This study presents a review of the Folin–Ciocalteu (F–C) assay for total phenolic content (TPC) determinations and describes different approaches to improve its specificity. Phenolics are regarded as the molecules with the highest potential to neutralize free radicals. Therefore, their quantification is a common practice in different areas of food research. However, when determining TPC in plant food extracts, the presence of reducing interferants [ascorbic acid (AA)] produces inaccurate estimations of TPC values. Different methodologies have been proposed to improve the specificity of the F–C assay. These methodologies include: (i) the use of solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges to separate interferants from phenolics; (ii) the calculation of a corrected TPC value based on the AA reducing activity present in the extract; and (iii) the pre-treatment of extracts with oxidative agents prior to TPC quantification. These methods are described in detail in the present study. Likewise, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed based on new experimental data. A simple modification of the F–C assay procedure is proposed to quantify both the TPC value and the AA reducing activity in plant food extracts. Values obtained by the modified F–C assay can be used to estimate a corrected TPC value.

Essential oils of oregano are widely recognized for their antimicrobial activity, as well as their antiviral and antifungal properties. Nevertheless, recent investigations have demonstrated that these compounds are also potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cancer suppressor agents. These properties of oregano essential oils are of potential interest to the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this manuscript is to review the latest evidence regarding essential oils of oregano and their beneficial effects on health.

High levels of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6, are associated with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer; therefore cytokine inhibition might be an important target for the treatment of these diseases. Most drugs used to alleviate some inflammation-related symptoms act by inhibiting cyclooxygenases activity or by blocking cytokine receptors. Nevertheless, these drugs have secondary effects when used on a long-term basis. It has been mentioned that flavonoids, namely quercetin, apigenin and luteolin, reduce cytokine expression and secretion. In this regard, flavonoids may have therapeutical potential in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases as cytokine modulators. This review is focused on current research about the effect of flavonoids on cytokine modulation and the description of the way these compounds exert their effect.

Several herb species classified as oregano have been widely used in folk medicine to alleviate inflammation-related diseases, respiratory and digestive disorders, headaches, rheumatism, diabetes and others. These potential health benefits are partially attributed to the phytochemical compounds in oregano such as flavonoids (FL) and phenolic acids (PA). Flavonoids and phenolic acids are among the most abundant and most studied phytochemicals in oregano species. Epidemiological, in vitro and in vivo experiments have related long-term consumption of dietary FL and PA with a decreased risk of incidence of chronic diseases. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the latest studies on the identification and distribution of flavonoids and phenolic compounds from oregano species and their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer health benefits.

Inflammation is a biological defense mechanism caused by the interruption of the tissue homeostasis caused by the presence of a biological, chemical, or physical agents in the body; immune system produces a series of pro-inflammatory mediators, however their overproduction, as occurs in chronic inflammation, might lead to the occurrence of several chronic diseases. For this reason, slowing down the inflammation process becomes very important, and with this purpose non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are generally used with the subsequent occurrence of adverse side effects. As an alternative in inflammation treatment, folklore medicine has used several plants and herbs with minimal or null side effects, with the phenolic compounds being one of their principal components. Phenolic compounds are able to inhibit either the production or the action of pro-inflammatory mediators, resulting in anti-inflammatory capacity.

A wound is the loss of the normal integrity, structure, and functions of the skin due to a physical, chemical, or mechanical agent. Wound repair consists of an orderly and complex process divided into four phases: coagulation, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The potential of natural products in the treatment of wounds has been reported in numerous studies, emphasizing those with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, e.g., alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, essential oils, and polyphenols from different plant sources, since these compounds can interact in the various stages of the wound healing process. This review addresses the most current in vitro and in vivo studies on the wound healing potential of natural products, as well as the main mechanisms involved in this activity. We observed sufficient evidence of the activity of these compounds in the treatment of wounds; however, we also found that there is no consensus on the effective concentrations in which the natural products exert this activity. For this reason, it is important to work on establishing optimal treatment doses, as well as an appropriate route of administration. In addition, more research should be carried out to discover the possible side effects and the behavior of natural products in clinical trials.