Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recurring global problem, which constantly demands new antimicrobial compounds to challenge the resistance. It is well known that essential oils (EOs) have been known for biological activities including antimicrobial properties. In this study, EOs from seven aromatic plants of Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against four drug resistant pathogenic bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus typhimurium) and one fungal isolate (Candida albicans). Chemical compositions of EOs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum, and Origanum vulgare proved most active against all isolates with inhibitory zone range between 17 and 45 mm. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.025mg/ml was observed for Staph. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with EO of Origanum vulgare. All the three EOs showed significant anticandida activity. The results related to EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum, and Origanum vulgare demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy against drug resistant microorganisms.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recurring global problem, which constantly demands new antimicrobial compounds to challenge the resistance. It is well known that essential oils (EOs) have been known for biological activities including antimicrobial properties. In this study, EOs from seven aromatic plants of Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against four drug resistant pathogenic bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus typhimurium) and one fungal isolate (Candida albicans). Chemical compositions of EOs were determined by Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum and Origanum vulgare proved most active against all isolates with inhibitory zone range between17 to 45 mm.  The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.025mg/ml was observed for Staph. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with EO of Origanum vulgare. All the three EOs showed significant anti candida activity. Together form the results the EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum and Origanum vulgare demonstrated a significant antimicrobial efficacy against drug resistant microorganisms.

This study aimed at investigating the antiviral activities of biocides made of formulated essential oils. These were derived from five plant species: fennel, oregano, peppermint, thyme and ginger. The potencies of these preparations were tested against local infection with the Tobacco necrosis virus (TNV) on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and against systemic infection with the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). After the determination of the most effective concentration, the formulated biocides were tested in protective and curative manners (before and after virus inoculation) against the growth of plants. The obtained results showed that the peppermint-derived biocide had the greatest effect on reducing the infectivity of the TNV virus (100% growth inhibition at 4000 ppm), whereas the biocide from thyme was the most effective against the infectivity of the CMV virus, as it induced a complete growth inhibition at 3000 ppm. The results of the protective and curative experiments revealed that the formulated biocides exerted high protection and curative effects against the two viruses. The observations revealed that the biocides were able to enhance plant defences against viral infection, as indicated by the increased levels of total chlorophyll, protein and phenols. Moreover, the levels of the oxidative stress markers including peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were improved compared to the control settings. In conclusion, the formulated biocides progressively present a favourable alternative to chemically synthesized pesticides in crop protection.

Cancer of the blood continues to be a major mortality factor globally. Arylidene compounds are well known for their anticancer effects. Here we describe the biological efficacy of IOX-101, a potential lead-compound of arylidene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Initially, molecular docking analysis was performed to check the binding efficacy of the compound with protein kinase B (Akt). The ability of the molecule to inhibit AML proliferation was assessed in THP-1 and Kasumi-6 cells by a standard MTT assay. Hoechst 333258/propidium iodide (PI) staining was carried out to analyze the nuclear damage. Flow cytometry was performed to check the apoptotic and cell cycle changes in THP-1 cells. The effect of IOX-101 on Akt phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot analysis. Molecular docking revealed interaction and binding of IOX-101 with the active site of Akt enzyme. The compound reduced proliferation of both AML cell lines in a dose-responsive way. Nuclear staining and cell cycle results revealed DNA damage by IOX-101 in THP-1 cells, and a significant increase in early and late phase apoptotic cells. A dose-dependent dephosphorylation of Akt (Ser 473) by IOX-101 was observed, which indicated allosteric inhibition of Akt by the compound. Our results showed that the DNA damage-mediated antiproliferative effect of IOX-101 in AML cells was mediated by Akt enzyme inhibition, and that this molecule possesses an effective chemotherapeutic potential against AML.