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• Strained (Torba) yoghurts were produced using cow milk exclusively or a blend of cow, sheep, and goat milk. These yoghurts were enhanced with probiotics and infused with medicinal and aromatic plants. • The yogurts containing plants demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. • The formulation incorporating plants showcased protective and stimulatory effects on the probiotics. • The probiotic-strained yogurt enriched with medicinal plants exhibited adverse effects on sensory properties during the storage period. Strained (Torba) yogurts were produced using cow milk as well as the blends of cow-sheep, cow-goat, and cow-sheep-goat milk in equal proportions, combined with probiotic bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum). These yogurts were fortified with medicinal and aromatic plants, including thyme (Origanum onites L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and mint (Mentha piperita L.). The antimicrobial activity and probiotic-enhancing effects of these probiotic-strained yogurts were evaluated over a 30-day storage period. The yogurts containing these plants showed significant antimicrobial effects (P < 0.05) against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans. Additionally, the plant-containing formulation demonstrated probiotic protective and stimulatory effects. However, the inclusion of medicinal plants in the probiotic strained yoghurt negatively impacted the sensory properties over the storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries is a highly prevalent oral disease affecting billions of individuals globally. The disease occurs chemically as a result of breakdown of the tooth surface attributed to metabolic activity in colonizing biofilm. Biofilms, composed of exopolysaccharides and proteins, protect bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is notable for its role in tooth decay due to its acid-producing abilities. While various antimicrobial agents may prevent biofilm formation, these drugs often produce side effects including enamel erosion and taste disturbances. This study aimed to examine utilization of the Mentha piperita essential oil as a potential antibiofilm activity agent against S. mutans. M. piperita oil significantly (1) reduced bacterial biofilm, (2) exhibited a synergistic effect when combined with chlorhexidine, and (3) did not induce cell toxicity. Chemical analysis identified the essential oil with 99.99% certainty, revealing menthol and menthone as the primary components, constituting approximately 42% and 26%, respectively. Further, M. piperita oil eradicated preformed biofilms and inhibited biofilm formation at sub-inhibitory concentrations. M. piperita oil also interfered with bacterial quorum sensing communication and did not produce any apparent cell toxicity in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). M. piperita represented an alternative substance for combating S. mutans and biofilm formation and a potential combination option with chlorhexidine to minimize side effects. An in-situ performance assessment requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is an invasive deleterious pest that causes huge economic losses to various crops, especially maize worldwide. Therefore, the insecticidal and antifeedant activities of lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, and peppermint, Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs) against the third larval instar of S. frugiperda were tested under laboratory conditions to find safer alternative approaches to managing S. frugiperda. The impact of sublethal concentrations (LC10 & LC30) of tested EOs on the biological parameters and the activities of detoxifying enzymes of S. frugiperda were also evaluated. Their chemical composition was identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major compounds in C. citratus EO were d-limonene (45.06%), β-citral (10.30%), and α-citral (9.90%); whereas, in M. piperita EO were menthol (32.03%), menthone (30.18%), and p-menthan-3-one (11.53%). Bioassay results revealed that C. citratus (LC50= 725.2 mg/L) exhibited more toxicity on S. frugiperda larvae than M. piperita (LC50= 1024.2 mg/L) after 48 h of exposure. Both EOs revealed remarkable antifeedant effects, with the feeding deterrence index ranging from 30.67-43.06% against S. frugiperda. Sublethal concentrations of the tested EOs resulted in prolonged larval and pupal durations, reduced pupal weight of females and males, and decreased pupation and adult emergence percentages, compared to the control. The activities of carboxylesterases and glutathione S-transferase enzymes in S. frugiperda were dramatically suppressed, compared to the control, with dose-dependent effects. These results suggest that M. piperita and C. citratus EOs may be used to manage S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, due to the high nutritional value of fish, consumers' interest in using ready-to-eat foods based on fish is increasing worldwide. However, due to the presence of high amounts of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids, aquatic products are highly sensitive to oxidation and the growth of microorganisms. The purpose of this research was to investigate the possibility of delaying oxidative and microbial spoilage and maintaining the quality and safety of rainbow salmon burgers during the storage period in the refrigerator using nano-encapsulated peppermint essential oil. Peppermint essential oil was nanoencapsulated by using a combination of gum arabic and soy protein isolate. Then it was added to the fish burger formulation at the levels of 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%. The values of pH, total volatile nitrogen bases (TVN), peroxide indices (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and total count of bacteria were tested during the 12-day storage period at 4°C. Particle size, PDI index, zeta potential and microencapsulation efficiency of peppermint essential oil nanocapsules were 297.4 nm, 0.328 nm, -32.17 mV and 87.24%, respectively. During the storage period, pH, TVB-N, PV and TBA values of burgers increased. Peppermint essential oil nanocapsules showed significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and reduced the rate of fat oxidation and bacterial growth in fish burgers. There was a positive correlation between the concentration of essential oil nanocapsules and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The greatest effect of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing the rate of oxidation of fats was observed in the burger containing 0.15% nanocapsules. The results of this research suggest the use of peppermint essential oil nanocapsules at a concentration of 0.15% in order to maintain quality, reduce the rate of oxidation and microbial spoilage in fish burgers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn), a micronutrient, is a source of energy for essential oil (EO) biosynthesis. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant growth regulator that has favorable effects on EO quality and quantity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of Zn and MeJA on the phytochemical traits and EO compositions of peppermint cultivated under soilless conditions. Zn omission and the highest Zn concentration (0.1 mgL−1), which are stress conditions for plants, increased phytochemical traits as well as EO content, and 1 mM MeJA was more suitable for increasing these parameters. The major classes of peppermint EO components were oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and monoterpene hydrocarbons. The major constituents included menthol, menthone, menthofuran, and 1,8-cineole. Elicitation of peppermint with MeJA at different Zn levels modified the EO composition. The highest menthol content (50.1%) was observed in the 1 mM MeJA and 0.025 mgL−1 Zn treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicated that Zn and MeJA could be appropriate compounds for changing phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and EO composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olfactory dysfunction was associated with poorer cognition. However, the association between transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1) and cognitive function have not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the mediation effect of TRPA1 on the association between olfactory and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Methods: We recruited 121 participants with cognitive impairment (CI) and 135 participants with normal cognition (NC) from a memory clinic and the "Shanghai Aging Study." Olfactory identification of each participant was measured by the Sniffin' Sticks Screening Test 12 (SSST-12). Serum TRPA1 were quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The mediation effects of TRPA1 on the association between olfactory function and cognitive function were explored using mediation analysis. Results: The CI group had a significantly higher proportion of the high level of serum TRPA1 (58.7%) than the NC group (42.2%) (p = 0.0086). After adjusted for gender, age, and years of education, mediation analysis verified that TRPA1 partially mediated the association between SSST-12 and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). It also verified that TRPA1 partially mediated the association between the identification of peppermint and MMSE. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the mediation role of TRPA1 in the relationship between olfactory and cognitive function among older adults. Further research is necessary to explore the mechanism of TRPA1 on the relationship between olfactory and cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated modified solvent evaporation-assisted methanolic Mentha extracts for their antifungal efficacy against Phytophthora infestans. Mentha extracts showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher total tannin content (2193.5 ± 7.5 mg) in the root extract of Mentha citrate , followed by total flavonoid content (1777± 8 mg) in the leaf extract of Mentha piperta and total phenolic content (1710±4 mg) in the leaf extract of Mentha piperta. A significant amount of variability was found for bioactive compounds in Mentha varieties by using qualitative descriptors. Statistically, Mentha extracts and artificial antioxidants showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in terms of percentage inhibition during DPPH, nitric acid scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, chelating power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, from which it was observed that the leaves, stem, and root of wild Mentha showed better antioxidant values. During the antifungal assay, the leaf extract of wild Mentha showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher inhibition percentage, i.e., 33.2%, followed by the leaf extract of Mentha piperita , i.e., 31.9%. In contrast, the minimum percentage was found in Mentha arvensis (Kosi). Mentha varieties and ascorbic acid are also effective against P. infestans. The HPLC chromatogram of wild Mentha revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher eriocitrin level in the leaves, i.e., 7.92 mg, as compared to the stem i.e., 7.63 mg. This study identified Mentha as an alternative treatment against P. infestans as compared to traditional chemical pesticides and also reduced the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment. [Display omitted] • Eight Mentha varieties, i.e., Mentha arvensis (Unti), Mentha arvensis (Kranti), Mentha arvensis (Kosi), Mentha citrata (Kiran), Mentha piperita (Kukurel), Mentha spicata (Supriya), Mentha spicata L. Var. Viridis (MSS-5), and Wild Mentha were subjected to in vitro antifungal activity against P. infestans. • Phytochemical tests were performed for qualitative and quantitative analysis. • The inhibitory of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum assay, chelating power and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were investigated, indicating antioxidant properties. • The extracts showed good antifungal activity against P. infestans, while leaf extract of wild Mentha gave the maximum inhibition percentage, i.e., 33.2 %. • High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of eriocitrin in the leaves and stem of wild Mentha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: Water deficit stress, permanent or temporary, limits the growth and distribution of natural vegetation and the performance of cultivated plants more than any other environmental factors. Methods: To investigate the effect of water absorption, drought stress and chemical fertilizers on Mint, this experiment was conducted in 2019 at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, in Karaj, Iran. The experiment was conducted as a split factorial experiment in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor was water absorption in two levels (use and no use) and the sub-factors were drought stress in three levels (90%FC, 60%FC and 30%FC) and chemical fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphor) in four levels (N0P0, N0P150, N300P0 and N300P150 kg/ha). Results: A mean comparison of the interactions of the super adsorbent treatments with stress and chemical fertilizers indicated that the highest leaf yield was achieved with the use of super adsorbent*90%FC*N300P0. Application of super adsorbent*90%FC*N0P150 had the highest inflorescence yield. A mean comparison of the interaction between super adsorbent, drought stress and chemical fertilizers indicated that the highest leaf essential oil percentage (2.9 %) was achieved in the treatment without super adsorbent*30%FC*N300P150. The use of super adsorbent*90%FC*N0P150 had the highest leaf essential oil yield. Mean comparison of the interaction between super adsorbent, drought stress and chemical fertilizers indicated that the highest inflorescence essential oil percentage and yield with the average of 10.2 % and 30.3 kg/ha, respectively, were achieved in the treatment without super adsorbent*90%FC*N300P0. Conclusion: Results indicated that mint is sensitive to water deficiency and sufficient moisture is necessary for its production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Insects use odor detection to sense their surroundings. Use of volatile compounds, such as essential oils (EOs) of plants, to repel pests and disrupt their olfaction‐driven behaviors has great practical potential for use in integrated pest management. Despite the available information on the repellent effects of EOs on herbivorous insects, the olfaction‐based mechanisms remain unknown. RESULTS: Y‐tube olfactometer tests showed that the EOs of three Lamiaceae plants – Mentha arvensis L., Mentha piperita L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. – were significantly repellent to winged cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover. Electrical penetration graph (EPG) tests indicated the EOs reduced phloem feeding and increased the level of non‐productive probing by the aphids. The EOs also reduced the fecundity of winged Aphis gossypii. Electrophysiological bioassays and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified five physiologically active volatiles, that is menthone, isomenthone, neomenthol and menthol from Mentha piperita; menthone and menthol from Mentha arvensis; and linalool from L. angustifolia. Behavioral tests confirmed that all five compounds repelled winged Aphis gossypii. Under field conditions, the growth rate of aphid populations after 7 days was significantly lower in fields treated with these compounds than in the control fields. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that three EOs not only repelled winged Aphis gossypii but also interfered with the aphid's feeding behavior and reduced its fecundity. These EOs and their active constituents have great potential as eco‐friendly control products for use against Aphis gossypii. The effects of these EOs also exceed other repellents that only keep pests away from host plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To achieve a more beautiful and younger appearance, reducing wrinkles is a key concern. The process of wrinkle formation is complex and the development of truly effective cosmetic ingredients to reduce wrinkles remains a challenge. Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between wrinkles and skin thinning, suggesting that preventing skin thinning could also prevent wrinkle formation. In this study, we examined the role of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) in the progression of thinning, as eATP reportedly increases skin ageing factors, such as senescence‐associated secreted phenotype (SASP) factors in epidermal cells. We determined the effects of Mentha piperita leaf extract on suppressing eATP to reduce thinning and wrinkles. Methods: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in the presence of M. piperita leaf extract. Dryness, high pH, and UVB radiation were used as extrinsic ageing factors. Intrinsic skin ageing was evaluated by comparing cells from adults (AD‐NHEK) and newborns (NB‐NHEK). A placebo‐controlled in vivo study was carried out with a formulation containing 1% M. piperita leaf extract. Results: The eATP levels were significantly higher in AD‐NHEK compared with that in NB‐NHEK cells. M. piperita leaf extract significantly decreased eATP levels in adult cells. Extrinsic ageing factors increased eATP levels in NHEK, whereas M. piperita leaf extract significantly suppressed eATP under all conditions. The active components of M. piperita leaf extract, luteolin glucuronide and rosmarinic acid, also decreased eATP. Moreover, compared with placebo lotion, M. piperita leaf extract‐formulated lotion markedly increased dermal thickness and reduced wrinkles associated with crow's feet and the neck area. Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that M. piperita leaf extract containing rosmarinic acid and luteolin‐7‐O‐glucuronide has the potential to reduce eATP release from epidermal keratinocytes. An increase in eATP was observed not only during inflammation but also during natural ageing. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment revealing that 1% M. piperita leaf extract‐containing lotion improved dermal thinning and wrinkles across multiple areas is attributed to the amelioration of dermal thinning. Thus, our data suggest the possibility of a novel cosmetic approach for reducing skin ageing by reducing eATP‐mediated dermal thinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uncovers the potential of salicylic acid (SA) and synthetic Strigolactone (GR24) in enhancing menthol biosynthesis and antioxidant defense mechanisms in Mentha piperita L. Our comprehensive analysis, which included a series of controlled experiments and data analysis of the effects of these phytohormones on enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, including carotenoids and proline, revealed promising results. The study also examined their impact on lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide levels, and the expression of genes critical to menthol and menthofuran synthesis. The results indicated that SA and GR24 significantly increased menthol production and reduced the levels of menthofuran and pulegone, suggesting upregulation in the plant's innate defense systems. Furthermore, the activities of CAT and APX were elevated, reflecting a strengthened antioxidant response. Interestingly, the menthofuran synthase (MFS) was higher in the control group. At the same time, pulegone reductase (PR) genes and menthol dehydrogenase (MDH) gene expression were upregulated, highlighting the protective effects of SA and GR24. These findings underscore the potential of SA and GR24 to serve as effective bio-stimulants, improving the quality and resilience of peppermint plants and thereby contributing to eco-friendly agricultural practices in pollution-stressed environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following commercial use of plant essential oils in pest control, their slow-release formulations have been developed in order to increase their effectiveness and solve their instability problem. In the present study, at first, lethal effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oils as emulsions and nano-capsules on the tomato leaf-miner was determined by the leaf-dipping method. Mortality of different concentrations (1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 percent) recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. Then, negative effects of these essential oils on life table parameters were evaluated at 10% concentration. The results of the toxic effects of these essential oils at the selected concentration showed a significant increase in the larval duration in both treatments compared to that of control. The longest larval duration was observed in nano-capsule formulation of rosemary (9.24 ± 0.15 day) and the lowest larval duration was observed in the control (7.78 ± 0.16 day). However, the nano-capsule formulations of essential oils had no effect on the adult longevity, but peppermint nano-capsule significantly decreased the ovipositional period compared to that of control and rosemary nano-capsule. Fertility and survival rates were also significantly decreased in females treated with rosemary nano-capsule. In general, rosemary essential oil has the ability to use in integrated pest management programs because of a reasonable reduction in the pest developmental parameters, higher inhibition effect on adult female oviposition, and lower damages to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral microbiome is a diverse and complex ecosystem essential for maintaining oral and systemic health. Our study is the first to define the oral microbial community in Egyptian young adults and investigate the effects of natural antimicrobials on the oral microbiome. SuperMint (SM) is a proprietary blend of peppermint, Japanese mint, bergamot mint, and spearmint essential oils encapsulated in a tiny soft beadlet. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of SM beadlets on the oral microbiome. This study recruited twenty healthy participants. A baseline investigation of the oral microbiome of the selected participants was performed by collecting saliva and swab samples before treatment. Treatment included chewing four SM beadlets twice a day for 7 days, and then, post-administration saliva and swab samples were collected at the end of treatment. The oral microbiome samples were analyzed by the high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, and the community composition was determined. The results showed that the abundance of some microbial genera and families decreased after using SM, including Prevotella, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Haemophilus. However, some genera showed inconsistent patterns. We also found that the subject's gender and SM usage were significantly associated with diverse microbial composition. The results suggest that SM treatment decreased the abundance of several bacteria associated with halitosis and periodontal diseases, such as Actinomyces and Streptococcus. Furthermore, Corynebacterium species increased and Streptococcus decreased after SM usage. More research is needed to fully understand the antimicrobial effects of mint oils and their potential applications in maintaining good oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop ready-to-eat vegetable–herb mixes with high nutritional and sensory values as well as good storability. In this regard, the suitability of fresh herbs (peppermint, oregano, green basil, red basil, and parsley) was tested for their use in mixes with fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. Lettuce–herb mixtures were stored for 6 days at 5 °C. The reason for the decrease in the appearance of the salads was the browning of the cut surface of the lettuce, as well as discoloration on the cut herbs. Comparing the storage abilities of the cut herbs, red basil and parsley retained the best appearance for 6 d at 5 °C. A small addition of herbs to fresh-cut iceberg lettuce caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the contents of pro-health ingredients such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, and polyphenols in the mixes. There were large discrepancies in the sensory quality of the mixes, but the highest quality and consumer acceptance were found for salads with parsley (5% and 10%) and red basil (5%). After harvest, the fresh herbs were more contaminated by molds than the iceberg lettuce. Bacterial, yeast, and mold contamination increased during storage, but the rate of mold growth was much lower in the mixes with parsley compared to lettuce alone. In conclusion, the addition of parsley and mint contributed the most to the health-promoting and microbiological properties of iceberg lettuce salads. However, according to sensory evaluation, parsley and red basil contributed the most to improving the acceptability of the product in terms of best taste and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil are often prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasm and pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these drugs alone and combined with the well-known antispasmodic hyoscine butylbromide on the human colon. Methods: Colon samples were obtained from macroscopically normal regions of 68 patients undergoing surgery and studied in muscle bath. Drotaverine, paracetamol, and peppermint oil were tested alone and in combination with hyoscine butylbromide on (1) spontaneous contractility induced by isometric stretch (in the presence of 1 µM tetrodotoxin) and (2) contractility induced by 10-5 M carbachol and after (3) electrical field stimulation-induced selective stimulation of excitatory (in the presence of 1 mM Nε-nitro-L-arginine and 10 µM MRS2179) and (4) inhibitory (under non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic conditions) pathways. (5) Drotaverine alone was also tested on cAMPdependent pathway activated by forskolin. Results: Compared with the vehicle, drotaverine and paracetamol (10-9-10-5 M) did not modify spontaneous contractions, carbachol-induced contractions, and responses attributed to selective activation of excitatory pathways. The addition of hyoscine butylbromide (10-7-10-5 M), concentration-dependently reduced myogenic contractions and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractile responses. The association of paracetamol (10-4 M) and hyoscine butylbromide (10-7-10-5 M) was not different from hyoscine butylbromide alone (10-7-10-5 M). At higher concentrations (10-3M-3*10-3 M), paracetamol decreased myogenic and carbachol-induced contractions. The adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, concentration-dependently reduced contractility, leading to smooth muscle relaxation. The effect of forskolin 10-7 M was concentration-dependently enhanced by drotaverine (10-6M-10-5M). Discussion: Peppermint oil reduced myogenic activity and carbachol- and electrical field stimulation-induced contractions. The association of hyoscine butylbromide and peppermint oil was synergistic since the interaction index measured with the isobologram was lower than 1. No effect was seen on the neural-mediated inhibitory responses with any of the drugs studied although peppermint oil reduced the subsequent off-contraction. Drotaverine and hyoscine butylbromide have a complementary effect on human colon motility as one stimulates the cAMP inhibitory pathway and the other inhibits the excitatory pathway. Peppermint oil is synergic with hyoscine butylbromide suggesting that a combination therapy may be more effective in treating patients. In contrast, at therapeutic concentrations, paracetamol does not modify colonic contractility, suggesting that the association of paracetamol and hyoscine butylbromide has independent analgesic and antispasmodic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAcute sun exposure could lead to erythema and inflammation. This Investigation aims to determine the efficacy of the complexation of peppermint oil (PO) with cyclodextrin in enhancing its physicochemical properties. Nano-organogels were prepared by direct hot melting method. Cyclodextrin (CD) PO was prepared by co-lyophilized method and included in F6. The particle size values were all below 150 nm. F6 polymeric showed high antioxidant activity, in vitro SPF, and stability. CD nano-organogel showed the least release and the highest skin deposition values. This high skin deposition is assured by confocal microscopy. Histology revealed its anti-inflammatory effect against acute UV irradiation. PO CD nano-organogel demonstrates a promising modality for anti-inflammatory therapy against UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) are important in regulating plant tolerance to salt stress. Peppermint is one of the most widely used aromatic plants, with a high sensitivity to salt stress. The present study investigated physiological and biochemical factors to understand better the behavior of cinnamic acid (CA) and cinnamic acid nanocomposite in salinity control in peppermint plants. The first factor was salt stress with different salt concentrations, including 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L, the second factor was 50 μM CA, and the third factor was 50 μM CA nanocomposite based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-CA NC). Results showed that stress markers increased with increasing salinity levels. On the contrary, plants treated with salinity showed a decrease in physiological and photosynthetic parameters, while the application of CA and CMC CA NC increased these critical parameters. Under salinity, compared to the control, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents decreased by 11.3% and 70.4%, respectively. Furthermore, CA and CMC-CA NC enhanced peppermint