RESUMEN
This study aimed to investigate the variation in the chemical composition of Origanum compactum essential oils (EOs) from four geographically distinct locations. Additionally, we evaluated their antioxidant properties and potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase enzymes and their insecticidal proprieties. Notably, this research also marks the first examination of the mineral composition of O. compactum. The chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified thymol (28.72-80.39%), carvacrol (6.54-61.84%), p-cymene (0.27-8.64%), linalool (1.44-1.96%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.34-1.56%) as the major constituents. Concurrently, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed significant levels of macro and microelements, including calcium (295.50-512.20 mg/kg), potassium (195.99-398.45 mg/kg), magnesium (59.70-98.45 mg/kg), and iron (43.55-112.60 mg/kg). The EOs demonstrated notable antiradical activities through DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and ß-carotene bleaching assays. Regarding the insecticidal effect, all studied essential oils showed a significant toxicity against C. capitata adults, and the toxicity was dose and time dependent. The highest insecticidal effect was observed for O. compactum essential oils collected from Gouman (LC50 = 2.515 µL/mL, LC90 = 5.502 µL/mL) after 48 h of treatment. Furthermore, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the EOs exhibited strong inhibitory effects against AChE (84.75-94.01%), tyrosinase (84.75-94.01%), and α-glucosidase (79.90-87.80%), highlighting their potential as natural inhibitors of these enzymes. The essential oils of O. compactum contain components that could be used as a basis for synthetizing derivatives or analogs with potential medicinal applications and pest control properties.
RESUMEN
Scorpion envenomation (SE) is a critical and immediate medical emergency. It represents a major public health concern with significant cause of illness and death, particularly in rural regions where scorpions are more prevalent. Of note, administering appropriate first aid to scorpion sting victims is one of the most effective ways to reduce mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the level of knowledge of the healthcare workers in managing such cases. This work aims to assess the levels of knowledge on the diagnosis and management of scorpion stings, as well as the attitudes toward scorpion stings, among doctors and nurses in the Ouarzazate region of Morocco. Our results showed that the prevalent health care age group is 30-39 years, and in terms of experience, the majority had less than 5 years. Additionally, the majority of the participants had no knowledge regarding scorpions' identification. Moreover, only half participants (healthcare workers) received basic training in the management of scorpion stings and almost all of them have not benefited from continuing training. Hence, the current study showed that the understanding of scorpion sting management among healthcare providers in Ouarzazate province is inadequate to ensure proper care for sting patients, and thus including scorpion sting management in the university programs of health care provides along with clinical practice are highly required.
RESUMEN
The current study describes the chemical composition and insecticidal activities of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lavandula dentata L. and Lavandula stoechas L. against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a worldwide fruit pest. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed that L. dentata oil contained camphor (50.8%), 1,8-cineole (6.6%), ß-selinene (5%), and borneol (3.2%) as major components. On the other hand, L. stoechas EO was characterized by high contents of camphor (44%), camphene (14.8%), fenchone (9.1%), and 1-10-diepi-cubenol (4.6%). The toxic impact of EOs against C. capitata was evaluated through ingestion and contact methods. All of the EOs were toxic to C. capitata, and insect mortality was dose and time-dependent. In ingestion toxicity assays, L. dentata was the most toxic oil with an LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% mortality) of 6.54% for males and 10.21% for females. Topical applications revealed that all the EOs had a good insecticidal activity at 24 h. The results of this study show that L. dentata and L. stoechas EOs may reduce the risks associated with the use of synthetic insecticides and may also be considered as a potent source for the production of botanical insecticides against C. capitata.