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Quality and safety are one of the main concerns of the European Union in food preservation. Using chemical additives extends the shelf-life of fresh foods but raises consumer's concerns about the potential long-term carcinogenic effects. Using natural substances derived from agro-industrial by-products, which have significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, could extend the shelf-life of fresh foods such as meat. Furthermore, they can provide nutritional improvements without modifying organoleptic properties. This study analyzes the antimicrobial activity of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and the antioxidant activity of olive leaf extract (OLE), added at concentrations of 10 mg g -1 and 0.25 mg g -1 , respectively, to minced poultry and rabbit meat. PPE exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens starting at 10 mg/well. PPE and OLE determined a reduction in colony count over a storage period of 6 days at 4 °C. Additionally, the combination of PPE and OLE showed antioxidant effects, preserving lipid oxidation and maintaining pH levels. The obtained results demonstrate that PPE and OLE can be recommended as food additives to preserve the quality and extend the shelf-life of meat products.

Bioaerosols and pathogens in indoor workplaces and residential environments are the primary culprits of several infections. Techniques for sanitizing air and surfaces typically involve the use of UV rays or chemical sanitizers, which may release chemical residues harmful to human health. Essential oils, natural substances derived from plants, which exhibit broad antimicrobial properties, could be a viable alternative for air and surface sanitation. The objective of this study has been to investigate the efficacy of thyme essential oil (TEO) in environmental sanitation processes. In Vitro assays through agar well diffusion, disk volatilization and tube dilution methods revealed significant antimicrobial activity of TEO 100% against foodborne and environmental isolates, with both bacteriostatic/fungistatic and bactericidal/fungicidal effects. Therefore, aqueous solutions of TEO 2.5% and 5% were formulated for air sanitation through nebulization and surface disinfection via direct contact. Bioaerosol samples and surface swabs were analyzed before and after sanitation, demonstrating the efficacy of aqueous solutions of TEO in reducing mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria and environmental fungi levels in both air and on surfaces. The obtained results prove the antimicrobial potential of aqueous solutions of TEO in improving indoor air quality and surface cleanliness, suggesting thyme essential oil as an effective and safe natural sanitizer with minimal environmental impact compared to dangerous chemical disinfectants.

The improper use and abuse of antibiotics have led to an increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria resulting in a failure of standard antibiotic therapies. To date, this phenomenon represents a leading public health threat of the 21st century which requires alternative strategies to fight infections such as the identification of new molecules active against MDR strains. In the last 20 years, natural extracts with biological activities attracted scientific interest. Following the One Health Approach, natural by-products represent a sustainable and promising alternative solution. Consistently, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of hydro-alcoholic pomegranate peel extract (PPE) against MDR microorganisms belonging to Enterococcus faecium , Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Acinetobacter baumannii , Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. "ESKAPE" group pathogens. Through semiquantitative and quantitative methods, the PPE showed effective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR bacteria. The kinetics of bactericidal action of PPE highlighted that microbial death was achieved in a time- and dose-dependent manner. High concentrations of PPE exhibited antioxidant activity, providing a protective effect on cellular systems and red blood cell membranes. Finally, we report, for the first time, a significant intracellular antibacterial property of PPE as highlighted by its bactericidal action against the staphylococcal reference strain and its bacteriostatic effect against clinical resistant strain in the HeLa cell line. In conclusion, due to its characterized content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity strength, the PPE could be considered as a therapeutic agent alone or in conjunction with standard antibiotics against challenging infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Scaglione, Sateriale, Mantova, Di Rosario, Continisio, Vitiello, Pagliarulo, Colicchio, Pagliuca and Salvatore.)

Grape pomace is the main by-product of vine-winery chains. It requires adequate treatment and disposal but is also an economically underused source of bioactive plant secondary metabolites. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of polyphenolic extracts from Aglianico ( Vitis vinifera L.) grape pomace. In particular, hydroethanolic extracts obtained via an ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique were selected for antimicrobial tests. The extracts were screened for their antibacterial effects against foodborne pathogens that were both Gram-positive, in the case of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus , and Gram-negative, in the case of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, showing variable bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. In addition, our results demonstrated that the tested grape pomace extracts can reduce the inhibitory concentration of standard antibiotics. Interestingly, selected extracts inhibited biofilm development by S. aureus and B. cereus . Overall, these new insights into the antibacterial properties of grape pomace extracts may represent a relevant step in the design of novel therapeutic tools to tackle foodborne diseases, and in the management of resistant biofilm-related infections.

Nowadays, the wide spread of foodborne illness and the growing concerns about the use of synthetic food additives have shifted the focus of researchers towards essential oils (EOs) as possible antimicrobials and preservatives of natural origin. Thanks to their antimicrobial properties against pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms, EOs have shown good potential for use as alternative food additives, also to counteract biofilm-forming bacterial strains, the spread of which is considered to be among the main causes of the increase in foodborne illness outbreaks. In this context, the aim of this study has been to define the antibacterial and antibiofilm profile of thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil (TEO) against widespread foodborne pathogens, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Bacillus cereus . TEO chemical composition was analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Preliminary in vitro antibacterial tests allowed to qualitatively verify TEO efficacy against the tested foodborne pathogens. The subsequent determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values allowed to quantitatively define the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of TEO. To evaluate the ability of essential oils to inhibit biofilm formation, a microplate assay was performed for the bacterial biofilm biomass measurement. Results suggest that TEO, rich in bioactive compounds, is able to inhibit the growth of tested foodborne bacteria. In addition, the highlighted in vitro anti-biofilm properties of TEO suggest the use of this natural agent as a promising food preservative to counteract biofilm-related infections in the food industry.

