Lamiaceae
Oils, Volatile
Achillea
Comfrey
Monoterpenes
Tacrine
Picrates
Plant Extracts
6-hydroxyflavonoids as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from marjoram (Origanum majorana) leaves. (1/48)
A methanol extract of marjoram leaves strongly inhibited rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase. Five 6-hydroxyflavonoids, 6-hydroxyapigenin (scutellarein; IC50 for sucrose hydrolysis by rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase, 12 microM), 6-hydroxyapigenin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (> 500 microM), 6-hydroxyluteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (300 microM), 6-hydroxyapigenin-7-O-(6-O-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (>500 microM), and 6-hydroxyluteolin-7-O-(6-O-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (> 500 microM), were isolated as active principles and related compounds. The two feruloylglucosides are novel compounds. (+info)Contemporary seasonal and altitudinal variations of leaf structural features in oregano (Origanum vulgare L.). (2/48)
The effects of elevation (200, 950 and 1760 m) and season (April-October) on leaf morphological, anatomical, ultrastructural, morphometrical and photosynthetic parameters were studied in Origanum vulgare plants. Observations aimed at the determination of the alterations in leaf structure and function associated with differential growth and adaptation of plants. Raising elevation results in a progressive decrease of plant height. During the growing period, summer plants are taller than spring and autumn plants at all elevations examined. In high-altitude populations (O. vulgare ssp. vulgare), the blade size becomes reduced in June leaves as compared with October leaves, while it does not change remarkably in low-altitude populations (O. vulgare ssp. hirtum). Leaf thickness remains more or less stable during the growing period. Expanded leaves in June and October at 200 m elevation contain dark phenolics only in their epidermis, whereas leaves of August are densely filled with phenolics in all of their tissues. In June at 1760 m elevation, leaves are devoid of phenolics, which, however, occur in the epidermis of the leaves in August and October. At higher altitudes, larger mesophyll chloroplasts with more starch grains are present in June leaves, whereas in August and October leaves chloroplasts are smaller with fewer starch grains. Leaf stomata and non-glandular hairs increase in number from the lowland to the upland habitats, whereas glandular hairs decrease in number. During the growing season, the density of stomata and of glandular and non-glandular hairs progressively increases. In the low- and mid-altitude oregano populations, leaf chlorophyll a content and PSII activity significantly increase in October, whereas they simultaneously decrease in the high-altitude population, suggesting a phenomenon of chilling-induced photoinhibition. The highest photochemical efficiency of PSII appears in the mid-altitude population (having characteristics intermediate between those of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum and ssp. vulgare) where environmental conditions are more favourable. This conclusion is also confirmed by the observation that the 950 m O. vulgare population has larger and thicker leaves with highly developed palisade and spongy parenchymas. (+info)Screening chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from Origanum syriacum L. growing in Turkey. (3/48)
In the present study, essential oil from the leaves of Syrian oreganum [Origanum syriacum L. (Lauraceae)] grown in Turkish state forests of the Dortyol district, Turkey, was obtained by steam distillation. The chemical composition of oil was analysed by GC and GC-MS, and was found to contain 49.02% monoterpenes, 36.60% oxygenated monoterpenes and 12.59% sesquiterpenes. The major components are as follows: gamma-terpinene, carvacrol, p-cymene and beta-caryophyllene. Subsequently, the reducing power, antioxidant and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities of the essential oil were studied. The reducing power was compared with ascorbic acid, and the other activities were compared with 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl phenol (BHT, butylated hydroxytoluene). The results showed that the activities were concentration dependent. The antioxidant activities of the oil were slightly lower than those of ascorbic acid or BHT, so the oil can be considered an effective natural antioxidant. Antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from the leaves of Origanum syriacum was also determined on 16 microorganisms tested using the agar-disc diffusion method, and showed antimicrobial activity against 13 of these. (+info)DPPH radical scavengers from dried leaves of oregano (Origanum vulgare). (4/48)
1,1-Dipehnyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities were found in the extract of dried leaves of oregano (Origanum vulgare). The water-soluble active ingredients were isolated, and their structures were determined to be 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl protocatechuate and 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl 4-O-methylprotocatechuate by (1)H-, (13)C-NMR, DEPT, HMQC, and HMBC spectral analyses, and by NOE experiments. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of these compounds were compared with those of rutin, quercetin and rosmarinic acid at a concentration of 2 x 10(-5) M. The scavenging activity of 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl protocatechuate was almost the same as that of quercetin and rosmarinic acid, but that of 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxybennzyl 4-O-methylprotocatechuate was less than that of quercetin, rosmarinic acid and 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl protocatechuate. The amount of 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl protocatechuate was estimated to be 3.8 mg/1 g of dried leaves by an HPLC analysis. (+info)Inhibitory effects of rosmarinic acid extracts on porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro. (5/48)
Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase (PPA) was allowed to react with herbal extracts containing rosmarinic acid (RA) and purified RA. The derivatized enzyme-phytochemical mixtures obtained were characterized for residual amylase activity. These in vitro experiments showed that the amylase activity was inhibited in the presence of these phytochemicals. The extent of amylase inhibition correlated with increased concentration of RA. RA-containing oregano extracts yielded higher than expected amylase inhibition than similar amount of purified RA, suggesting that other phenolic compounds or phenolic synergies may contribute to additional amylase inhibitory activity. The significance of food-grade, plant-based amylase inhibitors for modulation of diabetes mellitus and other oxidation-linked diseases is hypothesized and discussed. (+info)Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes in fish and meat systems by use of oregano and cranberry phytochemical synergies. (6/48)
Optimized phenolics from oregano and cranberry extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes in laboratory media and in beef and fish. The antimicrobial activity increased when oregano and cranberry extracts were mixed at a ratio of 75% oregano and 25% cranberry (wt/wt) with 0.1 mg of phenolic per disk or ml, and the efficacy was further enhanced by lactic acid. The inhibition by phytochemical and lactic acid synergies was most effective when beef and fish slices were stored at 4 degrees C. (+info)Influence of farm application of oregano on performances of sows. (7/48)
This study was performed in a large commercial herd in eastern Europe to test the effect of oregano feed supplementation. Sows were studied in a unit where alternate farrowing groups were given diets containing 1000 ppm oregano in the prefarrowing and lactation diet. Oregano-treated groups showed a lower (P = 0.003) annual sow mortality rate, a lower (P = 0.03) sow culling rate during lactation, an increased (P = 0.01) subsequent farrowing rate, and more (P = 0.05) live-born piglets per litter compared with the nontreated sows. The conclusion was that dietary oregano supplementation improved the reproductive performance of sows in this herd. (+info)Inhibitory effect of clonal oregano extracts against porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro. (8/48)
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a rich source of natural phenolic antioxidants and has potential to be a source of nutritional ingredients for functional foods. Herbs such as oregano have long been used in food preservation and in traditional medicine in the treatment of common ailments and have potential for positive modulation of oxidation-linked diseases such as diabetes. One of the potentially important components of anti-diabetic activity by oregano extract is mild amylase inhibition by phenolic antioxidants to help contribute towards management of hyperglycemia. Previously, we reported the ability of rosmarinic acid, one of the principal phenolic components of oregano, to inhibit porcine pancreatic amylase (PPA) activity. Here, we investigated the effect of 50% ethanol extracts of eleven phenolic antioxidant-rich oregano clonal lines on the activity of PPA in vitro. To this end, we analyzed extract total soluble phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method, rosmarinic acid (RA), protochatechuic acid (PA), quercetin, and p-coumaric acid (pCA) contents by HPLC, antioxidant activity as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and PPA-inhibitory activity by incubation of the enzyme with clonal oregano extracts and characterization of the activity of the phenolic-bound enzyme. Clonal oregano extracts inhibited the activity of PPA in vitro by 9-57%. Amylase inhibition by oregano extract was associated with extract total phenolic content and RA, quercetin, PA, and pCA content, as well as extract antioxidant activity and protein content. Our finding that clonal oregano extracts can inhibit PPA supports a potential new functionality for oregano as an anti-hyperglycemic agent. This provides an opportunity for a food-based strategy for modulation of starch breakdown to glucose, which could contribute to the management of hyperglycemia and diabetes complications in the long term. (+info)'Origanum' is not a medical term itself, but it is the genus name for a group of plants that includes oregano and marjoram. These plants are part of the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family.
Oregano, specifically Origanum vulgare, has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The essential oil of oregano is rich in carvacrol and thymol, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal effects. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited, and more research is needed before any definitive medical claims can be made.
Marjoram, Origanum majorana, has also been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as a digestive aid, an antispasmodic, and a sedative. Its essential oil contains compounds such as terpinen-4-ol and γ-terpinene, which may have medicinal properties. However, similarly to oregano, more research is needed before any firm medical conclusions can be drawn about the use of marjoram in treatment.
