Search Results (292)

This study aimed to identify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the essential oil (EO) of Schinus lentiscifolia and to evaluate the effect of chitosan coatings (1%) enriched with EO of S. lentiscifolia (1000, 2000, and 4000 mg L⁻¹) on the control of Penicillium sp. and on the quality of ‘Fuji’ apples. The EO was extracted from S. lentiscifolia collected in the municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in March, May, and November 2022. The antifungal activity of S. lentiscifolia EO against Penicillium sp. was evaluated in vitro. Apples were stored under refrigerated conditions (0 ± 0.5 °C; 90 ± 5% RH) for 30 days and subsequently under ambient conditions (23 ± 3 °C; 70 ± 5% RH) for 5 days. A total of 14 VOCs were identified in the EO of S. lentiscifolia, with the monoterpenes β-pinene (34.68%) and α-pinene (30.61%) as the major compounds, followed by γ-terpinene (10.13%), camphene (9.66%), and o-cymene (7.14%). The application of chitosan coating with S. lentiscifolia EO (2000 mg L⁻¹) reduced the severity of blue mold in ‘Fuji’ apples by 88.1% during refrigerated storage and by 69.2% under ambient conditions. Ethylene production by the apples was also reduced when treated with chitosan and EO. No influence of the treatments was observed on fruit quality attributes. The postharvest application of chitosan coatings combined with S. lentiscifolia EO reduces disease caused by Penicillium sp. in ‘Fuji’ apples without affecting fruit quality. Full article

This study evaluates the antifungal activity of Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil traditionally used in northeastern Brazil for the treatment of skin disorders. The essential oil isolated from fresh leaves collected in Ceará, Brazil, was chemically characterized by GC–MS, showing a thymol-dominant profile (37.52%), accompanied by p-cymene (12.13%), γ-terpinene (9.29%), and gurjunene (10.95%). Antifungal assays revealed significant activity against several dermatophyte species with MIC and MFC values ranging from 50 to 100 μg/mL. Biofilm assays against Epidermophyton floccosum demonstrated strong inhibitory effects by disrupting biofilm formation, altering fungal morphology, and promoting in vitro skin cells migration, while also showing effective preventive effects in an ex vitro nail infection model. These findings support the potential of L. gracilis essential oil as a multifunctional natural antifungal agent for the management of refractory dermatophytosis and onychomycosis, and provide scientific validation for its traditional use in skin infection treatment. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical content of the endemic plant Thymus fedtschenkoi var. handelii (Ronniger) Jalas and, for the first time, to examine its anticancer potential on various cancer cell lines. Methods: The plant was collected from its natural habitat and the essential oils’ (EOs) composition was analyzed using GC-MS. The anticancer efficacy and cytotoxicity of plant extracts and the EOs were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) methods on lung (A549, Calu1, H1650), bone (SW1353, MG63, Saos2), prostate (PC3, DU145, LNCaP) and brain (A172, B35, C6) cancer cell lines, as well as normal cell lines (Beas2B, FL, HC). Results: The main components of the EOs were determined to be high amounts of carvacrol (51.12%), γ-gamma-terpinene (16.87%), and p-cymene (14.76%). Both the extract (GI₅₀: 1.10–3.28 µg/mL) and the EOs (GI₅₀: 1.05–2.03 µg/mL) exhibited strong antiproliferative activity. However, the EOs demonstrated markedly superior growth suppression, with TGI values of 1.97–9.19 µg/mL, whereas the extract required substantially higher concentrations (110.6–261.5 µg/mL). The LC₅₀ values of all samples exceeded 500 µg/mL in all cell lines tested, indicating that the natural compounds predominantly had a cytostatic effect. Normal cells showed comparable reduced sensitivity, supporting selectivity. Morphological analyses further confirmed treatment-induced cellular alterations consistent with antiproliferative and apoptotic processes. Overall, essential oils emerged as the most effective fraction, combining low TGI values with moderate cytotoxicity and showing promise in in vitro activity. Conclusions: The potent and selective antiproliferative activity of T. fedtschenkoi var. handelii may hold significant therapeutic potential in the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

