The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of the Mentha arvensis L. essential oil (EO). The biological activity of M. arvensis EO depended on the analyzed variable and the tested oil concentration. Higher concentrations of EO (20 and 30 µg mL-1) showed a moderate inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of seedlings of tested weed species (Bellis perennis, Cyanus segetum, Daucus carota, Leucanthemum vulgare, Matricaria chamomilla, Nepeta cataria, Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium repens and Verbena × hybrida). The results obtained also indicate that the EO of M. arvensis has some genotoxic, cytotoxic and proliferative potential in both plant and human in vitro systems. Similar results were obtained for antimicrobial activity against eight bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains [Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL) E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis], with the effect on multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Research indicates that the EO of M. arvensis shows phytotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects, as well as its potential application as a herbicide and against various human diseases.

The emergence of bacteria with antibiotic resistance and multiple resistance is characteristic of animal and human pathogens. It is wide known that bee products, which have been used in alternative medicine since ancient times, have antimicrobial potential. Application of bee products for therapeutic purposes is defined as apitherapy. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of commercial chestnut honey, pollen and propolis produced in western Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sanski Most) individually and in five combinations (apimixtures). The antimicrobial properties of samples were investigated using the agar well diffusion method against three Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii ATCC 6633, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212); three Gram-negative bacteria (ESBL producing Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027) and one fungal species (Candida albicans ATCC 10231). Pure bee pollen inhibited the growth of only Gram-negative bacteria, concentrated chestnut honey was active against all Gram-negative and Gram-positivebacteria, while 20% propolis extract and apimixtures A2 (80% honey and 20% propolis) and A3 (60% honey, 20% pollen and 20% propolis extract) inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms. Chestnut honey andthree apimixtures (A1, A2 and A3) showed the highest antibacterial action against all tested Gram-negative bacteria and MRSA compared to other investigated samples. In this study, examined honeybee products from Bosnia and Herzegovina and their mixtures had significant activity against tested bacteria, including strains with proven resistance to conventional antibiotics, MRSA and ESBL producing E. coli.

Microbial biofilms are organized consortiums of microorganisms in the self-produced matrix, characterized by increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. Candida albicans belongs to the regular human microbiota, but it could be highly pathogenic. Essential oils (EOs) are widely distributed secondary metabolites, proven for various biological activities. The main goal of this investigation was to evaluate the antifungal and antibiofilm properties of EOs from Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, C. reticulata Blanco, Nigella sativa L., and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. against C. albicans. Antifungal activity was evaluated through the disk diffusion method, followed by the determination of the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Antibiofilm assays were implemented through the tissue culture plate method and determination of the biofilm inhibition. Zones of inhibition were detectable for all tested EOs, with the greatest activity of N. sativa (28.30±1.50 mm to 39.30±1.10 mm). MIC values ranged from 62.50 μg/ml (N. sativa) to 125 μg/ml (C. limon), and 250 μg/ml (C. reticulata and F. vulgare). All tested EOs performed an impact on the biofilm-forming capacity of tested yeast. The antibiofilm activity was species-specific and concentration-dependent. The highest antibiofilm activity was recorded for F. vulgare. Obtained results suggest that investigated EOs possess antifungal and antibiofilm potential.

Aims: The aim of this study was to conduct antimicrobial analysis on novel Schiff base-derived cobalt(II) complexes (Co(L1) 2 and Co(L2) 2 )

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidative features using 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging method, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-binding properties with usage of spectrofluorimetric method, proliferative and cyto/genotoxic status by use of chromosome aberration test, and antimicrobial potential using broth microdilution method, followed by resazurin assay of benzyl-, isopropyl-, isobutyl and phenylparaben in vitro. Our results showed that all parabens had significant antiradical scavenger activity compared to p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) precursor. Higher mitotic index for benzyl-, isopropyl and isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) in comparison with control was demonstrated. An increase in the frequency of acentric fragments in lymphocytes treated with benzylparaben and isopropylparaben (125 and 250 µg/mL), and isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) was observed. Isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) induced higher number of dicentric chromosomes. An increased number of minute fragments in lymphocytes exposed to benzylparaben (125 and 250 µg/mL) was found. A significant difference in the frequency of chromosome pulverization, between phenylparaben (250 µg/mL) and control, was detected. Benzylparaben (250 µg/mL) and phenylparaben (62.5 µg/mL) caused an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, while isopropylparaben (62.5, 125 and 250 µg/mL) and isobutylparaben (62.5 and 125 µg/mL) induced higher frequency of necrosis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested parabens ranged 15.62–250 µg/mL for bacteria, and 125–500 µg/mL for the yeast. Minimum microbiocidal concentration ranged 31.25 to 500 µg/mL, and 250 to 1000 µg/mL in bacteria and fungi respectively. The lowest MICs for bacteria were observed for phenyl- (15.62 µg/mL) and isopropylparaben (31.25 µg/mL) against Enterococcus faecalis.

