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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]

ABSTRACT Foeniculum vulgare Miller is a highly valued aromatic and nutritious plant. The unique compositions of its essential oil make it more valuable in the flavor, fragrance, and medicinal industries. However, the potential of superheated steam distillation for obtaining essential oils from its seeds has not been explored in detail. This study assessed the composition, yield, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of essential oils distilled from F. vulgare seeds using traditional hydrodistillation, steam distillation, and superheated steam distillation. Superheated steam distillation resulted in the maximum quantity of essential oil (5.24%) compared to steam (3.47%) and hydrodistillation (2.47%). Trans‐anethole, fenchone, estragole, and limonene were the main identified by GC–MS analysis in the essential oils, and these compounds were abundant in the essential oil produced by superheated steam distillation. Essential oil distilled by superheated steam distillation presented the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pastrulla multocida, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. The highest antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, and Alternaria alternate was also demonstrated by the same essential oil. These findings demonstrated the potential of superheated steam distillation as a highly effective and efficient technique for distilling high‐quality essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare Miller seeds. It is suitable for various applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work characterizes microemulsions of Medicago marina essential oil and evaluates their antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anticoagulant effects. Medicago marina L. aerial parts essential oil was hydro-distilled and analyzed by gas chromatography-FID and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the first time from the Tunisian chemotype. The microemulsion was prepared using an oil/water formulation with a biopolymer (Arabic gum) and surfactant (Tween 20). Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated using the microbroth dilution method, while anticoagulant activity was tested in vitro using prothrombin time (PT) and aPTT tests. Eventually, the binding affinities and molecule’s interactions of the main chemicals with the operational locations of C (30) carotenoid dehydrosqualene synthase and cytidine deaminase were explored. The essential oil contained 71 compounds of which 87.6% were identified. Major compounds were β-ionone (17.67%), 1-methyleugenol (10.75%), eugenol (8.86%), β-damascenone (4.33%), and α-humulene (4.32%). A microemulsion with a diameter of 1.63 μ m, a polydispersity index of 0.17, a zeta potential of –40.8 mV and a pH of 6 was obtained and it showed the highest antibacterial potential against a multitude of microbes, with low MICs varying between 0.406 mg/mL and 3.25 mg/mL. Significant antibiofilm activity was observed with over 80% inhibition at 4 × MIC concentration. It showed better anticoagulant activity than heparin, with PT and aPTT values of 19.5 s and 57 s, respectively, at 10 mg/mL. Molecular docking showed that “(E)-β-ionone” had the highest binding scores. Notable pharmacokinetic and drug-like qualities were found in the obtained molecules after establishing ADME profiling. As a result, Medicago marina L. Essential oil microemulsion can be used in food processing as a preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

AbstractThe objective of this research work was to assess Teucrium luteum subsp. flavovirens essential oil (EOTL), for the first time, as novel and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel (CS) in 1.0 M HCl medium. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and surface analysis were employed to assess the effectiveness of the EOTL. The findings indicate that the EOTL reduces the corrosion of CS in hydrochloric acid and offered an inhibition efficiency (IE) of 91% at a dosage of 2.00 g/L at 298 K. The PDP data showed that EOTL behaved as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. The effect of immersion time and temperature on the corrosion inhibition performance of EOTL was also studied. It was found that the IE increased only up to 24 h and decreased with prolonged immersion time. In addition, the IE diminished with increasing temperature. The EOTL molecules adsorbed on the CS surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with an adsorption energy ranging from −16 to −27 kJ/mol, an indication of physico-chemical adsorption mechanisms. The SEM/EDX results provide evidence of the presence of a protective film of the inhibitor on the surface of the CS. Theoretical studies using DFT, Monte Carlo simulations, molecular dynamics simulations and mean square displacement were conducted to given insight into the contributions of the four main components of EOTL. This work not only introduces a sustainable alternative to conventional corrosion inhibitors but also provides a robust understanding of the underlying mechanisms, hence contributing to advancement in corrosion science. [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]

