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Different LED light spectra (LS) are absorbed by different plant photoreceptors and can control biomass and plant secondary metabolite synthesis. In this study, the effects of continuous-spectrum LED lights (red, blue, white, red + blue, and 12 h blue + 12 h red) on the production value, antioxidant compounds, and biomass of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) microgreens (Red Rubin, Violeto, and Kapoor cultivars and the Ablagh genotype) were investigated. The results showed significant effects of LS on cultivar (Cv) and the interaction of LS and Cv on the studied traits. The highest quantitys of chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and nitrate were obtained in Violeto under blue lighting. Red lighting enhanced starch synthesis in Red Rubin and flavonoids in the Violeto Cv. The highest biomass (4.54 kg m−2) was observed in the Ablagh genotype and the highest carbohydrate synthesis in Violeto Cv in the red + blue treatment. The highest anthocyanin content (26.33 mg 100 g−1 FW) was observed for Red Rubin Cv under 12 h blue + 12 h red light. The greatest antioxidant capacity (83.57% inhibition), the highest levels of phenolic compounds (2027.25 mg GA 100 g−1 FW), vitamin C (405.76 mg 100 g−1 FW), proline, antioxidant potential composite index (APCI), and the greatest production values were obtained for the Ablagh genotype under blue lighting. Taken together, the experiment findings indicate that growing the Ablagh genotype under continuous blue lighting can increase the antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C and that this LED light spectrum can be used as a practical method to produce basil microgreens with high nutritional health value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: nutrient deficiency is one of the common problems in world's soils, especially calcareous soils. Hence, application of new ways including slow release fertilizer is increasing to improve the nutritional status of nutrients. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effects of hydrogel and nitrogen on soil chemical properties, yield, concentration and uptake of nitrogen in Mentha in a calcareous soil and under greenhouse culture. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in a complete randomized design with three replications. The treatments were included hydrogel in levels of 0, 0.005 and 0.01% of soil and urea fertilizer in level of 100, 200 and 300 kg.ha-1. During the experiment, chlorophylln a and b were measured. At the end of the experiment, soil chemical properties such as pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), soil nitrogen, and yield and some physiological characteristics of Mentha were measured. Results: The results showed that the lowest pH, the maximum of DOC and soil nitrogen was obtained in level of 0.01% of hydrogel treatment. The maximum yield of Mentha was obtained in level of 0.01% of hydrogel treatment. The utilization of hydrogel and nitrogen fertilizer had a considerable impact on the nitrogen concentration and uptake. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the use of hydrogel in the amount of 0.01% by weight and 200 kg/ha of urea can have a useful and effective role in improving nitrogen uptake in Mentha. Based on these experimental results, it could be concluded that the increase in the amount of nitrogen in the Mentha plant was due to the increase in the amount of nitrogen in the soil and as a result, better uptake and impact on yield. The utilization of hydrogel in combination with chemical fertilizers is an effective approach to mitigate environmental issues associated with the use of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appropriate concentration of the nutrient solution (NS) plays an important role in the yield, antioxidant capacity, and biochemical compounds of basil microgreens in the floating system. This study examined the impact of five different concentrations of Hoagland's NS (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125%) on the antioxidant capacity, biochemical compounds, and yield of four basil cultivars and genotypes (Persian Ablagh, Violeto, Kapoor and Red Rubin) in a floating system, utilizing a split plots designs. Results revealed that the highest yield was achieved with a 50% NS concentration. The Persian Ablagh genotype, under a 125% NS concentration, exhibited the highest content of carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant potential index (APCI). The Violeto cultivar at a 100% NS concentration produced the highest amounts of vitamin C and anthocyanin. The Kapoor cultivar, when grown with a 100% NS concentration, demonstrated the greatest antioxidant capacity. The nutrient solution with 125% concentration compared to 50% concentration reduced the yield by 23.29%. Also, the performance of the Violeto cultivar increased by 36.24% compared to the red variety of Robin. According to the APCI index, the genotype of Iranian Ablaq basil increased by 152.79% in the treatment of nutrient solution with a concentration of 125% compared to 50%. In this study, yield and total chlorophyll showed a significant negative correlation. A significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin C content and flavonoids, anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Anthocyanin content exhibited a positive and significant correlation with the APCI. Based on these findings, we recommend a 50% NS concentration of