This study investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) and the phenolic profiles of methanol extracts from Satureja boissieri Hausskn. ex Boiss. EO analysis by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) identified carvacrol (45.2%), cymene (26.0%) and γ-terpinene (17.5%) as the primary constituents. Phenolic profiles were quantified via Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), revealing syringic acid (56,647.96 mg/kg extract), rosmarinic acid (47,777.98 mg/kg extract) and hesperidin (6353.49 mg/kg extract) as major components in the extract. The antioxidant potential was evaluated through three distinct radical scavenging assays (DPPH, ABTS and DMPD) and the determination of ferric (Fe³⁺) and cupric (Cu²⁺) reducing capacities. Notably, S. boissieri exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 11.74 µg/mL for DPPH and 9.90 µg/mL for ABTS radical scavenging, demonstrating performance comparable to standard antioxidants such as α-tocopherol (11.31 and 8.37 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the in vitro inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes were evaluated. While both extracts exhibited similar and significant AChE inhibition (35.3% and 32.4%, respectively), the essential oil was notably more potent against BChE than the methanol extract. These findings suggest that S. boissieri is a significant source of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and neuroprotective potential for pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen. Long-term use of azole antifungals faces challenges like resistance, necessitating novel agents. Tea tree oil (TTO), a natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial, shows promise, but its molecular mechanisms, particularly concerning novel cell death pathways, require clarification. This study comprehensively evaluated the antifungal mechanism of TTO against C. albicans using transcriptomics. Antifungal susceptibility assays were conducted to assess the effects of TTO and its components (4-terpineol, terpenes, and γ-pinene) on the growth of C. albicans hyphae and biofilms. Fluorescent labeling and biochemical analysis were employed to detect ferroptosis markers. Transcriptomic results indicate that TTO induces 423 differentially expressed genes and systematically inhibits the development of C. albicans hyphae through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, iron homeostasis disruption, disruption of cell wall integrity, and interference with ergosterol metabolism. Notably, the significant enrichment of redox enzyme activity and iron ion binding functions, along with changes in the glutathione metabolic pathway, suggest that ferroptosis may be involved in this process. Subsequent studies revealed that the compound 4-pinene most effectively inhibits the pathogenicity of C. albicans by suppressing its adhesion, hyphae formation, and biofilm formation, whereas terpinene induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases lipid peroxidation in C. albicans; furthermore, following treatment with an iron-mediated apoptosis inhibitor, terpinene enhances the viability of the treated C. albicans cells. Full article

Thyme (Thymus callieri Borbás ex Velen) and summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) are aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family widely used in traditional medicine and the food industry. This study provides a comparative analysis of the phytochemical profiles and biological potential of the essential oils (EOs) of these two plant species from Bulgaria. The chemical composition was determined using GC-MS analysis. Biological evaluation included determination of antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), antimicrobial activity (MIC assay), ex vivo anti-inflammatory effects (IL-1β expression in rat stomach smooth muscle preparations), and in vitro antihemolytic activity. GC-MS analysis identified 16 compounds in T. callieri EO, dominated by p-cymene (46.42%) and thymol (35.80%). In contrast, 17 compounds were identified in S. hortensis EO, with carvacrol (58.81%) and γ-terpinene (22.46%) as major constituents. Both EOs exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with S. hortensis showing higher radical scavenging potential. In antimicrobial tests, both oils demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy with MIC values ranging from 0.313 to 2.5 mg/mL. Ex vivo experiments revealed that T. callieri EO significantly increased IL-1β expression, suggesting immune activation, while S. hortensis EO showed a lower effect, indicating higher anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, S. hortensis EO demonstrated superior erythrocyte membrane stabilization (antihemolytic activity) compared to T. callieri EO and the reference anti-inflammatory drug Aspirin. In conclusion, the findings highlighted the distinct biological potential of both Bulgarian EOs, suggesting their diverse applicability as natural bioactive agents in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Full article