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]

• Innovative approach of rose-scented geranium intercropping with seasonal food crops is a sustainable agricultural strategy. • Demonstrating the potential of rose-scented geranium crop for higher yields as intercrops with okra. • Corroboration for higher yields, economic reliability and benefits for both farmers and environment. Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L′Herit ex Aiton) family, Geraniaceae, is also vegetative propagated (through rooted stem cutting), a high-value aromatic crop. Essential oil is extensively used in the fragrance, aromatherapy, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. But the cultivation of rose-scented geranium as a monocrop creates competition with companion seasonal food crops in terms of limited availability of land. Intercropping is a sustainable approach to achieve higher production per unit land area and time by maximizing the utilization of available resources. This work was aimed to study the effectiveness of rose-scented geranium with companion seasonal food crops in intercropping system for enhancing the yield, quality of rose-scented geranium essential oil, and monetary gains for farmers. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design in two successive years, with spatial arrangements of rose-scented geranium at 45 × 30 (G1), 45 × 45 (G2), and 45 × 60 (G3), companion seasonal food crops viz. maize (S1), sunflower (S2), mungbean (S3), okra (S4), onion (S5), and uradbean (S6) at their recommended populations along with their sole crops as a control. The results demonstrated that fresh herb yield (21.36 t/ha) and oil yield (35.57 kg/ha) were recorded maximum under S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at 45 × 45). In a similar manner, the highest monetary gains (4520 USD/ha) were achieved under S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at G2), followed by S4+G1 and S3+G2. The total land equivalent ratio (2.28), area time equivalent ratio (1.72), and land use efficiency (3.14) were higher in S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at G2) over monocrop. The quality of essential oils of rose-scented geranium was good and acceptable for market in all intercropping treatments. Thus, the intercropping system will help to increase high-value essential oil production and provide more benefit to seasonal food growers, as well as help the aroma industry. [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]

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]

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]

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]

ABSTRACT Essential oil from fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) is a useful source of natural raw materials due to its biological characteristics; therefore, it is used in the pharmaceutical and food preservation sectors. Plant parts have a major impact on the physiology, metabolism, synthesis and variability of essential oils. The aim of this investigation was to describe the essential oil composition of fennel, which was produced from leaves, umbels, verdant fruits and ripe fruits. It is clear that the highest levels of essential oil output (1.79% or 1.21 g plant−1) were produced by ripe fruits, afterwards, verdant fruits (0.79% or 0.30 g plant−1), then leaves or umbels (0.24% or 0.10 g plant−1). The principal constituents of fennel essential oil that were extracted from different portions were estragole (118.80–964.81 mg 100 g−1), limonene (128.02–681.99 mg 100 g−1), fenchone (8.16–30.43 mg 100 g−1) and γ‐terpinene (18.00–34.01 mg 100 g−1); while the majority belonged to the class of oxygenated monoterpenes (130.56–1016.72 mg 100 g−1). Essential oil obtained from ripe fruits resulted in the greatest values of major components and major chemical class. This study indicated that differences in fennel essential oil were caused by the subordination of fennel plants to plant parts, and hence, its biological activities were impacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch extracted from chayote root is a carbohydrate polymer ideal for producing edible films, especially when combined with essential oils. This study develops starch‐based edible films incorporating rosemary (E‐RO) or cinnamon (E‐CO) essential oil and assesses their effectiveness in extending bread's shelf life. Films with essential oils exhibit significantly higher (p < 0.05) water vapor permeability compared to control films without oil. Tensile strength and elongation tests show that films stored at low water activity (aw < 0.443) have greater strength and lower elongation (p < 0.05) than those stored at high water activity. Additionally, essential oils significantly enhance the films' antimicrobial and antifungal activity against selected microorganisms. Edible films with essential oils are fully degraded around day 18, while control films degraded by day 15. Bread coated with these films is stored at different temperatures to analyze effects on physicochemical properties and hardness. Sensory analyses reveal that coated bread receives overall acceptance scores (7.61–8.64) similar to control bread and show delayed mould growth during the 15‐day storage period. These findings suggest that chayote root starch‐based films with essential oils have strong potential as active food coatings, effectively extending the shelf life of stored bread. [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]

