Pedoclimatic Conditions Influence the Morphological, Phytochemical and Biological Features of Mentha pulegium L.

Abstract

In this study, Mentha pulegium leaves and flowers harvested in three different Sicilian areas were investigated from a micromorphological, phytochemical and biological point of view. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherocrystalline masses of diosmin both in the leaf epidermal cells and in thin flower petals. Two different chemotypes were identified (I, kaempferide/rosmarinic acid; II, jaceidin isomer A). Phytochemical screening identified plant from collection site II as the richest in total phenolics (16.74 g GAE/100 g DE) and that from collection site I as the richest in flavonoids (46.56 g RE/100 g DE). Seventy-seven metabolites were identified both in flower and leaf extracts. Plant from site II showed the best antioxidant (0.90–83.72 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (27.44–196.31 µg/mL) activity expressed as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, BSA denaturation and protease inhibition assays. These data were also corroborated by in vitro cell-based assays on lymphocytes and erythrocytes. Moreover, plant of site II showed the best antiangiogenic properties (IC50 33.43–33.60 µg/mL) in vivo on a chick chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, pedoclimatic conditions influence the chemotype and the biological activity of M. pulegium, with chemotype I showing the most promising biological properties.

Composition and Biological Properties of Blanched Skin and Blanch Water Belonging to Three Sicilian Almond Cultivars

“…The ORAC assay was carried out according to Cornara et al [ 26 ]. Briefly, 20 μL of BSE and BWE (3.125–25.0 μg/mL) were added to 120 μL of fresh 117 nM fluorescein and incubated for 15 min at 37 °C.…”

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Monarda didyma L. Growing in Trentino (Northern Italy) for Cosmeceutical Applications

“…The ability of EE and HGE to inhibit heat-induced albumin denaturation was evaluated according to Cornara et al [ 72 ]. Briefly, 100 µL of 0.4% fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin solution and 20 µL of phosphate buffer saline (pH 5.3) were seeded in a 96-well plate.…”

“…The protease inhibitory activity was evaluated according to Cornara et al [ 72 ]. Briefly, 200 µL of EE and HGE (1.25–10 mg/mL 0.125–1.0 mg/mL, respectively) was added to a reaction mixture consisting of 12 µL trypsin (10 µg/mL) and 188 µL Tris-HCl buffer (25 mM, pH 7.5).…”

Xanthophyll-Rich Extract of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin as New Photoprotective Cosmeceutical Agent: Safety and Efficacy Assessment on In Vitro Reconstructed Human Epidermis Model

“…The ORAC assay was carried out according to Cornara et al [ 74 ]. Briefly, 20 μL of PTE (1.5–12.0 μg/mL) and Fx (0.125–1.0 µg/mL) were added to 120 μL of fresh 117 nM fluorescein and incubated for 15 min at 37 °C.…”

“…The ORAC assay was carried out according to Cornara et al [74]. Briefly, 20 µL of PTE (1.5-12.0 µg/mL) and Fx (0.125-1.0 µg/mL) were added to 120 µL of fresh 117 nM fluorescein and incubated for 15 min at 37 • C. Then, 60 µL of 40 mM azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) were added to trigger the reaction.…”