tolerance to salinity by increasing compatible solute content such as proline, free amino acids, protein content, and soluble carbohydrates, increasing antioxidant enzymes, and decreasing stress markers in plant tissues. Compared to the control, chlorophyll fluorescence and proline content increased by 1.1% and 172.1%, respectively. Salinity stress negatively affected all physiological and biochemical parameters, but CA and CMC-CA NC treatments improved them. We concluded that the nanocomposite, a biostimulant, significantly enhances mint tolerance under salinity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Peptic ulcers result from erosion of the stomach's protective lining and excessive secretion of gastric acid, causing pain, inflammation and, in severe cases, bleeding. Conventional treatments, including antibiotics and surgery, are often associated with side effects and significant economic burden. In traditional medicine, medicinal plants are valued for their anti-inflammatory and protective properties. This study aims to evaluate the combined effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of three plants on peptic ulcer healing compared to the effects of each extract administered individually. Method: In this study, licorice, peppermint, and chamomile medicinal plants were obtained from the Zagros Mountains of Ilam Province. After authentication, their extracts were obtained using Soxhlet extraction method. A total of 49 male rats were then divided into seven groups with gastric ulcers induced by administration of aspirin and Helicobacter. The animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine and then euthanized according to ethical guidelines. The stomachs were then excised, ulcers quantified, and tissue samples prepared and fixed for macroscopic and histologic analysis. Results: According to the results, the chamomile and peppermint group showed slow healing of the stomach ulcers by day 21. The deeper parts of the ulcers remained unhealed, and the gastric tissue continued to show signs of inflammation and bleeding. In the licorice treated group, a more pronounced recovery was observed on day 21 compared to the chamomile and peppermint groups. While some wounds had healed, the deeper parts remained unhealed. Epitheliogenesis and tissue repair were more advanced than in other groups. In the polyherbal treated group, a relative and acceptable improvement of the gastric wall tissue was observed by day 21 with the herbal combination. Healing and epitheliogenesis were well advanced, with recovery approaching that of Recolic treated group. However, some areas still contained inflammatory cells and blood vessels. Conclusion: Overall, it can be concluded that polyherbal compounds have the potential to aid in the healing of peptic ulcers. Ongoing research and further investigation into the improvement and efficacy of these treatments may contribute to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for peptic ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study is designed to develop a novel dosage form i.e. microemulgel which will enhance the rate of absorption in the systemic circulation and ultimately enhance the pharmacological effect of the Mentha piperita L. extract as anti-inflammatory agent. Its primary components include with constituents including menthol (46.32%), menthofuran (13.18%), menthyl acetate (12.10%), menthone (7.42%) and 1,8-cineole (6.06%). Materials and Methods: The research aimed to formulate and assess herbal microemulgel containing M. piperita extract, focusing on its in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. M. piperita herb extraction was carried out using a hydro-alcoholic solvent, followed by phytochemical analysis. Four separate sets of herbal microemulgel were crafted and underwent a series of assessments, encompassing pH levels, spreadability, viscosity, consistency, appearance, color and ease of washing. Additionally, the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of both the extract and the microemulgel formulation was assessed using the HRBC membrane stabilization assay and the protein denaturation assay. Results: The findings of this study suggest that the newly developed herbal microemulgel, enriched with M. Piperita extract, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: The M. piperita microemulgel exhibited a remarkable 94.35% drug content with high solubility and compatibility of the drug with the excipients. Permeability studies revealed that the M. piperita microemulgel achieved 94% permeability within 48 hr, showcasing enhanced drug permeability facilitated by the microemulsion-based gel system. Moreover, the formulated microemulgel demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity. It can be concluded that topical herbal M. piperita microemulgel has potential for future applications in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An HPLC method for the quantitative determination of the rosmarinic acid content in leaves of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) was developed. The content of the dominant phenylpropanoid rosmarinic acid in leaves of M. piperita varied from 2.01 ± 0.03% to 5.54 ± 0.05%. The error of a single determination of the rosmarinic acid content in M. piperita leaves was ±9.66% at a confidence probability of 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES. In this paper, we reviewed cough and herbal therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Research methods included searching online databases such as Google, Google Scholar, ProQuest Central, and PubMed at Kirikkale University. We used terms like "cough", "herbal", "reflex", "Primula veris", "Primula elatior", "Thymus vulgaris", "Althea Officinalis", and "Mentha piperita" to find related articles. RESULTS. Coughing is a reflex that serves a legitimate physiological purpose by expelling fluids and debris from the lungs. Herbal teas and preparations with antioxidant and expectorant properties are made from medicinal herbs like Primula veris and Primula elatior. The phenolic monoterpene thymol, one of the primary components of thyme oil, is found primarily in thyme plants. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have lengthy histories of usage in conventional medicine, particularly for their upper respiratory system-targeted expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Historically, people have turned to the plant Althaea officinalis for help with treating respiratory issues, like cough. Officinalis extracts alone for dry cough therapy, while A. officinalis was more effective when combined with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinale, or Helix hedera. Furthermore, all types of coughs benefited from officinalis. One of the most popular types of herbal tea, known as a tisane, is peppermint, or Mentha piperita. Peppermint essential oil and tea made from the plant's leaves have long histories of usage in alternative medicine. Some studies have found that peppermint may have antiallergenic properties in addition to its antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. CONCLUSION. Cough is a persistent symptom of many acute and chronic illnesses. Primula veris, Thymus vulgaris, Althaea Officinalis, and Mentha piperita are some herbs used to treat cough. Cough patients can supplement their standard medical care with herbal remedies that contain these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural soils that are contaminated with heavy metals poses significant environmental challenges, impacting plant productivity and the safety of plant-based food and feed products. Cadmium (Cd) that is considered one of heavy metals enters the ecosystem by two sources natural and anthropogenic. Rising Cd level in edible plants has impact on human health. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of different levels of cadmium contamination in soil on the growth and chemical composition of two different mint cultivars, namely peppermint and curly mint as well as accumulation of Cd in mint leaves. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using three replications. Uniform rhizomes in weight were planted with a size of 17 cm in pots. After the rhizomes had developed to produce leaves, the plants were irrigated with different concentrations of cadmium in distilled water as solution (0, 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg), for control only distilled water was used. The results indicated that peppermint plants performed better than curly mint plants in terms of various vegetative and chemical parameters. On the other hand, the increased concentrations of cadmium from Zero to 45 mg/kg resulted in significant decrease in most morphological and chemical characters in both mint cultivars. The affected parameters were plant height decreased to (29.05 cm), fresh and dry vegetative weight (29.52-11.83 g), leaf area (190.1 cm²), number of leaves (31.17 leaf plant-1), total chlorophyll content (14.01 mg g-1 F.W), and carbohydrate content in the leaves (7.41 %) compared to the control. Nevertheless, it has been noticed that the percentage of volatile oil and the amount of volatile oil per plant increased when the soil was treated with 15 mg/kg of cadmium in both cultivars (1.537%) for peppermint and (1.340%) for curly mint. Additionally, the accumulation of cadmium in the leaves also increased to (0.165 mg/kg) after the soil was treated by 30mg/kg of cadmium comparing to the control. This means that when the mint plants obtained from areas contaminated with Cd have high concentration of Cd in there structure and have impact on health when they have been eaten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of hyperglycemia is increasing worldwide in large part due to the escalating prevalence of obesity. It can occur along with other disorders and diseases, contributing to escalating health costs and accumulating disabilities. Besides dietary approaches and availability of antidiabetic medications, other complementary approaches and adjunct therapies using biologically active botanical phytochemicals have received growing attention for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Spices are one source of these bioactive plant constituents, and considerable preclinical studies have investigated their possible health benefits. There also are an increasing number of human clinical trials assessing the ability of spices and their individual plant constituents to improve glucose homeostasis in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and other dysglycemic conditions. This narrative review provides a summary of the human studies evaluating the effects of select spices on glucose homeostasis and highlights areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The efforts of researchers in the 21st century have been devoted to developing novel approaches to leave planet earth green for future generations. This study aims to report the synthesis of microcapsules from natural essential peppermint oil and their application to a bleached polyester and cotton (PC) blended fabric. Design/methodology/approach: Microcapsules were prepared by a complex coacervation process and applied through the conventional pad-dry-cure method. The liquid suspension of the microcapsules was examined by optical microscopy to investigate the surface morphology of the microcapsules. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the surface morphology of the fabric after the application of the microcapsules. The finished fabric was checked for its mosquito repellent activity at the lab scale using a standard test protocol (cage test) by inserting a human arm and hand enfolded with microcapsules treated fabric. Findings: PC fabric treated with 6% microencapsulated peppermint oil at zero wash showed 95.3% repellency against mosquitoes, and after 30 washes, the repellency was 85.8% which confirmed the durability of the developed finished fabric. The finished samples exhibited excellent air permeabilities and absorbencies. Originality/value: This study successfully developed peppermint oil microencapsulated fabric with excellent efficacy against three mosquito species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the use of natural preservatives in food products has gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits and effectiveness. A standardized microbiological analysis was conducted on Slovak farm-produced lump goat cheese samples to determine the antibacterial activity of dry herbs and essential oils added to vacuum-packed goat cheese. We employed five dried herbs and five essential oils derived from the same plants. The microbiological quality of 145 fresh and vacuum-packed goat cheese samples was assessed. The number of coliform bacteria, total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, and microscopic filamentous fungi were examined in raw cheese samples stored for 12 days at 4 °C. All cheese samples were vacuum-packed (control samples were packed without vacuum). This study evaluated the potential benefits of using essential oils and dried herbs from thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus Thunb.), mint (Mentha × piperita L.), and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) as preservatives. The essential oils were obtained from Hanus Ltd., Nitra, Slovakia, and were applied at a concentration of 2%. The dried herbs were obtained from Popradský čaj (Poprad, Slovakia) and Mäspoma Ltd. (Zvolen, Slovakia). The results showed that all microorganism groups were significantly reduced in cheese samples following the application of essential oils throughout the entire storage period. During the preservation of cheese samples in polyethylene bags used for vacuum packing food, Lactococcus garvieae, L. lactis, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia liquefaciens were the most frequently isolated microbiota. Essential oils and dried herbs demonstrated antimicrobial potential during the storage of vacuum-packed goat cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medicinal plants are precious resources in Iran's broad landscape of natural resources, which can play an essential role in health, employment, and non-petroleum export if recognized, cultivated, developed, and exploited scientifically and correctly. Given the limitation of water resources in Iran, the agricultural sector's use of unconventional water resources has been proposed as a solution. One of these methods is to pass water through a magnetic field before irrigation to improve water productivity. The soil health management is crucial for ensuring ecological and agricultural productions and maintaining plant diversity. The negative impacts of chemical fertilizers forced the agrochemical companies to replace them with Nano-fertilizers in sustainable agricultural systems in order to achieve desirable crop productivity. Materials and methods: With the aim of investigating the effect of foliar application of different nano fertilizers on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of peppermint under different irrigation conditions, an experimental experiment was carried out in an agricultural field in Miandoab city in West Azarbaijan province. The experiment was in the form of split plots based on randomized complete block design in three replications. The main plot was assigned to the irrigation cycle (every 5, 7 and 10 days) and the secondary plot was assigned to foliar spraying treatments (control (no foliar spraying) nano NPK, nano Fe, nano Zn and nano Mn). chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf weight, fresh yield, dry yield, proline content, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield was measured. Results and discussion: Based on the results of data variance analysis, all investigated traits were affected by irrigation, foliar application and the interaction of two treatments at the 1% probability level. The interaction of year with foliar application on dry and wet yield of fodder was significant at the probability level of 1%. The triple interaction of year x irrigationx foliar application and was significant only on proline content at the 1% probability level. The results of the mean comparison of irrigation with foliar application interaction treatments showed the Foliar application of nano Fe under irrigation conditions once every 5 days had the highest content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids (respectively with an average of 13.43, 3.61 and 4.12 mg g fresh weight-1), plant height (33.92 cm), leaf fresh weight (6.71 g), aerial fresh yield (13121 kg ha-1), aerial dry yield (4600.1 kg ha-1) and the lowest proline content (6.32 mmol g weight-1). Also, the highest percentage of essential oil (0.67%) was attributed to nano Fe foliar spraying under irrigation conditions of 7 days once. In this study, although the highest essential oil yield (24.74 kg ha-1) was assigned to the application of nano Zn under the irrigation once every 5 days' condition but there was no significant difference between the mentioned treatment and Foliar application nano NPK and nano-Fe in the irrigation treatment of 7 days' treatments. Conclusion: It can be stated that the use of NPK and Fe in the form of nanoparticles under mild water stress conditions can improve the economic performance of the product and save water consumption. Also, foliar spraying of this fertilizer it was able to significantly increase the essential oil yield of in this plant under severe water stress conditions. Therefore, foliar spraying of nutritional elements in nano form can be a solution to improve the essential oil yield in peppermint plants under water stress conditions with different intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the loss of diagnostic components of peppermint granule spices during the drying process, the moisture drying kinetics of peppermint granules under different drying conditions (oven drying, microwave vacuum drying and microwave drying) were studied. By investigating changes in moisture distribution and the volatilization of characteristic components, the authors determined the optional drying conditions for the spices. The flavoring effect of cigarette filter rod of peppermint granular spices was investigated. The results showed that the drying time of peppermint granular spices under oven drying, microwave vacuum drying and microwave drying was about 60~120 min, 20 min and 4 min, respectively. The optimal drying kinetic model of the three drying methods is the Page model. The results of LF-NMR analysis showed that with the progress of drying, the semi-bound water was transformed into bound water and free water. At the same time, free water is constantly evaporating and being removed. The concentrations of diagnostic components in peppermint granular spices decreased with the decrease of moisture content, and the higher the drying temperature, the more obvious the diagnostic components loss. The effect of microwave drying is better than microwave vacuum drying, and the drying time is greatly shortened. The residue of diagnostic components positively correlated with the peak area of the bound water. The acids and phenolic substances in the cigarette smoke after the spice of peppermint granular spices were slightly reduced, the ketones were slightly increased, and three kinds of diagnostic components unique to peppermint, menthol, L-menthol and menthone were added, which could bring a cooling feeling to the cigarette, reduce the sense of irritation and improve the smoking quality of cigarettes, while retaining the original style of cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aim to analyse the effect of menthol on thirst intensity and thirst comfort in surgical patients. Background: Menthol has achieved good results in quenching thirst in patients in intensive care units, but its safety and reliability in perioperative fasting patients are unknown. Design: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of intervention studies was performed. Data Sources: We used Chinese and English databases from their dates of inception to May 2022. Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINHAL, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP database. Review Methods: Two reviewers independently examined the records according to the eligibility criteria and extracted the data of each included study. Results: A total of seven studies were identified in this review, which included 537 surgical patients. Overall, menthol reduced thirst intensity in surgical patients and decreased thirst discomfort. Further subgroup analysis revealed that the menthol intervention significantly improved thirst intensity in surgical patients during preoperative and postoperative fasting periods. The Egger's tests showed no significant bias (p = 0.113 and 0.553, thirst intensity and thirst discomfort, respectively). Conclusion: Menthol intervention effectively improved thirst intensity and thirst discomfort during fasting in surgical patients, but more large‐scale, multicentre randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings further. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Thirst is a common symptom of discomfort during fasting in surgical patients.Thirst in surgical patients is an underappreciated, unmeasured and undertreated symptom. What this paper adds? It is safe and feasible to administer menthol immediately after surgery to patients undergoing surgery.Menthol intervention during fasting in surgical patients can significantly reduce thirst intensity and improve thirst discomfort.More high‐quality trials are essential to explore optimal menthol interventions during fasting in surgical patients. The implications of this paper Menthol provides a safe and effective thirst‐quenching method for perioperative fasting in surgical patients.Menthol reduces thirst intensity and thirst discomfort in surgical patients postoperative fasting periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of managing invasive weed species continues to affect the agricultural industry, presenting ecological, economic, and agronomic hurdles that lead to over 100 billion USD in annual crop losses globally. One such concern is the management of Agrostis stolonifera L., commonly known as creeping bentgrass, particularly due to its ability to form hybrids. This scenario underscores the urgent need for innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable herbicides, steering the focus toward natural substances as potential candidates. We report here a promising natural lactone, commonly known as menthalactone, which is derived from Mentha piperita L. Its phytotoxic activity was assessed against the monocot, bentgrass, and a dicot, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Menthalactone displayed outstanding activity against bentgrass and was further evaluated for phytotoxic characteristics. The germination of A. stolonifera seeds was significantly inhibited with an IC50 value of 4.9 ± 1.2 µM. In contrast to bentgrass seeds, Lemna pausicostata L. plants were less responsive to menthalactone treatment, shown by an IC50 of 293.4 ± 70.6 µM. Both species are monocots, and the results suggest that menthalactone might have effects on seed germination but not on the metabolism of green tissues. The susceptibility of three common, obnoxious weed species, i.e., ryegrass (Lilium perenne), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), and crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.), to menthalactone was assessed. Menthalactone at 1000 µM completely inhibited the germination of all three species of grasses, while 330 µM inhibited germination by less than 50%. The post-emergence application of menthalactone at 1% did not produce a significant inhibitory effect against ryegrass, barnyard grass, or crabgrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint is a perennial herb with high inhibitory power against bacteria because its chemical profile contains menthol and menthone. In this research, peppermint essential oil (PEO) was encapsulated in various levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 10% w/v) in nanofibers (NFs) obtained from zein using an electrospinning technique. SEM, XRD, TGA, and FTIR tests were performed to investigate the characteristics of NFs after producing them. Also, the resultant NFs were evaluated regarding encapsulation efficiency (EE) and antimicrobial properties via disc-diffusion against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella enterica. The results indicated that the morphology was tubular, uniform, and free bead. Fiber diameter increased on average by increasing the amount of PEO (p<0.05). XRD results showed that PEO was amorphous in electrospun zein NFs. TGA and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of PEO in the electrospun fibers. In addition, the FTIR spectrum showed that the zein protein changed its secondary structure because of the PEO. The results of EE showed that an increase in PEO concentration caused a relevant rise in EE (P<0.05). The electrospun NFs containing PEO showed antimicrobial properties against the target bacteria. According to the current research, NFs obtained from zein via electrospinning can be applied suitably as a substrate to encapsulate PEO as a hydrophobic component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of Botrytis cinerea infections has accelerated the need for effective antifungal agents. Traditional chemical methods are often associated with environmental harm, making the green synthesis of nanoparticles an attractive alternative. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracts from three medicinal plants - Amaranthus viridis L., Mentha piperita L., and Ocimum basilicum L. - and evaluate their antifungal efficacy against Botrytis cinerea. AgNPs were synthesized using methanol extracts of the selected plants and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The synthesized AgNPs exhibited peak UV-visible absorption at 425 nm, 400 nm, and 420 nm, and had average particle sizes of 1.2 nm, 21.5 nm, and 358 nm for A. viridis, M. piperita, and O. basilicum, respectively. At a concentration of 3%, the AgNPs inhibited B. cinerea growth by 51%, 40.4%, and 39%. Further, an ethyl acetate fraction from A. viridis displayed 50% fungal inhibition at a concentration of 0.20%. GC-MS analysis revealed 15 bioactive compounds in the extracts. The study confirms that AgNPs synthesized from medicinal plants exhibit significant antifungal properties, making them potential candidates for the development of eco-friendly antifungal agents. The findings offer a green and sustainable avenue for the development of new antifungal agents and suggest further studies to optimize the synthesis process and investigate the mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Republic of Croatia is spread in geographical and climatic conditions that support a great diversity of habitats and associated plant taxa, many of which can be used for food or medicine. However, urbanization, loss of natural habitats, as well as changes in people's dependence on the natural resources from the surrounding environment may lead to the loss of valuable knowledge about the use of plants and mushrooms. With the aim of studying and preserving this knowledge in the continental north-western part of Croatia, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken at the two study areas—Valpovo and Đurđevac, which included a total of 17 settlements. A total of 103 informants, 65% female and 35% male, aged between 22 and 83 years, participated in an interview using pre-planned questionnaires. The informants reported 131 plants belonging to 55 families and 17 mushroom taxa. The largest number of plants belonged to the families of Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apiaceae. In both areas, the informants cultivate and also gather wild plants, but these practices are better preserved in the area of Đurđevac where 109 taxa from 47 families were recorded. In addition to cultivated and gathered plants, informants from the Valpovo area also reported the use of purchased plants. Plants and mushrooms are mostly used as food (21 plant taxa and 17 mushrooms), but plants also serve as medicine (68 taxa), as both food and medicine (35 taxa), feed for cattle (11 taxa), repellent (four taxa), and/or space freshener (two taxa). The most frequently used wild plants are Chamomilla recutita, Mentha x piperita, and Urtica dioica, while Boletus edulis, Agaricus campestris, and Macrolepiota procera are the most often used mushrooms. The results indicate that the local people in the studied north-western part of Croatia still nurture the practice of cultivating and gathering plants and that herbal remedies are considerably important among the informants. The study should be further extended to broaden and preserve valuable ethnobotanical knowledge and encourage the protection of culturally important plants of the studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of saline, 0.5% and 2% Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) essential oil, 0.5% and 2% Mentha piperita (M. piperita) essential oil, and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as root canal irrigants for primary molar teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 primary molars were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were randomly assigned to six groups (N=10). The root canals were prepared up to file #35, and all teeth were sterilized before contamination with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis; ATCC 29212) suspension. After 48 hours of incubation, the root canals in each group were irrigated with the respective irrigants. Sterile paper points were then used to collect microbial samples from the root canals. A colony counter was used to count the number of colonyforming units (CFUs). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 (alpha=0.05). Results: The colony count was significantly different among the groups (P<0.001), and 2% M. piperita (P=0.009), 0.5% Z. multiflora (P=0.021), and 0.2% CHX (P=0.002) were significantly more effective than saline in elimination of E. faecalis. The ascending order of microbial count after irrigation was as follows: saline > 0.5% M. piperita > 0.2% CHX > 2% M. piperita > 0.5% Z. multiflora. Conclusion: The current study showed the optimal antibacterial activity of 0.5% Z. multiflora essential oil and 2% M. piperita essential oil against E. faecalis, and indicated their possible efficacy for use as an irrigant for root canal irrigation of primary molars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes Mentha piperita (MI) for the first time to investigate the uptake and translocation of chlorpyrifos (CPF; 10 µg g−1) from soil, introducing a new approach to improve the efficacy of this technique, which includes using biosurfactants (Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) at 107 CFU/mL to degrade CPF under greenhouse conditions. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (Prx), and oxidative stress due to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in MI roots and leaves were evaluated under CPF stress. Our results demonstrated that amending soil with MI and B. subtilis followed by P. aeruginosa significantly reduced CPF levels in the soil (p > 0.05) and enhanced CPF concentrations in MI roots and leaves after 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days of the experiment. Furthermore, CPF showed its longest half-life (t1/2) in soil contaminated solely with CPF, lasting 15.36 days. Conversely, its shortest half-life occurred in soil contaminated with CPF and treated with MI along with B. subtilis, lasting 4.65 days. Soil contaminated with CPF and treated with MI and P. aeruginosa showed a half-life of 7.98 days. The half-life (t1/2) of CPF-contaminated soil with MI alone was 11.41 days. A batch equilibrium technique showed that B. subtilis is better than P. aeruginosa for eliminating CPF from soil in In vitro experiments. Notably, CPF-polluted soil treated with coadministration of MI and the tested bacteria improved the activities of SOD and Prx and reduced H2O2 and MDA compared with CPF-polluted soil treated with MI alone. Our findings demonstrated that using B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa as biosurfactants to augment phytoremediation represents a commendable strategy for enhancing the remediation of CPF contamination in affected sites while reducing the existence of harmful pesticide remnants in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active ingredients in peppermint are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and other industries. The traditional methods for producing peppermint extract through hydrodistillation (HD) and percolation are long process with low efficiency. The aim of this study is the improvement of the extraction performance and the efficiency of the extract obtained from hot percolation via pulsed disk and doughnut columns (PDDC), which is one of the most important pieces of liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) equipment. Peppermint extract was used as the continuous phase in the PDDC. n‐Hexane was considered as the dispersed phase in this column. In this study, the effects of three operating parameters were investigated, including the pulse intensity, continuous phase height, and dispersed phase flow rate, on the extraction efficiency of active ingredients in peppermint. The response surface method (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of these parameters on the extraction efficiency. The efficiency of this column in the extracting of active ingredients from peppermint was measured by UV–vis spectrophotometry, via the absorption rate of the main active ingredients of peppermint (menthol) in the samples, and the efficiency was 75% on average. The experimental and theorical of dispersed phase mass transfer coefficient were evaluated and compared. The results showed that the PDDC improved the extraction and mass transfer. By increasing the flow rate of the dispersed phase and the height of the continuous phase, the extraction efficiency and the mass transfer coefficient were increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to optimize the reaction conditions based on the solubility percentage of carboxymethyl NMG by monochloroacetic acid (MCA) in the presence of sodium hydroxide (alkaline environment). The effect of various reaction parameters (pH, MCA concentration, and temperature) on the solubility of NFG was evaluated. The highest solubility (85.49% by weight) was obtained at the NaOH concentration of 0.048 mol and MCA (as an etherifying agent) concentration of 0.016 mol at 75 °C. The novel nanofibers (NFs) were developed using modified frankincense gum (MFG)/Zein-containing peppermint essential oil (PEO) by applying electrospinning at different MFG/Zein ratios. The results of the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis demonstrated compatibility between essential oil and MFG/Zein. Furthermore, the prepared scaffold (i.e., Zein/MFG/PEO) showed antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. According to the current research, the obtained NFs can be conveniently used as a substrate for encapsulating PEO as a hydrophobic component. Also, modified gum was identified as an excellent source of natural gum with high functional and physical properties. Therefore, it can be used in the formulation of food products, packaging of activity foods, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research is currently dedicated to creating biodegradable packaging materials that match the qualities of traditional synthetic packaging materials. Among these options, polylactic acid (PLA) is noteworthy. PLA is a renewable‐source‐derived thermoplastic polymer with excellent barrier properties, mechanical strength, and a strong safety profile. To enhance food product shelf life, active packaging materials, incorporating functional ingredients like antimicrobials, have gained prominence. Peppermint essential oil is one such active ingredient, offering potential improvements in preserving food freshness and safety. This study's objective is to craft antimicrobial, biodegradable food packaging materials by blending peppermint oil into PLA films. Various peppermint oil concentrations (1.25%, 1.875%, and 2.5% w/v) were blended with PLA to assess their impact on opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical and thermal properties, and antimicrobial characteristics. Higher peppermint oil concentrations increased opacity, making them advantageous for light‐sensitive food items. These films reduced WVP without affecting PLA's thermal stability. Antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), showing inhibition with 1.875% and 2.5% w/v peppermint oil concentrations. Compared to control, PLA films with peppermint oil extended the shelf life of packaged chicken breast meats from 3 to 8 days. As a result, incorporating peppermint oil into PLA films presents a promising solution for advanced antimicrobial and biodegradable food packaging. Highlights: The incorporation of peppermint oil resulted in higher opacity values.Peppermint incorporated PLA films showed antimicrobial activity.Peppermint oil addition decreased water vapor permeability of PLA films.Peppermint oil added PLA films increased the shelf life of chicken meat up to 8 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend the post-harvest storage duration of peppermint and predict the post-harvest respiration rate of peppermint, peppermint was subjected to modified atmosphere packaging conditions with different packaging materials (PE, OPP1.8/PE3.5, OPP1.8/4.5, OPP2.3/PE4.5, HDPE), various O2 concentrations (3%~7%), and different CO2 concentrations (5%~15%). Parameters including weight loss rate, relative electrical conductivity, color difference, sensory evaluation, vitamin C content, total chlorophyll content, and total colony count were measured. Response surface optimization experiments were conducted with O2, CO2, and packaging materials as factors to determine the optimal gas ratios and packaging materials for post-harvest preservation of peppermint. On this basis, the volatile compounds and surface fungal diversity of peppermint were studied. The proportions of O2 and CO2 inside the optimal packaging materials for peppermint were measured by using the closed space system. Based on this, a model equation was obtained using the permeation system method and numerically simulated. Matlab software was used to calculate the respiration rate at equilibrium, and a regression analysis was performed using a quadratic polynomial model. High-throughput sequencing was used to sequence and analyze peppermint samples from the optimal, worst, and control treatment groups, comparing changes in the proportion of dominant microbial communities. The results showed that the optimal gas composition and packaging material were 3.5% O2+9.4% CO2 and HDPE, which extended the freshness period of peppermint from 7~9 days to 10~12 days. It could inhibit the increase of linalool and other alcohols during peppermint storage, reduce the volatilization of D-carvone and other ketones, and delay the senescence of peppermint. Based on these experiments, a more accurate quadratic respiration rate model for peppermint under controlled atmosphere packaging was established, which effectively inhibited the growth of decay-causing microorganisms such as Ascomycota and Mycetes in peppermint.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Ba) was applied to Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) seedlings grown at various salt levels (0, 50, 75, and 100 mM) for 42 days (six weeks). The study was conducted in a total of eight groups, with 24 seedlings per group. At the end of the study, the seedlings were analyzed for plant nutrient elements and volatile compound contents. The negative effect of salt was observed in almost all parameters. When all groups were evaluated for plant nutrient elements, Ba had a positive effect on Zn, Mn, Cu, and Na values compared to the control, but it did not show any effect on B, Fe, K, P, Mg, and Ca. In volatile compounds, limonene was detected as the major component in all groups. As a result of the evaluation based on limonene, the highest rate was found in the control, and the lowest rate was found in 100 mM NaCl. The salt-dependent inhibition between the groups with the highest and lowest limonene was 73%. While the negative effects of salt were observed in almost all parameters, the promoter effects of Ba were not as pronounced.

