European Pharmaceutical Journal Feed

Development of Linaria scariosa Herbal Cream: Formulation, In Vivo Wound Healing, and In Vitro Biological Evaluation

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimManaging infected wounds and controlling oxidative stress, inflammation, and microbial infections during the wound-healing process present significant challenges in both human and veterinary medicine. This study aimed to develop a herbal cream based on Linaria scariosa (LS) extract and evaluate its wound healing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.Material and MethodsThe LS-herbal cream was formulated using a water/oil emulsion, following standard procedures, and its physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological properties were verified. The in vivo wound-healing effect was evaluated using the excision wound model. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the heat-induced hemolysis method, while antioxidant activity was evaluated through five different assays. Moreover, antimicrobial activity was tested using the disk agar diffusion method.ResultsModerate to low contents of terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and carotenoids were estimated. The LS-cream exhibited a significant ability to inhibit thermally induced hemolysis (IC50 = 338.01±0.25 μg/mL). Moreover, it showed moderate antimicrobial effects against all the tested strains. LS-cream displayed moderate total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging, permanganate-reducing, and iron chelating effects. The formulation showed good stability, a skin-compatible pH (6.8 ± 0.09), a satisfactory microbiological safety profile, and acceptable physicochemical and rheological properties after storage. Topical application of the LS-cream on excision wounds resulted in a significant wound-healing effect, including increased wound contraction rates and a reduced epithelization period (16.33±0.22 days). Histopathological examination indicated that the observed enhancement in healing was mainly due to improved epithelialization and favorable histological features consistent with tissue remodeling and repair.ConclusionThe LS-herbal cream demonstrates a promising pharmaceutical formulation with effective wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Abstract collection from the 1st structural biology and biophysics symposium– SBF 2026

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of Thiolated Polymers on Caco-2 Cell Permeability of Vinca Alkaloids

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of glutathione-based systems—poly(acrylic acid)-glutathione (PAA-GSH), chitosan-glutathione (ch.GSH), and free glutathione (GSH)—on the intestinal permeability of vingerbine alkaloids. The transepithelial transport of herbamine, herbadine, and vincarine was investigated using the Caco-2 cell monolayer model. Apical-to-basolateral and basolateral-to-apical fluxes were measured in the presence of PAA-GSH, ch.GSH, or free GSH to assess their effects on absorptive permeability and efflux-related processes. PAA-GSH significantly enhanced apical-to-basolateral transport, increasing permeability by 3.4-, 2.59-, and 1.52-fold for herbamine, herbadine, and vincarine, respectively, consistent with thiol-mediated reversible modulation of epithelial tight junctions. In contrast, ch.GSH reduced absorptive transport (1.28-, 1.67-, and 1.51-fold) and markedly decreased basolateral efflux, suggesting polymer–drug complex formation and reduced availability of free drug. Free GSH showed minimal influence on alkaloid permeability. These findings demonstrate that polymer architecture critically determines the intestinal transport behavior of vingerbine alkaloids. PAA-GSH acts as an effective permeation enhancer and represents a promising carrier for improving the intestinal delivery of tested compounds. Future studies will focus on developing optimized delivery systems for this anti-arrhythmic agent.

Formulation and Evaluation of Sunscreen Body Lotion Containing Tangerine Oil (Citrus reticulata)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimUsing natural ingredients in cosmetics, such as sunscreen, offers a promising approach to creating more environmentally sustainable products. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of formulating a sunscreen body lotion containing tangerine oil by assessing its quality, stability, SPF value, and consumer acceptance.Materials and MethodsThe study involved phytochemical screening and chemical compound identification using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH method. Additional tests included organoleptic evaluation, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesion, emulsion type, particle size, functional group identification, SPF determination, accelerated stability testing (heating–cooling cycles), and hedonic testing.ResultsD-limonene was identified as the dominant compound in tangerine oil. It showed weak antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 72,015.29 ppm and an antioxidant activity index (AAI) of 0.007. All five formulations met the required quality standards. The highest SPF value (13.59) was achieved by the formulation containing 3% TiO2 and 9% tangerine oil, measured in vitro using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Stability testing over six heating–cooling cycles confirmed that all formulations remained stable. In hedonic testing, formula F4 (3% TiO2 and 12% tangerine oil) was the most preferred by panelists.ConclusionsAlthough tangerine oil exhibited negligible antioxidant activity, the study successfully developed stable body lotion formulations that met quality requirements, provided maximum sun protection, and were well accepted by users.

