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The proliferation of microorganisms in outdoor stone sculptures and cultural objects can damage the structure and aesthetics of the materials through biodeterioration mechanisms. Biocides and synthetic products are often used to prevent this phenomenon, despite their negative impact on the environment and human health. Less toxic alternatives with reduced environmental impact can be an option for the preventive conservation of stone sculptures to reduce the environmental impact. In this work, chitosan formulations reinforced with two types of cellulose crystals (microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)) and with or without citric acid and sodium tripolyphosphate were prepared. The films obtained with these formulations showed low solubility, and those only containing MCC or CNCs had the lowest wettability. The formulation containing 2% (w/v) MCC was selected for further analysis and supplemented with oregano essential oil (OEO) at 1% (v/v) and 2% (v/v), exhibiting low solubility, swelling and wettability when polymerised in film form. Inoculation of the films with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodotorula spp. resulted in total or partial inhibition of their growth, as well as a 60–100% reduction in Penicillium chrysogenum growth, depending on the concentration of OEO. The formulation with 2% (v/v) OEO was applied to samples of granite, marble and limestone, forming a protective, yet irregular coating on their surfaces. The wettability of the stones' surfaces was reduced without becoming completely water-repellent and the coating did not cause visible colour changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melaleuca species (family Myrtaceae) are characterized by their wide-ranging applications as antimicrobials and in skin-related conditions. Herein, we estimated the volatile profile and biological significance of M. rugulosa (Link) leaves for the first time supported by a dereplication protocol. Materials and methods: Volatile components were extracted using hydrodistillation (HD), supercritical fluid (SF), and headspace (HS) techniques and identified using GC/MS. The variations among the three extracts were assessed using principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The extracted volatiles were tested for radical scavenging activity, anti-aging, and anti-hyperpigmentation potential. Finally, disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays were implemented to explore the antibacterial capacity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: The yield of the SF technique (0.8%) was three times higher than HD. GC/MS analysis revealed that the oxygenated compounds are the most proponents in the three extracts being 95.93% (HD), 80.94% (HS), and 48.4% (SF). Moreover, eucalyptol (1,8-cineol) represents the major component in the HD-EO (89.60%) and HS (73.13%) volatiles, while dl-α-tocopherol (16.27%) and α-terpineol (11.89%) represent the highest percentage in SF extract. Regarding the bioactivity profile, the HD-EO and SF-extract showed antioxidant potential in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and β- carotene assays, while exerting weak activity towards DPPH. In addition, they displayed potent anti-elastase and moderate anti-collagenase activities. The HD-EO exhibited potent anti-tyrosinase activity, while the SF extract showed a moderate level compared to tested controls. OPLS-DA and dereplication studies predicted that the selective antibacterial activity of HD-EO to S. aureus was related to eucalyptol, while SF extract to C. perfringens was related to α-tocopherol. Conclusions: M. rugulosa leaves are considered a vital source of bioactive volatile components that are promoted for controlling skin aging and infection. However, further safety and clinical studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus and Hyptis suaveolens are known for their insecticidal properties, but remain ineffective against mosquitoes resistant to synthetic insecticides. In order to improve insecticidal properties of these plants, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes of essential oil obtained by co-distillation of dry leaves of C. citratus and H. suaveolens. Methods: Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from dry leaves of C. citratus and H. suaveolens, separately, then from the mixture of the dry leaves of the two plants in mass ratio 50/50. Each pure essential oil and the mixture obtained either by co-distillation or by combining pure essential oils in volume ratio 50/50 were then analysed by GC/MS. All essential oils and Deltamethrin 0.05% (positive control) were tested on two species of mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles gambiae according to the World Health Organization standard methods. Results: Essential oil obtained by co-distillation mainly contained piperitone (40.80%), 1,8-cineole (24.64%), p-menth-4(8)-ene (13.20%), limonene (6.09%) and α-pinene (4.73%). However, the mixture of pure essential oils of these two plants mostly contained geranial (20.74%), neral (16.42%), 1,8-cineole (19.79%), sabinene (6.03%) and β-pinene (3.87%). The essential oil of C. citratus mainly contained geranial (41.49%), neral (32.83%), β-myrcene (13.66%) and geraniol (3.49%) while the major constituents of essential oil of H. suaveolens were 1,8-cineole (39.58%), sabinene (12.06%), β-pinene (7.73%), α-terpinolene (6.72%) and (E)-caryophyllene (7.49%). At the dose of 1%, all essential oils, except that of H. suaveolens, induced about 100% of mortality on the sensitive species of An. gambiae. However, on the resistant species at the same dose, the essential oil obtained by co-distillation induced the highest mortality (53.44%). The essential oils of C. citratus, H. suaveolens and the mixture of the two pure essential oils caused respectively 2.47, 15.28 and 18.33% of mortality. The synthetic insecticide caused 100 and 14.84% of mortality respectively on the sensitive and resistant species of An. gambiae. Conclusion: Essential oil obtained by co-distillation showed good insecticidal efficacy against a resistant species of An. gambiae and might constitute a new solution to fight against mosquitoes resistant to synthetic insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatherapy using essential oils (EOs) is well known for its beneficial effects on mental health and neuroprotection. However, the significant molecular mechanisms have not yet been identified. Recent studies have identified a decrease in glucose uptake as a common feature across various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive autophagy. This suggests that glucose may serve not only as an energy source but also as a therapeutic target for NDDs. Using SH-SY5Y neuroblast-like cells and the glucose uptake inhibitor BAY-876, we demonstrated that glucose depletion promoted autophagy. To discover the potential therapeutics that modulate glucose metabolism, we obtained EO from Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. (PKSZ) using steam distillation. PKSZ-EO upregulated mRNA expression of SLC2A2, SLC2A3, and SLC2A4, leading to increased glucose uptake in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, PKSZ-EO protected SH-SY5Y cells from BAY-876-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, cytostasis, autophagy, and inflammation. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we confirmed the high levels of α-pinene, an inducer of GLUT4 expression, in PKSZ-EO. These results suggest that PKSZ-EO exerts a protective effect against glucose depletion stress, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for NDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnamese balm (Elsholtzia ciliata) is a prominent herb in Vietnamese traditional medicine. This study investigated the impact of Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils on the growth of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in the juvenile stage. Essential oils were extracted using steam distillation, following European Pharmacopoeia guidelines. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry identified the essential oil components. The experiment encompassed three treatments: 0% (control), 3%, and 5% of Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils in a completely randomized design. The results demonstrated a time and dose-dependent modulation of striped catfish growth by the essential oils. Diets enriched with 5% Vietnamese balm leaf essential oils significantly enhanced survival rate and growth, indicating potential as a fish feed additive. The essential oil yield was 0.83% dry weight, with major components including (Z)-ß-Farnesene (24.02%), neral (15.06%), geranial (15.02%), and ß-ocimene (13.61%). Additionally, the study emphasized the growth-promoting effects of herbal extracts on various growth parameters. Further investigations should explore the impact of Vietnamese balm essential oil on catfish immune response and disease resistance, providing a comprehensive understanding of its potential benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carum copticum L. is one of the medicinal plants belonging to the Apiaceae family that has significant pharmaceutical properties. This plant was first described by Carl von Linnaeus. Carum copticum possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, carminative, antiviral, anesthetic, antitussive, bronchodilatory, hepatoprotective and antiulcer effects which are practical nowadays. Considering the importance of C. copticum, we studied evaluation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and