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We report the development of a novel variant of cavity ringdown polarimetry using a continuous-wave laser operating at 532 nm for highly precise chiroptical activity and magnetometry measurements. The key methodology of the apparatus relies upon the external modulation of the laser frequency at the frequency splitting between non-degenerate left- and right-circularly polarized cavity modes. The method is demonstrated by the evaluation of the Verdet constants of crystalline CeF3 and fused silica, in addition to the observation of gas- and solution-phase optical rotations of selected chiral molecules. Specifically, optical rotations of (i) vapors of α-pinene and R-(+)-limonene, (ii) mutarotating D-glucose in water, and (iii) acidified L-histidine solutions are determined. The detection sensitivities for the gas- and solution-phase chiral activity measurements are ∼ 30 and ∼ 120 μdeg over a 30 s detection period per cavity round trip pass, respectively. Furthermore, the measured optical rotations for R-(+)-limonene are compared with computations performed using the TURBOMOLE quantum chemistry package. The experimentally observed optically rotatory dispersion of this cyclic monoterpene was thus rationalized via a consideration of its room temperature conformer distribution as determined by the aforementioned single-point energy calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of oils in the food industry is challenging, owing to their inherent factors such as oxidation. Therefore, new technologies, such as nanoencapsulation, are being developed. Among the nanoencapsulated oils, essential oils (EO) and edible oils stand out for their high consumer demand. This review analyzes the production, characterization, stability, and market scenario of edible and EO nanoparticles applied in foods. Homogenization was found to be the most common technique for producing oil nanoparticles. Different encapsulants were used, and Tween 80 was the main emulsifier. Approximately 80% of the nanoparticles were smaller than 200 nm, and the polydispersibility index and zeta potential values were satisfactory, mainly for nanoparticles containing EO, whereas encapsulation efficiency varied based on the technique and the type of oil used. Oil nanoparticles were mainly applied on meat products. The temperatures and times used in the stability tests of foods containing oil nanoparticles varied depending on the food matrix, especially in microbiological and physicochemical analyses. Only one product with nanoencapsulated oil in its composition was found in the market. Oil nanoparticles have great potential in the development of innovative, economically viable, and sustainable techniques for producing new food products that are high in nutrition value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thymol chemotype of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris (EOTV-T) and its nanoemulsion (NEOTV-T) were investigated as anesthetics in the management of Colossoma macropomum. The stability of nanoemulsions was analyzed by zeta potential and dynamic light scattering for an interval of 37 days prior to carrying out two anesthesia experiments. The first experiment determined anesthesia induction and recovery intervals for juveniles anesthetized with different concentrations of EOTV-T and NEOTV-T. Based on the obtained induction and recovery curve, the second experiment adopted concentrations of 75 mg/L of EOTV-T and 50 mg/L of NEOTV-T for use during biometric management every 10 days for 60 days of cultivation of juvenile C. macropomum. The results showed that NEOTV-T had an average diameter of less than 100 nm for up to 22 days and was more effective at inducing anesthesia than EOTV-T. The continuous use of anesthetics during biometrics did not affect juvenile performance in terms of growth, feed consumption, and survival. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters between juveniles of the control treatment and those subjected to biometric management using 75 mg/L of EOTV-T and 50 mg/L of NEOTV-T. It can be concluded that the essential oil of T. vulgaris and its nanoemulsion can be used to facilitate the management of juvenile C. macropomum without compromising their performance or well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study represents the first investigation of the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ononis aurasiaca Förther & Podlech, a plant species endemic to the Aures Mountains of Algeria. The essential oil of the plant aerial parts was analysed using GC-MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using three methods. A total of 44 compounds were identified. The major constituents were dodecanal, hexahydrofarnesylacetone, 2-tridecanone, phytol, 1-heneicosene, and n-heneicosane. The oil displayed significant activity in the β-carotene bleaching assay, moderate scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and a low ability to reduce iron ions. Antibacterial tests conducted on four strains revealed effectiveness primarily against Gram-positive strains, specifically Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300, while showing limited impact on Gram-negative strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Antifungal activity tests involving two moulds revealed a stronger inhibition against Scedosporium apiospermum compared to Aspergillus niger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia annua is an essential aromatic medicinal plant endemic to China. Here, essential oil was extracted from wild A. annua from Ningxia, China. GC-MS analysis showed that A. annua essential oil was dominated by artemisia ketone, a characteristic compound accounting for 31.26%, followed by eucalyptol (14.89%), camphor (8.69%), myrcene (8.25%) and α-pinene (6.65%). The overall antioxidative potential represented by DPPH and ATBS free radical scavenging rates was weak. The essential oil exhibited good bactericidal activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and fungicidal activities against Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum. The minimum inhibitory and microbicidal concentrations were 0.02 mg/mL and 5.12 mg/mL for both bacteria, 0.315% and 2.5% for E. floccosum, and 0.625% and 5% for T. rubrum. The results suggest that A. annua essential oil may be an antimicrobial adjuvant to be applied in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Lindera subumbelliflora (Lauraceae) was investigated for the first time. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and fully characterised by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antifungal activity of L. subumbelliflora essential oil was tested against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans using the broth microdilution assay, whereas the microbial biofilms were determined using a semi-quantitative static biofilm. A total of 28 components (99.6%) were successfully identified, which were characterised by β-eudesmol (14.6%), cis-α-bergamotene (11.0%), α-copaene (8.5%), dodecen-1-ol (8.5%), and (E)-nerolidol (8.3%). The essential oil exhibited activity against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans with MIC values of 250 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. The essential oil increased the biofilm of Candida albicans by 38.25%, however, decreased the biofilm of Streptococcus mutans by 47.89% when treated with 500 µg/mL. Thus, the essential oil has a promising application in dentistry via inhibition of the growth of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. However, the antibiofilm activity of the essential oil is only applicable for cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global population continues to expand, the demand for broiler chicken production to supply safe and high-quality meat is increasing. To meet this ever-growing demand, broiler chickens with enhanced growth performance are being developed, but they often face challenges related to oxidative stress, which can adversely affect gut health. Phytobiotics, which are plant-derived feed additives known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, immune-modulating, and growth-promoting properties, have emerged as promising natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. This review consolidates recent advancements in the use of phytobiotics-derived products from leaves, roots, seeds, flowers, and their extracts in broiler diets reared under standard experimental conditions, without the introduction of stressors. The focus is on elucidating the key mechanisms through which phytobiotics improve gut health, including their effects on gut morphology, integrity, microflora composition, antioxidant capacity, and immune function. The review highlights the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition by acting as natural enhancers of gut health. Research findings reveal that phytobiotics significantly improve intestinal health, and boost growth performance, offering a sustainable approach to managing to gut dysfunction. These findings indicate a potential shift in how gut-health related challenges in broilers can be addressed, moving towards natural phytobiotic therapy. However, several challenges persist. Optimizing the dosage of phytobiotics, ensuring consistent performance, and overcoming the limitations related to their extraction and application are key areas requiring further investigation. The review emphasizes the importance of continued research to refine phytobiotic formulations, explore synergistic effects, and incorporate advanced technologies such as AI-driven methods and precision nutrition to tailor feeding strategies more effectively. Additionally, the development of innovative delivery systems, such as nanoencapsulation, is suggested as a way to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of phytobiotics. By highlighting