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This research aimed to study the chemical composition of Aloysia citrodora methanolic extract and its biological activities as an antioxidant, and its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities based on four bioclimatic collection stages. The contents of total phenols, total flavonoids and total tannins were determined. Nine phenolic compounds were identified by LC-DAD–ESI-MS/MS. The major compound was acteoside, a phenylpropanoid which represented about 80% of the methanolic fraction in the various regions. The antioxidant activities of different locations were measured by different analytical assays, such as DPPH, ABTS and iron reducing power. The results showed that phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities varied with climatic and environmental factors. Moreover, there was a significant dependency between regions and biological activities. The use of a principal component analysis showed that there was a close relationship among phenylpropanoids, phenolic compounds and the studied biological activities.

Salinity stress is one of the most serious abiotic factors that affects the growth, performance, and secondary compounds of medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foliar application of selenium and nano-selenium separately on growth, essential oils, physiological parameters, and some secondary metabolites of Lemon verbena under salinity stress. The results showed that selenium and nano-selenium significantly increased growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and relative water content. Compared to the control, a higher accumulation of osmolytes (i.e., proline, soluble sugars, and total protein) and higher antioxidant activity were observed in the selenium-treated plants. In addition, selenium alleviated the adversary effect of oxidative stress, resulting from salinity, by reducing leaf electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and H 2 O 2 accumulation. Furthermore, selenium and nano-selenium enhanced the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as essential oils, total phenolic content, and flavonoid compounds under non-stress and salinity conditions. They also reduced Na + accumulation in the root and shoot of the salinity-treated plants. Hence it can be concluded that exogenous application of selenium and nano-selenium separately can mitigate the negative effects of salinity by improving the quantitative and qualitative performance of lemon verbena plants under salinity stress.

The knowledge of the plants that are used may provide insight on their properties for further exploration. This study aimed to identify and collect data about medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by the population of the provincial region of Taza, Morocco. An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among 200 informants, competent villagers, herbalists, and traditional healers from the provincial region of Taza city through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire. The survey reported 55 plant species belonging to 28 families used in the folk medicine. Informants’ results showed that the most frequently used plants were Origanum compactum, Mentha pulegium, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Aloysia citrodora, Calamintha officinalis Moench, and Artemisia herba-alba Asso., with a relative frequency of citation of 76%, 72%, 60%, 42%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. Moreover, in this study, the Lamiaceae family was the most commonly reported plant family, and the leaves were the most frequently used parts of the plants; otherwise, decoction and infusion were the most used modes in the preparation of remedies from medicinal plants in the traditional medicine. The sociodemographic characteristics showed that women use medicinal plants slightly more than men, the illiterate people use the medicinal plant the most, and old people have more information about the medicinal plants than the new generations. The region of Taza of Morocco has an important floristic biodiversity of medicinal plants which are used in traditional medicine practice. This result provides a good database for pharmacological screening in the search for new plants that can contain new bioactive molecules that can be used as a bioactive ingredient of medicament or as a biological alternative in pharmacology.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin considered a potent carcinogen for humans that contaminates a wide range of crops. Various strategies have been established to reduce or block the synthesis of AFB1 in food and feed. The use of aqueous extracts derived from plants with high antioxidant activity has been a subject of study in recent years due to their efficacy in inhibiting AFB1. In this study, we assessed the effect of Aloysia citrodora aqueous extract on Aspergillus flavus growth and on AFB1 production. A bio-guided fractionation followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass spectrometry analysis of the active fraction were applied to identify the candidate molecules responsible for the dose-effect inhibition of AFB1 synthesis. Our results revealed that polyphenols are the molecules implicated in AFB1 inhibition, achieving almost a total inhibition of the toxin production (99%). We identified luteolin-7-diglucuronide as one of the main constituents in A. citrodora extract, and demonstrated that it is able to inhibit, by itself, AFB1 production by 57%. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-Aflatoxin B1 effect of this molecule, while other polyphenols surely intervene in A. citrodora anti-AFB1 activity.

