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Natural Resins and Bioactive Natural Products thereof as Potential Anitimicrobial Agents
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Natural products and their derivatives have historically been invaluable as a source of therapeutic agents and have contributed to the discovery of antimicrobial agents. However, today with the development of drug-resistant strains, new scaffolds and new sources of bioactive compounds are needed. To this end, plant derived natural resins are reviewed for their potential application as antimicrobial agents. Natural gums, extracts of the whole resins, as well as specific extracts, fractions, essential oils and isolated compounds from the above resins are discussed in terms of their antifungal, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal activity.
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... 39 Propolis is a resinous mixture that honeybees collect from various plant sources and mix them with wax and exudates from their salivary glands. 32 As propolis is derived from plant resins, its contents can vary because of geological and environmental habitats. 33 Propolis has been applied as a natural remedy since ancient times. ...
... Bee glue 31 Anti-inflammation [32][33][34][35] Anti-microbe 36 Tissue regeneration 33,34,37 Immunomodulation 38,39 Anti-proliferation 40 of SARS-CoV-2; NCCP-43331 (WT), NCCP-43405 (Delta), and NCCP-43412 (Omicron) were provided by the National Culture Collection for Pathogens, Republic of Korea. All experiments were conducted in a biosafety level 3 (BL3) laboratory at the Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University. ...
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly affects respiratory tracts including the trachea and lungs. As inflammation and cytokine storm are major pathological features in a Syrian hamster for SARS-CoV-2 infection, reducing inflammatory responses or antiviral therapy is an effective strategy for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections. Herbal medicines and natural substances are applied worldwide due to their health-beneficial effects. Although chemical and pharmacological verifications have not been made for all substances, the pharmacological effects of many substances are being studied. In this study, Boswellia serrata, Commiphora myrrha, and propolis known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties were selected as candidates for therapeutic herbal medicine targeting SARS-CoV-2. When this herbal mixture was treated to SARS-CoV-2 infected Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells, effective antiviral effects were demonstrated. Next, this herbal mixture was administered to SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian hamsters, and histopathological lesions were significantly reduced. Viral spike protein and viral enzyme gene were also significantly less detected in immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR results, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that a mixture of Boswellia serrata, Commiphora myrrha, and propolis as natural substances has the potential to reduce lesions of respiratory tracts upon SARS-CoV-2 infection.
... Hyaluronidases, a specific group of enzymes, are responsible for the degradation of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan with a high molecular weight, constituting a component of the extracellular matrix. According to Termentzi et al. (2012), The remarkable capacity of the macromolecule to bind and retain water molecules results in its occupation of intercellular gaps and its contribution to tissue hydration and cohesion. Hyaluronic acid plays a significant role in skin regeneration and the body's innate healing mechanisms due to its widespread distribution throughout the body, particularly in proximity to elastin fibres and collagen (Papakonstantinou et al., 2012). ...
Background: A significant medicinal plant with several medicinal applications is Commiphora gileadensis. Due to the C. gileadensis medicinal properties, such as anti-cancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antiviral activities, secondary phytoconstituents of the plant are crucial for medicine. Objective: This review aims to identify the biological activities and chemical compositions of C. gileadensis. Method: Data for the study were gathered from book chapters, research articles, review articles, and conference papers as part of the study's review approach, which was based on a thorough search of the literature. Results: Based on the results obtained, it may be inferred that the chemical composition and lipid constituents of C. gileadensis extracts provide substantiation for their utilisation in traditional medicinal practises. The primary chemical constituents seen in the sample were β-pinene (7.0% ± 0.1%), cymene (13.6 ± 0.1%), α-pinene (14.4%), terpinen-4-ol (18.7 ± 0.1%), and sabinene (22.7 ± 0.1%). Additionally, the sample exhibited the presence of various lipids, including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) at a concentration of 7.6%, hexosylceramide (Hex1Cer) at 18%, and ceramide (Cer) at 69%. Conclusion: As a result, this review presented an overview of C. gileadensis' biological activities and chemical compositions. The review suggests that more attention be paid to the leaves barks. It stems from C. gileadensis, as well as the type of extraction techniques and advanced characterization because extending research materials could lead to the discovery of novel bioactive components.