Amaranthaceae Juss. family encompasses many edible plants with prominent biological activity. This investigation tested the bioactive properties of ethanolic and methanolic extract of three well-known species: spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris), and orache (Atriplex hortensis L.) through the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties. The particular goal was to evaluate the antibiofilm potential of extracts and to demarcate concentration-depending changes in the biofilm-forming category of included bacterial strains. The mass of the chard and orache methanolic extracts gained by maceration are lower in comparison to the mass of ethanolic extracts obtained by the Soxhlet method. In the case of spinach, the results are the opposite. All extracts have an antiradical activity that can be attributed to the established amounts of phenols and flavonoids. Total phenolics in dry leaves ranged from 0.09 to 0.44 mg GAE/g dw, and total flavonoids from 0.42 to 1.9 mg RTE/g dw. All investigated extracts performed inhibitory potential in terms of bacterial growth, while there was no bactericidal effect observed. Values of the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 125 µg/ml to 500 µg/ml. Overall results suggested orache extracts as the strongest inhibitory agents. Antibiofilm assays showed that examined extracts of spinach, chard, and orache caused changes in the biofilm-forming capacity of investigated bacterial pathogens. Fluctuations in observed biofilm-forming categories after application of extracts were concentration-dependent.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) stems in the form of infusions and decoctions are traditionally consumed for diuretic and anti-inflammatory purposes. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of ethanolic and methanolic extract made from sweet cherry stems. Extracts are obtained by the Soxhlet extraction and maceration procedures. For the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration, the broth microdilution method is employed, and the assessment of the microbiocidal activity of the extracts is conducted. The antibiofilm activity was tested through the tissue culture plate method, which also allowed the determination of the biofilm-forming categories of investigated strains. The final step involved the calculation of the biofilm inhibition percentage. Examined extracts with the balanced activity inhibited the growth of all microorganisms, with Gram-negative bacteria being more sensitive in comparison to Gram-positive. The values of the minimum inhibitory concentration were 125 µg/ml, and 250 µg/ml, respectfully. Candida albicans was the most susceptible and the minimum inhibitory concentration of both extracts was 62.50 µg/ml. The microbiocidal activity of the extracts was not recorded. Extracts exhibited different impacts on the biofilm-forming capacity of the investigated microbes, and both inhibition and stimulation effects are noted. The percentage of the biofilm inhibition was from 14.27% to 84.78%, with the highest inhibition recorded for the multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, treated with the ethanolic extract. Sweet cherry stems are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, but their usage in the treatment of microbial infections should be correctly and carefully implemented.

Abstract Lavender and immortelle essential oils (EOs) are widely used to treat a spectrum of human conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate cyto/genotoxic effects of lavender and immortelle EOs using plant cells (Allium cepa) and human lymphocytes, as well as their antimicrobial potential using nine strains of bacteria and fungi. Our results for lavender and immortelle EOs showed that the frequency of chromosome aberrations (CAs) was increased in comparison with controls. For both oils, increased frequency of apoptosis for all concentrations, as well as the frequency of necrosis (0.10/0.30 µl/ml for lavender/immortelle, respectively) was demonstrated. In human lymphocytes, differences for minute fragments between immortelle oil (0.10 µl/ml) and controls were observed. Increased frequency of apoptosis was detected for immortelle oil (0.20 µl/ml), while both oils (0.20; 0.30 µl/ml lavender, and immortelle at all concentrations) induced higher frequency of necrosis in comparison with controls. Lavender EO was effective against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while immortelle EO inhibited only Gram-positive bacteria. Both oils exhibited antifungal effect. Our results demonstrated that lavender and immortelle EOs showed cyto/genotoxic effects in both, plant and human cells, as well as antimicrobial properties. Further studies are needed to strengthen these findings.

Aim To identify E. coli from chicken meat, establish their antibiotic resistance profiles and to confirm ESBL isolates with real time PCR, as well as to identify risk factors and farming practice associated with the antimicrobial resistance E. coli. Methods The study included 100 chicken skin samples collected randomly from retail supermarkets, butcheries and slaughterhouses. Disk susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method. Detection of ESBL-producing isolates was performed with double disk synergy test. Molecular analysis of phenotypic ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains was performed at 7500 real time PCR System. Molecular-genetic analysis included detection of CTX-M 1, 2, and 9 gene families and mutations in the TEM and SHV encoding extended spectrum β-lactamases. Results Prevalence of the phenotypic ESBL-producing E. coli isolates was 29%, and they exhibited remarkable sensitivity to carbapenems (100%) as well as to amikacin (93.10%). All ESBL-producing strains were multidrug resistant. Molecular analysis was performed as the final confirmation of the production of extended spectrum β - lactamases for 24 isolates out of 29 phenotypicaly ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. Conclusion It is important to pay attention to people's awareness of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in food chain, as well as to understand its effects on human health and the environment. Phenotypic and molecular analysis demonstrated the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from chicken skin samples.

several microorganisms of Gram-negative of the monocytogenes,

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of Mentha aquatica L. for phytoremediation of water contaminated with heavy metals and fecal pathogens from Bosna river. The water was treated with M. aquatica for 5, 10, and 15 days consecutively after which it was analyzed for the various physicochemical and microbiological parameters. The initial concentration of cadmium (Cd) ranged from 3.644 to 6.108 µg/l, while lead (Pb) varied between 0.1 and 1.386 µg/l. After treatment, M. aquatica accumulated significant amounts of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) with the highest removal rates of 96.49% for Cd and 45.72% for Pb. Values of several physicochemical parameters were decreased after 15 days treatment period. All water samples were analyzed for enumeration of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms by the membrane filtration. Removal efficiency was greater than 80% for microbiological parameters. The concentration of heavy metals was determined in different plant parts and subsequently, the translocation factor was determined. In M. aquatica plant parts, concentrations of Pb and Cd were increased after 15 days of treatment. Our results demonstrated that M. aquatica could be good candidates for the removal of fecal pathogens and heavy metals present in surface water.