Search Results (254)

Arnica montana L. (mountain arnica) is a medicinal plant with diverse biological activities commonly used in pharmacy and cosmetics. The attributes of A. montana are related to e.g., the concentration and chemical composition of its essential oils (EOs). Therefore, the objective of this study was to: (i) characterize the chemical composition of EOs obtained from mountain arnica flower heads, rhizomes, and roots used as a pharmacopoeial material, (ii) demonstrate the effects of particular EO types and their combinations on antibacterial activity, and (iii) demonstrate the effect of the presence of A. montana EOs and their combinations with commercial antibiotics on their antibacterial activity. Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from different parts of A. montana were screened for their chemical composition and antibacterial properties. The chemical composition of the EOs was determined using the GC–MS technique. E-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, farnesyl acetate, and dodecanal were the main components of the EO distilled from the flower heads. In turn, 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene, 2,6-diisopropylanisole, p-methoxyheptanophenone, and thymol methyl ether were the main molecules detected in the EO from the A. montana rhizomes and roots. The data clearly indicate that the presence of mountain arnica EO alone and in the interaction with commercial antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole) has a beneficial effect on their antibacterial activity. Full article

This study investigated optimal supplemental multispectral light-emitting diode (LED) conditions for the growth and essential oil accumulation of Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG) cultivated in a net house over 15 weeks. We hypothesized that supplemental lighting could increase biomass while affecting oil yield or vice versa. Nine lighting treatments were established, combining red (R) and blue (B) with ultraviolet-A (UV-A), green (G), or far-red (Fr) lights, applied for 4, 6, or 8 h/night at 80–120 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS-FID, revealing 21–28 compounds, dominated by phenylpropanoids (59.4–71.2%). Eugenol (58.5–69.8%), (Z)-β-ocimene (10.2–12.1%), and germacrene D (7.6–12.1%) were the major constituents. The oils showed weak antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans. All lighting treatments significantly enhanced fresh biomass and oil yield (p < 0.001) compared with the control. The optimal treatment (F2; R, B, and UV-A lights at a photon flux ratio of 71:20:9; 100 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, 6 h/night) yielded the highest fresh biomass (13.07 ± 0.71 Mg/ha), essential oil (31.39 ± 1.71 L/ha), and eugenol (21.09 ± 1.15 L/ha). These findings demonstrate the strong influence of spectral composition and exposure duration on OG productivity and highlight the potential of tailored LED strategies to improve both biomass and oil quality in cultivation systems. Full article

The chemical composition of leaf essential oil of the harmful invasive species Chromolaena odorata collected in Vietnam was analyzed by GC/MS and chiral GC. All three essential oil samples (O1, O2 and O3) in this study fell into chemotype I characterized by α-pinene/geigerene/germacrene D/(E)-β-caryophyllene from a total of six different chemotypes. Chemotype I demonstrated larvicidal effects against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes albopictus Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), Culex fuscocephala (Theobald, 1907) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), with 24 h LC₅₀ values ranging from 11.73 to 69.87 µg/mL. In contrast, its microemulsion formulation exhibited enhanced toxicity, yielding 24 h LC₅₀ values between 11.16 and 32.43 µg/mL. This chemotype also showed repellent efficacy against Ae. aegypti, with protection times ranging from 70.75 to 122.7 min. Fumigant toxicity was observed against Aedes aegypti, with LC₅₀ values of 40.27% at 0.5 h and 0.34% at 24 h. Molluscicidal activity was recorded with 48 h LC₅₀ values between 3.82 and 54.38 µg/mL against Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1833), Pomacea canaliculate (Lamarck, 1822), Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805). Additionally, the chemotype exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 70.85 µg/mL. Antimicrobial potential was also demonstrated, with MIC values ranging from 2.0 to 128.0 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. The C. odorata essential oil can be considered as a potential bioresource for human health protection strategies. Full article