... Antibiotics 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 15 Pinus thunbergii Parlatore stand out as the most studied species [18]. Plant-derived resins consist of a mixture of terpenoids that have been used to treat inflammation and infections [19]. Abietic acid ( Figure 1) is a diterpene formed by the oxidation process involving the CYP720Bs, a member of the cytochrome P450 complex, that catalyzes oxidation in the biosynthesis process to formations of abietadiene-like and resin acids (C18-acids) [20]. ...
The increasing antifungal resistance rates against conventional drugs reveal the urgent need
to search for new therapeutic alternatives. In this context, natural bioactive compounds have a critical
role in antifungal drug development. Since evidence demonstrates that abietic acid, a diterpene
found in Pinus species, has significant antimicrobial properties, this study aimed to evaluate the
antifungal activity of abietic acid against Candida spp and its ability to potentiate the activity of
fluconazole. Abietic acid was tested both individually and in combination with fluconazole against
Candida albicans (CA INCQS 40006), Candida krusei (CK INCQS 40095), and Candida tropicalis (CT
INCQS 40042). The microdilution method was used to determine the IC50 and the cell viability
curve. Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture in a solid medium.
The plasma membrane permeability was measured using a fluorescent SYTOX Green probe. While
the IC50 of the drugs alone ranged between 1065 and 3255 µg/mL, the IC50 resulting from the
combination of abietic acid and fluconazole ranged between 7563 and 160.1 µg/mL. Whether used in
combination with fluconazole or isolated, abietic acid exhibited Minimum Fungicidal Concentration
(MFC) values exceeding 1024 µg/mL against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis.
However, it was observed that the antifungal effect of fluconazole was enhanced when used in
combination with abietic acid against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. These findings suggest
that while abietic acid alone has limited inherent antifungal activity, it can enhance the effectiveness
of fluconazole, thereby reducing antifungal resistance.
... Myrrh resin produced from Commiphora genus (most C. myrrha and C. molmol of 150 species in Africa, Arabia, and India) has been used for various therapeutic applications (e.g., embalming ointment, antiseptic, and pain reliever) due to the prevention and treatment performance of several components, such as terpenes, steroids, and sterols [17,23]. Therefore, myrrh resin is beneficial as a medicinal agent for infection prevention and wound treatment [25]. In addition, myrrh resin shows antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Fusobacterium nucleatum [26][27][28][29][30]. Madia et al. analyzed the antiviral activity of myrrh extracts obtained using a supercritical fluid extraction process against influenza A virus [17]. ...
Commiphora molmol myrrh resin extracts, which have different physical properties such as polarity and dielectric constant, were prepared by immersion in extraction solvents (hot water, DMSO, hexane, ethanol, and methanol). Methanolic myrrh resin extracts showed broad antibacterial activity against isolated airborne bacteria. Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and curzerene, as the main terpenoids in the methanolic myrrh resin extract, were analyzed using GC-MS, and the methanolic myrrh resin extracts were found to have antiviral activity (81.2% viral RNA inhibition) against H1N1 influenza virus. Biochars (wood powder-and rice husk-derived) coated with myrrh resin extracts also showed antiviral activity (22.6% and 24.3% viral RNA inhibition), due to the adsorption of terpenoids onto biochar. Myrrh resin extract using methanol as the extraction solvent is a promising agent with antibacterial and antiviral efficacy, and it can be utilized as a novel material via adsorption onto biochar for air filtration processes, cosmetics, fertilizers, drug delivery, and corrosion inhibition.
