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Essential Oils in Human Health
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Essential Oils in Human Health

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 8930

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nour Eddine Es-Safi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LPCMIO, Materials Science Center (MSC), Ecole Normale Supérieure, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
Interests: medicinal plants; natural products; polyphenols; essential oils; extraction; isolation; characterization; biological properties; chromatography; spectroscopy; nuclear magnetic resonance; mass spectrometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura De Martino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
Interests: natural compounds; essential oils; plant extracts; GC-MS; LC-MS; biological activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Medicinal plants have always played an important role worldwide in treating and preventing various diseases. Nowadays, many plants are still used and considered to be a healthier alternative to synthetic products. During their growth, medicinal plants generally produce several primary and secondary metabolites, which are generally endowed with interesting pharmacological activities. Medicinal plants are thus considered to be a rich source of biologically active compounds, which could be useful in drug development processes.

Essential oils constitute one of these plant natural products. Generally considered to be a concentrated complex mixture of volatile odoriferous compounds, essential oils are typically obtained from different parts of plants through steam distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils are generally of complex phytochemical composition, consisting of mono- and sesqui-terpenoids in addition to aromatic derivatives.

Due to their intrinsic properties, such as fragrance and therapeutic activities, essential oils are gaining tremendous attention and are used for many diverse applications in food and cosmetics, as well as in human health. Thanks to their potential biological activities and therapeutic properties, essential oils have medicinal applications and are used for several purposes, including aromatherapy, natural remedies and personal care. Considering their useful properties, essential oils have attracted increasing interest because of their potential beneficial effects on human health. Even if many studies have been performed with many research papers on this topic, the field of essential oils remains an open investigation area.

This Special Issue of Molecules journal aims to gather and collect contributions related to essential oils and their role in human health. Covered aspects include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biological activity, in vivo and in vitro bioactivities, toxicity, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, metabolism, gastrointestinal absorption, etc. Original scientific research, as well as review articles, are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions focusing on essential oils and their role in human health.

Prof. Dr. Nour Eddine Es-Safi
Dr. Laura De Martino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • essential oils
  • extraction
  • characterization
  • composition
  • biological properties
  • beneficial effects
  • bioavailability
  • human health
  • antioxidant
  • chronic disease
  • functional foods