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the geographical variation in the content and chemical composition of Cupressus torulosa needles essential oil across different locations in the Himalayan region of India. The methodology involved the collection of needles from 14 distinct locations, followed by hydro‐distillation using a Clevenger‐type apparatus. Qualitative analysis was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), while gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector (GC‐FID) was employed for quantitative analysis. The GC–MS analysis identified a total of 57 compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons being the dominant chemical constituents, ranging from 22.5% to 63.01% and from 10.39% to 63.95%, respectively. Terpinen‐4‐ol emerged as the major compound, with concentrations ranging from 101.2 ± 45.7 μg/mg to 393.8 ± 12.5 μg/mg across different locations, with the highest concentration observed in the Dehradun location. The application of t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t‐SNE) analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed the presence of five distinct chemotypes within the essential oil, characterised by different combinations of chemical constituents. These chemotypes were identified as terpinen‐4‐ol/limonene, terpinen‐4‐ol/sabinene, terpinen‐4‐ol, terpinen‐4‐ol/umbellulone, and terpinen‐4‐ol/totarol chemotypes. This research serves as a foundational framework for future investigations aimed at harnessing the unique properties of different chemotypes for specific purposes, potentially facilitating the successful commercialization and utilisation of C. torulosa needles essential oil. [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]

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]

AbstractThe application of seaweed-based fertilizers is an important renewable resource and gaining considerable attention in the present scenario of agriculture and horticulture as organic nutrient input and growth promoters. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of seaweed liquid extract on growth, yield, and chemical constituents of the important aromatic plant geranium. The experiments were conducted in the CSIR-CIMAP, Research Center, Bengaluru (Karnataka, India) during the Rabi season of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The results of pooled data over two years revealed that application of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed liquid extract (KSWE) along with RDF at a concentration of 15% significantly improved the plant height (71.37 ± 0.69 cm), plant canopy (68.24 ± 1.60 cm), herb yield (42.71 ± 2.45 t ha−1year−1) and oil recovery (0.36 ± 0.02%) as compared over RDF. An account of 23.14% and 23.87% increase in herbage and essential oil yield was recorded over RDF. The functional relationship between herb and oil yield of geranium with different concentrations of seaweed extract applied at different crop stages was strongly correlated (r2=0.97 and r2=0.91, respectively). The chemical profile of essential oil reveals that higher amounts of linalool (7.5%) isomenthone (6.65%), geranial (1.29%), geranyl formate (3.81%), and the highest citronellol to geraniol (C:G ratio) ratio of 2.14 was noticed in the treatment which receives 15% KSWE along with RDF. The study clearly exhibits the notable benefits in the performance of geranium with the application of 15% of aqueous seaweed extract from Kappaphycus alvarezii both in quantitative and qualitative terms. [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]

