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Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts
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Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 5309

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jun Niu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Genetics and Germplasm Innovation of Tropical Special Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Interests: secondary metabolism; regulatory mechanism
Dr. Jose Maria Prieto-Garcia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
Interests: elucidating the effects of medicinal plants; natural products on skin conditions; herb-drug interactions; advanced techniques to the analysis and biological effects of complex natural products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, essential oils and plant extracts have gained significant attention in various fields, ranging from healthcare and cosmetics to the food and beverage industries. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements in research on essential oils and plant extracts, exploring their applications, benefits, and future prospects. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds extracted from plants. They are composed of various chemical components, including terpenes, esters, aldehydes, and ketones, and are widely used for their therapeutic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Similarly, plant extracts, which are obtained by extracting and concentrating the active ingredients from plant materials, also possess numerous benefits and applications. This Special Issue will cover a wide range of topics related to essential oils and plant extracts, including, but not limited to, the following: extraction and purification techniques; chemical composition and analysis; biological activities and mechanisms; and biosynthesis mechanisms.

Dr. Jun Niu
Dr. Jose M. Prieto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • essential oils
  • bioactive compounds
  • component analysis
  • bioactivity
  • regulatory mechanism

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1619 KB  
Article
Study on Chemical Diversity, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities, and HaCaT Cytotoxicity of Camphora tenuipilis (a Traditional Aromatic Plant from Xishuangbanna)
by Long Chen, Xuan Fan, Hao Qi, Shi-Guo Chen, Ren Li and Yu-Jing Liu
Plants 2025, 14(22), 3409; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223409 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
Camphora tenuipilis, a unique aromatic plant in the traditional Xishuangbanna dish “Duo Sheng” (raw minced meat dish), lacks scientific evidence to support its traditional use and potential application as a natural preservative/antioxidant. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the [...] Read more.
Camphora tenuipilis, a unique aromatic plant in the traditional Xishuangbanna dish “Duo Sheng” (raw minced meat dish), lacks scientific evidence to support its traditional use and potential application as a natural preservative/antioxidant. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the chemical composition and bioactivities of its leaf essential oils (EOs), verifying its traditional use, and exploring the bioactivities specific to different chemotypes. Leaf samples were collected from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and local markets. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 53 compounds, leading to the classification of the EOs into five chemotypes: linalool, geraniol, citral, elemicin, and methyl cinnamate. Notably, the elemicin-type EO (YC02, with an elemicin content of 94.56 ± 0.98%) exhibited the strongest antioxidant properties. The EOs demonstrated antibacterial activity against four foodborne pathogens: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus; except for YC04, the other EOs effectively inhibited pathogen growth to varying extents. Cytotoxicity tests revealed half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for HaCaT cells ranging from 0.163 to 0.847 mg/mL. This study scientifically validates the traditional use of C. tenuipilis in “Duo Sheng” and supports its potential as a natural food preservative, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)
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15 pages, 2304 KB  
Article
Seasonal and Regional Effects on the Yield and Bioactive Constituents of Torreya nucifera Essential Oils in South Korea
by Chanjoo Park, Nahyun Kim and Mi-Jin Park
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3370; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213370 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 476
Abstract
The essential oil of Torreya nucifera, a coniferous tree native to East Asia, has notable bioactive properties with potential industrial applications. This study examined the effects of seasonal and regional factors on the yield and bioactive constituents of T. nucifera oils in [...] Read more.
