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Zephyranthes irwiniana (Ravenna) Nic. García is an endemic, red list threatened species from the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) with pharmacological potential to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). This work analyzed the vegetative growth and phytochemistry of its potential compounds, in response to variations in sucrose concentration and activated carbon (AC). Seeds were germinated in vitro and in the greenhouse. The in vitro bulbs were separated in six treatments with different sucrose concentrations (30, 45 and 60 gL -1 ) and/or AC (1 gL -1 ). Biomass increases in individuals grown in the greenhouse were higher than those cultivated in vitro . Sucrose concentration significantly increased biomass and root number. AC had a positive influence on leaf and root size, and a negative influence on root number. GC-MS analyses indicated great variation in the abundance of α-terpenyl-acetate, ethyl linoleate, clionasterol and lycorine between treatments, with maximum concentrations of 53.06%, 38.68, 14.34% and 2.57%, respectively. Histolocalization tests indicated the presence of alkaloids in the leaf chlorenchyma and bulb cataphylls. Finally, the present study provided new evidence that the constitution of the culture medium directly influences the vegetative growth and phytochemistry of this species, providing a good medium condition for propagating the species under threat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiprotozoal activity of essential oils from Varronia curassavica accessions against different stages of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Essential oils from each accession were tested in vitro at the concentrations 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 mg/L. The VCUR-001, VCUR-202, VCUR-509, and VCUR-601 accessions presented the major compounds α-pinene, germacrene D-4-ol, (E)-caryophyllene and epiglobulol, and sabinene, respectively. These isolated compounds were tested in vitro at a concentration proportional to that found in the essential oil which caused 100% mortality of the parasite. The concentrations of 10 and 50 mg/L of the essential oil of accession VCUR-202 provided 100% mortality of trophonts and tomonts, respectively. For the accession VCUR-509, 100% mortality of trophonts and tomonts was observed at concentrations 75 and 200 mg/L of essential oil, respectively. The same mortality was observed at concentration 200 mg/L in both stages of the parasite for the other accessions. The major compounds α-pinene, sabinene, and the (E)-caryophyllene + epiglobulol mixture caused 100% mortality of trophonts and tomonts. The in vivo assay for white spot disease control was performed in a therapeutic bath of 1 h with the essential oil of accession VCUR-202 at concentrations of 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L. A significant reduction of about 30% of trophonts on infected fish was observed, independent of the oil concentration. The V. curassavica essential oil, especially the VCUR-202 accession, is a potential source of raw material for the formulation and commercialization of bioproducts to control freshwater white spot disease in fish.

Myrcia lundiana Kiaersk. is a tree of the family Myrtaceae found in tropical and subtropical areas of the southern hemisphere that produces essential oil. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of M. lundiana plants from a native population of Parque Nacional de Itabaiana, using inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers. Thirty-five primers were tested, 20 of which were polymorphic, resulting in 135 polymorphic and informative bands. Results of the cluster analysis, obtained using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean, grouped plants into three clusters: Cluster I - MLU001, MLU002, MLU003, MLU004, MLU005, MLU006, MLU018, MLU019, MLU020, MLU021, MLU022; MLU008, MLU011, MLU012, MLU014, MLU015, MLU017, MLU026, and MLU028; Cluster II - MLU007, MLU009, MLU010, MLU013, and MLU016; and Cluster III - MLU023, MLU024, MLU025, and MLU027. Jaccard similarity coefficients for pair-wise comparisons of plants ranged between 0.15 and 0.87. MLU014 and MLU015 presented low genetic diversity, with a similarity index of 0.87. Conversely, MLU007 and MLU019 presented high diversity, with a similarity index of 0.15. According to the structure analysis, three distinct clusters were formed. Genetic diversity of M. lundiana plants was intermediate, and expansion of its genetic diversity is necessary. MLU026 and MLU028 are the most suitable for selection in breeding programs, since they clearly represent all of the diversity present in these plants. Moreover, these results provide important information on the existing genetic variability, highlighting the importance of Parque Nacional de Itabaiana for the conservation of this species.

