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Study of the effect of Bronchipret on the lung function of five Austrian saddle horses suffering recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).

The effects of an oral preparation containing an extract of thyme and primula (Bronchipret; Bionorica) on the lung function of five horses suffering heaves were determined in a longitudinal study. The horses accepted the product well. The plasma concentrations of the marker substance, thymol, indicated that at least one of the substances in the extract had been absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The compliance, pulmonary pressure and airway resistance of the horses' lungs were all significantly improved after one month of treatment However, the severity of their clinical signs and their arterial oxygen partial pressure had not improved significantly.

Administration, Oral↗

Antioxidant potential of thymol determined by chemiluminescence inhibition in human neutrophils and cell-free systems.

Thyme essential oil and thymol have antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. Their antioxidant activity has been studied almost exclusively by means of chemical testing in order to be able to use it for food preservation purposes. The aim of this luminol amplified chemiluminescence (LACL) study was to investigate whether thymol can interfere with the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and the nitric oxide-derived peroxynitrite released by human neutrophils after activation by fMLP and PMA with and without the addition of the L-arginine (L-Arg) nitric oxide donor to the medium. The lowest thymol concentration that was still active in reducing LACL was 2.73 microg/ml, and there was a progressive linear inhibition of LACL from this concentration to 21.87 microg/ml, the highest thymol concentration investigated. This was also observed in the case of both fMLP and PMA stimulation with or without L-Arg. In cell-free systems using H(2)O(2)/HOCl(-) and SIN-1 as radical producers, a significant scavenging activity of thymol was present already at 0.08 and 0.68 microg/ml respectively, and these are very low concentrations. These findings can be related to the phenolic structure of thymol, because phenolic compounds have redox properties and play an important role in adsorbing and neutralizing free radicals and peroxynitrite, and in decomposing peroxides. Our findings in human neutrophils are pharmacologically relevant as they imply that thymol is a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in human cells.

Antioxidants↗

Anti-inflammatory activity of thymol: inhibitory effect on the release of human neutrophil elastase.

Elastase, a serine proteinase released by activated human neutrophils, can degrade a wide variety of biomacromolecules including elastin, and is considered a marker of inflammatory diseases. As the logical strategy to protect tissue is to inhibit excessive elastase activity, experimental and clinical researches have concentrated on trying to find efficient elastase inhibitors. As thymol, one of the major components of thyme oil with a phenolic structure, has been credited with a series of pharmacological properties, that include antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, the aim of this study was to explore whether it can also interfere with the release of elastase by human neutrophils stimulated with the synthetic chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). After the neutrophils were incubated with increasing amounts of thymol (2.5, 5, 10, 20 microg/ml), elastase release was initiated by fMLP and measured using MeO-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-MCA. The results showed that thymol inhibited fMLP-induced elastase release in a concentration-dependent manner, with the effects of 10 and 20 microg/ml being statistically significant. The behavior of cytosolic calcium mobilization revealed by fura-2 closely resembled that of elastase, thus suggesting that they may be related. The hydrophobic nature of thymol means that it can approach ion channel proteins through the lipid phase of the membrane, alter the local environment of calcium channels and thus inhibit capacitative calcium entry. In brief, thymol inactivates calcium channels machinery, thus triggering a corresponding reduction in elastase. The antibacterial and antimycotic activity of thymol is already well known, but our findings that it inhibits elastase extend our knowledge of the anti-inflammatory activity of this interesting molecule that is already credited with antioxidant activity. These two latter characteristics make thymol a molecule that can have helpful effects in controlling the inflammatory processes present in many infections.

Adult↗

Polyphenols from some foodstuffs as inhibitors of ovalbumin permeation through caco-2 cell monolayers.

Some spices showed high inhibitory activity against ovalbumin permeation through Caco-2 cell monolayers. Pimentol from allspice, rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-beta-glucuronide from thyme, quercetin-3-O-beta-glucuronide from coriander and rutin from tarragon were identified as the active principles. A structure-activity relationship study among the active isolates and their related compounds indicated that the presence of a catechol structure played an important role in the inhibitory activity of each compound.

