The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CCEO) on hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead acetate (Pb) (2.84mg/ml) and manganese chloride (Mn) (4.79mg/ml) in developing Wistar rats. After weaning, rats exposed to Pb-Mn received injections of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (0.1 ml/kg) for 21 days. Extraction by hydrodistillation yielded 1.10% of OECC and the characterization of this oil by GC-MS indicates that the major components of this oil are: E-cinnamaldehyde (85.77%), linalool (3.70%), Z-cinnamaldehyde (3.22%) and B-phellandréne (1.19%). The concentration of lead and manganese in hepatocyte tissues was significantly increased compared to control rats. However, levels of hepatic markers such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased in blood in Pb-Mn poisoned rats. Pb-Mn-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue was indicated by decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase respectively. Histologically, the liver showed several tissue alterations such as hepatocyte necrosis and the presence of steatosis foci. Administration of OECC considerably attenuated previous biochemical alterations as well as histological and cellular changes in liver tissue. In this study, we can conclude that the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil showed a hepatoprotective effect. Keywords: Essential oil, Cinnamomum cassia, CG/MS, Hepatotoxicity, Lead acetate, Manganese chloride.

The principle aim of this work is to evaluate the antimicrobial and antiochratoxic power of the essential oil of Mentha spicata (EOM). This oil was obtained by hydrodistillation with a yield of 0.3%. EOM was screened for its possible antibacterial activity in vitro against five strains of pathogenic bacteria, using the solid disc diffusion method and the microdilution method. The extract reacted positively to the bacterial strains tested. The results of the antifungal activity show an inhibition of mycelial growth; it is total on Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium viridicatum, and on Rhizopus stolonifer and Alternaria alternate at a concentration of 12.5 μl/ml. Tests carried out on yeasts mainly referenced as Candida albicans IP444 and Candida albicans 2679 showed minimal inhibition (MIC) of the order of 7.81 μl/ml and 0.97 μl/ml, respectively and theMICis of the order of 0.48 μl/ml for Candida albicans 10 231. In addition, the EOM antiochratoxigenic test for ochratoxin A production capacity following a series of high performance liquid chromatography separation and ultraviolet detection (HPLC–UV) analyses detected an inhibitory effect proportional to the EOM concentration. In general, the essential oil showed an effective antimicrobial action on the growth of the tested pathogens and an antiochratoxigenic.

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The mechanisms in the origin of lead and manganese poisoning (Pb-Mn) are multiple, and potentially touch all the body cells. For this purpose, we are interested in oxidative stress induced by Pb-Mn at the erythrocytic level at a dose of 0.2% (Pb) and 4.79 mg/ml (Mn) during the period of gestation and lactation in wistars rats and the ability of mint essential oil, Mentha spicata (MEO) to restore or not this state of stress. The extraction of MEO “HEM” via steam distillation allows us to obtain MEO with an output of 0.49%. Moreo-ver, the analysis of the anti-oxidativeerythrocytic status showed that the co-exposure to Pb-Mn significantly increases enzymes activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significantly reduces the enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), by causing a dysfunction in the anti-oxidative defense system. In contrast, the administration of MEO via intra-peritoneal (IP) during a period of 21 days in the previously Pb-Mn intoxicated rats, that MEO contributes significantly in the improvement of the defenses against radical aggression, through a recovery at the level of anti-oxidative enzymes activities by increasing their ability to eliminate radical compounds.

Coronavirus (SARS-COV2) caused several deaths worldwide. This virus infects the target cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzymes 2 (ACE2) receptor through its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and replicates. Thus, a high level of ACE2 expression is detected in the testicular cells so that the testis is believed to count as a potential target for direct damage by COVID-19. Moreover, the possibility of testicular damage may be caused by either direct viral invasion through interaction with ACE2 receptors or because of inflammatory response. Similarly, in women, literature reported the distribution and function of ACE2 in the female reproductive system, which is widely expressed in the ovary, uterus, vagina, and placenta. It regulates follicular development and ovulation, modulates luteal angiogenesis and degeneration, and influences regular changes in endometrial tissue and embryo development. Taking these functions into account, COVID-19 may disturb the female reproductive functions through regulating ACE2, resulting in infertility, menstrual disorder, and fetal distress.