IntroductionPolyphenols have shown capacity to improve appetite sensation, leading to enhanced control of body weight. However, despite being related with hunger-related hormones, metabolic and mechanism are not well known.MethodsThe effectiveness of a nutraceutical composed of extract to Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdarrifa (Lc-Hs) for controlling satiety and hunger was analyzed in a cross-over, placebo-controlled (Pla) clinical intervention. The study was divided in two 60-day periods separated by 30-day length wash-out period. At the end of each period, overweight and obese subjects (n = 33; age = 33.76 ± 12.23; BMI = 28.20 kg/m2 ± 2.47; fat mass 30.65 ± 8.39%; both sexes were proposed to eat an ad-libitum meal. Meanwhile, appetite sensation was determined by visual analog scales at different times. Moreover, blood extraction was performed to determine biochemical parameters (lipid and glucidic profile and safety parameters) and to evaluate hunger-related hormones (insulin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, GLP-1 and peptide YY).ResultsA decrease in appetite sensation was observed in Lc-Hs treatment, showing higher satiety quotient (Pla = 3.36 ± 2.33%mm/kcal; Lc-Hs = 5.53 ± 2.91%mm/kcal; p < 0.0001). Area under the curve was higher in Pla compared to Lc-Hs during the test, from baseline to minute 240 (240 (Pla 9136.65 ± 2261.46% x min−1; Lc-Hs 8279.73 ± 2745.71% x min−1; p < 0.014). Energy consumption was lower for subjects treated with Lc-Hs (774.44 ± 247.77 kcal) compared to those treated with Pla (849.52 ± 246.54 kcal) (p < 0.004). Leptin values varied from baseline (Pla 12.36 ± 1.98 ng/mL; Lc-Hs 13.13 ± 1.99 ng/mL) to the end of the study (Pla 12.60 ± 2.02 ng/mL; Lc-Hs 12.06 ± 2.05 ng/mL; p < 0.047). GLP-1 values varied (p < 0.001) in Lc-Hs treatment from baseline (4.34 ± 0.49 ng/mL) to the end of the study (3.23 ± 0.52 ng/mL).ConclusionThe supplementation with the Lc-Hs extract decreases appetite sensation in overweight and obese population, reducing calorie intake after an ad-libitum meal. Due to variation on hunger-related hormones and the relationship between satiety feeling, it would be interesting to develop future research focused on the variation of the hormones themselves.

Wasted lemon verbena leaves have been repurposed as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable biosorbent for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB), a hazardous dye, from aqueous environments. The structure of the produced biosorbent, functional groups, morphology and surface charge could all be clearly understood by XRD, FTIR, SEM, pH pzc and Boehm titration analysis. Batch sorption studies were then used to look at the effects of pH (2–10), dosage of biosorbent (0.05 g to 0.15 g), agitation speed (0–300 rpm), time (0–120 min), beginning MB concentration (20–80 mg.L −1 ), as well as temperature (20–50°C) and ionic force (via NaCl). At a pH of 5.13, 0.15 g of biosorbent, an agitation speed of 200 rpm and 20°C, MB uptake was determined to be 37.16 mg.g −1 , indicating a significant removal. The equilibrium data were best described by the Freundlich adsorption model (R 2 : 0.953, Adj. R 2 : 0.945 and χ 2 : 2.988) and the kinetic studies were well-fitted to the pseudo-second order model (R 2  > 0.992, Adj. R 2  > 0.990 and χ 2  < 1.221). Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous (ΔG° < -3.536 kJ.mol −1 ), endothermic (ΔH°: 8.184 kJ.mol −1 ), and physical in nature (Ea: 12.12 kJ.mol −1 ). This study highlights the potential of waste lemon verbena leaves as an effective biosorbent for removing toxic dyes from wastewater, offering an environmentally friendly and economical alternative for water treatment.

Natural products have long been recognized as invaluable resources in drug discovery. Essential oils have attracted widespread attention due to their broad spectrum of biological activities. Herein, we report the anti-kinetoplastid activity of Aloysia citrodora leaf essential oil through a bioassay-guided fractionation method against the etiological agents of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. This approach has led to the isolation and structural identification of compound 1 (citral) as the main active constituent, with IC50 values of 8.47 μM against Leishmania amazonensis and 12.90 μM against Trypanosoma cruzi. In addition, eight compounds (2–9) were synthesized and evaluated. Among these, citral 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (9) exhibited the highest anti-kinetoplastid activity, with an IC50 value of 10.62 μM against L. amazonensis, displaying a similar biological profile to citral and the reference drug. Structure–activity relationship studies revealed that the type of Schiff base and acylating agent played a crucial role in the activity. Mechanism of action studies demonstrated that compound 9 directly targets the apoptotic pathway, inducing programmed cell death through selective pathway inhibition. This work underscores the potential of A. citrodora essential oil and its compounds as prospective therapeutic leads against neglected tropical diseases.

