and repellent activity against mosquitoes. In this study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from the aerial parts of both wild and cultivated Artemisia campestris L. plants were tested for larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), a pest mosquito widely suspected to be the vector responsible for West Nile virus transmission. The research aims at comparing the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of cultivated and wild A. campestris EOs. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the plant's aerial parts and were analyzed using GC-MS. Furthermore, the larviciding experiment was carried out following the standard WHO protocol. The result showed that wild and cultivated plant EOs differed only quantitatively, while the qualitative profile revealed a nearly identical chemical composition. Camphor (18.98%), car-3-en-5-one (11.25%), thujone (6.36%), chrysanthenone (6.24%), filifolone (4.56%), and borneol (3.56%) dominate the wild plant EO. Camphor (21.01%), car-3-en-5-one (17%), chrysanthenone (10.15%), filifolone (7.90%), borneol (3.38%), and thujone (3.08%) are the major compounds of the cultivated plant. Cultivation did not affect the EO production since the yield of the cultivated plant was 0.5 ± 0.1% and 0.6 ± 0.2% for the wild plant. The cultivated A. campestris EO had the highest insecticidal activity (LC50 = 9.79 µg/ml), and no significant difference was noticed between wild and cultivated A. campestris EO in terms of LC90. These findings could pave the way for a new method of producing biocides to control major disease vectors and offer a potential alternative for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morroco, Cedarwood lignivorous fungi cause significant damage to cedar groves. The losses have been estimated to be more than 30% due to these fungi. This latter brings about two primary diseases known as M'jej and Saboune. The study tries to show the molecular identification of the lignivorous fungi of the Atlas cedar in the cedar groves of Tazekka and Azrou and their biological control by the essential oils extracted from both the healthy and infected cedarwood. Therefore, this molecular research has identified three phytopathogenic fungi:(Paecilomyces maximus, Pleurostoma richardsiae, and Alternaria tenuissima). The data analysed in this study has also confirmed that the oil extracted from Saboune-infected wood showed a noticeable fungistatic effect against these fungi, with a MIC reaching 1/500, followed by the EO extracted from M'jej-infected wood. However, the healthy cedarwood gave an EO without antifungal activity. A mixture of these three oils gave significant antifungal results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of research on the effect of essential oils and ethanol extracts on the growth of mold fungi on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood. The analysis of fungal growth on the microbial medium showed that the degree of inhibition of microorganism growth depends on the amount of the extract added to the medium. At the same time, it was found that the highest dose of the extract, amounting to 5.0 cm3, almost completely inhibited the growth of fungi. In addition, it was found that mint ethanol extracts, the application of which in the wood is at least 40 g/m2, have a fungistatic effect at the initial stage of fungal development. Solutions of essential oils turned out to be more active against fungi, although also in this case the desired biocidal effect was not achieved. Essential oils significantly slowed down the growth of the fungus Ch. globosum, with the strongest fungistatic effect found for 'Morocco' spearmint oil (Mentha spicata L.). Despite the fact that in tests on agar-maltose medium, the strongest biocidal activity against Ch. globosum was found for spearmint 'Crispa' (Mentha spicata L.) oil, the effect of growth inhibition was not so clearly visible in studies on wood. Essential oils applied to the surface of the wood slowed down the growth of T. viride fungus, but not to the extent that it was found in the case of Ch. globosum. The qualitative and quantitative composition of substances belonging to the group of terpenes and their derivatives was characterized using the GCMS technique. It was shown that the ethanol extracts of mints were dominated by substances belonging to the oxygen-containing monoterpenoid and monoterpene groups. In terms of quality, the composition of essential oils turned out to be richer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells in breast tissue, and oxidative stress activated by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with its development and progression. Essential oils from medicinal plants, known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties, are being explored as alternatives. Ptychotis verticillata, also known as Nûnkha, is a medicinal plant native to Morocco, belonging to the Apiaceae family, and used for generations in traditional medicine. This study focuses on the phytochemical characterization of P. verticillata essential oil (PVEO) from the province of Oujda, Morocco, for its therapeutic properties. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation, and its volatile components were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed the presence of various aromatic and terpene compounds, with carvacrol being the most abundant compound. PVEO showed antioxidant properties in several tests, including β-carotene bleaching, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). It also demonstrated cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, with higher selectivity for MDA-MB-231. The results reveal that Ptychotis verticillata essential oil (PVEO) could be a promising natural alternative for the treatment of breast cancer, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origanum compactum is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species, widely used in Morocco for various therapeutic and culinary purposes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the agronomic behavior of the species over two years of cultivation (2015-2016) and to characterize the chemical compositions of cultivated accessions under Moroccan pedoclimatic conditions. The 88 investigated O. compactum accessions, are originating from different bioclimate and geographical zones, representing all areas where the species is growing in Morocco. Agronomic performances varied significantly according to genotypes and cropping year. The accessions showed satisfactory adaptation capacity to cropping. Higher essential oil (EO) yields were observed in the second crop year, and plants belonging to carvacrol and thymol chemotypes were the richest in oil. A chemical variation of cultivated plants was detected for samples dominated by p-cymene and/or γ-terpinene, where the percentages of these components decreased in the second year of cultivation against a significant increase in carvacrol and thymol content. However, most of the EOs compositions of plants rich in carvacrol, thymol and carvacryl methyl oxide conserved their composition after cultivation. The different associations found between chemical and agronomic characters would help breeders to develop improved O. compactum cultivars with desirable agronomic and chemical traits. O. compactum has great cultivation ability and therefore, it could be a promising alternative to ensure a sustainable utilization of this threatened medicinal and aromatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities along with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET) study of the essential oil of Ziziphora hispanica (ZH-EO), collected from the Middle Atlas of Morocco (Boulmane). Results showed that a total of 119 volatile components, characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS analysis, which represents the 88.7% of the total of ZH-EO. ZH-EO displayed a bactericidal effect against Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis, and a bacteriostatic effect against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, ZH-EO exhibited strong antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50 = 1.3 mg/mL). The ADMET prediction showed good pharmacokinetic properties of the tested components. The findings obtained from this study suggest that Ziziphora hispanica essential oil could represent a source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antibacterial potential in the prevention against diseases related to oxidative stress and pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer is a dramatic illness that ranks among the most pressing health concerns facing humanity and necessitates a proactive approach to treatment. Phytochemicals are regarded as interesting molecules for the development of anticancer drugs due to their pleiotropic effects on broad targets. The actions of phytochemicals are focused on tumor cells alone, with no negative effects on normal cells. The intricate process of carcinogenesis involves numerous signaling cascades. This study examined the effects of four organ extracts from a Mediterranean endemic plant, Cladanthus mixtus, on human tumor cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on this plant from northern Morocco showing relevant antiproliferative activity against two cancer cell lines and one non-tumoral cell line. Many of the chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer are molecules identified and isolated from plants or their synthetic derivatives. This work aimed to identify the bioactive compounds using LC-MS and GC-MS and to evaluate the anticancer activity of the methanolic extracts of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers from Cladanthus mixtus. The anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro against two cancer cell lines: human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and human prostate carcinoma (PC-3), using the MTT assay and microscopic observation. A human normal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) was included to determine the extract's safety for non-tumoral cells. The chemical composition results by LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 24 phenolic compounds. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis allowed the identification of many biomolecules belonging to terpenoids, esters, alcohols, alkanes, fatty acids, organic acids, benzenes, phenols, ketones, carbonyls, amines, sterols, and other groups. The findings suggest that the majority of C. mixtus extracts have antiproliferative activity against two cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and PC-3, and one non-tumoral cell line, MRC-5. The activity was dose-dependent, and the highest effect was obtained with leaf extract in the two cancer cell lines. Moreover, these extracts demonstrated an acceptable toxicological profile against normal cells. Overall, C. mixtus extracts revealed promising antitumor properties provided by their phytochemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Juniperus oxycedrus essential oil was extracted through hydrodistillation for use