Antioxidant activity of novel phenolic compounds bearing basic substituents—synthesis and insights from molecular modeling

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Free radicals are important reactive species that perform both positive and negative functions within living organisms. Antioxidants play a significant part in preventing or managing diseases linked to oxidative stress, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the presented work, a two-step synthesis was used to prepare 15 phenolic compounds substituted with various N-heterocyclic moieties as potential antioxidants. The starting materials were 4-hydroxyphenylalkyl ketones, which were converted into 4-hydroxy-3-chloromethylphenylalkyl ketones via chloromethylation. These then reacted with various aliphatic amines (dimethylamine, diethylamine, isopropylamine, isobutylamine, and tertbutylamine) and heterocyclic amines (pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine, azepane, and 4-methylpiperazine). The purity of the products was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography, and their infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra were measured. Their antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPA and ABTS methods. The ABTS results show antioxidant activity values ranging from 85% to 95%, which are higher than the values for oxygen derivatives. Conformational analysis revealed a stronger hydrogen bond between OH and N than between OH and O. In the case of the compound containing isobutyl, the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond (NH⋯O) is considered more likely.

Posaconazole-conjugated graphene microgel for fungal infection treatment: Development, optimization, and in vitro evaluation against Aspergillus niger

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The present study aimed to develop and optimize posaconazole-conjugated graphene (PCZ-G) microgel for the treatment of cutaneous infections caused by fungus Aspergillus niger (A. niger). The Box–Behnken experimental design with three levels, three factors, and three center points was applied for optimization of PCZ-G microgel. Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency were the three outputs utilized in the design matrix associated with Box–Behnken design (BBD), containing 17 runs. Three-dimensional response surface plots and contour plots have been generated using Stat Ease 360 software. On the optimized preparation, assessments were conducted on drug content, %CDR, PDI, PS, percentage entrapment efficiency (EE%), and in vitro antifungal activity. The optimized formulation of PCZ-G microgel showed a particle size of 1506 nm, an entrapment efficiency of 97.08±3.69%, a drug content of 94.43±1.09%, and other parameters all within the range of the model. In vitro release study showed prolonged drug release from the optimized formulation. Drugs and excipients were well integrated and physically stable in the designed microgel, which showed significant antifungal activity against A. niger.

Effect of Bacterial Biofilms on Topical Antimicrobial Therapy

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Chronic wounds are frequently complicated by bacterial biofilm formation, which significantly impairs healing and reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commonly used topical antimicrobial agents against multidrug-resistant wound pathogens in relation to the timing of their application and the stage of biofilm development.Multidrug-resistant bacterial strains isolated from non-healing wounds were used to create an experimental collection, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Biofilm formation was assessed using the microtiter plate method according to Stepanović et al. The antimicrobial efficacy of 11 topical agents in various pharmaceutical forms was subsequently tested in a modified in vitro burn wound model based on Hammond et al., with three time intervals representing different stages of biofilm development (4, 6, and 24 hours after inoculation).All tested strains demonstrated the ability to form biofilm, with a significant increase in intensity over time. In the early stages (4–6 hours), several agents, including octenidine-, iodine-, and silver-based preparations, exhibited strong bactericidal activity across most strains. However, when treatment was delayed to 24 hours, corresponding to mature biofilm formation, the efficacy of the majority of agents markedly decreased, often approaching the effect of sterile gauze. Only octenidine- and iodine-based agents retained partial activity against selected pathogens.The findings confirm that the timing of topical antimicrobial application is a key determinant of therapeutic success. Early intervention significantly enhances antimicrobial efficacy, whereas delayed treatment in the presence of established biofilm leads to substantially reduced effectiveness. These results highlight the importance of prompt and proactive wound management and support the need for multimodal strategies combining antimicrobial therapy with biofilm disruption.

Response Surface Methodology-Guided Optimization of Flucytosine Nanoemulsion for Enhanced Antifungal Performance

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Although flucytosine is a powerful antifungal drug, formulation-related issues frequently restrict its clinical usage, and the growing prevalence of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida and Cryptococcus species poses a serious public health problem. This work designed, optimized, and assessed a flucytosine-loaded nanoemulsion using a Box–Behnken experimental design to improve physicochemical stability and antifungal activity. Pre-formulation studies confirmed the purity, crystallinity, and compatibility of flucytosine with selected excipients. A total of 17 nanoemulsion formulations were prepared by varying the oil concentration, surfactant–co-surfactant (Smix) ratio, and homogenization time, with particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency (%EE) as key responses. The optimized formulation (F7) exhibited a small droplet size (~104 nm), low PDI (<0.3), high entrapment efficiency (~95%), suitable pH, and a stable negative zeta potential, indicating excellent physical stability. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed spherical and uniformly dispersed droplets. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile over 24 hours, with the optimized formulation showing significantly higher cumulative drug release compared to other batches. Antifungal evaluation against Candida albicans revealed a markedly larger zone of inhibition for the nanoemulsion compared to plain drug solution, indicating enhanced antifungal efficacy. Stability studies conducted under International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) conditions confirmed the formulation's stability over 3 months. Overall, the proposed flucytosine nanoemulsion demonstrated higher antifungal activity, prolonged drug release, better physicochemical features, and good stability, suggesting its potential as a successful antifungal therapeutic delivery method.

