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This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, and synergistic potential of essential oils derived from Romanian lavender. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that linalool is the main compound in all lavender essential oils, with concentrations ranging from 29.410% to 35.769%. Linalyl acetate was found in similar concentrations to linalool. Other significant compounds included 1,8-cineole (8.50%), lavandulyl acetate (5.38%), trans-β-ocimene (6.90%), and camphor (7.7%). A 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was used to assess antioxidant capacity, with substantial free-radical-scavenging activity shown in the IC50 values determined. The antibacterial efficacy of the oils was higher against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria, with variations in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the extent of inhibition, and evolution patterns. The study also explored the oils' ability to enhance the efficacy of ampicillin, revealing synergistic interactions expressed as fractional inhibitory concentration indices. In silico protein–ligand docking studies used twenty-one compounds identified by GC-MS with bacterial protein targets, showing notable binding interactions with SasG (−6.3 kcal/mol to −4.6 kcal/mol) and KAS III (−6.2 kcal/mol to −4.9 kcal/mol). Overall, the results indicate that Romanian lavender essential oils possess potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and their synergistic interaction with ampicillin has potential for enhancing antibiotic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa L., is an annual plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family. Its historical utilisation by people spans various purposes, including textiles and food. Considered one of humanity's earliest cultivated plants, hemp has played a significant role in various civilisations. Traditionally, its fibres have been employed in producing ropes, apparels and fabrics, while its seeds have been valued for their nutritional richness. Hemp's health benefits are also associated with phenolic compounds, which occur in varying amounts in almost all classes of plant foods and agroindustrial residues. Hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) cake, derived from the cold-pressing process of hemp seed oil extraction, is abundant in protein, fibre and biologically active compounds. Three types of hemp seeds (Silvana, Armanca, Teodora) grown at the Lovrin Agricultural Research and Development Station were subsequently studied after oil extraction. The recovered hemp seed leftover waste cakes were analysed to compare their physical, chemical, nutritional composition, and total phenolic content. The ash, moisture, lipid, total protein, and crude fibre levels were measured for each variety. The results will enable further research to valorise secondary byproducts generated during the hemp seed oil extraction and contribute to reducing food waste, thereby advancing the sustainability of the agri-food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper introduces the analysis results over a selected number of small-scale farms in the Western Romanian agriculture, more precisely in the counties of Arad and Timis. The purpose of the investigation is linked to the assessment of need for advisory services input in solving the problems of the farmers, particularly for the ones operating in small farms. Analysing the returned answers in connection with the fields of interest or needed expertise, accounting for the forms of mutual or directional help, compiling any forms of advice inputs, including the specialised structures other than public in absence of a function Farm Advisory Service allow the development of a structured image in terms of current problems, the way of solving and the interactions among the farmers inside or outside their communities. The quantified findings can serve as base for a public policy recommendation in the field of farm advisory as part of the Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of drying methods, extraction solvent, and extraction methods on the phytochemical profile of Sambucus nigra L. flowers harvested from the western region of Romania. Two drying methods for plant conditioning (room temperature and lyophilization), two extraction solvents (70% ethyl alcohol and water), and three extraction methods (conventional extraction (C), ultrasound-assisted extraction, and microwave extraction) were used. For the evaluation of the phytochemical profile, the following spectrophotometric methods were investigated: total polyphenol content, total antioxidant activity using the DPPH and FRAP methods, and flavonoid content. In addition to the spectrophotometric methods, the individual polyphenols were evaluated using the LC/MS method. Using atomic absorption spectrometry, the macro and microelement content of Sambucus nigra L. flowers was assessed. The results showed that the drying method, the solvent used for extraction, and the extraction method influenced the phytocompound content. The analyses showed that in terms of polyphenols, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, high values were recorded for lyophilization-dried samples compared to samples dried at room temperature. Also, higher values were recorded for alcoholic extracts compared to aqueous extracts, but also for extracts obtained by the ultrasound-assisted method, followed by extracts obtained via microwave compared to extracts obtained by conventional extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oreganum vulgare, or oregano, is widely known for its antimicrobial properties. A growth in microbial biofilm resistance in recent years has presented significant issues for the food business in terms of contamination and shelf-life loss, as well as for the medical community in terms of treating diseases. This paper evaluates the antibacterial efficiency against the biofilm generated by Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), as well as the Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare. The evaluation was performed by measuring the microbial biofilm using the microdilution assay, crystal violet staining, and reading of OD by spectrophotometry per ISO 20776-1:2019. Confocal microscopy was used to capture the images of S. aureus biofilm before and after treatment with the tested essential oil. The statistically evaluated results suggest a very good efficacy against S. aureus bacteria and a more limited activity against E. coli. The multifaceted potential of oregano's antimicrobial properties prompts the need for continued exploration and validation in various fields, ultimately contributing to sustainable and effective practices in healthcare, agriculture, and food preservation. With growing concerns about synthetic additives and preservatives, natural alternatives like oregano oil present an exciting opportunity for the food and pharmaceutical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a significant cause for concern. A real and topical issue is the control and treatment of bacterial diseases, primarily caused by these bacterial mutants resistant to most available antibiotics, which is a real and pressing concern. Numerous studies concentrate on alternative or complementary antimicrobial strategies due to these facts. Antimicrobial compounds derived from natural resources, such as plant extracts, are garnering increasing interest for their activity against various microorganisms in the hope that, unlike antibiotics, they will be effective without inducing resistance. The purpose of this work is to test the antimicrobial efficacy of Thuja occidentalis (TO) extracts against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi represented by the following reference strains: Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Haemophilus influenzae type B (ATCC 10211), Candida parapsilopsis (ATCC 22019) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), respectively. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with ISO 20776-1:2019 by measuring the loss of microbial mass using spectrophotometry to ascertain the optical density (OD). The best effect was for TO2, and it recommends it as a potential future candidate in natural products with antimicrobial activity. Our findings could allow TO2 usage in several areas, such as products for antimicrobial dermal treatments, the area being strongly affected by the increase in antimicrobial resistance to commercial products. The statistical analysis indicates that TO is highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria and Candida spp., making it a promising candidate for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, microbial biofilm resistance has increased, posing significant challenges for the medical community in terms of disease treatment and for the food industry in terms of contamination and loss of shelf life. The purpose of this work is to test the antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria represented by the following reference strains: Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10876) and Clostridium perfringens (ATCC 13124), as well as the MIC evaluation of three Thuja occidentalis (TO) extracts. In accordance with ISO 20776-1:2019, the evaluation was conducted by measuring the loss of microbial mass using spectrophotometry to determine the optical density (OD). As a result of our research, we can say that to extracts, especially at the first concentration tested cause an inhibiting effect on Gram-positive bacteria. The inhibitory effect on the Gram-positive bacteria is increasing: Cl.perfringens< S. pyogenes< S. aureus < B. cereus < L. monocitogenes. The demonstrated effect of TO2 recommends it as a potential future candidate in natural products with antimicrobial activity. Our findings could allow TO2 blends in many areas, such as products for bacterial dermatological treatments and the food industry, both areas being strongly affected by the increase in antibacterial resistance to standard, commercial antimicrobial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]