light spectrum such as white, white–blue and blue on improvement of antioxidant properties and essential oils. For this purpose, the seedlings were grown under controlled hydroponic conditions and after 3 weeks treated by spraying of different TiO2 NPs concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) on their leaves and then treated by the light. Afterwards, some of the physiological, phytochemical parameters and essential oils were analyzed. The results showed that 300 ppm TiO2 NPs combined with white–blue light is significantly the most effective treatments for improving the quantity of physiological and phytochemical parameters in C. copticum. Furthermore, TiO2 NPs and light play the role of elicitor that can induce remarkable enhanced changes in the desired parameters. In addition, studing of the essential oil contents of C. copticum using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry demonstrated that thymol, α-pinene and γ-terpinene are the main essential oil components of this plant and the treated seedlings under 300 ppm TiO2 NPs and white–blue light together showed a significant increase in the contents of thymol and γ-terpinene. Besides, α-pinene enhanced considerably at 400 ppm TiO2 NPs combined with white–blue light spectrum.Key message: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles combined with the light spectrum may be considered as proper elicitors to enhance secondary metabolites and essential oils of C. copticum (L.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to characterise the chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from a Chinese traditional aromatic herb, Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart ex Willd and investigate its antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, the test bacterium, using thin-layer chromatography-direct bioautography (TLC-DB). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the essential oil was dominated by chamazulene (44.44%). Undeveloped TLC-DB enabled the measurement of zone of inhibition as valid as and more sensitive than the traditional agar diffusion method. The overall antimicrobial effect was weak at the tested concentration range and the antimicrobial strength did not exhibit concentration dependence. At high essential oil concentration (>1000μg/ml), size of zone of inhibition was all <7mm. Developed TLC-DB separated the components and visualised the inhibition of bacterial growth on the plate surface where the active antimicrobials were determined to be the minor components, hydroxylated terpenes, rather than the dominant component, chamazulene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases that occur when cells in the body proliferate and divide uncontrollably. As the current treatment modalities have pros and cons, the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents with the least side effects is one of the most investigated research areas. In this context, plant-based natural products are a rich source of drugs and have served humanity for ages. Frankincense essential oils (FEOs) are among the most promising plant-based oils in Gulf countries. In addition to their high cultural value, FEOs are also famous for their engaging biological activities, including anti-cancerous. However, the practical application of FEOs is often hindered/by their low water solubility, limited bioavailability, high volatility, and sensitivity toward heat, humidity, light, or oxygen. Thus, a significant demand for technological advancement would improve their ability to target particular cells and tissues. Nanotechnology emerged as an exciting approach in this context. Through suitable nano-formulation (functionalization or encapsulation into a nanostructure), issues arising due to solubility, targeting capability, and delivery can be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essential oil dominated by germacrene D (19.3% by GC) was isolated from the fresh fruit of Amorpha fruticosa L. (Fabaceae). Agglomerative clustering and k-means clustering were employed to compare the composition of the oil with the existing literature data, suggesting that the A. fruticosa used in this study represents a new chemotype. The essential oil was evaluated for its antinociceptive activity using the acetic acid-induced writhing test in rats at doses of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg. All tested doses reduced the number of writhes induced by the intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid. The 400 mg/kg dose of the oil demonstrated a 54.4% inhibition, which was statistically different from the positive control, aspirin, which showed 90.2% inhibition at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Since the injection of acetic acid produces the release of prostaglandins, such as PGE2α and PGF2α, as well as sympathetic nervous system mediators in peritoneal fluids, the results suggest that the inhibition of prostaglandin release might represent one of the possible mechanisms of action exerted by the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of Salvia lavandulifolia, Spanish sage, makes an important contribution to the economy of many rural areas in Southeastern Spain. This aromatic plant species is characterized by high intraspecific variability, which makes the selection process for the establishment of homogeneous crops difficult. Additionally, imminent climate change threatens to reduce its production, especially when cultivated in drylands. Therefore, to guarantee the continued production of this type of sage, it is essential to study its agronomic behavior and production quality. For this, clones from four ecotypes were cultivated for three years, assessing changes in their biomass production, essential oil yield and quality, and phenolic fraction, as well as the corresponding antioxidant activity. The results suggest that essential oil yield is genetically predetermined, greater biomass not being associated with higher quantities of essential oil. Weather conditions affected both essential oil and phenolic fraction secondary metabolism. Under very harsh conditions, Spanish sage produces higher concentrations of camphor and 1,-8-cineole along with luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and lithospermic, rosmarinic, and salvianolic A acids in its phenolic fraction. The synthesis of these components helps the species to withstand the hot and dry conditions typical of southeast Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the beneficial effects of natural antioxidants, such as the essential oils of different plants, including retarding or preventing the oxidation of oil/fat -based foods, as compared to the synthetic ones, they have received much attention. In this study, the effect of the essential oils of chaville, rosemary and lavender (100, 300 and 500 ppm) extracted by the steam distillation method on the thermal stability of camelina oil extracted by the cold press method under accelerated conditions (storage at 65 °C for 14 days) compared to camelina oil containing the synthetic antioxidant TBHQ was investigated. Data were analyzed by one -way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS software version 22 and the means were compared by the Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that the type of essential oil, storage time as well as their interactive effect had a significant (p<0.01) effect on the peroxide, anisidine and TOTOX values, as their values increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing storage time and decreased significantly (p< 0.05) as the concentration of essential oil increased. After 14 days of storage under accelerated conditions, the total oxidation value (TOTOX value), when using chaville and rosemary essential oils (500 ppm), indicated that the oxidative stability of camelina oil increased compared to the camelina oil containing synthetic antioxidant TBHQ, and that it was suitable for frying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calotropis gigantea essential oil is utilized in outmoded medicine, therapeutics, and the cosmetic industries. However, the extreme volatility, oxidation susceptibility, and instability of this oil restricts its application. Thus, encapsulation is a more effective method of shielding this oil from unfavorable circumstances. The creation of oil/water (O/W) nanoemulsions based on Calotropis gigantea essential oil (CEO), known as CNE (Calotropis gigantea essential oil nanoemulsions), and an assessment of its biological potential were the goals of this work. UV, fluorescence, and FT-IR methods were used for physiological characterization. Biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. Studies on the pharmacokinetics of CNE were conducted. CNEs encapsulation efficiency was found to be 92%. The CNE nanoemulsions had a spherical shape with polydispersity index of 0.531, size of 200 nm, and a zeta potential of −35.9 mV. Even after being stored at various temperatures for 50 days, CNE nanoemulsions remained stable. Numerous tests were used to determine the antioxidant capacity of CNE, and the following IC50 values (µl/mL) were found: iron chelating assay: 18, hydroxyl radical scavenging: 37, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity: 58. The percentage of HeLa cells that remained viable after being treated with CNE was 41% at a higher dose of 1 µl. CNE inhibited α-amylase in a dose-dependent manner, with 72% inhibition at its higher dose of 250 µL. Research on the kinetics of drugs showed that nanoemulsions showed Higuchi pattern. This research showed potential use of Calotropis