Chemical Diversity and Chemotypic Variation of Mentha spicata Essential Oils from Different Regions of Iran

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AimThis study investigated the chemical diversity of essential oils (EOs) extracted from eight Mentha spicata samples collected across different regions of Iran.Material and MethodsEssential oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their compositional patterns were examined through principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsEssential oil yields ranged from 0.3% to 1.6% (v/w), consistent with previously reported values for Iranian mints. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the dominant constituents, with carvone, D-limonene, and 1,8-cineole as major compounds. PCA explained 94.47% of the total variance and revealed clear clustering of samples, indicating significant chemical differentiation among populations. Three chemotypic patterns were identified: (1) a carvone-limonene (spearmint-type) profile found in most samples, (2) a mixed carvone/carvone oxide type, and (3) a 1,8-cineole-rich type.ConclusionThe chemical variation observed among Iranian M. spicata populations may result from both genetic diversity and environmental influences on essential oil biosynthesis. These findings expand the understanding of Iranian M. spicata chemotypic diversity and provide a basis for selecting desirable chemotypes for pharmaceutical, aromatic, and flavor applications.

40th Technology Days 11th and 12th September 2025 Bratislava: Book of abstracts

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Physicochemical Properties and Release Profiles of Lidocaine Hydrochloride in Microemulsion Gels

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study focuses on the development and characterization of microemulsion gel systems incorporating the model drug lidocaine. Microemulsions were prepared via the standard phase titration method using various oil phases, surfactants, and co-surfactants, with demineralized water as the aqueous component. The primary objective was to assess the physical properties of the resulting gels and compare their drug release profiles to conventional gel formulations. The study examined the impact of varying surfactant and co-surfactant types, as well as the presence of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, on gel characteristics. Physical properties were evaluated through texture analysis and rheological measurements, while drug release was determined using Franz diffusion cells. Results showed that while the physical properties of microemulsion gels remained largely consistent across formulations, significant differences were observed in lidocaine liberation, highlighting the potential of microemulsion gels to modulate drug release behavior.

Development of carboxymethyl tamarind gum-based composite hydrogel films for wound dressing applications

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Carboxymethyl tamarind gum (CMTG) is an anionic polymer gaining attention for its potential in drug delivery applications. In the present study, composite hydrogel films composed of CMTG and flaxseed mucilage (FSM) were developed for wound dressing applications. According to previous reports, hydrogel films prepared using CMTG alone exhibited poor matrix integrity and limited swelling capacity. To overcome these limitations, FSM was incorporated due to its highly hydrophilic nature, excellent water-holding capacity, and superior swelling characteristics, which are expected to enhance the overall performance of the composite hydrogel films. The composite hydrogel films were prepared by using solvent casting method. The developed hydrogel films were evaluated for weight loss, thickness, carboxyl content, contact angle, and swelling. The hydrogel films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) and thermal analysis. The drug loading was initiated by using diffusion mechanism. The drug release was studied in Tris HCl buffer pH 7.4. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogel films, including weight loss, thickness, carboxyl content, and contact angle, were influenced by the concentrations of citric acid and FSM. The optimized films showed enhanced swelling capacity (up to 37.83 g/g), superior to CMTG-alone films. The films were hemocompatible and exhibited minimal protein adsorption (<0.5 %). In addition, they demonstrated favorable water vapor permeability and effectively resisted microbial penetration. Drug release studies with metronidazole revealed a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. ATR–FTIR and thermogravimetric analyses confirmed crosslinking between CMTG and citric acid, along with entanglement of FSM polymeric chains within the hydrogel matrix. The CMTG–FSM composite hydrogel films offer enhanced performance and biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for wound dressing applications.