Anti-Allergic Agents↗

Determination of selenium in Libyan food items using pseudocyclic instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Cyclic and pseudocyclic instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has been used to determine the Se content of 40 Libyan food items. The selected samples include different varieties of local and imported foods such as wheat and barley products (bran and flours), rice, bread, almond, peanuts, vegetables as bean and peas, tea, coffee, sugar, and commonly used spices such as red and black paper, curry, cumin, mixture of spices, thyme, coriander, and fenugreek. Both conventional and anticoincidence gamma-ray spectrometry techniques have been employed. Pseudocyclic INAA in conjunction with anticoincidence counting has been found to provide the most reliable results. The precision of the method has been significantly improved by recycling the samples up to three times. The accuracy has been evaluated by analyzing a number of certified reference materials of varied Se levels. The detection limit has been found to vary between 26 and 90 ppb Se depending on the sample composition. The range of daily dietary intake has been calculated as 13-44 microg of Se per day.

Adult↗

Determination of iodine in Libyan food samples using epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (EINAA) has been used to determine the iodine content of many individual food materials that constitute the typical Libyan diet. The selected samples include different varieties of local and imported foods such as wheat and barley products, rice, bread, legumes such as chick peas and lentil, table salt, and commonly used spices, including thyme and fenugreek. Both conventional and anticoincidence gamma-ray spectrometry techniques have been employed. Epithermal INAA in conjunction with anticoincidence counting has been found to provide the most reliable results. For quality control purposes, a number of NIST biological reference materials were analyzed. The range of daily dietary intake has been calculated as 100-180 microg of iodine per day, which is within the recommended range. Bread was identified as a significant source of iodine in the Libyan diet, as it contributed 99 microg/d.

Diet↗

[Effects of some chemical and physical agents on the metacestode Taenia solium in spicy meat and sausage].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of different cooking times and temperatures, as well as of some seasonings, on the viability of Taenia solium metacestodes in spicy meat and hot sausage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted by the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (Guerrero State Autonomous University), Mexico in 1999. Infected pork meat was bought in the community of Azacoaloya, in the municipality of Chilapa de Alvarez, Guerrero State. It was used to prepare spicy meat (adobada) and hot sausage (chorizo). Only the meat in which metacestode viability was proven was used. The products obtained underwent a) room temperature for 12 to 100 hours; b) temperatures of -10 to 37 degrees C for 24 hours; c) boiling (97 degrees C) from 1 to 15 minutes. To determine the effect of the seasonings, batches were prepared using twice the amount of a specific seasoning. Trials were done and assessed three times. Proportion differences were established using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: At room temperature the lowest evagination occurred after 100 hours for both products (p<0.05). After 24 hours, the lowest evagination occurred at -10 degrees C in spicy meat and at 37 degrees C in hot sausage (p<0.05). At boiling temperature there was no evagination after 10 minutes (p<0.05). In spicy meat, adding salt caused the most significant reduction; in hot sausage, thyme caused the most significant reduction (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Meat with metacestodes should not be eaten, yet, it is being sold and used to prepare spicy meats. Adding spices can hide the metacestode, thus, adequate cooking of these meat products is necessary. These meats may be consumed at least four days after its preparation and spicy meat after a minimum of four days of refrigeration. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Animals↗

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of essential oils.

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the use of natural substances, and some questions concerning the safety of synthetic compounds have encouraged more detailed studies of plant resources. Essential oils, odorous and volatile products of plant secondary metabolism, have a wide application in folk medicine, food flavouring and preservation as well as in fragrance industries. The antimicrobial properties of essential oils have been known for many centuries. In recent years (1987-2001), a large number of essential oils and their constituents have been investigated for their antimicrobial properties against some bacteria and fungi in more than 500 reports. This paper reviews the classical methods commonly used for the evaluation of essential oils antibacterial and antifungal activities. The agar diffusion method (paper disc and well) and the dilution method (agar and liquid broth) as well as turbidimetric and impedimetric monitoring of microorganism growth in the presence of tested essential oils are described. Factors influencing the in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oils and the mechanisms of essential oils action on microorganisms are reported. This paper gives an overview on the susceptibility of human and food-borne bacteria and fungi towards different essential oils and their constituents. Essential oils of spices and herbs (thyme, origanum, mint, cinnamon, salvia and clove) were found to possess the strongest antimicrobial properties among many tested.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Antimicrobial and chemopreventive properties of herbs and spices.