This study investigated the efficacy of the essential oil (EO) of Aloysia triphylla as an anesthetic for albino and gray strains of silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen . Juveniles were exposed to concentrations between 20 and 800 μL L −1 EO of A. triphylla to evaluate time of induction and recovery from anesthesia. In another experiment, both strains were divided into four groups such as 0 (control), 30, 40, or 50 μL L −1 EO and transported for 5 h. The longest time for anesthetic induction and recovery was observed in the albinos. Both strains reached anesthesia in the 100–800 μL L −1 (11.1–1.24 min) range, without mortality, being 200 μL L −1 the best response considering time to anesthesia (5.35 min). Albinos transported with all EO concentrations showed higher values of carbon dioxide in the water of transport, but lower levels were observed in grays transported with 40 and 50 μL L −1 EO when compared to control fish. The same concentrations did not prevent significant whole-body cortisol rise at the end of transport in the albino strain. Juveniles of both strains transported with EO presented lower ion loss to the water compared to control fish. The EO of A. triphylla is an effective anesthetic for albino and gray silver catfish. This EO increases whole-body cortisol levels in the albino strain, but as it reduces net ion loss as in the gray strain, it can be also recommended for transport.

Background: The in vivo accumulation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) is associated with the development of several chronic aging-related and degenerative diseases, as they alter protein structures and activate oxidative and inflammatory processes through interactions with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Plant secondary metabolites play a key role in counteracting the glycation process through various mechanisms of action. Therefore, Aloysia citrodora leaf polyphenolic extract could represent a source of anti-glycative compounds. Methods: The methanolic extract was characterized by RP-HPLC-DAD-MSn, and its anti-glycative properties were investigated using several in vitro assays mimicking the different steps of the glycation reaction. In parallel, molecular docking studies were carried out to evaluate potential interactions between the identified metabolites and RAGE. Furthermore, A. citrodora metabolites’ stability under simulated in vitro digestion was assessed, and the anti-glycative activity of the bioaccessible fraction was investigated. Results:A. citrodora extract, rich in iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, and flavones, strongly inhibited AGE formation (from 10% to 100%) in both the middle and end step of the reaction and had high methylglyoxal and glyoxal trapping capacity. However, the digestion process affected extract stability, particularly under intestinal conditions, yielding an overall bioaccessibility of about 40% and leading to a subsequent reduction in anti-glycative properties. Finally, molecular modeling analysis highlighted the ability of the studied metabolites to bind RAGE. Conclusions:A. citrodora represents a promising source of natural anti-glycative agents with potential applications as food ingredients. However, it is essential to improve the extract bioaccessibility and to preserve its anti-glycative properties by developing a suitable formulation.

Incorporating essential oils as dietary supplements in aquaculture is increasing in popularity. In prawn farming, their use is associated with reduced disease outbreaks, enhanced immunity, and improved animal growth and welfare. Herein, we explored the use of lemon beebrush essential oil ( Aloysia triphylla ; EOAT) in the diet of juvenile giant freshwater prawns ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii ) and its potential impact on growth performance and oxidative status of the hepatopancreas. Four hundred juvenile M. rosenbergii (0.40 ± 0.19 g, similar weights between sexes) were fed diets containing concentrations of EOAT at 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, or 0.3% for 50 days. Each experimental group had five replicates, with 20 prawns per experimental unit. Prawn survival remained above 84% for all experimental groups. Prawn weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and body condition were similar among all experimental groups. Dietary EOAT increased activities of the enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and varied glutathione S transferase activity in the hepatopancreas of prawns when compared to those fed the control diet. Dietary EOAT did not affect malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation) levels. While EOAT had no impact on survival and growth of M. rosenbergii , it may modulate the detoxification capacity of the hepatopancreas (i.e., metabolic resistance). Future work should prospect EOAT as part of a nutraceutical blend, especially when combined with known growth enhancers and immune stimulants. Based on our results, dietary inclusion of 0.2% EOAT is the most suitable for juvenile M. rosenbergii farming.