Biological Activity of Some Aromatic Plants and Their Metabolites, with an Emphasis on Health-Promoting Properties

Abstract

The biological activities of four aromatic plants, namely frankincense, myrrh, ginger, and turmeric, were reviewed in the current study. The volatile fraction (essential oil) as well as the nonvolatile fraction of these four plants showed different promising biological activities that are displayed in detail. These activities can include protection from and/or alleviation of some ailment, which is supported with different proposed mechanisms of action. This review aimed to finally help researchers to get a handle on the importance of considering these selected aromatic plants, which have not been thoroughly reviewed before, as a potential adjuvant to classical synthetic drugs to enhance their efficiency. Moreover, the results elicited in this review encourage the consumption of these medicinal plants as an integrated part of the diet to boost the body’s overall health based on scientific evidence.

Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Ginger Essential Oil against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

“…Ginger is used as a spice in foods and beverages because of its characteristic spicy aroma and taste. In addition, it is an excellent source of many bioactive compounds, including bioactive phenols (gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones) [ 14 ]. Ginger essential oil (GEO) is the volatile oil extracted from the root of ginger.…”

Chondroprotection and Molecular Mechanism of Action of Phytonutraceuticals on Osteoarthritis

“…Important signs of the OA pathogenesis are reactive oxygen species that activate pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects chondrocytes from oxidative stress and cytotoxicity [ 97 , 114 ], which can inhibit the activation of inflammation [ 106 , 115 ]. The innate antioxidant defense, the expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase is increased by epigallocatechin-3-gallate [ 106 , 115 ].…”

“…ADAMTS is the primary OA prevention and treatment method since the overactive catabolic activity of MMPs causes cartilage degradation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits expression of ADAMTS-1, -4 and -5 in chondrocytes, the activity of proteolytic enzymes in joint tissues, including synoviocytes and tendons, TNF-α-induced production of MMP-1 and MMP-3, IL-1β-induced expression of MMP-1, -3, and -13 in human tendon fibroblasts [ 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 ]. In vitro studies have confirmed an increase in the anticatabolic potential and activity of tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP) -1 and -2 under the action of epigallocatechin-3-gallate [ 95 , 118 ].…”

Bioactive Essential Oils from Cuban Plants: An Inspiration to Drug Development

“…Plants generally produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds, which have been widely used in clinical practice [5]. In particular, aromatic and medicinal plants have been the principal candidates for this task because of the long history of the successful use of folk medicine to treat different human diseases [6]. Aromatic plants naturally synthesize some secondary metabolites that can be isolated as essential oils (EOs), which are complex mixtures, mostly constituted of terpenoids that are biosynthesized by the mevalonate pathway, but may also be composed of phenylpropanoids [7].…”

“…Currently, more than 3000 essential oils (EOs) have been characterized, of which around 300 are commercialized and frequently used in cosmetics and flavors as well as in the food industries as spices or to prepare beverages [5,8,9]. During the late 20th century, EOs gained prominence, and have proven to be very popular in the 21st century [6]. The increased interest in the use of EOs has been established through the need to address their specific compositions and chemical structures, and by the extensive market for EOs, which has been driven by the growing demand for natural products that have little or no alterations, in addition to raising awareness of health and well-being among consumers [10], mainly due to their relaxant [11] and medicinal properties [12].…”