Hoagland's NS for optimal yield, a 125% NS concentration for the production of secondary metabolites with enhanced antioxidant capacity, and a 100% NS concentration as a balance between antioxidant properties and yield for basil microgreens production in a floating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti‐microbial property‐based packaging system is able to destroy and eliminate the contaminants and pathogenic microorganisms, which spoil the food. In this study, sachets were prepared by an active packaging system using starch‐based microcellular foam loaded with peppermint essential oil (SMF‐PEO). The produced SMF was used to make sachets loaded with PEO and then placed on the upper part of the strawberry package. Qualitative and biochemical traits of the strawberry fruits, such as weight loss percentage, vitamin C, phenolic substances, antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide content, microbial load, and antioxidant enzymes activity, were evaluated. Results of the gas chromatography confirmed EO release until the end of the fourth day of the fruit storage. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectra showed the porosity of the SMF and the loading of PEO in its pores. Total phenol and antioxidant activity decreased during storage. At the end of storage, the most total antioxidant activity (29.04 iron II mol g−1) was found in packaged fruits with sachet, whereas the most anthocyanin (896 mg kg−1) was found in control. At the end of the storage period, the treated fruits showed a greater catalase (1660 U kg−1) and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (1626.6 U kg−1) activity. Packaged fruits with sachet had lower microbial load, total mesophilic bacteria in control and treated samples was 3.7 and 1.7 Log CFU g−1 in end during storage. At the end of storage, the total yeast + mold in treated and control fruits was 1.3 and 1.57 Log CFU g−1, respectively. Practical applications: The sachets loaded with PEO increased activity of enzymes and the decreased amount of malondialdehyde have a positive effect on increasing the shelf life of strawberry fruits and are efficient enough to reduce microbial load. Due to the inexpensiveness and degradability of starch, SMF is a suitable system for PEO loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) belongs to the family of Amaryllidaceae is one of the most important ornamental and aromatic plants which its secondary metabolites are being used in cosmetic, sanitary and perfume industries. Behbahan district belongs to Khuzestan province is one of the well-known narcissus production centers in Iran. Narcissus plants not only have ornamental value, but also have medicinal compounds such as alkaloids that have antiviral and anti-tumor properties. Numerous experiments have been identified the components of Narcissus essential oil and the most significant of aroma constituents have been reported as rans-p-Ocimene, Benzyl acetate, 1, 8-cineole, linalool and phenyl ethyl acetate. However, there is little information about Narcissus extract and the current study was performed to investigate the compounds of ethanol and hexan extracts in different varieties of narcissus. Materials and Methods This research was conducted in randomized complete design to evaluate components of hexane and ethanol extracts of five narcissus varieties (Shahla, Meskinack, Porpar, Panjegorbai and Golsefied) which are grown in Behbahan district. The fresh flowers of narcissus were extracted using tow solvents; hexane and ethanol. In the hexane extraction method, 10 g of the fresh flowers were weighed from each variety and poured into Erlenmeyer, and then 100 ml of hexane was added to each one and left at room temperature for 10 days. After extraction, the solvent was filtered and the extract was concentrated by vacuum rotary and absolute was obtained. Then 10 times of ethanol was added to the absolute of each variety and kept at -4 °C to precipitate the wax. After precipitation, the supernatant was separated and concentrated again by rotary and then the components were detected by GC/MS. In the ethanol extraction method, also 10 g of the fresh flowers were also weighed from each variety and poured into Erlenmeyer, and then 100 ml of ethanol was added to each one and left at room temperature for 10 days. After extraction, the solvent was filtered and the extract was concentrated by vacuum rotary and absolute was obtained. The rest of the steps are similar to the hexane method which is described above. Results and Discussion According to the results, the maximum amount of hexane extract (1.3%) and the minimum amount (0.9%) were observed in variety of Shahla and in Porpar, respectively. According to the results obtained from the analysis of the extract by GC/MS, approximately 7 to 12 compounds have been identified in narcissus varieties. Benzyl acetate, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, trans -Ocimene, Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1, 3 Dimethyl ethyl benzene were the most important components. In ethanol extract, the maximum amount of ethanol extract (6.2%) and the minimum amount (4.8%) were recorded in variety of Shahla and in Porpar, respectively. Interestingly, more compounds were identified in ethanol than hexane extract. The most important compounds were 2-butoxy ethanol, 1, 8- Cineol, Benzyl alcohol, rans-Ocimene, Linalool, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, Benzyl acetate, Benzene ethanol and Benzene