Varronia curassavica Jacq. is a medicinal and aromatic plant from Brazil with significant economic importance. Studies on genetic diversity in active germplasm banks (AGB) are essential for conservation and breeding programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of V. curassavica accessions of the AGB of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), using inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers. Twenty-four primers were tested, and 14 were polymorphic and informative, resulting in 149 bands with 97.98% polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram divided the accessions into Clusters I and II. Jaccard similarity coefficients for pair-wise comparisons of accessions ranged between 0.24 and 0.78. The pairs of accessions VCUR-001/VCUR-503, VCUR-001/VCUR-504, and VCUR-104/VCUR-501 showed relatively low similarity (0.24), and the pair of accessions VCUR-402/VCUR- 403 showed medium similarity (0.78). Twenty-eight accessions were divided into three distinct clusters, according to the STRUCTURE analysis. The genetic diversity of V. curassavica in the AGB of UFS is low to medium, and it requires expansion. Accession VCUR-802 is the most suitable for selection in breeding program of this species, since it clearly represents all of the diversity present in the AGB., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

In vitro, shoot apices cultures provide an alternative means for producing secondary metabolites of medicinal and pharmaceutical importance. In this study, the major objective was to investigate the effect of Copper (Cu) and Methyl Jasmonate elicitors on basil 'Grecco a Palla' shoot apex growth, on the volatile chemical composition, and biological and enzymatic activities. Stem apex, from seedlings grown in vitro, were used as explant for plant propagation. Murashige—Skoog medium, supplemented with five elicitors concentrations (T1: 0 µM, 0 µM; T2: 25 µM, 0 µM; T3: 0 µM, 5 µM, T4: 25 µM, 5 µM; T5: 75 µM, 5 µM de Cu and MeJa, respectively) was used for the inoculation. Cooper in combination with MeJa (T3 and T4) reduced the occurrence of oxidation (20%) and hyperhydricity (77%) in the shoot when compared to the control treatment. 25 µM Cu and 5 µM MeJa increased the antioxidant activity by 72.5% (DPPH), the enzymatic activity of Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) by 95%, the total phenolic compounds by 33,33%, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity by 37%. In the 75 µM Cu and 5 µM MeJa treatment resulted in an increase of 20% in the ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity. Those treatments promoted a higher number of volatile compounds to T4 (20) and T5 (28), of which α-bergamotene, methyl eugenol, and linalool were found to be the majority. β-Pinene, Myrcene, γ-Cadinene, and δ-Cadinene were only identified in T5. Therefore, the above-mentioned elicitors might be used in combination with the described concentrations, in order to improve the compound synthesis and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural ingredients (NIs) from plant biodiversity represent a value creation strategy in the transition to a sustainable biobased economy, especially in biodiversity rich countries. A necessary action to achieve this purpose is to orientate research and strengthen the knowledge base of NIs following a value chain (VC) approach. Although the promotion of NIVCs has gained increasing attention in the bioeconomy, a description of the scientific progress, research advances and gaps towards their development is necessary. This review aimed to scrutinize the existing literature on NIVCs to determine its state of progress. Firstly, we explored the global diffusion of research on natural plant ingredients. Secondly, we examined the research landscape in Colombia, focusing on the cooperation between countries, economic sectors impacted, and plant species reported. Lastly, we selected the most reported plant species as a promising NI source in Colombia to assess the literature that constitute the knowledge base of this plant in relation to the VC building blocks: biomass production, biomass processing, product development, and transversal aspects such as sustainability and governance. We show that research on NIs has risen worldwide, with notable scientific output from China, India, and the United States. In Colombia, the interest in NIs from plant biodiversity has also gained importance in the research agenda. Its progress is based on extensive collaboration between institutions, mainly from Spain, the United States, and Brazil. Its research prospects include diverse applications in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. We identify Lippia origanoides as the most reported native plant in scientific literature in Colombia. Using this plant as case study, we provide an overview of the knowledge base of L. origanoides in relation to the VC. Our results indicate that most publications focus on product development, suggesting a lack of comprehensive coverage of the VC and potentially neglected aspects. Based on this, we describe the current and desired scenario of L. origanoides VCs, as well as needs and opportunities for their sustainable implementation in Colombia. This contributes to build research and development roadmaps of sustainable NIVCs from plant diversity supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infests all freshwater fish species and can cause severe economic losses in aquaculture. The present study aims to evaluate the antiparasitic activity of onion (Allium cepa), sage (Salvia officinalis), menthe (Menthe spicata), garlic (Allium sativum), lavender (Lavandula officinalis) and oregano (Origanum onites) essential oils against I. multifiliis trophonts. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses determined these essential oils' chemical components. The major components were dipropyl disulfide (46.15%) in onion, alpha-thujone (46.80%) in sage, carvone (48.00%) in menthe, diallyl disulfide (32.70%) in garlic, 1,8-cineole (32.65%) in lavender; carvacrol (73.00%) in oregano. I. multifilis trophonts were isolated from infected European catfish's skin and gill arches (Silurus glanis). Then in vitro, antiparasitic assays obtained those essential oils of sage (0.50 mL L-1), lavender (0.25-, and 0.50-mL L-1), and oregano (0.1, 0.25- and 0.50-mL L-1) have been found as 100% effective against trophonts at the different concentration of after 60 min of exposure, respectively (p<0.05). In addition, onion, menthe, and garlic essential oil had effectiveness with 94%, 94%, and 92% mortalities after 60 min of exposure, respectively. These results suggested that sage, lavender, and oregano essential oils can be eco-friendly in controlling I. multifiliis trophonts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture-based foods have enriched nutritional and medicinal value to meet the needs of the global population. Recently, improper maintenance of aquatic organisms in aquaculture sector led to the outbreak of infectious diseases by pathogens. Treatment of disease by conventional methods (chemical) causes adverse effects to culturing organisms, the environment, and even to consumers. As an alternative to conventional methods, a variety of medicinal plant compounds like curcumin, quercetin, silymarin, Ajoene, and caffeic acid were used for disease control since they enhance the non-specific immunity. Phytotherapy-based techniques/compounds were preferred by aqua industry to develop resistance against a variety of aquatic pathogens in culture organisms since they are inexpensive and eco-friendly. Recent advances in nanotechnology pave the way to incorporate various medicinal plant-based nanoformulations to control aquatic microbial pathogens. Therefore, this review expresses in detail the versatile uses of phytotherapies and their based nanoformulation as a promising tool for disease management in aquaculture. Highlights: • Aquaculture and their food was highly nutritive, market value. During culture practices easily affected by pathogens leads to loss of social—economic value. • Using of chemicals causes adverse effects in culturing organisms, consumer producer and environment. • In this review explains about using of herbs and their consequences in aquaculture industry and their beneficial effects such as increase production rate, stress relief agent, Aphrodisiac activity, Anti- pathogenic activity and also act as immunostimulants. • Using of herbal based medicine in aquaculture industry safe to environment, farmer, consumer level. Hence to farming "ORGANIC AQUACULTURE" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of viscozyme pre-treatment followed by hydrodistillation (E-HD) on extraction yield, extraction time and quality of methyl cinnamate basil (O. canum) oil. The viscozyme, as a multienzyme acting on cell wall, was used at different concentrations (0.5% and 1%, v/w) for 30, 60 and 90 min at 50 °C and pH 5 before hydrodistillation (HD). Oxygenated monoterpenes/monoterpene hydrocarbons ratio was used as a quality index for the obtained essential oil. Enzymatic pretreatment at 1% enzyme concentration for 90 min followed by HD increased yield of essential oil by 44.5% with high quality index and decreased HD time from 180 to 30 min. Thirty-nine volatile compounds, comprising > 99% of the essential oil were identified and quantified by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrum (GC-MS). The major components of essential oil were (E)-methyl cinnamate, camphor, trans-β-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole. Results confirm the effectiveness of the enzyme pretreatment, which enhance extraction of O. canum essential oil in a short time, with a high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased use of pesticides applied to treat diseases caused by bacteria has caused serious environmental problems. There are few fungicides/bactericides for the treatment of plant diseases caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), and only two natural products with general bactericidal/fungicidal use are available on the market. Thus, this study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs), and their combinations, from five distinct genotypes of Cordia curassavica (Jacq.) Roem. & Schult (Syn. Varronia curassavica Jacq.) (CCUR) against Xcc. GC/MS chemical analysis revealed α-pinene, sabinene, (E)-caryophyllene, ar-curcumene, β-sesquiphellandrene, 7-cyclodecen-1-one, and ar-Turmerone as the major compounds of the five EOs of CCUR. All EOs showed growth inhibition of Xcc with minimum inhibitory concentration between 500 and 1000 μg mL−1. The associations between two EOs from different CCUR genotypes showed that 70% of the total combinations had an additive effect. However, the combinations between CCUR-002 × (-302, -202) and CCUR-302 × (-601) showed a synergistic effect, with mean fractional inhibitory concentration FIC50 values of 0.28, 0.42, and 0.40, respectively. This study demonstrates that combinations of C. curassavica EOs have antimicrobial activity and a potential to be used in the control of black rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]