gigantea oil-based nanoemulsions in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the cytotoxic effect of a novel combination of doxorubicin (DOX) and nano-formulation of Santolina chamaecyparissus L. essential oil (SCEO-NANO) on hepatic (HepG2) and colon (HT29) cancer cell lines. Methods: A nano-emulsion was prepared by high-pressure homogenisation, then analysed by zetasizer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. HepG2 and HT29 cells were used in in vitro tests for apoptosis detection. Results: Formulated droplet size increased in DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX to 11.54 ± 0.02 with uniform distribution (PDI = 0.13 ± 0.01), when compared with SCEO-NANO (size: 8.91 ± 0.02 nm; PDI = 0.1 ± 0.02). In both cells, DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX led to a considerable reduction in colony formation. Compared to DOX, apoprotein proteins were overexpressed in HepG2 cells, showing increases of 8.66-fold for caspase-3 and 4.24-fold for the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In HT29 cells, ROS-dependent necrosis and apoptosis were seen. Comparing DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX versus DOX, greater levels of caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were observed. Conclusion: The DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX formulation showed potential for targeted eradication of colon adenocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of selected Camellia yuhsienensis Hu specimens were studied at different stages of flowering to determine the volatile components of floral fragrance and how their concentrations changed during efflorescence. The mechanism of fragrance formation and release was also studied in order to provide a theoretical basis for the practical use of C. yuhsienensis Hu flowers. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) was used to extract the natural floral volatile oils of C. yuhsienensis Hu at the different stages, and the floral fragrance components were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 31, 59 and 55 compounds were detected at the budding, early‐blooming and full‐blooming stages respectively. These floral fragrance components included terpene alcohols, as well as other aromatic and aliphatic compounds, and the relative concentrations of the various compounds at different stages of flowering, were different, and those of fatty alcohols and terpene alcohols having higher relative contents at all stages. The main component at the budding stage of C. yuhsienensis Hu was ocimene, which has a grassy fragrance, accompanied by the scent of neroli oil, which gives it a refreshing, gentle and sweet, and explains why the floral fragrance of C. yuhsienensis Hu at the budding stage is extremely thin: the main component during the early‐blooming stage was 3‐carene. A higher percentage of 3‐carene increased the sweetness of the scent, manifesting the typical fragrant characteristics of C. yuhsienensis Hu. The main identified compound at the full‐blooming stage was α‐farnesene, which has a delicate fragrance, accompanied by a balsamic aroma, similar to the scent of gardenia, which is consistent with the sensory characteristics of C. yuhsienensis Hu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study subjected the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts of the Russian knapweed plant, sourced from natural habitats in Markazi Province, Iran, to rigorous analysis. The Clevenger method facilitated the extraction, and standard laboratory techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), were employed for quantitative and qualitative chemical compound identification. The reducing and stabilizing capabilities of the extracted essential oil were evaluated for the first time during a surfactant-free nano-emulsion system in the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles as a green and environmentally-friendly approach. The characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were comprehensively explored using conventional methods such as XRD, SEM, DLS, and VSM. The efficiency of the essential oil extraction was estimated to be 0.11%, and the gas chromatograph identified twenty-one chemical compounds, constituting 67.38% of the total essential oil. The major constituents included 1,8-cineole (17.18%), camphor (16.32%), beta-caryophyllene (14.14%), caryophyllene oxide (10.99%), and alpha-pinene (8.75%). The study chose 4:1 ratio of the organic phase (essential oil) to the aqueous phase with the smallest emulsion droplet size for synthesizing the iron oxide nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated successful formation of the mixture of iron oxides (Fe3O4 and Fe2O3) through the prepared nano-emulsion reactor. SEM, DLS, and VSM analyses conducted at 200 °C for 2 h revealed the key characteristics of the prepared nanoparticles, including an average particle size of 12.3 nm, a surface charge of + 19.26 mV, and a magnetic property of 30 emu/g, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the essential oil of Russian knapweed as a green and environmentally-friendly agent in the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin commensal bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) can help defend against skin infections, and they are increasingly being recognized for their role in benefiting skin health. This study aims to demonstrate the activities that Myristica fragrans Houtt. seed extracts, crude extract (CE) and essential oil (EO), have in terms of promoting the growth of the skin commensal bacterium S. epidermidis and providing metabolites under culture conditions to disrupt the biofilm formation of the common pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: The culture supernatant obtained from a co-culture of S. epidermidis with M. fragrans Houtt. seed extracts in either CE or EO forms were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in silico investigations, and applied to assess the survival and biofilm formation of S. aureus. Results: The combination of commensal bacteria with M. fragrans Houtt. seed extract either CE or EO produced metabolic compounds such as short-chain fatty acids and antimicrobial peptides, contributing to the antimicrobial activity. This antimicrobial activity was related to downregulating key genes involved in bacterial adherence and biofilm development in S. aureus, including cna, agr, and fnbA. Conclusion: These findings suggest that using the culture supernatant of the commensal bacteria in combination with CE or EO may provide a potential approach to combat biofilm formation and control the bacterial proliferation of S. aureus. This may be a putative non-invasive therapeutic strategy for maintaining a healthy skin microbiota and preventing skin infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology and nanoscience are due to their numerous uses in medicine, engineering, and water pollution sensors and their expanding research fields. In this study, the essential oil, methanolic extract, and biosynthesized silver/silver oxide nanostructures (Ag/AgO NSs) using the aqueous extract of the plant were prepared. The phytochemical compounds of the extract and essential oil were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), respectively. The GC/MS technique identified 34 compounds in the essential oil of the plant with the major constituents including oleic acid (18.5%), palmitic acid (11.08%), phytone (6.64%), p-vinylguaiacol (6.4%), and phytol (4.23%). After the phytochemical identification, the total flavonoid and polyphenol contents of the extract was determined, too. Prodelphinidin B3 compound in the Malva sylvestris extract was analyzed and detected by high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), at a retention time of around 10 min. In addition, M. sylvestris extract was used for green synthesis of Ag/AgO NSs. The as-prepared NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption at λmax 320 nm in the UV-vis spectra confirms the formation of Ag/AgO NSs. The crystalline structure of Ag/AgO NSs was confirmed by XRD analysis. The nanoparticles were found to have a small size, measuring 64.16 nm, 44.33 nm, and 50 nm using the Williamson-Hall, Scherrer, and SEM/EDS methods, respectively. Besides, that spherical shape of Ag NPs with good size distribution was observed in the SEM/EDS analysis. The small size, around 50 nm, and spherical shape of Ag/AgO NSs with good size distribution were observed in the SEM/EDS analysis. Besides, the antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated against three pathogenic bacteria, by disk diffusion method. Significant antibacterial activity was observed for the prepared extracts of M. sylvestris against the bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the results were compared with the known antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalexin, erythromycin, and fluconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The utilization of nutrition management, has recently been developed as a means of improving the growth and production of phytochemical compounds in herbs. The present study aimed to improve the growth, physiological, and phytochemical characteristics of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) using different NH4+ (ammonium) to NO3̄ (nitrate) ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) under floating culture system (FCS). Results: The treatment containing 0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄ ratio showed the most remarkable values for the growth and morpho-physiological characteristics