Aims To identify efficient, broad-spectrum, and non-toxic preservatives for natural agricultural products, eight essential oils were screened for high inhibitory and antioxidant activities against spoilage microbes. Methods and results The zone of inhibition test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay were performed to assess the antimicrobial activity of eight essential oils against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Penicillium, Saccharomyces , and Escherichia coli. Among the eight essential oils, garlic and rose essential oils exhibited the best inhibitory effects, their MICs against the spoilage microbes were 40–640 μl/l and 10–320 μl/l, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activities of eight essential oils were compared using the DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging assays and the reducing power assay. Eight essential oils had antioxidant capacity, among which rosemary, thyme, rose, and tea tree essential oils performed the best. Moreover, the combination of thyme and rose exerted stronger antioxidant activity. Therefore, the concentrations of rose and garlic, and thyme essential oils were optimized using response surface methodology to obtain the optimal composite ratios, which were 1254 μl/l, 640 μl/l, and 1228 μl/l for rose, garlic, and thyme, respectively. The DPPH free radical-scavenging rate detected using this formulation was 50.2%, basically consistent with the prediction. Zone of inhibition diameters with the compound essential oil, against five spoilage microbes, were all greater than 45 mm. Conclusions The essential oil combination had high antimicrobial, against agricultural product spoilage microbes, and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Thyme, a plant with valuable metabolites, has been using in the food, pharmaceutical and health industries due to its medicinal properties. Identifying the agricultural factors affecting the quantitative and qualitative changes of medicinal plants is crucial for increment quality and more production. The use of chemical fertilizers has been caused many environmental problems; therefore, it is important to use organic fertilizers in different density patterns of cultivation in order to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers to achieve sustainable agriculture. Materials and methods This research was carried out as a split-plot design in the form of a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications in rainfed conditions in the Mahidasht research station of Kermanshah province during the two crop years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. The main factor included three levels (20 tons per hectare Caw manure, enriched straw at the rate of 10 tons per hectare and no fertilizer application) along with agricultural soil without applying fertilizer, and the sub factor was three densities (4, 6 and 8 plants per square meter). The three plants were randomly selected from each plot, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, and canopy diameter (cm) were measured. In the flowering stage, plants of one square meter were harvested from each plot and the wet and dry weights were measured in grams per square meter. Also, the dry weight of leaves and stems was measured in grams per plant for each plot, which, leaf to stem ratio was calculated for each plot by dividing leaf to stem weight. The essential oil of 20 grams of dried leaves were extracted using a Clevenger apparatus, and the percentage of essential oil was determined for each plot, and finally, according to the dry leaf yield per square meter, the amount of essential oil yield of aerial parts of the plant per square meter was calculated. Results and Discussion Analysis of variance showed that different fertilizers and different levels of density had a significant effect on all traits, but the interaction of fertilizer × density had a significant effect only on the traits of percentage and yield of essential oil. According to the mean comparison by Duncan's method, fertilizer increased the growth of thyme. All the vegetative characteristics of the plant were affected by the use of fertilizer. However, animal manure was the best among the two types of fertilizers used. On the other hand, with the increase in density, the plant height increased, but the number of branches in the plant and the canopy diameter showed a decreasing trend. in contrast to these two characteristics, the wet and dry yield of the plant was lower in low and high density than in medium density. A different trend was observed for the essential oil percentage and yield. The essential oil percentage increased by 17.53% by reducing the density from 8 plants to 4 plants. Interstingly, the yield of essential oil showed a decrease of 5.42%. The results of principal components analysis of the traits in different agricultural conditions showed that 94.3% of the variance was expressed based on the first two components, and the bi-plot of the two components confirmed the results of mean comparison. Conclusion According to the final goal of this research, which was to determine the best density, in terms of using manure and enriched straw to achieve the desired result in the cultivation of rainfed thyme, therefore, based on the grouping of the two-factor interaction and principal components analysis, it was observed that the use of manure at the rate of 20 tons per hectare with density cultivation of 6 plants per square meter is the most suitable treatment for the cultivation of thyme in the rainfed conditions of Kermanshah province. Therefore, it can be recommended for the cultivation of this species in the rainy conditions of Kermanshah province. [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 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]