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is an emerging crop valued for its nutritional and sensory properties and has been reported to exert health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective activities, as well as potential benefits for gut health and metabolic regulation. Building on these features, the present study aimed to unlock the potential of sea fennel to produce novel pickles. Two independent batches were prepared using young leaves and stems of sea fennel fermented in brine. After fermentation, salt concentration was standardized in all prototypes, and two types of vinegar (apple and wine) were added at four acetic acid levels (0.05%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 0.7%). All prototypes were subsequently subjected to mild pasteurization. During fermentation, physicochemical and microbiological parameters were monitored, while after pasteurization additional physicochemical, microbiological, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and sensory analyses were performed during storage. In both batches and across all prototypes, fermentation resulted in a significant pH decrease, dominance of lactic acid bacteria, inhibition of Enterobacteriaceae, and a gradual increase in yeasts. Following vinegar addition and pasteurization, pH, titratable acidity, and salt content remained stable over six months of storage in most prototypes, particularly those with 0.2% acetic acid. Pasteurization effectively inactivated lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae in all prototypes, whereas yeasts and mesophilic bacteria persisted in low-acidity samples (0.05%). Therefore, the 0.05% acidity samples were later excluded due to mid-stage microbial spoilage. Batch-dependent differences were observed in color and sensory attributes, with batch 2 showing higher overall stability mainly in acidic flavor and aroma, particularly in prototypes with 0.2% acidity. VOCs analysis revealed profiles primarily driven by batch variation, with secondary modulation by vinegar type: sesquiterpenes remained stable, while γ-terpinene, limonene, and p-cymene were the dominant compounds, with greater stability observed in batch 2. Overall, the combined use of lactic acid fermentation, vinegar pickling, and mild pasteurization represents a promising strategy for preserving sea fennel and supports its potential as a vegetable crop. Full article

Leaves from California yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) have been used historically by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes. Recent research has ascribed potential pharmaceutical effects to leaf polyphenols, without a consideration of other constituents. Based on prior analyses of polyphenols in leaves sampled in nature, five accessions known to be rich in sterubin and five accessions known to be rich in eriolic acid C were grown from seeds in Ontario, Oregon, and samples of their leaves were harvested and evaluated for their essential oil and polyphenol contents. The major essential oil components in E. californicum were 1,8-cineole (0.6–35.5%), (Z)-β-ocimene (6.8–15.7%), terpinen-4-ol (8.3–16.1%), α-pinene (2.6–13.6%), β-phellandrene (1.9–11.7%), γ-terpinene (4.6–7.9%), ethyl (E)-cinnamate (0.2–8.9%), α-terpineol (1.5–5.2%), p-cymene (2.0–5.3%), and β-pinene (0.6–6.8%). Fifteen polyphenols with a prominence of eriolic acid C, rosmarinic acid, sterubin, homoeriodictyol, 6-methoxynaringenin, hesperetin, and eriodictyol were identified. Essential oils may contribute to the medicinal properties of the leaves of California yerba santa. Results from the ten samples were evaluated for both polyphenols and essential oils; the variations in several essential oils may be correlated to variations in some of the polyphenols. Full article

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is the vector of the devastating citrus disease Huanglongbing, posing a significant threat to the global citrus industry and necessitating environmentally sound management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and its primary constituents as potential botanical insecticides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to analyze the chemical profile of commercial TTO, and behavioral effects on D. citri adults were assessed using a Y-tube olfactometer. Direct spray bioassays were conducted to determine contact toxicity. A total of 12 compounds were identified, with TTO being a Terpinen-4-ol chemotype, dominated by Terpinen-4-ol (40.62%), γ-Terpinene (21.46%), and α-Terpinene (10.45%). TTO demonstrated potent, concentration-dependent repellency, achieving 100% repellency at 10 g/L. In contrast, Terpinen-4-ol alone was attractive to psyllids at low concentrations, suggesting synergistic or masking effects within the complex oil blend. TTO and its major constituents also exhibited significant dose- and time-dependent contact toxicity. Although the 72 h LC₅₀ of TTO (19.18 g/L) indicates lower potency compared to conventional insecticides (0.59–1.23 g/L), its combined repellent and toxic properties make it a promising candidate for integrated pest management (IPM) programs aimed at controlling D. citri and mitigating insecticide resistance. Full article