of M. officinalis. The results demonstrated that maximum biomass (105.57 g) earned by using the ratio of 0:100 and minimum at 75:25 ratio of NH4+: NO3̄. The plants treated with high nitrate ratio (0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄) showed the greatest concentration of total phenolics (60.40 mg GAE/g DW), chlorophyll a (31.32 mg/100 g DW), flavonoids (12.97 mg QUE/g DW), and carotenoids (83.06 mg/100 g DW). Using the 75:25 - NH4+:NO3̄ ratio caused the highest dry matter (DM), N and K macronutrients in the leaves. The highest antioxidant activity by both DPPH (37.39 µg AAE/mL) and FRAP (69.55 mM Fe++/g DW) methods was obtained in 75:25 - NH4+:NO3̄ treatment. The p-coumaric acid as a main abundant phenolic composition, was detected by HPLC analysis as the highest content in samples grown under 0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄ treatment. Also, the major compounds in M. officinalis essential oil were identified as geranial, neral, geranyl acetate and geraniol by GC analysis. With increasing NO3̄ application, geraniol and geranyl acetate contents were decreased. Conclusions: The findings of present study suggest that the management of NH4+ to NO3̄ ratios in nutrient solutions could contribute to improving growth, physiological and phytochemical properties of M. officinalis. The plants treated with high nitrate ratio (especially 0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄) showed the greatest effects on improving the growth and production of morpho-physiological and phytochemical compounds. By comprehensively understanding the intricate dynamics among nitrogen sources, plants, and their surroundings, researchers and practitioners can devise inventive approaches to optimize nitrogen management practices and foster sustainable agricultural frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the inhibitory effect of Agastache rugosa essential oil (AREO) on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, which causes dental caries and dental plaque formation. After extracting the AREO, their effects on the growth and acid production of S. mutans were examined. Furthermore, S. mutans biofilm formation was observed on the resin teeth surface. The effect on the expression of biofilm-related genes of S. mutans was measured using real-time PCR. AREO components were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS). The growth and acid production of S. mutans were significantly inhibited at concentrations of 0.02 mg/mL or higher of AREO. At 0.04 mg/mL, inhibition was similar to that of the positive control, 0.1% NaF. AREO suppressed the expression of virulence factors such as gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, gbpB, SpaP, brpA, relA, and vicR at concentrations of 0.02 mg/mL or higher. As a result of GC and GC-MS analyses, the main components of AREO included estragole, limonene, and β-caryophyllene. These results suggest that A. rugosa may be a useful agent for inhibiting the cariogenic properties of S. mutans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity represents a considerable environmental risk, exerting deleterious effects on horticultural crops. Nanotechnology has recently emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress. Among nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have been demonstrated to mitigate certain stress effects, including salinity. In the present study, the impact of CeO2 NPs (0, 25, and 100 mg L−1) on various morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical parameters, and the essential oil profile of spearmint plants under moderate (50 mM NaCl) and severe (100 mM NaCl) salinity stress conditions was examined. As expected, salinity reduced morphological parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots, as well as photosynthetic pigments, in comparison to control. Conversely, it led to an increase in the content of proline, total phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and antioxidant enzyme activities. In terms of CeO2 NP applications, they improved the salinity tolerance of spearmint plants by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowering MDA and H2O2 levels. However, CeO2 NPs at 100 mg L−1 had adverse effects on certain physiological parameters, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the applied concentration of CeO2 NPs. Considering the response of essential oil compounds, combination of salinity stress and CeO2 treatments led to an increase in the concentrations of L-menthone, pulegone, and 1,8-cineole, which are the predominant compounds in spearmint essential oil. In summary, foliar application of CeO2 NPs strengthened the resilience of spearmint plants against salinity stress, offering new insights into the potential use of CeO2 NP treatments to enhance crop stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The utilization of nutrition management, has recently been developed as a means of improving the growth and production of phytochemical compounds in herbs. The present study aimed to improve the growth, physiological, and phytochemical characteristics of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) using different NH4+ (ammonium) to NO3̄ (nitrate) ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) under floating culture system (FCS). Results: The treatment containing 0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄ ratio showed the most remarkable values for the growth and morpho-physiological characteristics of M. officinalis. The results demonstrated that maximum biomass (105.57 g) earned by using the ratio of 0:100 and minimum at 75:25 ratio of NH4+: NO3̄. The plants treated with high nitrate ratio (0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄) showed the greatest concentration of total phenolics (60.40 mg GAE/g DW), chlorophyll a (31.32 mg/100 g DW), flavonoids (12.97 mg QUE/g DW), and carotenoids (83.06 mg/100 g DW). Using the 75:25 - NH4+:NO3̄ ratio caused the highest dry matter (DM), N and K macronutrients in the leaves. The highest antioxidant activity by both DPPH (37.39 µg AAE/mL) and FRAP (69.55 mM Fe++/g DW) methods was obtained in 75:25 - NH4+:NO3̄ treatment. The p-coumaric acid as a main abundant phenolic composition, was detected by HPLC analysis as the highest content in samples grown under 0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄ treatment. Also, the major compounds in M. officinalis essential oil were identified as geranial, neral, geranyl acetate and geraniol by GC analysis. With increasing NO3̄ application, geraniol and geranyl acetate contents were decreased. Conclusions: The findings of present study suggest that the management of NH4+ to NO3̄ ratios in nutrient solutions could contribute to improving growth, physiological and phytochemical properties of M. officinalis. The plants treated with high nitrate ratio (especially 0:100 - NH4+:NO3̄) showed the greatest effects on improving the growth and production of morpho-physiological and phytochemical compounds. By comprehensively understanding the intricate dynamics among nitrogen sources, plants, and their surroundings, researchers and practitioners can devise inventive approaches to optimize nitrogen management practices and foster sustainable agricultural frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentha piperita, as a species of the mint family, is used in various medical, cosmetic, industrial and culinary products. The effect of different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) (0. 0.5, 1 mM) on phytochemical activity and antimicrobial potential of Mentha piperita essential oil against six human pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were investigated. According to the results to prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes and S. agalactiae, Gram-positive bacteria, peppermint, essential oil treatment with 1 mM salicylic acid is suggested. But to prevent the growth of Gram-negative bacteria P. aeruginosa and E. coli, peppermint essential oil of control plants is proposed. These results showed that salicylic acid elicitor changed the type and amount of peppermint essential oil compounds. Probably, salicylic acid elicitor improved antimicrobial properties of peppermint essential oil with a change in essential oil components. The inhibitory activity of essential oil depends on the type of microorganism, the concentration of essential oil and the concentration and time of salicylic acid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia dumetorum essential oil (SDEO) was obtained using a Clevenger apparatus by hydrodistillation approach. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS analysis. In this study SDEO was screened for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans and the amount of biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans bacteria. For the first time the chemical composition of SDEO growing in Central Kazakhstan was established. The results obtained from GC-MS showed the predominance of sesquiterpenoids (54.15%). The antibacterial study results showed that SDEO exhibited strong antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus in vitro and also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on S. mutans biofilm formation on 1% sucrose medium. During the study, no antibacterial activity was detected against E. coli and C. albicans. These results demonstrated that SDEO can be used in the development of new antibacterial and anti-caries therapeutic dental products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the essential oil of Lavandula dentata from Algeria and to test the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of this plant. The essential oil (EO) (57 constituents) included mainly α-pinene, β-pinene, nopinone, linalool, cryptone, and limonene. The plant polyphenolic contents and the antioxidant activity were determined. The antimicrobial effect of the EO and the methanolic extract (ME) was assessed against referenced and clinical bacterial strains, and also foodborne fungal isolates. The EO minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values varied from 0.25 to 4 mg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were less than 8 mg/mL except for S. aureus, clinical Klebsiella, S. epidermidis, and B. subtilis. The mould strains were significantly inhibited by the EO (87.50% to 88.33%). The MIC values were 3.60–15.62 mg/mL and 0.5–4 mg/mL for ME and EO, respectively. The minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values ranged from 31 to 125 mg/mL and from 2 to 8 mg/mL for ME and EO, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited solubility is the main cause of the low local availability of anti-candidiasis drug, miconazole nitrate (MN). The study's objective was to develop and characterize microemulsion (ME) based temperature-triggered in situ gel of MN for intravaginal administration to enhance local availability and antifungal activity. The solubility of MN was initially studied in different oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Then, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to select the best ratio of various components. The ME formulations were characterized by thermodynamic study, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity, and in-vitro antifungal mean inhibition zone (MIZ). Selected MEs were incorporated into different in situ gel bases using a combination of two thermosensitive polymers (poloxamer (PLX) 407 and 188), with 0.6% of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) and gellan gum (GG) as mucoadhesive polymer. ME-based gels (MG) were investigated for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, spreadability, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro release profile, and MIZ test. Furthermore, the optimum MG was assessed for in vivo animal irritation test and FESEM investigation. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, tween 80, and propylene glycol (PG) were chosen for ME preparation for the optimal formulation; formulation ME7 and ME10 were chosen. After incorporation of the selected formulation into a mixture of P407 and P188 (18:2% w/w) with 0.6% mucoadhesive polymer, the resultant MG formulation (MG1) revealed optimum gelation temperature (33 ± 0.01℃) and appropriate viscosity with enhanced sustained release (98%) and retention through sheep vaginal mucosa, MG1 exhibited a better MIZ compared to the 2% MN gel formulation and the marketed MN product, and no rabbit vagina irritation. In conclusion, the miconazole nitrate-loaded MG-based formula sustained the duration of action and better antifungal activity than the marketed miconazole nitrate formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the anesthetic effects of peppermint essential oil with concentrations of 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mg/L and its comparison with concentrations of 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L of clove essential oil were evaluated in rainbow trout. 132 fish with an average weight of 23.31±1.27g were used for anesthesia experiments. The induction time of anesthesia using peppermint essential oil varied from 1.69 to 4.81 minutes among different concentrations. In the case of clove essential oil, this time varied from 0.82 to 2.51 minutes in different concentrations. Recovery from complete anesthesia in both anesthetics significantly increase with increasing concentration of the anesthetic. The recovery time from complete anesthesia in the case of peppermint essential oil was from 2.50 to 5.55 minutes and in fish anesthetized with Clove essential oil varied from 2.96 to 3.87. Based on the ideal criteria of induction of anesthesia (less than 3 minutes) and recovery from anesthesia (less than 5 minutes), it is recommended that the most suitable concentration of peppermint essential oil to anesthetize rainbow trout in the tested weight is 200mg/L and the most suitable concentration of clove essential oil is 30mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The brown snail is a major pest affecting citrus orchards in Iran. Using chemical pesticides can contaminate the air, water, and nearby crops. Due to the emergence of pest resistance to chemical toxins and their harmful and destructive effects on human health and the environment, one of the methods to control snails is to evaluate the activity and inhibition of their digestive enzymes. α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes are key enzymes in the digestive system, and their inhibition is crucial in biotechnology. Using natural sources as inhibitors for these two enzymes is a new goal due to fewer side effects than chemical inhibitors. The purpose of this study was to use the essential oils of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), and marjoram (Origanum vulgare L.) plants from the mint family to inhibit these two enzymes of the digestive gland of the brown snail. Materials and Methods: In this study, α -amylase and α -glucosidase enzymes were extracted from brown citrus snails. The digestive glands were isolated from snails in starvation conditions. The enzyme extract was prepared after homogenization and centrifugation methods at 4 °C. Kinetic parameters and activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase measured in the enzyme extract were measured. The total amount of proteins in the crude extract was measured by the Bradford method. The essential oil was prepared using a Clevenger apparatus. The activities and kinetic parameters of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in crude extract were measured in the presence of different concentrations of the essential oils of T. vulgaris, L. angustifolia and O. vulgare. α-amylase enzyme activity was measured according to Bernfeld's method at a fixed concentration of the starch solution, essential oils (0.1-6 mg/ml) and 250 µl of the enzyme extract. The total volume was 2.5 ml in each experiment. α-glucosidase enzyme activity was determined based on the method of Siegentaler and Low with a slight change. In each experiment, different amounts of the essential oils (0.25-5 mg/ml) were incubated with the enzyme extract (15 µl) and para-nitrophenyl alpha-diglucopyranoside (20 µl). The total volume was 200 µl. Results: The amount of protein in the crude enzyme extract was 0.2 mg/ml. The α-amylase activity was obtained at 0.278 U/ml, and the specific activity was 1.39 U/mg. The Km and Vmax values for α-amylase were measured as 0.13 mg/ml and 0.062 mg/ml/min, respectively. The α-glucosidase activity was obtained at 0.4 U/ml, and the specific activity was 2 U/mg. The IC50 values for the α-amylase in the presence of essential oils of T. vulgaris, and L. angustifolia., and O. vulgare were obtained at 2.462, 0.2816, and 0.114 mg/ml, and for α-glucosidase was obtained at 0.741, 2.036, and 1.668/ml, respectively. The GC-MS analysis found that the main constituents of the essential oils of T. vulgaris, L. angustifolia and O. vulgare were Carvacrol, D-Camphor, and Terpinene-4-ol, respectively. The essential oil of O. vulgare acted as an α-amylase inhibitor, and the thyme essential oil acted as an α-glucosidase inhibitor. Our experiments showed that the essential oil of L. angustifolia competitively inhibited the α-amylase. On the other hand, O. vulgare essential oil can act as an effective competitive inhibitor for the α-glucosidase. Therefore, compounds of D-Camphor and Terpineol, which are the main components of L. angustifolia and O. vulgare essential oils, are effective competitive inhibitors for α-amylase and α-glucosidase of the snail. Discussion: Citrus snail is one of the most significant pests of agricultural products, which damages all kinds of citrus cultivars in gardens and nurseries by feeding on leaves, stems, fruits, and tree bark. Iran's rich pharmaceutical plant flora contains diverse compounds, including volatile ones like essential oils, which can be explored for their medicinal, insecticidal, fungicidal, and other properties. According to the literature, the snails have more than 20 types of carbohydrases. α-amylase and glucosidase are key enzymes in carbohydrate digestion and metabolism in insects that hydrolyze starch and glycogen. Our results showed that essential oils of T. vulgaris, L. angustifolia and O. vulgare or their active components can be proposed as environmentally friendly, low-cost, and accessible sources for the production of effective inhibitors against α-amylase and α-glucosidase of brown citrus snail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical properties of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don. (common name 'immortelle'), depend largely on the cultivation type, climatic conditions, and cultivation methods. The time and the harvesting method are crucial for enhancing the quality of essential oils. This investigation aimed to evaluate how harvesting month affects the amount and quality of essential oils (EOs). The results showed that the qualitative properties of the essential oil were influenced by the method of harvest (by hand or by machine) and, harvesting time. Harvesting by machine gave better γ-curcumene content, and harvesting by hand gave better a-pinene and neryl acetate quality. It is also