Foodborne diseases continue to represent an important public health issue. The control of food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms is achieved mainly by synthetic chemicals, unfortunately associated to several undesirable aspects. The growing requirement for new and safe alternative strategies has resulted in the research of agents from natural sources with antimicrobial properties, such as essential oils (EOs). This study's purpose was to define the antibacterial profile of thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) and cloves ( Syzygium aromaticum ) essential oils against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative important foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis was performed for EOs' chemical composition. Qualitative in vitro antimicrobial assays (i.e., agar well diffusion method and disk-volatilization method) allowed for verification of the efficacy of EOs, used individually and in binary combination and both in liquid and vapor phase, against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli food isolates. Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentration values have been used to quantitatively measure the antibacterial activity of EOs, while the fractional inhibitory concentration index has been considered as a predictor of in vitro antibacterial synergistic effects. The microbiological tests suggest that thyme and cloves EOs, rich in bioactive compounds, are able to inhibit the growth of tested foodborne bacteria, especially in vapor phase, also with synergistic effects. Results provide evidence to consider the tested essential oils as promising sources for development of new, broad-spectrum, green food preservatives.

This study purpose was to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory properties of Italian acacia honey extracts against pathogenic aquatic oomycete/fungal isolates that cause different diseases in crayfish, resulting in an elevated mortality rate. The antimycotic activity of acacia honey aqueous extracts was evaluated against the strain UEF88662 of Aphanomyces astaci (oomycete) and the strain SMM2 of Fusarium avenaceum (fungus). The extracts preparation was carried out with water by a cheap, not complex and organic solvent‐free procedure, with low environmental impact and the higher possibility of large‐scale reproducibility. The anti‐oomycete and antifungal activities were quantitatively evaluated by growth, survival and sporulation microbiological assays. The extracts displayed a dose‐dependent inhibitory efficacy on oomycete and fungal growth and survival, as well as on the production of oomycete and fungal spores. Supported by future in vivo studies, our results encourage the use of natural extracts like honey as innovative tools to counteract mycotic infections. Significance and Impact of the Study: The continuous spread of aquatic fungal disease as the 'crayfish plague' and the 'burn spot disease' has severe ecological and commercial repercussions. Critical factor to prevent further spread is the availability of effective antifungals possibility derived from local natural resources to use in innovative strategies of control and eradication of these diseases. This study provides relevant information about the in vitro anti‐oomycete and antifungal activity of Italian acacia honey aqueous extracts against two highly infectious and dangerous pathogenic species, Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum, that are responsible for important crayfish diseases. Significance and Impact of the Study: The continuous spread of aquatic fungal disease as the 'crayfish plague' and the 'burn spot disease' has severe ecological and commercial repercussions. Critical factor to prevent further spread is the availability of effective antifungals possibility derived from local natural resources to use in innovative strategies of control and eradication of these diseases. This study provides relevant information about the in vitro anti‐oomycete and antifungal activity of Italian acacia honey aqueous extracts against two highly infectious and dangerous pathogenic species, Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum, that are responsible for important crayfish diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to test the possible ameliorative efficacy of phytochemicals such as tannins on intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis. The effect of a chestnut shell ( Castanea sativa ) extract (CSE) rich in polyphenols, mainly represented by tannins, on k-carrageenan-induced intestinal inflammation in adult zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) was tested in a feeding trial. Intestinal inflammation was induced by 0.1% k-carrageenan added to the diet for 10 days. CSE was administered for 10 days after k-carrageenan induced inflammation. The intestinal morphology and histopathology, cytokine expression, and microbiota were analyzed. The k-carrageenan treatment led to gut lumen expansion, reduction of intestinal folds, and increase of the goblet cells number, accompanied by the upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors (TNFα, COX2) and alteration in the number and ratio of taxonomic groups of bacteria. CSE counteracted the inflammatory status enhancing the growth of health helpful bacteria ( Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas ), decreasing the pro-inflammatory factors, and activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In conclusion, CSE acted as a prebiotic on zebrafish gut microbiota, sustaining the use of tannins as food additives to ameliorate the intestinal inflammation. Our results may be relevant for both aquaculture and medical clinic fields.

Background: The complications associated with infections from pathogens increasingly resistant to traditional drugs lead to a constant increase in the mortality rate among those affected. In such cases the fundamental purpose of the microbiology laboratory is to determine the sensitivity profile of pathogens to antimicrobial agents. This is an intense and complex work often not facilitated by the test's characteristics. Despite the evolution of the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) technologies, the technological breakthrough that could guide and facilitate the search for new antimicrobial agents is still missing., Methods: In this work, we propose the experimental use of in silico instruments, particularly feedforward Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network, and Genetic Programming (GP), to verify, but also to predict, the effectiveness of natural and experimental mixtures of polyphenols against several microbial strains., Results: We value the results in predicting the antimicrobial sensitivity profile from the mixture data. Trained MLP shows very high correlations coefficients (0,93 and 0,97) and mean absolute errors (110,70 and 56,60) in determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Microbicidal Concentration, respectively, while GP not only evidences very high correlation coefficients (0,89 and 0,96) and low mean absolute errors (6,99 and 5,60) in the same tasks, but also gives an explicit representation of the acquired knowledge about the polyphenol mixtures., Conclusions: In silico tools can help to predict phytobiotics antimicrobial efficacy, providing an useful strategy to innovate and speed up the extant classic microbiological techniques., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In the last decades, resistant microbial infection rate has dramatically increased, especially infections due to biofilm-producing strains that require increasingly complex treatments and are responsible for the increased mortality percentages compared with other infectious diseases. Considering that biofilms represent a key factor for a wide range of chronic infections with high drug tolerance, the treatment of biofilm-causing bacterial infections represents a great challenge for the future. Among new alternative strategies to conventional antimicrobial agents, the scientific interest has shifted to the study of biologically active compounds from plant-related extracts with known antimicrobial properties, in order to also evaluate their antibiofilm activity. In this regard, the aim of this study has been to assess the antibiofilm activity of polyphenolic extracts from myrtle leaf and pomegranate peel against oral pathogens of dental plaque, an excellent polymicrobial biofilm model. In particular, the in vitro antibiofilm properties of myrtle and pomegranate extracts, also in binary combination, were highlighted. In addition to inhibiting the biofilm formation, the tested polyphenolic extracts have been proven to destroy both preformed single-species and multispecies biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans , Streptococcus oralis , Streptococcus mitis , and Rothia dentocariosa oral isolates, suggesting that the new natural sources are rich in promising compounds able to counteract biofilm-related infections., (Copyright © 2020 Sateriale, Imperatore, Colicchio, Pagliuca, Varricchio, Volpe, Salvatore, Paolucci and Pagliarulo.)