Abstract Background Rosmarinic acid (RA), like other phenolic compounds, is sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in medicinal plants. In vitro culture of plants can improve the medicinal plants’ metabolite profile and phenolic compound quantity. To date, various methods have been proposed to increase this medicinal metabolite in plants, among which the use of bioelicitors can be mentioned. In the present study, a native isolate of heterocystous cyanobacteria, Nostoc spongiaeforme var. tenue ISB65, was used to stimulate the production of biomass and content of RA in Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) grown in vitro from apical meristem. Mentha piperita L. explants were inoculated in half strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS) medium containing cyanobacterial lysate (CL). After 50 days of culturing, the growth indices, the content of photosynthetic pigments, and RA in control and treated plants were measured. Results CL inoculation resulted in a significant enhancement in the vegetative growth indices of peppermint, including root and shoot length, plant biomass and leaf number. The content of photosynthetic pigments also increased in cyanobacteria-treated plants. Inoculation with CL increased the RA content by 2.3-fold, meaning that the plants treated with CL had the highest RA content (7.68 mg. g− 1 dry weight) compared to the control (3.42 mg. g− 1 dry weight). Additionally, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several auxins in CL. Conclusions The presence of auxins and the chemical content of CL such as K+ and Ca2+, as regulators of metabolic pathways and molecular activities of cells, may be responsible for the enhanced growth and phenolic compounds of plants under tissue culture conditions. An improvement in RA content in the tissue culture of medicinal plants treated with CL was reported for the first time in this investigation.

Drought and lack of nutrients (including nitrogen) limit crop production in arid and semi-arid regions, including Iran. In order to investigate the combined effect of nitrogen fertilizer sources (organic and chemical) under low water stress on soil properties, biological yield and peppermint essential oil, a three-year experiment was conducted during the spring and summer of the years (2017–2019) in the semi-arid region of Iran. The experiment was conducted as split plots in the form of randomized complete blocks with three replications. Experimental treatments include three irrigation regimes (irrigation after draining 25, 40 and 55% of usable water in the root zone) as the main factor and six fertilizer treatments based on plant nitrogen requirements (100% Chemical, No fertilizer, 50% Chemical + 50% Azocompost, 100% Vermicompost, 100% Azocompost, 50% Chemical + 50% Vermicompost) as sub-factors. The results showed that water-deficit conditions decreased organic carbon, total nitrogen content, soil phosphorus and potassium and biological yield and increased the percentage of peppermint essential oil. Also, in most of the treatment compositions of irrigation regime, the application of organic fertilizer (especially pure vermicompost and azocompost treatments) or combination with chemical fertilizer the increase organic carbon, macronutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and micro (iron and zinc) in soil solution, causing improved biological yield and essential oil content and moderated the effects of water-deficit stress on peppermint. These practical measures can help save water and fertilizer consumption while promoting the production of healthy medicinal products over the course of three years. Changes in soil properties and quantitative and qualitative yield of peppermint under the influence of water stress and types of nitrogen fertilizer application (vermicompost, azocompost and urea) in a three-year period in arid and semi-arid regions (such as Iran) were studied. Water deficit stress caused a decrease in organic carbon, total nitrogen content, phosphorus and potassium in the soil and biological yield and increased the percentage of peppermint essential oil. Application of organic fertilizer (especially pure vermicompost and azocompost treatments) or combination with chemical fertilizer the increase organic carbon, macronutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and micro (iron and zinc) in soil solution, causing improved biological yield and essential oil content and moderated the effects of water-deficit stress on peppermint In arid and semi-arid conditions such as Iran, by applying severe water stress and applying vermicompost fertilizer, by producing the highest percentage of essential oil in peppermint, more than 50% of water consumption can be saved. To produce a healthy drug and in line with sustainable agriculture in the cultivation of peppermint, a source of nitrogen (vermicompost) should be a good alternative to the chemical fertilizer nitrogen (urea). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylic acid is a phenolic plant growth regulator that affects the secondary metabolite production of medicinal plants. Moreover, Zinc is one of the necessary micronutrients that has a positive effect on the growth parameters and physiological characteristics of the plants. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction effects of foliar application (distilled water (as control), ethanol 1 % (as solvent), 1 and 2 mM salicylic acid), and zinc concentrations containing (0 (Zn omission), 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mgL−1) on the growth, phenolic compounds profile and antioxidant capacity of the peppermint. Results showed that response of most investigated traits to the application of zinc was differing with the levels of salicylic acid applications. In this experiment, variation among methods of antioxidant activity assay was observed. The highest antioxidant activity based on IC 50 (0.16 mg mL−1) was observed in Zn omission and 1 mM SA application. In contrast, the highest rosmarinic acid (34.23 ± 0.04 mg g DW−1) and gallic acid (14.99 ± 0.06 mg g DW−1), as the major PCs, were observed in 0.1 mgL−1 Zn and 1 mM SA application. SA application, as an elicitor, can enhance PCs and antioxidant activity of peppermint at the highest Zn level (0.1mgL−1) and Zn omission due to the stress condition of these Zn levels. Overall, these findings indicated that by increasing appropriate Zn levels and salicylic acid application, the accumulation of PCs and antioxidant activity of peppermint enhanced. [Display omitted] • Main phenolic compounds of peppermint were changed by salicylic acid and zin levels. • Antioxidant activity of peppermint affected by salicylic acid and zin treatments. • Rosmarinic acid increased by salicylic acid application in all zinc concentrations. • Rutin hydrate was known as main flavonoid constituent of peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varieties of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) cultivated at altitudes of 1100 and 1650 m above sea level on identical soils were studied to identify the variability in the accumulation and constituent composition of their essential oils. Essential oils from cultivated samples were obtained by hydrodistillation. The composition of volatile organic substances was determined by GC-MS using a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 Plus quadrupole gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. As a result, up to 58 constituents were identified, including 11 major ones. The quantitative content of the essential oil was found to be highly dependent on the climatic conditions of cultivation, whereas the composition of volatile organic substances varied insignificantly for a certain variety but was highly variable between different varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatic and medicinal plants release volatile allelochemicals which influence the organisms in their environment. A pot culture experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic activity of essential oil emulsions (EOEs) of Mentha piperita L., Chrysopogon zizanioides L., Mentha arvensis L. and Pelargonium graveolens L. with two herbicides (clodinafof-propargyl 15 % WP and sulfo sulfuran 75 % WG) on growth and physiological parameters of Avena fatua L. (wild oat) and on soil enzyme activities. Post-emergence application of EOEs and chemical herbicide were applied on 5-week old A. fatua plants. We found that several EOEs with varying concentrations and chemical herbicides reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the A. fatua plant growth (shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weight of plant), physiological parameters and also affected the post-harvest soil enzyme activities and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC). Chlorophyll content was considerably decreased, but increased proline accumulation and electrolyte leakage in A. fatua plants indicating membrane rupture and loss of integrity. Since essential oils interfere with plant growth and physiological processes and have exceptional inhibitory effects on the A. fatua plant, the allelochemicals present in these donor plants may be used as active ingredients to develop natural herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]