Herbs and spices have been used for generations by humans as food and to treat ailments. Scientific evidence is accumulating that many of these herbs and spices do have medicinal properties that alleviate symptoms or prevent disease. A growing body of research has demonstrated that the commonly used herbs and spices such as garlic, black cumin, cloves, cinnamon, thyme, allspices, bay leaves, mustard, and rosemary, possess antimicrobial properties that, in some cases, can be used therapeutically. Other spices, such as saffron, a food colorant; turmeric, a yellow colored spice; tea, either green or black, and flaxseed do contain potent phytochemicals, including carotenoids, curcumins, catechins, lignan respectively, which provide significant protection against cancer. This review discusses recent data on the antimicrobial and chemopreventive activities of some herbs and spices and their ingredients.

Animals↗

[Anti-Candida albicans activity of essential oils including Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil and its component, citral].

The effects of 12 essential oils, popularly used as antifungal treatments in aromatherapy, on growth of Candida albicans were investigated. Mycelial growth of C. albicans, which is known to give the fungus the capacity to invade mucosal tissues, was inhibited in the medium containing 100 micro g/ml of the oils: lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) and cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica). Not only lemongrass oil but also citral, a major component of lemongrass oil (80%), in the range of 25 and 200 micro g/ml inhibited the mycelial growth but allowed yeast-form growth. More than 200 micro g/ml of citral clearly inhibited both mycelial and yeast-form growth of C. albicans. These results provide experimental evidence suggesting the potential value of lemongrass oil for the treatment of oral or vaginal candidiasis.

Candida albicans↗

Control of Aspergillus flavus in maize with plant essential oils and their components.

The effects of 11 plant essential oils for maize kernel protection against Aspergillus flavus were studied. Tests were conducted to determine optimal levels of dosages for maize protection, effects of combinations of essential oils, and residual effects and toxicity of essential oils to maize plants. Principal constituents of eight essential oils were tested for ability to protect maize kernels. Essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (origanum), Teloxys ambrosioides (the flavoring herb epazote), Syzygium aromaticum (clove), and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) caused a total inhibition of fungal development on maize kernels. Thymol and o-methoxycinnamaldehyde significantly reduced maize grain contamination. The optimal dosage for protection of maize varied from 3 to 8%. Combinations of C. zeylanicum with the remaining oils gave efficient control. A residual effect of C. zeylanicum was detected after 4 weeks of kernel treatment. No phytotoxic effect on germination and corn growth was detected with any of these oils.

Acrolein↗

Antimicrobial activity of carvacrol toward Bacillus cereus on rice.

The antimicrobial activity of carvacrol, a compound present in the essential oil fraction of oreganum and thyme, toward the foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus on rice was studied. Carvacrol showed a dose-related inhibition of growth of the pathogen. Concentrations of 0.15 mg/g and higher inhibited the growth and the extent of inhibition depended on the initial inoculum size. To decrease the input of carvacrol on the taste and flavor of the product, a combined treatment with the structure analog cymene was tested. Due to the smell and taste of carvacrol at high concentrations, carvacrol was combined with cymene, a natural antimicrobial compound with a similar structure. A synergistic effect was observed when 0.30 mg/g carvacrol was combined with 0.27 mg/g cymene. Finally it was demonstrated that a common taste enhancer like soya sauce also increased the antimicrobial action of carvacrol toward B. cereus. The antimicrobial activity of carvacrol with cymene or soya sauce was influenced by the addition of NaCl.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Increase in activity of essential oil components carvacrol and thymol against Escherichia coli O157:H7 by addition of food stabilizers.

The major components of oregano and thyme essential oils that had previously been shown to inhibit Escherichia coli O157:H7 were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry. The MICs and MBCs of carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, and gamma-terpinene against a strain of E. coli O157: H7 phage type 34 isolated from bovine feces were determined by microdilution assay. The constituents were then tested in checkerboard assays to detect possible interactions. Carvacrol and thymol displayed bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties with MICs of 1.2 mmol/liter and were additive in combination. p-Cymene and gamma-terpinene displayed no measurable antibacterial activity up to 50 mmol/liter, and neither influenced the activity of carvacrol or thymol. Growth curves in the presence of nonlethal concentrations of carvacrol with the addition of agar (0.05%, wt/vol) or carrageenan (0.125%, wt/vol) as stabilizer were produced by optical density measurement. The stabilizers agar and carrageenan both significantly improved the effectiveness of carvacrol in broth, possibly because of a delay in the separation of the hydrophobic substrate from the aqueous phase of the medium. When carvacrol was dissolved in ethanol before addition to broth, stabilizers were not needed. Carvacrol and thymol, particularly when used in combination with a stabilizer or in an ethanol solution, may be effective in reducing the number or preventing growth of E. coli O157:H7 in liquid foods.