The plants from the Ocimum genus, belonging to the Labiatae family, serve as important bioresources of essential oils (EOs) rich in biologically active secondary metabolites, widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. This study explored the volatile composition, enantiomeric distribution, and in vitro biological activities of EOs from three Ocimum species native to Nepal: O. tenuiflorum L., O. basilicum L., and O. americanum L. EOs were extracted via hydro-distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for chemical profiling and chiral GC-MS for enantiomeric composition. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed for major chemotypes. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method, and cytotoxicity was tested on NIH-3T3 (normal) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines via the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. EO yield was highest in O. tenuiflorum (1.67 ± 0.13%) during autumn and lowest in O. americanum (0.35 ± 0.02%) during winter among all Ocimum spp. The major compounds identified in O. tenuiflorum were eugenol (32.15–34.95%), trans-β-elemene (29.08–32.85%), and β–caryophyllene (19.85–21.64%). In O. americanum, the major constituents included camphor (51.33–65.88%), linalool (9.72–9.91%), germacrene D (7.75–1.83%), and β–caryophyllene (6.35–3.97%). For O. basicilum, EO was mainly composed of methyl chavicol (62.16–64.42%) and linalool (26.92–27.05%). The oxygenated monoterpenes were a dominant class of terpenes in the EOs except for O. tenuiflorum (sesquiterpene hydrocarbon). A hierarchical cluster analysis based on the compositions of EOs revealed at least three different chemotypes in Ocimum species. Chiral GC-MS analysis revealed β-caryophyllene and germacrene D as enantiomerically pure, with linalool consistently dominant in its levorotatory form. O. tenuiflorum exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida albicans, and showed notable anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 23.43 µg/mL), with lower toxicity to normal cells. It also demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 69.23 ± 0.10 µg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 9.05 ± 0.24 µg/mL). The EOs from Ocimum species possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties, especially O. tenuiflorum. These findings support their potential application as natural agents in medicine, food, and cosmetics, warranting further validation. Full article

The cytochrome p450 gene family is widely involved in various biological processes in arthropods. Tick p450s are often associated with chemical acaricides, but knowledge of their involvement in the metabolism of plant-derived essential oil components is limited. In this study, we identified the non-redundant number of p450 transcripts (NRNPTs) from Haemaphysalis longicornis and Hyalomma asiaticum under the Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (CCEO) and terpinolene stress using de novo transcriptome data, respectively. In this study, we identified and characterized the NRNPTs of Ha. longicornis and Hy. asiaticum. Their gene expression patterns and biological functions under CCEO and terpinolene stress were further analyzed. Finally, Hy. asiaticum NRNPTs (87) were more numerous than Ha. longicornis (58). Phylogenetic analyses showed that NRNPTs of both Hy. asiaticum and Ha. longicornis could be categorized in clan 2, clan 3, clan 4, and clan mito, this data comes from the NRNPTs. Phylogenetic analyses showed that NRNPTs of both Hy. asiaticum and Ha. longicornis could be categorized in clan 2, clan 3, clan 4, and clan mito. p450 members of both were most distributed in clan 3. In addition, one Hy. asiaticum NRNPT was identified as belonging to the new classification clan 20 (HyasCYP20A1). The biological functions and pathways of p450 family members enriched in Hy. asiaticum and Ha. longicornis under different exogenous substance stresses were different, and the expression patterns of these genes were inconsistent. Molecular docking results showed that Ha. longicornis p450 members (HaloCYP3A4 and HaloCYP4B1), which were significantly up-regulated under CCEO stress, as well as Hy. asiaticum HyasCYP24A1 and HyasCYP4V2 (the HaloCYP3A4 and HaloCYP4B1 homologous genes), encode proteins that differ in their ability to metabolize CCEO components, but they all bind well to Germacrene D and naphthalene. Our study enriches the knowledge of the involvement of p450 family members of different tick species in the metabolism of essential oil components of plants, and provides a theoretical basis for further in-depth studies on the function of tick p450 enzymes. Full article