In this study, the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from leaves and flowers of collected Gentianella longibarbata (Gilg) Fabris from the highlands of Ecuador were studied. The most abundant components were aliphatic compounds, predominantly methyl ketones (35.7%), and aromatic compounds (37.6%). The major compounds included carvacryl acetate (18.5%), nonan-2-one (14.5%), undecane-2-one (13.5%), and carvacrol (11.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil, evaluated by DPPH (IC50 14.01 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 38.87 mg/mL) assays, exhibited a strong ability in scavenging radicals. The essential oil also showed ferric reducing activity. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against four bacteria and a yeast. The essential oil showed very good activity against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, but low activity against S. enterica serovar and C. albicans. The MIC value of the essential oil varied from 0.43 μL/mL to 23.72 μL/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of rhizome essential oil (EO) of Meistera verrucosa growing wild in Ha Giang Province, Vietnam. The EO was isolated using hydrodistillation, then the chemical composition was analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). In addition, the antioxidant activities were determined by the DPPH scavenging method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results showed that α-pinene, β-pinene, and (E)-β-ocimene were major components in the EO, accounting for 39.6%, 20.7%, and 12.2%, respectively. The EO showed antioxidant activity, the IC50 value of DPPH scavenging activity, and the EC50 value of FRAP assay were 91.01 mg/mL and 17.50 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, to evaluate the inhibitory interaction potential of Keap1, docking analysis indicated that α-pinene has the strongest affinity among the major compounds surveyed. The key interactions observed in the complexes of the major compounds with Keap1 are predominantly hydrophobic interactions (pi-sigma and pi-alkyl), which significantly contribute to their binding affinities. These results provide more information on the volatile compounds of the EO from the rhizomes of M. verrucosa and first reveal its antioxidant power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oils were hydro-distilled and analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. The oil yields were found between 0.08-0.23% w/w. A total of 42 compounds were identified in the essential oil of aerial part of Boenninghausenia albiflora obtained from sample B1 accounting total 91.5% identification and germacrene D (21.4%), β-pinene (17.9%), limonene (11.9%) and (E)- caryophyllene (8.9%) were found as major compounds. In the essential oil of aerial part of sample B2 accounting total 90.5% identification and germacrene D (22.6%), β-pinene (25.4%), limonene (8.2%) and (E)-caryophyllene (4.8%) were found as major compounds. In the essential oil of aerial part of sample B3 accounting total 97.2% identification and germacrene D (18.2%), β-pinene (15.8%), limonene (9.6%) and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%) were found as major compounds. In the essential oil of aerial part sample B4 accounting total 91.4% identification and germacrene D (24.3%), β-pinene (19.4%), limonene (12.3%) and (E)-caryophyllene (7.7%) were found as major compounds while in the essential oil of aerial part of sample B5 accounting total 82.5% identification and germacrene D (17.4%), β-pinene (22.9%), limonene (14.9%) and (E)-caryophyllene (8.4%) were found as major compounds. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of essential oil of B. albiflora collected from Mukteshwar area of Kumaun Region was investigated in vitro using seven assays: Hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, NO scavenging assay, and FRAP assay. IC50 value for all three assays was calculated by using software Graph Pad prism 6. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was used to demonstrate geographical variations in the composition of the essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck is considered as one of the most significant horticultural as well as essential oil crop. However, the significance of the fruit peels left after the utilization of the sour fruit find limited importance and these leftover peels are rich in essential oil. Lemon peel essential oil (LPEO) finds used in the fragrance, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study lemon peel were used for isolation of essential oil by hydro-distillation, analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS and was further subjected to in vitro anti-oxidant (DPPH, ABTS), anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, genotoxicity and anti-diabetic assays. The essential oil analysis has revealed limonene as major compound (38.08%) along with other minor compounds namely, α-citral (12.02%), decanal (8.14%) and neral (7.36%). The total amount of citral (α-citral and neral) was found to be 19.38%, comparatively higher compared to previous reports. LPEO was found to exhibit very strong tyrosinase inhibition activity along with good alpha-amylase inhibition. The results from this study further strengthen the immense potential of LPEO as an anti-diabetic and skin whitening agent. The results framed from this study will further strengthen the position of earlier works on biological activities of C. limon besides providing a descriptive work on the potential of Assam LPEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montanoa bipinnatifida is a perennial shrub belonging to family Asteraceae and geographically distributed in Mexico, Central America and Northern South America. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from M. bipinnatifida leaves through GC-MS analysis accompanied by in-depth investigation of antimicrobial properties against wide arrays of microbial strains via agar diffusion method and disk diffusion method. The GC-MS analysis of the tested oil revealed presence of sixteen components (∼99.99%), predominated by germacrene D (37.22%), β-caryophyllene (30.73%), α-pinene (4.56%) and β-germacrene (4.48%). The undiluted oil exhibits varying levels of activity against different microbes. The leaf oil showed a significant inhibition against Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis (both vegetative and spores), Mycobacterium phlei, and Candida albicans. However, its activity against Sarcina lutea, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae appears to be less pronounced. Thus, the leaf oil of M. bipinnatifida demonstrates broadspectrum antimicrobial activity and is recommended in the pharmaceutical industry to overcome the current problem related to the microbial resistance to antibiotics. Further experimental studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanism of action and the responsible individual components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona sinensis is one of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials with rich physiological activities. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition differences of the essential oils from the tender leaves and shoots of T. sinensis, collected from four main producing areas in China, and to verify their anti-listeria and antioxidant properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted on the essential oils obtained by hydro-distillation. The results indicated that compounds such as β-elemene (3.5∼8.1%), α-caryophyllene (3.7∼7.2%), and trans-caryophyllene (4.0∼9.7%) were the main common components of T. sinensis essential oils (TSEO) from four producing areas. The results of DPPH and ABTS showed that the essential oil from Dazhou, Sichuan, China had the best antioxidant effect. At a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL, the antioxidant activity of TSEO-DZ from Sichuan was comparable to 0.08 mg/mL of BHT and was only slightly lower than 0.06 mg/mL of VC. The broth dilution method showed that the essential oil from Tai 'an, Shandong, China, showed better antibacterial effect, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MLC) values of 1.25 μL/mL and 2.54 μL/mL, respectively. This study demonstrates that TSEO possesses promising application potential in antioxidant and anti-listeria activities, and it confirms that the growth environment of T. sinensis significantly influences the quality, content, and biological activity of the essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng has been used as an ingredient in medicinal formulations. Several studies have reported on the potential of M. koenigii leaves to enhance learning and memory functions in animal models. This study aimed to identify the chemical constituents and evaluate the anti-cholinesterase activity of the essential oil extracted from M. koenigii leaves. The essential oil extracted via hydrodistillation was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 41 constituents were identified, with β-phellandrene (35.42%), β-caryophyllene (16.79%) and α-pinene (17.75%) predominating in the essential oil. Using Ellman's colorimetric method, the M. koenigii essential oil demonstrated potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with an IC50 value of 36.89 μg/mL. Interestingly, a mixture of the three major constituents (β-phellandrene, β-caryophyllene, and α-pinene) was more effective than the individual constituents (β-caryophyllene and α-pinene). In conclusion, the study on the neuroprotective effects of M. koenigii essential oil has yielded promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to describe the chemical composition of essential oils from three Vietnamese Annonaceae species, Meiogyne virgata, M. vietnamica, and Orophea polycarpa, and their antimicrobial activity. Essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation. From the GC-FID/MS (gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry) analysis, the leaf essential oil of M. virgata was reported to contain the major compound germacrene D (42.48%). Spathulenol (24.51%), bicyclogermacrene (18.58%), β-selinene (11.14%), and germacrene D (8.20%) can be seen as the main compound in M. vietnamica leaf essential oil. α-Phellandrene (39.35%), bicyclogermacrene (13.07%), β-phellandrene (10.87%), and limonene (8.27%) represented O. polycarpa leaf essential oil. Essential oil of M. virgata leaves exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the Gram (+) bacterium Bacillus subtilis ATCC 5230, the Gram (-) bacterium Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, and the fungus Aspergillus niger ATCC 9587 with the same MIC value of 16 μg/mL. The docking method showed that germacrene D has the ΔGbinding (binding affinity) values of –6.68, –5.265, and –5.602 kcal/mol with the proteins E. coli DNA gyrase, B. subtilis TasA, and A. niger PhyA, respectively. Alkyl and pi-alkyl interactions are the main contributors to the binding affinity between the studied proteins and ligands. Furthermore, germacrene D is predicted to have low toxicity and is not active against any of the considered organ targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile oils of Satureja species are rich in thymol and carvacrol, phenolic bioactive compounds with unique biological properties. Drying is one of the most critical post-harvest treatments that can influence the biosynthesis of the phytochemicals and the microbial quality of the plant. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different drying methods (shade, sun, oven (temperature of 40, 50 and 60°C), microwave (power of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 W), and freeze-drying) on the quantity and quality of essential oil (EO) and the control of microbial contamination of S. spicigera flowering shoots. The results showed that shade drying produced the highest amount of EO (1.35%). The maximum values of thymol (60.64%) and carvacrol (42.4%) were determined after drying in a microwave at 400 W and oven at 40°C, respectively. Thymol and carvacrol are selectively biosynthesized with the highest conversion rate of the precursor p-cymene under microwave irradiation at 400 W and oven heating at 40°C, respectively. Based on the evaluation of microbial contamination of the dried plant, the highest microbial control was achieved by freeze drying, with minimal contamination of Enterobacteriaceae (1.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (3.4%), Salmonella sp. (1.64%), moulds and yeasts (12.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbopogon flexuosus, commonly known as Lemongrass (Poaceae) is an industrially significant plant due to its fragrant compounds and ability to produce a large amount of essential oil. However, variations in chemical components, agronomical characters and essential oil output can be observed due to grown in different climatic conditions. Pertaining to the economic importance of the crop, the present study was designed to evaluate the stability indices of the developed and registered variety of lemongrass 'Jor Lab L-8'. In this experiment, cv. Jor Lab L-8 was assessed along with two check varieties at eight different locations of NE India for two years (2021-2022, 2022-2023). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) by regression method revealed that Jor Lab L-8 had a significantly higher herbage yield, essential oil yield, citral content and total essential oil yield than the other two check varieties. Furthermore, AMMI ANOVA was used to confirm the consistent performance of the recorded agro-morphological and quality characters and Jor Lab L-8 was shown to be stable in plant height, herbage yield, essential oil yield, citral content and total essential oil yield. The GC-MS study of the essential oil identified 18 constituents, with citral emerging as the predominant constituent. Additionally, majority of the locations were pinpointed as ideal environments for cultivating Jor Lab L-8, underscoring its resilience across multiple locations and highlighting its long-term industrial promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laurus nobilis L. is an export plant that contributes to the industry with its medicinal and aromatic properties, as well as the use of its leaves or fruits in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study aims to predict the first three main components of bay laurel essential oil with different machine learning methods as a result of GC-MS analysis, taking into account a wide range of parameters used before and after the analysis of the essential oil in pharmacognostic studies. In this study, the K-Means algorithm was used to detect unknown relationships (chemical or physical properties) between the data obtained as a result of the analysis, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Decision Tree machine learning methods were used to perform prediction operations. Based on this, considering the R2 values obtained from ANN analyses, R2 values of 0.9992 for testing, 1 for training, 1 for validation value, and 0.99992 for all were obtained. The ANN model produced results close to the real values with an accuracy rate of 98.97% in predicting the three main components. The Decision Tree algorithm achieved classification with a 96.23% accuracy rate in predicting the three main components. K-Means clustering was performed with an accuracy rate of 97.83% and significant relationships between the features of the Laurus nobilis dataset were detected. This comprehensive study serves as a guide for machine learning research on other essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]