The increasing incidence rate of oral diseases, the wide spread of antimicrobial resistance, and the adverse effects of conventional antibiotics mean alternative prevention and treatment options are needed to counteract oral pathogens. In this regard, our study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of polyphenolic extracts prepared from acacia honey, myrtle leaves, and pomegranate peel against cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Rothia dentocariosa . The chemical-physical parameters of acacia honey and the RP-HPLC polyphenolic profile of pomegranate peel extract have been previously described in our studies, while the characterization of myrtle extract, performed by HPLC analysis, is reported here. All the extracts were used singly and in binary combinations to highlight any synergistic effects. Moreover, the extracts were tested in association with amoxicillin to evaluate their ability to reduce the effective dose of this drug in vitro. The values of minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations have been used to quantitatively measure the antibacterial activity of the single extracts, while the fractional inhibitory concentration index has been considered as predictor of in vitro anticariogenic synergistic effects. Finally, a time-kill curve method allowed for the evaluation of the bactericidal efficacy of the combined extracts. The microbiological tests suggest that acacia honey, myrtle, and pomegranate extracts are able to inhibit the cariogenic bacteria, also with synergistic effects. This study provides useful and encouraging results for the use of natural extract combinations alone or in association with antibiotics (adjuvant therapy) as a valid alternative for the prevention and treatment of oral infectious diseases., (Copyright © 2020 Sateriale, Facchiano, Colicchio, Pagliuca, Varricchio, Paolucci, Volpe, Salvatore and Pagliarulo.)

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) peel and juice, against the microorganisms considered the main etiologic agents of dental caries., Methods: The values of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined against Streptococcus mutans Clarke ATCC® 25175™ strain and Rothia dentocariosa clinical isolate., Results: Peel extracts inhibit effectively the growth and survival of S. mutans ATCC 25175 strain and R. dentocariosa clinical isolate with MIC and MBC values of 10  μ g/ μ l and 15  μ g/ μ l, respectively. Furthermore, the pomegranate juice extract showed high inhibitory activity against S. mutans ATCC 25175 strain with a MIC value of 25  μ g/ μ l and a MBC value of 40  μ g/ μ l, whereas, against R. dentocariosa , it has displayed a moderate inhibitory activity, with MIC and MBC values of 20  μ g/ μ l and 140  μ g/ μ l, respectively., Conclusions: In vitro microbiological tests demonstrate that the hydroalcoholic extracts of pomegranate juice and peel are able to contrast the main cariogenic bacteria involved in tooth decay. Although being preliminary data, our results suggest that pomegranate polyphenolic compounds could represent a good adjuvant for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.

In this study, the potential value of dried grape pomace (whole, seed, and skin) obtained from Fetească Neagră (FN) and Tămâioasă Românească (TR) as a source of secondary metabolites was evaluated following hydroethanolic extraction. The total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents of FN and TR extracts have been determined, along with their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The investigation of seeds and the whole pomace FN extracts revealed higher levels of polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content in comparison to those extracted from TR. Fifteen polyphenolic compounds were identified through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis. The most abundant concentrations of catechin and epicatechin were detected in seed and whole pomace extracts derived from both Romanian grape varieties. The antioxidant activity was higher in the whole pomace and skin extracts derived from FN than those derived from TR. The antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated that 15 out of 18 reference pathogenic bacteria exhibited low MIC and MBC values, indicating a strong antibacterial activity of FN and TR extracts. No anti-Candida activity was observed. It can be reasonably deduced that the Fetească Neagră and Tămâioasă Românească by-products represent a sustainable resource for the development of new functional ingredients for the pharmaceutical and food industries, in alignment with the principles of the circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the vineyard to the bottle, the winemaking process generates a variety of by-products, such as vinasses, spent filter cakes, grape pomace, grape lees, and vine shoots. To avoid damaging the environment and to reduce economic impacts, the by-products and wastes must be handled, disposed of, or recycled properly. This review focuses on an environmentally friendly approach to the management and added value of winemaking by-products, such as grape pomace or grape marc, by using vermicomposting. Vermicompost is a well-known organic fertilizer with potential uses in soil bioremediation and the conservation of soil health. To achieve environmental neutral agriculture practices, vermicomposting is a promising tool for resilient and sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Vermicomposting is a simple, highly beneficial, and waste-free method of converting organic waste into compost with high agronomic value and a sustainable strategy in line with the principles of the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents properties of hydroethanolic extracts prepared from Pinot Noir (PN) grape pomace through conventional, ultrasound-assisted or solvothermal extraction. The components of the extracts were identified by HPLC. The total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannins, as well as antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of extracts were evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy. All extracts were rich in phenolic compounds, proving a good radical scavenging activity. The extract obtained by conventional extraction at 80 ◦C showed the best α-glucosidase inhibitory activity close to that of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. To improve the chemical stability of polyphenols, the chosen extract was incorporated in porous silica-based supports: amine functionalized silica (MCM-NH2 ), fucoidan-coated amine functionalized silica (MCM-NH2 - Fuc), MCM-41, and diatomite. The PN extract exhibited moderate activity against Gram-positive S. aureus (MIC = 156.25 µg/mL) better than against Gram-negative E. coli (MIC = 312.5 µg/mL). The biocompatibility of PN extract, free and incorporated in MCM-NH2 and MCM-NH2 -Fuc, was assessed on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells, and the samples showcased a good cytocompatibility at 10 µg/mL concentration. At this concentration, PN and PN@MCM-NH2 -Fuc reduced the inflammation by inhibiting NO production. The anti-inflammatory potential against COX and LOX enzymes of selected samples was evaluated and compared with that of Indomethacin and Zileuton, respectively. The best anti-inflammatory activity was observed when PN extract was loaded on MCM-NH2 -Fuc support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious, sustainable, and helpful products has prompted scientists and industry experts worldwide to look for inventive approaches to mitigate the environmental impact, particularly concerning agricultural and industrial waste. Among the by-products of winemaking, grape pomace (skins, seeds, stems) has the potential to be economically valuable as it is rich in value-added compounds (e.g., phenolic compounds, fibers, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids) related to health (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective effects) and technological issues (e.g., extraction of value-added compounds). These value-added compounds can be extracted using emerging green extraction techniques and then used in the food industry as preservatives, colorants, and for the formulation of functional foods, as well as in the development of smart food packaging. This review provides an overview of the value-added compounds identified in grape pomace, the emerging green extraction, and integrated approaches to extract value-added compounds based on the literature published in the last five years. The potential applications of these value-added compounds have been extensively researched for the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of five commercially available essential oils (EOs), Lavender (LEO), Clove (CEO), Oregano (OEO), Eucalyptus (EEO), and Peppermint (PEO), against the most-known MDR Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853)—alone and in various combinations. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis established their complex compositions. Then, their antibacterial activity—expressed as the inhibition zone diameter (IZD) value (mm)—was investigated in vitro by the diffusimetric antibiogram method, using sterile cellulose discs with Ø 6 mm impregnated with 10 µL of sample and sterile borosilicate glass cylinders loaded with 100 µL; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (µg/mL) for each EO was calculated from the IZD values (mm) measured after 24 h. The following EO combinations were evaluated: OEO+CEO, CEO+EEO, CEO+PEO, LEO+EEO, and EEO+PEO. Then, the influence of each dual combination on the activity of three conventional antibacterial drugs—Neomycin (NEO), Tetracycline (TET), and Bacitracin (BAC)—was investigated. The most active EOs against S. aureus and E. coli were LEO and OEO (IZD = 40 mm). They were followed by CEO and EEO (IZD = 20–27 mm); PEO exhibited the lowest antibacterial activity (IZD = 15–20 mm). EEO alone showed the highest inhibitory activity on P. aeruginosa (IZD = 25–35 mm). It was followed by CEO, LEO, and EEO (IZD = 7–11 mm), while PEO proved no antibacterial action against it (IZD = 0 mm). Only one synergic action was recorded (OEO+CEO against P. aeruginosa); EEO+PEO revealed partial synergism against S. aureus and CEO+PEO showed additive behavior against E. coli. Two triple associations with TET showed partial synergism against E. coli, and the other two (with NEO and TET) evidenced the same behavior against S. aureus; all contained EEO+PEO or CEO+PEO. Most combinations reported indifference. However, numerous cases involved antagonism between the constituents included in the double and triple combinations, and the EOs with the strongest antibacterial activities belonged to the highest antagonistic combinations. A consistent statistical analysis supported our results, showing that the EOs with moderate antibacterial activities could generate combinations with higher inhibitory effects based on synergistic or additive interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyme remains an indispensable herb today, finding its place in gastronomy, medicine, cosmetics, and gardens worldwide. It is highly valued in herbal remedies and pharmaceutical formulations for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties derived from the richness of its essential oil, which comprises various volatile components. However, climate change poses a significant challenge today, potentially affecting the quality of thyme, particularly the extracted essential oil, along with other factors such as biotic influences and the plant's geographical distribution. Consequently, complex diversity in essential oil composition was observed, also influenced by genetic diversity within the same species, resulting in distinct chemotypes. Other factors contributing to this chemodiversity include the chosen agrotechnology and processing methods of thyme, the extraction of the essential oil, and storage conditions. In this review, we provide the latest findings on the factors contributing to the chemovariability of thyme essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique structural and biological diversity found in plants renders them a distinctive and sustainable source for discovering new antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic compounds. In the present study, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of essential oils of citrus varieties of Northeast India were studied against selected foodborne pathogens using both in vitro and in silico approaches. These essential oils showed significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against foodborne pathogens. i.e. Bacillus cereus MTCC430 and Yersinia enterocolitica MTCC859. It was observed that the treatment with essential oil disturbed the membrane integrity of the pathogens, thereby causing the release of nucleic acids. This study also postulated that active compounds of the essential oils interact with different target proteins of the pathogens and provide an explanation for the mechanisms of antimicrobial and antibiofilm action of the essential oils of citrus varieties against foodborne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review was to investigate the potential use of Castanea sativa wood extract as a food supplement and to evaluate its beneficial properties for human health. The results of the limited amount of studies suggest promising properties, including potential anti-inflammatory effects. The literature indicates that the extract, which is rich in bioactive compounds such as tannins, offers promising therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of conditions associated with chronic inflammation. Consequently, interest in its use in food and pharmaceuticals is growing. Phytochemical studies have reported antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective activities. A suitable extraction method and solvent is crucial for the isolation of bioactive compounds, being green extraction technologies outstanding for the industrial recovery of chestnut wood's bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and obtaining the necessary approvals from regulatory authorities to ensure product safety and compliance. The regulation of herbal medicinal products with proven efficacy and traditional herbal medicinal products is well defined, monitored by authorized bodies, and subject to strict control measures. It is noteworthy that medicinal products are subject to stringent quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy in use, whereas there are no comparable regulatory standards and specific labeling requirements for dietary supplements. When using herbal products, compliance with established standards in health research is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thymus mongolicus (family Lamiaceae) is a Thyme subshrub with strong aroma and remarkable environmental adaptability. Limited genomic information limits the use of this plant. Results: Chromosome-level 605.2 Mb genome of T. mongolicus was generated, with 96.28% anchored to 12 pseudochromosomes. The repetitive sequences were dominant, accounting for 70.98%, and 32,593 protein-coding genes were predicted. Synteny analysis revealed that Lamiaceae species generally underwent two rounds of whole genome duplication; moreover, species-specific genome duplication was identified. A recent LTR retrotransposon burst and tandem duplication might play important roles in the formation of the Thymus genome. Using comparative genomic analysis, phylogenetic tree of seven Lamiaceae species was constructed, which revealed that Thyme plants evolved recently in the family. Under the phylogenetic framework, we performed functional enrichment analysis of the genes on nodes that contained the most gene duplication events (> 50% support) and of relevant significant expanded gene families. These genes were highly associated with environmental adaptation and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that Peroxidases, Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferases, and 4-coumarate-CoA ligases genes were the essential regulators of the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid pathway. Their catalytic products (e.g., apigenin, naringenin chalcone, and several apigenin-related compounds) might be responsible for the environmental tolerance and aromatic properties of T. mongolicus. Conclusion: This study enhanced the understanding of the genomic evolution of T. mongolicus, enabling further exploration of its unique traits and applications, and contributed to the understanding of Lamiaceae genomics and evolutionary biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactive properties of the combination of microencapsulated cell-free supernatant (CFS) from Streptococcus thermophilus and thyme extract on food-related bacteria (Photobacterium damselae, Proteus mirabilis, Vibrio vulnificus, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212, and Salmonella Paratyphi A NCTC13) were investigated. The microencapsulated CFS of S. thermophilus, in combination with ethanolic thyme extract, had a particle size in the range of 1.11 to 11.39 µm. The microencapsulated CFS of S. thermophilus had a wrinkled, spherical form. In the supernatant, especially at 2% (v/w), the thyme extract additive caused a decrease in the wrinkled form and a completely spherical structure. A total of 11 compounds were determined in the cell-free supernatant of S. thermophilus, and acetic acid (39.64%) and methyl-d3 1-dideuterio-2-propenyl ether (10.87%) were the main components. Thyme extract contained seven components, the main component being carvacrol at 67.96% and 1,2,3-propanetriol at 25.77%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the inhibition zones of the extracts on bacteria. The inhibitory effect of thyme extract on bacteria varied between 25.00 (P. damselae) and 41.67 mm (V. vulnificus). Less antibacterial activity was shown by the microencapsulated CFS from S. thermophilus compared to their pure form. (p < 0.05). As a result, it was found that microencapsulated forms of CFS from S. thermophilus, especially those prepared in combination with 2% (v/w) thyme extract, generally showed higher bioactive effects on bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the bacteria that make up the normal flora of the mouth and has been linked to conditions such as parotid infections. Parts of pomegranate were known to have antibacterial properties. Due to the properties for pomegranate and the importance of Staphylococcus aureus in the oral cavity, the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease, finding and introducing a natural substance to replace chemical mouthwashes is crucial. in this study we investigated the antibacterial effect of pomegranate hydroalcoholic peel extract on staphylococous aureu. Material and Methods: For this experimental-laboratory study, Bacteria divided into 6 groups including: four groups of pomegranate peel extract with concentrations of 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg / ml, a positive control and a negative control group. Also, 3 bacterial samples were used to determine the MIC. disk diffusion test was used to measure the diameter of the growth inhibition zone. microdilution broth technique was used to evaluate the minimum concentration of bacterial growth inhibition (MIC). the obtained data were statistically analyzed by SPSS ver: 26 software. One way ANOVA test was used to examine the growth inhibition halo. Results: The overall results of inhibitory halo diameter evaluation showed that pomegranate extract had a inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria were sensitive to a concentration of 25 mg / ml. That with increasing the concentration of the extract, the amount of antimicrobial effect on bacteria increases and a significant difference was shown between the diameter of the inhibition halo in four concentrations (P value <0.001) and the greatest effect was seen in 100 mg / ml concentration. In MIC study, the results showed that the effective amount of hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate peel to prevent bacterial growth is in the range between 50 mg / ml. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the hydroalcoholic peel extract of pomegranate has antimicrobial effect and it seems that pomegranate extract can be consumed for antimicrobial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, activated PLA/olive wood flour (OWF) composite films were prepared by a solvent casting process with different wood flour contents (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10 wt%). 3% Cinnamon Essential Oil (CEO) is incorporated into the biocomposite film to impart antimicrobial activity. OWF and CEO properties were examined using FTIR and total phenol quantification. Biocomposite films with and without CEO were tested by FTIR and tensile strength. The antimicrobial activity of biocomposite films was tested against four types of fungi and five types of bacteria. CEO and OWF extracts physically interact with PLA, affecting its mechanical and antimicrobial properties. In addition, only 1% of OWF and CEO achieved better performance. The best antifungal inhibition against A. flavus and F. oxysporum was observed in the case of 10% of OWF, and the best antibacterial activity for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was observed for OWC0 films. The combined use of OWF and CEO showed synergistic antifungal properties. Overall, low content of OWF and CEO could bring antibacterial and antifungal activities to biocomposite PLA/OWF biofilms with satisfactory mechanical properties. The primary use of these films is cereal packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus mutans can cause caries in human teeth. Currently, people are starting to turn to herbal plants, one of which is the binahong plant known to be used as an antibacterial. Herbal plants must have biocompatibility properties with the cell in the body. To determine the antibacterial effectiveness of the ethanol extract of binahong leaves against S. mutans and to determine its toxic effect on fibroblast cells. The antibacterial activity of binahong leaf extract was evaluated by the agar diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). The method used for the cytotoxicity test in this study is the MTS Assay method. The phytochemical screening test of the sample ethanol extract of binahong leaves contained secondary metabolites of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids. The results showed that binahong can be used as an antibacterial with an average inhibition zone diameter of 14.513mm at a concentration of 100%. There was no cytotoxicity effect on fibroblast cells in vitro. The IC50 result of 983.88g/mL is safe to use as a limit value. Binahong plant which contains active biological components has significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans and a very low toxic effect on fibroblast cells, so it can be used and developed as an ingredient of natural antibacterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Punica granatum Linn has been known for its nutritional and medicinal value since ancient times and is used in the treatment of various pathologies owing to its antibacterial properties. This review reports the results of the most recent studies on the antibacterial effects of P. granatum and its isolated compounds on bacteria of clinical interest. A search in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science) databases was performed, which included articles that evaluated the antibacterial activity of P. granatum extracts and excluded articles that analyzed other microorganisms or nonpathogenic bacteria, as well as theses, dissertations, duplicate articles, and those not fully available. The literature suggests that P. granatum extracts can act on bacteria, such as methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, fruit peel was the most commonly used pharmacogen and methanol, ethanol, and water were the most common solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial potential of the methanolic extract of pomegranate peel could be attributed to the presence of active compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, punicic acid, gallic acid, and punicalagin. Thus, there is evidence that these plant extracts, having high polyphenol content, can disrupt the bacterial plasma membrane and inhibit the action of proteins related to antimicrobial resistance. P. granatum shows antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with great potential against multidrug-resistant strains. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action related to this biological activity and investigate the isolated substances that may be responsible for the antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of the whole pomegranate fruit on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and its clinical effect on dental plaque formation in 8--10-year-old children. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in two phases of in vitro and clinical trial. In the in vitro phase, the antibacterial effect of 50%--50% hydroalcoholic extract of whole pomegranate fruit on S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed by the disc diffusion test. In the double-blind cross-over clinical trial phase, 14 children between 8 and 10 years were randomly assigned to two groups of 38% pomegranate mouthwash and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) after assessing their baseline dental plaque by oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S). The children were asked not to use any other plaque control measure during the study. Their OHI-S score was measured again after 5 and 14 days using disclosing tablets. Data were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate showed a positive antibacterial effect on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. However, its inhibitory effect was significantly lower than that of 0.12% CHX (P < 0.05). None of the tested mouthwashes inhibited plaque formation, but pomegranate mouthwash and CHX decreased the OHI-S score by 34% and 36%, respectively (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The whole pomegranate fruit hydroalcoholic extract showed significant inhibitory effects on S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Furthermore, 38% pomegranate mouthwash had a comparable efficacy to CHX in the reduction of dental plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, titled "Exploring Plant Extracts as a Novel Frontier in Antimicrobial Innovation: Plant Extracts and Antimicrobials," provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in plant-derived antimicrobials. The collection of studies presented in this special issue highlights the potential of various plant extracts and compounds in addressing microbial threats. The studies cover a range of topics, including the production and industrial applications of plant compounds with antimicrobial properties. Notable findings include the antifungal properties of a mushroom extract, the antimicrobial efficacy of an ethanol extract derived from Origanum onites, and the potential of hop extracts and Tamarix aphylla in controlling phytopathogens. Other studies explore the use of plant extracts as natural preservatives and the antimicrobial properties of essential oils. The document concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to refine our understanding of microbial pathogenicity and sustainable practices for large-scale production of plant-derived antimicrobials. [Extracted from the article]

The combined use of honey and medicial plants has a history of traditional usage in various ailments. The present work is a scientific evaluation of honey and crude extracts of Seriphidium chitralense Pod (Sc) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) biofilms. Biofilms are intricate microbial communities linked with insistent infections showing increased antimicrobial and immunological resistance. The agar well diffusion (AWD) method has been used to determine antimicrobial activities. The broth microdilution method was used to determine the MIC of honey (Manuka and Gilgit honey) and different plant extracts against Pa. Both honey and extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against the test organism, in which Gilgit honey and aqueous extract showed significant antibacterial activity. In the case of AWD, Gilgit honey showed low activity at a concentration of 10%, while Manuka honey showed low activity at 5%. This study also reports the inhibitory effect of honey and medicinal plants on biofilm formation by Pa. The plant extract was prepared in ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. Plant extract in distilled water showed maximum biofilm inhibition compared to methanol and ethyl acetate in M63 medium. MICs of honey with Sc extracts were determined to search for synergistic combinations against Pa, which showed anti-bacterial solid activity compared to honey and plant extract alone. Manuka honey, in combination with aqueous extracts, showed high activity (0.0266), and Gilgit honey, in combination with aqueous extracts, showed significant activity (0.0432) compared to the other Sc extracts. The results of this study revealed that honey-plant extract mixtures have the potential to serve as a cheap source of anti-bacterial agents in pharmaceutical formulations and alternative products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is well known for its high content of bioactives, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been shown to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. It is worth noting that the majority of these molecules are found in the peels, which are usually disposed of after processing, causing a significant amount of waste, amounting to more than 3.6 million t/y. This work investigates microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in water for the recovery of antioxidants from pomegranate peels (PP), including the optimisation of temperature and extraction times. The total phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the recovered extracts were determined, as well as their antioxidant activities, which were found to be 356.35 mgGAE/gExtr, 303.97 µgCy3G/gExtr, 37.28 mgQE/gExtr, 56.48 mgGAE/gExtr, and 5.72 mmolTE/gExtr, respectively (according to the adopted reference). All results were compared with those obtained using a conventional protocol. In addition, the potential for water recycling by means of downstream nanofiltration in optimised MAE was investigated, leading to overall water reuse of approx. 75%. Power consumption (20.92 W/mgGAE) and common green metrics, Reaction Mass Efficiency (RME), E-Factor, and the Process Mass Intensiti/efficiency (PMI, PME), were considered in evaluating the proposed PP valorisation strategy. Finally, the biological activities of the main products were assessed. The antimicrobial properties of the PP extracts against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria and their antiproliferative activity towards human cancer cells were tested. S. aureus bacteria was the most susceptible to the PP extracts. All tested products displayed antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells when higher concentrations were tested, with D-PP/NF (obtained from dried PP and sequential nanofiltration) being the most effective. This result was also confirmed via clonogenic analysis, which generally indicated the possible anti-cancer activity of pomegranate peel extracts obtained using this green approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic substances (HS) are often used as feesd additives in livestock feeding. The long-term effects of different concentrations of HS additives in aquafeed on growth and production performance, antioxidant status, stress resistance, gut microbiome, overall health condition, final product yield, sensory properties of fresh and cooked meat, and composition of fatty acids of market size in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) originating from aquaculture were compared in this study. C. gariepinus were exposed to dietary inclusions of HS (0, 1, and 3, and 6% w/w) in a long-term experiment (six months in total) until fish reached market size. The growth parameters, condition factor, and selected somatic indices did not differ (p > 0.05) between the tested groups (HS0–HS6). Biochemical parameters were not different between the tested HS groups by the end of experiment, and only glucose (GLC) levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing concentrations of HS fed as an additive. The levels of cortisol (COR) and GLC did not differ between the tested groups (p > 0.05) after the stress challenge, but the results of GLC levels before and after the stress challenge showed an increasing tendency with increasing levels of HS addition in the diet. The levels of COR were slightly lower in groups HS3 and HS6 than in HS1 and the control group. In the case of protein and fat contents, differences between groups (HS0–HS6) were statistically insignificant. Significant differences were found, however, in water and ash content. In some cases, statistically significant