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 2097 KiB  
Article
Chemometric Analysis Evidencing the Variability in the Composition of Essential Oils in 10 Salvia Species from Different Taxonomic Sections or Phylogenetic Clades
by Ekaterina-Michaela Tomou, Panagiota Fraskou, Konstantina Dimakopoulou, Eleftherios Dariotis, Nikos Krigas and Helen Skaltsa
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules29071547 - 29 Mar 2024
Viewed by 929
Abstract
Essential oil (EO) of Salvia spp. has been widely used for culinary purposes and in perfumery and cosmetics, as well as having beneficial effects on human health. The present study aimed to investigate the quantitative and qualitative variations in EOs in wild-growing and [...] Read more.
Essential oil (EO) of Salvia spp. has been widely used for culinary purposes and in perfumery and cosmetics, as well as having beneficial effects on human health. The present study aimed to investigate the quantitative and qualitative variations in EOs in wild-growing and cultivated pairs of samples from members in four Salvia sections or three clades, namely S. argentea L. (Sect. Aethiopis; Clade I-C), S. ringens Sm. (Sect. Eusphace; Clade I-D), S. verticillata L. (Sect. Hemisphace; Clade I-B), S. amplexicaulis Lam., and S. pratensis L. (Sect. Plethiosphace; Clade I-C). Furthermore, the natural variability in EO composition due to different genotypes adapted in different geographical and environmental conditions was examined by employing members of three Salvia sections or two phylogenetic clades, namely S. sclarea L. (six samples; Sect. Aethiopis or Clade I-C), S. ringens (three samples; Sect. Eusphace or Clade I-D), and S. amplexicaulis (five samples; Sect. Plethiosphace or Clade I-C). We also investigated the EO composition of four wild-growing species of two Salvia sections, i.e., S. aethiopis L., S. candidissima Vahl, and S. teddii of Sect. Aethiopis, as well as the cultivated material of S. virgata Jacq. (Sect. Plethiosphace), all belonging to Clade I-C. The EO composition of the Greek endemic S. teddii is presented herein only for the first time. Taken together, the findings of previous studies are summarized and critically discussed with the obtained results. Chemometric analysis (PCA, HCA, and clustered heat map) was used to identify the sample relationships based on their chemical classes, resulting in the classification of two distinct groups. These can be further explored in assistance of classical or modern taxonomic Salvia studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils in Human Health)
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11 pages, 1357 KiB  
Article
Composition and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Properties of the Essential Oil of the Ecuadorian Endemic Species Eugenia valvata McVaugh
by James Calva, Maricarmen Silva and Vladimir Morocho
Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28248112 - 15 Dec 2023
Viewed by 899
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is a global health problem due to the scarcity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the basis for symptomatic treatment of this disease; this requires new approaches to drug discovery. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity of Eugenia valvata [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease is a global health problem due to the scarcity of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the basis for symptomatic treatment of this disease; this requires new approaches to drug discovery. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity of Eugenia valvata McVaugt (Myrtaceae) collected in southern Ecuador, which was obtained as an essential oil (EO) with a yield of 0.124 ± 0.03% (w/w); as a result of the chemical composition analysis, a total of 58 organic compounds were identified—representing 95.91% of the total volatile compounds—using a stationary phase based on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane, as analyzed via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The main groups were hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (37.43%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (31.08%), hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.14%), oxygenated monoterpenes (0.20%), and other compounds (3.058%). Samples were characterized by the following compounds: α-pinene (22.70%), α-humulene (17.20%), (E)-caryophyllene (6.02%), citronellyl pentanoate (5.76%), 7-epi-α-eudesmol (4.34%) and 5-iso-cedranol (3.64%); this research was complemented with an enantioselective analysis carried out using 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin as a stationary phase chiral selector. As a result, α-pinene, limonene, and α-cadinene enantiomers were identified; finally, in the search for new active principles, the EO reported strong anticholinesterase activity with an IC50 of 53.08 ± 1.13 µg/mL, making it a promising candidate for future studies of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils in Human Health)
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14 pages, 1618 KiB  
Article
Insights on Juniperus phoenicea Essential Oil as Potential Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Antioxidant Candidate
by Rim Ben Mansour, Hanen Wasli, Soumaya Bourgou, Saber Khamessi, Riadh Ksouri, Wided Megdiche-Ksouri and Susana M. Cardoso
Molecules 2023, 28(22), 7547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28227547 - 11 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1458
Abstract
In this study, the anti-cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) of berries and leaves of Juniperus phoenicea grown wild in North of Tunisia were investigated. The EO yields from leaves and berries were 1.69% and 0.45%, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed [...] Read more.
In this study, the anti-cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) of berries and leaves of Juniperus phoenicea grown wild in North of Tunisia were investigated. The EO yields from leaves and berries were 1.69% and 0.45%, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that α-pinene is the predominant component in both EOs (44.17 and 83.56%, respectively). Leaves essential oil presented high levels of β-phellandrene (18%) and camphene (15%). The EOs displayed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cell, HT-29 colon cancer, and the normal cells H9C2 cardiomyoblasts. Leaves oil strongly inhibited colon cell line proliferation (IC50 of 38 µg/mL), while berries essential oil was more potent against breast cancerous cells MCF-7 (IC50 of 60 µg/mL). Interestingly, berries essential oil exhibited high ability to inhibit melanin synthesis by inhibiting enzyme mono and diphenolase activities. Overall, the results suggested that the two oils are significant sources of healthy natural chemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils in Human Health)
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20 pages, 664 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition and Anti-Candida Activity of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. Essential Oils Obtained by Different Distillation Processes
by Vanja Tadić, Mijat Božović, Filippo Sapienza, Roberta Astolfi, Milan Mladenović, Maria Cristina Zaka, Fabiana Del Bove, Francesca Borzacchi, Caterina Fraschetti, Caterina Rossi, Silvia Vertuani, Anna Baldisserotto, Stefano Manfredini and Rino Ragno
Molecules 2023, 28(19), 6934; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28196934 - 4 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1538
Abstract
A comparative study on essential oils extracted from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. from Italy is reported. Two extraction procedures were investigated: hydrodistillation and steam distillation, carried out as a continuous and fractionated procedure. Fresh and dried plant material from two harvests was used. The [...] Read more.
A comparative study on essential oils extracted from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. from Italy is reported. Two extraction procedures were investigated: hydrodistillation and steam distillation, carried out as a continuous and fractionated procedure. Fresh and dried plant material from two harvests was used. The hydrodistillation method yielded a higher amount of essential oil. The dried plant was significantly richer in essential oil per kg of starting plant material. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 112 samples showed that the essential oils belong to the piperitenone oxide-rich chemotype. In addition, piperitenone, p-cymen-8-ol, and limonene were among the most abundant compounds in the different samples. A higher amount of piperitenone oxide was obtained by hydrodistillation, while steam distillation gave a higher percentage of piperitenone and limonene. The essential oils were characterized for their anti-Candida albicans activity; higher potency was observed for the samples rich in piperitenone oxide, with MIC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg·mL−1 (0.039% and 0.078% p/v). The results of this work provide a deep insight into the methodology of essential oil extraction and the associated chemical variability of M. suaveolens Ehrh. Some of the essential oils are potent against C. albicans and could be considered for potential use in therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils in Human Health)
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12 pages, 1182 KiB  
Article
Composition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Properties of Essential Oils Obtained from Selected Mentha Cultivars
by Bartłomiej Piasecki, Izabela Korona-Głowniak, Anna Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz and Agnieszka Ludwiczuk
Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5690; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28155690 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1553
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infections are highly common amongst the global population. Such infections have been shown to be the cause of gastric ulcers and stomach carcinoma and, unfortunately, most cases are asymptomatic. Standard treatment requires antibiotics such as metronidazole or azithromycin to which many [...] Read more.
Helicobacter pylori infections are highly common amongst the global population. Such infections have been shown to be the cause of gastric ulcers and stomach carcinoma and, unfortunately, most cases are asymptomatic. Standard treatment requires antibiotics such as metronidazole or azithromycin to which many strains are now resistant. Mentha species have been used as a natural treatment for gastrointestinal diseases throughout history and essential oils (EOs) derived from these plants show promising results as potential antimicrobial agents. In this study, EOs obtained from the leaves and flowers of five cultivars of Mentha × piperita and M. spicata were examined by GC-MS. The investigated mints are representatives of four chemotypes: the menthol chemotype (M. × piperita ‘Multimentha’ and M. × piperita ‘Swiss’), the piperitenone oxide chemotype (M. × piperita ‘Almira’), the linalool chemotype (M. × piperita ‘Granada’), and the carvone chemotype (M. spicata ‘Moroccan’). The chemical composition of EOs from mint flowers and leaves was comparable with the exception of the Swiss cultivar. Menthol was the most abundant component in the leaves while menthone was highest in flowers. The H. pylori ATCC 43504 reference strain and 10 other H. pylori clinical strains were examined for their sensitivity to the EOs in addition to their major monoterpenoid components (menthol, menthone, carvone, dihydrocarvone, linalool, 1,8-cineole, and limonene). All tested mint EOs showed inhibitory activity against both the reference H. pylori ATCC 43504 strain (MIC 15.6–31.3 mg/L) and clinical H. pylori strains (MIC50/90 31.3–250 mg/L/62.5–500 mg/L). Among the reference monoterpenes, menthol (MIC50/90 7.8/31.3 mg/L) and carvone (MIC50/90 31.3/62.5 mg/L) had the highest anti-H. pylori activity, which also correlated with a higher activity of EOs containing these compounds (M. × piperita ‘Swiss’ and M. spicata ‘Moroccan’). A synergistic and additive interaction between the most active EOs/compounds and antibiotics possibly points to a new plant-based anti-H. pylori treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils in Human Health)
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Review