This review explores medicinal plant resin natural products from six genera, encompassing 1115 structures and their biological activities, offering insights into the chemical and biological profiling of plant resins produced under various stress.
Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern. Strains of pathogenic microorganisms that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, such as MRSA, are extremely difficult to treat, and alternative methods for tackling pathogenic microorganisms are in demand. One potential target for new therapeutics is inhibition of quorum sensing: how microorganisms communicate and form biofilms in a density-dependent manner. Inhibiting this system via ‘quorum quenching’ (QQ) is a promising route to new pharmaceuticals and for controlling biofilm formation and growth. Quorum sensing also provides interesting possibilities in synthetic biology for producing novel products, biosensors, bioactive molecules, and so on.
This book covers the biology of quorum sensing and quenching, and potential sources of QQ enzymes and other inhibitors, as well as an overview of their mechanism and potential biotech applications. The book also covers the potential for new drug development from QQ, covering a range of related topics including protein engineering, imaging and computational studies, and integrated systems. This book is an ideal companion to researchers in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, particularly those interested in biofilm formation, quorum sensing, novel antimicrobial development, synthetic biology and enzymology.
The present study aimed to evaluate abietic acid's antiedematogenic and anti‐inflammatory activity in mice. Swiss mice (Mus musculus) weighing 20‐30 g were treated with AA at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. The central nervous system (CNS) effects were evaluated using open‐field and rotarod assays. The antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory screening was assessed by the acetic acid and formalin tests. The antiedematogenic activity was investigated by measuring paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, arachidonic acid, and prostaglandin, in addition to using a granuloma model. The oral administration of abietic acid (200 mg/Kg) showed no evidence of CNS effects. The compound also exhibited significant antiedematogenic and anti‐inflammatory activities in the carrageenan and dextran models, mostly related to the inhibition of myeloperoxidase (MOP) activity and histamine action and, to a lesser extent, the inhibition of eicosanoid‐dependent pathways. In the granuloma model, abietic acid's effect was less expressive than in the acute models investigated in this study. In conclusion, abietic acid has analgesic and antiedematogenic activities related to anti‐inflammatory mechanisms.
Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. resin extracts were prepared via immersion in extraction solvents (hot water, DMSO, hexane, ethanol, and methanol) which have various physical properties, such as different polarity and dielectric constant values. Methanolic C. myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. resin extracts showed broad antibacterial activity against isolated airborne bacteria. All methanolic C. myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. resin extracts were analyzed using GC-MS and Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and curzerene were found as the main terpenoids. In addition, the methanolic C. myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. resin extracts were found to have antiviral activity (81.2% viral RNA inhibition) against the H1N1 influenza virus. Biochars (wood powder- and rice husk-derived) coated with C. myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. resin extracts also showed antiviral activity (22.6% and 24.3% viral RNA inhibition) due to the adsorption of terpenoids onto biochar. C. myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. resin extract using methanol as the extraction solvent is a promising agent with antibacterial and antiviral efficacy that can be utilized as a novel material via adsorption onto biochar for air filtration processes, cosmetics, fertilizers, drug delivery, and corrosion inhibition.
Jinliang Wang, Dechun Ruan, Zhiying Cheng, Ligang Zhou. Phytoalexins in Dracaena cochinchinensis resin. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology (Chin. J. Appl. Ecol.), 1999, 10(2): 255-256. After the trunk of Dracaena cochinchinensis was separately inoculated with Fusarium graminum var. dracaena, F. graminum var. yunnanensis and Cladosporium carpophilum for 5-15 days, small red circles emerged around its inoculated positions and gradually enlarged with increasing days, and the redness also gradually became deep. Antifungal experiment and HPLC analysis confirmed that 7,4'-dihydroxyflavan, 7-hydroxy-4'-methoxyflavan and loureirin A were the three phytoalexins which were extracted and identified from the red xylems.