observed that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production under machine harvesting raised lipid peroxidation of membranes. In general, better qualitative properties of immortelle essential oil were obtained from manual harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: New findings are presented for Chaerophyllum coloratum L. on the volatile composition of the essential oil, based on data of hydrosol and fresh plant material, light and electron microscopy of leaves, and cytotoxic and antiviral activity. The widespread Apiaceae family includes many well-known and economically important plants that are cultivated as food or spices. Many produce essential oils and are generally a source of secondary metabolites and compounds that have numerous applications in daily life. In this study, the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrastructure and biological activity of the Mediterranean endemic species Cheaerophyllum coloratum L. are investigated, as literature data for this plant species are generally very scarce. The essential oil and hydrosol were extracted from the air-dried leaves by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition of both extracts was analysed by GC–MS in conjunction with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) of VOCs from the hydrosol and the fresh plant material. In the composition of the essential oil, the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the most abundant components. In the fresh plant material, non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes dominated, with β-caryophyllene and germacrene D being the main components. The hydrosol was dominated by monoterpenes, with the oxygenated monoterpene p-cymen-8-ol being the most abundant. Light and electron micrographs of the leaf of C. coloratum show secretory structures, and we hypothesize that glandular leaf trichomes, secretory epidermal cells and secretory canals are involved in the production of volatiles and their secretion on the leaf surface. Since the biological potential of C. coloratum is poorly investigated, we tested its cytotoxic activity on cancer and healthy cell lines and its antiviral activity on plants infected with tobacco mosiac virus (TMV). Our results dealing with the composition, ultrastructure and biological activity show that C. coloratum represent a hidden valuable plant species with a potential for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases, including vector-borne and antibiotic-resistant infections, present significant global health challenges, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives for disease control. In this study, we investigated the essential oil (EO) profile as well as larvicidal and antibacterial properties of two wild Apiaceae species used in Algeria: Daucus carota L. (DCEO) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (FVEO). EO was extracted from the aerial parts by steam distillation and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Major constituents identified in DCEO were geranyl acetate (50.07%) and elemicin (10.77%), while FVEO contained estragole (24.93%), fenchone (20.20%), and α-phellandrene (17.96%). Both EOs were highly effective towards Culex pipiens larvae, with low LC50 values of 30.6 ± 1.06 ppm for DCEO and 34.7 ± 1.06 ppm for FVEO, indicating their potential as bioinsecticides due to their bioactivity and bioavailability. Additionally, the two Eos demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43300, respectively, with DCEO showing MIC values of 10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively, and FVEO exhibiting MIC values > 20 mg/mL. However, both EOs showed limited effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 700603. These results highlight the potential applications of DCEO and FVEO as natural bioinsecticides and antibacterial agents, offering promising avenues for further research and development in pest control and food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health problem primarily caused by the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Therefore, the inadequacy of antibiotics in treating infections has led to exploring effective alternative treatment options, such as natural sources like essential oils. Mentha longifolia subsp. typhoides (Lamiaceae) is an economically important medicinal and aromatic plant used in traditional medicine as a spice and herbal tea. This study aimed to characterize the essential oil composition of this species (MLT-EO) and its biological activities. The chemical composition of the MLT-EO was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Piperitenone (25.7%), carvone (22.7%), piperitone (22.8%), pulegone (6.8%), and isomenthone (6.6%) were characterized as the main components. The MLT-EO exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The MLT-EO exhibited the best MIC value against the test fungi, with <0.625 mg/mL values against Candida parapsilosis strains. The percentage of biofilm inhibition value of the MLT-EO (10 mg/mL) was 59.53%, and the percentage of violacein inhibition values calculated for sub-MICs concentrations of the MLT-EO (1 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL) were 63.68% and 38.08%, respectively. The results show that the high level of piperitenone, carvone, and piperitone detected in the MLT-EO may be responsible for these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of shade during plants' growth significantly alters the biochemical compounds of the essential oil (EO). We aimed to analyze the effect of shade on the volatile compounds and biochemical activities of EO extracted from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. (C. xanthorrhiza) plants. Four shading conditions were applied: no shading (S0), 25% (S25), 50% (S50), and 75% shade (S75). The volatile compounds of EO extracted from each shaded plant were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of EO were also investigated. We found that shade application significantly reduced the C. xanthorrhiza EO yield but increased its aroma and bioactive compound concentration. α-curcumene, xanthorrhizol, α-cedrene, epicurzerenone, and germacrone were found in EO extracted from all conditions. However, β-bisabolol, curzerene, curcuphenol, and γ-himachalene were only detected in the EO of S75 plants. The EO of the shaded plants also showed higher antioxidant activity as compared to unshaded ones. In addition, the EO extracted from S75 exerted higher antiproliferative activity on HeLa cells as compared to S0. The EO extracted from S0 and S25 showed higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than kanamycin. Our results suggest that shade applications alter the composition of the extractable volatile compounds in C. xanthorrhiza, which may result in beneficial changes in the biochemical activity of the EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides evidence on the genetic diversity, chemical constituents, and ecotoxicology of Mesosphaerum suaveolens' essential oil. It emphasizes the agricultural benefits such as crop protection effectiveness of the plant and highlights the existing knowledge gaps and research perspectives to promote its utilization in agriculture. A systematic and extensive review of the literature was done and all pertinent full-text articles and abstracts were analyzed and incorporated into the review. Mesosphaerum suaveolens is used traditionally in pharmacology to treat several diseases such as malaria, constipation, stomach problems, and renal inflammation. It also treats cramps, digestive infections, headaches, and skin infections. To date, very few studies have been conducted worldwide about its genetic diversity. These studies highlighted three morphological variants, the blue-flowering, the white-flowering, and the lightpurple flowering M. suaveolens. Its wide biological actions may be attributed to the numerous groups of chemical constituents in its essential oil including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Biological studies highlighted evidence of M. suaveolens being used as an antifungal, bactericidal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and repellent plant. The essential oil extracted from M. suaveolens showed significant potential for the control of agricultural pests such as Sitiophilus zeamais, Helicoverpa armigera and Helminthosporium oryzae. M. suaveolens is commonly used worldwide as a pesticidal plant in healthcare, agriculture, and food preservation. However, there is a lack of studies concerning the toxicity and effectiveness of isolated potent phytotoxic substances, the efficacy screening in the field, the genetic diversity, the essential oil yield, and productivity. Consequently, further studies are required to fill the knowledge gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical compositions, antioxidant activities, and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils acquired from the separated parts of air-dried flowers, leaves, and stems of Alyssoides utriculata L. plant growing in Turkiye were determined. Three volatile oil components were acquired via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by the Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry/Flame Ionization Detection (GCMS/ FID) analysis. A total of 75, 67, and 76 compounds in the volatile oils of flower, leaves, and stem of A. utriculata were identified, respectively. The highest percentage of chemical compounds in the essential oils of A. utriculata were determined to be monoterpenes in flowers and leaves, (72.4% and 66.5%) and hydrocarbons (29.2%) in stems. While α-pinene (62.5% and 46.7%) was defined as the major compound in the flowers and leaves, nonane (21.2%) was determined to be so in the stem essential oil. The antioxidant activity of the obtained essential oils was determined according to free radical scavenging and total phenolic content (TPC), and antimicrobial activity against 12 bacteria and 5 fungi, using the agar dilution method. The amount of TPC and scavenging activity of the flower oil were found to be 440.61 ± 6.26 mg GAE/L and 46.00 ± 1.28%, respectively. Based on the antimicrobial activity results, all the essential oils of A. utriculata were determined to have antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oranges and eucalyptus trees are abundant sources of waste and pruning, generating secondary streams that can be converted into valuable products. Both species are broadly cultivated in Mexico. Essential oils from orange peels and eucalyptus leaves possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making them useful in various applications. In this study, the essential oils antioxidant potential was determined through radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing capacity, and the total phenolic content was measured. These essential oils also demonstrated inhibition capacity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. GC-MS analysis of the oils revealed the composition of representative compounds, with D-limonene constituting almost 75% of the orange essential oil and 1,8-cineol comprising 15.2% of the eucalyptus oil. The antioxidant test results between essential oils showed that they are similar, except for the FRAP test, where eucalyptus essential oil obtained a value three times higher than orange essential oil. The findings suggest that these essential oils can serve as natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection that affects the nails and accounts for approximately 50% of all nail diseases. The main pathogens involved include dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum, members of the T. mentagrophytes complex, and emerging pathogens in this infection, T. schoenleinii and T. tonsurans. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) essential oil (EO) has been proposed as a promising natural alternative to traditional treatments due to its antimicrobial properties. Among its more than 100 compounds, terpinen-4-ol is one of the main contributors to the antifungal action of this EO. To determine the antifungal activity of tea tree EO against dermatophytes, we designed an in vitro study using EUCAST-AFST protocols to obtain the values of MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MFC (minimum fungicidal concentration) of several commercial M. alternifolia Cheel EOs against three species of dermatophytes isolated from clinical samples with suspected toenail onychomycosis. The results showed that the microorganism most sensitive to the action of the EO was T. rubrum, which had an MIC value more than 13 times lower than the value obtained for T. schoenleinii (0.4% v/v), the most resistant isolate. No differences in antifungal activity were observed by the analysed EOs or between the MIC and MFC values. These in vitro results suggest that tea tree EO is a viable option for the alternative treatment of onychomycosis, although clinical studies are needed to confirm the long-term antifungal activity, safety and efficacy of the oils studied in a clinical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bezmialem Science is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The formation of biofilm in different places and the failure to effectively remove it by the usual disinfection methods is due to its structure and the rich genetic resource available in it to deal with disinfectants. These impenetrable structures and diverse microbial genetics have caused biofilm pollution in different industries like the food industry, the medicine industry, the hospitals and the water distribution system, resulting in pathogenicity and reduction of industrial quality. An efficient way to deal with the resistant population of biofilm‐forming microbes is the use of hurdle technology including enzymes and essential oils. Enzymes reduce the resistance of the biofilm structure due to degradation of its extracellular polymer matrix (EPS) by their abilities to break down the organic molecules, and then the essential oils weaken the cells by penetrating the lipid membrane of the cell and destroying its integrity; as a result, the biofilm will be destroyed. The advantage of this hurdle technology is the environmental friendly of both methods, which reduces concerns about the use of chemical disinfection methods, but on the other hand, due to the sensitivity of enzymes as biological agents also the expensiveness of this technique and the considerations of working with essential oils as volatile and unstable liquids should abandon the routine methods of applying this disinfectant to biofilm and go for the microencapsulation method, which as a protective system increases the effectiveness of enzymes and essential oils as antibiofilm agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Eugenia flavescens is a species cultivated in Brazil for food purposes. Given the potential application of essential oils from plants of the genus Eugenia, this study was carried out to investigate the chemical composition, acute toxicity, antioxidant, antinociceptive, gastroprotective activities, and possible mechanisms of action of the essential oil from the leaves of E. flavescens (EOEf). The EOEf was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was obtained using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity was evaluated, as well as the acute toxicity and the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. In addition, the gastroprotective effect was investigated using an acute gastric lesion model, considering possible mechanisms of action. The major components found in the EOEf were guaiol (19.97%), germacrene B (12.53%), bicyclogermacrene (11.11%), and E-caryophyllene (7.53%). The EOEf did not cause signs of toxicity in the acute oral toxicity test and showed in vitro antioxidant activity with IC50 ranging from 247.29 to 472.39 µg/mL in the tests ABTS and DPPH. In the nociceptive test, EOEf showed a 72.05% reduction in nociception at a dose of 100 mg/kg. In evaluating the anti-inflammatory effect, the essential oil inhibited paw edema by 95.50% and 97.69% at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The results showed that EOEf has a gastroprotective effect, acting through the sulfhydryl compounds (–SH), nitric oxide (NO), and synthesis PGE2 pathways. The results suggested that EOEf is a promising source of constituents with antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective properties with application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) grown in a greenhouse environment in Serbia, marking the first commercial cultivation of the plant for essential oil production in the region. The essential oils and hydrolates obtained through steam distillation were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the resulting chemical data were further processed using chemometric methods. This study applied quantitative structure retention relationship (QSRR) analysis, employing molecular descriptors (MDs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the retention indices (RIs) of the compounds. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to select the most relevant MDs for this predictive modeling. A total of 29 compounds were annotated in the essential oils, with geranial and neral being the dominant components, while 37 compounds were detected in the hydrolates. The ANN models effectively predicted the RIs of both essential oils and hydrolates, demonstrating high statistical accuracy and low prediction errors. This research offers valuable insights into the chemical profile of lemongrass cultivated in temperate conditions and advances QSRR modeling for essential oil analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biorefineries are novel biotechnological routes designed to generate sustainable processes from renewable raw materials. The valorization of orange peel waste (OPW) provides high-value products based on their composition. The economic optimization of biorefineries through conceptual design and generation of superstructures based on the analysis of processing units is a topic of great interest. This work aimed to obtain the most profitable biorefinery through economic optimization strategies based on high-value-added products from OPW. Two stages were considered: The first stage consisted of the conceptual design of multiple OPW processing units (production of essential oil, mucic acid, phenolic compounds, biogas, among others). An OPW flow rate of 140 kg/h was selected as the base case. From the stand-alone units, a biorefinery superstructure (second stage) was designed. Finally, the units with the best mass and energy results were selected in order to maximize the net present value (NPV) and obtain an optimal biorefinery configuration. The results evidenced that the production of essential oil and biogas presented the best yields (2.61 mL and 0.028 m3 per kg OPW, respectively). This biorefinery configuration obtained an NPV of −7.7 mUSD from the base case. Through the evaluation of the different superstructure configurations, the combined production of essential oil, biogas, and mucic acid and a scale-up of over 22 times the base case generated the minimum processing scale. Under a Colombian context, the implementation of the