To date, various species of Erigeron genus have been used both in the ethnopharmacology of numerous nations across the world and in contemporary herbal practices. The objective of this study is to revise the phytochemical data on the essential oils (EOs) of various fleabanes species and to evaluate the variability of their biological activities. Up to June 2025, this review provides an updated overview of 105 literature sources (published during last 25 years) related to 14 Erigeron sp. (native, naturalized, or invasive) which have been investigated extensively and are of the greatest significance. It summarizes the compositional variability of the EOs and their pharmacological and toxic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferative, skin regeneration, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, larvicidal, repellent, and allelopathic activity. The EOs of each Erigeron species were characterized, and a chemical structure of 43 major constituents is presented herein. The most characteristic and prevalent compounds were found to be limonene, δ-3-carene, matricaria ester, lachnophyllum ester, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene, α-bergamotene, allo-aromadendrene, etc., in the EOs from the E. acris, E. annuus, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis, E. floribundus E. mucronatus, and E. speciosus plants. Major constituents, such as borneol, bornyl acetate, modhephen-8-β-ol, cis-arteannuic alcohol, β-caryophyllene, and τ-cadinol, were found in the oils of E. graveolens (Inula graveolens). A paucity of data concerning E. incanus EOs was revealed, with the prevalence of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy cinammic acid and thymol acetate noted in the oils. The EOs from E. multiradiatus and E. sublyratus were comprised mainly of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters. The available data on EOs of E. ramosus is limited, but the main constituents are known to be α-humulene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and globulol. The EOs containing appreciable amounts of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters exhibited strong anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal, and repellent activities. Repellence is also related to borneol, bornyl acetate, caryophyllene derivatives, τ-cadinol, modhephen-8-β-ol, and cis-arteannuic alcohol. Cytotoxicity was determined due to the presence of limonene, δ-3-carene, α- and β-farnesene, (E)-β-ocimene, ledene oxide, sesquiphellandrene, and dendrolasin in the fleabanes EOs. Skin regeneration and antifungal properties were related to germacrene D; and anti-inflammatory effects were determined due to high amounts of limonene (E)-β-ocimene, lachnophyllum ester, and germacrene D. The antimicrobial properties of the oils were conditioned by appreciable quantities of limonene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymol acetae, β-eudesmol, 2,6,7,7α-tetrahydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-indene-3-carboxaldehyde, caryophyllene and its oxide, allo-aromadendrene, α-humulene, farnesene, carvacrol, and eugenol. This review provides a foundation for further studies on volatile secondary metabolites to explore the potential sources of new biologically active compounds in Erigeron sp. Full article

Annona neoinsignis H. Rainer (Annonaceae) is a tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Its fruits are also suitable for human consumption in their natural state or are processed to make desserts. In this work, we characterized the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from the leaves of A. neoinsignis and evaluated its anti-liver-cancer potential via in vitro and in vivo approaches. Chemical composition analysis revealed β-elemene, (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and germacrene B as the main constituents. The EO had IC₅₀ values ranging from 12.28 to 37.50 μg/mL for B16-F10 cells and MCF-7 cells, whereas an IC₅₀ value of >50 μg/mL was found for noncancerous MRC-5 cells. DNA fragmentation, YO-PRO-1 staining, and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential were detected in EO-treated HepG2 cells, indicating the induction of apoptosis. Significant in vivo growth inhibition of 53.7% was observed in mice bearing HepG2 cell xenografts treated with EO at a dosage of 40 mg/kg. These data suggest that EO from A. neoinsignis leaves is a drug source for liver cancer. Full article

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W.D.J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a perennial herb native to alpine regions that is renowned in traditional medicine. This study provided a pharmacognostic evaluation, comparing the EOs obtained from its rhizomes and leaves (REO and LEO, respectively). A micromorphological analysis, which was carried out using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, revealed terpenoid-rich secretory ducts in both organs. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography, coupled with flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry (GC-FID and GC-MS), revealing distinct chemical profiles. REO was dominated by monoterpenes (80.08%), especially D-limonene (29.13%), sabinene (19.77%), and α-phellandrene (12.02%), while LEO was sesquiterpene-rich (81.15%), with β-caryophyllene (21.78%), β-selinene (14.09%), and germacrene D (10.43%) as the major compounds. The in vitro assays demonstrated that both EOs exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with LEO consistently outperforming REO across all tests. However, neither EO showed antimicrobial effects against common bacterial or fungal strains. This may have been due to the absence of polar antimicrobial constituents, such as coumarins, which are poorly recovered by hydrodistillation. To fully exploit the therapeutic potential of P. ostruthium, especially its antimicrobial properties, future studies should aim to develop integrated formulations combining volatile and non-volatile fractions, preserving the complete plant complex and broadening bioactivity. Full article