the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition, this review supports the poultry industry's shift towards antibiotic-free and sustainable dietary solutions, offering new perspectives on the future of broiler chicken production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chitosan (CH)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid nanofibers incorporating three distinct essential oils lemon, lime, and grapefruit were successfully obtained via the innovative electrospinning technique. Characteristics of the electrospinning polymeric mixture loaded with essential oils using variable ratios of CH/PVA were evaluated. The nanoencapsulation process of citrus essential oils was achieved with 47.67%–88.16% encapsulation efficiency. Notably, the thermal stability of the encapsulated essential oils experienced a significant enhancement after encapsulation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed valuable insights, revealing that an increased amount of incorporated essential oil within the polymeric mixture solutions led to a reduction in the average fiber diameters. The resulting nanofibers demonstrated notable attributes such as antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. The present research demonstrates the ability of CH/PVA hybrid nanofibers obtained through an electrospinning process to preserve citrus essential oils properties quality and reveals a high potential application of nonencapsulated citrus essential oils in biomaterials, food packaging, and advanced cosmetic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils consist of mixtures of chemically and functionally diverse aromatic phyto-compounds. Due to their extensive chemo-diversity, these oils are used extensively in agriculture, aromatherapy, cosmetics, food, perfumery, and pharmacological industries. Although reasonable progress has been made in validating and documenting the use of medicinal plants in South Africa, little is currently known about the biological properties, chemical profiles, and safety of essential oils from aromatic medicinal plants in this country. The current review includes accounts of South African essential oils reported to have noteworthy anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-plasmodium, spasmolytic, and toxicological properties. The biological activities of some of the dominant and most common compounds found in the oils were also discussed. Traditional methods used to extract the oils, variations in the oils’ chemical compositions, factors affecting their chemistry, and various analytic tools used to assess their chemical profiles are also reported in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the sensitivity of apple fruit to many pests and diseases and the sensitivity of consumers to synthetic pesticides, the use of plant essential oils has increased to increase the lifespan of various horticultural products, including apples. In this research, total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant properties of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil were investigated. In addition, the antimicrobial property of this essential oil was evaluated on a number of fungi that cause spoilage of apple fruit, including Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata. The phenol and flavonoid content of E. cardamomum essential oil was equal to 69.60 mg of gallic acid per gram of essential oil and 27.40 mg of quercetin per gram of essential oil, respectively. The amount of antioxidant property of E. cardamomum essential oil in DPPH and ABTS free radical inhibition method was obtained as 57.30% and 63.60%, respectively. In the investigation of the antifungal property, the largest inhibition zone was observed in P. expansum by disk diffusion and agar well methods, and the minimum inhibitory concentration for P. expansum and B. cinerea fungi was 8 mg/ml and minimum fungicidal concentration was 64 mg/ml. Considering the high antioxidant and antifungal properties of E. cardamomum essential oil, it can be used as a suitable alternative to synthetic fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of fungal pathogens on the grape fruit causes a decrease in its quality and shelf life. In this study, the antifungal activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil was investigated against fungal pathogens that cause spoilage in grape fruit. Ginger essential oil was extracted using hydrodistillation method and the content of total phenol, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity based on the inhibition of DPPH and ABTS free radicals and its antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Botrytis cinerea strains based on disc diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration were evaluated. The results showed that ginger essential oil has 89.80 mg GA/g total phenol and 38.60 mg QE/g total flavonoid. Its antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals was 73.45 and 66.53 μg/mL, respectively. The results of antifungal activity showed that A. niger and B. cinerea were the most sensitive and resistant fungal strains to essential oil, respectively, and the diameter of the inhibition zone in the disc diffusion and well diffusion agar methods, the minimum inhibitory concentration, and the minimum fungicidal concentration for the A. niger strain was equal to 13.90 mm, 14.50 mm, 8 mg/mL and 64 mg/mL, respectively. In general, ginger essential oil can be used as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent to increase the shelf life of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a wellknown medicinal plant that is distributed worldwide and is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, the essential oil of M. chamomilla was extracted by water distillation method and its total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effect were investigated. The total phenol content of the essential oil was 39.70 mg GAE/g and its total flavonoid content was 18.80 mg QE/g. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was evaluated based on two methods of inhibiting free radicals DPPH and ABTS; the essential oil was able to inhibit free radicals DPPH (58.60 %) and ABTS (61.60 %). The antimicrobial effect of the essential oil against Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium was investigated by disk diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration. The findings of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil by the disk diffusion agar and well diffusion agar, showed that S. pyogenes and E. aerogenes were the most sensitive and resistant microbial strains to M. chamomilla essential oil, respectively. The results of this study showed that the essential oil of M. chamomilla has shown strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, which can be a potential candidate for the preparation of antioxidant and antimicrobial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of species within the Eucalyptus genus has been widespread in traditional medicine practices globally. However, concerns regarding safety and toxicity data have been prominent due to the extensive use of its essential oil, which is widely regarded for its medicinal properties and various applications. This research aimed to analyze the chemical makeup of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) and explore its antibacterial and insecticidal properties both in laboratory settings and real-life scenarios. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to identify the chemical constituents of EGEO, revealing 1,8-cineole (86.1 %), ο-Cymene (4.9 %), α-Pinene (3.8 %), γ-Terpinene (2.2 %), and α-Terpinene (1.6 %) as the primary components. The disc diffusion method demonstrated EGEOʼs strongest antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus (p < 0.05), while minimal inhibition concentration tests indicated notable effectiveness against Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC 50 2.25 mg/mL and MIC 90 2.79 mg/mL). In situ antibacterial assessments using white radish and pear food models showed heightened activity compared to contact application, particularly with the highest concentration (500 µg/L), yielding optimal results against Pseudomonas putida (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study investigated EGEO's antibiofilm properties against Salmonella enterica using mass spectrometry and the crystal violet method. In terms of insecticidal action, EGEO at 100 % concentration resulted in the mortality of 90 % of Harmonia axyridis individuals. This comprehensive investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of both the chemical composition and biological activities of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, highlighting its potential as a source of natural compounds with promising therapeutic properties. [Display omitted] • Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) was characterized by GC/MS technique. • 1,8-Cineole (86.1 %) was the major compound. • EGEO showed strongest antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus. • In situ antibacterial essays were performed using white radish and pear food models. • EGEOʼs antibiofilm properties against Salmonella enterica were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Essential oil from whole plant of Ocimum viride was studied for cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells. • Cytotoxicity was mediated by inducing apoptosis in the cells as observed by various microscopic and flow cytometry techniques. • Apoptotic pathway involved here was caspase −9 dependent intrinsic pathway. Initiator caspases −9 and −8 directly stimulated caspase-3 and −6, that ultimately leads to apoptotic activities in HL-60 cells. The present study discusses the apoptotic potential of essential oil from whole plant of Ocimum viride (EOV) against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. IC 50 value