Agar↗

Effects of flavorings, storage conditions, and storage time on survival of Staphylococcus aureus in Sürk cheese.

The objectives of this study were to determine the cumulative effects of flavorings (chili pepper, thyme, mint, cumin, nutmeg, allspice, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and hot red pepper paste), storage conditions, and storage time on the survival of Staphylococcus aureus in Sürk cheese and to monitor the associated chemical changes. Sürk cheese, a traditional Turkish cheese, was produced by heating diluted nonfat yogurt and adding flavorings to the resultant acid-heat curd. The cheese was later inoculated with S. aureus, shaped conically, and stored aerobically for mold growth and anaerobically in olive oil for 30 days at room temperature. The moisture content of aerobically stored cheese decreased over time and led to increases in total solids, salt, salt-in-moisture, and ash content during ripening (P < 0.05). The presence or absence of the flavorings had no significant effect, whereas storage conditions and storage duration decreased the survival of S. aureus (P < 0.05).

Cheese↗

Allergic alveolitis due to herb dust exposure.

We report an episode of allergic alveolitis in a female farmer due to massive exposure to organic dust contaminated with microorganisms during threshing of herbs (thyme). The patient's medical history, the results of exposure test, inhalation challenge, and bronchoalveolar lavage suggested the diagnosis of allergic alveolitis

Aerosols↗

Botanical biocides. 4. Mosquitocidal activity of certain Thymus capitatus constituents.

Successive extraction of Thyme plant, Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm. and Link (Lamiaceae), by different solvents of increasing polarity, showed that potency was highly attributed to the non-polar fraction (e.g., petroleum ether) when tests were carried out against the larvae and adults of Culex pipiens (L). Of special concern to the mosquitocidal activity, the following fractions and isolates were recognized: the volatile oil, unsaponifiable portion, and certain compounds isolated from the unsaponifiable portion (e.g., Thymol, alpha-Amyrin, Carvacrol + beta-Caryophyllene). The volatile oil, Thymol, and the unsaponifiable portion proved high larvicidal potency against the tested insect (LC50 = 49.0, 58.0, and 100.0 ppm, respectively). Non-lethal concentrations of these substances synergized the toxicity of Malathion, while induced additive or antagonistic effects when mixed with Permethrin or Pirimiphos-methyl. The unsaponifiable portion and volatile oil showed the highest adulticidal potency (LC50 = 0.0070 and 0.0076 mg/cm2, respectively). The efficacy of the tested candidates as repellent agents was found in the following order: unsaponifiable portion > alpha-Amyrin > Thymol > volatile oil > Carvacrol + beta-Caryophyllene. Thymol as well as volatile oil affected egg hatchability, causing Sterility Indices accounting for 0.70 and 0.74, respectively, while the unsaponifiable portion showed lower degree of sterility (0.81). The results obtained in this study may shed light on the importance of T. capitatus as a probable source of some biologically active agents for mosquito control in the future.

Animals↗

Retrospective study of Ukrain treatment in 203 patients with advanced-stage tumors.

A total of 203 advanced-stage cancer patients suffering from different types of cancer who had exhausted all conventional forms of therapy were treated with the novel antitumor drug Ukrain over a period of 2.5 years at the Villa Medica Clinic in Germany. Seventy-six patients (37.4%) were simultaneously treated with regional deep hyperthermia in which tumor tissue was heated to > 42.5 degrees C. Patients also received complementary oncological treatment with selen, cimetidine, thyme extract and vitamin A. In view of the advanced stage of the disease, the results of therapy were surprising. Forty-one patients (20.2%) achieved total remission, 122 (60.1%) partial remission and only 40 (19.7%) did not respond to treatment. The highest response rates were in patients with seminoma (three out of four patients had total remission and one had partial remission) and in prostate cancer [14 out of 20 patients (70%) achieved total remissions and five achieved partial remission].

Adolescent↗