Preliminary in vitro investigation of docetaxel nanomedicines based on cetyl palmitate for inhibition of prostate cancer cells' growth

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimProstate cancer is a disease characterized by unusual uncontrolled growth and proliferation of prostate cells. Docetaxel (DTX) has been associated with reduction in tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. The purpose of this research is to develop nanomedicines of DTX and rubone with effective antitumor activity against prostate cancer cells.Materials and MethodsDTX solid lipid nanoparticles were formulated by solvent emulsification evaporation method with melting and injection using cetyl palmitate, phosphatidylcholine, Soluplus, Brij O10, and rubone while applying computer-aided techniques to validate the use of selected lipid matrix. DTX nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size and shape, zeta potential, stability, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and permeation properties. The prostate cancer cells' viability and drug cytotoxicity were assessed using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay.ResultsThe formulated spherical drug-loaded nanoparticles had sizes and zeta potential as low as 125.77 ± 3.0 nm and −7.35 ± 2.2 mV, respectively. The in vitro drug released from the solid lipid nanoparticles showed up to 80% DTX released after drug entrapment and loading of around 80% and 10%, respectively. The optimized DTX nanomedicines increased the cytotoxicity of DTX since it limited the viability of the DU145 prostate cancer cell lines to less than 30%, which represents a 50% increase in cytotoxicity of DTX.ConclusionDTX entrapped in stable lipid-based matrices provided effective in vitro activities against prostate cancer cells.

Formulation of stimuli-responsive gels containing silver complex with nicotinamide

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The use of stimuli-responsive gels is increasingly widespread and includes almost all routes of administration. Their main property is the phase transition from sol to gel under the influence of physiological stimuli such as temperature, pH, ion presence, or enzymes. The aim of this formulation study was to prepare oral in situ gel containing silver complex with nicotinamide. We prepared formulations based on the thermosensitive polymer Pluronic® F-127 (15% w/w), methylcellulose (0.25% w/w), and various concentrations of the ion-sensitive polymer sodium alginate (0.2%–4% w/w). Various properties were evaluated, such as pH, injectability, critical sol–gel transition temperature of sols, gelation capacity, as well as dissolution profile and antimicrobial activity. We found that sodium alginate affects the critical sol–gel transition temperature of sols, and with higher concentrations, the sol–gel transition temperature decreases. At a 4% w/w sodium alginate concentration, the presence of calcium cations was necessary for gel formation. Sodium alginate also significantly influenced the viscosity of sols; higher concentrations led to more viscous sols. The most suitable formulation contained 4% sodium alginate and was used to incorporate silver complex with nicotinamide, a new potential antimicrobial agent. The drug release kinetics most closely correlated with the first-order kinetics, and the drug was released via Fickian diffusion. During antimicrobial activity testing, the formulation demonstrated higher efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to a commercial dental gel containing chlorhexidine gluconate, although this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, the chlorhexidine gel showed greater efficacy against most of the tested bacteria, while the antimicrobial in situ gel maintained a consistent moderate level of antimicrobial activity.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Leaf and Root Extracts of Dipsacus fullonum

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Dipsacus fullonum L. (teasel) is a traditional medicinal plant, known to be a supplement in the treatment of Lyme disease. However, its scientific evaluation remains limited. This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial properties of D. fullonum leaf and root ethanolic extracts. Ultrasound-assisted extraction with 70% ethanol was performed, and the extracts were analysed for total polyphenols, tannins and hydroxycinnamic acids. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method, while antibacterial activity was evaluated via the broth microdilution method against various bacterial reference strains. Results indicate that leaf extract contains higher levels of bioactive compounds and exhibits stronger antioxidant activity than root extract. A combination of both extracts showed an additive effect. The leaf extract displayed weak antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas the root extract demonstrated no antibacterial effects.

A comprehensive study of ground-roasted coffee beans from Coffea liberica as dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a degenerative disease characterized by insulin resistance, has been reported as a serious healthcare problem, especially in low-to-middle-income countries. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibition is a potential solution to overcome T2DM-related problems. Liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) was reported to have several health benefits due to the bioactive compounds it contains, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of ground-roasted coffee beans (GRCB) from C. liberica, including in vitro evaluation, metabolite fingerprinting using LC-HRMS, and authentication analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques. In vitro evaluation proved the inhibitory activity of GRCB solution (with a percentage inhibition of 92.09%), which was comparable to sitagliptin used as a positive control. Metabolite identification revealed the presence of caffeine and chlorogenic acid isomers, namely cryptochlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid, as potential markers for further investigation. Chemometric techniques, namely principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were used to perform exploratory data analysis and authentication study, respectively. The PCA results generated the plot observation, capturing 99.4% of the total variance within the first two components. It also facilitated the functional group identification by evaluating wavenumbers as the variables in the model construction. An authentication study using PLS-DA was also carried out, and it successfully differentiated GRCB with the presence of starch as an adulterant with the area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) outcome of 1.