as a potential and ecofriendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution. • Juniperus oxycedrus essential oil presents excellent inhibition efficiency (for PDP and EIS) at 2 g/L. • SEM/EDS analysis showed that the Juniperus oxycedrus could effectively block the Cl- ions attack by chemisorption on the MS surface. • DFT, MC, MDs, and experimental data lead to use and investigate the essential oil as a potential anticorrosive protection for MS in 1 M HCl solution. This study focuses on exploring the corrosion inhibiting properties of the essential oil derived from Juniperus Oxycedrus (JO) originating from the Middle Atlas region in Morocco (Ait Attab) on mild steel in a 1.0 M HCl acid medium. This essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which identified the major components of the inhibitor, primarily including bornyl acetate/C 12 H 20 O 2 (31.17 %), Bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl- (1S)/C 10 H 16 O (30.16 %), and α-pinene/C 10 H 16 (9.88 %). The corrosion inhibition behavior was assessed using electrochemical measurements (potentiodynamic polarization measurements (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) and thermodynamic parameters and kinetic (ΔHa, ΔSa et Ea). The result demonstrates that the essential oil of (JO) exhibits intriguing anticorrosive action, with an inhibition efficiency of 89.6 % at an inhibitor concentration of 2 g/L at 298°K. Additionally, the essential oil acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. Furthermore, EIS data and SEM/EDS analysis revealed that the nature of the adsorption of essential oil molecules on the mild steel surface is controlled by Langmuir adsorption isotherm, forming a protective film that shields the steel from acid attack. Density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamic (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were used to support the experimental results. The global and local chemical reactivity descriptors of the individual inhibitors were calculated using B3LYP functional, while the adsorption energy of the inhibitors on the steel surface were performed using MD and MC methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella sativa L. (NS) and its volatile compounds are well known for their broad spectrum of effects. This study aimed to investigate the variability of the chemical composition and the in vitro antibacterial activity of five essential oils (Eos) originated from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, India, and France. These five samples were grown under different edaphic and climatic conditions. The agar diffusion method and microdilution method in 96-well plates were used to test the sensitivity of multidrug-resistant strains clinically isolated from patients (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii), for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration. Among all the investigated Eos, the monoterpenes were highly present in the chemical composition. Moroccan, Saudi Arabian, and Syrian seeds were characterized by the presence α-phellandrene (20.03–30.54%), β-cymene (12.31–23.82 %), and 4−caranol (9.77–14.27%). The Indian seeds were rich with 4-caranol (18.81%), β-cymene (14.22%), α-phellandrene (10.58%), and β-chamigrene (9.54%), while France NS was rich with estragole (20.22%) and D-limonene (14.63%). The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal concentration (MBC) obtained for the four Eos (with the exception of France because of the low yield) tested were ranging from 3 to 40 μl/ml. Gram-positive (+) bacteria were slightly sensitive to the Eos tested than the Gram-negative (−) bacteria. The results of this study showed that the Eos of NS seeds show interesting antibacterial activity which could be associated to the existence of different bioactive compounds. Indeed, these compounds can be used for preventive or curative purposes in the face of the noncontrolled emergence of resistance to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myrtus communis L. is an aromatic evergreen plant common in Morocco. In addition to its culinary uses, it has been used medicinally as a disinfectant, an antiseptic or as a hypoglycemic agent. However, its cytotoxic activity has not been well investigated so far. The current study describes the chemical composition, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Myrtus communis L essential oil obtained from different regions of Morocco. Methods: Myrtus communis essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated in murine mastocytoma P815 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, using the MTT assay. In addition, DNA fragmentation was assessed by gel electrophoresis. The antioxidant effect was determined by measuring bleaching of β-carotene with the linoleic acid and the DPPH radical scavenging methods. Results: GC-MS analysis showed high amounts of methyl eugenol (18.7%), α-terpineol (15.5%) and geranyl acetate (11.64%) in essential oil from the Benslimane region. In contrast, essential oil from Ouazzane was particularly rich in 1,8-cineole (36.3%). The cytotoxicity results showed that MCF-7 cells were more sensitive than P815 cells to the essential oils from Ouazzane and Benslimane regions with IC50 values of 4 and 6.25 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, this cytotoxicity was partly associated with DNA fragmentation, which is one of the characteristics of apoptosis. The tested essential oils did not show strong antioxidant activity. Conclusions: Myrtus communis L. essential oil exhibits