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13 pages, 1797 KiB  
Review
Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil in Human Health Treatment
by Valentina Maggini, Giulia Semenzato, Eugenia Gallo, Alessia Nunziata, Renato Fani and Fabio Firenzuoli
Molecules 2024, 29(5), 999; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules29050999 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat infective diseases is increasing its importance, especially in the case of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms-mediated infections. The drug resistance phenomenon is today a global problem, so it is important to have available substances able to [...] Read more.
The use of natural compounds to prevent and treat infective diseases is increasing its importance, especially in the case of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms-mediated infections. The drug resistance phenomenon is today a global problem, so it is important to have available substances able to counteract MDR infections. Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (commonly called clove) is a spice characterized by several biological properties. Clove essential oil (EO) consists of numerous active molecules, being eugenol as the principal component; however, other compounds that synergize with each other are responsible for the biological properties of the EO. S. aromaticum is traditionally used for bowel and stomach disorders, cold and flu, oral hygiene, tooth decay, and for its analgesic action. Its EO has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, anti-stress, anticancer, and anti-nociceptive activities. This review aims to investigate the role of E. S. aromaticum EO in the counteraction of MDR microorganisms responsible for human disorders, diseases, or infections, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, Giardia lamblia, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study might orient clinical researchers on future therapeutic uses of S. aromaticum EO in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Essential Oils in Human Health)
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