Acetone and ethanol extracts of two Bulgarian propolis samples (Bur and Lov) were investigated by high temperature high resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HT-HRGC-MS), and their activity against Trypanosoma cruzi was evaluated. The ethanol extracts-Et-Bur and Et-Lov-showed similar composition, with a high content of flavonoids, and strong inhibitory activity against T. cruzi proliferative epimastigotes, which were more susceptible than trypomastigotes. In the presence of blood, the activity of Et-Bur or Et-Lov against trypomastigotes was similar to that of the standard drug, crystal violet. Both extracts also showed similar and significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, while being inactive against Escherichia coli. The acetone extract, Ket-Bur, was more active than Et-Bur against both forms of T. cruzi.
Pharmaceutical and scientific communities have recently received the attention of the medicinal plants and various publications have documented the therapeutic worth of natural compounds to validate the claims of their biological activity. Profuse use of commercial antibiotic and synthetic pesticides for human and crop protection is harmful to human health, ecosystem and environment. Attention has also been drawn to the antimicrobial properties of plants and their metabolites due to the growing incidences of drug-resistant pathogens of both clinical and agricultural importance. Medicinal plants have their intrinsic ability to resist pathogenic microorganisms and this has led the researchers to investigate their mechanisms of action and isolation of active compounds. This has enabled exploitation of medicinal plants for the treatment of microbial infections of both plants and humans by developing new antimicrobial agents. This novel search entails extensive research and it is therefore imperative to follow standard methods to authenticate claims of antimicrobial action. This paper reviewed the methods being employed earlier and recently in use related to investigations of the antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plant extracts. Standard protocols of the various techniques used by different authors are also mentioned.
The effect of Chios mastic essential oil on the growth of nine bacteria (M. luteus, S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, S. mutans, V. alcalescens, V. parulla and L. casei), and three fungi (C. albicans, A. maelundi and A. odontolyticus) was tested in cultures in a minimal concentration inhibition assay. Bacteriostatic effects were observed on M. luteus, S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli and V. alcalescens and antifungal effects on C. albicans and A. maelundi. The bacteriostatic and antifungal effects of the mastic oil on A. maelundi and V. alcalescens, respectively, microorganisms which are present in the mouth flora, could be correlated with the observed effects of mastic chewing gum on reducing dental plaques and mouth infections.
Croton panamensis latex was investigated for its antibacterial, antifungal, antifeedant, nematicidal, and molluscicidal properties. The latex and extracts of different polarities showed acitivities against Pseudomonas fluorescens comparable to ampicillin-Na and chloramphenicol, resp., the diethyl ether extract turned out to be nematicidal towards Meloidogyne incognica (80% Abbott at 500 ppm). High molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata was observed at 100 ppm with the latex and its water extract (66% and 100% mortality, resp.). Chromatographic work up of the diethyl ether extract yielded 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-benzoic acid (1), 2,5-dihydroxy-phenylethanol (2), phloroglucinol (3), (+)-catechin (4), (-)-epicatechin (5), (+)-gallocatechin (6), (-)-epigallocatechin (7), quercetrin (8), and myricitrin (9). All compounds have not been described to occur in Croton panamensis so far. This is also the first report for the natural occurrence of compounds 1 and 2.
Oryzalexins A, B and C were isolated as a group of novel phytoalexins from rice (Oryza sativa) blast leaves infected with Pyricularia oryzae. The basis of the structures of Oryzalexins A, B and C was laid by spectroscopic methods and their inhibitory activities against spore germination and germ tube growth of P. oryzae were assayed.Oryzalexins A, B and C, isolated from rice leaves infected with P. oryzae as a group of novel phytoalexins, were confirmed to be (+)-sandaracopimaradiene derivatives by chemical and spectroscopic studies, i.e. A: 3-oxy-7-oxo- (I); B: 3-oxo-7-oxy- (II) and C: 3,7-dioxo-(+)-sandaracopimaradiene (III).