a weak antioxidant effect, but induced remarkable cytotoxic activity by a mechanism related to apoptosis, suggesting a possible application of the bioactive compounds as natural anticancer compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinopodium nepeta is an aromatic species appertaining to the Lamiaceae family, and has been mentioned for its numerous traditional uses and pharmacological properties, especially its antiradical and antimicrobial effects. The phytochemical profile of the aerial part essential oil via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique identified 76.79 % of oxygenated monoterpenes, followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (18.65 %), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (2.76 %). The main constituents were 1,8-cineole (22.80%), piperitenone oxide (14.78%), and limonene (10.73%). The tested oil revealed a good inhibitory activity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC 50 values of 3.66 ± 0.07 mg/mL and 3.009 ± 0.02 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, antibacterial data revealed that Clinopodium nepeta essential oil (CNEO) was active against a panel of pathogenic microorganisms, mainly Bacillus subtilis (17.53 ± 0.81 mm) and Bacillus cereus (16.19 ± 0.30 mm). Besides, CNEO showed interesting anticandidal effect against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Moreover, the studied EO hold a great scavenging actvity against ABTS radical (IC 50 = 571.2 ± 6.89 μg/mL) and remarkable protective effect on lipid peroxidation (IC 50 = 714.61 ± 7.96 μg/mL). Besides, a strong total antioxidant ability (TAA = 283.16 ± 0.02 mg AAE/g E) at minimal dilution (1/10) was observed. Interestingly, docking and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion)-associated physicochemical and pharmacokinetic effects were evaluated to promote the in vitro outcomes. This investigation revealed the prevailing properties of CNEO, especially antioxidant, antibacterial, anticandidal, and antidiabetic potentials, and allow the development of natural and effective agents with high safety for public health. • 1,8-cineole and piperitenone oxide were the major compounds of CNEO. • CNEO exhibits effective antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antioxidant actions. • As evidenced by molecular docking study and ADMET analysis, CNEO can be considered as a valuable source for drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelargonium graveolens is one of the most cultivated aromatic and medicinal plants in the world and particularly in Morocco, due to its economic importance. The essential oil of this species is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the essential oils composition depended on several factors in particular the supply of minerals. In the present investigation, a pot experiment was performed to examine the effect of different rates of bone meal (BM) (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 4%), on the growth traits, photosynthetic pigment content and essential oil chemical composition of P. graveolens. The BM application led to an increase in all growth traits, such as plant height, dry and fresh weights, and photosynthetic pigments content, of which the highest increase in these parameters was found with the 4%BM treatment. In addition, the highest essential oil contents were obtained with the 2%BM (0.28%) and 4%BM (0.30%) treatments. In all treatments, Citronellol, Geraniol, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, and Citronellyl acetate are major compounds in the essential oils, but their percentages in each treatment were very different. Some compounds such as cis-Rose oxide, geranyl valerate, and Geranyl formate appeared in P. graveolens essential oil when BM was applied at 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%. While β-Bourbonene appeared in the essential oil when BM was applied at 1.5%, 2%, and 4%. [Display omitted] • The application of bone meal (BM) improved growth, photosynthetic pigment content. • The application of BM increased the essential oil content when applied at high doses. • The application of BM caused changes in the essential oil composition of P. graveolens. • The percentage of geraniol increases with increasing BM rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to evaluate the total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of twenty-four propolis samples from different regions of Morocco. In addition, two samples were screened regarding the antibacterial effect against four Staphylococcus aureus strains. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectra (GC-MS) analysis was done for propolis samples used in antibacterial tests. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC, MBC) were determined. The potential to acquire the resistance after sequential exposure of bacterial strains and the impact of adaptation to propolis on virulence using the Galleria mellonella were evaluated. Additionally, the effects of propolis extract on the bacterial adherence ability and its ability to inhibit the quorum sensing activity were also examined. Among the twenty-four extracts studied, the samples from Sefrou, Outat el Haj, and the two samples marketed in Morocco were the best for scavenging DPPH, ABTS, NO, peroxyl, and superoxide radicals as well as in scavenging of hydrogen peroxide. A strong correlation was found between the amounts of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Propolis extract at the MIC value (0.36 mg/mL) significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the virulence potential of S. aureus ATCC 6538 and the MRSA strains without leading to the development of resistance in the sequence of continuous exposure. It was able to impair the bacterial biofilm formation. The results have revealed that sample 1 reduces violacein production in a concentration dependent manner, indicating inhibition of quorum sensing. This extract has as main group of secondary metabolites flavonoids (31.9%), diterpenes (21.5%), and phenolic acid esters (16.