which were recorded in all varieties of narcissus. Conclusion In general, the results showed that there is a significant difference in terms of yield, number and percentage of chemical compounds of hexane and ethanol extracts of different varieties of narcissus. According to the results, the maximum amount of hexane and ethanol extract was obtained in Shahla while the minimum amount was observed in Porpar. Benzyl acetate, Linalool, Benzyl alcohol, rans-Ocimene, Phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1, 3 Dimethyl ethyl benzene are the most important components of both extracts. In order to isolate extract components and report exclusive compounds, further experiments are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediculosis, caused by Pediculus spp is an important public health problem in urban and rural areas around the world. Natural compounds such as plant essential oils (EOs) have been suggested as a potential alternative for insect pest control recently. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil against the head louse, Pediculus capitis under laboratory conditions. Methods: Fennel essential oil components were analyzed using GC-mass apparatus. Immersion and contact filter paper bioassays were used to evaluate fennel essential oil toxicity at the two-fold concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40% against nit and nymph/adult stages of the head louse. Results: Trans-anethole, α-Thujone, and limonene, which consisted of 76.08%, 10.37%, and 5.34% were the most components of fennel oil respectively. The LC50 values for the adult /nymphs were 11.5, 6.4, 3.9, 3.1 and 2.5% and LC99 values were 29.5, 15.2, 12.8, 10.8, and 7.4% at 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after exposure respectively. The lethal times (LT50) for adults/nymphs were 5.2, 8.1, 9.5, 20.5, and 45.8 minutes and LT99 were 138.6, 91.3, 23.8, 21.7, and 13.9 minutes in the concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40%, respectively. LC50 and LC99 values were 2.32% and 7.36% after 5 days for the eggs. Conclusion: Fennel essential oil at the concentration of 15% after 20min is suggested to develop as an appropriate formulation to evaluate in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil components of fresh and dry aerial parts of Callistemon citrinus, monthly harvested from Iran during a year, were compared. The EO contents of dry plant samples were dramatically higher than the fresh materials. The dry sample collected in March with 1.10 ± 0.04% and fresh in August with 0.16 ± 0.01% (w/w), possessed the highest and lowest EO yields, respectively. From thirty-two identified aroma phytoconstituents, 1,8-cineole was the major compound with quantity variation of 60.01% in dry sample collected in January and 33.92% in fresh from August. In summer, the amount of α-pinene as the second predominant volatile terpenoid was raised, while dry sample in August (46.92%) was the richest. The present study explicitly demonstrates the impact of harvesting period on volatile oil contents of C. citrinus and the findings are considerable to obtain the favourite EO compositions for consuming in food and phyto-pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of essential oil (Od-EO) and nanoemulsion (Od-NEO) of Oliveria decumbens for practical use in food industry. The plant was collected from the North-East of Khuzestan province and essential oil was extracted by Clevenger device. The components of Od-EO were identified by GC-MS analysis. The Od-NEO was prepared by stirring tween 80, distilled water and Od-EO and then using a sonicator with a power of 200 W and a piezoelectric crystal with a probe diameter of 15 mm. The antibacterial effects of Od-EO and Od-NEO were evaluated on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes by disk diffusion agar and microdilution methods. Antioxidant effect was also evaluated using DPPH and ABTS scavenging methods. Data showed that thymol (53.4%), γ-terpinene (20.48%), p-cymene (18.02%) and myristicin (2.7%) were the most predominant compounds of Od-EO. The particle size of Od-NEO was 45.71nanometer and the Zeta potential was -36.3 mV. The value of IC50 in the DPPH test for BHT, Od-EO and Od-NEO were 18.57, 1456.95 and 757.29 (μg/ml), respectively. In ABTS method, the IC50 rates were 12.32, 565.83 and 507.89 (μg/ml). The MIC of the Od-EO and Od-NEO ranged between 0.312 to 20 mg/ml. The lowest MIC value was obtained for S. aureus and highest value was obtained for P. aeruginosa. Data showed that the antioxidant activity of Od-NEO was significantly higher than Od-EO (p<0.05). Also, Od-NEO had a greater inhibitory effect on the studied bacteria than Od-EO and gram positive bacteria showed more sensitivity. Due to higher antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Od-NEO, need for increased attention to this issue and the Od-NEO could potentially be used in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head lice as obligated ectoparasite is a public health concern. We aimed to determine the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis as public health concern among girl's primary school in southwest of Iran. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted in Karoon County, south-west of Khuzestan Province in Iran in 2017-2018. Totally, 851 students were interviewed randomly, examined by a medical entomologist and completed a questionnaire containing 18 questions based on individual, social, economic, cultural and health information. Results were presented as prevalence and percentages for qualitative variables and also, the data were analyzed by univariate logistic and multivariate regression models. Results: About 199 (23.38%) girls were infected by head lice. Univariate logistic regression indicated that the prevalence of pediculosis was directly associated with the grade of education, father's job, shared personal hygiene products, number of combing, having permanent head cover at home, infection in other members of the family and previous infection. Multivariate logistic regressions for predicting of head lice infection in girl students were reported permanent head cover at home (OR: 1.399, 95% CI: 0.934, 2.097, P=0.104), grade of education (OR: 1.948, 95% CI: 1.307, 2.905, P=0.001), father's job (OR: 2.385, 95% CI: 1.518, 3.750, P<0.001), shared personal hygiene products (OR: 1.817, 95% CI: 1.224, 2.698, P=0.003) and using hair oil (OR: 1.904, 95% CI: 1.279, 2.836, P=0.002) had significant relation with head lice infestation Conclusion: Head lice remind as serious health problem in Karoon County, southwest of Iran. Due to high infestation, periodic screening of the student is recommended for early detection and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holy basil is a perennial plant belongs to lamiaceae family. In order to evaluate the effect of foliar application of zinc on essential oil content and composition of holy basil, an experiment was conducted at research farm, based on randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications. The treatments were nano zinc chelate (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/l) and zinc sulfate (1 and 1.5 g/l) fertilizers. Zinc content, glandular trichomes number, glandular trichomes size, essential oil content, yield and composition were measured at full bloom stage. The results showed that the effect of foliar application of zinc fertilizers on all measured traits were significant (p≥0.01). The highest and lowest values of zinc and essential oil content were obtained in plants sprayed with 1.5 g/l nano zinc chelate and control, respectively. Moreover, eugenol, 1,8-cineole and methyl chavicol were the most oil components of all treatments at both harvests. Other main compounds of essential oil were ocimene, bisabolol and α-bisabolene. Overall, there were no significant differences between 1 and 1.5 g/l nano zinc chelate and 1.5 g/l zinc sulfate treatments for essential oil content and yield of holy basil. Therefore, foliar application of 1.5 g/l zinc sulfate is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Chitosan alleviates negative effect of water stress by osmotic adjustment in summer savory. • Chitosan can enhance biomass and dry matter of summer savory under severe water stress. • Chitosan application changes essential oil content and composition of summer savory. • Chitosan application affected the biochemical traits of summer savory under water stress. Water stress is the most common abiotic environmental factor that influenced the morphological and physiological traits of the plants. Application of antitranspirants substances such as chitosan can reduce water loss. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is one of the important medicinal and aromatic plants which is used in food and pharmaceutical industries. In this investigation, the response of summer savory to foliar application chitosan (acetic acid, 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/L) under three irrigation regimes (30, 60, and 90 % field capacity (FC), as a pot factorial experiment in randomized complete design with three replications, was evaluated. Chitosan and irrigation regimes treatments had significant effects on studied parameters, including biomass, dry matter, essential oil content, and composition as well as selected physiological characteristics comprising photosynthetic pigments, osmotic adjustment, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities of the extract of summer savory. The results showed that chitosan application was useful under severe water stress (30 % FC) and 2 g/L of chitosan improved total phenolic, total soluble sugar and proline contents, antioxidant activity, and essential oil content of the plant. Elicitation of summer savory with chitosan under water stress modified essential oil compositions such as carvacrol, γ-terpinene, and p -cymene. In conclusion, the findings of the present experiment indicated that chitosan could be a favorable material used to decrease the deleterious effect of water stress. Furthermore, the chitosan spraying can behave beneficial effects on the essential oil quality and quantity as well as osmotic adjustment, antioxidant activity, and growth of summer savory under water stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have a wide range of secondary metabolites including monoterpene. These volatile compounds are the main components of essential oils, belonging to the isoprenoid group and possessing valuable features for plants and humans. This review provides comprehensive information on chemical structures and classification of monoterpenes. It describes their biosynthesis pathways and introduces plant families and species rich in noteworthy monoterpenes. Bio-activities, pharmacological and pesticide effects as well as their mechanism of action are reported. Applications of these compounds in various industries are also included., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)