Aloysia triphylla is widely used in traditional medicine from Peru for its sedative, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, comprehensive studies on the biological activities of its essential oil (EO), particularly from Peruvian sources, remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition and enantiomeric profile of A. triphylla EO and evaluate its antibacterial, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and cytotoxic activities. The EO was obtained by steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 62 compounds were identified, with (E)-caryophyllene (16.80%), β-pinene (9.96%), and germacrene D (10.00%) being the major components. Enantiomeric analysis revealed specific chiral signatures, including (−)-α-pinene, (+)-limonene, and (R)-(−)-linalool. The EO exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 5 µg/mL), and weak antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 7720 and 4648 µg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively). Additionally, the EO demonstrated moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 87.8 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity in the Artemia salina assay (LC₅₀ = 964 µg/mL). These findings suggest that A. triphylla EO possesses promising bioactivities with potential applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Full article

In this study, we analyzed the essential oils (EOs) extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of Parthenium hysterophorus L., grown in three different locations in southern Ecuador: Espíndola (ESP), Loja (LOJ) and Quilanga (QUI). Approximately 97.45%, 98.27% and 95.99% of the oil constituents were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were predominant in the EOs. The most representative constituents of the sample from ESP were germacrene D (35.08%), myrcene (11.32%), (E)-β-ocimene (10.21%), (E)-caryophyllene (7.90%), germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1-α-ol (5.18%) and (E, E)-α-farnesene (4.99%), with an AChE IC₅₀ of 14.78 and with 16.38 and 93.16 µg/mL from ABTS and DPPH, respectively. The EOs from LOJ were characterized by the abundant presence of germacrene D (28.30%), myrcene (13.95%), (E)-β-ocimene (10.51%) and isolongifolan-7-α-ol (8.26%), with an AChE IC₅₀ of 16.65 and with 36.18 and 158.43 µg/mL from ABTS and DPPH, respectively. Finally, the EOs from QUI contained germacrene D (32.20%), myrcene (13.36%), (E)-β-ocimene (8.54%), (E, E)-α-farnesene (6.77%), germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1-α-ol (5.69%) and (E)-caryophyllene (5.37%), with an AChE IC₅₀ of 10.69 and with 14.50 and 92.98 µg/mL from ABTS and DPPH, respectively. This study identifies chemotypic variation in P. hysterophorus collected from different locations and, for the first time, the AChE inhibitor was evaluated. These findings provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of P. hysterophorus EOs in the future treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a medicinal herb containing valuable bioactive compounds widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and traditional medicine applications. This study investigated the effects of elevated CO₂ levels (1000, 800, and 600 ppm compared to ambient ~420 ppm) on secondary metabolite composition in C. asiatica using GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extracts. Significant treatment effects (p < 0.001) were observed across nine identified compounds, with α-copaene showing the most pronounced response. At 1000 ppm CO₂, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, including α-copaene (10.60%) and trans-caryophyllene (8.97%), reached their highest concentrations, representing 232% and 413% increases over ambient conditions, respectively. Germacrene D demonstrated optimal synthesis at 800 ppm (8.12%) while remaining undetectable under ambient conditions. In contrast, the diterpene neophytadiene (16.84%) and the oxygenated sesquiterpene caryophyllene oxide (11.27%) exhibited maximum concentrations under ambient conditions. Principal Component Analysis confirmed distinct metabolic profiles, with the first two components explaining 84.38% of the total variance. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships (r > 0.85, p < 0.001) between structurally related sesquiterpenes. These findings establish a foundation for optimizing cultivation conditions to enhance specific bioactive compound production in C. asiatica, with potential applications in pharmaceutical production systems targeting sesquiterpene-derived medicines. The research demonstrates that atmospheric CO₂ modulation offers a promising strategy for targeted enhancement of secondary metabolite synthesis, though further investigation of molecular mechanisms and environmental interactions is necessary for commercial implementation. Full article