of EOV on HL-60 cells was 0.087, 0.0503, and 0.034 µl/ml respectively at 6, 12, and 24 h. Several parameters were used to access the role of EOV in inducing apoptosis in human HL-60 cancer cells, including nuclear binding fluoroprobes, electron micrographs, DNA laddering, and annexin V-FITC/PI affinity assay. Quantification of BrdU incorporation was done to determine the degree of DNA damage. It was further determined that EOV has an effect on the DNA cell cycle and mitochondria, which was observed in the form of a prominent subdivision of G 0 peaks in the analysis of the DNA cell cycle, as well as a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential. A higher level of cytosolic cytochrome-c was associated with these events. Bcl-2 depletion and increase in ROS were also analysed. Both initiator caspases namely caspase-9 and -8 activated caspase-3 which eventually leads to apoptosis. These effects revealed that EOV has apoptosis inducing potential towards HL-60 cells and can be a promising candidate for further anticancer studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anticancer potential of essential oils (EOs) has been widely investigated in several scientific studies. The use of these natural products can be an effective alternative to commercial medications that cause various side effects in cancer patients. In this context, this review critically discusses the anticancer potential of EOs obtained from Croton species of the Euphorbiaceae family. In addition, the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and toxicity of these products were also reviewed. The literature was retrieved from different online databases, from the first report published in 2006 until June 2024. Traditionally, Croton species are commonly used to treat cancer in Asian, African, South American, and North American countries. The in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity of EOs from 17 species of Croton has been well reported in the literature, with emphasis on the efficacy of C. urucurana, C. argyrophyllus, C. matourensis, C. doctoris , and C. floribundus. Chemically, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, phenylpropene, monocyclic diterpene alcohol, and acetylenic fatty acid identified as major compounds in the EOs of these plants may be related to the observed anticancer activity. Regarding the mechanisms of action, it is likely that EOs from Croton species act in cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. It is important to highlight that many of these EOs have not yet been evaluated for their biological safety in vivo toxicological tests, requiring caution when using these products. [Display omitted] • Essential oils from Croton species are rich in sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. • 16 species of Croton are used for cancer treatment in traditional medicine. • Essential oils from Croton species exhibited anticancer potential in vitro and in vivo. • Essential oils from Croton species act in cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piper callosum Ruiz & Pav. is known in the Amazon as a paregoric elixir and exists as a shrub native to the Neotropics. In traditional medicine, the tea from its leaves is used to treat pain in the digestive tract, rheumatism, and muscular aches. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation on the secondary metabolism of P. callosum. The plants were inoculated after 30 days of cultivation and kept in a greenhouse. Plant development parameters were monitored at 30-, 60-, and 90-days after inoculation (DAI) and indicated that AMF and PGPR favored plant growth throughout all stages of development. The leaf volatiles extracted by simultaneous distillation and extraction were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and showed that phenylpropanoids and monoterpene hydrocarbons were predominant in all essential oils, revealing distinct abundance patterns across the different sampling points. The major volatile compounds identified were safrole, methyl eugenol, and β-pinene, and a reduction trend in their content was observed for safrole and methyl eugenol, especially at 90 DAI in both treatments. Principal component analysis revealed that germacrene D-4-ol and limonene were among the most influential in both treatments. Finally, the total phenolic content and the enzymatic activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase revealed different effect patterns for inoculation and time of evaluation on each treatment. All the data presented indicate that symbiotic inoculation can optimize the production of essential oil, which can improve the quality and productivity of P. callosum plants. [Display omitted] • Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria on P. callosum plants. • Inoculation by both microorganisms favored plant growth. • The inoculation promoted changes in the amounts of secondary metabolites. • The production of P. callosum essential oil and biomass can be optime by symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cedrelopsis grevei is an indigenous species of Madagascar and widely used in ethnomedicine. • It is traditionally used to treat various diseases including malaria, fever, inflammation, diabetes, muscle fatigue and hypertension. • About 160 essential oils and 29 compounds have been reported from the plant. • Pharmacological activities on essential oils have been extensively done in both ex vivo and in vivo studies. • Research on isolated compounds is limited. Cedrelopsis grevei Baill (Rutaceae) is an indigenous species of Madagascar and widely used in ethnomedicine. Its bark, stem, leaves, and essential oils have been traditionally used as aphrodisiacs and for treating various illnesses, such as fever, malaria, inflammatory disorders, diabetes, fatigue, and hypertension. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to offer guidance for future studies and possible applications by summarizing the current developments to date regarding studies on C. grevei essential oils, isolated phytochemicals, pharmacological properties, and in vivo studies. Data on C. grevei were gathered using the following databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Wiley online, SpringerLink, and PubMed. It has been reported that C. grevei contains triterpenoid derivatives, coumarins, acetophenones, chromones, and limonoids. Its essential oils, mainly composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons, includes 160 identified constituents of essential oils and about 29 other compounds from various plant parts. This plant species exhibits different pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative against cancer cell lines. Ex vivo and in vivo studies have explored its vasodilation and cardiovascular effects. The review showed that the pharmacological activity of C. grevei extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds support the use of this plant in traditional medicine for a variety of illnesses. However, more studies are required to be done on scientific and clinical aspects to support its therapeutic applications. Further studies on chronic toxicity and efficacy in animal models are necessary to confirm its therapeutic potential and ensure safety for future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium L. an important weedy plant of Brassicaceae family, comprises approximately 265species which are endemic to all continents. Since ancient time, the therapeutic potential of Lepidium species were fully recognized and traditionally used in different parts of the world such as Asian, African and American countries. This review aimed to provide comprehensive information about the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, pharmacology, phytochemistry and toxicology of Lepidium , to discover therapeutic potentials of different Lepidium species for further research. The information available on Lepidium species were collected from scientific databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and some traditional texts. There are several promising bioactivities for this genus that some of them have long been recognized in traditional medicine such as coagulant, biofumigant, hepato-renal protective activities and fertility enhancement. To date, several types of phytochemicals isolated and identified from Lepidium species including glucosinolate, alkaloid, alkamide, macamide, mucilage, phytosterol, flavonoid and essential oil. A significant number of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products (isothiocyanates), have been isolated from Lepidium species with potential pharmacological activities including anti-carcinogenic and chemoprotective activities with different mechanism of actions. Some studies on the safety assessment of L. sativum L., a common used Lepidium species, indicated some degree of toxicities in animal fetus which supposed to be related to its hydrolysis product constituents, named benzyl isothiocyanates (BITC). Moreover, exposure to goitrin, a glucosinolate degradation product from certain Lepidium species, may exert some adverse effects on thyroid glands, through the competitive inhibition of iodine uptake. It should be notice that despite the beneficial effects of Brassicaceae plants for reducing risk of different types of disease especially cancer, limit of the consumption of some Lepidium species as a routine meal should be considered. [Display omitted] • Since ancient time, the therapeutic potential of Lepidium species were fully recognized. • Lepidium species were commonly used for reliving arthritis pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. • This review investigates Lepidium botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicities. • Benzyl-isothiocyanates is considered as the major constituent of glucosinolate hydrolysis products in Lepidium. • The recent studies revealed the anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective potentials of Lepidium. • The safely evaluation studies on Lepidium , revealed some embryo and thyroid gland toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high volatility, low water solubility, and oxidative sensitivity of essential oils, this study synthesized microcapsules of essential oil (EEO) (quercetin–chitosan–EEO [QE–CS–EEO]) using a QE–CS graft copolymer as the wall material and EEO as the core material. Research findings indicate that QE–CS exhibits superior in vitro antioxidant activity, with scavenging abilities for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) ABTS+ radicals being 58.71% and 77.03% greater than those of CS, respectively, thereby providing more effective protection for the essential oil. In comparison to CS essential oil, microcapsules (CS–EEO), QE–CS–EEO demonstrated an 18.65% increase in EEO encapsulation efficiency, achieving a total encapsulation efficiency of 41.29%. Based on these results, various edible coating solutions were formulated, including Control, E1 (1% CS), E2 (0.5% CS + 0.5% CS–EEO), E3 (0.5% CS + 0.5% QE–CS–EEO), and E4 (1% EEO), to extend the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Notably, cherry tomatoes treated with the E3 formulation maintained superior freshness indicators, exhibiting an extended shelf life of approximately 9–12 days compared to the control group. This study aims to explore a novel microcapsule wall material and provide a strategy for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, thereby minimizing food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main focus of this study was to create a stable and efficient nanoemulsion (NE) using Callistemon citrinus essential oil (EO). Various factors affecting the NE's stability were optimized including oil %, Tween 80%, time of sonication, and its accelerated stability was examined. The research also considered the antibacterial, antifungal, and larvicidal effects of the optimized NE (B10). The optimum NE stood out for its stability, featuring a particle size of 33.15 ± 0.32 nm. Analysis via IR spectroscopy confirmed successful EO encapsulation in B10. The formulation remained stable for six months, with B10 showing significantly higher antibacterial and antifungal potency compared to the pure oil. When samples were subjected to tests against Fusarium oxysporum, B10 exhibited a MIC value of 62.5 mg/mL, whereas the pure oil showed a MIC value of 250 mg/mL. This indicates that the B10 formulation was 50 times more effective than the EO. In terms of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, the MIC value was 0.256 mg/mL for B10 and 4 mg/mL for the EO. Also, pure oil and B10 displayed larvicidal effects against Chilo suppressalis (Walker) larvae, with B10 eliminating 95.2% of larvae in 48 h. Overall, stable and optimum C. citrinus NE with its strong antimicrobial qualities, shows promise as an effective fungicide and insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on encapsulating and characterizing essential oils such as thyme and calendula oils, which are known for their therapeutic properties but are limited in pharmaceutical formulations due to their low water solubility and instability, with alginate microspheres. Alginate presents an excellent option for microencapsulation due to its biocompatibility and biological degradability. The ionic gelation (IG) technique, based on the ionic binding between alginate and divalent cations, allows the formation of hydrogel materials with high water content, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. The microspheres were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, and swelling analyses. After determining the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity, the microspheres were subjected to dissolution studies under simulated digestion conditions. It was observed that the swelling percentage of the microspheres in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) ranged from ∼15% to 100%, while in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) it ranged from ∼150% to 325%. Thyme oil, with low viscosity, exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency than marigold oil. The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed in A-TO-2 microspheres, while the highest drug loading capacity was observed in A-TO-5 microspheres. During the examination of the dissolution profiles of the microspheres, dissolution rates ranging from 10.98% to 23.56% in SGF and from 52.44% to 63.20% in SIF were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest species are characterized by their wealth of essential oils (EOs), which play key requested for alternative control methods against weeds, fungi and pests. This study reports the chemical composition and highlight the antioxidant, antifungal and phytotoxic properties of the EOs obtained from Eucalyptus populifolia Desf, Eucalyptus woollsiana and Eucalyptus exserta. The EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Their antioxidant, antifungal and phytotoxic properties were investigated. All EOs displayed a specific richness in eucalyptol (75.94-7.01%), camphene (6.97-0.4%) globulol (5.20-5.83%) and α-pinene (0.71-12.82 %). EOs isolated from E. populifolia exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Furthermore, all investigated EOs displayed significant antifungal properties against four phytopathogenic fungi belonging to Fusarium genus. The phytotoxic activity against five weeds showed varying effectiveness on seed germination and seedling growth, which exhibited greater effectiveness compared to glyphosate. Eucalyptus EOs have the potential to be used in the formulation of biopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal properties of essential oil derived from Eucalyptus cinerea leaves and its main component, 1,8-cineole, against two significant pests of stored dates, Ectomyelois ceratoniae and Ephestia kuehniella (Pyralidae). The impact of the treatment on the sensory characteristics of date fruits was assessed to verify the complete absence of off-odours and off-flavours. Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry analysis of E. cinerea essential oil revealed that the primary compound was 1,8-cineole (74.5%). Fumigant toxicity of the two pests, indicated that first instar larvae (L1) exhibited greater tolerance to E. cinerea EO and 1,8-cineole than L5, while adult forms were more susceptible than larvae. The E. cinerea EO had a noticeable pest contact activity when used at a concentration of 0.35 µL/cm2 caused 100 and 88.3% mortality to E. ceratoniae and E. kueheniella, respectively, after 1 hour of exposure. Hedonic evaluation showed that consumers' appreciation of fumigated dates was not significantly different to the no treated dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety is a major concern globally. However, safe and effective insecticidal agents are required. In this assay, the composition and insecticidal effects of essential oils (EOs) in Melicope pteleifolia and M. patulinervia leaves, stems, and fruits against Lasioderma serricorne and Liposcelis bostrychophila were evaluated. The aim of the study was to explore a safe plant source of EOs that can be used to develop insecticides. The EOs in the leaves, fruits, and stems from M. pteleifolia were represented as AMPL, AMPF, and AMPS, respectively. The EOs from the three M. patulinervia parts were represented as BMPL, BMPF, and BMPS. EOs were extracted using the hydrodistillation method. Qualitative and quantitative analyses by GC–MS revealed that the EOs primarily comprised monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, alcohols, and esters. Elsholtzione occurred in high proportions in the plant extracts. The comprehensive evaluation method of weighted coefficient was used to evaluate the exploring potential of each EO based on the insecticidal effects. The results showed that BMPL, AMPS, and AMPL had the highest fumigation, contact, and repellent effects against the insects. BMPL had the highest comprehensive score at 0.91. These findings indicated that all the plant extracts had insecticidal effects, with BMPL demonstrating the highest effect and can be used to develop plant-based insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For their pungency and tanginess, ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) are often used in cooking. Ginger has long been used in traditional medicine and home remedies to treat pain and inflammation. This research tests Z. officinale (EOZ) essential oils' chemical composition, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties in vitro and in silico. EOZ yielded 0.69% of root mass with 23 chemicals. The main chemicals in EOZ were α-zingiberene (23.850%), Geranial (14.160%), and (E,E)-α-farnesene (9.980%). EOZ demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant activity in all tests, with an IC50 of 9.53 ± 0.41 mg/mL in the DPPH test and an EC50 of 87.46 ± 3.19 mg/mL in the FRAP system. The results indicate that EOZ has strong efficacy against C. maculatus, even at low concentrations (1.00 μL/100 g). Note that EOZ killed 20 ± 0% and 13.33 ± 4.44% of adult C. maculatus in inhalation and contact tests, respectively. High concentration (20.00 μL/100 g) resulted in 100% adult mortality in inhalation tests and 96.67 ± 4.44% mortality in contact testing. We then used molecular docking to identify EO major component binding modes by targeting insecticidal and antioxidant protein structures 1R20 and 1R4U. This research helps create insecticides and antioxidants from common ginger essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vetiveria zizanioides, known as vetiver grass, is renowned for its ecological significance in soil erosion control and the restoration of lands polluted by heavy metals. Additionally, this plant is extensively harvested for vetiver oil, widely utilized in both medicine and perfumery. The study was designed to investigate the phytochemicals, antilipase, hemoglobin antiglycation, antihyperglycemic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of V. zizanioides. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various volatile compounds, among which the most predominant ones, which are, 4,6,6-Trimethyl-2-(3-methylbuta-1,3-dienyl) −3-oxatricyclo [5.1.0.0(2,4)] octane, Cycloisolongifolene (8,9-dehydro-), and 9 H-Cycloisolongifolene (8-oxo-). It is noteworthy that this essential oil has shown significant inhibitory activity against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, and glycation, with respective IC50 values of 0.47 ± 0.01, 0.42 ± 0.004, 0.58 ± 0.008, and 0.49 ± 0.005 mg/mL. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of EoVZ was assessed against a diverse spectrum of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria, as well as fungi, using both disc-diffusion and broth-microdilution techniques. The results showed significant antimicrobial effects against all tested microorganisms, with inhibition zones ranging from 28.33 ± 1.66 mm to 9.0 ± 0.0 mm for bacteria and from 22.5 ± 1.7 mm to 14.0 ± 0.3 mm for fungi. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined, with values ranging from 0.0625% to 2.0% (v/v) for bacteria and from 2.0% to 8.0% (v/v) for fungi. The MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios indicated bactericidal and fungicidal mechanisms. This study underscores the prominent attributes of EoVZ, particularly its antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties, suggesting its potential as a natural and effective agent ensuring high safety standards for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved the exploration of hydro-distilled essential oil (EsO) from the aerial parts of Cordia dichotoma fruits, stems, seeds and leaves via gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry. Approximately 33 volatile components were detected throughout the study. Almost 27 and 23 compounds (comprising 64.83% and 31.55%, respectively, of the total components) were detected in the fruits and stems, whereas 25 compounds (57.12% of the total components) were detected in the seeds, and 25 compounds (52.48% of the total components) were found in the leaves. The main components of the fruit oil were Nonanal (5.77%), Oleic acid (4.30%), β-Damascenone (4.12%), 3, 4-Dehydro-β-ionone (4.06%), Methyl jasmonate (3.32%), Sabinene (3.31%), Phytol (3.22%) and Vitispirane (3.11%). From stem oil, the major components were Nonanal (6.52%), Nonadecane (3.22%) and 2, 3-Octanedione (2.16%). Whereas, the major components of the seed oils were Nonanal (12.14%), Oleic acid (5.13%), Dihydroactindiolide (3.35%), 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol (3.18%), Dodecanoic acid (3.16%) and Methyl jasmonate (3.11%). Similarly, the major components of the leaf oils were 2, 4-di-t-Butylphenol (10.25%), 3-Methylnonane (4.73%), 2-Undecanol (4.64%), 3, 4-Dehydro-β-ionone (3.52%) and Nonanal (3.16%). These EsO were used for antibacterial activity against two bacteria i.e. E. coli (G-ve) and the S. aureus (G+ve) by disc diffusion method to determine the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (maximum bactericidal concentration). However, among the four parts of C. dichotoma, fruit and seed EsO were highly effective against E. coli (MIC and MBC were 125 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL respectively) compared to S. aureus (MICs of 250 and 500 μg/mL with an MBC of 1000 μg/mL) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physicochemical profile, phytochemical constituents, bioactivity, and thermal stability of the hydro-distilled essential oil (EO) for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus were investigated. EO yield for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus was 2.05± 0.09% and 1.2 ± 0.3% (w/w) respectively. The chemical profiles of the EO were analyzed using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry).Twenty one (99.99 %) and Twenty (98.59%) EO components were identified from T. schimperi and T.serrulatus, respectively. The two stage mass losses, the first one (38%) was from 37°C to 164°C and (55%) from 46°C to 178°C for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus EO respectively and the second one was (11%) from 164°C to 220°C for T.schimperi and (8%) from 178°C to 223°C for T.Schimperi and T.serrulatus EO respectively were observed for TGA analysis.The essential oils in this study showed a strong antioxidant effect for different tests. IC50 value of 0.17 μg/mL on DPPH assay for both species; 73 ± 0.50 and 64 ± 3.4% inhibition for ABTS assay 4.6 ± 0.42 and 8.04 ± 0.9 mM Fe+2/mL percent in FRAP assay for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus respectively. Antimicrobial activities for both species EOs were investigated on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Streptococcus epidermidis. MIC values for E.coli and S.typhi were 0.5 and 1 μL/mL for T.schimperi, 2 and 4 μL/mL of T.serrulatus EO, for S.aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis were 0.2 and 4 μL/mL for T.schimperi, 2 and 0.5 μL/mL for T.serrulatus EO's. MBC values for both E.coli and S.typhi were 2 μL/mL for T.schimperi and 4 μL/mL for T.serrulatus EO, While for S.aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis were 1 and 4 μl/ml for T.schimperi, 2 and 8 μL/mL for T.serrulatus EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aims to develop a novel active food packaging material from hybrid micro‐nanofibrous mats fabricated from gelatin (G)–chitosan (Ch)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–Origanum elongatum essential oil (EO), (G‐Ch‐PVA‐EO) through electro‐blowing. The fibrous mats were characterised to assess their morphologies, shelf life efficiency, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, surface‐wetting, and thermal, chemical, and physical interactions, among other factors. Results showed that the antioxidant activity was improved with the addition of EO, this enhancement is potentially linked to its rich content of phenolic components; carvacrol and P‐cymene. In addition, G‐Ch‐PVA‐EO showed higher firmness measurements compared to the control samples. Herein, low microbial counts were noted for both mesophilic aerobic bacteria (3.76 log CFU g−1) and yeast/mould (3.91 log CFU g−1) even at day 20. To conclude, the G‐Ch‐PVA‐EO microfibrous mat exhibits great promise in preserving the freshness of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The white button mushroom is a significant vegan food with a limited shelf‐life. To prolong the shelf‐life of mushrooms, certain treatment must be implemented. The current investigation is involved in the development of biocomposite film (BCF) by employing cellulose nano crystal (CNC), dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The CNC extracted from aloe vera rind exhibited a sharp crystalline peak and rod‐shaped structures with a particle size of ~322.7 nm. Among the various concentrations of the CNC, incorporated in the BCF, the 8% CNC (BCF‐8%)‐loaded film showed the highest mechanical strength of ~166.73 MPa and a best crystallinity pattern. The study examined the synergistic impact of BCF along with neroli and palmarosa essential oil vapours, which effectively preserved the overall physiochemical properties and sensory characteristics of white button mushrooms for up to 8 days of storage. Hence, these innovative packaging systems are suitable substitute for the commercial food grade packaging to maintain the quality of mushrooms during postharvest storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: White button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) has a wide nutritional benefit and a major drawback in supply chain management, due to its short shelf‐life of between 3 and 4 days. Postharvest spoilage caused by Trichoderma and Rhizopus including green‐mould and soft‐rot diseases causes an enormous impact on the shelf‐life of mushroom. Research work is designed to isolate the post‐harvest pathogens from mushroom and determine the effects of eight essential oils on the control of the major postharvest pathogens (T. lentinulae and R. arrhizus). Neroli and palmarosa exhibited 100% inhibition of the two pathogens at 3 and 4 μL/plate, respectively. In‐vivo studies showed that fumigation of neroli and palmarosa essential oils at concentrations of 46.2 and 61.6 μL L−1 exhibited a significant effect on the postharvest pathogens. Major components present in neroli and palmarosa are linalool and geraniol respectively. Findings concluded that neroli and palmarosa could be an efficient natural fungicide to reduce postharvest diseases in white button mushroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terpenes and terpenoids are the primary bioactive substances present in essential volatile oils, condensed liquids extracted from diverse plant parts. These substances demonstrate remarkable biological activity and are frequently used as medicines, food additives, and scent molecules. Terpenoids have a wide range of pharmacological effects on the human body, including the treatment, prevent, and reduce the discomfort associated with a number of chronic illnesses. Therefore, these bioactive substances are crucial to our everyday existence. As most terpenoids are present in complex form, coupled with many other raw plant elements, it is important to identify and characterize these molecules. This article addresses various classes of terpenoids, their biochemical processes, and their biological functions. Additionally, it includes a comprehensive description of several hyphenated procedures and recently popular analytical approaches used for isolation, identification, and absolute characterization. It also includes a discussion of the various advantages, drawbacks, and challenges encountered during the collection of