The Chinese pepper buprestid beetle, Agrilus zanthoxylumi Li Meng Lou, 1989 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a major trunk-boring pest affecting the yield and quality of Zanthoxylum bungeanum. Clarifying its feeding preferences among different pepper varieties and their associations with host-derived volatiles is important for understanding and improving effective management strategies. This study conducted feeding tests under no-choice and dual-choice conditions to evaluate the beetle’s feeding preferences among three Z. bungeanum varieties—Fugu, Dahongpao, and Feng. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze leaf volatiles, with factor analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) used to identify key volatiles. Results showed that A. zanthoxylumi exhibited the highest resting frequency and feeding amount on Z. bungeanum Fugu leaves, with the lowest on Z. bungeanum Dahongpao leaves. Significant differences in unique volatiles were observed among the three varieties. Z. bungeanum Fugu contained 17 unique components, including (E)-4-hexen-1-ol, (−)-limonene, and (−)-α-pinene, with significantly higher quantities than Z. bungeanum Dahongpao and bungeanum Feng. Multivariate analyses further revealed distinct distributions in volatiles, with γ-terpinene, α-terpineol, and linalyl acetate emerging as key compounds distinguishing varieties. These results indicate that the feeding preferences of A. zanthoxylumi are closely related to host volatiles, suggesting variety-specific compounds may serve as primary chemical cues driving its preferences. Full article

Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms and disrupts the structural integrity of macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. This biochemical imbalance triggers the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and leads to lipid oxidation and quality degradation in food systems. Plant-derived bioactive compounds (BACs) such as polyphenols and terpenes develop versatile molecular strategies to mitigate this oxidative damage. In addition to their direct radical scavenging effects, polyphenols stimulate the synthesis of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by activating the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway. Terpenes, on the other hand, create a specialized protective shield in lipid-based matrices through “chain-breaking” reactions and a “slingshot” mechanism that externally halts the oxidation of γ-terpinene. In food engineering applications, these compounds meet the demand for “clean-label” products by providing alternatives to synthetic antioxidants such as BHA and BHT. Specific terpenes, such as carnosic acid, demonstrate higher performance in inhibiting lipid oxidation compared to their synthetic counterparts. Although BAC use extends the shelf life of products while maintaining color and flavor stability, potential interactions with protein digestibility necessitate dosage management. From a clinical perspective, these compounds suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases by modulating the gut microbiota. This review evaluates the capacity of BACs to manage oxidative stress in food preservation technologies and human health through a mechanistic and application-based approach. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are complex volatile mixtures that exhibit antioxidant activity through both chemical and biological pathways. Phenolic constituents act as efficient chain-breaking radical-trapping antioxidants, whereas some non-phenolic terpenes operate through distinct mechanisms. Notably, γ-terpinene functions via a “radical export” pathway, generating hydroperoxyl radicals that intercept lipid peroxyl radicals and accelerate chain termination. Recent methodological advances, such as inhibited autoxidation kinetics, oxygen-consumption assays, and fluorescence-based lipid peroxidation probes, have enabled more quantitative evaluation of these activities. Beyond direct radical chemistry, EOs also regulate redox homeostasis by modulating signaling networks such as Nrf2/Keap1, thereby activating antioxidant response element–driven enzymatic defenses in cell and animal models. Phenolic constituents and electrophilic compounds bearing an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl structure may directly activate Nrf2 by modifying Keap1 cysteine residues, whereas non-phenolic terpenes likely depend on oxidative metabolism to form active electrophilic species. Despite broad evidence of antioxidant efficacy, molecular characterization of EO–protein interactions remains limited. This review integrates radical-chain dynamics with redox signaling biology to clarify the mechanistic basis of EO antioxidant activity and to provide a framework for future research. Full article