The essential oil of Torreya nucifera, a coniferous tree native to East Asia, has notable bioactive properties with potential industrial applications. This study examined the effects of seasonal and regional factors on the yield and bioactive constituents of T. nucifera oils in South Korea. Leaf samples were collected in spring (March), summer (June), and autumn (September) of 2023–2024 from three ecologically distinct regions: Jeju Island, Jinju, and Hwasun. Oil yield was stable across seasons (0.9–1.6%) but varied significantly by region (p < 0.05), with Hwasun showing the highest yield. This stability across seasons may reflect the perennial evergreen nature of T. nucifera. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) identified 32 volatile components, predominantly monoterpenes (83.7–90.4%) and sesquiterpenes (5.4–11.7%), with D-limonene and 3-carene as key chemical markers. Notably, 3-carene levels were significantly affected by region (p < 0.0001), with higher concentrations in Jeju oils, while D-limonene was influenced by season, region, and their interaction (p < 0.001), reaching peak levels in Hwasun during summer and autumn (up to 70%). Therefore, T. nucifera oil from Hwasun harvested in autumn can be optimised for commercial production by maximising oil yield and enhancing chemical markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)
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24 pages, 1187 KB  
Article
Insecticidal Potential of Aniba canelilla (H.B.K.) Mez Essential Oil Against Aedes aegypti: Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activities, Mechanism of Action, and Formulation Development
by Jefferson D. da Cruz, Maíra M. H. Almeida, Maria Athana M. Silva, Jefferson R. A. Silva, Fernando A. Genta and Ana Claudia F. Amaral
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3348; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213348 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 633
Abstract
Control of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, is increasingly difficult due to resistance to synthetic insecticides and environmental concerns. Plant essential oils offer sustainable alternatives with multi-target modes of action and rapid biodegradation. This [...] Read more.
Control of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, is increasingly difficult due to resistance to synthetic insecticides and environmental concerns. Plant essential oils offer sustainable alternatives with multi-target modes of action and rapid biodegradation. This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of the essential oil of Aniba canelilla (EOANIB), its major constituent 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane (NFTANE), and the derivative 1-Nitro-2-phenylethene (NFTENE) against larvae and adults of A. aegypti. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was quantified using enzymes from Electrophorus electricus, Aedes aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster. Pluronic® F127 (5% w/v) nanoformulations loaded with EOANIB, NFTANE, or NFTENE at 1.5% or 0.34% (w/v) improved efficacy and stability. Formulations remained stable for 120 to 190 days at 25 to 60 °C. Larvicidal assay at 24 h yielded LC50 values of 86.9 (CI 78.2–94.7) ppm for EOANIB, 84.8 ppm (CI 75.6–92.4) for NFTANE and 10.9 (CI 8.0–14.0) ppm for NFTENE. Against adults, EOANIB achieved an LC50 of 33.9 ppm at 1.5 h. Nanoformulation reduced the EOANIB LC50 by 22.2% after 24 h and 40.1% after 48 h. Toxicity assays evaluated selectivity with Artemia salina (EOANIB LC50: 77.2 ppm) and no mortality in D. melanogaster at 100 ppm. The convergence of efficacy, formulation-enhanced performance, and demonstrated storage stability positions Aniba canelilla as a promising source of bioinsecticide candidates for Aedes aegypti control and supports further development of micellar delivery systems for integrated vector management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)
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17 pages, 1347 KB  
Article
Repellent, Lethal Activity, and Synergism of Cannabis sativa Extracts with Terpenes Against a Laboratory Colony of Triatoma infestans
by Martín M. Dadé, Martín R. Daniele, Sergio Rodriguez, Pilar Díaz, Maria Pía Silvestrini, Guillermo R. Schinella, Gustavo H. Marin, Daniel Barrio and Jose M. Prieto Garcia
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3258; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213258 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 524
Abstract
Triatoma infestans is one of the primary vectors of Chagas disease. This vector has developed increasing resistance to pyrethroids, the main insecticides used for its control. Recent studies have highlighted the repellent and lethal effects of Cannabis sativa on insects, suggesting its potential [...] Read more.