differences were found in fatty acid profiles and in nutritional indices assessing fatty acids between samples. Sensory characteristics of fresh fillets did not differ between the tested groups HS0–HS6. The total content of polyphenols increased depending on the addition of humates. The main gut microbiota of samples analyzed (HS0–HS3 group) comprised the following three genera: Ralstonia, Pseudomonas and Cetobacterium; other genera were present in all samples at a low relative abundance: Staphylococcus, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus, and Anaerobacillus. The relative abundance of Pseudomonas decreased while the presence of Cetobacterium increased in samples fed with 3% of HS. The results of our study yielded a comprehensive set of experimental results about African catfish fed with HS as additives. Although a significant effect of HS on overall performance of C. gariepinus was not proven, a positive effect on antioxidant status was seen as well as a decrease in gut microorganisms that can be present as pathogenic contaminants in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the effect of replacing vitamin E (VE) with a liquid obtained from alpeorujo, an olive oil by-product rich in hydroxytyrosol (HT), as an antioxidant in broiler chicken feeds on the gene expression, lipid profile, and oxidation in the liver. There were five diets that differed only in the substitution of supplemental VE (0 to 40 mg/kg with differences of 10 mg/kg) by HT (30 to 0 mg/kg with differences of 7.5 mg/kg). A linear decrease (p < 0.05) in α-tocopherol concentration in the liver was observed with the replacement of VE by HT. There were no significant changes in triglyceride, cholesterol, or TBARS concentrations. The hepatic transcriptome showed 378 differentially expressed genes between broilers fed HT15 (20 mg/kg VE and 15 mg/kg HT) and HT0 (40 mg/kg VE) diets (p < 0.05 and fold change less or higher than 1.3). Significant changes in cell cycle, cell nucleus activity, neuroactivity, and necroptosis pathways and functions were observed. It is concluded that the olive oil by-product, rich in HT, could be used to spare VE as an antioxidant in broiler diets without affecting liver lipid and TBARS concentrations. The differential gene expression analysis showed a potential role of olive polyphenols in enhancing the chicken immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bee products comprise various compounds, including honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee wax and bee venom, which have long been recognized for their pharmacological and health-promoting benefits. Scientists have discovered that periodontal disorders stem from dental biofilm, an inflammatory response to bacterial overgrowth produced by dysbiosis in the oral microbiome. The bee products have been investigated for their role in prevention of oral diseases, which are attributed to a myriad of biologically active compounds including flavonoids (pinocembrin, catechin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and galangin), phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, p-coumaric, ellagic, caffeic and ferulic acids) and terpenoids. This review aims to update the current understanding of role of selected bee products, namely, honey, propolis and royal jelly, in preventing oral diseases as well as their potential biological activities and mechanism of action in relation to oral health have been discussed. Furthermore, the safety of incorporation of bee products is also critically discussed. To summarize, bee products could potentially serve as a therapy option for people suffering from a variety of oral disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) leaf extract (GLE) on the growth, oxidative enzymatic activities, immunity, and expression of antioxidant genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Three hundred and sixty zebrafish were supplied and fed with different levels of GLE: 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g kg−1. The dietary administration of 1 g kg−1 of GLE significantly increased growth parameters in fish. Fish fed diets with GLE showed increased total protein. The total Ig and lysozyme activity significantly changed in the whole-body serum, but not in skin mucus. GLE significantly increased Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activities compared to the control diet. GLE treatments caused a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In the skin mucus, only CAT and SOD activities significantly increased. The highest expression of Toll-like receptor-1 (TLR-1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα) genes was achieved in fish fed 2 g kg−1 of GLE. CAT and SOD gene expressions were significantly higher in fish fed 1 and 2 g kg−1 of GLE. GPx gene expression was significantly higher in fish fed 1 g kg−1 of GLE. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that GLE affects growth performance and regulates antioxidant and immune gene expression. The determination of the optimum dosage merits further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A main factor motivating consumer choice is the packaging: in many cases, the consumer choices are prevalently based on it. Actually, in planning the packaging of a new product on the market, due to the many variables that can influence the result, it is necessary to conduct a high number of preliminary analyses. It is therefore desirable to develop an automated method that allows obtaining information and reduces the analysis time and cost. In this work, we propose the use of data science/machine learning methods to verify, but also to predict, the effectiveness of the packaging in the Food&Beverage sector. As proof of concept, after doing a public survey about some Food&Beverage packaging, we value the ability of a feedforward Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network, in predicting the results, i.e. if and how much the consumer likes the packaging. Trained MLP shows a very high correlations coefficient (> 0.98) and low mean square error (7.97) and error percentage (5.76%) values in determining the consumer response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the olive leaf extract (OLE) rich in polyphenols was employed as a prebiotic agent, together with Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus clausii, to develop synbiotics. The prebiotic effect of olive leaf extract on the probiotic strains was tested at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 400, and 1000 μg mL−1, and also 20 and 40 mg mL−1. Olive leaf extract at 40 mg mL−1 showed the best prebiotic activity on L. reuteri and B. clausii. A basal diet and two experimental synbiotic-containing diets were prepared. The synbiotic diets were manufactured by adding to the basal diet 5 × 106 CFU g−1 L. reuteri + 5 × 106 CFU g−1 B. clausii + 0.25 mg g−1 OLE and 1 × 107 CFU g−1 L. reuteri + 1 × 107 CFU g−1 B. clausii + 0.25 mg g−1 OLE. The diets were administered to the freshwater crayfish Astacus astacus (1.35 ± 0.04 g) in an 84-day feeding trial. The diet containing 5 × 106 CFU g−1 L. reuteri + 5 × 106 CFU g−1 B. clausii + 0.25 mg g−1 OLE significantly improved (p < 0.05) final weight, specific growth rate, body condition, and survival rate. A significant growth of Enterobacteriaceae, which include strains with proven beneficial activities for intestinal health and general animal welfare, significantly increased in crayfish fed with synbiotics. The obtained results could be suitable for functional feed development in crayfish farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The antimicrobial activity exhibited by the plant extracts against various pathogens has previously been demonstrated to a limited extent. However, the antibacterial effects of most of them have not yet been clarified in endodontics. Aim: This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants’ methanolic extracts against some root canal microorganisms. Methods and Materials: In this in vitro study, after gathering the five plants (pomegranate peel, clove, Zhumeria majdae, Eucalyptus galbie and green tea), their methanolic extracts were obtained by the maceration method, and the antimicrobial activity was determined using micro‑ and macro‑dilution methods. The microorganisms tested in this study were Enterococcus (E.) faecalis, Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis and Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum. Non‑ready‑to‑use calcium hydroxide (CH), ready‑to‑use Calcipex II CH and methanol were used as control materials. Statistical Analysis: The nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman tests were used to analyse and evaluate the data and variables. Results: In all concentrations and time intervals studied, eucalyptus extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. All the extracts showed growth‑inhibitory effects against P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum. There were no significant differences between the anti‑enterococcus effects of eucalyptus extracts and non‑ready‑to‑use CH (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There was a greater efficacy of Eucalyptus galbie extract than other extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the lack of keratinized mucosa on the risk of peri-implantitis, while also accounting for possible confounding factors. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus, including human studies that assessed the presence and width of keratinized mucosa in relation to the occurrence of peri-implantitis. Twenty-two articles were included, and 16 cross-sectional studies we meta-analyzed. The prevalence of peri-implantitis was 6.68–62.3% on patient-level and 4.5–58.1% on implant-level. The overall analysis indicated that the lack of keratinized mucosa was associated with a higher prevalence of peri-implantitis (OR = 2.78, 95% CI 2.07–3.74, p < 0.00001). Similar results were shown when subgroup analyses were performed, including studies with a similar case definition of peri-implantitis (Marginal Bone Loss, MBL ≥ 2 mm) (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.41–2.73, p < 0.0001), fixed prostheses only (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.85–4.28, p < 0.00001), patients under regular implant maintenance (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.41–3.08, p = 0.0002), and studies adjusting for other variables (OR = 3.68, 95% CI 2.32–5.82, p = 0.007). Thus, the lack of keratinized mucosa is a risk factor that increases the prevalence of peri-implantitis and should be accounted for when placing dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the synergistic antibacterial effects of essential oils (EOs) and phenolic extracts from three plants against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The present work aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the binary and the ternary combinations of extracts using different blend proportions of the following plant extracts: Artemisia campestris (AC), Artemisia herba alba (AHA), and Citrus aurantium (CA). The antimicrobial activities of EOs and phenolic extracts were determined and evaluated against five strains. For the EOs, the results of the DIZ showed the existence of synergism for different combinations of binary blends, such as AC/AHA or AHA/CA against Escherichia coli , and AC/CA against Enterobacter faecalis . In addition, ternary blends of AC:AHA:CA at a ratio of 1/6:2/3:1/6 exhibited a synergy effect, as measured by the CI, against E. coli . On the other hand, for the phenolic extracts, synergistic effects were noticed for binary blends of AC/CA at different ratios against E. coli , E. faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Similarly, ternary blends of phenolic extracts presented synergy against E. coli , E. faecalis , P. aeruginosa strains, and even C. albicans . In this case, the blending ratios were crucial determining factors for maximizing the synergy effect. The study established that the proportion of a single drug could play an essential role in determining the bioefficacy of a drug combination treatment. Therefore, the results showed the importance of studying the modulation of antibacterial activities based on the proportions of extracts in the mixture and finding the range of proportions (as determined by SLMD) that have a synergistic/additive/antagonistic effect with no or low side effects, which can be used in a food preservation system., (© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.)

Simple Summary: The huge amount of fish farmed around the world (about 90 million tons in 2020) requires equally large quantities of feed, which is in a great part of animal origin, as it comes from the capture of aquatic species of little commercial value, such as herring, sardines, and krill. Over the years, this crucial natural resource has been decreasing, calling for alternative sources based on plant products that are cheaper and have fewer fluctuations in price and quantity. However, a plant-based diet causes intestinal inflammation, even in fish that are herbivores, such as carp, one of the most cultivated and consumed cyprinids in the world. Zebrafish is a cyprinid that is widely used as a model for biomedical research and more recently for aquaculture. In this study, it was used to develop intestinal inflammation and evaluate the effects of tannins, polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties, in counteracting the intestinal proinflammatory effects of a plant-based diet. The results show that tannins can improve the zebrafish intestinal inflammation caused by a terrestrial-plant-based diet. The current study evaluated the effects of hydrolyzable and condensed tannins from chestnut and quebracho wood, respectively (TSP, Silvafeed®), on zebrafish with intestinal inflammation induced by a plant-based diet (basal diet). Four experimental diets were prepared as follows: the basal diet + 0 TSP, the basal diet + TSP at 0.9 g/kg of feed, the basal diet + TSP at 1.7 g/kg of feed, and the basal diet + TSP at 3.4 g/kg of feed. Eighty-four zebrafish (Danio rerio) were fed for 12 days with the experimental diets. In zebrafish fed the basal diet, intestine integrity appeared to be altered, with damaged intestinal villi, high immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and high expression of the cox2, interleukin 1 (il-1b), interleukin 8 (cxcl8-l1), and tnfα genes. The tannin treatment partially restored intestinal morphology and downregulated the expression of cytokines. The best activity was detected with 1.7 and 3.4 g/kg of feed. In the guts of all groups, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the most represented phyla. The most represented genera were Plesiomonas and Sphingomonas, belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum; Cetobacterium, belonging to the Fusobacteria phylum; and Lactobacillus, belonging to the Firmicutes phylum. No significant differences were detected among groups, except for a slight decrease in the Fusobacteria phylum and slight increases in the Shewanella and Bacteroides genera with TSP. In conclusion, these results suggest that tannins can improve the zebrafish intestinal inflammation caused by a terrestrial-plant-based diet in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for high-quality food has induced a rapid expansion of the aquaculture sector. On the other hand, this sector has to overcome numerous challenges and problems triggered by the adoption of intensive farming systems, such as stress and high susceptibility to diseases. The improper use of chemicals and antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance in fish, with consequent health risks for consumers. Natural additives are increasingly used in aquaculture and, among these, medicinal plants are constantly under investigation as safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemicals. Great attention has been paid to Lamiaceae plants as feed additives capable of enhancing the growth performance, immune system, and antioxidant status of farmed fish. The aim of this review is to provide an updated picture of the employment of the Lamiaceae species (oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint) to enhance farmed fish health. The benefits of oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint feed supplementation on growth performance, immune system, antioxidant status, hemato-biochemical parameters, and resistance to stress, parasites, and bacteria have been described, highlighting weaknesses and drawbacks and proposing possible implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]