In the present study, the essential oils (EOs) of peels and leaves from the new limonime lime, ‘Eugene’ hybrid, were analyzed for the first time and compared with those of its parental plants, Citrus latifolia var. latifolia (Persian lime) and Citrus × limon cv. Zambetakis (lemon). This hybrid represents the first successful cross between these two species, exhibiting distinctive features such as aroma and shape. GC-MS analysis identified a total of 30 and 44 metabolites in the hybrid’s peel and leaf EOs, respectively. Limonene was the predominant volatile in both peels and leaves across all genotypes. In the peel EOs, the monoterpenes γ-terpinene, β-pinene, and geranial were among the most abundant compounds. In contrast, the leaf EOs showed differences between genotypes: the hybrid and Persian lime had similar volatile profiles dominated by geranial, neral, and neryl acetate, while β-pinene was only detected in lemon. Additionally, the total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extracts of peels and leaves were evaluated, and revealed that lemon extracts were richer in phenolic compounds and with higher antioxidant activity compared to those of hybrid and Persian lime. Overall, the development of improved Greek varieties like the ‘Eugene’ hybrid holds significant potential to enrich the genetic diversity of Greek Citrus germplasm and broaden the commercial portfolio of citrus fruits with unique and desirable traits. Full article

The xerophyte medicinal species Crithmum maritimum was investigated for its physiological and antioxidant responses under increasing salinity stress and foliar biostimulant application. At moderate salinity (10 dS/m sodium chloride NaCl), plant growth and photosynthetic activity were enhanced, whereas high salinity (20 dS/m) led to significant reductions in biomass, photosynthetic efficiency, and water use efficiency. Salinity-induced oxidative stress was confirmed by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), in upper plant tissues. Foliar application of two bioactive compounds—Aquamin and Cultisano—partially mitigated the detrimental effects of high salinity. Treated plants maintained higher photosynthetic parameters and exhibited improved antioxidant profile compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, GC–MS analysis of essential oils revealed that salinity altered the composition of key volatile components, notably increasing γ-terpinene and reducing p-cymene content. Biostimulant treatments counteracted these changes, enhancing terpene components such as p-cymene, and thymol-methyl-ether. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of biostimulants to enhance both salt tolerance as well as the phytochemical value of C. maritimum, suggesting promising applications in sustainable agriculture and high-value plant product development under saline conditions. It was concluded that the type of biostimulant significantly influenced the physiological and quality characteristics of sea fennel plants. Further study on this topic is proposed, aiming at the improvement of antioxidant activity, which is beneficial to human health. Full article

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a serious threat to global agriculture by reducing both yield and quality in high-value crops. Although chemical nematicides provide rapid control, their application is increasingly restricted due to environmental pollution and toxicity to non-target organisms. These limitations have increased the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising nematicides due to their sustainable nature and bioactivity. EOs of plant families such as Lamiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Lauraceae, Apiaceae, and Zingiberaceae have been reported to exhibit nematicidal activity. Their major constituents include linalool, thymol, carvacrol, diallyl disulfide, cinnamaldehyde, γ-terpinene, cumin aldehydes, eucalyptol, and spathulenol. EOs suppress nematode populations through mechanisms including inhibition of egg development, increased larval mortality, and reduction in root gall formation. However, field efficacy can be limited by chemical composition variability, volatility, and phytotoxicity. Advanced formulation techniques, such as micro and nano-encapsulation, can improve EO stability, controlled release, and consistent efficacy. Future research should focus on clarifying synergistic and antagonistic interactions among EO constituents, optimizing field applications, and integrating EO-based products with other sustainable strategies. In addition, studies should prioritize standardizing extraction methods, conducting chemical profiling, and verifying their efficacy and safety through repeated field trials in various agricultural systems. In conclusion, plant-derived EOs represent promise as a sustainable method of managing nematodes and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Full article