Cowpea, Vigna sp., is an important, low-cost protein source in subtropical and semi-arid regions, where seasonal rainfall makes storage necessary. However, the weevils Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis cause significant grain losses during storage. While synthetic fumigants are commonly used to control these pests, their risks to mammals have prompted the search for safer alternatives. In this context, we tested palo santo, Bursera graveolens, essential oil with limonene, α-phellandrene, o-cymene and β-phellandrene, menthofuran, and germacrene-D as a sustainable approach. This plant is readily accessible, produces high fruit yields, and is used in households for various purposes. We evaluated the fumigant toxicity, repellency, and ovicidal effects of B. graveolens essential oil on both Callosobruchus species. Our results showed that B. graveolens oil was toxic to C. maculatus (LC₅₀ = 80.90 [76.91–85.10] µL) and C. chinensis (LC₅₀ = 63.9 [60.95–66.99] µL), with C. chinensis being more susceptible (SR = 1.27). Molecular docking analyses revealed that all the oil’s compounds bind to both the GABA and octopamine receptors, exhibiting high energy affinities; however, germacrene shows the strongest affinity in these receptors. C. chinensis was strongly repelled at all concentrations, while C. maculatus was repelled only at lethal concentrations. No ovicidal effect was observed in either species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that B. graveolens essential oil is a promising and sustainable protectant for stored cowpeas in small-scale storage units. Full article

Artemisia schmidtiana Maxim., a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is renowned for its extensive ethnomedicinal applications and distinctive aromatic qualities. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glucosidase, and β-lactamase of its essential oil (EO). The major constituents of the EO were identified as germacrene D (16.29%), falcarinol (11.02%), β-caryophyllene (9.43%), α-zingiberene (7.93%), phytol (6.06%), and α-humulene (4.04%). The EO demonstrated radical scavenging activity against DPPH (44.9% at 5 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 0.72 ± 0.02 mg/mL) radicals, with a FRAP antioxidant capacity of 126.61 ± 0.59 μmol·g⁻¹. Additionally, the EO exhibited modest AChE inhibition (16.7% at 250 μg/mL) and significant inhibition of α-glucosidase and β-lactamase, with IC₅₀ values of 178.80 ± 17.02 μg/mL and 40.06 ± 8.22 μg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions between the major EO compounds and the tested enzymes, providing a theoretical foundation for future drug development. These findings suggest that A. schmidtiana EO holds potential for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, warranting further investigation. Full article

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (huajiao) and Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (tengjiao), also known as Sichuan pepper, is a popular spice owing to its unique aroma and taste. Fried pepper oils are liquid condiments with unique flavors extracted from the pericarps of huajiao and tengjiao. To investigate the volatile profiles of the two different fried pepper oils, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed. The results revealed that D-limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, myrcene, and ocimene significantly contributed to the overall flavor of huajiao oils. In addition, linalool, D-limonene, sabinene, myrcene, and linalyl acetate were identified as the main odorants in tengjiao oils. Finally, a characteristic chromatogram for the volatile compounds of each oil was established through the Similarity Evaluation System for the Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the similarity thresholds of huajiao oils and tengjiao oils were 0.984 and 0.998, respectively. Linalool, sabinene, and linalyl acetate were markers for distinguishing between ZAOV samples and ZAOC samples. And germacrene D, linalool, sabinene, linalyl acetate, and β-myrcene were markers for distinguishing ZBOV samples from ZBOC samples. Full article

Synthetic insecticides are widely used against mosquitoes, but misuse has led to environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived alternatives, such as essential oils, seem to offer a safer option, minimizing these problems without compromising efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the essential oil from Siparuna gesnerioides (Kunth) A.DC., a Neotropical plant, for its effectiveness in controlling Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae, a major vector of human diseases. We first assessed the phytochemistry of the essential oil and used in silico approaches to predict potential physiological targets of its larvicidal activities. Selectivity assays were conducted with Belostoma anurum (Herrich-Schäffer), a non-target predatory water bug. The major constituents of S. gesnerioides essential oil were γ-elemene (45.8%) and germacrene D (43.8%). This essential oil effectively killed larvae from both susceptible and resistant mosquito strains (LC₅₀ = 0.070 μg/mL). However, such concentrations killed more than 80% of B. anurum nymphs. Molecular modeling suggested that the essential oil major components (γ-elemene and germacrene D) interact stably with mosquito acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), indicating a potential mechanism of action. Our results reinforce the potential of Siparuna essential oils in mosquito control. Nevertheless, the non-selective impact on mosquito predators, as seen with S. gesnerioides, highlights the need for caution in field applications. Full article