Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and In VivoToxicity of Essential Oils Extracted from Mixtures of Plants and Spices

Abstract

The study focused on essential oils (EOs) of plant origin, which are of great interest to scientists in the context of medical applications due to their biological properties, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. The objective of the study was to determine chemical profiles and biological activities of the essential oils extracted from five mixtures (M1 [Thymus vulgaris, Ammi visnaga, Syzygium aromaticum, Citrus sinensis]; M2 [Thymus vulgaris, Ammi visnaga, Cinnamomum verum, Citrus sinensis]; M3 [Mentha pulegium, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Citrus sinensis]; M4 [Mentha pulegium, Lavandula angustifolia, Cinnamomum verum, Citrus sinensis]; M5 [Ammi visnaga, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Syzygium aromaticum]). Each mixture was derived from a blend of four selected plants used in traditional medicine in Mostaganem, Algeria. When selecting the best composition, the interactions between plant components were considered in terms of potential therapeutic benefits. The chemical compositions of the EO mixtures were analyzed using GC-MS. The acute toxicity of the EO mixtures was evaluated in vivo following oral administration. The sensitivity of the microorganisms to the EO mixtures was determined using the agar diffusion method. Virucidal testing was performed using the quantitative suspension method to determine virucidal activity, as described in the European standard for disinfectants used in the medical field. The antioxidant activity of the EO mixtures was evaluated using a model membrane system based on liposomes derived from soybean phosphatidylcholine. Chemopreventive activity was assessed in vitro using cell culture. The main compounds identified were carvacrol and thymol in M1; geranial, cinnamylaldehyde, and carvacrol in M2; pulegone and limonene in M3; geranial and cinnamylaldehyde and limonene in M4; and eugenol and caryophyllene in M5. The selection of the “best” blend depended on the biological activity deemed most critical for the specific application. Specifically, M3, M4, and M5 exhibited the strongest anti-HSV-1, anti-HAdV-5, and anticancer activity, respectively. In contrast, M1, a potent antioxidant, demonstrated the strongest antibacterial and anticancer activity. These results indicate that M1, M3, M4, and M5 EOs have promising applications in the pharmaceutical industry and medical research.