the sample and throughout the entire research process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Zhumeria majdae, a unique native plant of southern Iran, has been traditionally used to treat various health issues. Preclinical studies suggest its therapeutic potential for immunological and inflammatory disorders. This study investigates the effect of Z. majdae essential oil (ZMEO) on TNBS-induced colitis in rats, focusing on the NF-κB/p38 MAPK/Nrf-2 pathway. Experimental procedure: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were used, with all groups except the sham group receiving a single intra-rectal dose of TNBS. Three different doses of ZMEO and also 1 mg/kg dexamethasone were administered orally for 2 weeks. Colon tissue was analyzed for ulcer index, histological changes, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic factors, and levels of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and Nrf-2. Key results: GC-mass analysis identified 25 compounds with linalool (52.01%) and camphor (31.01%) as the major compounds in ZMEO. ZMEO ameliorated colon injuries, reduced ulcer index, and prevented the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic proteins. It also increased the levels of IL-10 and Bcl-2 proteins. Furthermore, ZMEO decreased the expression of p-NF-κB and p38 MAPK while increasing the expression of pNrf-2. Conclusions: ZMEO mitigates colon damage associated with IBD by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic proteins possibly through modulating the NF-κB/p38 MAPK/Nrf-2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wound is a major clinical challenge that complicates wound healing, mainly associated with bacterial biofilms. Bacterial burden damages tissue and persists inflammation, failing to granulate, leading to morbidity and mortality. Various therapeutic strategies and approaches have been developed for chronic wound healing in clinical practice. As treating biofilm infection is crucial in chronic wounds, a potent antibiofilm agent, essential oils have been explored extensively for their therapeutic properties and as a replacement for antibiotic therapy. Currently, several studies on essential oils and their active compounds in therapeutics, such as adjunctive therapies, nanotechnology-based treatment and their drug delivery systems, help heal chronic wounds. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of essential oils make them distinct and are renowned as natural remedies to improve the healing of infected chronic wounds. Consequently, it accelerates wound closure by reducing inflammation, increasing angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. This review focuses on different essential oils and their active compounds that are exploited for the treatment of biofilm infection, chronic inflammation and wound healing. Thus, an effective novel treatment can be developed to improve the current treatment strategy to overcome multidrug resistance bacteria or antibiotic resistance in various chronic wound infections that support wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is recognized for its aroma, but also for its health benefits and potential applications. However, its use has been limited due to its volatility and tendency to degrade. Cyclodextrins have emerged as an interesting option to encapsulate and protect a wide variety of compounds. The objective of the present work was to encapsulate BEO in β-cyclodextrin (BCD) by ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and to evaluate physical characteristics and antibacterial activity of the obtained BEO-BCD complexes. Ultrasonication time and BCD concentration were found to act synergistically, favoring complex formation. The best entrapment efficiency (near 90%) was achieved for maximum BCD concentration (15 mM), 6 min of ultrasonication, and minimum stirring time (1 h). Stirring has minimal impact on the efficiency when the process includes ultrasonication. BEO-BCD interactions were verified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water sorption studies, Fourier-transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. Isotherms were consistent with the displacement of water molecules from the BCD's inner cavity as compounds are included. DSC showed that BEO encapsulation led to an increase in its oxidative stability. In addition, the powdered BEO-BCD combined system maintained its antibacterial capacity under the tested conditions. The results indicated that the ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method is efficient for obtaining cyclodextrin complexes, reducing experimental times, but also avoiding the use of organic solvents. Moreover, BCD could be considered an excellent carrier to obtain antibacterial BEO in a powdered form, easy to handle and store, attractive for food industries as natural preservative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary oils (DOs) from various sources are known to be beneficial functional bioactives in medicinal applications. However, DOs are highly susceptible to light, temperature, and oxygen, rendering them chemically unstable and prone to oxidation. As a result, their use in the food and pharmaceutical sectors is constrained. Nanoencapsulation techniques are widely regarded as highly promising tactics for augmenting the inherent properties and therapeutic impacts of DOs. This article is focused on the utilization of ultrasonically produced biopolymeric nanocarriers (UPNs), along with their advantages and disadvantages, which have demonstrated promising potential for encapsulating various DOs. Furthermore, a full discussion has been carried out on the advanced loading techniques of various DOs using UPNs, particularly protein/polysaccharide-coated nanoemulsions and nanoparticles. These nano-vehicles are considered promising candidates for protecting DOs due to their remarkable features and their capability to enable accurate and efficient delivery to targeted sites. The gastrointestinal fate of protein/polysaccharide-coated nanocarriers is mostly determined by their size, surface characteristics, and physical attributes. UPNs provide a range of desirable properties inherent to biopolymeric nanoparticles, enabling them to provide stability and effective dispersion of DOs in functional food products. Additional research is extremely needed to explore novel possibilities for utilizing DOs-loaded UPNs in the realm of food and beverage applications, with the prospect of eventual commercial viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety and mood disorders are among the mental health diseases that have exponentially increased in prevalence owing to the hectic and stressful lifestyle. In addition to negatively impacting people's physical health, this has resulted in a major psychological, social, and financial burden. A lot of emphasis has been placed on dietary and lifestyle modifications in the ongoing search for medication-free treatments. Investigating the connection between the consumption of specific fruits and vegetables and mental health issues such as depression has produced some intriguing and occasionally encouraging results. The genus Citrus with over 1300 species of plants is enriched with a plethora of polyphenolic compounds on the one hand and multicomponent volatile oil content on the other hand. Purpose: The current work is centered on examining the range of phytoconstituents found in various citrus species—both underutilized and utilized—as promising avenues for future anxiolytic research. The work also details the proposed pharmacological mechanisms of isolated components and clinical trial advancements of selected citrus species. Methodology: Various databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, were used to search and collect relevant literature published in the past 10 years (2014–2024). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria recommended for drafting methodical reviews were followed. Results: Initially, 1791 articles were collected through an electronic database search, irrelevant titles/abstracts (1449) and other types of articles (05) were excluded. Out of 342 assessed reports, 187 duplicate articles were excluded. Finally, list of 67 articles was included in this narrative review. Conclusion: Although research and development, as well as the commercial use of several citrus varieties, have attracted some interest recently, analyzing neglected citrus species closely can help to improve their processing into well-known anxiolytic leads by revealing their untapped potential. The work emphasizes the extensive exploration of underutilized citrus species, which have a rich bioactive pro file and enormous potential in pharmaceutical research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in dairy production can increase the variety of dairy‐based products. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial changes in lactic butter samples made from heat‐treated creams and enriched with M. communis essential oils (EOs) were investigated. Results: The best lactic butter properties were achieved by optimizing the process at 70 and 80 °C. M. communis EOs decreased lipid oxidation and spoilage microorganism growth in lactic butter during cold storage. M. communis EOs have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in lactic butter equal to that of ascorbyl palmitate. α‐Pinene, p‐cymene, limonene, 3‐carene, 1,8‐cineol, β‐linalool, α‐terpineol and myretenol are the major contributors to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of M. communis EOs. They exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals by donating hydrogen or acting as termination enhancers, and antimicrobial activity by disruption of cell membranes, which may result in the leakage of macromolecules or the loss of essential metabolites, ultimately leading to cell death during the storage of lactic butter samples. Conclusion: The addition of M. communis EOs improves lactic butter stability equal to that of ascorbyl palmitate, and may be applied as a natural and effective preservative to maintain butter from lipid oxidation and microbial spoilage and enhance its safety. Practical applications: The growing recognition of the health benefits of natural antioxidants, as opposed to synthetic ones, has led to the development of new applications for natural antioxidants. In this regard, M. communis L. EOs can be used to enhance the shelf stability of cold‐stored lactic butter. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Essential oils extracted from cinnamon bark and oregano are rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol and show potential for promoting animal performance. However, their impact on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of meat has not been reported. The hypothesis of this study was that a blend of essential oils rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol would inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and promote the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in lamb meat. The present study evaluated the effect of a blend essential oil (EO) rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on the nutrient digestibility, rumen biohydrogenation, growth performance, and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum of lambs. RESULTS: Sixty male lambs with an average age of 84 ± 0.98 days and initial body mass of 25.4 ± 0.29 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were assigned randomly to four diets, and supplemented with 0 (EO0), 30 (EO30), 60 (EO60), and 120 (EO120) mg kg−1 dry matter of EO for 60 days. Although dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility all showed a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.02) with increasing quantities of EO, final body mass and average daily gain increased linearly (P = 0.04), and average daily weight gain (ADG)/dry matter intake (DMI) tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07). Increasing EO supplementation resulted in a linear decrease in total volatile fatty acid concentration, acetate molar percentage, and acetate‐to‐propionate ratio (P ≤ 0.03), with the EO120 treatment being lower than the other EO treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Seven lambs from the EO120 treatment and seven lambs from the EO0 treatment were randomly slaughtered. It was observed that the proportions of C18:2n6c and PUFA in longissimus lumborum were higher in the EO120 treatment than the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen was decreased by the EO120 treatment in comparison with the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the predicted relative abundances of genes encoding for conjugated linoleic acid reductase tended to decrease with the EO120 treatment (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that supplementation of the EO blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol can enhance lamb growth performance and promote the deposition of desirable PUFAs in meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating essential oils as dietary supplements in aquaculture is increasing in popularity. In prawn farming, their use is associated with reduced disease outbreaks, enhanced immunity, and improved animal growth and welfare. Herein, we explored the use of lemon beebrush essential oil (Aloysia triphylla; EOAT) in the diet of juvenile giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and its potential impact on growth performance and oxidative status of the hepatopancreas. Four hundred juvenile M. rosenbergii (0.40 ± 0.19 g, similar weights between sexes) were fed diets containing concentrations of EOAT at 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, or 0.3% for 50 days. Each experimental group had five replicates, with 20 prawns per experimental unit. Prawn survival remained above 84% for all experimental groups. Prawn weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and body condition were similar among all experimental groups. Dietary EOAT increased activities of the enzymatic antioxidants, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and varied glutathione S transferase activity in the hepatopancreas of prawns when compared to those fed the control diet. Dietary EOAT did not affect malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation) levels. While EOAT had no impact on survival and growth of M. rosenbergii, it may modulate the detoxification capacity of the hepatopancreas (i.e., metabolic resistance). Future work should prospect EOAT as part of a nutraceutical blend, especially when combined with known growth enhancers and immune stimulants. Based on our results, dietary inclusion of 0.2% EOAT is the most suitable for juvenile M. rosenbergii farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the dynamics of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L) is essential in the production of essential oils (EOs) in Morocco, considering the country is one of the main producers of rosemary EO. In this study, the authors aimed to examine the influence of harvesting period and environmental factors on the dynamics of rosemary EO, mainly its composition. Samples were collected from four sites in northeastern Morocco on a monthly basis between July 2021 and June 2022. Subsequently, quantitative and qualitative analyses by hydrodistillation and gas chromatography were performed to determine the yield and composition of EOs. On average, EO yields ranged from 2.3 to 3% across the four sites; they were highest in summer and lowest in autumn. A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.59, p < 0.05) was observed between precipitation and EO yield, while temperature had a moderately positive influence. A total of 17 chemical compounds, representing 88.9-99.1% of the EO extracts, were identified and consisted mainly of 1,8-cineole (44.2-46.6%), camphor (14.8-16.8%), borneol (7.5-9.1%), and a-pinene (5.2-5.9%). Harvesting period strongly influenced EO composition, with the highest concentrations of 1,8-cineole and a-pinene were recorded during the summer period (July and August), while the concentrations of borneol, camphor, and terpineol were highest in winter (December and January) and late spring. The findings of the study highlight the importance of monitoring the factors that influence the chemical composition of rosemary EO, thus providing a knowledge base that would help improve the quality and economic value of rosemary EO production in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, clove essential oil nanoemulsion (CENE) was prepared and used at different levels (0, 1, 3, and 5%) in the formulation of the edible film based on modified potato starch (MPS). Physicochemical (water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, and color) and structural properties (XRD and SEM) of edible films were studied. According to the results, the prepared CENE had a homogeneous and uniform distribution and its encapsulation efficiency was 80%. The incorporation of CENE decreased WVP, solubility, tensile strength (TS), and lightness (L*) while enhancing elongation at break (EAB) and yellowness (b*) of the films. According to the results, the optimal sample for coating sponge cakes was an edible film solution containing 3% CENE. Its effect on cake was compared to coating without CENE and also uncoated. The coating with 3% CENE maintained the moisture content of the cake, which reduced the firmness process, and weight loss and kept the freshness of the cake during storage. The microbiology analysis results demonstrated the inhibition effect of CENE on the growth of yeast and molds and recorded the lowest load of them compared to the uncoated sample after 21-day storage. According to the sensory evaluation, the overall acceptance score of the coated sample with 3% CENE on the 8th day after baking was acceptable and had no significant difference with the uncoated sample (p > 0.05). In light of this finding, the incorporation of CENE in the MPS edible coating demonstrates significant potential as an effective and safe preservation method for cake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monarda fistulosa L. above-ground organs, collected at three phases of plant phenology, were investigated as potential raw materials for application in the food industry. They were evaluated regarding essential oil (EO) content, composition, and antimicrobial activity, as well as characteristics of phenolic fractions and antioxidant properties, which may determine health benefits and potential use in food preservation. The dominant constituent of leaf EO was carvacrol. In the inflorescence EO carvacrol content was especially high at the full flowering phase (45.12%), while during the fruit setting phase its content was lower than that of p-cymene (39.75%) and thymoquinone (25.04%). In the agar dilution test, leaf and inflorescence EOs inhibited the growth of the six tested microorganisms at the concentration range of 0.156–0.625 µL/mL. Leaves collected at the vegetative phase of plant growth were characterised by the highest content of rosmarinic acid and didymin. Inflorescences harvested during the flowering of plants were rich in linarin. Flavonoid content was highly correlated with antioxidant activity of extracts. Due to these properties, M. fistulosa extracts and essential oils could be used in the food industry as natural preservatives or antioxidants, thereby contributing to the development of safer and more sustainable food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, African marigold (MG) derived essential oils (EOs) have attained an immense economic pertinence in the flavor, fragrance, food, medicinal, and floricultural industries, which necessitate boosting its production on a commercial scale. Therefore, we aimed to assess varying