Triatoma infestans is one of the primary vectors of Chagas disease. This vector has developed increasing resistance to pyrethroids, the main insecticides used for its control. Recent studies have highlighted the repellent and lethal effects of Cannabis sativa on insects, suggesting its potential use in pest management. Based on this, we hypothesize that C. sativa could be a viable bioactive for controlling T. infestans. To test this hypothesis, acetone and ethanol extracts were obtained from the inflorescences of C. sativa L. (Deep Mandarine variety) using sonication. These extracts were analyzed through gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The repellent and lethal effects of the extracts were evaluated on fifth-instar nymphs of T. infestans from a laboratory colony, as well as on the beneficial non-target species, Apis mellifera. The most abundant terpenes identified were β-caryophyllene and β-pinene, with concentrations exceeding 100 ppm in both extracts. Cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol were the predominant cannabinoids. Both extracts exhibited maximum lethal activity 48 h after insect contact, with the acetone extract demonstrating a potency five times greater than the ethanolic extract. Binary combinations of C. sativa extracts with major terpenes showed dose-dependent interactions against T. infestans, ranging from strong synergy (e.g., AE + β-caryophyllene, CI = 0.06–0.17) to marked antagonism (e.g., AE + E-ocimene, CI = 1.60–4.80). Furthermore, the acetone extract showed a more effective repellent action compared to the ethanol extract, even outperforming N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET, positive control). At a concentration of 25 µg/cm2 for 60 min, the acetone extract achieved a 100% repellent effect, whereas DEET required a concentration of 50 µg/cm2 to achieve the same effect. Unlike imidacloprid (positive control), neither extract showed toxicity to adult A. mellifera at the evaluated doses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)
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23 pages, 2501 KB  
Article
Biobased Postharvest Treatment Using Eucalyptus Essential Oils in Edible Coatings to Inhibit Colletotrichum acutatum and Prolong Strawberry Shelf Life
by Paula Porrelli Moreira da Silva, Nataly Maria Viva de Toledo, Jacqueline de Oliveira, Eduardo Micotti da Gloria, Fabiane Barco Maximo and Marta Helena Fillet Spoto
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162565 - 18 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1141
Abstract
Strawberries are economically valuable but highly perishable fruits, mainly due to fungal spoilage, with no fungicides currently registered for postharvest use. This study aimed to develop a biobased postharvest treatment for strawberries focusing on fungal control and shelf-life extension. The antifungal activity of [...] Read more.
Strawberries are economically valuable but highly perishable fruits, mainly due to fungal spoilage, with no fungicides currently registered for postharvest use. This study aimed to develop a biobased postharvest treatment for strawberries focusing on fungal control and shelf-life extension. The antifungal activity of Eucalyptus staigeriana, Eucalyptus urograndis, and their binary mixture was evaluated in vitro against the spoilage fungus Colletotrichum acutatum. The effects on pathogen morphology, in vivo efficacy when incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and impacts on postharvest and sensory quality of strawberries were also assessed. E. staigeriana EO showed the highest antifungal activity in vitro. In vivo, the incorporation of E. staigeriana EO into CMC significantly reduced disease severity when applied curatively. Treated fruits exhibited less fungal decay during refrigerated storage, indicating improved preservation. However, sensory evaluation revealed changes mainly in the aroma of the fruit. These results suggest that E. staigeriana EO combined with CMC coating is a promising postharvest antifungal treatment for strawberries, though further research is needed to optimize the formulation and reduce sensory impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)
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21 pages, 3184 KB  
Article
Antifungal Potential of Piper-Derived Essential Oils and Key Constituents on Moniliophthora roreri, the Causal Agent of Moniliasis in Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)
by Natalia V. Delgado-Bogotá, Oscar J. Patiño-Ladino and Juliet A. Prieto-Rodríguez
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2514; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162514 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1228
Abstract
Moniliophthora roreri, the causal agent of moniliasis, severely affects cacao production in Latin America, and sustainable control alternatives remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of essential oils (EOs) from Piper species and selected volatile compounds against M. roreri [...] Read more.
Moniliophthora roreri, the causal agent of moniliasis, severely affects cacao production in Latin America, and sustainable control alternatives remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of essential oils (EOs) from Piper species and selected volatile compounds against M. roreri. A total of 34 EOs obtained by steam distillation were assessed for mycelial growth inhibition under fumigation conditions. The most active EOs (≥60% inhibition) were chemically characterized by GC-MS, and their median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were determined. Additionally, 40 structurally diverse volatile compounds were selected and evaluated for their antifungal activity to identify the main contributors and explore structure–activity relationships. Most of the active EOs exhibited a high proportion of phenylpropanoids and oxygenated monoterpenoids, with IC50 values ranging from 0.58 to 184.27 µL·L−1; the most active were those from P. holtonii and P. aduncum. Among the 28 most active compounds, IC50 values ranged from 0.48 to 109.81 µL·L−1; the most potent were myristicin and dillapiole. The most potent molecules were phenylpropanoids bearing methoxy and methylenedioxy groups, followed by oxygenated monoterpenoids and long-chain ketones. This is the first report of antifungal activity against M. roreri for most of the evaluated EOs and all tested compounds, highlighting the potential of the Piper genus as a source of natural alternatives for sustainable disease management in cacao cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Essential Oils and Plant Extracts)
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