biorefineries analyzed are promising since the minimum processing scale contemplated only 8.8% of the OPW production. Efforts to increase yields and decrease capital and operating expenses while keeping environmental impacts low should be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis is the main cause of most infections related to medical devices and prosthesis. However, current disinfection methods are not satisfactory; a new one is proposed here. S. epidermidis was spiked in a cotton gauze and then treated with supercritical CO2 mixed with essential oils, such as lemon, cinnamon, oregano, clove, and peppermint, and isolated thymol. The operation took 30 min at 10.0 MPa and 40 °C. Concentrations of 1000, 500, and 200 ppm of the essential oils were used. These additives, which have antimicrobial power by themselves, improved the inactivation with supercritical CO2. The peppermint essential oil was the most effective. The presence of water from 200 ppm also improved the disinfection. Thus, S. epidermidis total inactivation was achieved with the supercritical CO2 containing 200 ppm of peppermint essential oil and 200 ppm of water. An evaluation of the gauze before and after disinfection was realized by DSC, FTIR, and SEM. At the optimal conditions, there were no significant physical or chemical changes. Furthermore, no essential oil residuals were found. This disinfection method could be established in the healthcare field as an alternative to toxic liquid chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and potential antihyperlipidemic effects of Allspice (Pimenta dioica) leaf essential oil. The oil yield from hydro-distillation was 1.61 ± 0.35% (v/w), with major compounds identified by GC-MS analysis as eugenol (72.06 ± 3.93%), β-pinene (9.29 ± 3.33%), chavicol (6.95 ± 0.6%), limonene (3.05 ± 0.71%), and 3-octenol (1.55 ± 1.07%). The oil's antioxidant activity (426 ± 3.5 mg TE g−1) was attributed to polyphenols. It also reduced porcine pancreatic lipase activity, suggesting potential in managing dietary lipids. Molecular docking showed strong binding to CES1, with eugenol, limonene, β-pinene, and octenol outperforming the control (probucol). ADME-Tox predictions indicated favorable pharmacological profiles with controlled lipophilicity and toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition of essential oils from Myroxylon peruiferum and Eugenia gracillima and determine the larvicidal potential of the oils against Aedes aegypti. Essential oils from the leaves and young stems of M. peruiferum (EOLMP and EOAMP) and the leaves of E. gracillima (EOLEG) were obtained through hydrodistillation. The major constituents of EOLMP were α-pinene (18.0%) and δ-cadinene (14.2%); the major constituents of EOAMP were spathulenol (22.9%) and β-elemene (12.4%) and the major constituents of EOLEG were δ-elemene (40.4%) and germacrene D (25.2%). The two oils extracted from M. peruiferum were very active against A. aegypti larvae and had similar lethal concentrations (LC50 = 0.7 mg/mL). The oil extracted from E. gracillima had an LC50 of 1.51 mg/mL. The essential oils from M. peruiferum and E. gracillima constitute promising sources for the formulation of novel insecticides for the control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activities of the essential oil from the fruits of Turkish endemic Prangos hulusii were studied. Essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-nine compounds were identified, which represent 98.6% of the total composition of the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most represented classes of volatiles with 49.8% and 21.0%, respectively. The main constituents of the essential oil were (E)-methyl cinnamate (22.9%), α-phellandrene (13.8%), and (E)-β-ocimene (12.9%). (E)-methyl cinnamate was detected in Prangos spp. for the first time. Antimicrobial activities against three Gram-positive bacteria, three Gram-negative bacteria, and three yeast strains were evaluated using disk diffusion test and microdilution method. Antibiofilm experiments were done by spectrophotometric microplate method and the results of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans were visualized via scanning electron microscopy. The essential oil had an antimicrobial effect and showed an antibiofilm effect on these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils were isolated from Thymus serpyllum L. leaves, stem, flowers and whole plant using hydrodistillation technique and % yield was determined. The chemical constituents were studied using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detection. The analysis revealed the presence of 38 compounds in the essential oils obtained from different plant parts. Identification of compounds was achieved by detailed analysis of mass spectrum and retention indices. The major constituents of essential oil from the whole plant were thymol (35.25%), p-cymene (27.57%), thymol acetate (8.03%) and γ-terpinene (6.92%). In leaves they were thymol (45.59%), p-cymene (24.26%), thymol acetate (6.41%), and β-bisabolene (5.91%); whereas in flowers these were thymol (68.74%) and thymol acetate (7.40%) and in the stem, these were thymol (55.15%) and thymol acetate (8.01%). Specifically, it is the first report wherein essential oil constituents of T. serpyllum L. whole plant, leaves, flowers, and stems have been analyzed separately. Further, fundamental analysis of complex mass fragmentation patterns of terpenes and terpenoids using EI-MS has been achieved and the logical reason for the fragmentation pattern has been elaborated. Detailed elaboration of the mass fragmentation pattern may strengthen the EI-MS-based compound identification of terpenes and terpenoids from essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue virus (DENV) causes millions of infections each year, and there are currently no approved antivirals. Essential oils could serve as potential candidates for developing plant-based dengue treatments. Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown essential oil (LAEO) was selected to investigate the mode of antiviral action and its effect on activated platelets. Binding affinities of 20 LAEO compounds and platelet proteins were investigated through docking analyses. LAEO showed a potent virucidal effect (IC50, 2.1 to 5.1 μg/mL) against all DENV serotypes. LAEO reduced P-selectin (from 61% to 18%) and increased survival (from 71% to 97%) in DENV-2- and DENV NS1-stimulated human platelets. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons showed the highest binding affinities (from −7.3 to −8.0 kcal/mol) with platelet innate immune receptors such as TLR2/1, TLR4/MD-2 and αIIbβ3 integrin. The data provide a first step towards defining the potential of LAEO as a candidate for developing phytotherapeutics for dengue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn), a micronutrient, is a source of energy for essential oil (EO) biosynthesis. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant growth regulator that has favorable effects on EO quality and quantity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of Zn and MeJA on the phytochemical traits and EO compositions of peppermint cultivated under soilless conditions. Zn omission and the highest Zn concentration (0.1 mgL−1), which are stress conditions for plants, increased phytochemical traits as well as EO content, and 1 mM MeJA was more suitable for increasing these parameters. The major classes of peppermint EO components were oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and monoterpene hydrocarbons. The major constituents included menthol, menthone, menthofuran, and 1,8-cineole. Elicitation of peppermint with MeJA at different Zn levels modified the EO composition. The highest menthol content (50.1%) was observed in the 1 mM MeJA and 0.025 mgL−1 Zn treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicated that Zn and MeJA could be appropriate compounds for changing phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and EO composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alarming data revealed that 19% to 34% of adults with diabetes mellitus develop chronic wounds, which are characterized by impaired healing and a higher risk of infections. Inspired by the traditional use of immortelle for wound healing and the lack of scientific evidence regarding how it thoroughly influences tissue regeneration, we aimed to formulate a hydrogel loaded with immortelle essential oil and assess its effectiveness on diabetic excision wounds. Methods: The rheological properties of the hydrogel, an in vivo safety test, as well as wound healing capacity, were determined in rats with induced diabetes and excision wounds. Diabetic rats were divided into four groups: untreated, treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine ointment, treated with a gel base, and treated with the immortelle essential oil-based hydrogel. Results: It was revealed that the hydrogel exerts pseudoplastic behavior and has no potential to act as an irritant, thus highlighting its suitability for skin application. Moreover, analysis of macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological data revealed that the immortelle essential oil-based hydrogel significantly improves wound repair. Superior re-epithelialization, scar maturation, and increased collagen fiber density were achieved after immortelle essential oil-based gel application. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the immortelle essential oil-based hydrogel could be a natural, safe, and effective wound-healing dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]