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic-resistant foodborne Salmonella is considered among the pathogen bacteria that threaten public health seeing that this bacterium has become more virulent and has led to an increased risk rate among infected patients. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Thymus capitatus and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils (EO) against Salmonella strains, separately and in combination with antibiotics (gentamicin and ampicillin). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against eight strains of foodborne Salmonella which were isolated from poultry and shellfish, through the use of the agar well diffusion and the broth microdilution techniques. The combined effect of EOs and antibiotics was determined by the use of the checkerboard assay. The results of the antibacterial activity showed that the both EOs were active on all tested strains, in which the inhibition zones varied from 13.6 ± 2.8 mm to 43.6 ± 4.04 mm, and MIC values ranged from 0.125% to 0.5%. From the 36 tested combinations, three types of interactions were obtained between S. aromaticum EO and gentamicin, in which 94% were totally synergistic, 3% had a partial synergy against S. Typhimurium and 3% had no interaction against S. Kentucky. The best antibacterial activity was obtained in the combination of T. capitatus and ampicillin, in which the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi) ranged from 0.018 to 0.5. To the best of our knowledge, so far no study has been published before examining the combined effect of EOs with antibiotics against multi-resistant strains of Salmonella in Morocco. Thus, these results could be a starting point for further investigations in order to control infections that are caused by Salmonella. • T. capitatus EO was mainly composed from carvacrol (73.52%). • Eugenol was the majority constituent of the Clove EO representing 82.06%. • T. capitatus EO exhibited higher impact than clove EO against Salmonella strains. • The best combination was obtained between Thymus and ampicillin in which the FICi ranged from 0.018 to 0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in the use of essential oils (EOs) in the biomedical and food industries have seen growing over the last decades due to their richness in bioactive compounds. The challenges in developing an EO extraction process that assure an efficient levels of monoterpenes with impact on biological activities have driven the present study, in which the EO extraction process of rosemary, lavender and citrus was performed by simultaneous hydrodistillation–steam distillation, and the influence of EO composition on biological activities, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-tyrosinase, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, were evaluated. The EO yields of combinations were generally higher than the individual plants (R. officinalis (Ro), L. angustifolia (La), and C. aurantium (Ca)) extracted by the conventional hydrodistillation. The EOs obtained by this process generally had a better capacity for scavenging the free radicals, inhibiting α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase activities than the individual EOs. The combination of EOs did not improve the ability for scavenging peroxide hydrogen or the capacity for inhibiting lipoxygenase activity. The antioxidant activity or the enzyme inhibition activity could not only be attributed to their major compounds because they presented lower activities than the EOs. The chemical composition of the combination Ro:La:Ca, at the ratio 1/6:1/6:2/3, was enriched in 1,8-cineole, linalool, and linalyl acetate and resulted in lower MIC values for all tested strains in comparison with the ratio 1/6:2/3:1/6 that was deprived on those components. The biofilm formation of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria was impaired by the combination Ro:La:Ca at a sub-inhibitory concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review updates the information upon the chemical composition of propolis from all Mediterranean countries as well as their biological properties and applications. The non-volatile fraction of propolis was characterized by the presence of phenolic acids and their esters and flavonoids. Nevertheless, in some countries, diterpenes were also present: Sicily (Italy), Croatia, Malta, Creta (Greece), Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Morocco. The volatile fraction of propolis was characterized by the presence of benzoic acid and its esters, mono- and sesquiterpenes, being the oxygenated sesquiterpene β-eudesmol characteristic of poplar propolis, whereas the hydrocarbon monoterpene α-pinene has been related with the presence of conifers. Regardless the chemical composition, there are common biological properties attributed to propolis. Owing to these attributes, propolis has been target of study for applications in diverse areas, such as food, medicine and livestock., (© 2019 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)