levels (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L-1) of exogenously applied melatonin (MT) as a growth hormone to trigger growth, flower yield, and EOs of MG. The MT was applied as a foliar spray after thirty days of transplantation of MG plants and repeated thrice at fifteen-day intervals. The results depicted that exogenous MT (150 mg L-1) recorded the maximum plant height and leaves number along with fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots. The same treatment exhibited 66%, 64%, and 18% higher flower fresh and dry weights and flower yield respectively, than the control. Additionally, MT remained effective in reducing days taken to bud emergence and flowering, while flower retention duration increased by 11 days. Following the trend of vegetative growth traits, foliar-applied MT (150 mg L-1) remained unmatched in terms of physiological attributes (transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a, and b contents) of MG. Moreover, for EOs extracted from fresh and dry flowers and leaves, this treatment remained effective by producing 77%, 73%, 53%, and 85% higher content, respectively than the control. Finally, the chemical profiling analyses detected eighty-seven chemical constituents (Caryophyllene oxide was the most dominant compound, and cis-Z-alpha-Bisabolene epoxide followed it) in MG flowers. In terms of the retention time of different chemical compounds in MG flowers, Calarene epoxide had the highest retention time of 19.75 minutes among major compounds. Based on these results, 150 mg L-1 dose of MT may be recommended to growers for boosting MG growth, floral yield and EOs content sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil derived from Grewia bulot, a plant species known for its medicinal properties. The analysis of Grewia bulot essential oil revealed the presence of 78 constituents. The major compounds were α-cadinol (13.5%), 1,8-cineole (12.7%), 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (9.8%), epi-α-cadinol (6.7%), (E,E)-α-farnesene (5.9%), (E)-citral (4.0%), selin-11-en-4-α-ol (4.0%), citronellol isobutanoate (3.9%), and geranic acid (3.7%). The essential oil exhibited promising antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 452.65 ± 28.40 µg/mL in DPPH model. This oil did not show NO production inhibitory effect in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the essential oil exhibited significant cytotoxicity against KB, Hep-G2, MCF-7, and SK-LU-1 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 44.04 ± 1.47 to 74.20 ± 3.71 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iphiona grantioides (Boiss) Anderb. is a medicinal plant featuring several traditional uses. Nevertheless, this plant has not been widely investigated by modern medicinal chemistry yet, as also the properties of its extracts. In this study, we report the extraction of the essential oil by hydrodistillation from the leaves of I. grantioides. This was characterised by GC-MS analysis and ten chemical constituents were identified. Our findings demonstrate that the essential oil is effective in inhibiting the growth of bacterial strains, and of Klebsiela pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus in particular. Additionally, its antioxidant properties were evaluated, and it showed radical scavenging activity in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Algerian endemic plant Ammoides atlantica (Coss. et Durieu) H. Wolff was studied for the chemical profiling and biological activities of its essential oil (EO) and ethanolic extract (EE). The chemical analysis by GC/MS and HPLC/DAD/UV revealed, respectively, the major compounds thymol (39.46%), γ- terpinene (31.74%), and p-cymene (19.01%) in the EO, and apigenin (33.58%), luteolin 7-O-glucoside (20.09%), and luteolin (14.39%) in the EE. The EO exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with a significant ABTS•+ scavenging capacity (IC50 = 2.79 µg/mL) compared to EE, Trolox, and BHT. The EE showed comparable effects to BHT in DPPH scavenging and reducing power tests. Moreover, the EO demonstrated noteworthy antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 32.1 to 70 mm and MICs below 0.3 to 5 mg/mL. Furthermore, the EE exhibited strong antiinflammatory activity by inhibiting hemolysis of red blood cells >70% at a concentration of 20 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of the lepidopteran pest, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) on crops, result in significant economic losses due to decreased crop productivity and the cost of pest control measures. Using synthetic chemicals to manage this polyphagous pest can adversely impact the environment and contribute to the development of pesticide resistance in other insects. Integrated pest management strategies, including biological control agents, are often recommended to manage S. litura infestations in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Compared with synthetic chemicals, herbal pesticides are generally considered nontoxic for the environment. They often have lower toxicity toward non-target organisms, thus reducing the risk of harming beneficial animals and other wildlife. Botanicals include a variety of phytocompounds that can potentially help in managing polyphagous pests, such as S. litura. Improving herbal-based nano-pesticides (Hb-Np) that can serve as carriers for bioactive compounds would enable their controlled and targeted release. Therefore, the present review aims to highlight the impact of different resistance mechanisms employed by the lepidopteran larvae against synthetic chemicals and efficacy of herbal extracts, essential oils, and herbal-based nano-formulations in targeting the polyphagous pest, S. litura, and the key challenges associated with sustainable pest management in the agriculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin infections are common complications in both humans and animals. Because of the increased incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) skin infections, essential oils have been suggested as potential alternatives to the classic antimicrobials. The goal of this study was to evaluate the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MBC/MFC) of commercially available products containing essential oils, zinc gluconate, or 4% chlorhexidine. Microbroth dilution technique was performed on clinical isolates of MDR Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MDR-SP; n = 10), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA; n = 10), and Malassezia pachydermatis (MP; n = 10). For MDR-SP, essential oil-containing products showed median MICs of 1:240 and 1:320. The chlorhexidine shampoo had a MIC of 1:128,000 (0.312 µg/mL), whereas zinc gluconate products had median MICs of 1:320 and 1:160. Three essential oil-containing shampoos (MBC 1:40), the zinc gluconate (MBC 1:40), and the chlorhexidine (MBC 1:64,000 [0.625 µg/mL]) reached an MBC. For PA, essential oil-containing products showed median MICs of 1:30 and 1:80. The zinc-gluconate products had a median MIC of 1:160, whereas the chlorhexidine shampoo had a median MIC of 1:4,000 (10 µg/mL). Only the zinc-gluconate products (MBC 1:80) and the chlorhexidine shampoo (MBC 1:2,000 [20 µg/mL]) reached an MBC. For MP, essential oil-containing and zinc-gluconate products showed lower median MICs (1:4,800 and 7,200) for shampoos compared with other formulations (1:160 and 1:320), whereas the chlorhexidine shampoo had a median MIC of 1:80,000 (0.5 µg/mL). These results suggest that natural topical compounds can be an effective alternative to treat skin infections in companion animals. Further in vivo studies are needed to clinically confirm this study's results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activation pathway(s) triggered by Minthostachys verticillata essential oil (EO) in bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) challenged with a strain of bovine Staphylococcus aureus. MAC-T cells were stimulated with EO, S. aureus or pre-treated with EO and then challenged with S. aureus. Cytokine's release was measured by ELISA. The mRNA for TLR2, TLR4, NOD2, MyD88 and NFκB was quantified by RT-qPCR. S. aureus adherence and internalization was also evaluated. MAC-T cells stimulated with S. aureus synthesized high levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 were kept up to 48 h, while IL-4 levels were not altered. Cells pre-treated with EO for 2 and 6 h and then challenged with S. aureus showed a significant increase of IL-1β and IL-6. However, in these cells, a decrease in IL-1ß and IL-6 levels and an increase of IL-4 values was observed from 24 h. No significant increase in the expression levels of TLR2 or NOD2 was detected in all stimulated cells. However, the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NFκB was increased in cells stimulated with S. aureus at 2 and 6 h as well as in cells pre-treated with EO between 2 and 6 h and then challenged with S. aureus. The NFκB expression levels was similar to control at 24 h in all stimulated cells, although pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and TLR4 and MyD88 expression levels remained high in cells stimulated with S. aureus. This results suggested the activation of other pathways independent of MyD88 by the pathogen that involucrated the activation of others transcription factors. Pre-treatment with EO during 2, 6 and 24 h did not affect S. aureus adherence but decreased its internalization. In conclusion, pre-treatment with EO increased the IL-1β and IL-6 synthesis during the first hours post-challenged with S. aureus up-regulating TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway. Furthermore, EO increased the IL-4 levels from 6 to 24 h down-regulating the NFκB and possibly other transcription factors activated by the pathogen, which decreased its internalization into MAC-T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]