Abstract Collection From the Second Conference of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – TDM 2025

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

DOPC + OTAB + DNA Complexes – Effect of Ionic Strength and Surface Charge Density on DNA Condensation

Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The effect of ionic strength and surface charge density of the lipoplexes formed from the cationic surfactant octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (OTAB) and the neutral phospholipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) on DNA condensation was studied using fluorescence spectroscopy. The structure of lipoplexes was examined by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS). The efficiency of DNA condensation was monitored by relative changes in the intensity of the emission of the fluorescence probe ethidium bromide (EtBr). A high OTAB/DNA charge ratio of 10:1 is required for efficient condensation at all ionic strengths. The increasing mole ratio of OTAB/DOPC supports DNA condensation, while the process is significantly hindered by a high ionic strength. Only ~55% of DNA was found to be condensed by OTAB/DOPC = 1 mol mol−1 complexes in 150 mmol l−1 of NaCl. A condensed fluid lamellar phase (Lαc) was detected in the DOPC + OTAB + DNA complexes. The SAXS patterns show regular DNA–DNA packing only in complexes prepared in a medium of low ionic strength (<50 mmol l−1). Interestingly, free DNA in the supernatant of DOPC + OTAB + DNA complexes was not detected by UV/Vis spectrometry, indicating its trapping in the lipoplexes.

Comparative analysis of PLGA ocuserts of brimonidine tartrate prepared with different methods

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The eye is a highly sensitive organ with multiple physiological barriers that limit drug bioavailability and reduce patient compliance. Research studies are still going on to discover a novel drug delivery system for ocular delivery. The current research aims to develop and compare the PLGA ocuserts of brimonidine tartrate (BT) by different methods. These BT-loaded PLGA ocuserts offer a promising alternative to commercially available BT eye drops. Ocuserts could significantly minimize the challenges encountered with eye drops like lacrimation, blinking-induced washout, dosing frequency, penetration, stability, and controlled release issues. The BT-loaded PLGA ocuserts were prepared using two methods: solvent casting method (SCM) and glass substrate method (GSM). Both SCM and GSM formulations exhibited smooth texture, pH levels within the range of 6.88±0.24 to 6.90±0.28, uniform thickness (SCM: 0.47±0.10 mm; GSM: 0.29±0.03 mm), minimal weight variation (SCM: 7.83±0.38 mg; GSM: 6.55±0.76 mg), sterility, and appropriate swelling indices (SCM: 6.69±0.33%; GSM: 5.40±0.27%). The evaluation results of SCM and GSM ocuserts revealed positive attributes for ophthalmic use. Noteworthy distinctions emerged in folding endurance, with SCM ocuserts demonstrating significantly higher endurance (87.17±4.34 folds) than GSM ocuserts (71.33±4.82 folds). Moreover, SCM ocuserts exhibited superior drug entrapment efficiency (88.26±3.33 %) to GSM ocuserts (74.91±4.39 %). Stability studies confirmed good stability over a 6-month period, while in vitro (italics) drug release study indicated better controlled release properties for SCM than GSM. Findings demonstrate that SCM emerged as an effective method for preparation of polymeric films in various pharmaceutical industries, including transdermal patches, scaffolds in tissue engineering, flexible wound healing films, biodegradable drug delivery systems, and pharmaceutical packaging as well.

Antibacterial Activity of Green Tea and Peppermint Extracts Against Enterococcus faecalis and the Potential of EGCG in Oral Health

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

AimEnterococcus faecalis is a significant pathogen in endodontic infections, often leading to treatment failure in root canal therapy and contributing to chronic infections. The growing concern over antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternative treatment approaches. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial properties of aqueous green tea (Camellia sinensis) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita) extracts, focusing on their phytochemical profiles and antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, a major pathogen in endodontic infections.Material and MethodsPhytochemical analysis of green tea and peppermint extracts was conducted to determine the content of key compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and total polyphenols. The antibacterial activity of green tea and peppermint extracts, as well as their key compounds, (–)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (–)-epicatechin, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid, was assessed using the broth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against E. faecalis clinical strains.ResultsGreen tea extract showed superior antibacterial activity (MIC/MBC 1.25–2.5/5–10 mg mL−1), with EGCG exhibiting the highest efficacy (MIC/MBC 0.25–0.5/1 mg mL−1). Peppermint extract demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity, with its active compounds, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid, showing higher MIC/MBC values. A 1:1 mixture of both extracts demonstrated antagonistic effects, yielding higher MIC and MBC values compared to the individual extracts.ConclusionsThe results suggest that green tea, particularly EGCG, holds significant potential for oral health applications due to its strong antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. The findings indicate that green tea could contribute to the effective treatment of E. faecalis-related infections, although the combination of green tea and peppermint extracts may not provide additive benefits.