I apologize for the confusion, but "Lamiaceae" is not a medical term. It is a taxonomic category in biology, specifically it is a family of flowering plants that includes many familiar herbs such as mint, rosemary, sage, basil, and lavender. These plants are often used in medicine, cooking, and for ornamental purposes. The Lamiaceae family is characterized by their square stems, opposite leaves, and two-lipped flowers.
Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are a type of organic compound that are naturally produced in plants. They are called "volatile" because they evaporate quickly at room temperature due to their high vapor pressure. These oils are composed of complex mixtures of various compounds, including terpenes, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and alcohols. They are responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor of many plants and are often used in perfumes, flavors, and aromatherapy. In a medical context, volatile oils may have therapeutic properties and be used in certain medications or treatments, but it's important to note that they can also cause adverse reactions if not used properly.
"Achillea" is the genus name for a group of flowering plants commonly known as yarrows. These plants belong to the family Asteraceae and are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name "Achillea" comes from Achilles, the legendary Greek hero of the Trojan War, who was said to have used the plant to treat wounds on the battlefield.
Yarrows are hardy herbaceous plants that typically grow to a height of 1-2 feet. They have feathery, aromatic leaves and produce clusters of small flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, or red. The flowers are popular with bees and butterflies, making yarrows a good choice for pollinator gardens.
Yarrows have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The leaves and flowers can be made into teas, tinctures, or salves to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, cuts, bruises, and inflammation. Some studies suggest that certain species of yarrow may have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, although more research is needed to confirm these effects.
It's worth noting that some people may experience allergic reactions to yarrow, particularly if they are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. If you are considering using yarrow for medicinal purposes, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your needs.
Comfrey is a plant species (Symphytum spp.) that has been used in traditional medicine for its alleged healing properties, particularly for treating inflammation and promoting wound healing. However, it's important to note that the use of comfrey has been associated with serious health risks, including liver damage and cancer.
The active constituents of comfrey include allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and tannins, among others. Allantoin is believed to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, while rosmarinic acid has antioxidant properties. However, comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver and other organs.
Due to these risks, the use of comfrey for medicinal purposes is not recommended by many health organizations, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Topical creams and ointments containing comfrey may be available over-the-counter in some countries, but they should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
In summary, while comfrey has been used historically for its medicinal properties, its use is not recommended due to the potential health risks associated with its toxic compounds.
"Petroselinum" is the genus name for a group of plants that include several types of parsley. The most common variety is often used as a herb in cooking and is known as "Petroselinum crispum." It is native to the Mediterranean region and is now grown worldwide. Parsley has a bright, fresh flavor and is often used as a garnish or added to recipes for additional flavor. In addition to its use as a culinary herb, parsley has also been used in traditional medicine for its potential diuretic and digestive properties. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited, and more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C10H16. They are major components of many essential oils found in plants, giving them their characteristic fragrances and flavors. Monoterpenes can be further classified into various subgroups based on their structural features, such as acyclic (e.g., myrcene), monocyclic (e.g., limonene), and bicyclic (e.g., pinene) compounds. In the medical field, monoterpenes have been studied for their potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and clinical applications.
Tacrine is a parasympathomimetic alkaloid, which was used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is important for memory and thinking. Tacrine was an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine.
However, due to its significant hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) and limited efficacy, tacrine is rarely used today. Other cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, have largely replaced tacrine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
I am not a medical expert, but I can provide some information that may be helpful. "Picrates" is not a term commonly used in medical definitions. Instead, it is a term used in chemistry to refer to salts of picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol), which was once used as a yellow dye and explosive.
Picric acid has been used historically in some medical applications, such as a component in certain topical antiseptics and in histological staining procedures. However, its use in modern medicine is quite limited due to its high sensitivity to impact, heat, and friction, which makes it potentially dangerous to handle.
Therefore, it's important to note that "picrates" is not a medical term per se but rather a chemical one, and any medical application of picric acid or its salts would be highly specialized and unlikely to be encountered in most healthcare settings.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.
Medical definitions generally do not include plant oils as a specific term. However, in a biological or biochemical context, plant oils, also known as vegetable oils, are defined as lipid extracts derived from various parts of plants such as seeds, fruits, and leaves. They mainly consist of triglycerides, which are esters of glycerol and three fatty acids. The composition of fatty acids can vary between different plant sources, leading to a range of physical and chemical properties that make plant oils useful for various applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Some common examples of plant oils include olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil.